DDEX1-05 The Courting of Fire (5e)

The Co
ourtting
g of Firee
AAn exiled cultisst and his kobolld minions are spotted searchhing long-forgottten ruins in th
he Dragonspire e Mountains. Ru umors
ssay he looks forr a precious gift
ft to give to a fearsome dragon
n that dwells th
here. What he h hopes to attain with his gift is
uunknown, but can't
c be good fo
or the citizens of
o Phlan. An ad
dventure for 1stt-4th level charracters.
Adventure Code: DDEX
X1‐5
C
Credits
A
Adventure Design
n: Jobe Bittman
D
Development andd Editing: Claire Hoffman,
H Chris Tulach,
T Travis Wo
oodall
D
D&D Organized Play:
P Chris Tulach
D
D&D R&D Playerr Experience: Greeg Bilsland
D
D&D Adventurerss League Wizardss Team: Greg Bilsland, Chris Linddsay, Shelly Mazzzanoble, Chris Tulach
D
D&D Adventurerss League Administrators: Robert Adducci, Bill Bennham, Travis Wooodall, Claire Hofffman, Greg Marrks, Alan Patrick
D
Debut: August 29
9, 2014
R
Release: October 1, 2014
D
DUNGEONS & DR
RAGONS, D&D, Wizards
W of the Coast, Forgotten Reaalms, the dragon ampersand, Playeer’s Handbook, Moonster Manual, Du
ungeon
M
Master’s Guide, D&
&D Adventurers Leeague, D&D Enco
ounters, D&D Expeditions, D&D Eppics, all other Wizaards of the Coast product names, aand
th
heir respective log
gos are trademarkks of Wizards of th
he Coast in the US
SA and other counntries. All characteers and their distinctive likenesses are
p
property of Wizard
ds of the Coast. Th
his material is pro
otected under the copyright
c laws of the United Statess of America. Any reproduction or
u
unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained
d herein is prohib
bited without the eexpress written peermission of Wizards of the Coast.
©
©2014 Wizards off the Coast LLC, PO
P Box 707, Rento
on, WA 98057-0707, USA. Manufacttured by Hasbro S
SA, Rue Emile-Boééchat 31, 2800
D
Delémont, CH. Represented by Hassbro Europe, 4 Thee Square, Stockleyy Park, Uxbridge, M
Middlesex, UB11 1ET, UK.
Not for rresale. Permission granted to print o
or photocopy this document for perrsonal use only.
Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

League home.
Introduction
Welcome to The Courting of Fire, a D&D Expeditions
TM Preparing the Adventure
adventure, part of the official D&D Adventurers Before you show up to Dungeon Master this adventure
TM
League organized play system and the Tyranny of for a group of players, you should do the following to
DragonsTM storyline season. prepare.
This adventure is designed for three to seven 1st-
4th level characters, and is optimized for five 2nd Make sure to have a copy of the most current
level characters. Characters outside this level range version of the D&D basic rules or the Player’s
cannot participate in this adventure. Players with HandbookTM.
ineligble characters can create a new 1st-level character Read through the adventure, taking notes of
or use a pregenerated character. anything you’d like to highlight or remind yourself
The adventure begins in the bustling frontier town of while running the adventure, such as a way you’d
Phlan, but the adventurers soon find themselves like to portray an NPC or a tactic you’d like to use in
trekking northwest into the treacherous Dragonspine a combat.
Mountains. Get familiar with the monster statistics in the
Appendix.
The D&D Adventurers Gather together any resources you’d like to use to
League
aid you in Dungeon Mastering, such as notecards, a
DM screen, miniatures, battlemaps, etc.
This adventure is official for D&D Adventurers League If you know the composition of the group
play. The D&D Adventurers League is the official beforehand, you can make adjustments as noted
organized play system for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS®. throughout the adventure.
Before Play at the Table

Players can create characters and participate in any
adventure allowed as a part of the D&D Adventurers
League. As they adventure, players track their Ask the players to provide you with relevant character
characters’ experience, treasure, and other rewards, and information. This includes:
can take those characters through other adventures that
will continue their story. Character name and level
D&D Adventurers League play is broken up into Character race and class
storyline seasons. When players create characters, they Passive Wisdom (Perception)—the most common
attach those characters to a storyline season, which passive ability check
determines what rules they’re allowed to use to create Anything notable as specified by the adventure
and advance their characters. Players can continue to (such as backgrounds, traits, flaws, and so on)
play their characters after the storyline season has
finished, possibly participating in a second or third
Players that have characters outside the adventure’s
storyline with those same characters. A character’s level
level range cannot participate in the adventure with
is the only limitation for adventure play. A player cannot
those characters. Players with ineligible characters can
use a character of a level higher or lower than the level
make a new 1st-level character or use a pregenerated
range of a D&D Adventurers League adventure.
character. Players can play an adventure they previously
If you’re running this adventure as a part of a store
played or ran as a Dungeon Master, but not with the
event or at certain conventions, you’ll need a DCI
same character (if applicable).
number. This number is your official Wizards of the
Ensure that each player has an official adventure
Coast organized play identifier. If you don’t have a
logsheet for his or her character (if not, get one from the
number, you can obtain one at a store event. Check with
organizer). The player will fill out the adventure name,
your organizer for details.
session number, date, and your name and DCI number.
For more information on playing, running games as a
In addition, the player also fills in the starting values for
Dungeon Master, and organizing games for the D&D
XP, gold, downtime, renown, and number of permanent
Adventurers League, please visit the D&D Adventurers
magic items. He or she will fill in the other values and
The Courting of Fire

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. 2

write notes at the conclusion of the session. Each player Determining Party Strength
is responsible for maintaining an accurate logsheet. Party Composition Party Strength
If you have time, you can do a quick scan of a player’s 3-4 characters, APL less than Very weak
character sheet to ensure that nothing looks out of 3-4 characters, APL equivalent Weak
order. If you see magic items of very high rarities or 3-4 characters, APL greater than Average
strange arrays of ability scores, you can ask players to 5 characters, APL less than Weak
provide documentation for the irregularities. If they 5 characters, APL equivalent Average
cannot, feel free to restrict item use or ask them to use a 5 characters, APL greater than Strong
standard ability score array. Point players to the D&D 6-7 characters, APL less than Average
Adventurers League Player’s Guide for reference. 6-7 characters, APL equivalent Strong
If players wish to spend downtime days and it’s the 6-7 characters, APL greater than Very strong
beginning of an adventure or episode, they can declare
their activity and spend the days now, or they can do so Average party strength indicates no recommended
at the end of the adventure or episode. adjustments to the adventure. Each sidebar may or may
Players should select their characters’ spells and not offer suggestions for certain party strengths. If a
other daily options prior to the start of the adventure, particular recommendation is not offered for your group,
unless the adventure specifies otherwise. Feel free to you don’t have to make adjustments.
Dungeon Mastering the

reread the adventure description to help give players
hints about what they might face.
Adjusting the Adventure Adventure

As the DM of the session, you have the most important
Throughout this adventure, you may see sidebars to help
role in facilitating the enjoyment of the game for the
you make adjustments to this adventure for
players. You help guide the narrative and bring the
smaller/larger groups and characters, of higher/lower
words on these pages to life. The outcome of a fun game
levels that the optimized group size. Most of the time,
session often creates stories that live well beyond the
this is used for combat encounters.
play at the table. Always follow this golden rule when
You may adjust the adventure beyond the guidelines
you DM for a group:
given in the adventure, or for other reasons. For
example, if you’re playing with a group of inexperienced
Make decisions and adjudications that enhance the fun
players, you might want to make the adventure a little
of the adventure when possible.
easier; for very experienced players, you might want to
make it a little harder. Therefore, five categories of party
To reinforce this golden rule, keep in mind the following:
strength have been created for you to use as a guide.
Use these as a guide, and feel free to use a different
You are empowered to make adjustments to the
adjustment during the adventure if the recommended
adventure and make decisions about how the group
party strength feels off for the group.
interacts with the world of this adventure. This is
This adventure is optimized for a party of five 2nd-
especially important and applicable outside of
level characters. To figure out whether you need to
combat, but feel free to adjust the adventure for
adjust the adventure, do the following:
groups that are having too easy or too hard of a
time.
Add up the total levels of all the characters
Don’t make the adventure too easy or too difficult
Divide the total by the number of characters
for a group. Never being challenged makes for a
Round fractions of .5 or greater up; round frations
boring game, and being overwhelmed makes for a
of less than .5 down
frustrating game. Gauge the experience of the
players (not the characters) with the game, try to
You’ve now determined the average party level (APL)
feel out (or ask) what they like in a game, and
for the adventure. To figure out the party strength for
attempt to give each of them the experience they’re
the adventure, consult the following table.
after when they play D&D. Give everyone a chance
to shine.


