The City States of Caloma

This is my start on a setting for 5.5E D&D. I have no idea how far it might go - it might fizzle out in a few posts. But I’d like to give it a go. I am also well aware that it is unlikely that readers of this blog will use what I write wholesale - I fully expect them to pick out the bits they like or think useful and to drop everything else. It is in the world of Xerros that I mentioned in previous posts, focusing on an area called the Caloma City States.

Do I expect to produce adventures like I do for Logos Locations on this blog? Not at the moment. In fact I see this more as a place for populating with NPCs and the potential for adventures rather than fully fleshed-out scenarios. 

A Map of the Caloma City States

All good settings require a map. Tolkein’s Middle Earth, R.E. Howard’s Hyborian Age, So do quite a few bad settings. There is a much larger, world-view map on my computer, split up into squares of about 500 miles per side. This particular one is square I5. The misspelling of “Xeros” is actually the original name of the setting - any time you blog readers see Xeros rather than Xerros you know it’s been sitting on my hard drive for a while. Also this map is a work in progress . I may well add to it as needed. 

Xerros

Xerros is very old. The oldest elvish writings from the Empire of the Silver Sun date back to 500,000 years ago. Even for the elves who can live up to a thousand years this is a near-incomprehensible stretch of time. Humanity is first recorded by elvish scribes, aparently as wild savages barely beyond apemen, about 150,000 years ago. Nearly all areas of land have been inhabited at least once by one species or another. Those who have read Clark Ashton Smith's Zothique series or Jack Vances Dying Earth series will have some comprehension of how old Xerros is. The collapse of the Empire of the Silver Sun 100,000 years ago was the biggest disaster the elves ever endured, yet this is so lost in the ancient past that only the elves remember it, and only then from writings not living memory. Nearly every field, every road, every settlement has clues hinting at the past, from shards of pottery to arrangements of stone that were once building foundations to decayed metal chunks that used to be a tool or weapon. And of course that means lots of dungeons, a few of which have been left by cultures or characters that not even scholars or sages of the current day know of. 

Xerros is also big, about twice the size of Earth, with about half of it land and the other half seas and oceans. The biomes and ecosystems are approximately those of Earth, with colder areas to the north and south and tropical areas around the equator. Caloma is between temperate and subtropical in climate, a bit like Spain, Italy or California. 

Caloma

Caloma used to be a single kingdom that had lasted for over 500 years. But then about 100 years ago the great betrayal happened, a civil war erupted and noblemen and commoners alike took sides. The Royal family of Caloma was wiped out and as different noblemen claimed the throne, central authority failed. A few cities and towns were destroyed, but many more survived mostly intact within a complex web of rivalries, alliances and feudal featly, trying to deal with new-found independence but also a lack of central authority that might protect them from aggressive neighbours. Now the cities and towns have stabilised somewhat and are known as the Caloma City States.  Fifty years ago there was another war, the War Between the Cities when tensions between the newly formed city states erupted. What exists now is a little more stable but there are still disagreements and distrust between the cities. 

Major cities within the Caloma City States include

• Alcorpolis
• Belcropolis
• Caldaropolis
• Dalaropolis
• Istarias
• Kormarin
• Kristarchis
• Mendopolis
• Metrailopolis
• Malkoropolis
• Senthopolis
• Talkiar
• Venthoris

Towns that owe loyalty to the larger cities include

• Breamshore
• Calistrant
• Fort Perilous
• Isodar
• Hashettis
• Marshedge
• Rilldenthos
• Sasderin

There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of villages and hamlets of less than 1000 residents that are not marked on the map. These are where the bulk of food is grown, as Caloma is still a relatively fertile land with large stretches of arable lands particularly around the large rivers. 

I think that’s quite enough to be getting on with for the moment although theoretically more could be added later on. 

Noteworthy Inhabitants of Luln

 

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Established NPCs From DDA3: Eye of Traldar

Torstar Malenkov, junior lieutenant in the Iron Ring

Already covered this chap in Chaos in the Black Eagle Barony

Alexi Schelepin

AC 1, HD F2, hp 15, Move 90ft, THAC0 17, Att 1 sword for 1d8 +2, Save F2, Ml 12, Align L
Str 16, Int 13, Wis 9, Dex 16, Con 16, Cha 11
Notable equipment: Chain Mail +1, shield, sword, crossbow, 24 bolts, silver dagger, backpack, potion of healing
Role: Alexi is not actually a native of Luln but originally from eastern Karameikos. He has found himself in Luln while trying to help his elf friends find and retrieve a magical gem, the Eye of Traldar. He is brave and noble, and will try to recruit like-minded adventurers to his cause.

Andrei Sturloi (Unnamed thug leader in shoe shop ambush in Luln)

AC 2, HD F2, hp 9, THAC0 18, att 1 sword for 1d8+1, Save F2, Ml 10, Align C
Str 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Dex 14, Con 10, Cha 13
Notable equipment: Chain mail +1, shield, sword, 2 daggers
Role: Andrei is similar to Torstar, a junior member of the Iron Ring, commanding a small band of thugs for kidnapping, killing and other forms of dirty work. Unlike Torstar, Andrei is more willing to get stuck into combat. His current orders involve taking out a shoemaker who is part of a network opposing the Iron Ring and then dealing with anyone who tries to make contact with the shoemaker.

Morander, proprietor of the Growling Griffon Tavern

AC 9, HD NM, hp 5, Move 120ft, THAC0 19, Att 1 club for 1d4+1, Save NM, Ml 7, Align L
Str 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Dex 10, Con 13, Cha 12
Notable equipment: club, dagger

Morander is not happy about the situation in Luln and is willing to help those who would improve the town, mainly by confronting the Iron Ring slavers. He knows he is not much of a combatant but feels his role is as a networker, introducing people to each other and passing messages on. Although initially he was glad to meet Randallos, he is now becoming increasingly concerned with what is going on with the Fellowship of the White Dove.

