The golden meadows

ISBN 978-1-62283-050-3

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 hex crawl chronicles

Credits
Author Front Cover Art
John M. Stater MKUltra Studios

Developer Interior Art

Bill Webb MKUltra Studios

Producers Cartography
Bill Webb and Charles A. Wright Robert Altbauer

Editor Special Thanks

Skeeter Green Bill Webb would like to thank Bob Bledsaw and Bill
Owen for inventing the original
Layout and Graphic Design hex crawl — the standard in wilderness
Charles A. Wright adventure and a lifetime of fun.

FROG GOD GAMES IS

CEO V. P. of Marketing & Sales
Bill Webb Rachel Ventura

Creative Director: Swords & Wizardry Art Director

Matthew J. Finch Charles A. Wright

Creative Director: Pathfinder The Maestro

Greg A. Vaughan Skeeter Green

©2013 Bill Webb, John Stater, Frog God Games. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the
written permission of the publisher is expressly forbidden. Frog God Games and the Frog God
Games logo and Hex Crawl Chronicles: The Golden Meadows are trademarks of Frog God
Games. All rights reserved. All characters, names, places, items, art and text herein are copy-
righted by Frog God Games, Inc. The mention of or reference to any company or product in these
pages is not a challenge to the trademark or copyright concerned.

Frog
God
Games
tough
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for tough
players
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 The golden meadows

Table of Contents
The Golden Meadows ...........................p. 3 — Hexes 2011, 2015, 2018, 2102
Rumors ............................................p. 6 2109, 2213 ............................p. 16
Encounter Key ...................................p. 7 — Hexes 2312, 2316, 2320, 2402, 2406 ......p. 17
— Hexes 0108, 0115 ............................p. 7 — Hexes 2510, 2619, 2712, 2722 ..............p. 19
— Hexes 0203, 0210, 0317, 0411, 0420 .....p. 8 — Hexes 2801, 2808, 2904, 3009, 3012 .....p. 20
— Hexes 0601, 0603, 0608, 0714, — Hexes 3018, 3021, 3116, 3202
0901, 0910, 1007 ...................p. 9 3208, 3305, 3320, 3413 ...............p. 21
— Hexes 1105, 1122, 1215, 1219 ...............p. 10 — Hexes 3413, 3501, 3503 .......................p. 22
— Hexes 1311, 1312, 1403, 1518 ................p. 13 — Hexes 3606, 3611, 3704, 3714 ...............p. 23
— Hexes 1606, 1622, 1702, 1816, 1910 .......p. 14 — Hexes 3717, 3805 .............................p. 24
— Hexes 1911, 1912, 1921, 2004 ..............p. 15 New Monster Appendix .........................p. 25
Legal Appendix ...................................p. 29

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— The Golden Meadows —

By John M. Stater
In a windswept valley of scrub and sand there is a pleasant meadow
fed by a bubbling spring. Here a strange people have made their home
in a village and fortress of clay that they call Vega. The Vegans do not Adventures in the Wilderness
welcome visitors, and the miles of parched desert that surrounds their
home discourages them as well, but still they wander into the valley in The hexes on this map are 6 miles wide from one side to the other. In open
search of the silver mines that dot the surrounding hills and mountains. Of country, adventurers should be able to see from one side of the hex to another.
course, once these prospectors reach the mountains, they have to worry In wooded hexes, vision is much more restricted. Random encounters with
about the goblin-men and their wicked moonlit rites. Most of these folk monsters should be diced for each day and each night, with encounters occurring
begin their adventures in the rough-and-tumble trading port of Sanctum on the roll of 1–2 on 1d6. The exact monster (or monsters) encountered depends
on the Ruddy River, which carries the xenophobes of Halaya down from on the terrain through which the adventurers are traveling. Unlike dungeons,
the north and the war-like golden men up from the south. in which the monsters on the upper levels are usually less powerful than the
The old legends speak of a city that commanded a great empire in these monsters on deeper levels, wilderness encounters are quite variable in their
barren lands, a city that shimmered with light, turning the dark of night into challenge, and low level characters face death every time they step out of the
the light of day; a city of warriors who patrolled the skies on thundering confines of civilization. Well-traveled adventurers will discover, however, that
wyrms; a city where the women possessed the beauty of the nymphs and settled lands are not as dangerous as the rugged wilderness.
dressed entirely in precious stones carved out of the mountains. There are

Goblin-Men
no signs of this city now, in the valley of the golden meadows, only the
simple fortress-village of the Vegans. The legends also tell of the grand
city’s fall, of a doom that coursed out of the sky on scintillating wings of
fire and laid low men, women, children and beasts. The city was reduced The goblin-men are a bit of a misnomer, for they have no actual goblin blood
to ash, the valley a sea of burning light. These were the legends found flowing through their veins. In fact, they are mutated remains of the people who
carved on stones in caves by the outcasts of Halaya, who traveled down once inhabited the valley of the golden meadows. They appear as prune-faced
the river and founded the fishing village of Sanctum. Soon, the village men and women, lanky of limb, slightly hunched, with long fingers and toes
became a trading center between the usually xenophobic Halayans and the that allow them to climb as well as an ape. Their skin is dark bronze in color,
golden men of the south, not to mention dwarf caravans that came through their eyes black and their hair, what little they have, lank and black. The goblin-
secret tunnels from the Pillars of Heaven in the east. men typically arm themselves with flint-tipped spears and stone axes, much like
The Golden Meadows of the title actually are rather small, taking up the Vegans and grimlocks, though they also trade with the kobolds beneath the
a few hexes in the center of a scrubby desert that broils from late spring mountains for metal weapons and armor; about 2 in 6 goblin-men have a metal
to early fall, has a few weeks of nice weather in the early spring and weapon, 1 in 10 wears ring armor and 1 in 20 wears chainmail.
late fall, and then has a mild winter that only occasionally turns frosty. The goblin-men are hunter-gatherers, living in small bands of 10–20
The meadows are watered by vigorous springs, and support a strange, warriors and their women and children (assume 2.5 non-combatants per
humanoid people called Vegans, named for their fortress-town, Vega. A warrior). Goblin-men have no chiefs, though most bands have a large male
larger meadow can be found beyond the mountains, and serve as an oasis warrior with an extra Hit Dice who bullies the others and keeps the best
for caravans traveling from the western lands beyond the Bear Mountains treasure for himself. Being voracious omnivores, they keep no animals or
located to the west of the map in this hex crawl. prisoners longer than their bellies keep from the grumbling. The goblin-
The desert is interrupted by a central mountain range and barren men have an innate fear of the shadows (monsters, not absences of light)
badlands. The mountains are snow-capped in the winter and fairly well- and shimmering radiances, and avoid them at all costs.
watered the rest of the year, with intermittent droughts. They support
evergreens in the middle elevations, Joshua trees in the low elevations, Goblin-Man: HD 1; AC 4 [15]; Atk weapon (1d6+1); Move 12;
and are rocky and barren in the high elevations. The mountains are Save 17; AL C; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none.
inhabited by goblin-men.
To the east, there is The Lake (as it is termed by the locals, travelers
have taken to calling it Sanctuary Lake), surrounded by jagged, red-stoned Vegans
badlands on all sides. The trading port, Sanctum, sits just to the north
of Sanctuary Lake on the Ruddy River. Sanctum holds what passes for The vegans (no relation to the idea of not eating meat; they enjoy a nice,
human civilization in the region. bloody steak) are a humanoid people who dwell on the golden meadows,
The Golden Meadows is a hex-crawl, referring to the hex-shaped units herding nimble, blue-black cattle and cultivating fungal gardens (what
that divide the map. Just as dungeon adventures take place on a gridded good is steak without mushrooms!) They are tall (averaging about 7–1/2
map, wilderness adventures can be conducted on a hex map, allowing feet), thin and hairless, with very small, delicate noses and large eyes that
players the freedom to decide where their characters roam and giving range from topaz to jet. Their chins are narrow and their mouths small.
them the thrill of discovering the many places and people that have been Vegans have alabaster skin that turns a lovely, warm grey in the summer
placed on the map. This map represents a large area filled with numerous sun, and their fingers are long and delicate. Warriors among them wear
places to discover and explore, and can be used as a campaign area in coats of scale armor (AC –4 [+4]) that reach to their knees and are kept
its own right, or dropped into an existing campaign. Referees can place highly polished. They might carry spear or scimitar and wicker shield
adventures they have purchased or devised on their own into empty hexes or pole arms or light crossbow and scimitar. The Vegans are delighted
on the map. by music, and will usually regard people who sing and play music much
more favorably. They are primarily cattle herders, though they also keep
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Wilderness Random Monster Encounters

Deserts and
Roll Badlands Mountains What Are They Doing?
Grasslands
1 Shadow (1d4) Bulette (1) Goblin-Men (2d6) Arguing Loudly
Fighting (roll another random
2 Shadow Mastiff (1d4) Vegan Hunters** (2d4) Kobolds (3d6)
encounter)
Goblin-Man Raiders
3 Giant Lizard Bighorn Sheep (1d6) Fleeing in terror
(2d6)
4 Giant Bats (1d8) Giant Lizard (1d3) Prospectors* Hunting
5 Giant Viper (1d3) Giant Scorpion (1d4) Shadow (1d4) Lurking in ambush
Shimmering Snapping
6 Giant Viper (1d3) Lying dead, bodies looted
Radiance*** (1) Dragonet*** (1d6)
Shimmering
7 Grimlock (2d6) Giant Raven (1d6) Making camp
Radiance*** (1)
8 Prospectors* Ghouls (1d6) Werebear (1d4) Marching (random direction)
9 Varghoul*** (1d4) Camelop*** (2d10) Archer Tree (1d3) Reveling
Viper Hound***
10 Giant Raven (1d6) Wolf (1d8) Searching for something
(1d4)

* Prospectors are really just bands of adventurers out of Sanctum looking for veins of silver. They consist of 4 to 6 adventurers (1d4+2 levels for
each), with bearers equal to the total class levels of the adventurers, and 1d4 men-at-arms per adventurer. 1 in 6 adventurers is a demi-human (roll 1d6:
1–3 Dwarf, 4 Elf, 5–6 Halfling). Roll 1d10 to find a human adventurer’s class: 1–3 Fighter (5% chance of paladin); 4–5 Cleric (35% chance of druid), 6
Magic-User; 7–8 Thief (15% chance of assassin or monk); 9–10 Ranger. Men-at-arms usually wear leather armor and are armed with spears and short
bows, with 1d20 arrows.

** Vegan hunters carry javelins with atlatls (+1 damage, double range), flint-tipped spears (1d4 damage) and flint knives (1d3 damage). About 1 in
6 vegan hunters carries a normal spear or dagger looted from an outsider. Armor is always leather.

*** Indicates a new monster described at the end of the book.

small gardens of vegetables and fruit trees nearer their complex. nimble-footed cattle. Warriors rarely wear more than long, chainmail
hauberks and arm themselves with scimitars and curved daggers.
Vegan: HD 1; AC 14; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 12; Save 17; The golden men (women actually, read on) who come from the west
AL N; CL/XP 2/30; Special: 1/day—ESP. arrive from the fabled desert of glass. The desert men never leave the valley,
using their wives and daughters as factotums. They wear head-to-toe white
robes and veils and beaded headdresses, the patterns of which indicate their
Grey Travelers husband’s livery. The warriors among them wear coin armor (treat as ring
armor; the coins are of ancient mintage and made of nickel and zinc) under
The so-called “Grey Travelers” are smallish humanoids with light grey their robes, and arm themselves with long swords. They also wear leather
skin, over-sized heads and large, almond-shaped black eyes … oh heck girdles from which hang three blades. The warriors spin while they fight,
– they’re grey aliens. The greys dwell in the northwest, supposedly in a allowing them to attack (in a fashion) with the blades in their hands as well
virtual paradise. They travel in caravans with their tame ankhegs (they as the blades on their belts. These women never speak, but rather use a sign
appear to be able to communicate with one another), drawing bullet- language that relies on them touching a person with their delicate fingers.
shaped metal canisters filled with goods manufactured in their realm, These traders of the west drive giant, translucent century worms loaded with
as well as a strange, salty red weed that is favored in Sanctum for its the glass goods for which their desert home is famous.
use in iron rations and for making a gooey stew. Treat the grey travelers The Halayans come from the north, up the Red River. They are men of
as halflings with darkvision to a range of 60 feet. They are typically grim demeanor (one never sees their women, who remain in the safety of
encountered in plastic armor (treat as leather armor) and armed with light their empire in the mountains), dressing in long tunics of black covered
crossbows and morningstars. by mail haubergeons and metal helms reminiscent of the Japanese jingasa.
They arm themselves with long muskets (treat as heavy crossbows) and
Grey Traveler: HD 1; AC 9 [10]; Atk weapon (1d6); Move 6; hand axes. They primarily trade animal skins, salted meat and all manner
Save 17; AL N; CL/XP 1/15 Special: none. of vegetables and grains, bringing it down on keel boats. The Halayans
believe that women are divine, and must be protected and cherished above
all other things.
Humans
The Golden Men were first introduced in HCC 1 – Valley of the Hawks, Other Humanoids
and can be found to the west and south of this hexcrawl. The golden men
of the south dwell on a steaming plateau covered by a speckled wood. They The most commonly encountered humanoids in the Golden Meadows,
wear tall velvet hats, feathered nose rings, wolf-pelt robes, leather foot other than the goblin-men, are the subterranean grimlocks and kobolds.
wrappings and feathered toads. The only southmen encountered in Sanctum The kobolds are miners and worm-herders, while the grimlocks keep
are merchants who pedal all manner of fungus, transporting them in baskets herds of human slaves whose minds have been crushed by their mysterious
hanging from rainbow-colored (blue-grey, rust red and golden brown), masters, using them for food and labor. The lake is inhabited by a large
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Rumors
When adventurers are seeking information or rumors in a settlement or from the lord of a castle, you can roll a random rumor from the table below.
Each rumor is either True (“T”) or False (“F”) and the hex number associated with the rumor is given in brackets.

Roll True Rumors Roll False Rumors

There are few sources of information about the
The mistress of Vadaskor likes her chin tickled [Hex
1 region better than the tree men of the western 11
0210]
valley [Hex 0411]
There are several weird statues in the west that
A ghostly wind haunts the mountains in the west
2 12 come to life under the full moon and can tell the
[Hex 1215]
location of a fabulous treasure [Hex 0603]
There is a strange ruin hidden in a box canyon to the
3 southwest that supposedly hides a portal to another 13 The goblin-men are frightened of cats
world [Hex 1219]
If you find bleached bones in the desert, beware –
4 Cathedral Rock hides a strange temple [Hex 1312] 14
they might jump up and attack! [Hex 1518]
When the moon is full, one might glimpse strange They say that an ancient robber baron hid his booty
5 15
spirits warring over the desert landscape [Hex 1622] in a cave of bats [Hex 1702]
The red ruins north of Vega are rife with rat men [Hex Do not fear the Eyes of Zok – they bring glad tidings!
6 16
1910] [Hex 1816]
The old mines one finds in the badlands are often
7 17 The Vegans delight in human sacrifice [Hex 1911]
dangerous [Hex 1921]
The desert around Vega is poisonous – the sand, the
If you need healing, seek out Guksu, the spirit of the
8 18 wind – one must drink holy water to stave off the
south [Hex 2018]
effects
If you need healing, seek out Suupadax, the spirit of
9 Purple worms leave valuable droppings [Hex 2316] 19
the north [Hex 2102]
The abandoned town in the northern valley is
A coven of witches and warlocks meets secretly in
10 haunted – don’t go there without a holy man unless 20
the badlands east of Vega – shun them! [Hex 2510]t
you want to lose your soul [Hex 2904]

tribe of locathah who dwell in a submerged town and cultivate kelp and Bodyguards (4): HD 3; HP 10, 14, 9, 11; AC 5 [14]; Atk weapon
herd giant catfish. The locathah themselves resemble catfish, and they (1d8); Move 12; Save 14; AL N; CL/XP 3/60; Special: Those
have long “whiskers” that carry a slight electric shock. within 5 feet must save each round or suffer 1d4 points of
damage from flaying blades.

Encounter Key Factotum: HD1d4 hp; HP 4; AC 8 [11]; Atk weapon (1d4);

Move 12; Save 18; AL N; CL/XP B/10; Special: none.