Be mindful of pacing, and keep the game session downtime activities help with lifestyle expenses or add
moving along appropriately. Watch for stalling, lifestyle expenses.
since play loses momentum when this happens. At
the same time, make sure that the players don’t Spellcasting Services
finish too early; provide them with a full play
Any settlement the size of a town or larger can provide
experience. Try to be aware of running long or
some spellcasting services. Characters need to be able
short. Adjust the pacing accordingly.
to travel to the settlement to obtain these services.
Read-aloud text is just a suggestion; feel free to
Alternatively, if the party finishes an adventure, they can
modify the text as you see fit, especially when
be assumed to return to the settlement closest to the
dialogue is present.
adventure location.
Give the players appropriate hints so they can make
Spell services generally available include healing and
informed choices about how to proceed. Players
recovery spells, as well as information-gathering spells.
should be given clues and hints when appropriate
Other spell services might be available as specified in
so they can tackle puzzles, combat, and interactions
the adventure. The number of spells available to be cast
without getting frustrated over lack of information.
as a service is limited to a maximum of three per day
This helps to encourage immersion in the
total, unless otherwise noted.
adventure and gives players “little victories” for
figuring out good choices from clues. Spellcasting Services
Spell Cost
In short, being the DM isn’t about following the Cure wounds (1st level) 10 gp
adventure’s text word-for-word; it’s about facilitating a Identify 20 gp
fun, challenging game environment for the players. The Lesser restoration 40 gp
Dungeon Master’s Guide TM has more information on Prayer of healing (2nd level) 40 gp
the art of running a D&D game. Remove curse 90 gp
Speak with dead 90 gp
Downtime and Lifestyle Divination 210 gp
Greater restoration 450 gp
At the beginning of each play session, players must
Raise dead 1,250 gp
declare whether or not they are spending any days of
downtime. The player records the downtime spent on
Acolyte Background
the adventure logsheet. The following options are
A character possessing the acolyte background requesting
available to players during downtime (see the D&D spellcasting services at a temple of his or her faith may request
basic rules or the D&D Adventurers League Player’s one spell per day from the Spellcasting Services table for free.
Guide for more information): The only cost paid for the spell is the base price for the
consumed material component, if any.
Catching up Character Disease,
Crafting (exception: multiple characters cannot
commit to crafting a single item)
Death, and Recovery
Practicing a profession Sometimes bad things happen, and characters get
Recuperating poisoned, diseased, or die. Since you might not have the
Spellcasting services (end of the adventure only) same characters return from session to session, here
Training are the rules when bad things happen to characters.
Other downtime options might be available during Disease, Poison, and Other Debilitating
adventures or unlocked through play, including faction- Effects
specific activities. A character still affected by diseases, poisons, and other
In addition, whenever a character spends downtime similar effects at the conclusion of an adventure can
days, that character also spends the requisite expense spend downtime days recuperating until such time as he
for his or her lifestyle. Costs are per day, so a character or she resolves the effect to its conclusion (see the
that spends ten days of downtime also spends ten days recuperating activity in the D&D basic rules). If a
of expenses maintaining his or her lifestyle. Some


character doesn’t resolve the effect between sessions, The Circle of the Scale
that character begins the next session still affected by
the debilitating effect. The Circle of the Scale was a sect of druidic dragon
worshippers who resided in the foothills of the
Death Dragonspine Mountains. The Circle was led by Skovac,
A character who dies during the course of the adventure a self-titled Scalebinder, who claimed that he could
has a few options at the end of the session (or whenever subvert the will of dragons with nothing but his voice
arriving back in civilization) if no one in the adventuring using a powerful relic, which legend held to be a scale
party has immediate access to a raise dead or revivify from Tiamat herself.
spell, or similar magic. A character subject to a raise Using magic and the labors of kobolds from the local
dead spell is affected negatively until all long rests have area, they excavated a vast subterranean complex deep
been completed during an adventure. Alternatively, each within the mountains in a plot to a lure a dragon within
downtime day spent after raise dead reduces the penalty and enslave it. The dragons of the region, however,
to attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks by 1, in would not be so easily subjugated.
addition to any other benefits the downtime activity Using a large host of orcs and kobolds, a red dragon
might provide. called Scorlworyx (The Scorching Wind) attacked the
Create a New 1st-Level Character. If the dead Temple of the Scale and destroyed the sect within.
character is unwilling or unable to exercise any of the Skovac sealed himself within along with the relic, both
other options, the player creates a new character. The of which have remained within the ruins to this day.
new character does not have any items or rewards
possessed by the dead character. The Cult of the Dragon
Dead Character Pays for Raise Dead. If the
Recently, the Cult of the Dragon has learned about the
character’s body is recoverable (it’s not missing any vital
fate of both the Circle of the Scale and the relic, but was
organs and is mostly whole) and the player would like
unable to find the location of the ruins themselves. To
the character to be returned to life, the party can take
learn more, they dispatched Tibeem and Spernik to
the body back to civilization and use the dead
Mantor’s Library in Phlan. In the months following, the
character’s funds to pay for a raise dead spell. A raise
dead spell cast in this manner costs the character 1,250 two cultists would eventually discover the site of the
ruins located in the mountain foothills to the west.
gp.
With the relic in their possession, the cultists hope to
Character’s Party Pays for Raise Dead. As above,
deliver it to the red dragon, Scorlworyx, and gain her
except that some or all of the 1,250 gp for the raise dead
spell is paid for by the party at the end of the session. support.
Other characters are under no obligation to spend their
Tibeem and Spernik
funds to bring back a dead party member.
Faction Charity. If the character is of level 1 to 4 and Mantor’s Library is a busy place and there is always
a member of a faction, the dead character’s body can be work to be done. To that end, it is known to traveling
returned to civilization and a patron from the faction scribes that the library is an easy place to earn a few
ensures that he or she receives a raise dead spell. coins. The Lord Sage frequently hires such scribes to
However, any character invoking this charity forfeits all perform more menial (but ever increasing) tasks such as
XP and rewards from that session (even those earned transcription. In exchange, the library provides room,
prior to death during that session), and cannot replay board and a small stipend.
that episode or adventure with that character again. And so it was nothing out of the ordinary when two
Once a character reaches 5th level, this option is no scribes named Tibeem and Spernik showed up looking
longer available. for work. They were given a room to share and nothing
more was thought about it. Unbeknownst to the Lord
Adventure Background Sage, Tibeem and Spernik were agents of the Cult of the
The northern Moonsea region has a long and troubled Dragon—sent to Phlan to claim the relic and deliver it to
history with dragons and secret cabals. Scorlworyx.
For nearly four months, the scribes secretly scoured
the library for information regarding the Circle. It wasn't


until they stole into the Lord Sage's personal library that any stolen books that might be in his possession.
they found what they were looking for; the location of If the characters already played DDEX1-6 The Scroll
the Temple of the Scale. To prevent others from Thief, the Lord Sage has already met them and you can
discovering their plans, they created and planted use this as the reason that he has sought them out.
forgeries of the tomes. Vendetta. An item the characters left at Mantor’s
Unfortunately, however, they were caught sneaking Library has been stolen by cultists. Now, they must hunt
out of the Lord Sage's office and fled the library in a down the perpetrators.
panic, but not before the Black Fist was alerted. Spernik
was able to escape Phlan, but Tibeem was not so lucky.
He was captured by the Black Fist after killing a guard
in his attempts to escape.
It wasn't until later, when the Lord Sage investigated
Spernik and Tibeem's room, that the stolen books--and
their clever forgeries--were discovered.
The adventure begins two days later. Tibeem "swings
from Stojanow" and Spernik has a two-day head start on
his pursuers.
Overview
In Part 1, The Lord Sage of Phlan has learned of a
string of thefts and enlists the characters to bring the
criminal to justice. After some investigation, they receive
interesting news. The missing thief has been spotted
with a group of kobolds camping at the druid circle ruins
in the foothills of the Dragonspine Mountains, to which
the Lord Sage provides the characters a map.
In Part 2, the characters discover that the cultist and
his kobold minions have gained access to the entry of
the druidic temple. The cultist has set a group of
kobolds to guard the entrance while he and the rest of
his entourage descend into the depths to recover the
relic.
Retrieving the relic scale is a daunting task. The scale
is locked behind a door that can only opened by a
multipart key; each guarded by a series of traps. Given
enough time, Spernik will be able to collect the pieces of
the key and reconstruct it, abscond with the relic, and
make haste for Scorlworyx’s aerie.
Adventure Hooks
Adventurers are flocking to Phlan to seek their fortunes.
The air is positively electric with possibility. The
following adventure hooks can be used to draw the
characters into the story.
Wanted Posters. Posters around Phlan offer a
reward for capturing those responsible for a recent
murder and theft from Mantor’s Library.
The Lord Sage’s Mission. The Lord Sage of Phlan
requests that the party track down the thief and recover