Leraith, Cleric of Traladara 

AC 4, HD C3, hp 10, Mv 90ft, THAC0 20, Att 1 mace for 1d6 or spell, Save C3, Ml 10, Align L
Str 10, Int 14, Wis 16, Dex 9, Con 10, Cha 13
Notable equipment: Chain mail, shield, mace, holy symbol, 2 vials of holy water, Staff of Healing, 2 potions of healing

Leraith is one of the independent clerics of the Church of Traladara and a defender of Tralaldaran ideals and culture. He despises both the Black Eagle Barony and the Iron Ring slavers, and will recruit adventurers to combat these where feasible. Although he tries not to be prejudiced, he still has doubts about anyone clearly loyal to Duke Stefan. He knows and trusts a small group of likeminded operatives within Luln.

Warreck 

AC 1, HD F2, hp 15, Move 90ft, THAC0 17, Att 1 sword for 1d8 +2, Save F2, Ml 12, Align L
Str 16, Int 13, Wis 9, Dex 16, Con 16, Cha 11
Notable equipment: Chain Mail +1, shield, sword, longbow, 20 arrows, silver dagger, backpack,

Warreck is an ally of Leraith and Morander, and is willing to help out against the Iron Ring slavers, who he holds responsible for the disappearance of his sister. He is a lay member of the Church of Traladara and knows various parishioners in Luln.

From my own Ideas about Luln

These NPCs are first mentioned in a previous blog post about Luln

Randallos

AC 3, HD E5, hp 20, Move 90ft, THAC0 16, Att 1 sword for 1d8+1 or 1 arrow for 1d6 or by spell, Save E5, Ml 8, Align C
Str 10, Int 16, Wis 12, Dex 14, Con 10, Cha 15
Notable Equipment: Chain mail +1, Sword +1, Dagger, Boots of Levitation, Backpack, shortbow, quiver + 20 arrows, 3 doses of sleeping drug (save vs poison or fall unconscious for 2d6 hours). 

 Notable Spells: Charm Person, Magic Missile, Web, Phantasmal Force, either Hold Person or Lightning Bolt
Randallos is an elf who claims to recruit for the Fellowship of the White Dove and seeks out idealistic kids and young men. He actually works for the Iron Ring and anyone ‘recruited’ will actually be drugged, captured and sold into slavery. He partly does it for the money, but also has a need to dominate and control humans and to prove his superiority over them. He has heard of a band of elves at The tower of Aelarda Starria who may have similar attitudes to himself. 

Tormius Sevarak, merchant, agent & cultist

AC 3, HD T7, hp 17, Mv 120ft, THAC0 15, Att 1 shortsword for 1d6+2, Save T7, Ml 8, Align C 

Str 10, Int 15, Wis 10, Dex 16, Con 13, Cha 12

Notable Equipment: Leather armour +1, Ring of Protection +1, Shortsword +2, Potion of Extra Healing

Tormius Sevarak is playing a complex game. He is superficially a merchant who fled Fort Doom after the Baron threatened to seize him and all his assets due to tax discrepancies. He actually passes information about Luln and its traders and economy onto the Black Eagle's spies. But his true loyalty is the Cult of Chaos and he is the leader of a cell of cultists in the town. He and other cultists view the Baron as a melodramatic fool but nonetheless quite a useful ally in bringing Chaos to Karameikos. He is quite adaptable to situations, and most of the time will act as a slightly sleazy salesman, offering special offers on items and paying for any loot the adventurers have, “no questions asked; nudge nudge, wink wink”. 

Eldarii Lightfinger, Gang Leader & Thief

AC 3, HD T6, hp 20, Mv 180ft, THAC0 14, Att 1 sword for 1d8+3, Save T6, Ml 10, Align C

Str 13, Int 13, Wis 11, Dex 18, Con 10, Cha 14 
Notable Equipment: Leather Armour +1, Sword +2, Boots of Speed (base movement doubled)

Eldarii is the head of a small band of thieves, the Luln Street Runners, who take advantage of the disruption and confusion of all the refugees overwhelming the authorities to steal whatever they can by pickpocketting, burglary, swindling and occasional armed robbery. Eldarii has great ambitions and would like to turn her little gang into a proper thieves guild and might well try to recruit those with both the right skills and attitude. She has no time for cultists and she despises slavers, but that does not mean she is one of the good guys either - she is hard, ruthless, greedy and quite amoral. 

Baelwist the Vigilant, Spymaster

AC 4, HD T12, hp 30, Move 120ft, THAC0 14 Att 1 shortsword for 1d6 or 1 arrow for 1d6, Save T12, Ml 10, Align N

Str 8, Int 15, Wis 13, Dex 14, Con 10, Cha 10

Notable Equipment: Bracers of Defence AC 5, Shortsword +1, shortbow, 20 arrows
Baelwist the Vigilant is Mistress Sascia's spymaster but he knows that keeping the enemy spies out of Luln is nearly impossible given the number of refugees. Although he does not trust people easily, he will sometimes ask adventurers to help with simple matters such as street crime or wandering monsters and if they perform well he may use them for more sensitive missions. Baelwist hates the Black Eagle Barony as he holds it responsible for the deaths of his brother, nephew and niece who died trying to flee Fort Doom. He admires any efforts to stop the Black Eagle Barony and its allies, but he is getting suspicious of the Fellowship of the White Dove and its main recruiter Randallos. 

Broston Hardbristle captain of the town guard

AC 2, HD Dw8, hp 50, Move 60ft, THAC0 12, Att 1 battleaxe for 1d8+3, Save Dw8, Ml 10, Align L

Str 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Dex 10, Con 17, Cha 10

Notable Equipment: Plate Mail +1, Battleaxe +2, 2 x Potions of Extra Healing

A former adventurer from Highforge, Broston made a name for himself fighting goblinoids and gnolls in the Black Peaks north of Karameikos, even slaying a marauding hill giant. He has now taken up the role of captain of the Luln guard and as such commands the garrison of 150 part-time soldiers (F1, leather armour, shields, spears, hand axes). However, he feels out of his depth and is not used to organising and managing others - he prefers to be in the front line swinging his axe. Lady Sascia has full confidence in him, and he feels he does not deserve it. He can over-compensate by being very blunt and demanding, thinking that he is asserting his authority, particularly when confused or distressed. When calm he is actually a very decent dwarf.  