0108 Golden Man Caravan from West 0115 Xa-matutsi

A caravan of golden men from the western desert of glass is making
A yawning cave in the western range of mountains is carved to
its way through this hex to Sanctum. The caravan consists of seven
resemble a serpent’s head, with glittering spheres of quartz for eyes. Fresh
translucent century worms, each about 30 feet long and 5 to 7 feet thick.
water pours from the serpent’s mouth, forming a small rivulet with many
Platforms made of leather, spun glass and wood are strapped to the great
beasts. Six of the beasts carry trade goods – mostly glass goods, glass waterfalls and pools that flows into the desert and then disappears. The
beads and fancy pottery. The seventh worm, located in the middle of the cave is home to Xa-matutsi, the western water spirit, who takes the form
caravan, carries the factotum, who wears the beads of her lord, Aphlex, of an elemental water dragon.
her four bodyguards and the worm’s driver. The other worms have a The interior of the cave is composed of blue-green quartz that is
driver and two guards. The golden men are not averse to traveling with highly polished. The stream of water that flows from the cave appears
others, though they will not permit foreigners to ride their worms. They to originate in a large, elevated pool about 30 feet in diameter. Water
are carrying about 300 gp worth of glass goods with a peculiar yellow flows over the sides of this pool to form the river. This is the entrance
glaze much favored by the dwarves of the Pillars of Heaven. to Xa-matutsi’s lair, and it is guarded by a large water elemental that
dwells within the pool. The pool is 40 feet deep. At the bottom of the
Century Worm (7): HD 5; AC 7 [12]; Atk trample (2d4); Move pool there is a small dimension portal in the shape of an ouroboros
9; Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: none. that leads to a demi-dimension of water (or the Elemental Plane of
Water, if you prefer). Not far from the portal dwells Xa-matutsi, in
Drivers (7): HD 1; AC 6 [13]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 12; a palace of jade and pearl, attended by naiads and nixies and other
Save 17; AL N; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none. water creatures. Xa-matutsi is sometimes invoked by the holy men
and women of the region, when they need to access his great wisdom.
Guards (12): HD 1; AC 6 [13]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 12; They must bring valuable offerings to him, most especially objects
Save 17; AL N; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none. of jade and pearl.
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 The golden meadows
Xa-matutsi: HD 24; HP 114; AC –2 [21]; Atk bite (2d8) and Woman-at-arms, human female (Ftr3) (60): HP 21; AC 7 [12];
2 claws (2d6); Move 0 (fly 15 and swim 36); Save 3; AL N; Atk sickle-sword (1d4+1) or spear (1d6); Move 12; Save 12;
CL/XP 33/8300; Special: breath weapon (3/day, cone 50’ AL L; CL/XP 3/60. Special: none.
long x 30’ wide of superheated water, 14d8 damage, save Equipment: leather armor, sickle-sword, spear.
for half), drench (touch puts out fires, dispels magic fire),
magical abilities (1/day—part water, lower water), +2 or Chariot driver and archer (Ftr3) (40): HP 18; AC 6 [14]; Atk
better weapon to hit, transparency. longsword (1d8) or longbow x2 (1d6); Move 12; Save 12; AL
L; CL/XP 3/60. Special: none.
Water Elemental (12HD): HP 60; AC 2[17]; Atk strike (3d6); Equipment: scale armor, longsword, longbow, 20
Move 6 (swim 18); Save 3; AL N; CL/XP 12/2000; Special: arrows.
overturn boats.
0317 Western Caravan
0203 Silver Mine A caravan of the mysterious women from the desert of glass is
A small, irregular cave here leads into a silver mine. Not far beyond the making its way to Sanctum through this hex. The women are riding
cave there is a shaft (30 feet deep) that leads into the mine proper, which (side-saddle, of course) on their massive century worms, which have
is populated by a band of 20 goblin-men. The goblin-men recently killed translucent flesh of a deep rose color. The worms wear coin barding
the human miners who worked the mine with the help of Tablas, an agent that sparkles and shines in the sun, and have leather packs strapped to
of Vermes, the chaos cult leader in Sanctum. Tablas is now a captive of them, the packs containing all manner of glassware wrapped in rags.
the goblin-men, who plan on cooking him in the morning to celebrate The caravan consists of seven worms, each ridden by one factotum
their victory. The goblin-men have a treasure of 210 cp, 1,127 sp, 140 and three warriors. The leader of the caravan is called Asfa. She is the
gp and a large turquoise worth 800 gp. The silver mine is still active, headstrong wife of Prince Bubastis, and though quite lovely (one can tell
and is now technically owned by Yoland, the orphaned son of the mine’s even through the robes and veils – her beauty almost surrounds her like
original owner, a miner and adventurer named Rostum. Rostum occupied an aura), has little patience for fools.
a smallish brick house in Sanctum, a house now occupied by his son and
housekeeper, a crusty old dwarf named Zgurt. Zgurt has a peg leg and a Century Worm (7): HD 5; AC 7 [12]; Atk trample (2d4); Move
glass eye, which he is fond of removing and polishing while telling stories 9; Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: none.
of his old life in the great mountains to the east, the Pillars of Heaven.
Zgurt and Yoland do not know Rostum is dead yet, though Zgurt will Desert Warriors (21): HD 3; AC 6 [13]; Atk 2 swords (1d6) and
claim his corn was acting up, and that that is always a sure sign of trouble. 1d3 belt blades (1d6); Move 12; Save 14; AL N; CL/XP 4/120;
Special: none.
Goblin-Man: HD 1; AC 4 [15]; Atk weapon (1d6+1); Move 12;
Save 17; AL C; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none. Desert Factotum (3): HD 1; HP 5, 4x2; AC 8 [11]; Atk dagger
(1d4); Move 12; Save 17; AL N; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none.
Tablas (Thf5): HP 3 (9 normally); AC 9 [10]; Atk short sword
(1d6) or dagger (1d4) or shortbow x2 (1d6); Save 11; AL C;
CL/XP 4/120; Special: backstab (x3), +2 save vs. traps, read 0411 Joshua Treants
languages, thieveing abilities. A convocation of twelve Joshua treants has gathered in this hex to
Thieving Abilities: Climb 89%, Tasks 35%, Hear 4 in 6, discuss the last 100 years in the region, and to attempt to find a solution
Hide 30%, Silent 40%, Locks 30%. to the problem of the foreign invaders (humans, goblin-men, etc.). It
Equipment: leather armor, short sword, short bow, 20 takes them about one hour before they notice outsiders (unless they are
arrows, 2 daggers, thieves’ tools. attacked), and even then they show little desire to speak with non-druids
(who they scold and chide for the liberties taken by the invaders). The
Zgurt, dwarf male (Ftr3): HP 13; AC 5 [14]; Atk battle axe treants know about many locations in the region, and might share their
(1d8) or hand axe (1d6); Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 3/60, Special: knowledge if a service valuable to them (such as clearing out a goblin-
multiple attacks (3) vs. creatures with 1 or fewer HD. man lair in the mountains or burning Sanctum to the ground) is performed
Equipment: chain mail, battle axe, hand axe. first.

Yoland: HD1d4; HP 2; AC 9 [10]; Atk weapon (1d4); Save 18; Joshua Treants (12): HD 7; AC 2 [17]; Atk 2 strikes (2d6); Move
AL N; CL/XP A/5; Special: none. 6; Save 9; AL N; CL/XP 7/600; Special: control trees.

0210 Vadaskor 0420 Prismatic Well

This hex holds a large fortress of sandstone and limestone with seven In a particularly narrow valley, with tall, sheer walls, there is a man-
towers, a tall curtain wall (30-ft tall) and a 60-ft. tall keep. Within the made well. The well is 200 feet deep, but one could only discover this
curtain wall there is a village of stone houses. Herdsmen graze their by falling into it. Prismatic energy, akin to the energy of a prismatic
goats on the grasses within the wall and without. The wall also holds a sphere erupts continuously from the well, creating an aurora borealis
roadhouse famous for its pale brews and goat stew flavored with olives effect throughout the valley. The light sometimes appears as a dim glow
and wild onions. The keep is ruled by Lady Vadaskor, the Iron Maiden, beyond the mountains, but is otherwise hidden by the valley walls.
who commands a corps of 60 women-at-arms in leather armor armed The valley is a pilgrimage site for an astral folk called the prismatic,
with spears and sickle-swords and an elite band of 20 chariots, each with appearing as “clouds” of energy of ever-shifting colors. These clouds
a driver and archer in scale armor (AC –4 [+4]). Both are armed with produce a strange hum that becomes higher pitched when they are angry
long swords and the archer carries a longbow and 20 arrows. Vadaskor or upset, and takes on a low, throbbing rhythm when they are content.
guards the valley from incursions from beyond, for the valleys to the west This rhythm generally fills the valley. One can rarely sense the prismatic
are rife with orcs and goblins. for the aurora that flows through the valley. There are usually 3d6
prismati present in the valley.
Vadaskor, human female (Ftr12): HP 74; AC 2 [17]; Atk +2
flaming longsword (1d8+2 plus 1d6 fire); Save 4; AL L; CL/XP Prismati: HD 5; AC 1 [18]; Atk touch (2d4 cold, electricity or
12/2000, Special: multiple attacks (12) vs. creatures with 1 or fire damage); Move 0 (fly 18); Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 10/1400;
fewer HD. Special: magical abilities (1/day—prismatic sphere), +1 or
Equipment: plate mail, shield, +2 flaming longsword. better weapon to hit, resistance to cold, electricity and fire.

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– a nice surprise for intruders. The clan is led by three sorcerous sisters,
0601 The Margravina Bella, Vook and Candice. They keep the others cowed by their powers
This northern fortress is commanded by a woman who calls herself the and their complete lack of mercy.
Margravina (though her old friends in the slums of Crescentium called
her Zephira). A born scoundrel and confidence woman, she managed to Goblin-Man (20): HD 1; AC 4 [15]; Atk weapon (1d6+1);
win this castle in a rather dangerous gambit. The palace is an empty shell Move 12; Save 17; AL C; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none.
keep that has been filled to the brim with wondrous illusions that make it
appear as a palace of oriental splendor – rugs, tapestries, furniture inlaid Carnivorous Ape (3): HD 4; HP 22, 30, 25; AC 6[13]; Atk 2
with ivory and draped with silk, vessels of gold, silver and copper, etc. The hands (1d3) and 1 bite (1d6+1); Move 12; Save 13; AL N; CL/
Margravina has a bodyguard of twelve Fabio-level hunks in loincloths and XP 4/120; Special: hug and rend.
fur boots and armed with two-handed swords (actually twelve gnomes
armed with poisoned daggers and wearing leather armor). Bella, Vook and Candice, human female (MU3): HP 7 each;
AC 9 [10]; Atk dagger (1d4 + poison) or dart (1d3); Save 13;
The Margravina, Human Female (Thf8): HP 18; AC 7 [12]; AL C; CL/XP 2/30; Special: +2 vs. spells, spells (2/1).
Atk short sword (1d6) or dagger (1d4); Save 8; AL N; CL/ Spells: 1st—charm person, magic missile; 2nd—
XP 7/600; Special: backstab (x3), +2 save vs. traps, read phantasmal force.
languages, thieving abilities. Equipment: dagger (poisoned; extra 1d6 points of
Thieving Abilities: Climb 92%, Tasks 50%, Hear 5 in 6, damage), 5 darts, spellbook.
Hide 55%, Silent 60%, Locks 55%.
Equipment: leather armor, short sword, daggers (3),
thieves’ tools, dust of disappearance. 0714 Shifting Morass
A large patch of intelligent sand dwells here. It takes the form of
Gnome Bodyguards: HD 2; AC 7 [12]; Atk weapon (1d4); a wandering patch of quicksand, quite unnoticeable except perhaps for
Move 12; Save 16; CL/XP 3/60; Special: backstab (x2), a trail of soft sand that lacks any vegetation whatsoever. The patch of
magical abilities (1/day—invisibility, phantasmal force), quicksand covers roughly a 30-ft. diameter (though it can alter this).
surprise on 1–2 on 1d6. Many years ago, a precious stone – a fist-sized topaz – was stolen from
the morass and delivered to the lord mayor of Sanctum, who now keeps
Beneath the stronghold there are limestone caves, in which dwell a tribe it on the end of his ceremonial baton. The morass desires the return of
of 40 gnomes — gnarled little men and women with long, white hair. The this stone (it is like a child who has lost its favorite toy), and is willing to
gnomes are the real power behind the castle. They have been searching in hold people hostage until their friends bring it back. Naturally, it can be
the caves after the philosopher’s stone (apparently stowed here a century difficult to sequester a player character in this way. A Referee might want
ago by a band of imp marauders). to instead sequester an NPC, or maybe have the morass extract a solemn
vow from a lawful cleric or paladin.
Gnomes (40): HD 1; AC 8 [11]; Atk weapon (1d4); Move
12; Save 17; AL N; CL/XP 1/15; Special: magical abilities (1/ Morass: HD 9; HP 48; AC 3 [16]; Atk 2 slams (2d6); Move 18;
day—phantasmal force). Save 6; AL N; CL/XP 11/1700; Special: half damage from
slashing and piercing weapons, invisible in normal sand, +1
or better weapon to hit.
0603 Lord Sivrac
Lord Sivrac was once a celebrated mercenary leader of Sanctum. He was
a handsome man, always dangerous with the ladies, who had the misfortune 0901 Heart of Glass
of attracting the attention of Suress, a lamia noble who dwelled in a plush This hex is composed of a vast crater composed entirely of yellowish
cave lair in this hex. When he refused her advances, she used a wish (she has glass. The entire hex is highly radioactive, forcing travelers to pass a
a ring of three wishes with one wish left) to turn him and his retainers (20 of saving throw once per day or lose one level. The crater is inhabited by
them) into stone statues. The men are still conscious and alive, but unable dozens of blazing boreworms, large beasts that burn through the glass,
to communicate save perhaps with a telepath. She sometimes visits the creating small tunnels that crisscross the crater. Within each of these
weird statues, who are located about 1 mile away from her cave, bringing worms there is a strange growth, a sort of glowing yellow nodule. Each
along her two viper hounds as protection. Her cave holds the following one is capable of powering one spell per day of 1st to 4th level (roll 1d4).
treasures: 3,899 sp, 2,409 gp, a brass pendant depicting a star (worth 45 gp), The stone can cast a total of 30 spells, but each day as a 5% chance of
a bronze sculpture of a cobra worth 90 gp, a pink bottle of jasmine oil worth robbing its possessor of one level.
25 gp and a large lapis lazuli worth 100 gp.
Blazing Boreworm: HD 12; AC 4 [15]; Atk bite (2d8); Move 9
Viper Hounds (2): HD 4; HP 27, 17; AC 4 [15]; Atk bite (1d4 + (burrow 6); Save 3; AL N; CL/XP 14/2600; Special: immune to
poison); Move 18; Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: lethal fire, swallow whole.
poison.

Lamia Noble: HD 12; HP 62; AC 3 [16]; Atk 2 claws (1d6);

0910 Giant Eagle Aerie
There is a cavern here used as a nesting place for giant eagles. They
Move 24; Save 3; AL C; CL/XP 15/2,900; Special: magical guard the egg of a phoenix that, if placed in a roaring, magical fire, hatches.
abilities (3/day—charm person, charm monster, suggestion),
touch drains wisdom (2 points, if fail save by 3 or more you Giant Eagle: HD 4; AC 7 [12]; Atk 2 talons (1d4) or bite (1d8);
are enslaved). Move 3 (fly 24); Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 4/120; Special: none.
Equipment: ring of 3 wishes (1 wish left).

0608 Goblin-Men 1007 Goblin-Men

A clan of 20 goblin-men dwells here in a cave complex. The entry cave
A clan of 20 goblin-men (5 males, 8 females and 7 children) dwells is blocked by a wall of stone with a wooden gate that is always under the
here in a cave complex in a shady pine vale. One of the caves holds a guard of four archers; the wall has two arrow slits in it. The goblin-men
slimy fungus the goblin-men favor with their raw meat. A thick iron grate have a few pelts drying outside their cave complex, and nearby there is a
blocks entry into the complex, and other passages are likewise blocked. small ravine where they throw their scraps and the bodies of their dead.
The entry grate is guarded by a carnivorous ape chained to the wall. The goblin-men are ostensibly led by Vrak, a large male, but the real
There are two other carnivorous apes around the corner on long chains power is held by the priestess Uzha, who has learned a bit of magic from
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 The golden meadows
a mysterious entity that dwells at the bottom of a deep well in the caves. Zrelanna: HD 6; AC 0 [19]; Atk 2 claws (1d6) or weapon;
The entity is a lich that was mostly crushed by falling rocks – he whispers Move 12 (fly 18); Save 11; AL C; CL/XP 10/1400; Special:
his secrets to Uzha in the hopes that she will find a way to free him. immune to electricity and poison, magic resistance (15%),
magical abilities (at will—charm monster, ESP, suggestion,
Goblin-Man (20): HD 1; AC 4 [15]; Atk weapon (1d6); Move teleport), +1 or better weapon to hit, speak any language.
12; Save 17; AL C; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none.

Vrak: HD 2; AC 4 [15]; Atk weapon (1d6); Move 12; Save 16; 1215 Ghost Winds
AL C; CL/XP 2/30; Special: none. At the heart of this hex, one might find the bleached bones of a dragon
horse. The horse was killed here ages ago by agents of chaos, and its
Uzha, Goblin-Man Female: HP 4; AC 9 [10]; Atk staff (1d6) spirit now haunts the hex, whipping up ghostly winds. The winds are
or darts x3 (1d3); Save 12; AL C; CL/XP 3/60; Special: +2 vs. unfelt by lawful characters, though they do here a soft music, as though
spells, spells (3/2). from an unseen flautist. Neutrals feel a balmy breeze that brings tears to
Spells: 1st—charm person, magic missile x2; 2nd— their eyes. Chaotic characters feel a hot wind that scours their flesh with
phantasmal force x2. blowing sand. They suffer a cumulative 1d6 points of damage per mile
Equipment: staff, 5 darts, spellbook, fetishes and magic traveled in the hex (save for half damage). If the remains of the beast are
powders. collected and borne to the tallest mountain in the region [12.10], the spirit
is appeased and a reward of 1,000 XP should be given to the characters.