Parrt 1: Studie
S es, Thhe sign displayss a list of charg
ges such as thefft,
breeaching the peaace, rendering aid and abetm ment to
thee enemies of Phhlan and a slew w of other, lesser
In
nterru upted
d offfenses.
Thhe sign reads “RReward Promissed by the Lord d
In Part 1 of the adventure, the e characters ap pproach the Saage of Phlan” annd bears an offficial-looking seeal.
LLord Sage of Ph hlan to assist inn tracking dow wn a scribe
wwho was caugh ht stealing a paiir of rare tomess. Geneeral Feattures
During this portion of the ad dventure, the addventurers
The stoory begins a feww hours before dusk in the strreets
hhave the opporttunity to gatherr information th hat may
of Phlaan.
laater help locatee the cultist. Ideally, the charaacters
The S Streets. The avvenues and byw ways are packe ed
sshould know en nough about Ph hlan by this tim
me to
with towwnsfolk returnning home from m work or headiing to
nnavigate to any points of intere est. However, those
t who
tavernss for the night. W
Wanted posterrs for the cultist at
hhave mainly parrticipated in the current Enco ounter
large arre posted at mo ost intersection
ns.
sseason or are 1st level may ne eed some additional clues
.
Lightt After sunset, the streets are e dimly lit by so
oft
rregarding wherre to go to gain information. Iff, after an
orange lamplight.
eevening’s worth h of investigatio on, the characteers are
Inns & Taverns. Th he Laughing G Goblin (inn), Th he
uunable to piece together Spern nik’s location, the
t Lord
Crackeed Crown (inn), Nat Wyler’s B Bell (tavern), Thhe
SSage provides just the informa ation the charaacters need.
Bitter B
Blade (inn), Thee Velvet Doubllet (festhall).
The adventurrers may begin their investigation
Tradde. Cockburn’s Grocery (adven nturing gear),
aanywhere they wish.
w The mosst likely place thhat the
Matteo the Weaponsm mith, Ernst’s Liivery, Jerome o of
ccharacters will go first, howevver, is Mantor’ss Library.
Malvau unt (fence).
FFrom there, the ey may visit Sto ojanow Gate to speak to
Mark ket. Podol Plazza (bazaar).
thhe Black Fist or
o Spernik’s accomplice, or an ny number
oof different loca
ations within th he city.
Man
ntor’s Librarry
C
Cool, early-evenin
ng air blows thro
ough a narrow street in Phlan.
It is likeely that the chaaracters begin ttheir search at
Mantorr’s Library; specifically with th he Lord Sage.
T
The streets are bu
ustling with famished laborers out for a meal,
vvendors hawking their wares, and
d grimy sailors lo
ooking for
m
moorage at barsttools. Sun-bleaached colonnadees frame the ausstere façade of
The evening’s peace is broken as a burly Black Fist guard Mantor’’s Library. A solittary bench sits next to a tranquil pond
p
pushes his way th
hrough the rabble and drives a nail through a at the foore of this properrty in the center of Scholar’s Squ
uare.
ssheet of parchmeent with a stout hammer--affixing
h g it to a The grouunds are well maanicured and fesstooned with blooming
ssignpost flowers aand other local fflora.
It bold, black prrint it reads “Wanted for Thieveryy Most
C
Cunning.” Mantorr’s Library is th
he most promin nent institution in
Scholarr’s Square. Thee Lord Sage off Phlan has a
P
Provide or para
aphrase the folllowing informa
ation. seeminngly inexhaustib ble reserve of e
energy which h he
devotess to curating an
nd expanding th he library’s vasst
The signpo ost has a number of similar signs nailed collectiion of encyclop
pediae, treatisess, and
to it. compen ndiums. Manto or’s Library is la
argely funded b by the
The most recent
r addition
n describes the crimes and modestt fees collectedd for performing g research,
misdeeds of o a man named d Spernik. transcrribing, and tran
nslating, and is supplemented from
The sign be ears the carica
ature of a young
g, male donatioons from the citty’s wealthier ccitizenry.
human. He e appears to haave protruding, rat-like ears
and beady eyes. How mucch of this is attrributable to
The L
Lord Sage o
of Phlan
The Loord Sage of Phllan is a half-elven male of
erty is unknown
artistic libe n.
surpasssing age. The L Lord Sage’s priimary concern is
recoverring the tomes and other pape ers stolen by th
he
cultistss. To that end, h
he answers anyy questions he can
The Co
ourting off Fire
ermission granted to print or photocopy this docume nt for personal usse only.
Not for resale. Pe 7

and allows the party to search the cultists’ room and reveal the details or reasons for the thefts.
other appurtenances. The situation has given the Lord The Lord Sage believes that Spernik possesses
Sage insomnia so he is available at all hours. other stolen books, and may have hidden them in
remote places. Killing him ensures that they won’t
Roleplaying the Lord Sage of Phlan be found.
The Lord Sage is quite old but, thanks to his half-elven blood, The Lord Sage is prepared to offer the adventurers
still retains a bit of youthful vigor. Nevertheless, he is a taciturn a total of 50 gp for bringing the thief to justice. He
and reserved man; slow to display his emotions. It is plain to will also pay an additional 100 gp for the safe return
see, however, that he is not pleased with the theft.
of any other books or tomes that were stolen from
the library.
The Lord Sage briefly describes the problem.
Developments
Two days ago, Spernik and Tibeem--two scribes
If the characters have already visited Stojanow Gate or
newly hired by the library--were caught sneaking out
return to the Lord Sage after doing so, he does not know
of the Lord Sage's Offices. When questioned as to
what to make of the scrap of paper that Tibeem carried,
their purposes, they fled. The Black Fist was
but suggests that may be a shopping list of sorts.
summoned to bring chase.
If the characters have already visited Cockburn's
Spernik and Tibeem had been employed in the
Grocer or return to the Lord Sage after doing so, he
service of the library for just over four months, and
confirms that the reference to a “red scale” in the
while skilled, they were unexceptional workers.
notebook may very well reference the druidic sect
The Black Fist was called, and managed to capture
mentioned in both of the books found in the cultists’
Tibeem, but not before Tibeem slew one of the
chamber.
guardsmen. Spernik, however, escaped.
If the characters indicate to the Lord Sage that they
The Lord Sage searched Spernik and Tibeem's
know where the standing stones are and that they are
room, and found two rare tomes that had previously
planning to go, he offers an additional 150 gp if they
been stored in the Lord Sage's personal library.
bring back any items of significant academic worth
When the books were taken back to be filed, two
(sketches, relics, rubbings, etc.) and recover any other
clever forgeries were already on the shelf in their
works that the thief might have stolen from the library.
place.
The books were found packed in a large haversack Scribe's Hall
along with other equipment typically associated Rows of writing tables and high stools are arranged
with an extended expedition; extra clothes, rope, around the perimeter of the room. The din of quills
food and water, etc. There was, however, only one scratching parchment fills the room as scribes work at
haversack despite the fact that two people lived in their desks, though two are notably empty. The Lord
the room. Sage identifies the desks as being assigned to Spernik
Upon comparing the original tomes to the forged and Tibeem.
copies, each contained subtle factual inaccuracies; Simply by asking some of the scribes, the characters
it seems that the two scribes intentionally changed can glean the following information.
the content of the forgeries.
The original The History of the North had a chapter Tibeem and Spernik had been working in the
referencing the Circle of Scale, a sect of druids that library for months but were very private; they rarely
sought to enslave dragons. This chapter was engaged in conversation with the other scribes.
missing from the forgery. The cultists rarely ate at the library; they took their
The original Lex Geographica contained an entry meals at one of the inns in town.
referring to a circle of standing stones located in the Shhh!
Dragonspine Mountains, at which a group of The cultists’ desks have nothing out of place, but
dragon-worshipping druids once resided. This entry Tibeem’s desk contains a strange item: a pillar
was missing from the forgery. folding compass—a tool most often associated with
Tibeem was arrested after he murdered a guard cartography.
while trying to flee the city. The Lord Sage visited
the thief but Tibeem was tight-lipped and did not