Other characters of Luln (new here)

Korgir Blunthammer, refugee & blacksmith, 

AC 5, HD Dw2, hp 10, Move 90ft THAC0 17, att 1 hammer for 1d6+2, Save Dw2, Ml 11, Align N

Str 17, Int 8, Wis 10, Dex 13, Con 13, Cha 10

Notable Equipment: Leather armour/apron & gloves, large hammer, shield

Korgir fled here about 5 years ago when the Black Eagle Barony began persecuting demihumans. He has not decided whether he will stay here long term or move on, perhaps to Highforge. He is very in demand as the most skilled blacksmith in Luln and is proficient at crafting all manner of weapons and armour. He can be quite dismissive of the work of other smiths, particularly that from human smiths, whom he considers amateurish. He knows he can charge high prices for his wares and will do so unless he owes someone a debt of some sort. 

Daelshin, leatherworker and tanner 

AC 5, HD F1, hp 20, Move 90ft, THAC0 18, Att 1 shortsword for 1d6+1 or thrown dagger for 1d4, Save F1, Ml 8, Align N

Str 14, Int 10, Wis 13, Dex 14, Con 10, Cha 11

Notable Equipment: Leather armour+1, shortsword, 4 daggers

Daelshin is a native of Luln and sometimes he can get fed up with all the refugees. He has no love of the Black Eagle Barony. He has been known to help Leraith and Morander in their network trying to counter the Iron Ring slavers. 

Kayno Rissescu, refugee 

AC 8, HD MU3, hp 5, Move 120ft, THAC0 19, Att 1 dagger for 1d4 or by spell, Save MU3, Ml 6, Align C 

Str 8, Int 16, Wis 12, Dex 10, Con 14, Cha 11

Notable Equipment: Wand of Magic Missiles, Robe of Protection +1, 3 daggers, spellbook

Notable Spells: Sleep, Charm Person, Web

Kayno was an assistant mage at Fort Doom, helping out with both administration and minor magical duties, sometimes casting spells such as Detect Magic on suspects, Sleep for crowd control or Charm Person on people for interrogation. She fled when she overheard two of her peers plotting to kill her and her boss not caring. She now ekes out a living in Luln as scribe and minor mage. She is quite mercenary and uncaring about other people - she still has the Black Eagle mindset. However, she also know the geography, the people and the procedures in Fort Doom, at least from 2 years ago when she fled, and for the right price she is willing to help anyone attempting to infiltrate the Barony.  

Piotr Cartalescu, wine and spirits merchant

AC 8, HD NM, hp 3, Move 120ft, THAC0 20, Att 1 dagger for 1d4, Save NM, Ml 6, Align N

Str 10, Int 14, Wis 12, Dex 13, Con 10, Cha 13

Notable Equipment: Dagger

Piotr travels across Karameikos and sometimes further afield to the Five Shires, Ierendi, Thyatis and Minrothad, though his home is in Luln. He is not much of a combatant and he knows it, so he has become used to asking adventurers and mercenaries for help in matters such as guarding caravans.  

Althea Tuntani, Landlady of Duke’s Head Inn 

AC 9, HD MU3, hp 8, Move 120ft, THAC0 18, ATt 1 dagger for 1d4+1 or by spell, Save MU3, Ml 9, Align L

Str 9, Int 15, Wis 11, Dex 10, Con 11, Cha 12

Notable Equipment: Dagger +1, Spellbook, Potion of Healing, 

Notable Memorised Spells: Charm Person, Hold Portal, Web ( Mirror Image, Detect Magic, Read Magic & Light are also in spellbook)

A widow of a veteran soldier, Althea and her late husband set up the Duke’s Head in Luln after being given a sizeable pension by Duke Stefan Karameikos, and they were grateful enough to name the inn after him. She knows how to deal with tough customers and she also has the support of several regular patrons in the event of serious problems at her establishment. She is welcoming to soldiers and former soldiers, but a little more wary of adventurers, especially those who have no attachment to Luln or Karameikos. She will eject any member of the Black Eagle Barony, whom she holds responsible for her husband’s death. 

 

Talnek Aganthi, Vicar of the Church of Karameikos 

AC 2, HD C4, hp 12, Move 60ft, THAC0 17, Att 1 mace for 1d6 or by spell, Save C4, Ml 10, Align L

Str 9, Int 12, Wis 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Cha 13

Notable Equipment: Plate mail, shield, mace, holy symbol, 2 vials of holy water

Talnek has been sent to Luln by his superiors to establish a presence of his church in town after his predecessor died in suspicious circumstances. He has gathered a small parish with a variety of parishioners and 5 acolytes (1st level clerics). However, he is careful not to conflict with the Church of Traladara, and has had good conversations with Leraith on this matter. He has also decided to ally with Lady Sascia and support her decisions in his sermons which has usually gone down well. After all, the Church of Karameikos is the church of the establishment. 

Herlla Millanu, Knight of the Order of the Griffon 

AC 1, HD F4, hp 24, Move 60ft, THAC0 16, Att 1 sword for 1d8+2, Save F4, Ml 12, Align L 

Str 14, Int 9, Wis 12, Dex 10, Con 14, Cha 12

Notable Equipment: plate mail, Shield +1, Sword +1, dagger 

Herlla has been assigned to protect Talnek Aganthi by her order, the Order of the Griffon. She has another 4 junior knights (2 x F2, 2 x F1) to assist her in this matter. Herlla does not think much of Luln - it is dirty, poor and disordered, and although part of her would really want to sort this messy town out, she also understands it is not her job. Nonetheless, she has expressed her views to Broston Hardbristle, Captain of the Guard, who really did not seem to know how to reply. But then again he’s just a dwarf. 

The City of Titans and the Gifts of the Scions

 

source

Deep in the far north of Norwold amidst biting cold and rugged peaks there is the City of the Titans. Once a metropolis of the Arvorian Empire, this place is now abandoned on the surface, but still very active underneath. It is much further inland than its nearest neighbour the City of Madness. 