1105 Devil’s Foundry

The devil’s foundry is a large chamber beneath the earth. The chamber 1219 Ant-Lion
is the workroom of gaggle of three vrock demons, which are forging At the end of a box canyon filled with thick sand that slows people
silent knights for the eventual war against heaven. The knights are stored tremendously there is a portal carved into the wall. The portal has been
in large side chamber, waiting only a single command from a vrock painted a glossy scarlet, and is decorated with sun symbols. It is the
demon to spring into action. In total, there are 20 silent knights completed. entrance to a small dungeon complex. Beyond the portal there is a large
The foundry holds about 1 ton of steel and 10 pounds of adamantine (in cavern of sandstone walls filled with the same sand. An ant lion dwells
ingots). here, guarding the entrance to the dungeon and taking many adventurers
by surprise as they walk in and tumble down its pit. There are only a
Silent Knight: HD 7; AC 2 [17]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 9; couple feet between the pit and the walls of the cavern, with three exits
Save 9; AL N; CL/XP 8/800; Special: silence. on the other side. One is cluttered with bones (due to its being filled with
poisonous gas), one descends sharply and smells of rotting flesh and the
Vrock Demons (3): HD 8; HP 44, 40, 37; AC 1 [18]; Atk beak third is large and uncluttered, and leads eventually to the lair of a glabrezu
(1d6) and 2 foreclaws (1d4) and 2 rear claws (1d6); Move 12 demon who was bound ages ago by a very skilled occultist.
(fly 18); Save 8; CL/XP 9/1100; Special: darkness, immune to
fire, magic resistance (50%). Ant Lion: HD 8; HP 37; AC 2 [17]; Atk bite (2d8); Move 12
(burrow 6); Save 8; AL N; CL/XP 8/800; Special: trap.

1122 Emissary of Lord Zkott [A] This entry chamber is clad in hexagonal golden-brown tiles, each
Lord Zkott is an ogre mage who maintains a castle of magically about 2 inches wide. When the door of the room is closed, three seals
bonded sand in a place known only as the “Valley of Death”, a deep valley appear on the other walls. Each seal appears to be made of fired clay,
that is broiling hot and in which the only intelligent life, besides Lord
Zkott, are Joshua treants (they abide by the ogre’s presence, but do not
care for him or his skeletal legions) and igniguanas. Lord Zkott is evil, but
he is no fool, and he understands well the value of trade and diplomacy.
A small army of forty of his skeleton warriors (blackened chainmail,
blood red tunics emblazoned with a flaming eye, longsword, longbow,
20 arrows, shield), is escorting his emissary, the succubus Zrelanna, to
Sanctum to set up various trade agreements with the golden men of the
south. She has taken the appearance of a gaunt woman with chalk white
skin and stark, white hair in a pageboy cut. She wears black platemail,
wields a longsword and lance, and rides a giant beetle exoskeleton that
has been painted in the livery of Zkott. She has no need for bloodshed, and
is willing to travel with others. If attacked, she will allow her soldiers to
fight and remain in the background, quitting the field of battle if things go
poorly for her forces.
The emissary carries a locked iron box (trapped with a 5 dice fireball
that leaves the chest and its contents unharmed) that contains 580 sp and
135 gp. This is meant for gift giving and bribery in Sanctum.

Lord Zkott, Ogre Mage: HD 5+4; HP 33; AC 4 [15]; Atk

weapon (1d12); Move 12 (fly 18); Save 12; AL C; CL/XP
7/600; Special: magical abilities, regenerate 1hp/round.

Skeleton: HD 1; AC 4 [15]; Atk weapon or strike (1d8); Move

12; Save 17; AL N; CL/XP 1/15; Special: immune to sleep and
charm spells.

Giant Beetle Exoskeleton: HD 5; AC 3 [16]; Atk bite (2d6);

Move 6; Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: immune to
turning, immune to non-blunt weapon, unaffected by sleep,
hold, and charm.

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hex crawl chronicles

11
 The golden meadows
glossy black in color. One depicts a grinning devil holding a pitchfork, High Priestess: The adventurer finds themselves in a small temple. In
another a coiled cobra and the third crossed swords. After these seals the center of the room there is an idol of a winged goddess holding two
appear, the room begins heating up. After one round, people in the room scimitars, one black and the other white. These swords can be removed
begin suffering damage; 1 point in the first round, 2 in the second, 3 in the from the idol’s hands. As soon as the adventurer appears, two armored
third, and so on. The entry door is found to be locked tight (per wizard lock priests step from the walls of the room. One wears black armor, the other
by 4th level magic-user). white armor, but otherwise they have the same characteristics and both
The clay seals can be broken to permit escape. The devil seal hides a heavy maces. The only difference between them, other than the armor,
passage to [B]. The cobra seal hides poisonous gas (save or die) and the is that they are immune to physical attacks and magic. While one might
sword seal connects to a subterranean hive of fire bees, 2d4 of which believe the swords must be used to destroy them, in fact, one can only
will enter the chamber and attack if their hive is disturbed; the hive is destroy them by praying to the idol for salvation or asking for forgiveness,
home to 3d6 more. The fire bees’ royal jelly is like Greek fire, and their or something of the like. This causes the warrior-priests to back away and
honey burns the throat, but can be made into a fiery mead beloved by sink into the walls and returns the adventurers to the mosaic room.
fire elemental creatures and a few of the more adventurous dwarves and
halflings. Priests (2): HD 3; AC 3 [16]; Atk mace (1d6); Move 12; Save
14; AL N; CL/XP 4/120; Special: +2 vs. paralyzation and
Fire Bees: HD 3; AC 5 [14]; Atk sting (1d4 +1d4 fire); Move 9 petrification, spells (2).
(fly 30); Save 14; AL N; CL/XP 4/60; Special: immune to fire. Spells: 1st—cause light wounds x2.
Equipment: plate mail, heavy mace.
[B] This chamber was once the hideaway of an off wizard called
Hambroz. He abandoned it long ago, but his harem of 7 very attractive The Magician: The adventurer finds themselves in a circular room
synthoid women remains. The synthoids need not eat or drink, but they facing an aged elf dressed as a magician and holding a gnarled staff of
are bound (via silver torcs around their necks) to this room. The room white pine. This elf fights as a 4th level magic-user, but should he take
contains cushions and low tables, a very nice chess set (worth 50 gp) and damage, he transforms into a 4th level fighter in plate mail and holding
ten bottles of some manner of synthetic alcohol (very potent, save vs. shield and longsword. Likewise, if the warrior incarnation is damaged, he
poison or become drunk and fall asleep in 2d6 turns). turns back into the magician. One must defeat him in both incarnations to
escape this room.
Synthoid: HD 2+2; AC 7 [12]; Atk fist (1d3); Move 12; Save 16;
AL N; CL/XP 2/30; Special: none. Magician (MU4): HD 4; HP 13; AC 9 [10]; Atk staff (1d4); Move
12; Save 13 (11 vs. magic); AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: elf
[C] The floor of this chamber is covered by mosaics depicting six abilities, +2 vs. spells, spells (3/2)
figures from the major arcana of the tarot. The figures pictured here are Spells: 1st—charm person, magic missile, shield; 2nd—
the Magician, High Priestess, The Devil, The Sun, Temperance and the invisibility, mirror image.
Hanged Man. Equipment: staff
Stepping on an image causes the floor below a person’s feet to
disappear, dropping them into a pocket dimension where they must deal Warrior (FTR4): HD 4; HP 26; AC 2 [17]; Atk longsword (1d8+1);
with a puzzle or threat. To others in the room, it will appear as though the Move 9; Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 4/120; Special: elf abilities,
person merely disappeared. Stepping on the same image will a person multiple attacks (4) vs. creatures with 1 or fewer HD.
in a different, though similar, pocket dimension – i.e. if you step on a Equipment: plate mail, shield, longsword.
card, you’re dealing with the results solo! The pocket dimensions are as
follows: The Sun: The adventurer finds themselves in a room about 10 feet long
and 6 feet wide. There are two pools here, each 3 feet in diameter and 3
Devil: The adventurer finds themselves in a cavern of swirling red feet deep. One is located on the ceiling, and has a golden bottom. The
clouds and terrible screaming. The cavern is cut by several cracks, ranging other has a silver bottom and is located on the floor. The golden-bottomed
in width from two to four feet and usually about 10 feet deep. Weird gas pool is empty, while the silver-bottomed pool is filled with water. Both are
rises from these cracks, and falling into one inflicts 1d6 points of falling polished to a mirror-sheen. As soon as the person enters, the golden pool
damage and 1d6 points of fire damage. The room is occupied by a first- begins to glow, filling the room with bright light. After the first round, this
category demon called Vattoo. Fighting in this room carries with it a 1 light will begin to sear the skin; each round, the adventurer suffers 1d4
in 6 chance per round of nearly falling into a crevice (saving throw to points of damage and must save vs. blindness. If the person fails three
avoid). The ceiling of the cavern is about 20 feet high, allowing Vattoo a saves vs. blindness, they will be struck blind permanently. By pressing
little room to fly. The cavern is about 30 feet in diameter and there is no their body against one of the narrow walls, a person causes the chamber
obvious exit. to rotate. This takes 3 rounds, and when completed, the golden pool will
be on the floor and filled with water while the silver pool is on the ceiling.
Vattoo: HD 8; HP 48; AC 1 [18]; Atk beak (1d6), 2 foreclaws The light will cease, the room will become perfectly dark and a moment
(1d4), 2 rear claws (1d6); Move 12 (fly 18); Save 8; AL C; later the adventurer will find themselves back in the mosaic room.
CL/XP 9/1100; Special: darkness, immune to fire, magic
resistance (50%). Temperance: The adventurer finds themselves in a white room. In the
center of the room there is a minute-glass with sand already beginning to
Hanged Man: The adventurer finds themselves in a bleak expanse of fall. On either end of the narrow room, there is a statue of a woman, one
moorland. There is a single, gnarled black tree here, and from one of its blue and one red. Each woman has her hands cupped, with a glowing orb
branches there hangs a corpse. The hanged man awakens in the presence floating above them. Spikes are descending from the ceiling of the room.
of the adventurer, and says, “If you cut me down, I will lead you home.” When the encounter begins, the Referee should ask the players (other than
If they do so, the hanged man will stretch his neck and then say, “Lend me the one who’s character is in the room) to begin counting down from 60.
your sword and bare your neck to me and I will send you home.” (Note, if It may seem obvious that one must choose to touch one or the other of
the adventurer has no sword, the hanged man will produce his own from the orbs to escape. In fact, touching either of the orbs causes the spikes
behind the tree). If the adventurer acquiesces, the hanged man will remove to shoot down suddenly, skewering the trapped character. They must
their head and send them back (unharmed) to the mosaic room. Otherwise, show temperance and allow the minute-glass to empty. At that point the
he will shrug his shoulders and walk away (or flee if attacked) and the spikes will stop about 2 feet above the ground and the person will have
adventurer will be stuck (the hanged man will disappear from view about completed the challenge.
100 feet away and cannot be found again). Once the adventurer falls to If the challenge is met and overcome, the person appears back in the room
sleep, he will awaken on the slave ship. holding a 2-inch diameter sphere of swirling colors. By concentrating, a
person can use this stone to shift from one plane or dimension to another.
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 hex crawl chronicles
This is a one-way trip – the stone disappears after use. If a person fails, arrows and ten spears. Off the common room there is an old taproom (no
they awake (even if they were seemingly killed) on an extra-planar slave spirits remain) as well as a large room used by the clan’s biggest male
ship of the enigmatic kith-yin coursing through the Astral Plane. Kith-yin and his retinue of thugs.
look like emaciated elves (they are, in fact related, and are sometimes
called astral elves). The ship is about 100 feet long and has a crew of 12 Goblin-Man (15): HD 1; AC 4 [15]; Atk weapon (1d6+1);
kith-yin. It is commanded by Captain Okros. Other adventurers who fail Move 12; Save 17; AL C; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none.
will also be held in the ship, chained to the bulkhead.
Skork: HD 3; HP 10; AC 4 [15]; Atk dagger (1d4 + poison) or
Kith-yin (11): HD 4; AC 3 [16]; Atk silver sword (1d6+1); Move dagger (1d4) or shortbow x2 (1d6); Move 12; Save 14; AL
12; Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: magical abilities (at C; CL/XP 4/120; Special: backstab (x2), disguise, poison,
will—ESP), psychic blast (1/day; save or suffer 1d4 points of thieving abilities.
intelligence damage and 1d6 points of hit point damage Thieving Abilities: Climb 85%, Tasks 15%, Hear 3 in 6,
from pain, intelligence returns 1 point/day). Hide 10%, Silent 20%, Locks 10%.
Equipment: silver chain mail, silver longsword. Equipment: leather armor, shield, dagger (lethal
poison), 2 daggers, short bow, 20 arrows.
Captain Okros, Kith-Yin Male: HD 4; HP 21; AC 3 [16]; Atk
silver sword (1d6+1); Move 12; Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 5/240;
Special: magical abilities (at will—ESP), cast spells as 5th 1312 Cathedral Rock
level magic-user, psychic blast (1/day; save or suffer 1d4 Cathedral rock is a barren rock face with a small temple carved into it
points of intelligence damage and 1d6 points of hit point about 200 feet above the ground and 40 feet below the top. The temple
damage from pain, intelligence returns 1 point/day), spells is about 20 feet long, 20 feet wide and 20 feet high. The floor is actually
(4/2/1). set four feet below the entryway, and is filled 4 feet deep with skulls and
Spells: 1st—charm person, magic missile x2, shield; other bones. In the middle of the temple there is a pedestal (4 feet high)
2nd—invisibility, mirror image; 3rd—fireball. on top of which is set an idol depicting a deity with three torsos and heads
Equipment: silver chain mail, silver longsword. atop six legs. There are hundreds of adamantine scarabs set into the walls.
These are the temple guardians; they form a swarm and attack whenever
[D] This room is really a hallway. It leads to the chamber of the a magical creature or spellcaster enters the chamber, for this temple is
glabrezu demon mentioned above. The hallway’s walls, ceiling and floor dedicated to a now forgotten deity of anti-magic. The swarm can attack all
are pocked with holes that give out gouts of steam at what first seem to creatures within a 10-ft. radius.
be random intervals. In fact, this steam follows a rhythm. If adventurers
pause for a bit, they will learn that the rhythm is “boom-boom-pop-boom- Scarab Swarm: HD 8; HP 37; AC 1 [18]; Atk swarm (1d8);
pop-pop-boom-boom-boom-pop”. The pops represent when it is safe Move 12 (fly 18); Save 8; AL N; CL/XP 10/1400; Special:
to walk, with each stride being 5 feet. The booms are the explosions of creatures within the swarm must pass a saving throw or
steam. As Referee, you can repeat the rhythm for each minute they stand be stunned for 1 round or panic and flee (50% chance of
watching, but each minute spent here has a 1 in 6 chance of summoning either), half damage from bludgeoning weapons, minimum
the attention of a water elemental. To cross the hallway, a player must damage from slashing and piercing weapons.
repeat the rhythm. Any bit they get incorrect deals 1d6 points of damage
and forces them to deduct their damage and then begin from the point at The pedestal of the idol contains a secret door that grants access to a
which they stopped. spiral stair that delves into the heart of Cathedral Rock, wherein there
is a tomb of a high priest and his coterie of witch hunters. The tomb is
Water Elemental (8HD): HP 44; AC 2[17]; Atk strike (3d6); protected by various anti-magic traps and mechanical monsters. The
Move 6 (swim 18); Save 8; AL N; CL/XP 8/800; Special: priest is interred in a lead vault, for he actually survives as a being of pure
overturn boats. radioactive energy.