Spernik and Tibeem’s Room Lieutenant Bolver confirms that Tibeem was
The Lord Sage has preserved the rogue scribes’ room in arrested and with a chuckle, points to one of the
the state they left it. He alone escorts the characters into bodies hanging from the Gate.
their room. Tibeem was interrogated for a whole day and a
whole night, but divulged none of his secrets.
The room is rather small and furnished with a bunk If asked, he informs the characters that he has
bed, a narrow desk, and two small dressers. heard reports of a man fitting Spernik’s description
The desk contains what appears to be a list of heading north along the Stojanow towards the
things to be purchased from some of the stores in Dragonspine Mountains, but admits that he hasn't
Phlan. investigated the rumors further because "They're
The Lord Sage indicates that the two books were out of my jurisdiction at this point."
found in a haversack on the desk. The only thing of note that Tibeem had on his
A successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) person was a scrap of paper. It reads: “Sheaf of
check at one of the dressers reveals a false panel. vellum (1), chalk dust (1lb sack), leather case.”
Inside, there are two sets of black and purple If asked about the paper, Lieutenant Bolver shrugs
clothing, each emblazoned with the livery of a low- and suggests that is a shopping list of some sort.
ranking member of the Cult of the Dragon. Lieutenant Bolver expresses an interest in the thief
being captured alive. "We've got a spot waiting for
Stojanow Gate him on the wall next to his friend."
The Stojanow Gate is the headquarters of the Black Fist Developments

and houses the few prisoners that last more than a If the characters ask Lieutenant Bolver about the map in
couple days before being released or hanged. the notebook found at Cockburn’s Grocery, he shrugs
and states “I’m not a cartographer. Go find yourself
The massive walls of Valjevo Castle tower above you. The one.”
massive iron-bound doors of Stojanow Gate are spread wide
open as they have been for over one hundred years. From the The Laughing Goblin
top of the wall, bodies hang from thick rope; twisting slowly in
The Laughing Goblin is one of Phlan’s oldest and most
the breeze while ravens peck away at the tastier morsels.
famous inns. The quality of the food is second to none
A long line of people are lined up at a desk where a bored- and has no less than 3 different brews on tap at any
looking guard thumbs through an enormous ledger. given time and, of course, their famous cabbage soup.
The Knights of the Black Fist protect the Stojanow

Merry pipes and thumping drums can be heard a block away
Gate, the only entrance to Valjevo Castle, and act as
from a tall timber-framed building. Your mouth waters as the
keepers of the gatehouse’s crammed jail cells.
smell of roast duck, flowing ale, and pipe smoke wafts from
Unless a character has the favor of the Black Fist from
the brightly lit entrance. A woodblock sign hangs over the entry
a previous adventure or succeeds at a DC 15 Charisma
carved in the likeness of a grinning goblin’s head. Every table,
(Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion) check, they
have to wait in line. Spending gold in bribes grants bench and stool is crowded with boisterous patrons and
advantage on this check. covered in flagons of ale.

While the Laughing Goblin is owned by a dwarf named
Roleplaying Knight Lieutenant Bolver Durnam Goblinkicker, he is seldom seen there and
Lieutenant Bolver wields a lot of power in this town, and
leaves the daily operation of the place to Imizael, a
anyone who knows what’s good for them respects that. He gets
a lot of pleasure out of his job, and isn’t afraid to take a bribe. human woman with a clearly elven name. Imizael, along
He’s got a sharp wit and a sharper tongue. with her employee Fat Mar (whose real name is
Markoth), run a tight ship and have maintained the
Knight Lieutenant Cron Bolver sits at a table with a legacy of the inn’s legendary cabbage soup.
long line of frustrated people standing before him, Characters who sit at the bar have the opportunity to
most of which appear to be petitioning the meet Imizael.
Lieutenant for his aid in freeing loved ones.


R
Roleplaying Imizael The sign
n over the entran
nce of this building says simply—
—
Imizael is quite busy, but is attenttive of her patron
ns’ needs. She
Grocery . Inside, exposed
d framing buttressses the high ceiiling.
responds to quesstions curtly, nodding when it is polite
p and
d
directing customeers with a fondneess for gossip to Fat Mar, The wallls are stacked wiith shipping crates, sundry equip
page,
w
whom she insistss “should keep hiis equally fat nosse out of other and millling clients. A m iddle-aged man with thinning grey hair
p
peoples’ businesss.” beams a wide smile. “W
Welcome to Cockb
burn’s Grocery.”
If asked about the

t missing scrribe/cultist, Imiizael says, “I
sseem to recall something
s abouut those two… For
F one, Rolepllaying Tad S
Staslep
Tad is a portly man with a big appetite. H
He is usually seen
n
thhey forgot to pa
ay their tab.” chewingg on something o or at least on his way to get someething
Characters siitting at the tab
bles may speak with the to chew on. That aside, hhe’s a pleasant m
man who knows h he’s
wwaiter, who breeathlessly introduces himself as Fat Mar. got a goood thing going o
on, so he seldomm risks being
If promised a juuicy bit of gossiip or a characte
er succeeds discourtteous or disrespeectful.
oon a DC 10 Cha arisma (Persua asion) check, thhe party can
leearn the follow
wing informatio on from the gosssip-monger. Wh hile he doesn’t remember the e man from the
waanted poster, hee does rememb ber a man who made
sevveral unusual o orders over thee last few month hs.
R
Roleplaying Fat Mar (Markoth) Reetrieving a ledgger, Staslep, points out a few o of the
FFat Mar clearly dislikes his nickname, but it is welll-earned. He
iss a rotund man who
w sweats profu usely. He has a sharp tongue ordders: vellum, chhalk dust and a waterproof
aand a foul mouth but warms up in nstantly to anyonne who asks scrrollcase.
wwhat his actual naame is—introduccing himself hap ppily as Twwo days ago, aftter his last visitt, the man
MMarkoth Hasselp pond. inaadvertently left a notebook in the shop.
Thhe notebook has a couple page es ripped out aand
Tibeem and Spernik ate at a the inn oftenn and
thee rest of the pagges are blank, save for the lasst one,
generally kept
k to themselves. They were en’t the most
ontto which a crud de map has bee en drawn. If th
he
social folkss, though—theyy really didn’t like other
chaaracters have iit, the torn papeer from Stojanow
folks talkin
ng to them.
Gaate perfectly maatches one of th he missing pag ges.
Markoth te ells the party th
hat he heard froom another
Thhe map leads to o a location in tthe foothills of tthe
patron thatt the pair arrive
ed in Phlan a liittle over
Drragonspine Mou untains; approx ximately two days’
four month hs ago in a caraavan.
traavel away.
He also sayys that the duo was sometime es
accompaniied by a third person, but he hasn’t
h seen Facttion Assignment
him in a coouple weeks. Th his third personn was a
male huma an who had the e look of a scrib
be about Those ccharacters who o are memberss of the Zhentarrim
him; Marko oth never got his
h name. can takke advantage off their organiza
ation's network
k of
Upon hearing Varyll's desscriptions of Sp pernik, informaants to gain addditional inform
mation.
Tibeem, an nd the unknown n third person, any
character that
t ed in DDEX1-2 Secrets of
participate Zhenttarim
Sokol Keepep may have reccalled three peo ople fitting As the aadventurers prrepare to deparrt Phlan, memb bers of
that descrip ption dining at the Laughing Goblin the Zheentarim are con ntacted by Cha aab (male huma an).
before the bar fight broke e out. The Zh hentarim has heeard of the advventurer’s planss to
investiggate a subterraanean complex in the Dragonsspine
C
Cockburn’s Grocery Mountaains and the prrospect of a futu ure base of
operati ons has piqued d the Black Nettwork’s interesst.
T
This grocer hass been in business for quite a while. The Chaab asks memberss of the Zhentarrim for a small favor.
o
owner, Tad Staaslep, is the larg
gest provider of
o provisions Assiggnment. Discerrn the viability of a base of
in
n Phlan. operati ons in the Temmple of the Scalle.
Succcess Condition n. Fully explorin ng and mappin ng the
Templee of the Scale fufulfills the requiirements for su
uccess
in this aassignment.
The Co
ourting off Fire

Part 2: Th
he Tem
mple were m
made about two o days ago and g
gives the exactt
numberr of individualss.
of the Scalee Devellopments