Based on original by 6inchnails, source

The Arvorians call this place M'wagthar - the name City of the Titans was given by the sole human to have visited it and returned alive, an Alphatian mage called Zelthius. In his fevered and possibly insane ramblings he said that although the Arvorians were the most numerous inhabitants, there were powerful and huge creatures trapped deep under the city that he described as titans. The exact nature of these beings is unknown but apparently the resident Arvorians both greatly respect these creatures and seek to free them - these titans have been trapped by unknown forces opposed to the Arvorians and their chaotic masters. They are big - bigger than the mammoths that roam the tundra, even bigger than the dinosaurs of Davania. And according to the bas-relief on the walls of Arvorian temples they are truly monstrous to behold. Their unleashing will usher in a new age of glory for the Arvorians as the titans smash and destroy the puny human and demihuman enemies who stand against the Arvorians and the Great Old Ones. It is fortunate for the rest of the world that the bindings that hold the titans are strong indeed, both physically and magically. 

The architecture above the ground is covered in ice and very few Arvorians are encountered on the surface. Those that are on the surface need to be well protected from the intense arctic cold. The surface structure is quite different from the City of Madness - while that city has lots of individual buildings on a relatively flat ground, the City of Titans resembles some massive ice-covered palace, with fewer but gargantuan shapes. Similar to the City of Madness, the vast majority of activity happens underground where the Arvorians have their habitation levels, their agricultural levels and the orc and kobold shanty towns where the humanoid minions are kept. There are also caverns containing fungal forests where white apes roam wild although some are captured and domesticated by the Arvorians. There is even a variant race of particularly large and ferocious white apes with six limbs called Girallons - these are tamed only by the most powerful and strong-willed Arvorians. Apart from Zelthius’ rather limited visit, the city is unexplored by humans, and there may be major features that are completely hidden. Zelthius did mention that there is a temple to the titans below the surface, and that eldritch crusaders of different patrons gathered there in apparent harmony in their common task of freeing the titans. 

While in the City of Madness the two Arvorian classes, the Eldritch Crusaders (Fighter/Clerics) and Arcane Knights (Fighter/Mages), are considered to be about equal in status, in the City of Titans the Eldritch Crusaders seem to have the upper hand - partly because at least some of them are in psychic contact with the titans deep below the city - maybe not proper conversations but certainly an awareness, perhaps amplified by powerful dreams. This is because the titans are supernatural servants of the Scions of the Outer Dark. The Eldritch Crusaders have received messages from their Scion patrons as to how to free the titans and, similarly to freeing the Scions of the Outer Dark, this involves large quantities of eldritch crystals. There are certain cults of eldritch crusaders who are particularly intent, even fanatical, about this task, and they, rather than any noble houses or arcane schools, hold the balance of power in the City of Titans. These Arvorian cults will compete with each other and any others who would seek out eldritch crystals - they have even been known to skirmish with Arvorians from the City of Madness and elsewhere over this precious resource. 

The total population of the City of the Titans is unknown but human scholars estimate it to be perhaps two thirds that of the City of Madness. The City of Madness certainly holds more authority and influence over Arvorians outside these cities though the City of Titans perhaps has more religious significance. 

Gifts of the Scions

These cults that are intent on freeing the titans beneath the city are sometimes given gifts by their terrifying patrons particularly once they have proven their loyalty and competence. Such gifts depend on the Scion they follow but they are rarely entirely beneficial - sometimes they can be as much of a curse as a boon. Some Arvorians have likened these gifts to the mutations that can occur with continued contact with certain eldritch crystals but these gifts tend to be less random and more thematic to the Scion granting them. Occasionally these gifts are granted to non-Arvorian servants of the Scions, so an orc, human or ogre who has served the Scion well may be gifted this way. Such gifted creatures are granted more respect than others of their species by the Arvorians but are still not really considered equals - Arvorians can be quite snobbish and bigoted about such things. Human scholars who have heard Zelthius’ account do not understand why these gifted followers are mainly found in the City of Titans, not the City of Madness where the same scions are followed. Maybe the presence of the titans plays a part here. 

Suggested gifts from each of the Scions are given below. Note that these do not happen all at once but one at a time as the follower of the Scion progresses in their career and their devotion to their dark masters. DMs are encouraged to come up with their own gifts suitable for each Scion. 

E’hillit (insanity)

• Bonus to saving throws against externally inflicted insanity, fear and charm
• Immunity to Confusion spells
• Prolonged talking to someone (more than 10 minutes/1 turn) can cause them minor forms of insanity
• Phobias
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Bouts of Catatonia

Vergillos (secrets & knowledge)

• Comprehend Languages
• Detect Magic at will
• Detect Traps
• Bonuses when researching new magic spells or items
• Bat wings sprouting from back (small wings allow Feather Fall at will, medium wings fly at 120ft, large wings fly at 180ft).
• Bat-like facial features
• Extra-sensitive hearing (both good and bad effects)
• Tends to overthink and overanalyse things and end up reaching very strange conclusions. 

Tallassia (undead)

• Sense undead
• Control undead, bonus to rolls to do so
• Can create more powerful undead at higher levels (3rd Edition D&D Create Undead spell)
• Allowed saving throws against level drain by undead
• Start looking rather corpse-like
• Smell of death surrounds them
• Living animals will try to avoid them.

Skeereet (disease)

• Bonuses to save vs all forms of disease
• Can sense disease in others
• Touch can cause disease
• Not immune to lycanthropy but can control it much better
• Smells bad. Can also cast Stinking Cloud 1/day
• Appearance becomes distinctly unhealthy
• Rat tail, mostly cosmetic, not suitable for combat
• Can talk to rats
• Rat-like facial features
• Improved sense of smell

Belthag'uur (violence)

• Bonus to hit and damage with two-handed weapons
• Bonuses to save vs fear
• Immune to fear
• Aura of Animosity - creatures around you become more likely to start fighting each other
• Empathically encourage orcs, ogres & other chaotic humanoids to attack
• Prone to berserk rages, unable to disengage or accept surrender
• Increasingly short temper, more prone to violence.  

Mohosskith (stealth & spiders)

• Can see in the dark (infravision 120ft)
• Can move silently as if a thief. If already a thief then they get +20% chance to succeed. 
• Invisibility
• Spider legs emerge from the side of their torsos, allowing perfect climbing up walls but making them look monstrous
• Bite becomes mildly venomous, with spider-like pedipalps extending from their mouths. 