[E] Here, then, is the final room, the prison of the glabrezu demon 1403 Lonely Basilica
Parthok the Despoiler. When one enters this rather rough chamber, A strange basilica of limestone carved with bas-reliefs of dinosaurs sits
they must first be struck by the golden idol that dominates it – a here in the midst of the desert. The basilica has doors of thick glass, and
depiction of a man, seated in the lotus position, in deep meditation, a windows of a similar material. The strange temple contains a number of
sapphire embedded in his forehead as a “third eye”. The idol appears sculptures that appear to be dinosaur-headed men wearing togas. A large
to be made of wood covered by gold leaf, and rests upon a pedestal. idol sits at the end of the nave, a pulsating cube of spiraling colors. In the
Pedestal and idol are surrounded by a magic circle of silver dust presence of the cube, adventurers feel themselves grow dizzy, and the
anchored by five precious stones – bloodstones worth 200 gp each. The spiraling colors move from the cube into the rest of the room. The statues
idol is, of course, not an idol, but rather an illusion thrown up by the appear to twist and melt, as do the walls, and for a moment, gravity is
glabrezu. Here he waits anyone foolish enough to step over the magic cancelled. All of a sudden, the effect stops and the adventurers come to
circle or greedy enough to steal one of the bloodstones and release him their senses in a basilica that is now submerged. Outside the glass windows
to work his evil. and doors, one sees a shallow sea in which dwell all manner of prehistoric
shelled creatures and cunning ichthyosaurs, not to mention the original
Parthok: HD 10; HP 52; AC –3 [22]; Atk 2 pincers (2d6), 2 inhabitants of the land, crabmen and starfish-people, who waged great and
claws (1d3) and bite (1d4+1); Move 9; Save 5; AL C; CL/ terrible wars with one another. The submerged temple can be escaped by
XP 11/1700; Special: demonic magical powers, magic touching the cube, which teleports people to one of the mountain hexes
resistance (60%). in the region, which poke above the sea level as islands. How adventurers
get back to their own time (or if they ever get back) is a matter for them
1311 Goblin-Men to figure out.
A clan of 15 goblin-men occupies what appears to have been a large
inn in ancient times. The inn has two stories, with a large common room 1518 Bleached Bones
and stairs from there that lead to the upper floor of rooms (there are about A bleached skeleton pokes up from the sand here; just the skull,
20 rooms on the top floor and 20 on the bottom floor. The rooms are dank shoulder blades and a single arm. If one unburies it, they discover
and small, and most are empty. Those that are occupied are either used as it was a centaur adventurer, its equine bits still clad in mail barding.
living quarters for the goblin-men or kennels for their hounds. One room Underneath this barding the centaur kept a silver mirror wrapped in
is used as an armory, and contains seven shields, fourteen short bows, 150 thick cotton wadding.
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 The golden meadows
that has been carved into a sort of maze with low walls. The valley walls
1606 Fortress of Tears are pocked with caves in which dwell hundreds of giant bats. As night
A ramshackle fortress composed of some manner of strange stone falls, the bats explode from these caves; any group of travelers in the maze
(concrete, it turns out) has been erected here to guard the way to the north. are assaulted by 1d4 giant bats each round for about 10 rounds. If they are
Carvings in the fortress suggest it was the work of Halayans. There are near death, the bats might continue their assault to feed on them. One of
thirty statues strewn about the castle, all of them depicting lovely men the bat caves (there are 30) contains the skeleton of a magic-user in robes
and women in togas. A slow trickle of tears falls from the eyes of the of cloth-of-gold (worth 50 gp if cleaned of guano) that hide an ivory scroll
statues. If collected and rarified by a night bathed in moonlight, the tears case (worth 30 gp) in which there is a scroll of wish.
act as magic potions. It takes 30 minutes to collect enough tears to make a
potion, and a magic-user has a percentage chance equal to his or her level Giant Bat: HD 4; AC 7 [12]; Atk bite (1d10); Move 4 (fly 18);
x2 to properly prepare the tears under the moonlight. Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 4/120; Special: 10% chance of disease.

Roll Statue Potion

1 Mustachioed Warrior heroism 1816 Eyes of Zok
2 Debauched Lord healing The barren landscape here is made significantly more interesting by the
3 Demure Lady invisibility presence of two metal orbs that orbit one another about 40 feet above the
4 Wizened Sage clairaudience ground. One orb is rubinescent and gives off a reddish aurora that sears
5 Wanton Woman resistance the flesh (save each minute or suffer 1d4 points of damage). The other
6 Defeated Barbarian giant strength orb is blue in color and produces a white aura that is blinding and which
implants suicidal thoughts into people’s minds (save once or become
The fortress is home to a nest of giant marble snakes, who dwell in suicidal). The grey travelers worship these orbs, but do not know their
a series of caverns beneath the fortress that are connected (via a 4-ft. origin. They say they can communicate with them, receiving visions of
diameter hole) to the cellar, where one can also find mason’s tools and their ancestral homeland. They have constructed a small shrine here, most
a wooden chest holding 5 pounds of colored, ground glass. The snakes of it underground. Above ground, one finds a courtyard of black brick
come out to hunt at night or when they hear people stirring above. Their and a small steel dome. One climbs into the dome (actually a sphere) by
caverns are winding and confusing, and permit access, via a long, narrow a trapdoor. Once inside, the sphere rotates and one can climb back out the
cleft in the rock, to the Red River several miles away. trapdoor and into the shrine.
The shrine is clad in black stone. There are two orbs embedded in
Giant Marble Snake: HD 9; AC 1 [18]; Atk bite (2d4 + paralysis opposite walls, one red and one blue. They can be removed by a person
for 1d6 days); Move 12; Save 6; AL N; CL/XP 12/2000; with a combined wisdom, intelligence and charisma of 40 or more. The
Special: immune to paralysis and petrification, surprise on orbs cannot be forced together, but they can be spun around one another.
1–3 on 1d6 in rocky areas. When this is done, all within the shrine are teleported into either one of
the large orbs above ground.
The orbs are hollow, each one about 15 feet in diameter. Each one is
1622 Moonlit War guarded by a mercury ooze. The red orb contains a small, red, metallic
When this hex is illuminated by a full moon, one sees ghostly figures cube that, when zapped with any amount of electricity, unfolds into a wall
fighting a great battle. The figures are some sort of toad-like humanoids of metal and shifting force fields that are as dangerous as a blade barrier
in banded armor and wielding crescent-headed axes and barbed lances. spell. The blue orb holds a crystalline scepter called an ethereal regulator.
One side of this battle fights for the forces of Law, and wear yellow tunics, Also activated by electricity, it creates a 30-ft. diameter field that repulses
while the other fights for Chaos, and wears white tunics. Two of the toad ethereal beings and which can generate 1d6 magic missiles each round
men are capable of sensing onlookers. Both are priests, and both attempt against ethereal beings.
to lure other priests and paladins (in the case of the toad warriors of Law)
to their aid. This can be accomplished by swallowing a small marble Mercury Ooze: HD 5; HP 29; AC 7 [12]; Atk strike (2d4 +
presented by one of these ghostly toad clerics. If the pebble is taken and mercury poisoning); Move 12 (climb 9); Save 12; AL N; CL/
swallowed, the cleric or paladin is thrust through dimensions into the XP 6/400; Special: poison (drain 1 point of constitution and
battle, appearing now to others as a ghostly figure as well. The battle is an dexterity; 1 week later must save or be struck by insanity).
eternal one that is raging on grey, luminous dunes of the Moon. All told,
there are 500 warriors on either side, and their ability to regenerate keeps
them in the battle. Either side will direct helpers to undertake a special
mission into the Sea of Tranquility in search of the brooding Moon King,
who might sway the battle one way or the other.

Toad Warrior: HD 3; AC 3 [16]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 20;

Save 14; AL L or C; CL/XP 6/400; Special: hop up to 40 feet
as a charge attack, immune to cold, regenerate 3 hp/
round.

Toad Priests: HD 6; HP 16 each; AC 4 [15]; Atk warhammer

(1d4+1); Save 10; AL L or C; CL/XP 7/600; Special: banish
undead, hop up to 40 feet as a charge attack (20 feet
in armor), immune to cold, +2 vs. paralysis and poison,
regenerate 3 hp/rd, spells (2/2/1/1).
Spells: 1st—cure light wounds x2; 2nd—bless, hold
person; 3rd—prayer; 4th—cause serious wounds.
Equipment: Chain mail, shield, warhammer, holy or
unholy symbol. 1910 Red Brick Ruins
There is a ruin here of large, red bricks, piled high into many oddly
shaped piles. Each of the piles has a secret door (difficult even for elves
1702 Bat Caves to find) that can only be opened by knocking on the correct brick (1 in 10
A valley here is screened by a thick copse of pines. Beyond the pines, chance). Three incorrect knocks in a row seals the door tight for 6 days
the valley extends about 5 miles, with sandstone walls and a valley floor and 6 nights. There are 12 such piles, and all of them lead to a weird,

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 hex crawl chronicles
subterranean maze of the red brick, a maze inhabited by ratlings and crafting an army of iron cobras in these catacombs and plans on using
their ratty kin, including a nobility of wererats. The rat king, Scabadar, them and his bat-folk to conquer the Vegans and eventually establish a
is dashing (for a rat). He wears a golden crown encrusted with jewels great kingdom for himself, which his mate as the public queen. Vazgar
(worth 2,500 gp) and carries a scimitar. His consort, Zimba the White, has a treasure of 1,123 sp, 2,285 gp and five pounds of rare incense worth
is an albino female wererat with magical abilities. Scabadar and Zimba 200 gp per pound.
command a small army of rats and ratlings. They spend their days and
nights plundering the deeper depths of gold and jewels, the remnants of a Bat-folk: HD 1; AC 9 [10]; Atk bite (1d6) or weapon; Save 17;
dwarven mine from elder days. The dwarves sealed many fell beasts here AL C: Move 12 (fly 21); CL/XP 1/15; Special: none.
to guard their vaults. The ratlings have avoided these vaults, but would be
happy to send adventurers in to plunder them for them. Skirree, bat-folk female: HP 14; AC 7 [12]; Atk bite (1d6) or
weapon (1d6); Save 11; AL C; CL/XP 5/240; Special: +2 vs.
Ratling: HD 1; AC 9 [10]; Atk bite (1d6+poison) or weapon; paralysis and poison, banish undead, spells (2/2).
Save 17; Move 12; AL C; CL/XP 2/30; Special: diseased bite. Spells: 1st—cure light wounds, protection from good;
2nd—hold person x2.
Zimba: HD 3; HP 12; AC 6 [13]; Atk bite (1d3) or weapon Equipment: leather armor, heavy mace, throwing
(1d6); Move 12; Save 14; AL C; CL/XP 5/240; Special: cast hammer, holy symbol.
spells as 6th level magic-user, control rats, lycanthropy,
surprise, spells (4/2/2). Vazgar: HD 12; HP 50; AC 0 [19]; Atk touch (1d10 +
Spells: 1st—charm person x2, magic missile x2; 2nd— automatic paralysis); Move 6; Save 3; AL C; CL/XP 15/2900;
mirror image x2; 3rd—hold person x2. Special: appearance causes paralytic fear, touch causes
automatic paralysis, spells (4/4/4/4/4/1).
Scabadar: HD 4; HP 16; AC 9 [10]; Atk bite (1d6 + poison) Spells: 1st—charm person, light, magic missile x2; 2nd—
or weapon; Save 13; Move 12; AL C; CL/XP 5/240; Special: detect invisibility, ESP, mirror image, web; 3rd—dispel
diseased bite. magic, fireball, hold person x2; 4th—charm monster
x2, dimension door, wall of fire; 5th—animate dead,
contact other plane, magic jar, teleport; 6th—invisible
1911 Vega stalker.
Vega is a large village located on the golden meadows. Inhabited by a
strange people called Vegans, it is surrounded by 12-ft. tall wall of large
caliche blocks. Within the walls, the land is raised about 8 feet above 1921 Slag Heaps
the level of the surrounding grasslands. The village contains about 20 At the base of a cliff there is an old mine. A slope extends from the mine
acres, most of which is grazed by the cattle of the Vegans. At the northern entrance about 200 feet at a 35-degrree angle, and this slope is covered by
end of the village there is a conglomeration of stone buildings that are a number of old slag heaps and the remnants of earthen ovens. The mine
all connected with one another. The edges of the roofs are studded with is currently inhabited by an aurumvorax, which has been left to guard a
spikes. Rope ladders lead up to the roof, where the only entrances to the jade idol of an angel. The idol was hidden here by Halayan outcasts, who
complex are located. Vegan warriors always patrol these roofs, which intended to return for it in the future, that they might place it in a church.
range from 10 to 20 feet in height. In the center of the complex, the Vegans Unfortunately, they were wiped out by grimlocks, and those who remain
keep a temple to their god, which looks like a four-armed Vegan, two now labor in their slave pits. The idol weighs about 200 pounds and is
hands pressed together in prayer, the other two holding scimitars. This is worth 3,000 gp.
Meshta, the Vegan’s androgynous god of love and war (an Earthling that
has been drawn into Namera through a portal – perhaps in an amusement Aurumvorax: HD 12; HP 59; AC 0 [19]; Atk bite (1d8); Move 12
park – would swear it was a statue of David Bowie). The Vegans gather (burrow 3); Save 3; AL N; CL/XP 13/2300; Special: immunity to
here to pray and meditate, and to blindly drop marbles into bowls (white poison, rake with claws, resistance to fire (50%), surprise on
and black marble) to make decisions for the tribe. 1–2 on 1d6.

Vegan: HD 1; AC 14; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 12; Save 17;

AL N; CL/XP 2/30; Special: 1/day—ESP. 2004 Dwarf Prospectors
A party of 20 dwarves has set up camp next to a small rivulet that
flows from the mountains here, eventually flowing underground and re-
1912 Black Pyramid emerging in the springs of the Vegans. The dwarves are panning for silver,
A pyramid of black glass rises about 30 feet above the surface of the and, if they do well, plan on returning in greater numbers that they may
land here. It has been broken into in one spot, but is otherwise intact (the challenge the goblin-men of the mountains and establish a fortified mine.
glass does not break easily). Inside, one finds a small chamber filled with The leader of the band is a dwarf lord named Karack. He is accompanied
sand with four doors that lead into shafts that seem, from the angle, to by his erstwhile comrade Bolgum. The rest are dwarf warriors armed
run down the sides of the pyramid, which obviously extends more than with battleaxes and ring armor, not to mention picks, hammers and other
300 feet beneath the ground above. The walls of the pyramid were once mining tools. The group has enough food here (iron rations) for 20 more
lined with thousands of small chambers – probably used for burials or days, and plans to plan another 5 and then head back for their home in
burial items – that are now used by a large tribe of bat-folk. The inside the great mountains to the east, near the homeland of the Halayans. They
of the pyramid is a great atrium that has been turned into a sort of temple currently have 50 pounds of silver ore to show for their efforts, and about
dedicated to Fortuna, the goddess of luck and fate, who is represented here 10 goblin-man heads to decorate their shields.
by a large idol in the Egyptian style. At her feet there is an idol of some
exotic, dark wood covered by a green cloth marked with mystic symbols Dwarf: HD 1; AC 4 [15]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 6; Save 17;
in a sort of grid of three columns and twelve rows. A wheel of fortune sits AL L; CL/XP 1/15; Special: detect attributes of stonework.
at the end of this altar, and the bat-folk use it decide the fate of those who Equipment: ring armor, battle axe, mining tools.
fall into their clutches. The person is permitted to choose one of the 36
squares on the altar. The wheel is spun and the if the sacrificial victim’s Karack, dwarf male (Ftr7): HP 34; AC 4 [15]; Atk +1
number comes up, they are permitted to leave with the blessing of the warhammer (1d4+2) or silver dagger (1d4) or light crossbow
high priest (Skirree, an aged bat-woman in a tall, beaded headdress). (1d4+1); Save 8; AL N; CL/XP 7/600, Special: multiple attacks
Those who fail at this test of fortune are dropped into a pit, where they (7) vs. creatures with 1 or fewer HD.
fall 20 feet into a series of catacombs. The lich Vazgar dwells in these Equipment: chain mail, shield, +1 warhammer, silver
catacombs, and seeks a mate in the form of an elven female. He has been dagger, light crossbow, 20 bolts.