A contin ngent of the Sppernik’s koboldd followers stayyed
T
The Temple of the Scale is loccated in the low
wland behind to guard the en ntrance of the ttemple and figh ht off
fo
foothills of the Dragonspine
D Mountains.
M anyonee who may be fo ollowing Spern nik or investigaating
his crimmes. Eight kobo olds (K) and twwo winged kob bolds
11. The Sta
anding Stones (U) saww the characterrs coming and a are currently hiding
behind the standing s tones and boullders in the are ea
T
The two day tripp to the standinng stones is un
neventful. surroun nding the standding stones. Th he kobolds have e had
F
Finally, the cha
aracters arrive. a fair ammount of time to prepare and d make their
Dexteriity (Stealth) check with advan ntage. Due to th he
T
The rolling hills are
a peppered with large boulders, likely falling numberr of kobolds, m making this check in advance a and in
m
millennia ago from the mountains looming abovee. Finally, you secret m may be warran nted. Roll one ccheck for all the
e
reach a large cleaaring with a 60-fo
oot-wide circle off 20-foot tall koboldss, and one sepaarate check forr all the winged d
sstones standing in
i the middle. koboldss.
Dozens of recen
ntly-made footpriints in the dusty soil lead The kkobolds wait to o attack until th
he party has enttered
to
oward the center of the circle. the circcle of stones in order to attack k from range. Iff the
charactters move to en ngage in melee e with the kobollds,
F
From a distance, the circle of standing stone
es appears the kob bolds spread ou ut and move be ehind other bou ulders
d
deserted, but da
anger lurks behhind the megallithic stones. and con ntinue to attackk from range. TThe kobolds pre efer to
attack ffrom all directions and, when n possible, focuss their
F
Features attackss on targets thaat appear to be unarmored beffore
TThe number of standing stone es and other booulders in movingg onto tougher ffoes. The urd (w (winged kobold ds)
thhe area make obtaining
o coverr fairly easy. Seee the map prefer ttake to the air aand drop rockss on unarmored d foes.
pprovided in the appendix for reference of thiss area. Note that if the charracters arrive d during the day, the
The Circle off Standing Sto ones. Normally, the kobold''s attacks are m made with disad dvantage.
eentrance to the temple is cunn ningly conceale ed in the If thee party waits ann hour or more before enterin ng the
ccenter of the cirrcle of stones, beneath
b a comp plex system circle, tthe guards assu ume the characcters moved on n and
oof shifting stone e; covered by ce enturies of dusst and plant leave thheir hiding placces.
ggrowth. It is now w open, howevver, and a set off stairs—cut
innto the rock—lead down into darkness.
Adjustting the Enccounter
Standing beh hind these stone es provides totaal cover. Here aree recommendatio ons for adjustingg this combat
Boulders. Th here are a numb ber of low boullders in the encountter. These are no t cumulative.
aarea surroundin ng the circle off standing stonees. There Veryy weak party: remmove four koboldds
aare enough bou ulders in the are ea to the degre
ee that there Weaak party: remove two kobolds
Stroong party: add tw
wo winged kobold ds
iss no more than n 30 feet of space in-between each.
e Veryy strong party: ad
dd four winged kobolds
These boulde ers provide thre ee-quarters covver to any
SSmall-sized cre eature standing g behind them anda half Treassure
ccover to anyone e Medium-sized d or larger. The kob bolds carry a ccombined treassure of a paltry 5 gp
Light. If the characters
c arrivve during the day, the area in varioous coins alongg with an assorttment of baubles,
iss well-lit. Otherrwise the moon n and stars sheed dim light such ass buttons, piecees of string and
d a dead mouse e.
inn the area.
Tracks. The tracks
t are mosstly those of Sm mall-sized Gen
neral F
Featurees of th
he
Tem
mple off the Sc
cale
ccreatures, but any
a character succeeding at a DC 10
WWisdom (Perce eption) check notices one pairr of tracks
bbelonging to a Medium-sized
M creature
c that apppeared to The bullk of the temple is controlled by the reanimaated
bbe wearing boo ots. A ranger or a successful DC D 15 corpsess of the originaal druid inhabita
ants. Unless
Intelligence (Invvestigation) check reveals tha at the tracks otherwi
wise stated, assu ume the following traits aboutt the
The Co
ourting off Fire

complex. See the map provided in the appendix for a hall, the five zombies closest to the characters turn and
description for reference of the temple complex. attack the newest intruders. The two zombies on the far
Ceilings. The ceilings within the temple are generally side of the room appear to be distracted by something
15 feet high. beyond it and do not move to attack the characters until
Light. The entire temple is lightless except for a few the second round of combat.
key locations. Unless otherwise mentioned, the rooms Any character going near the door on the far wall
are shrouded in complete darkness unless the hears muffled voices on a successful DC 10 Wisdom
characters possess a light source. (Perception) check.
Sound. The complex is as quiet and still as a tomb. Spernik has barred the door to the room on the far
wall. He is paranoid beyond measure and extremely
2. Main Hall difficult to reason with. Any character succeeding on a
DC 20 Charisma (Persuasion or Deception) check may
The druids of the Circle of the Red Scale once used the
be able to convince him that they are willing to help him.
main chamber of the complex for conducting ritualized
Any attempts to intimidate Spernik automatically fail; he
magic. Upon Spernik disturbing the first key fragment,
fears the consequences of failure more than death at the
the long-dead druids rose from the slumber of death.
hands of the characters.
Alternatively, the door may be bashed down on a
This huge room is perhaps 70 feet long and half as wide. The successful DC 15 Strength check. Doing so, however,
ceiling is 30 feet above the wide stone tiles and supported by causes Spernik to attack the characters immediately. If
three pillars that run down the center of the room. Each pillar the character’s initial attempt to burst the door in fails,
is expertly carved to resemble five chromatic dragons, the kobolds form ranks in front of Spernik while he
supporting the ceiling with their forelimbs. You can make out readies an action to cast hold person on the person
faded mosaics on the ceilings and walls depicting colorful breaking the door down in the event the characters are
dragons in flight. The sprawling scene is marred by knotty eventually successful.
roots that have poked through the tile work.
Adjusting the Encounter

Due to the number of rotted chairs and tables in the Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat
room, it is easy to deduce that this room once encounter. These are not cumulative.
functioned as a great hall, used for eating and Very weak party: remove four zombies
Weak party: remove two zombies
perhaps even ceremonial events.
Strong party: add two zombies
There are three doors that lead off from this room; Very strong party: add four zombies
one each on the left, right and far walls.
The doors to the left are made of wood and bound Treasure
in rusted iron. Though faded with time, it is still A cursory examination of each of the pillars’ carvings
obvious that the planks of the doors were once reveals the eye sockets of each of the five heads are set
brightly painted in the five colors of chromatic with semi-precious gemstones corresponding to the
dragons. color of each chromatic dragon (onyx, lapis lazuli, jade,
The door to the left leads to area 3, the druids’ garnet, and topaz).
former living quarters. The gemstones are about 25 feet off the ground.
The door to the right leads to the temple’s crypt and Climbing the pillars is simple enough, but the aged
an underground lake the druids used as a water stone is extremely brittle. Each time a character climbs
supply. a pillar, there is a 1-in-6 chance that a portion of it
The door at the far end of the hall is framed by a crumbles under the weight. A successful DC 15
detailed stone carving of Tiamat, its paint faded Dexterity (Acrobatics) check allows the climber to grab
with time. onto the statue before falling 20 feet to the floor, taking
Six recently-dead kobolds lay about the room. 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage.
The fifteen gems (five on each of the three pillars) are
Development worth 2 gp each for a total of 30 gp.
Seven zombies rose after Spernik disturbed the first key
piece in area 3. Upon the characters entering the main