Sample 5.5E NPCs #1

Introduction

Following on from a previous post about creating NPCs for 5.5E D&D, I have put together 7 NPCs, all of whom are found in my new world Xerros, specifically the town of Fort Perilous. I hope that these illustrate my way of creating such characters, and perhaps they could be useful to you in your campaigns - just change the name of the town and I’m sure these could be dropped into the Forgotten Realms or your homebrew world. The sharp-eyed among you may notice things that have not been done thoroughly but I’m not that bothered. This is about quick and usable NPCs who can easily be run in a game, rather than complete breakdowns of all subclass, race and background benefits and modifiers. 

Nurina Greenstaff

Medium Humanoid (High Elf female),  Neutral
Based on 14th level sorcerer (Clockwork Sorcery), Sage background
AC 12, HP 33, Speed 30ft, Init +0, Profic Bonus +5
Str 8 (-1), Dex 10 (0), Con 10 (0), Int 14 (+2), Wis 13 (+1), Cha 18 (+4)
Saving Throws : Con +5, Cha +9 
Skills: Arcana (+7), History (+7), Insight (+6), Religion (+7), Persuasion (+9)
Senses: Darkvision 60ft, Passive Perception: 11
Languages: Common, Elvish, Sylvan
Challenge Rating: 14 (11,500xp)
Fey Ancestry: Advantage on saves vs Charmed condition
Spellcasting: +11 to hit with spells, DC 18 to save against her spells, 14 sorcery points
17 prepared spells 
Cantrips (6): Mage Hand, Blade Ward, Fire Bolt, Shocking Grasp, Mending, True Strike, ( + Acid Splash & Light as Magic Initiate, + Prestidigitation as High Elf)
1st Level: 4 slots Disguise Self, Feather Fall, Alarm, Protection from Good & Evil, Shield (+ Identify as Magic Initiate, + Detect Magic as High Elf)
2nd Level: 3 slots Cloud of Daggers, Aid, Lesser Restoration, Hold Person (+ Misty Step as High Elf)
3rd level: 3 slots Dispel Magic, Protection from Energy, Tongues, Fireball
4th level: 3 slots Freedom of Movement, Summon Construct, Charm Monster, Polymorph
5th level: 2 slots Wall of Force, Greater Restoration, Teleportation Circle, Creation
6th level: 1 slot Chain Lightning, True Seeing
7th level: 1 slot Etherealness, Prismatic Spray

Actions: Quarterstaff melee attack at +4 to hit for 1d8–1 bludgeoning damage

Notable Gear: Boots of Levitation, Medallion of Thoughts, Ring of Greater Protection (+2 to AC), Quarterstaff

As the most powerful resident spellcaster in Fort Perilous, Nurina is consulted on many magical matters, and for the most part she is quite happy to help. Although she has standard fees, she is willing to waive them if a reciprocal service is rendered, like finding a magic item or spell component. She has had several awkward situations with the local church of St Jovia and may decide to not get involved with them or other religions. 

Saurgrath the Blunt

Medium Humanoid (Human male), Chaotic Neutral 

Based on 7th level Fighter (Champion), Soldier background 

AC 20, HP 50, Speed 20ft, Init +0, Profic Bonus +3

Str 19 (+4), Dex 10 (0), Con 16 (+3), Int 9 (-1), Wis 10 (0), Cha 8 (-1)

Saves: Str +7, Con +6

Skills: Athletics +7 (with Advantage), Intimidation +2, Animal Handling +3, Survival +3  

Senses: Passive Perception 10

Languages: Common

Challenge Rating: 7 (2900xp)

Great Weapon Fighting: When using maul any damage roll of 1 or 2 is treated as a 3

Weapon Mastery: Topple when using Maul (target hit must make con save vs DC 15 or be knocked prone)

Savage Attacker: Once per turn in combat, roll dice twice for damage and keep the higher score

Improved Critical: Critical Hits on a natural 19 or 20

Actions: Maul Melee attack at +11 (+13 vs spellcasters) for 2d6+7 (+9 vs spellcasters) bludgeoning damage (also see above)

Notable Gear: Plate armour +2, “Magebane” Maul +3, (+5 vs spellcasters, Dispel Magic 1/day as if 10th level)

Saurgrath has ended up in Fort Perilous having annoyed too many people in various city states. He seems to have a knack for getting into trouble, or maybe trouble just finds him. He is hoping to lay low here until the City Guard of Malkoropolis calm down a bit after the misunderstanding about that drunken bar brawl. And then there was the incident in Senthopolis where he had rescued a fair maiden from those thuggish soldiers, only to later find out she was wanted for robbing the mayor. Still, there is always mercenary work available around the borderlands, and if there is one thing Saurgrath is good at, it's cracking skulls. He is currently staying at the Drowned Boar Inn. 

Huson Volderas, Lord of Fort Perilous

Medium Humanoid (Human male), Lawful Good 

Based on 4th level Wizard (illusionist),  Noble background

AC 10, HP 13, Speed 30ft, Init -1, Profic Bonus +2

Str 10 (+0), Dex 8 (-1), Con 9 (-1), Int 16 (+3), Wis 16 (+3), Cha 13 (+1)

Saves: Int +5, Wis +5

Skills: History (+7), Persuasion (+3), Insight (+5), Investigation (+5)  

Senses: Passive Perception 13

Languages: Common, Elvish

Challenge Rating: 4

Spellcasting: Attack with spells at +5 to hit, DC 16 for target saves, Intelligence as spellcasting ability

Cantrips (5): Minor Illusion, Dancing Lights, Light, Ray of Frost, Blade Ward

1st level (4 slots): Colour Spray, Disguise Self, Silent Image, Magic Missile, Mage Armour

2nd level (3 slots): Invisibility, Magic Mouth, Mirror Image, Hold Person

Improved Illusions: can cast illusion spells without verbal components  

Actions: Dagger melee attack at +2 to hit for 1d4 piercing damage

    Wand of Magic Missiles: missile attack, automatic hit for 1d4+1 per missile, 3 missiles per attack

Notable Gear: Wand of Magic Missiles, Robe of Protection, Dagger  

Huson is the grandson of the nobleman who held onto Fort Perilous during the War between the Cities, and he has since inherited the title of Lord of Fort Perilous. He is not a fighting man, preferring to leave violence to other people. He has dabbled in magic, especially illusion, enough to defend himself, but his real strengths are in administration, laws and finance. As such, he makes sure that Fort Perilous is efficient, lawful and well-governed. He personally sponsors the Fort’s library, and keeps weekly meetings with the important members of the fort. As such, most residents are content with his administration. 