15
 The golden meadows
Bolgum, dwarf male (Ftr4/Thf5): HP 18; AC 6 [13]; Atk dagger as an old man with a long, red, pointed nose. He appears naked, his body
(1d4) or handaxe (1d6) or throwing hammer (1d4); Save striped with black, white and red paint, and he can take the form of a giant
11; AL N; CL/XP 7/600, Special: backstab (x2), multiple mosquito or a swarm of mosquitos if he wishes. Guksu carries a wand
attacks (3) vs. creatures with 1 or fewer HD, +2 save vs. traps, with a tuft of red feathers that also serves as a whistle. With this whistle,
thieving abilities. he can summon one of the other spirits – Calnis [32.08], Suupadex [21.02]
Thieving Abilities: Climb 89%, Tasks 35%, Hear 4 in 6, or Xa-matutsi [01.15] – once per month and request a favor from them.
Hide 30%, Silent 40%, Locks 30%. Guksu is a kindly spirit, for the most part, though he dislikes mindless
Equipment: leather armor, three daggers, hand axe, chatter and demands repayment for his services.
throwing hammer, ring protection +1.
Guksu: HD 10; HP 56; AC –2 [21]; Atk strike (3d6); Move 18 (fly
36); Save 5; AL N; CL/XP 18/3500; Special: magic resistance
2011 Hidden Library (30%), magical abilities (at will—detect evil, light; 3/day—
The remains of a library of the ancients are hidden beneath the ground cure light wounds, mirror image; 1/day—charm monster,
here. A small copse of cottonwood trees obscures a hollow that was once dispel magic, hold monster, invisibility (self), polymorph self,
a stairwell. At the bottom of this stairwell, one might note two metal doors remove curse), +1 or better weapon to hit.
that have been forced open by desert sand. The sand spills into a concrete
walkway which leads to a number of rooms of various sizes. Many of
these rooms have metal shelves and on these shelves one has a small 2102 Suupadax
chance of finding the remnants of books and tomes from ancient days, in The northern mountain range hides a strange valley cloaked year-
the strange alphabet of the ancients. There are two dozen rooms here, and around in ice. The walls of the valley are extremely treacherous, and most
each room has a 1 in 10 chance of containing 1d8 ancient books that have folk who attempt to win the valley wind up decorating it with their bones.
not completely disintegrated over time. There is a 1% chance that any The valley is the home of the northern whirlwind spirit Suupadax, who
one of these books will contain 1d4 magic-user spells (roll 1d4 for level). takes the form of a giant whirlwind with a great, black eye suspended
Otherwise, they would be valuable to collectors. The ancient library is in the middle of it. Suupadax actually dwells in a small, stone lodge in
now home to 1d12 giant vipers. the valley. As one walks towards the lodge, it gets colder and colder,
and fires almost always flicker and die. Stepping into the lodge actually
Giant Viper: HD 4; AC 5 [14]; Atk bite (1d3 + poison); Move sends a person to a demi-dimension of frigid air (or the Elemental Plane
12; Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 6/400; Special: lethal poison. of Air, if you prefer). Herein dwells Suupadax, the center of this little
cosmos, surrounded by wicked air creatures (sylphs who are a bit ruder
than normal sylphs, and who dress like flappers and smoke and consort
2015 The Old Manor with mihstu and belkers).
In the southern reaches of the main valley, a large building composed Suupadax is sometimes invoked by wicked spell casters of the region,
of sandstone bears witness to the wealth that must once have filled this who come to the periphery of the valley and throw bound, sacrificial
valley. The building is constructed upon a small rise with steep sides. victims down the slopes, each having swallowed a gemstone of at least
It has a flat roof and is built in three circular sections that surround a moderate value. They ask the wicked spirit for counsel in treachery and to
large courtyard of white stone. The courtyard holds a pool (empty) and curse their enemies.
is cluttered with dry bones of humanoids and animals. A band of 30
kobolds has occupied this old ruin, hiding their plunder (110 cp, 133 Suupadax: HD 16; HP 78; AC 2 [17]; Atk strike (3d8); Move
sp, 117 gp and a smoky quartz worth 1 gp) here in one of the upper 0 (fly 36); Save 3; AL C; CL/XP 19/4100; Special: magic
levels. One of the circular sections of the old manor appears to be a resistance (10%), +1 or better weapon to hit, whirlwind.
large auditorium – one wall is composed of glass bricks. The kobolds
inhabit this room, their sleeping furs and cooking fires marring the
white marble floors. Another section holds a feast hall and kitchen, 2109 Diamond House
the kitchen now occupied by a nest of three giant vipers. The third The “diamond house” is a glass dome that is faceted like a gemstone.
section holds living chambers that must have once been plush, but are The natives call it the diamond house. It stands next to dry river bed filled
now filled with rubble and refuse. This section is also haunted by a with small trees and shrubs. From the outside, it looks to hold a pile of
strange entity that manifests as a black cloud that can produce up to 10 gemstones. This is an optical illusion (not magical). During the daytime,
smoky tentacles that can fully manifest into the real world. The touch the only thing is contains are a number of nearly invisible rays of searing
of this creature causes aging. Although it can move about this section, light (save each round or struck for 2d6 points of damage). At night, the
it cannot leave it. The corpses of a dead wizard and his apprentices can interior is safe, but holds nothing of interest. If, however, a powerful
be found here. All are in tattered black robes and turbans. The body of magical light is carried within the dome, it emits a single ray of white
the wizard holds 832 sp, 1,551 gp, 282 pp and a terracotta idol worth light that strikes the nearby hills in [21.07] and opens a portal in the side
180 gp. of that mountain. This portal leads to the spawning pits of the grimlocks.

Kobold (30): HD 1d4 hp; AC 6 [13]; Atk weapon (1d6); Move

6; Save 18; AL C; CL/XP A/5; Special: none. 2213 Ruined Town
The remnants of a town sit placid beneath the searing sun. One can
Giant Viper (3): HD 4; AC 5 [14]; Atk bite (1d3 + poison); find many building foundations, but there is little else to see aside from
Move 12; Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 6/400; Special: lethal poison. ground glass, bits of metal and stone and a single building that survives
as a burned out shell. The Halayans claim that the town was once part
Cloud Entity: HD 10; HP 50; AC 0 [19]; Atk 10 tentacles (1d4); of their empire, but was destroyed when the people turned against their
Move 0 (fly 18); Save 5; AL N; CL/XP 14/2600; Special: magic faith. The surviving building is the home an old woman named Mishka,
resistance (25%), +1 or better weapon to hit. who happens to be a vampire. She guards several weird stones that look
like large geodes. Within these stones are the bodies of infant vampires,
waiting to be born when their “eggs” are anointed with blood. These
2018 Guksu infants burst forth as little, feral vampires. There are 15 eggs in all.
Guksu is the southern spirit of healing, who dwells in a simple hut of
stacked, white stones in a pleasant valley of tall grass and wide mesquites. Mishka: HD 9; HP 32; AC 2 [17]; Atk bite (1d10 + level drain);
There is a pool here of clear water filled with silver fish. The animal that Move 12 (fly 18); Save 6; AL C; CL/XP 12/2000; Special:
inhabit the valley have golden fur or scales, and they are quite intelligent. charm gaze, drain 2 levels with hit, gaseous form, only killed
Harming one of them draws the wrath of Guksu, who can prevent one in coffin, +1 or better weapon to hit, regenerate (3hp/
from healing naturally or magically for up to one month. Guksu appears round), shapeshift, summon rats or wolves.
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 hex crawl chronicles
In all, there are 100 such tablets, some containing mystic secrets and
Infant Vampires: HD 1; AC 3 [16]; Atk bite (1d4 + sleep); formulae, some containing histories of the region, and others containing
Move 6 (fly 9); Save 17; AL C; CL/XP 4/60; Special: drain chants that seem to make no sense. The room also contains a deep well of
level with hit, gaseous form, only killed in coffin, +1 or silver black energy. Anyone in the room is attacked by the tendrils of energy
weapon to hit, regenerate (1hp/round). (they attack as a 3 HD monster), and if struck must pass a saving throw
or have a portion of the life and personality stolen away and inscribed on
a blank tablet as one of those nonsensical chants. In essence, this counts
2312 Abandoned Velocipede as level drain. To regain these levels, one must search through the tablets
A velocipede (you know it better as a bicycle) has been abandoned here. (cumulative 1% chance per round per person searching) to find the one
Velocipedes are all the rage in Sanctum, having been introduced there a holding their essence and read it. Reading a different person’s tablet does
few years back by Mad Morva [38.05]. This one is made of wood and not bestow their life energy upon you. If a wax tablet is destroyed, that
metal, and has a large front wheel and two small back wheels. The wheels portion of the person’s soul is also destroyed. The tendrils can be held
are made of wood and reinforced with strips of copper. This particular back by a cleric using his or her turn undead ability (treat as a 6 HD
velocipede needs repairs, and even in working condition would be of little undead) or a tendril can be stunned for 1d4 rounds with a splash of holy
use over the sandy ground of the desert. water or for 1d8 rounds with a holy weapon.

2316 Worm Tunnels [C] This room contains a twelve glass spheres. Each one contains an
insect (spider, centipede, scorpion or wasp) and a tiny chest. Touching a
The walls of this pass have been bored through by purple worms that
clearly turned back upon reaching the dry, hot air of the wastes. In some sphere transports a person into the sphere where they must fight the “giant
places, the walls of the pass have collapsed and created small rockslides. insect”. Grabbing a chest after a battle transports a person back outside the
A small band of goblin-men is wandering through these tunnels, collecting sphere (at normal size). The chests can be opened by the key found in [A],
worm droppings (which can serve as a very long-lasting fuel for fires) and contain 1d4 x 100 gp each.
using a hand-drawn cart. There is a 2 in 6 chance per hour of running into
the 1d6+4 goblin-men and their cart of worm poop, and a 1 in 20 chance Man-sized Giant Centipede (7ft): HD 2; HP 8; AC 5[14]; Atk
per hour of running into a purple worm. bite (1d8 + poison); Move 15; Save 16; AL N; CL/XP 4/120;
Special: poison bite (+6 save or die).
Goblin-Man: HD 1; AC 4 [15]; Atk weapon (1d6+1); Move 12;
Save 17; AL C; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none. Giant Scorpion: HD 6; HP 40; AC 3[16]; Atk 2 pincers (1d10),
sting (1d4 + poison); Move 12; Save 11; AL N; CL/XP 8/800;
Purple Worm: HD 15; HP 73; AC 6 [13]; Atk bite (2d12), 1 Special: lethal poison sting.
sting (1d8 + poison); Move 9; Save 3; AL N; CL/XP 17/3500;
Special: poison sting, swallow whole. Giant Spider (4ft diameter): HD 2+2; HP 10; AC 6[13]; Atk
bite (1d6 + poison); Move 18; Save 16; AL N; CL/XP 5/240;
Special: lethal poison, 5 in 6 chance to surprise prey.
2320 False Gods
A number of black, stone idols rise from a patch of creosote and Joshua Giant Wasp: HD 4; HP 20; AC 4[15]; Atk sting (1d4 + poison),
trees. The idols have been down by wind (and a bit of rain) and are only bite (1d8); Move 1 (fly 20); Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 6/400;
vaguely humanoid now. All of them are tall and lean, and have hands Special: paralyzing poison, larvae.
outstretched and cupped. A small offering left in these hands incurs an
old god’s wrath, with the sacrificing character suffering a –1 penalty to [D] This room’s only contents are two statues; one represents a
attacks and saves for 24 hours. If the sacrifice is worth at least 100 gp, the scholarly man, the other a stern, though attractive, woman. The man was
person enjoys a +2 bonus to attacks and saves for 24 hours, followed by Yazzabar, who became a lich. The woman was Amphiba, a zealous cleric
a curse (as above) that strikes at each full moon if they do not make an of Law, who was once his lover. Passing between the statues (they flank
additional sacrifice. the western door) causes a person to be struck by pink lightning emitted
from their eyes. This deals 2d6 points of damage, and forces a male to
save or have the memories and personality of chaotic Yazzabar implanted
2402 Rock Slide into them, or if female the memories and personality of lawful Amphiba
A rock slide here (perhaps the adventurers will see the great plume of implanted in them. This does not give them magic-user or cleric powers,
dust when they first enter the hex) has buried the entrance to a dungeon. and can be countered by a remove curse spell or wish.
A large band of dwarf adventurers was buried, though a few managed to
escape. Most of the dwarves are normal members of their race, but the [E] Five people, probably magic-users from the look of them, are
key adventurers were fighters and fighter/thieves ranging in level from suspended here from the ceiling. They have been dipped in wax along
2nd to 5th. The dungeon entrance was a small cave. The 30-ft. long tunnel with their spellbooks. Each of them was a rival of Yazzabar. Assume
beyond the dungeon entrance opens into a 10-ft. cube room with smoothed their spellbooks contain a daily complement of spells for a magic-user
walls of sandstone and three revolving doors of solid bronze [A]. of 1d4+1 level. The books must be released from the wax to be used, and
doing so has a 1 in 6 chance of infecting a person with mummy rot. Magic
[A] This passage is rough hewn. At the intersection there is a small pit is suppressed in this room, which is guarded by a clockwork gorilla.
holding the burnt remains of the lich Yazzabar. Any fire brought into this
passage animates as a small fire elemental until the burnt remains are Clockwork Gorilla: HD 8; HP 36; AC 1 [18]; Atk 2 hands (1d6)
doused with holy water. This can be difficult, for in the presence of fire and bite (2d6); Move 12; Save 8; AL N; CL/XP 8/800; Special:
the charred corpse rises and attacks as a wight. The wight has a golden hug and rend, immune to mind effects, poison and disease.
key around his neck.

Fire Elemental: HD 2; HP 10; AC 2 [17]; Atk strike (2d6); Move 2406 Ruined Fortress
12; Save 16; AL N; CL/XP 3/60; Special: ignite materials. The mountain pass here is guarded by a fortress that spans the pass.
The fortress is about 200 feet wide and 100 feet tall, with a lower span
Wight: HD 3; HP 16; AC 5 [14]; Atk claw (1hp + level drain); of battlements about 50 feet above the ground. The castle is composed of
Move 9; Save 14; AL C; CL/XP 5/240; Special: drain 1 level the native rock, and was built expertly, possibly by dwarves. In the middle
with hit, hit only by magic or silver weapons. of the fortress, on either side, there is a massive set of doors (thick oak,
bound in spiked steel), and between them a 40 ft. long court. Iron doors
[B] This chamber contains a library of wax tablets, all very fragile. (locked) on either side of the courtyard grant access into the fortress. The
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 hex crawl chronicles
place carries the smell of death, and indeed is filled with the skeletal remains symbol.
of about 300 dwarf warriors, most still in their ring mail or chainmail armor,
hand axes, warhammers, short swords and other weapons still in their grasp. Thurk, Goblin-Man (Drd4): HP 14; AC 6 [13]; Atk spear (1d6)
Each of them has a pentagram carved or drawn onto their foreheads, and or sling (1d4); Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 4/120; Special: first
similar graffiti can be found throughout the place. It is now used by a chaos mysteries, spells (3/1/1).
cult from Sanctum, who, once every year at the summer solstice, travel Spells: 1st—detect magic, faerie fire, predict weather;
to the fortress to sacrifice a maiden to a chuul who dwells in a pit here. 2nd—speak with animals; 3rd—hold animal.
The chuul was summoned from nether dimensions and is bound in its pit, Equipment: Leather armor, shield, short sword, sling,
unable to escape, though the cult leader Vermes, a charismatic merchant is holy symbol.
working on breaking this binding. Various chaos beasts roam the halls of
the fortress, ready to give battle to intruders (they leave the cultists alone). Corvin (Drd8): HP 28; AC 3 [16]; Atk spear (1d6) or sling (1d4);
The cultists normally number three 2nd level clerics, six 1st level clerics Save 8; AL N; CL/XP 9/1100; Special: first mysteries, immune
and twelve normal humans, all of them in crimson robes with pointed to fey charms, +2 vs. fire, shapechange, spells (4/3/2/1).
hoods and wearing leather armor under their robes. Spells: 1st—faerie fire x2, locate animals x2; 2nd—cure
light wounds, heat metal x2; 3rd—call lightning, plant
Vermes (Clr6): HP 24; AC 4 [15]; Atk warhammer (1d4+2); growth; 4th—plant doorway.
Save 10; AL C; CL/XP 7/600; Special: banish undead, +2 vs. Equipment: Leather armor, shield, short sword, sling,
paralysis and poison, spells (2/2/1/1). holy symbol.
Spells: 1st—cure light wounds, protection from good;
2nd—hold person x2; 3rd—prayer; 4th—cure serious
wounds. 2619 White Caves
Equipment: chain mail, shield, +1 warhammer. These chalk caves capture the shadows of creatures that enter and
spend more than 10 minutes within, assuming they have a light source
Cultist cleric (Clr2) (3): HP 10; AC 7 [12]; Atk heavy mace with which to cast those shadows. The shadows never leave the cave, but
(1d4+1) or throwing hammer (1d4); Save 14; AL C; CL/XP rather creep back into a deep cavern where they serve as the guardians
2/30; Special: banish undead, +2 vs. paralysis and poison, of a well of black water. The water roils when people approach it. It can
spells (1). heal all wounds and negative effects, but a character must be lowered
Spells: 1st—charm person. into the water and suspended for 3 days, during which time they seem to
Equipment: leather armor, shield, heavy mace, 3 expire. When removed at the end of three days, they are restored to life
throwing hammers, unholy symbol. and perfect health. During this time, the person is assaulted by terrible
nightmares, and must pass one saving throw per day or permanently lose
Cultist cleric (Clr1) (6): HP 5; AC 7 [12]; Atk light mace (1d4); 1 point of wisdom.
Save 15; AL C; CL/XP 7/600; Special: banish undead, +2 vs.
paralysis and poison. Shadow: HD 3+3; AC 7 [12]; Atk touch (1d4 + strength drain);
Equipment: Leather armor, light mace, unholy symbol. Move 12; Save 14; AL C; CL/XP 4/120; Special: drain 1 point
str with hit, +1 or better weapon to hit.
Cultists: HD 1; AC 7 [12]; Atk short sword (1d6) or dagger
(1d4); Save 17; AL C; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none.
Equipment: leather armor, short sword, dagger, unholy
2712 Killer Shrimp
The skeleton of a giant catfish is bobbing on the surface here, having
symbol. been picked clean by a swarm of killer shrimp. A net has become tangled
with the skeleton. It contains several glass spheres, one of them a crystal
Chuul: HD 10; hp 76; AC 2[17]; Atk 2 pincers (1d6), bite (1d8), ball. The swarm fills a 20-ft. diameter hemisphere (or 10-ft. diameter
paralytic tentacles; Move 15 (swim 12); Save 5; AL N; CL/XP sphere if completely submerged) and swarms on any living creature it
11/1700; Special: Immune to poison; tentacle grab. can reach.
Chaos Beast: HD 16; HP 92; AC –2 [21]; Atk 4 claws (1d8 + Killer Shrimp Swarm: HD 4; AC 2 [17]; Atk swarm (1d8); Move
corporeal instability); Move 9; Save 3; AL N; CL/XP 21/4700; 0 (swim 9); Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: no damage
Special: amorphous (immune to backstabs), corporeal from slashing and piercing weapons, minimum damage
instability (save or become spongy, amorphous mass and from bludgeoning weapons.
lose 1 point of wisdom per round; save each round to regain
normalcy; at 0 wisdom, effect is permanent), immune to
polymorph and petrification, magic resistance (45%). 2722 Grimlock Caves
A long shaft leads into an ancient network of mines that are now
inhabited by a tribe of 50 grimlocks and their cabal of three mind eater
2510 Spirit House masters. The mind eaters dwell on the lower levels of the mine complex,
A coven of druids has built a sweat lodge here. Each of the druids that once produced gold and silver, but which is now empty. There is a
represents one of the peoples of the region; there is a Vegan female called large slave population here and three slave pits. The grimlocks and their
Da’szabor, a goblin-man male called Thurk (an outcast from his people) slaves are slowly constructing a crystalline matrix that fills a long, round
and the human druid Corvin from Sanctum (a short man with blazing red tunnel. As one walks through the tunnel, their vision becomes wavy and
hair and friendly, though mildly crazy eyes). The druids are in communing a wave of nausea sweeps over them, as they feel space being twisted out
with the four great spirits of the region, Guksu, Calnis, Suupadax and of shape. The tunnel, when complete and fully powered, will act as a time
Xa-matutsi, attempting to learn from them the mystic dances they must tunnel, permitting the mind eaters to travel forward or backward to acquire
perform, and the times of those performances, to keep them friendly. either weird technologies from the future or powerful artifacts from the
past. The tunnel is about 50% complete. The grimlocks require gemstones
Da’szabor, Vegan Female (Drd6): HP 17; AC 6 [13]; Atk spear of rare quality to complete their matrix. A captive time elemental, held
(1d6) or sling (1d4); Save 10; AL N; CL/XP 6/400; Special: 1/ within an iron flask until it is needed and properly sequestered in the
day—ESP, first mysteries, immune to fey charms, +2 vs. fire, matrix, will power the device.
shapechange, spells (3/2/2).
Spells: 1st—faerie fire x2, locate animals; 2nd—cure Grimlock: HD 2; AC 7 [12]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 12;
light wounds, heat metal; 3rd—call lightning x2. Save 16; AL C; CL/XP 2/30; Special: can sense creatures and
Equipment: leather armor, shield, spear, sling, holy objects within 40 ft., immune to gaze attacks.
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 The golden meadows
Mind Eater: HD 8; HP 40, 35, 34; AC 5 [14]; Atk 4 tentacles
(2hp); Move 12; Save 8; AL C; CL/XP 12/2000; Special: eat
brains, magic resistance (90%), mental blast, mental powers.