3. Living Quarters oozes. They do not attack unless closely examined or
trod upon.
The druids lived a strictly regimented life. The living
quarters were required to be kept in immaculate order 5. Crypt
and, although time has taken its toll on the contents of
The druids of the Circle burned their dead, but interred
the room, the contents are still neat and organized.
their bones here; decorating the walls and pillars of the
room with the charred remains of the members of their
Each of the walls of this 60-foot-long, 10-foot-wide hallway is order.
lined with five regularly-spaced doors of semi-rotted wood. The
hallway ends in a set of double doors, one of which rotted free
This large, octagonal room is perhaps 40 feet wide and just as
from its hinges long ago. There are a number of stone shelves
long with a 20-foot high ceiling. A 10-foot wide ledge
carved into the walls the contents of which, despite the
surrounds a 15-foot-deep pool of dark water in the center of
centuries of dust, are tidily arranged.
the room. As your light falls upon the walls, you see that they
are decorated with charred and blackened bones.
There is nothing of use in this room that is still
functional. Wooden objects have rotted away to nothing
The druids interred their dead in this room and used the
and any metallic goods are rusted to the point of
naturally-occurring pool as a water source. Though
crumbling to dust at the faintest touch.
stagnant and slightly brackish, the water is sufficiently
There are a total of 12, 10-foot by 10-foot rooms along
clean enough to drink.
the hallway. Each room has the rotted remains of a bed
Upon entering the room, two ghouls (actually
and a dresser.
lacedons—ghouls with a swim speed of 30 feet) emerge
Treasure from the water and a blackened skeleton breaks free
from the wall and combat begins.
Each room has a faded, embroidered robe hanging on a
peg or folded neatly away in the ruins of a dresser. The
6. The Circle of the Circle
robes are beautifully sewn garments of each of the five
colors of chromatic dragons. Half of these robes Beyond the door decorated with the carving of Tiamat
crumble to dust when handled but the remaining half lay the druids’ primary space of worship and ritual.
are still sufficiently intact to be worn.
Should anyone in the party wear these robes, the This round room is about 40 feet in diameter with walls
visual sparks a faint memory in the minds of the long-
beautifully decorated in stunning, colorful mosaics depicting
dead druids. During the first round of combat, any
stylized dragons in a number of different activities. A large
undead creature in the complex has disadvantage on
door of hammered red metal rests in the far facing wall. Four
their attacks against a character wearing the robes.
other open exits with stairs are spaced evenly around the
Additionally, searching all of the rooms nets the
room. The room is littered with bones.
adventurers a total of 15 gp in old coins.
The door on the far side of the room is embossed with the
4. Kitchen image of a rearing red dragon. The dragon wears an amulet
with the central piece missing.
This area was once used as a kitchen for the druids.
This room is the antechamber to the Reliquary, which
This 30-foot by 20-foot room was likely used as a kitchen, if the can only be opened with a key. The key in question is
stone fire pit is any indication. A door on the far wall leads to a broken into four parts, each of which is housed in a
small, empty larder. The room is dry and dusty except for a few shrine dedicated to four of the five types of chromatic
patches of wet stone on the floor. dragon; black, blue, green and white.
Nothing of use or value remains in this hall, the wooden

Reliquary Key
Long before the dragon and its army attacked the
furniture has rotted long ago, and any metal goods have
druids, Skovac decreed the relic must be protected at all
been dissolved by the oozes.
costs. A reliquary was constructed and its key was
The wet patches on the floor are actually three gray


divided into four equal-sized key pieces; each placed in a faith as a bonus action and follows it with spiritual
trapped altar of the black, blue, green, and white weapon. He attacks the adventurers only under the
chromatic dragons. following conditions.
The reliquary key parts are engraved with indications
of how the keys fit together. Rotating a key component The adventurers attack him.
into the proper position and pressing firmly is enough to The adventurers successfully retrieve the key
snap the key parts into place. fragments from the white and blue shrines.
The adventurers attempt to forcibly take the black
Spernik and green key fragments from him.
Spernik (a cult fanatic) and six kobolds are in this room
when the characters arrive. If the characters managed to
persuade him to open the door, he converses with them Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat
briefly before realizing that he must kill them if he is to encounter. These are not cumulative.
succeed on his mission. If the characters break down Very weak party: remove all the kobolds; change Spernik’s
the door, he and the kobolds attack immediately. hit points to 22
Weak party: remove three kobolds
Strong party: add three winged kobolds
Roleplaying Spernik Very strong party: remove all the kobolds; add nine winged
Spernik is terrified at the prospects of failing in mission. He is kobolds
sweats profusely and is constantly looks around nervously. He
is scared of the characters, but not as scared as he is of his Should the adventurers venture into the shrines to
masters. retrieve the pieces of the key, he denies possessing any
knowledge of the contents of any of the shrines, insisting
Spernik is quite young—only 19 years of age—and
that the kobolds were the ones that went in, not him.
completely overwhelmed by his current situation.
Spernik can be persuaded to surrender with a DC 20
Despite this, he is quite cunning and engages in
Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check. If the
discussion as he decides the best way to deal with the
kobolds are all dead when the adventurers do this, this
characters.
check is made with advantage.
If successful, he begins to sob uncontrollably and
He acknowledges his crimes in Phlan, but refuses
begins loudly mewling about how "they're going to kill
to answer any question that would reveal his
him when they find out". If questioned further, he
motives.
reveals that he has been sent here by the Cult of the
He acknowledges being a member of the Cult of the
Dragon to recover a relic. The relic was rumored to
Dragon, but refuses to divulge any additional
possess the ability to enslave dragons, and the Cult
information on the Cult.
wishes to use it to unwillingly recruit dragons into the
He suggests that the characters leave and forget
Cult's service. The later is a lie; one that Spernik will
they ever saw him here.
stick to even if an adventurer detects deception through
He divulges that the red door requires a four part
a successful Wisdom (Insight) check and confronts him
key and that each shrine contains one of the four
about it. Only a charm person spell or similar ability will
parts.
persuade him to tell the adventurers the truth--the Cult
He also reveals that all four of the shrines are
wishes to give the relic to the red dragon Scorlworyx as
trapped, and that he was only able to bypass two of
a gift to entice the dragon into the Cult's service.
them.
As Spernik relates this information, the kobolds (if still
He refuses to surrender the two pieces of the key
alive) become agitated, insulting and harrying Spernik—
that he has already claimed.
apparently for demonstrating a profound lack of
He offers the characters a gem worth “a king’s
backbone. Eventually, a kobold throws a rock at Spernik
ransom when they get back to Phlan” in exchange
and they attack Spernik and the adventurers. Two attack
for letting him go.
Spernik, while the rest focus their attacks on the
character that appears to be the least armored in the
Spernik knows he is outnumbered and defeating the
party.
adventurers will be difficult. Because of this, he is
hesitant to attack them. On his turn, he casts shield of


Once subdued, Spernik will not resist the adventurers altar, mist stops flowing from the key piece.
if they choose to bind him, but if they do not do so, he
does not hesitate to flee when the adventurers proceed 6B. Black Shrine
into the reliquary, which he refuses to enter.
In the unlikely event that the characters let him go, he Black stairs descend into a 20-by-20-foot room hewn from the
drops a gem (see Treasure, below) at their feet and same stone as the chamber outside, but with walls are
leaves without incident. decorated in glossy, black and bone-white tiles. A short,
triangular altar of black stone rests atop a low triangular
Treasure platform at the opposite end of the chamber. A kobold lays at
Spernik has both the green and black piece of the
the foot of the altar, its features melted beyond further
reliquary key, a gem worth 30 gp and a ring of fire
recognition.
resistance on his person. Also, his scimitar is silvered.
Spernik carries a journal that provides details
Spernik currently has the black piece of the reliquary
regarding his mission to deliver the relic to the red
key. It was retrieved by his kobold minions, but not
dragon Scorlworyx, who lives in the Dragonspine
before one of them was slain by the now-inert acid trap.
Mountains.
Lastly, Spernik also has a couple ancient-looking 6C. Blue Shrine
tomes in his pack. These books were stolen from the

library. The Lord Sage will pay 100 gp for their safe
This 20-by-20-foot room has a floor made from a single piece
return.
of beaten copper. Shiny, blue and yellow tiles line the walls and
6A. White Shrine a diamond-shaped altar of polished blue stone rests atop a
dais. Small bolts of electricity arc between something resting
atop the altar and a number of copper studs in the wall,
A bone-chilling, knee-deep white mist clings to every nook of
this 20-by-20-foot chamber. The walls are of the same grey
This was the last room that Spernik investigated. By the
stone as the rest of the complex, but decorated with a pattern
time he got to doing so, he had only a half dozen kobolds
of glossy, white and blue tiles perhaps a hand’s width across.
left in his service. Because of this, he has made no
A short set of stairs leads to a raised dais, upon which a
attempt to retrieve the blue piece of the reliquary key
rectangular altar carved from a single piece of white stone,
that lay on the altar.
veined with grey. The mist that fills the room seems to be
The key piece is grounding the arcs of electricity that
flowing from something resting on top of the altar.
emanate from the copper studs. Removing the key
triggers the room’s electricity trap. When triggered,
Spernik sent a few kobolds into this room to get the
lightning arcs to the floor, dealing 7 (2d6) lightning
white piece of the reliquary key, but the trap slew
damage to everyone in the room. Anyone struck by the
them. Because of the mist, however, he is unsure of the
lightning that succeeds on a DC 10 Dexterity saving
exact nature of the trap. He hasn’t sent any other
throw suffers only half damage.
kobolds in and was too scared to go in himself.
This trap is detectable with a successful DC 13
There is a scythe blade trap on the steps leading to
Wisdom (Perception) check and may be disarmed with a
the altar. The trap is triggered by a pressure plate on the
successful DC 13 Dexterity check using thieves' tools.
first step. When triggered, a pair of razor-sharp blades
The blue piece of the key rests upon the altar and can
scissor from a narrow niche in the step above causing 9
be removed safely once the trap has been sprung or
(2d8) slashing damage; the damage is halved if the
disabled. Holding it causes some of the wearer’s hair
character makes a successful DC 12 Dexterity saving
stand on end and emit tiny shocks when they touch
throw. The pressure plate is discovered with a
other creatures.
successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check and can
be disarmed with a successful DC 10 Dexterity check
using thieves’ tools.
The piece of the key rests on the altar. It can be safely
retrieved once the trap has been sprung or disabled, and
is quite cold to the touch. Upon being removed from the