Telebrin Valamon, Chaplain of Fort Perilous 

Medium humanoid (Human Female), Lawful Good

Based on 3rd level cleric (Light Domain), Acolyte background

AC 16, HP 18, Speed 30ft, Init +0, Profic bonus +2

Str 10 (+0), Dex 11 (+0), Con 14 (+2), Int 13 (+1), Wis 16 (+3), Cha 12 (+1)

Saves: Wis+5, Cha +3

Skills: Insight (+5), Religion (+3), Persuasion (+3), Medicine (+5)

Senses: Passive Perception 14

Languages: Common, Celestial

Challenge Rating: 3 

Spellcasting: Wisdom as spellcasting ability, +5 to hit with spells, DC 16 for targets’ saves

Cantrips (3): Guidance, Light, Word of Radiance,  

1st level (4 slots): Bless, Cure Wounds, Detect Magic, Burning Hands, Faerie Fire,

2nd level (2 slots):  See Invisibility, Scorching Ray, Lesser Restoration, Zone of Truth

Actions: Mace melee attack at +3 for 1d6+1

Notable Gear: Mace +1, Breastplate, Shield, Holy Symbol (spell focus)

Telebrin is a tough, brave woman who is a strong believer in St Jovia and her ideals. However, she is familiar with healing the injured and burying the dead, and has no misconceptions about violence. As such she often advises caution and defensiveness. She is also a staunch supporter of the Fort’s current ruler, Huson Volderas. However, she has found herself in arguments with Nurina Greenstaff about how to deal with monstrous humanoids roaming the hills to the east. 

Tavvix Shufflefoot, Innkeeper of the Drowned Boar Inn

Small Humanoid (halfling male), Neutral

Based on Commoner, Merchant Background

AC 12,  HP 10, Speed 25ft, Init +2, Profic bonus +2

Str 8 (-1), Dex 14 (+2), Con 10, Int 12 (+1), Wis 10 (+0), Cha 14 (+2)

Saves: Int (+3), Cha (+4)   

Skills: Persuasion (+4), Insight (+2), Animal Handling (+2)

Senses: Passive Perception 10

Languages: Common, Halfling

Brave: Advantage to saving throws vs Frightened condition

Luck: Reroll any natural 1 on a D20 - second roll must be kept

Naturally Stealthy: Hide even when obscured by a medium or larger creature

Challenge Rating: 1/8 (25xp) 

Actions: Dagger melee attack at +4 to hit for 1d4+2 damage

Notable gear: 2 daggers

Tavvix is a simple innkeeper, providing a place to stay and socialise in Fort Perilous. His inn, the Drowned Boar, is not the only such place in Fort Perilous but is probably the best in quality (though the proprietor of The Ploughshare would disagree). Tavvix caters to a variety of clients including adventurers, merchants, officials and explorers. Tavvix is not a strong combatant and instead will try to get help from one of the more powerful residents of Fort Perilous, such as Nurina Greenstaff. As with many in Fort Perilous, Tavvix is businesslike and professional - courteous and honest to his guests but also expecting good behaviour and prompt payment in return. 

Glabralas Corolon, Captain of the Guard

Medium humanoid (half-elf male), Neutral Good

Based on 9th level fighter (Battle master), Guard Background
AC 16, HP 61, Speed 30ft, Init +5 (Alert feat), Profic Bonus +4

Str 16 (+3), Dex 13 (+1), Con 13 (+1), Int 13 (+1), Wis 10 (0), Cha 16 (+3)

Saves: Str (+7), Con (+5)

Skills: Animal Handling (+4), Athletics (+7), Perception (+4), Insight (+4)

Senses: Passive Perception 10, Darkvision 60ft

Languages: Common, Elven

Challenge Rating: 9

Fey Ancestry: Advantage on saving throws vs Charmed condition

Ring of Free Action: Difficult terrain does not slow you down. Cannot be slowed, paralyzed or restrained by magic. 

Second Wind: As bonus action can regain 1d10+9hp, usable 3 x per day

Great Weapon Fighting: any roll of 1 or 2 on a damage dice is treated as a 3

Graze: On a miss with greatsword you still do 3 slashing damage

Fighter's Maneuver Options: Commanding Presence + Rally

Actions: Multi-Attack: can attack twice with greatsword per turn

Greatsword melee attack at +9 to hit for 2d6+5 slashing damage + Great weapon fighting + graze if misses

Notable Gear: Greatsword +2, Ring of Free Action, Half-Plate Armour 

Glabralas is a competent, experienced warrior and the Captain of the Guard at Fort Perilous. He is also more charismatic and flamboyant than his boss, Lord Volderas, and a few soldiers reckon he should be lord of the fort. However, Glabralas has no patience for bureaucracy or accounts, so he quite happily leaves the day-to-day work to Huson. Glabralas regularly leads patrols around the fort, and he knows the area well. Glabralas is brave and will often charge at evil monsters on sight.