Time Elemental: HD 12; HP 63; AC 0 [19]; Atk 2 slams (2d6

+ cell death); Move 0 (fly 9); Save 3; AL N; CL/XP 20/4400;
Special: cell death, foresight, immunity to magic, magic
resistance (40%), multimanifestation, +1 or better weapon to
hit, time jaunt.

2801 Stone Bones

The petrified skeleton of an ichthyosaur lurks beneath the sands here.
Animated long ago by a necromancer, it guards the hex from intruders, for
hidden deeper beneath the sands there is a large bunker complex that the
necromancer used as his base of operations. The bunker can be reached
most easily by teleportation, but if one could clear the sands to a depth
of 10 feet, they might find an iron trapdoor. The bunker is inhabited by
a few dozen skeletal guards, as well as other, more dangerous undead,
who guard a small treasure and armory (five pikes, seven suits of splinted
chainmail, 10,000 cp, 2,000 sp, 180 gp, a small clock and a small agate
worth 40 gp), a library containing a couple old spellbooks (each holds 16
levels worth of spells, from level 1 to 4) and a laboratory.

Ichthyosaur Skeleton: HD 12; HP 51; AC 6 [13]; Atk bite (3d6);

Move 9 (burrow 24); Save 3; AL N; CL/XP 12/2000; Special:
none.

2808 Bubbling Idol

There is a sinkhole here, at the bottom of which is a foaming pool of
brackish water. The source of the foaming appears to be a strange, abstract
idol that looks something like solidified green flame. The surface of the
idol bubbles and pops, and green slime flows from it into the pond. Five
walking slimes, the priests of their people (they cast spells as 5th level
druids), can be found here much of the time, communing with their slimy
deity. Caves branch from here into the suburbs of Slime City, which is
located further below the ground and is said to be ruled by the most ancient
of black puddings, a lake-sized entity whose wishes are interpreted by a
gaunt squirrels inhabit these trees and favor these berries. When they
legion of priests.
are stolen, these creatures become quite irate and attack the invaders,
revealing that they are also fond of humanoid blood. The only other
Walking Slime Priests (5): HD 5; HP 22, 17, 19, 13, 15; AC 9
inhabitants of the valley are a band of haggard-looking vampires. The
[11]; Atk touch (1d6 + turn to slime); Move 6; Save 12; AL N;
vampires were once human adventurers who sampled the berries – each
CL/XP 8/800; Special: cast spells as 5th level druid (3/2/1),
berry that is eaten carries with it a 5% chance of infecting the eater with a
transform to slime.
blood disease that slowly transforms them into vampires over the course
Spells: 1st—faerie fire x3; 2nd—heat metal, produce
of 30 days. There are 12 vampires in all, who come out at night to feed
flame; 3rd—protection against fire.
on the berries while the squirrels slumber. Their cave holds a treasure of
1,940 sp, 150 gp and a platinum ewer worth 950 gp as well as a roll of
2904 Ghost Town papers revealing the identities of the chaos cultists of Sanctum.
An old mining town has been abandoned here. The town consists of
about 30 stone huts gathered around a mine shaft. The mine shaft descends Squirrels: HD 1d4; AC 7 [12]; Atk bite (1d3 + blood drain);
about 60 feet into the ground (via a pulley system that is quite worn Move 12; Save 18; AL N; CL/XP A/5; Special: blood drain
and very unsafe). At the bottom of the shaft, there are three exploratory (1d3 points of damage per round).
tunnels, one of which shows signs of a meager vein of silver (a dwarf can
determine this easily). This tunnel has caved in. The miners lost in the Vampires (12): HD 7; AC 2 [17]; Atk bite (1d10 + level drain);
cave-in still dwell in these tunnels as three specters. If driven away, the Move 12 (fly 18); Save 9; AL C; CL/XP 10/1400; Special:
mine could be reopened, and would produce about 1d10 x 5 gp worth of charm gaze, drain 2 levels with hit, gaseous form, only killed
silver (after refinement) per month if worked by at least six humans (or in coffin, +1 or better weapon to hit, regenerate (3hp/
three dwarves). round), shapeshift, summon rats or wolves.

Spectre: HD 7; HP 25, 34, 33; AC 2[17]; Atk spectral weapon

or touch (1d8 + level drain); Move 15 (fly 30); Save 9; AL C;
3012 Submerged Cave
A partially submerged cave here on the shore holds a multitude of cave
CL/XP 9/1100; Special: drain 2 levels with hit, +1 or better
carvings that present a map to the catacombs in the center of the Golden
weapon to hit.
Meadow. The cave is inhabited by a giant catfish which the locathah have
nicknamed Lucifer. Lucifer has a few skeletons in his cave, and one of
3009 Orchard of Blood them carries a rusted iron flask that hides a small sapphire worth 200 gp.
A valley here in the deep mountains is well watered by springs and
filled with willow-like trees with coppery bark and dark green leaves. The Giant Catfish: HD 7; HP 44; AC 6 [13]; Atk bite (1d10) and
branches are heavy with bunches of berries that look like white grapes. shock (1d6); Move 0 (swim 12); Save 11; AL N; CL/XP 8/800;
These berries are red on the inside and their flesh tastes of blood. Strange, Special: can generate a shock once per 3 rounds.

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 hex crawl chronicles
Oomphalz, Golden Man: HD 1d4hp; HP 3; AC 9 [10]; Atk
3018 Coruscating Falls weapon (1d4); Save 18; AL N; CL/XP B/10; Special: none.
A small waterfall is located here. The water is multi-colored and spills
into a shallow pool. The pool is covered by an oily sheen that is actually
a sentient entity. It is terribly wise and can communicate telepathically. 3202 Halayan Camp
The creature could be destroyed with fire, but it is not dangerous. A band of Halayan trappers has made camp here on their way to
Sanctum, where they plan to live it up for a couple days away from their
saintly wives. They number 12 hunters, armed with their long muskets
3021 Amazon Camp and hand axes, and are carrying about 200 gp worth of pelts and skins
A war party of red amazons has made camp here. They have traveled to trade, along with sacks containing 120 silver coins, not to mention
from the wastelands to the southeast and seek loot and glory. The group is bedrolls and blankets, about 3 days of iron rations, tinder boxes, flint and
commanded by Azrash and her sister-wife, Horeth. They command ten steel, etc. Unlike the traders, they wear only leather armor.
amazon warriors, and all are mounted on light warhorses.
Halayan Hunter (12): HD 2; AC 7 [12]; Atk musket (1d10)
Azrash, Female (Ftr7): HP 32; AC 4 [15]; Atk 2 spear attacks or hand axe (1d6); Move 15; Save 16; AL N; CL/XP 2/30;
(1d8) or short bow x2 (1d6); Save 8; AL C; CL/XP 7/600, Special: surprise on 1–2 on 1d6, surprised on 1 on 1d10, track
Special: multiple attacks, parry. as 6th level ranger.
Equipment: chain mail, shield, spear, short bow, 10
arrows.
3208 Calnis
Horeth, Female (Clr6): HP 20; AC 4 [15]; Atk warhammer Calnis is the eastern spirit of mischief, who appears either as a handsome
(1d4+1); Save 10; AL C; CL/XP 7/600; Special: banish man in a cloak of crow feathers or as a black feathered serpent. Calnis dwells
undead, +2 vs. paralysis and poison, spells (2/2/1/1). in the eastern mountains in a temple of black stone with a silver portal.
Spells: 1st—cure light wounds x2; 2nd—hold person The temple is guarded by black-feathered harpies, who demand offerings
x2; 3rd—cure disease, remove curse; 4th—neutralize of fresh meat and pretty things. Once inside the building, petitioners
poison. discover that it is much larger than they could have imagined, a great hall
Equipment: chain mail, shield, warhammer. of black marble and silver trimmings. There is no roof here, just a night
sky illuminated by a full moon that seems to close you could reach out
Red Amazons (10): HD 1+1; AC 2 [17]; Atk 2 spear attacks and touch it. The room swirls with dancing spirits (treat them as spectres
(1d8) or short bow x2 (1d6); Move 12; Save 17; AL C; CL/XP if adventurers are stupid enough to attack). A black throne in the center of
1/15; Special: none. the great hall is the perch of Calnis, usually in human form, who beckons
the petitioners forward that he might mock their pitiful pleas. Those who
War Horse: HD 3; AC 7 [12]; Atk bite (1d2), 2 hooves (1d3); meet his gaze must pass a save or begin dancing uncontrollably, losing 1 hit
Move 18; Save 15; AL N; CL/XP 3/60; Special: none. point per round until they have but one hit point left, and then losing 1 point
of constitution per round until they die at 0 constitution. To receive a favor
from Calnis, one must tell him a good riddle, or in some other way trick
3116 Gold Mine him. They must also accept a curse in return for his favor.
A band of grimlocks is working a deep gold mine here, using human
beings as their beasts of burden. The grimlocks have a fortified cavern Calnis: HD 10; HP 58; AC 0 [19]; Atk bite (2d6 + poison), tail
underground, with various mining tunnels and shafts radiating out from it, (1d6 constrict); Move 12 (fly 24); Save 8; AL N; CL/XP 14/2600;
and a series of slave pits located beneath it in a sort of dungeon arrangements. Special: fly, magical abilities (1/day—charm person, ESP,
Most of the human laborers have had their minds scrambled by the mind invisibility, shield, sleep, suggestion), poison, polymorph.
eaters, and are thus virtual zombies. A few still have their minds, but are
careful to hide this fact. In all, there are 40 grimlocks armed with picks, and Harpy: HD 3; AC 7[12]; Atk 2 talons (1d3) and weapon (1d6);
50 humans used as pack animals. One is called Yasbin. She was drugged in Move 6 (fly 18); Save 14; AL C; CL/XP 4/120; Special: flight,
a tavern in Sanctum and woke up here. Her thief skills saved her from a visit siren-song.
by the mind eaters, but she is still shackled and without her tools. There is
also a human merchant named Zixby (a rival of Vermes) and a silversmith Spectre: HD 7; AC 2[17]; Atk spectral weapon or touch (1d8
of the golden men of the south called Oomphalz. The grimlocks acquire + level drain); Move 15 (fly 30); Save 9; AL C; CL/XP 9/1100;
their slaves from unscrupulous traders of Sanctum (among them Vermes), Special: drain 2 levels with hit, +1 or better weapon to hit.
who trade slaves for gold. The entrance to the mine has a phantasmal force
cast over it that resembles a green demonic face with an open mouth. The
mouth is pitch black (even to darkvision) and seems to radiate intense cold. 3305 Valley of Fire
All of this is an illusion to keep snoopers out of the mine. Eight grimlock The valley of fire is a wide valley of sandstone walls and sandstone
warriors wait within the entrance. They are armed with stone axes and a net, rock formations, all of them red-orange in color, and some resembling
and will try first to waylay and enslave explorers. fantastic beasts or fairy castles. This alone could give the valley its name,
but it is also filled with a flaming gas to a depth of about 5 feet. The gas
Grimlocks (40): HD 2; AC 7 [12]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 12; flows from below the ground, and though the upper portions flow red and
Save 16; AL C; CL/XP 2/30; Special: can sense creatures and orange, the lower portions are blue and extremely hot. Falling into the fire
objects within 40 ft, immune to gaze attacks. means certain death to any who are not immune to fire. One of the larger
rock formations in the valley is used as a small tower by a band of azer
Yasbin (Thf4): HP 3 (9 normally); AC 9 [10]; Atk fist (1); Save who use the roiling blue flames to work adamantine and mithral.
12; AL N; CL/XP 4/120; Special: backstab (x2), +2 save vs.
traps, thieving abilities. Azer: HD 2; AC 1 [18]; Atk heavy mace (1d8) or fists (1d4);
Thieving Abilities: Climb 88%, Tasks 30%, Hear 4 in 6, Move 12; Save 16; AL N; CL/XP 3/60; Special: double
Hide 25%, Silent 35%, Locks 25%. damage from cold attacks, immune to fire, magic
Equipment: none resistance (5%).

Zixby: HD 3; HP 10; AC 9 [10]; Atk fist (1); Move 12; Save 14;
AL N; CL/XP 3/60; Special: none.
3320 Quartz Forest
The ground in this hex begins to descend as it nears the highlands,
eventually funneling into a vast system of caves. Most of the caves are
21
 The golden meadows
narrow, with low ceilings, but a few are more easily traversed and lead to Malphas (MU7): HP 20; AC 9 [10]; Atk staff (1d6) or dagger
a large cavern about 200 feet below the surface. The cavern is quite cold (1d4) or dart (1d3); Save 9; AL C; CL/XP 7/600; Special: +2 vs.
and completely dry. About one hundred quartz pillars run from floor to spells, spells (4/3/2/1).
ceiling. A dwarf can tell that the cavern was carved by some agent, maybe Spells: 1st—charm person, light, magic missile x2; 2nd—
as much as 500 years ago. Some of the pillars are trapped to collapse detect invisibility, mirror image x2; 3rd—dispel magic,
if leaned upon or chipped at (1 in 6 chance; collapsing pillar does 6d6 hold person; 4th—charm monster
damage, save for half). One of the pillars has been enchanted. If touched, Equipment: staff, silver dagger, 2 daggers, 6 darts,
all creatures within 30 feet suffer a delusion. They see the most fearsome spellbook.
thing they can imagine charging at them. If they run (player’s choice),
their fear will carry them out of the cavern and into the maze of tunnels, Yizbard, Salamander Female: HD 7; HP 38; AC 5 [14] (torso);
where there is a percentage chance equal to 35 minus their wisdom score 3 [16] (serpent body); Atk touch and constrict (2d8 + 1d6
that they become hopelessly lost. If they stand fast, the creature washes heat) or weapon (1d6); Move 9; Save 9; AL C; CL/XP 8/800;
over them as a weird energy, leaving them hairless (permanently) and with Special: heat, constrict.
a strange blue mark on their heads – something like a crescent moon.
The mind eaters and grimlocks will recognize this sign and regard those Ophelia and Lily, Mermaid Females: HD 1+3; HP 9, 8; AC 7
who bear it as worthies to be respected and, of course, devoured after the [12]; Atk dagger (1d4); Move 1 (swim 18); Save 17; AL N; CL/
proper ceremonies have been carried out. The marked characters will also XP 1/15; Special: breathe water.
enjoy a +2 bonus to save vs. psionic-type effects. Equipment: dagger