6D. Green Shrine The speaker is Scalebinder Skovac a wight who led the
Circle of the Scale in life. He and two zombies are in
this room.
The air in this 20 by 20 foot room is acrid and sour-smelling. A
set of stairs descends past walls of shiny green tiles 8 feet to
General Features
the sunken floor below. A dozen or so dead kobolds lay strewn
The following features apply to this room.
about; their bodies strangely contorted as if they died in abject
Area. This room is approximately 20 feet deep and 30
agony. A round altar of green stone lay against the far wall. feet wide.
Lighting. The scale and the altar beneath it glow with
The room is filled with a poisonous gas that is heavier a soft orange light, bathing the room in dim light.
than air and difficult to see. Characters succeeding at a Smells, Sounds. Burning coals, incense, crackling
DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check notice that a faint, flame, whispering.
barely-visible mist fills the sunken portion of the room.
Anyone descending to the floor below suffers 4 (1d8)
poison damage per round spent in the room. This
Roleplaying Scalebinder Skovac
Skovac is solely dedicated to ensuring that the relic is not
damage is halved on a successful DC 12 Constitution disturbed. Anything else is trivial. He is bitter in undeath and
saving throw. resents the living, which is reflected in his choice of words.
Developments Skovac retells the story of his circle to any who ask.
Should the characters retrieve all four pieces of the key, He views his undeath as a curse; punishment by the
they fit together cleverly and lock into place, creating a gods for the acts he and his brethren committed in
seamless piece of multi-colored metal; wrought in the life.
shape of Tiamat’s holy symbol. He allows the characters to leave the temple
The door to the reliquary may only be opened once the unharmed, provided they do not attempt to take the
characters have obtained all four pieces of the key. It relic with them.
cannot be otherwise be unlocked. He knows of the Cult of the Dragon, but his
Should the characters have the complete reliquary knowledge is centuries old and has no idea of their
key, it fits flawlessly into the dragon’s amulet. When current plans.
placed, read:
Should the characters attempt to take the relic, Skovac
The key clicks into place and the grating roar of mechanical first warns them not to do so. If they ignore his
action fills the air. The door slides down into the floor below warnings, he attacks. Scalebinder Skovac possesses two
revealing the room beyond. scrolls of flame blade, one of which he employs
immediately if the situation goes sour. In order to cast
7. Reliquary the spell, he needs to succeed on a DC 12 Intelligence
(Arcana) check; if he fails, he wades into combat, not
Tiamat’s scale is protected in this area by members of using the other scroll unless given pause to do so.
the Circle of the Scale, cursed with unlife. When the In combat, Scalebinder Skovac uses his life drain
vault door is opened, read: attack grudgingly; despite being wholly evil, he views
undeath as a punishment fit for no one. He uses it only if
The brilliant red and orange tiles covering the walls of this reduced to 10 hit points or less.
room gleam with reflected torchlight and the faint red glow
that emanates from something that floats lazily in the air
above a red, stone altar in the middle of the room. Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat
The object is quite large—the size of a large shield—and encounter. These are not cumulative.
looks to be made of polished red metal inscribed with runes. Very weak party: remove the zombies; change Skovac’s hit
points to 30
Before you can get closer to inspect it, however, a cold, distant Weak party: remove one zombie; change Skovac's hit
voice interrupts you “Turn from your path, mortals; lest you points to 30
forfeit your lives.” Strong party: add four zombies
Very strong party: remove the zombies; add two ghasts


Developments Skeleton 50
The relic is a huge, flawless scale from an ancient red Winged Kobold 50
dragon--nearly three feet wide--engraved with runes and Zombie 50
inlayed with silver, gold, and platinum. Kobold 25
If a character casts detect magic, the scale radiates
Non-Combat Awards
powerful abjuration and illusion magic, but an identify
Task or Accomplishment XP per Character
spell reveals no actual properties.
Thoroughly investigating the thefts 100
Bypassing the blue shrine's trap 50
Treasure
Bypassing the white shrine's trap 50
The scale is an art object worth quite a bit of money, and
fetches 300 gp from the right buyer.
As previously mentioned, the Lord Sage offers the The minimum total award for each character
characters half that much (150 gp), but assures them participating in this adventure is 450 experience
that with time, he may be able to discover what, if any, points.
properties the relic has. The maximum total award for each character
Scalebinder Skovac wears a necklace of red gold with participating in this adventure is 600 experience
a small red dragon scale engraved with a rune meaning points.
"Fire" in Draconic. The amulet is worth 50 gp. He also
has one (or two, in exceptional circumstances) scrolls of
Treasure
flame blade. The characters receive the following treasure, divided
Conclusion
up amongst the party. Characters should attempt to
divide treasure evenly whenever possible. Gold piece
Upon returning to Phlan and the Lord Sage, the values listed for sellable gear are calculated at their
characters are paid 50 gp when they report finding and selling price, not their purchase price.
capturing/killing Spernik. Consumable magic items should be divided up
Additionally, Spernik’s journal provides valuable however the group sees fit. If more than one character is
information regarding his mission to recruit Scorlworyx interested in a specific consumable magic item, the DM
to the Cult’s cause. can determine who gets it randomly should the group be
unable to decide.
Rewards Permanent magic items are divided according to a
system. See the sidebar if the adventure awards
Make sure note their rewards on their adventure
permanent magic items.
logsheets. Give your name and DCI number (if
applicable) so players can record who ran the session. Treasure Awards
Item Name GP Value
Experience Payment from the Lord Sage 50
Retrieving the stolen books 100
Total up all combat experience earned for defeated
Giving the relic to the Lord Sage 150
foes, and divide by the number of characters present in
Selling the relic 300
the combat. For non-combat experience, the rewards
Kobold pouches 5
are listed per character. Give all characters in the party
Semi-precious stones from pillars 20
non-combat experience awards unless otherwise noted.
Gold found in Living Quarters 10
Spernik's gem 15
Combat Awards
Spernik's scimitar 100
Name of Foe XP per Foe
Skovac's necklace 50
Scalebinder Skovac 450
Ghast 450
Spernik 200
Ghoul 200
Spy 200
Gray Ooze 100


R
Ring of Fire Resistanc
ce
W
Wondrous item
m, uncommon
TThis delicate co
opper ring is fittted with a beau
utiful fire
aagate and is alw
ways warm to th he touch. Whenn you are
aattuned to the ring
r and wear itt, you gain fire resistance.
A full descriptio
on of this item can
c be found in n the basic
rrules or the Dra
agon Master's Guide
G .
SSpell Scrolll: Flame Bllade

SScroll, uncomm mon
TThis spell scrolll contains a sin
ngle flame blad
de spell. A
ddescription of spell
s scrolls can
n be found in th
he basic
rrules or Dungeo
eon Master’s Gu uide.
P
Permanent Magic
M Item Diistribution
D
D&D Adventurerss League has a syystem in place to o determine
w
who is awarded permanent
p magicc items at the endd of a session.
E
Each character’s logsheet contains a column to record
p
permanent magicc items for ease of o reference.
If all the playeers at the table agree on one charracter taking
possession of a permanent magic m item, that character
c gets
the item.
In the event that
t one or more characters indiccate an
interest in poossessing a permanent magic item m, the
character that possesses the fewest
f permanen nt magic
items gets the item. If there iss a tie in the total number of
permanent magic
m items owneed by contesting characters,
the item’s ow wner is determineed randomly by the DM.
R
Renown
A
All faction mem mbers earn onne renown poin nt for
p
participating in this adventure
e.
Z
Zhentarim mem mbers earn onne additional renown
r
p
point for fully exploring
e and mapping
m the Te
emple of the
S
Scale.
D
Downtime
EEach character receives ten downtime
d dayss at the
cconclusion of th
his adventure.
D
DM Rewa
ards
You receive 200
Y 0 XP and ten downtime
d dayss for running
th
his session.
The Co
ourting off Fire