Borthor Hammerhand, Blacksmith

Medium humanoid (dwarf male), Lawful Neutral

Based on 1st level fighter, artisan background 

AC 14, HP 10, Speed 25ft, Init +1, Profic Bonus +2

Str 16 (+3), Dex 12 (+1), Con 14 (+2), Int 10 (0), Wis 10 (0), Cha 8 (-2)

Saves: +5 Str, +4 Con

Skills: Animal Handling (+2), Insight (+2)

Tool Proficiency: Smith’s Tools (+10 when in smithy)

Resistance to Poison damage, advantage to saves vs Poisoned condition

Senses: 60ft darkvision, passive perception 10

Languages: Dwarvish, Common

Challenge Rating: 1/2 (100xp)

Actions: Smithing Hammer melee attack at +5 to hit for 1d8 +3 bludgeoning + Push

Bonus Action: Second Wind. As a bonus action you can use this to regain 1d10hp, usable 2/day

Notable Gear: Smithing hammer (as Warhammer), leather apron & gloves (as leather armour)

Borthor is difficult to get on with. It seems that he has more than his fair share of dwarven gruffness, terseness and short temper. However, his skills as a blacksmith are very much in demand and he can shoe a horse in record time. Some wonder why a dwarf has settled in a predominantly human settlement such as Fort Perilous, rather than a dwarven city such as Kormarin. He keeps this reason to himself though he has suggested in conversations that he is in self-imposed exile after the death of a family member. 

 

The Subjugation of Landfall

This post takes part of Mystara and takes it in a non-canon direction. If alternative history is considered counterfactual, this might be described as counter-canon. I have ignored canon in both Ierendi and the Pearl Islands, though this is a bit different, in that here the starting point for this event is generally within canon but then the event takes it off in a different direction. . 

Cartography by Thorfinn Tait

cartography by Thorfinn Tait

Background

The Heldannic Knights are the strict, brutal and bigotted rulers of the Heldannic Territories, formerly known as the Heldannic Freeholds - there are few free people there now. The knights' ideas of law and order look more like tyranny to many outside observers. To the north, where the Known World of southeast Brun meets Norwold in the northeast of Brun, is Landfall, a free city that has previously defied the Heldannic Order. 

There has always been tension between the two, with the chaotic Landfall contrasting with the lawful though harsh Heldannic Order. Neither side is particularly pleasant or benevolent - for its part Landfall has been rife with crime, especially piracy, its government corrupt and incompetent, unwilling to tackle the powerful lawbreakers within the city. If anything the government had to tread carefully around the crime lords and strike morally dubious deals with them to keep the peace. Rumour had it that slavery, drug smuggling and cults of Chaos could all be found within Landfall. 

The Invasion

Four weeks ago the merchant vessel The Purple Porpoise set off from Kammin, a coastal town in the northern territories. Pirates from Landfall intercepted and attacked, easily overpowering the civilian crew and taking everything onboard as plunder. In response a flotilla of two Heldannic navy ships (the Righteous Fury and the Unquestioned Command) set out from Freiburg and sighted the pirates in less than a week. The pirates fled north back to Landfall, and the Heldannic flotilla pursued. Within sight of Landfall itself the flotilla was met by both official Landfall ships and privateers in the service of Landfall, who included some mercenary battle mages with powerful spells. In the ensuing naval battle a number of ships were lost and hundreds of sailors and marines died. Commodore Augsprecht was slain and the vaunted Captain Rakksburger went down with her ship, the Righteous Fury. The remaining Heldannic Ship, the Unquestioned Command, was beaten back and returned in shame to Freiburg. But rather than keeping the Heldannic knights at bay, this was seen as an insult to be avenged and a Casus Belli. 

Two weeks ago the invasion was launched. 2 Glory of Vanya divisions  and 500 marines (2900 men) were transported by 15 naval ships of the 1st Armada, escorted by the 1st Luftflotte Division of 6 warbirds (Heldannic military skyships)  while another 2 divisions (2400 men) marched north along the coast. They met up outside the city a week later and encircled it. There was an attempt at battle as the braver members of Landfall city guards formed up into an army 600 strong along the edge of the city which did not even have a proper wall. Formal resistance did not last long. The Heldannic warbirds landed a force of 200 elite knights right in the middle of the city and they quickly sacked the governor's residence, killing Lernal the Swill and his family. While residents fled in terror, some Landfall soldiers fell back from the city outskirts to stop the knights, but that is when the main assault began, with the Heldannic forces surrounding the city advancing inwards. Official military operations ceased that evening when the City Treasurer, the most senior surviving official in Landfall, surrendered the city unconditionally. He was then dragged out to the market square and executed. It was a bloody day - anyone who resisted was killed. Anyone who looked like a pirate was killed. Anyone who looked like Landfall Army or Navy was killed. Anyone who insulted or made fun of the Heldannic Order and its knights was killed. On that day the population of Landfall fell from 10,000 to 8,500. Only about 300 fled the city and survived though others died trying. In this situation the lack of a city wall made escaping easier. 

The Current Situation in Landfall and Heldann

The Heldannic Order now rules Landfall with an iron fist and brooks no dissent. On the surface there is no resistance. However, many of Landfall’s criminal elements are not the kind to confront such a strong enemy face to face. Even before the invasion there were spies from different nations jostling for strategic position in the taverns, merchant halls, back alleys and marketplaces of Landfall, and now folks with these skills are needed more than ever. Alphatian agents in particular are closely monitoring the knights while trying to stay out of trouble. Agents' communications with their respective governments continues, and only now are the chaplains of the Heldannic Order understanding how much is going on behind closed doors. Some chaplains are advocating a no-nonsense robust approach to spies or anyone who might be a spy, but there are some who would rather take a more subtle approach, finding out what is going on and who are the spy masters before arresting and executing individual agents are. 

There is also talk about an escape route. Smugglers used to dealing with contraband, stolen loot and rustled livestock are now being asked to get people out of the city, usually people who feel particularly threatened by the Heldannic Knights and also have the means to pay the smugglers.  

The Provisional Military Government of Landfall is the name given to the new rulers. Their priority is security and control, with prosperity, trade and the happiness of citizens barely considered at all. The Heldannic Order and knights see this as a great victory, confirmation that they are favoured by Vanya. The piractical wretches of Landfall stole from and attacked the Heldannic Order, and appropriate justice was served, conveniently adding another town to the Heldannic Order's holdings. 

The Freeholders and partizans of Heldann have sympathy for the people of Landfall but do not feel they can do much to help. There are a few townsfolk who fled westwards further inland, and those who were not caught and slain by humanoid tribes were instead taken in by the Freeholders. The Freeholders are careful not to do anything too drastic to help Landfall as they have no wish to endure the wrath of the knights again. 