Venusian Lady, Venusian Female: HD 1; HP 4; AC 9 [10]; Atk

3413 Smuggler’s Cove 2 slams (1d3); Move 12; Save 17; AL N; CL/XP 1/15; Special:
A band of smugglers operates from this cove. They have about 500 gp speak with plants.
worth of contraband here (pelts, grain, glassware), as well as an locked
iron chest (trapped with a poison needle) containing 300 sp and 75 gp. Uzrakiel, Deva Male: HD 12; HP 57; AC –3 [22]; Atk slam
The smugglers are led by Bonny Beph, who is currently in the custody (1d10); Move 21 (no flight); Save 3; AL N; CL/XP 13/2300;
of the bounty hunter Mazbury [37.14]. The smugglers are in a bad mood, Special: cannot fly due to missing wings, immune to acid,
and Beph’s lieutenants, Yolf and Krand, are on the brink of fighting for cold and paralysis.
control of the gang. The smugglers would rather have Beph back.
Ephemera, Sylph Female: HD 3; HP 19; AC 9 [10]; Atk fist
Smugglers, Males or Females (12): HD 1d4; AC 7 [12]; Atk (1); Move 12 (fly 36); Save 14; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special:
short sword (1d6) or shortbow x2 (1d6); Move 12; Save 18; AL conjure 8 HD air elemental 1/day, invisibility 1/day, immune
N; CL/XP B/10; Special: surprise on 1–3 on 1d6. to poison gas.
Equipment: leather armor, short sword, shortbow, 10
arrows, thieves’ tools. Uth’laktru and Pekhmar, Man-Urchin Males: HD 2; HP 8; AC
8 [11]; Atk slam (1d4); Move 12; Save 16; AL N; CL/XP 3/60;
Yolf (Thf3): HP 9; AC 7 [12]; Atk short sword (1d6) or dagger Special: those in melee combat with them must pass a save
(1d4) or dart (1d3); Save 13; AL C; CL/XP 2/30; Special: each round or suffer 1 point of damage from their spines.
backstab (x2), +2 save vs. traps, read languages, thieving
abilities. Novum, Mercurial Male: HD 4; HP 20; AC 2 [17]; Atk slam
Thieving Abilities: Climb 87%, Tasks 25%, Hear 4 in 6, (1d4+1); Move 12; Save 13; AL C; CL/XP 5/240; Special: gaze
Hide 20%, Silent 30%, Locks 20%. attack (save or affect by suggestion)
Equipment: leather armor, short sword, 3 daggers, 5
darts, thieves’ tools. Bavylos, lamia noble female goddess: HD 18; HP 84; AC
3 [16]; Atk 2 claws (1d12); Move 30; Save 3; AL C; CL/XP
Krand (Thf4): HP 8; AC 7 [12]; Atk short sword (1d6) or dagger 21/4700; Special: magical abilities (3/day—charm person,
(1d4); Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 3/60; Special: backstab (x2), +2 charm monster, suggestion), touch drains 1d4 wisdom for
save vs. traps, read languages, thieving abilities. 1d6 days.
Thieving Abilities: Climb 88%, Tasks 30%, Hear 4 in 6,
Hide 25%, Silent 35%, Locks 25%.
Equipment: leather armor, short sword, 2 daggers, 3503 Night Gaunt Canyon
thieves’ tools. This portion of the Red River runs through a canyon with steep,
towering walls. There are narrow beaches on the sides of the canyon, and
they are littered with wreckage from barges and keelboats. At night, the
3501 Brothel canyon is filled with fluttering nightgaunts, who snatch at folk moving
Adventurers may come across a circle of stone longhouses. The down the river and carry them wherever the Referee would like them
longhouses are a brothel, where the wizard Malphas has trained a to go. One of the smaller caves in the canyon walls is the entrance to a
wondrous menagerie of creatures in tantric secrets that, when practiced, shrine of Tsathogga, a shrine tended by an old hermit with a lazy eye and
thin the barriers between this world and another. The menagerie includes fetid breath. The hermit is called Azbik, and he serves the chaos cult of
a haughty salamander called Yizbard, twin mermaids called Ophelia Sanctum, who make their way to the spot during the new moon to give
and Lily (their longhouse contains a pool), a highborn Venusian lady offerings of gold and blood to the frog god. An elf might notice blackened
(green skin, four arms), a fallen deva named Uzrakiel (he has lost his iron spikes pounded into the wall beneath the cave.
wings), a sylph named Ephemera held in her house by a silver chain, The cave extends back 20 feet and then opens into a temple of polished
two handsome men named Uth’laktru and Pekhmar covered with spines stone. There is an altar festooned with black candles atop human skulls.
and man with silver skin and black eyes called Novom. The prices here Azbik sleeps on a straw mat in front of the idol. He has a silver flute that
are quite affordable, and the services are only occasionally lethal. Each summons a black pudding up from a deep pit, about 2 feet in diameter,
time a service is used, there is a 1% chance that the hex will be filled located in the center of the temple.
with stinging, purple mists that will slowly (over the course of 24 hours)
manifest as a gargantuan lamia noble called Bavylos, the goddess of a Azbik (Clr9): HP 22; AC 2 [17]; Atk +2 light mace (1d4+2);
demi-plane of lust who will endeavor to make a new home for herself in Save 7; AL C; CL/XP 10/1400; Special: banish undead, +2 vs.
this plane. poison and paralyzation, spells (3/3/3/2/2).
Spells: 1st—cure light wounds x3; 2nd—hold person x3;
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 hex crawl chronicles
3rd—prayer, speak with the dead x2; 4th—cure serious Large caravans gather here to make the torturous journey into the eastern
wounds, protection form good, 10 ft radius; 5th—finger lands, over the mountains, to trade for exotic goods. The village is
of death x2. composed of about 100 odd buildings constructed of stones, bricks, timber
Equipment: plate mail, shield, +2 light mace (allows (some of it driftwood) and whatever else the people could find. The town
Azbik to become a cloud of flies, 1/day – per gaseous has no enemies, so it has no defensive walls, though it does have about 20
form spell), unholy symbol. men-at-arms (some of them ex-buccaneers) who patrol the town. They
wear ring armor and carry spears and short bows.
Nightgaunt: HD 4; AC 5 [14]; Atk 2 claws (1d4) and tail (1d4 The largest building in the town is a stone counting house, where
+ submission); Move 12 (fly 21); Save 13; AL C; CL/XP 6/400; merchants gather to trade goods and change money as needed. Next to
Special: magic resistance (5%), submission (save or stunned this building stands the manor house (a 3-story Victorian that has seen
for 1d4 rounds), surprise on 1–3 on 1d6. better days) of Grubnitz, the Lord Mayor, a money-grubbing old lout
who, nonetheless, has a keen mind and fine organizational skills. The
Black Pudding: HD 10; HP 48; AC 6 [13]; Atk attack (3d8); town has cobblestone streets that are traversed by the colorful cattle of
Move 6; Save 5; AL N; CL/XP 11/1700; Special: acidic the southerners, the century worms of the westerners, pack mules led by
surface, divides when hit with lightning, immune to cold. prospectors, and the local well-to-do on Mad Marva’s latest invention,
the velocipede (which you know as bicycles). The streets are usually
thick with people visiting the many taverns and gambling houses, traders,
3606 Locathah mercenaries and craftsmen. The food tends to be salty and the booze is
The locathah have a watch station here, near the shore. The locals often watered down, but in all the place presents a festive atmosphere,
know about it, and only a novice navigator would ever run into with and considering that it is the last post of civilization for many days in any
their boat. The station is a stout tower that rises to within 3 feet of the direction.
surface. It is built of cut stone of various textures and colors, giving One can find just about anything they need to buy in Sanctum,
it a patchwork appearance. Three trident-armed locathah are always though the prices are usually 2 to 5 times normal (roll 1d4+1) due to
to be found atop the tower, occasionally poking their heads above the the transportation costs and the paucity of resources. Sanctum boasts a
water to keep an eye on things. The locals usually know them by name number of small temples dedicated to a wide variety of deities (Arauc,
(one can tell them apart by their tendrils and skin patterns), and they the god of trade and patron deity of the town, Akatele, the irascible sky
often stop to talk and trade a little tobacco (the locathah like to chew god with a heart of gold worshiped by the golden men of the south, the
it) for some fish or simply for their goodwill of the locathah. In total, faceless and nameless blood goddess of the golden men of the west, the
twenty locathah are assigned to the watch tower, one of them being Great Spirit of the Halayans, and many gods and goddesses who probably
the commander (3 HD) and two sub-commanders (2 HD). They wear had their origin in the drug-addled minds of their prophets), as well as a
mail ponchos (made of bronze rings) and are armed with tridents and secret chaos cult dedicated to Tsathogga the frog god. The cult is led by
light crossbows. Vermes, a charismatic merchant who weaves many webs of mistrust in a
bid to seize power in Sanctum and eventually conquer the entire region in
Locathah (20): HD 1; AC 6 [13]; Atk trident (1d6) or light the name of his dread lord.
crossbow (1d8); Move 12 (swim 18); Save 17; AL N; CL/XP
1/15; Special: none. Man-at-Arms: HD 1; AC 6 [13]; Atk spear (1d8) or short bow
Equipment: bronze mail poncho, trident. x2 (1d6); Move 12; Save 17; AL N; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none.
Equipment: ring mail, spear, short bow, 20 arrows.
Locathah sub-commanders (2): HD 2; HP 8, 11; AC 6 [13];
Atk trident (1d6) or light crossbow (1d8); Move 12 (swim 18); Grubnitz: HD 1d4; HP 3; AC 9 [10]; Atk weapon (1d6); Save
Save 16; AL N; CL/XP 2/30; Special: none. 18; AL N; CL/XP A/5; Special: none.
Equipment: bronze mail poncho, trident.
Vermes (Clr7): HP 23; AC 2 [17]; Atk +1 light mace (1d4+1);
Locathah commander: HD 3; HP 17; AC 6 [13]; Atk +1 trident Save 9; AL C; CL/XP 8/800; Special: banish undead, +2 vs.
(1d6+1) or light crossbow (1d8); Move 12 (swim 18); Save 14; poison and paralyzation, spells (2/2/2/1/1).
AL N; CL/XP 3/60; Special: none. Spells: 1st— cure light wounds, protection from good;
Equipment: bronze mail poncho, +1 trident, coral 2nd—hold person x2; 3rd—prayer x2; 4th—cure serious
crown (worth 125 gp). wounds; 5th—finger of death.
Equipment: plate mail, shield, +1 light mace (those hit
3611 Golden Man Ship from South with a natural ‘20’ must save vs. hold person for 1d4+1
rounds), unholy symbol.
Three keelboats are making their way across the lake. They carry trade
goods of the golden men of the south, mostly leather goods (including
armor, whips, sandals, boots, etc.) and dried fungus (some edible, some 3714 Beached Riverboat
poisonous, some hallucinogenic). The three boats were ported from the A fancy riverboat has been beached on the lakeshore, the crew sitting
Red River over a range of mountains and around the ancient dam that about scratching their heads while their captain sleeps off a snoot-full.
created the lake. Each of the boats has a captain and three crewmen, all The boat’s passengers are either raging at the crew, sunning themselves,
armed. They also carry with them a secret message for the lord mayor of exploring the rocky shore under the watch of four sailors armed with
Sanctum from the Emperor of the South. spears and shields, or availing themselves of the liquor and card games
aboard the ship. Prominent among the passengers are three southmen
Crewmen: HD 1; HP 4x2, 3; AC 6 [13]; Atk scimitar (1d8) and who are transporting a locked iron chest filled with a set of magic-user
curved dagger (1d4); Move 12; Save 17; AL N; CL/XP 1/15; scrolls (read magic, abacus eyes*, detect treasure*) they are delivering to
Special: none. Old Wance in Sanctum, a grave Halayan bounty hunter called Mazbury
(owns magnetic manacles that cannot be broken) and his prisoner, a
Captain: HD 5; HP 29; AC 5 [14]; Atk scimitar (1d8) and Sanctumite smuggler called Bonny Beph, and the famed Sanctumite
curved dagger (1d4); Move 12; Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; gambler Mav, in his characteristic finery milled in the far east.
Special: none.
Sailors: HD 1; AC 8 [11]; Atk spear (1d8); Move 12; Save 17;
3704 Sanctum AL N; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none.
Equipment: shield, spear, 1d4sp.
Sanctum is a small, rollicking town (pop. 1,500) on the shores of the
lake, where all sorts of folk from the surrounding lands meet to trade.
23
 The golden meadows
3717 Silver Canyon
Abacus Eyes This canyon is about 3 miles long and quite rugged. A small stream
flows through the canyon and then disappears into a pool and seeps
underground. The river sands are rich with arsenical silver. Each hour
Spell Level: Magic-User, 2nd Level spent panning has a 1 in 6 chance of producing 1d10 silver pieces worth
Range: 10 feet of silver, but the silver is mildly poisonous, robbing people of one point of
Duration: 1 round constitution each day (saving throw negates) until they die.
This spell allows the caster to immediately total the value of all
coins within 10 feet of him or her when the spell is cast.
3805 Mad Morva’s Workshop
Mad Morva is an inventor with a rather chaotic (as in absent-minded
Detect Treasure and incredibly creative, not evil) mind. She lives in a cave complex that
overlook Sanctum, where she works on her inventions and spells, aided
Spell Level: Magic-User, 2nd Level by her three apprentices, Orv, Yark and Trimble, and her guard of nine
Range: 60 feet automatons.
Duration: 20 minutes Her cave complex has been carved and refined into a mansion, with
The caster can perceive, in places, people, or things, the marble floors and wood panels in the foyer, hall and library. Her workshop
presence of valuables or treasure. For example, hidden caches of is cluttered with ideas, most half-finished (or half-baked). There is a wide
coins, magic items, art objects, etc. can all be found with this spell. variety of tools and laboratory equipment, and a completed but non-
activated iron golem in the form of a giant centipede hangs by chains from
the ceiling, and there are three velocipedes (bicycles) in various stages of
Mazbury, Halayan (Ftr7): HP 26; AC 5 [14]; Atk +2 man- completion in one corner, being worked on by the apprentices.
catcher (1 damage plus held, Open Doors roll to break free) Morva is hard to communicate with, but can be helpful if her interest is
or short sword (1d6) or throwing hammer (1d4); Save 8; AL L; piqued. She has an eye for oddities and relics of the ancients, and would
CL/XP 7/600, Special: multiple attacks (7) vs. creatures with 1 pay 10,000 for a creature she calls a prismati [04.20]. She’ll even provide a
or fewer HD. magic bottle that, if uncorked in one’s presence, will suck it in and hold it.
Equipment: chain mail, +2 man-catcher, short sword,
throwing hammer, magnetic manacles; +1 dagger Orv, Yark and Trimble (MU1): HP 3, 2, 4; AC 9 [10]; Atk
and +1 ring of protection (Mav’s possessions). dagger (1d4) or staff (1d6); Save 15; AL N; CL/XP 1/15;
Special: +2 vs. spells, spells (1).
Bonny Beph, Human Female (Thf5): HP 12; AC 7 [12]; Spells: 1st—magic missile.
Atk weapon (1d6); Save 11; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: Equipment: dagger or staff, spellbook.
backstab (x3), +2 save vs. traps, read languages, thieving
abilities. Mad Morva, Human Female (MU9): HP 16; AC 8 [11]; Atk +2
Thieving Abilities: Climb 89%, Tasks 35%, Hear 4 in 6, dagger (1d4+2); Save 7; AL N; CL/XP 9/1100; Special: +2 vs.
Hide 30%, Silent 40%, Locks 30%. spells, spells (4/3/3/2/1).
Equipment: traveling clothes. Spells: 1st—charm person x2, magic missile x2; 2nd—
phantasmal force x3; 3rd—dispel magic, hold person
Mav (Thf8): HP 18; AC 6 [13]; Atk weapon (1d6); Save 9; AL x2; 4th—charm monster, dimension door; 5th—teleport.
C; CL/XP 8/800; Special: backstab (x3), +2 save vs. traps, Equipment: +2 dagger, +1 ring of protection,
read languages, thieving abilities. spectacles (see through illusions and read people’s
Thieving Abilities: Climb 92%, Tasks 50%, Hear 4 in 6, alignments), spellbook.
Hide 40%, Silent 50%, Locks 40%.
Equipment: exotic clothing. Automaton: HD 1+1; AC 3 [16]; Atk heavy mace (1d8) or fists
(1d4); Move 30; Save 17; AL L; CL/XP 2/30; Special: immune
to disease and poison, resistance to electricity (50%).