Appen
A ndix: Monst
M ter/NP
PC Sta
atistiics
saving thhrow, the creatu re is immune to the ghast’s Stench for
B
Banditt Capta
ain 24 hourss.
M
Medium humanoid
d (any race), any noon-lawful alignmen
nt Turning Defiance. The ghhast and any gho
ouls within 30 feeet of it
have advvantage on savin
ng throws against effects that turn
n
A
Armor Class 15 (sstudded leather) undead..
H
Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20)
S
Speed 30 ft. Actio
ons
STR DEXX CON INT WIS CHA Bite. Meelee Weapon Atta ck: +3 to hit, reacch 5 ft., one creature.
15 (+2) 16 (+
+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 11 (+0
0) 14 (+2) Hit: 12 ((2d8 + 3) piercin g damage.
Claws. MMelee Weapon Atttack: +5 to hit, reeach 5 ft., one tarrget.
SSaving Throws Sttr +4, Dex +5, Wis +2 Hit: 10 ((2d6 + 3) slashinng damage. If thee target is a creature
SSkills Athletics +4
4, Deception +4
other th an an undead, it must succeed o on a DC 10 Consttitution
SSenses passive Peerception 10
saving thhrow or be paralyyzed for 1 minutte. The target can n
LLanguages any tw wo languages
repeat thhe saving throw at the end of eacch of its turns, ennding
CChallenge 2 (450 XP)
the effecct on itself on a ssuccess.
A
Actions
M
Multiattack. The captain makes th
itts scimitar and one
hree melee attacks: two with
o with its daggeer. Or the captain
n makes two
Gho
oul
ranged attacks wiith its daggers. Medium undead, chaotic evvil
S
Scimitar. Melee Weapon
W Attack: +5
5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
f one target. Armor CClass 12
H
Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage. Hit Poin
nts 22 (5d8)
D
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,, reach 5 ft. or Speed 300 ft.
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercin
ng damage.
STR DEX C
CON INT WIS C
CHA
13 (+1)) 15 (+2) 100 (+0) 7 ( 2) 10 (+0) 6 ( 2)
R
Reactions
PParry. The captainn adds 2 to its AC
C against one meelee attack Damagee Immunities poiison
that would hit it. To
T do so, the cap ptain must see th
he attacker Conditioon Immunities ch harmed, exhaustion, poisoned
aand be wielding a melee weapon. Senses ddarkvision 60 ft., passive Percepttion 10
Languagges Common
Challengge 1 (200 XP)
G
Ghast Actio
ons
M
Medium undead, ch
haotic evil Bite. Meelee Weapon Atta ck: +2 to hit, reacch 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 9 (22d6 + 2) piercing damage.
A
Armor Class 13
H
Hit Points 36 (8d8) Claws. M Melee Weapon Atttack: +4 to hit, reeach 5 ft., one tarrget.
S
Speed 30 ft. Hit: 7 (22d4 + 2) slashingg damage. If the ttarget is a creature
other th an an elf or undeead, it must succceed on a DC 10
STR DEXX CON INT WIS CHA Constituution saving throow or be paralyzeed for 1 minute. T The
16 (+3) 17 (+
+3) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0
0) 8 ( 1) target caan repeat the savving throw at the end of each of itts
turns, ennding the effect oon itself on a succcess.
DDamage Resistan nces necrotic
DDamage Immunitties poison
CCondition Immun nities charmed, exhaustion,
e poiso
oned
SSenses darkvision
n 60 ft., passive Perception
P 10
LLanguages Comm mon
CChallenge 2 (450 XP)
SStench. Any creatture that starts itss turn within 5 feeet of the
gghast must succeeed on a DC 10 Constitution
C savinng throw or
bbe poisoned untill the start of its next
n turn. On a su uccessful
The Co
ourting off Fire


Gray Ooze Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the kobold has

disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
Medium ooze, unaligned (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Pack Tactics. The kobold has advantage on an attack roll
Armor Class 8 against a creature if at least one of the kobold’s allies is within 5
Hit Points 22 (3d8 + 9) feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
Speed 10 ft., climb 10 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Actions

12 (+1) 6 ( 2) 16 (+3) 1 ( 5) 6 ( 2) 2 ( 4) Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Skills Stealth +2
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
frightened, prone
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius),
passive Perception 8
Languages — Winged Kobold
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) Small humanoid (kobold), lawful evil
Amorphous. The ooze can move through a space as narrow as 1 Armor Class 13
inch wide without squeezing. Hit Points 7 (3d6 3)
Corrode Metal. Any nonmagical weapon made of metal that Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft.
hits the ooze corrodes. After dealing damage, the weapon takes
a permanent and cumulative 1 penalty to damage rolls. If its STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
penalty drops to 5, the weapon is destroyed. Nonmagical 7 ( 2) 16 (+3) 9 ( 1) 8 ( 1) 7 ( 2) 8 ( 1)
ammunition made of metal that hits the ooze is destroyed after
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 8
dealing damage.
Languages Common, Draconic
The ooze can eat through 2-inch-thick, nonmagical metal in 1
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
round.
False Appearance. While the ooze remains motionless, it is Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the kobold has
indistinguishable from an oily pool or wet rock. disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Actions Pack Tactics. The kobold has advantage on an attack roll
Pseudopod. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one against a creature if at least one of the kobold’s allies is within 5
target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) acid feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
damage, and if the target is wearing nonmagical metal armor,
its armor is partly corroded and takes a permanent and Actions
cumulative 1 penalty to the AC it offers. The armor is
Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
destroyed if the penalty reduces its AC to 10.
Dropped Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, one target
directly below the kobold. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
Kobold
Small humanoid (kobold), lawful evil
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 5 (2d6 2)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

7 ( 2) 15 (+2) 9 ( 1) 8 ( 1) 7 ( 2) 8 ( 1)

Languages Common, Draconic



Scalebinder Skovac Skeleton

(Wight) Medium undead, lawful evil
Medium undead, neutral evil Armor Class 13 (armor scraps)

Armor Class 14 (studded leather) Speed 30 ft.
Speed 30 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 6 ( 2) 8 ( 1) 5 ( 3)
15 (+2) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning
Damage Immunities poison
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4 Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned
Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
slashing from nonmagical weapons that aren’t silvered Languages understands all languages it knew in life but can’t
Damage Immunities poison speak
Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Languages the languages it knew in life
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Actions
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the wight has target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Actions Spernik (Cult Fanatic)

Multiattack. The wight makes two longsword attacks or two Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutral
longbow attacks. It can use its Life Drain in place of one
longsword attack. Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Speed 30 ft.
creature. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) necrotic damage. The target must
succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or its hit point STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2)
This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The
target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. Skills Deception +4, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
A humanoid slain by this attack rises 24 hours later as a Senses passive Perception 10
zombie under the wight’s control, unless the humanoid is Languages any one language (usually Common)
restored to life or its body is destroyed. The wight can have no Challenge 2 (450 XP)
more than twelve zombies under its control at one time.
Dark Devotion. The fanatic has advantage on saving throws
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one against being charmed or frightened.
target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) slashing damage, or 7 (1d10 + 2)
slashing damage if used with two hands. Spellcasting. The fanatic is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 11, +3 to hit with
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., spell attacks). The fanatic has the following cleric spells
one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage. prepared:
Cantrips (at will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): command, inflict wounds, shield of faith
2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon
Actions
Multiattack. The fanatic makes two melee attacks.
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.



Zombie
Medium undead, neutral evil
Armor Class 8
Speed 20 ft.

13 (+1) 6 ( 2) 16 (+3) 3 ( 4) 6 ( 2) 5 ( 3)
Saving Throws Wis +0

Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Languages understands the languages it knew in life but can’t
speak
Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the zombie to 0 hit

points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5
+ the damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a
critical hit. On a success, the zombie drops to 1 hit point
instead.
Actions
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage.



Apppendiix: Ma
ap of the
t Sttandin
ng Sto
ones
The Co
ourting off Fire


Appeendix: Map of th
he Tem
mple of the Scalee
The Co
ourting off Fire


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The Co

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

Before Play at the Table

The Courting of Fire

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Dungeon Mastering the

Adjusting the Adventure Adventure

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

The Stojanow Gate is the headquarters of the Black Fist Developments

The Knights of the Black Fist protect the Stojanow

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

If asked about the

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

of the Scalee Devellopments

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

Adjusting the Encounter

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

Nothing of use or value remains in this hall, the wooden

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

SSpell Scrolll: Flame Bllade

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

Gray Ooze Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the kobold has

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Actions

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 8

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

Scalebinder Skovac Skeleton

Medium undead, neutral evil Armor Class 13 (armor scraps)

Actions Spernik (Cult Fanatic)

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Wis +0

Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the zombie to 0 hit

The Courting of Fire

Matthew Smiley (Order #23737383)