24
 hex crawl chronicles

New Monster Appendix

worm drops the front portion of their body, straightens and pulls the back
Batfolk portion along. It is very like throwing themselves forward. They can
achieve great speed, but the process is not very comfortable for their rider,
Hit Dice: 1 leading to them generally being used as pack animals. Century worms
Armor Class: 9 [10] attack by slamming their body against their assailant, then crushing them
Attacks: bite (1d6) or weapon under the tough skin on their underside.
Saving Throw: 17
Special: none Century Worm: HD 5; AC 7 [12]; Atk trample (2d4); Move 9;
Move: 12 (fly 21) Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: none.
Alignment: Chaos
Number Appearing: 1, 2d20 or tribe of 10d10
Challenge Level/XP: 1/15 Fire Bees
Batfolk are a race often found near mountains or areas with a number of Hit Dice: 3
natural caves. They are gregarious, usually found in large family groups, Armor Class: 5 [14]
led by a priest or priestess. They live in caves, sometimes adding addtional Attacks: sting (1d4 + 1d4 fire)
structures within for privacy. Batfolk are tall and slender; averaging 7 Saving Throw: 14
feet tall and 150 lbs. Their wings look delicate, stretching translucent Special: immune to fire.
membrane 14 feet from wingtip to wingtip, but are actually tough and fast Move: 9 (fly 30)
healing. Their favored choice of movement is gliding, but they can move Alignment: Neutrality
quickly on the ground as well. Number Appearing: 1, 1d4+1, or hive of 2d8+3
Challenge Level/XP: 4/60
Batfolk: HD 1; AC 9 [10]; Atk bite (1d6) or weapon; Save 17;
Move 12 (fly 21); AL C; CL/XP 1/15; Special: none. Originally inhabitants of the elemental plane of Fire, fire bees can also
be found near weak points between the plane of Fire and the Material
Plane. These bees live in caves, often deep in the earth, generally near
Camelop lava or in hot places. They fly out to gather nectar from crystal formations
and large conflagrations in a process not well understood, and then create
Hit Dice: 2+1 a hot spicy variety of honey.
Armor Class: 7 [12] Fire bees grow to approximately 6 feet in length, with a wingspan of
Attacks: bite (1d3) about 8 feet. These creatures weigh 30 pounds and live in their adult form
Saving Throw: 16 for 25–30 years. Fire bees’ stingers can be used to sting foes repeatedly,
Special: none with additional fire damage from their heat radiation.
Move: 20
Alignment: Neutrality Fire Bees: HD 3; AC 5 [14]; Atk sting (1d4 + 1d4 fire); Move 9
Number Appearing: 1 or 2d20 (fly 30); Save 14; AL N; CL/XP 4/60; Special: immune to fire.
Challenge Level/XP: 2/30

Camelops are large camels, standing about 7 feet tall at the shoulder. Grimlock
They have small humps, and thus do not have quite the range of camels,
but their greater carrying capacity makes them excellent pack animals. Hit Dice: 2
Armor Class: 7 [12]
Camelops: HD 2+1; AC 7 [12]; Atk bite (1d3); Move 20; Save Attacks: weapon (1d8)
16; AL N; CL/XP 2/30; Special: none. Saving Throw: 16
Special: can sense creatures and objects within 40 ft.,
immune to gaze attacks.
Century Worm Move: 12
Alignment: Chaos
Hit Dice: 5 Number Appearing: 1d3+1, 1d4+4, 1d10+10, 1d6x10 plus 1
Armor Class: 7 [12] leader with 5HD per 10 adults
Attacks: trample (2d4) Challenge Level/XP: 2HD (4/60), 5 HD (7/600)
Saving Throw: 12
Special: none Grimlocks are evil and foul subterranean dwellers believed to be
Move: 9 descendants of an ancient human race. Legends speak of long ago wars
Alignment: Neutrality between various races that drove humans underground. For a while,
Number Appearing: 1, 1d10, or army of 10d10 they survived on what food they could forage, but eventually turned to
Challenge Level/XP: 2/30 cannibalism; beginning with small underground animals such as rats and
other rodents, and eventually turning to aboveground raids on other races.
Century works are a large animal found in deserts, though they can Grimlocks dine on humanoid flesh and blood (with humans and dwarves
tolerate a wide variety of habitat. Like the worm of their name, they do not being their favorite meals). They are primitive creatures, living in tribal
have limbs, and propel themselves forward by bracing the back portion of communities of up to 60 or more individuals in underground caves and
their body while pushing and extending the front portion. Then the century tunnels. Raiding and hunting bands often venture to the surface world to
attack nearby settlements, capturing or killing those they encounter and
25
 The golden meadows
returning to their lair to feast upon their spoils. Raids such as these are
always conducted at night under the cover of darkness when grimlocks
have the advantage. Grimlocks detest sunlight but are not harmed by it.
Kith-yin
When not raiding the surface world, grimlocks often battle with other Hit Dice: 4
subterranean races including drow, dwarves, duergar, and even other Armor Class: 3 [16]
grimlock tribes. Such battles can consist of outright warfare, but most of Attacks: silver sword (1d6+1)
the time the battles are simple raids into other underground lairs to procure Saving Throw: 13
food (usually human or dwarven slaves kept by the other underground Special: magical abilities (at will—ESP), psychic blast (1/day;
races). When engaged in wars with other races, grimlock leaders often save or suffer 1d4 points of intelligence damage and 1d6
ride basilisks into battle. Some larger grimlock lairs often have at least one points of hit point damage from pain, intelligence returns 1
medusa in midst as well. point/day).
A grimlock stands 5 to 6 feet tall and weighs 150 to 200 pounds. Its Move: 12
skin is slate gray and its hair is oily and matted. The creature emanates a Alignment: Neutrality
stench that most others find nauseating, yet to a grimlock, it’s a means of Number Appearing: 1, 2d4 or 3d8
identification, for each scent is unique to a grimlock. Such fine distinctions Challenge Level/XP: 5/240
are noticeable to other grimlocks, and possibly other creatures with a
strong olfactory sense. Kith-yin look like emaciated elves (they are, in fact related, and are
Due to their lack of sight, grimlocks prefer melee to ranged combat sometimes called astral elves). These creatures are commonly encountered
and close on enemies quickly when engaged. They attack with their on the Astral Plane.Kith-Yin live in extended family groups on their
menacing axes or powerful slams, slashing or pummeling their foes until ships, sailing the Astral Plane in search of food, materiel, and slaves. A
their opponents are dead. Opponents that attempt to flee are run down and successful clan will have a variety of ships, with the best guarded housing
killed. Grimlocks that fall in combat are “honored” by being carried off noncombatants. Raiding ships, called hawks, range far and wide seeking
the field of battle and devoured by their own. valuables to return to the family.
Recent forays into underground caverns and caves by an intrepid band Like their cousins, they are adept in the use of longsword and longbow,
of adventurers speak of another race of grimlocks, civilized, and non- and their warriors often wield silver longswords. These are rumored to
cannibalistic. These same adventurers speak of a large underground city be able to banish travelers from the Astral Plane on a confirmed critical.
full of these creatures. Whether these are truly advanced grimlocks or Kith-Yin attack using weapons or spells, depending on their abilities.
another race entirely is yet to be confirmed. Raiding parties will often retreat if an attack goes badly. If the family ship
is attacked, however, Kith-Yin fight to the death.
Grimlock: HD 2; AC 7 [12]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 12;
Save 16; AL C; CL/XP 2/30; Special: can sense creatures and Kith-yin: HD 4; AC 3 [16]; Atk silver sword (1d6+1); Move 12;
objects within 40 ft., immune to gaze attacks. Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: magical abilities (at
will—ESP), psychic blast (1/day; save or suffer 1d4 points of
Grimlock Leader: HD 5; AC 7 [12]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move intelligence damage and 1d6 points of hit point damage
12; Save 12; AL C; CL/XP 7/600; Special: can sense creatures from pain, intelligence returns 1 point/day).
and objects within 40 ft., immune to gaze attacks. Equipment: silver chain mail, silver longsword.

Infant Vampire Nightgaunt

Hit Dice: 1 Hit Dice: 4
Armor Class: 3 [16] Armor Class: 5 [14]
Attacks: bite (1d4 + sleep) Attacks: 2 claws (1d4) and tail (1d4 + submission)
Saving Throw: 17 Saving Throw: 13
Special: drain level with hit, gaseous form, only killed in Special: magic resistance (5%), submission (save or stunned
coffin, +1 or silver weapon to hit, regenerate (1hp/round). for 1d4 rounds), surprise on 1–3 on 1d6.
Move: 6 (fly 9) Move: 12 (fly 21)
Alignment: Chaos Alignment: Chaos
Number Appearing: 1, 1d4+1 or1d6+4 Number Appearing: 1or 1d4+1
Challenge Level/XP: 4/60 Challenge Level/XP: 6/400
An undead variant, infant vampires hatch from blood soaked eggs Nightgaunts are a race of night flying humanoids, often summoned for
rather than being created from living humanoids. These creatures are transport or to abduct persons for their summoner. They have an uncanny
quite rare, created under unusual circumstances. Generally, a spell casting ability to traverse time and space, using routes unknown to other races.
vampire will encase a stillborn child in a caul-like substance that he or she Nightgaunts can travel the spaces between planets safely for themselves
creates, which then hardens as it preserves the body. Left near a source of and their passengers, making them a valuable though risky mode of
negative energy, they infant vampires gradually incubates, waiting for the transport. Nightgaunts stand 10 feet tall and have wings and tails. A
necessary blood to hatch. nightgaunt has no discernible facial features, and horns rise from their
Infant vampires are generally 2 feet long and weigh 10–12 lbs. head, where their brow should be. Their skin has an unpleasant rubbery
Appearance is based on the original infant, with the addition of fangs, claw texture, and they are hairless. The prehensile tail has a wicked stinger that
like fingers, and glowing red eyes. Infant vampires do not speak, though cause targets to fall into a listless submission.
there are instances of longer lived examples understanding simple orders.
Infant vampires do not grow into full adult vmpires; they are trapped in Nightgaunt: HD 4; AC 5 [14]; Atk 2 claws (1d4) and tail (1d4
the infant stage for their entire existence. Infant vampires attack with their + submission); Move 12 (fly 21); Save 13; AL C; CL/XP 6/400;
bite, which contains an anesthetic which causes sleep. Special: magic resistance (5%), submission (save or stunned
for 1d4 rounds), surprise on 1–3 on 1d6.
Infant Vampires: HD 1; AC 3 [16]; Atk bite (1d4 + sleep);
Move 6 (fly 9); Save 17; AL C; CL/XP 4/60; Special: drain
level with hit, gaseous form, only killed in coffin, +1 or silver
weapon to hit, regenerate (1hp/round).

26
 hex crawl chronicles
Special: silence (as silence 15 ft radius—constant).
Prismati Move: 9
Alignment: Neutrality
Hit Dice: 5 Number Appearing: 1 or 1d10
Armor Class: 1 [18] Challenge Level/XP: 11/1700
Attacks: touch (2d4 cold, electricity or fire damage)
Saving Throw: 12 Silent Knights are an infernal golem-like creation, created to fight
Special: magical abilities (1/day—prismatic sphere), +1 or as foot soldiers in a never ending war against heaven. Forged of evil
better weapon to hit, resistance to cold, electricity and fire. tainted metal, quenched in bile, silent knights gain the ability to move
Move: 0 (fly 18) with unnatural stealth. Often, they are unnoticed until they strike. A silent
Alignment: Neutrality knight stands 6 feet tall. They are humanoid in shape, forged entirely of
Number Appearing: 1, 1d4 or 3d6 lusterless black metal. Silent knights attack with whatever weapon was
Challenge Level/XP: 10/1400 forged in their hands, most commonly a longsword.

Prismati are native to the astral plane, appearing as clouds of energy in Silent Knight: HD 7; AC 2 [17]; Atk weapon (1d8); Move 9;
shifting colors. These clouds produce a strange hum that becomes higher Save 9; AL N; CL/XP 8/800; Special: silence.
pitched when they are angry or upset, and takes on a low, throbbing rhythm

Snapping Dragonet
when they are content. They are typically encountered on the material
plane when travelling to or visiting a pilgrimage site of their, a well that
emits prismatic energy. Communication, while possible, is difficult, given
the alien nature of their speech. Due to their amorphous nature they are Hit Dice: 3
resistant to damage. Armor Class: 2 [17]
Prismati attack with their touch attack by brushing opponents and Attacks: bite (2d6) or 2 claws (1d4)
harming them with the energies of their form. If pressed, they use their Saving Throw: 14
prismatic sphere ability to gain time and the opportunity to flee. Special: immune to sleep and charm, song, surprise on roll of
1–2 on 1d6 in desert environment.
Prismati: HD 5; AC 1 [18]; Atk touch (2d4 cold, electricity or Move: 9
fire damage); Move 0 (fly 18); Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 10/1400; Alignment: Neutrality
Special: magical abilities (1/day—prismatic sphere), +1 or Number Appearing: 1 or 1d4+1
better weapon to hit, resistance to cold, electricity and fire. Challenge Level/XP: 4/120

Snapping dragonets are small dragons who burrow into the ground.
Shimmering Radiance They are nocturnal hunters, and not terribly intelligent. A snapping
dragonet is about five ft. long. Their necks, backs and limbs are covered
Hit Dice: 8 by thick, protective scales. These scales are usually patterned red and
Armor Class: 1 [18] blue, but other colors have been seen. Most prized by hunters are the
Attacks: touch (1d6) silver and white variety, which is quite uncommon, though spectacular in
Saving Throw: 8 appearance. At night, they can sing a haunting song that often causes elves
Special: burn the flesh, +1 or better weapon to hit, wasting to fall into a deep reverie, essentially leaving them stunned for 1d6 hours.
disease. Snapping Dragonets attack with their claws and bite. They prefer to flee
Move:18 combat if at all possible if they do not initiate it.
Alignment: Neutrality
Number Appearing: 1 or 1d10 Snapping Dragonet: HD 3; AC 2 [17]; Atk bite (2d6) or 2
Challenge Level/XP: 11/1700 claws (1d4); Move 12 (burrow 9); Save 14; AL N; CL/XP 4/120;
Special: immune to sleep and charm, song, surprise on roll of
A shimmering radiance is a strange entity that appears as a cloud of 1–2 on 1d6 in desert environment.
wispy smoke and shimmering motes of light. One can determine the

Synthoid
“mood” of a shimmering radiance by the color – blue means anger, red
depression and green joy. Their minds are quite alien, and thus their actions
do not always fit their moods. A shimmering radiance is usually about 10
feet in diameter and roughly spherical. Their touch causes pronounced Hit Dice: 2+2
burns on the skin and can impart a wasting disease. In essence, they can Armor Class: 7 [12]
make a single attack against any creature they have engulfed. Those struck Attacks: fist (1d3)
by this disease must pass a saving throw each week or lose 1d4 points Saving Throw: 16
of constitution until the disease has been cured by magic. A shimmering Special: none.
radiance cannot run, and it can be moved about by strong winds, though Move: 12
usually in such conditions they cling close to the ground and, though they Alignment: Neutrality
cannot attack, are also unmoved by the wind. Number Appearing: 1 or 1d4+1
Challenge Level/XP: 2/30
Shimmering Radiance: HD 8; AC 1 [18]; Atk touch (1d6);
Move 18; Save 8; AL N; CL/XP 11/1700; Special: burn the Synthoids are a variant type of flesh golem. Often created for
flesh, +1 or better weapon to hit, wasting disease. companionship, they are generally granted intelligence when they are
created. Synthoids can have a variety of appearances, but are typically
attractive and fit. Personality varies, but they are commonly friendly and
Silent Knight companionable. A sythoid will usually try to avoid combat, but when
pressed, will use its slam attack before trying to flee.
Hit Dice: 7
Armor Class: 2 [17] Synthoid: HD 2+2; AC 7 [12]; Atk fist (1d3); Move 12; Save 16;
Attacks: weapon (1d8) AL N; CL/XP 2/30; Special: none.
Saving Throw: 9

27
 The golden meadows
Special: cast spells as 5th level druid (3/2/1), transform to slime.
Varghoul Move: 6
Alignment: Neutrality
Hit Dice: 3 Number Appearing: 1 or 2d4
Armor Class: 5 [14] Challenge Level/XP: 8/800
Attacks: bite (1d6)
Saving Throw: 14 Walking slimes are a race that is rumored to have been created in
Special: disease (extra 1d6 points of damage), invisibility, some horrific arcane experiment. While they appear to be humanoid,
undead. and are quite intelligent, closer examination yields the fact that they
Move: 24 are actually slime held together in a humanoid form. Powerful druids
Alignment: Chaos are not uncommon. While there is speculation on how they can retain
Number Appearing: 1, 2 or 2d4 their humanoid shape, there have only been a few who encountered them
Challenge Level/XP: 5/240 who escaped. Those who have say that they can shift between slime and
humanoid forms with ease.
Varghouls are undead wolves with ghoulish appetites. They are capable
of becoming invisible for up to 6 rounds per day, and their bite injects Walking Slime: HD 5; AC 9 [11]; Atk touch (1d6 + turn to
toxins that cause one’s flesh to flake off if they fail a saving throw. slime); Move 6; Save 12; AL N; CL/XP 8/800; Special: cast
Varghouls attack in packs, harrying with their bite attack, bringing down spells as 5th level druid (3/2/1), transform to slime.
prey. They only flee when more than half of a pack has been killed or Spells: 1st—faerie fire x3; 2nd—heat metal, produce
incapacitated. flame; 3rd—protection against fire.

Varghoul: HD 3; AC 5 [14]; Atk bite (1d6); Move 24; Save

14; AL C; CL/XP 5/240; Special: disease (extra 1d6 points of
damage), invisibility, undead.

Viper Hound
Hit Dice: 4
Armor Class: 4 [15]
Attacks: bite (1d4 + poison)
Saving Throw: 13
Special: lethal poison.
Move: 18
Alignment: Neutrality
Number Appearing: 1 or 2
Challenge Level/XP: 5/240

The viper hound looks like a large wolf with close-cropped, brownish-
red fur and yellow eyes. They have pronounced fangs, like those of a
cobra, and a poisonous bite. They are a solitary hunter, though once a pair
mates, it is for life. Litters are typically 2–4 pups, able to hunt after about
8 weeks. Usually, the pups leave after a year, right before a new litter
will be born. They can be trained a guard animal if acquired as a puppy.
Generally the parents will defend a den to the death, so these puppies are
rare and quite prized.

Viper Hound: HD 4; AC 4 [15]; Atk bite (1d4 + poison); Move

18; Save 13; AL N; CL/XP 5/240; Special: lethal poison.

Walking Slime
Hit Dice: 5
Armor Class: 9 [11]
Attacks: touch (1d6 + turn to slime)
Saving Throw: 12

28
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