The Current Situation Internationally

Emboldened by their sweeping success in taking Landsfall the Heldanic knights are now looking at Oceansend, a more difficult proposition due to its increased population, better military and further distance from the Heldann homeland. The rulers of Oceansend are horrified at what has happened to Landfall and are doing their utmost to strengthen their defences.  Similarly the Kingdom of Alpha further north has noted the invasion with alarm. There are talks of an alliance between Oceansend and Alpha. And although Oceansend does not wish to become a puppet of Alphatia, the rulers concede that Alphatia seems less terrible than the Heldannic Order. One proposal heard in Oceansend is the idea of supporting the partizans in the Heldannic hinterlands, but others are wary of linking Oceansend to those fighting the Order: it could become another casus belli. 

Many in Thyatis approve in principle of bringing Landfall into line - pirates from Landfall have attacked Thyatian merchants as well. But even then some Thyatians are a bit concerned about the level of bloodshed and how necessary all the killing was. And then there is the demonstrated military might - having a strong ally in the Heldannic Order is generally good for Thyatis. But an ally that could rival and possibly overtake Thyatis, particularly around its interests and holdings in Northern Brun, is a little concerning. The Order taking over Thyatian holdings in Norwold is currently only a worst case scenario, but if the Order is seriously eyeing up Oceansend and its defences…

Not many in Alphatia have paid much attention to the events in Landfall -  to them it is a small foreign town with little magic or anything worthwhile. And if they could not defend themselves with magic, then maybe they should have studied harder at their arcane schools. Nonetheless there are those who recognise that the Heldannic Order has links to Thyatis, and an ally of Thyatis threatening Alphatian interests in the Sea of Dawn should worry any right-thinking Alphatian. Such interested Alphatians agree that rather trying to retake Landfall, it would probably be better to help Oceansend, and perhaps reinforce Alphatia's own defences. 

The Isle of Dawn is another area close to the invasion, not yet directly affected but a ship with refugees has landed in Helskir on the northernmost tip, having set sail from Lighthall a few days after the assault on Landfall. Allies and provinces of Alphatia and Thyatis are keeping a close eye on the situation, and although they feel relatively secure that the Heldannic Order would not directly attack holdings of the two Empires, they are concerned with trade routes being threatened. Landfall may have been a troublesome and chaotic place, but it was still an important trading port. Now however, trade there has all but ceased - merchants are rightly scared of doing business there and the consequences of running afoul of the Heldannic Knights. . 

Ideas about Creating NPCs in 5.5E

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This has been bouncing around inside my head and I'd like to just write down my current state of thinking, which has evolved a bit since a previous post. A lot of this stuff is not just for 5.5E but also applicable to 5E and perhaps 3.0/3.5.  

Creating by-the-book PCs for 5.5E can take a while - typically an hour or more for each character (higher level characters taking longer than 1st level ones). This is absolutely fine if this character will be used by a player for lots of adventures and all the details on the character sheet will be at least considered if not actually used. 

For NPCs who won't see the same level of use as a player character the two main options presented in the DMG are:

1. Creating a character using the rules in the Players Handbook. This will take time, and if I want to create quite a few NPCs (populating a town, an organisation or a rival adventuring group), this is really not feasible.
    
2. Using one of the stat blocks in the Monster Manual. The 5.5E MM has them scattered alphabetically through the main book, while 5.0E MM has them confined to the appendix B at the back of the book. Although these stat blocks are okay, they just don't quite have the customisability or range that I would like. Maybe I'm being fussy. 

I think there ought to be a 3rd way. 

Firstly whatever the NPC is or can do, it ought to fit into the Monster Manual stat block. This may mean not explaining how or why stats are what they are. If an NPC is using a background from the PHB then I don't need to explain on the stat block how the background affects their ability scores, skill proficiencies or equipment. I believe that a clear, easily useable stat block is more important than one that is cluttered but technically accurate.

Secondly NPCs are not required to abide by exactly the same rules as PCs. I suspect this will be in the form of leaving out details and special features that a PC of similar class and role would have, and instead focusing on things that the NPC will be expected to do in game play.  My general idea is that many of these NPCs will be based on a combination of class/subclass/background/species/level. This will add up to a lot of things to go onto a character sheet, more than would be suitable for an NPC stat block, particularly if the PCs are going to kill them 3 rounds of combat after first meeting them. Not all the subclass features or species features will make it onto the stat block. 

And of course, I can ignore subclasses and do NPCs as just "plain" members of classes. Maybe not as colourful or with the same range of features as a PC with subclass, but these are NPCs and do not need the same depth and complexity. And according to the rules, subclasses don't apply until 3rd level anyway. 

Same goes for backgrounds. The 5.5E backgrounds look more streamlined with less than half a page each but even these are an optional extra when creating NPCs. I suspect that not much from a background will actually show up in the stat block. 

I've already done this in a previous post detailing a Thayan enclave in Elturel. There I have given stat blocks for Red Wizard Neophytes and Red Wizard Juniors. These are based on 2nd level wizards and 4th level wizards respectively. They are also envisioned to cover many NPCs who fit that role, like the Monster Manual stat blocks, rather than what might be considered individual stat blocks for named NPCs found in adventures. 

Red Wizard Neophyte:
Medium Humanoid (Human), Neutral Evil, based on 2nd level wizard
AC: 10, HP: 9, Speed: 30ft
Str 10 (0), Dex 10 (0), Con 13 (+1), Int 15 (+2) Wis 12 (+1), Cha 10 (0)
Saving Throws: Int (+4), Wis (+3)
Skills: Arcana (+4), Insight (+3)
Senses: passive perception (12)
Languages: Common, Thayan, Abyssal
Challenge: 2 (450xp)
Special Equipment: Dagger, red robes
Action: Dagger, melee attack (+2 to hit, 1d4 damage)
Spellcasting: Red Wizard Neophytes are spellcasters of 2nd level using Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +4 to hit with spell attacks)
At Will Cantrips (3 known): Acid Splash, Fire Bolt, Light
1st L spells (3 slots): Charm Person, Fog Cloud, Silent Image

Theoretically I could ignore classes, levels and species altogether and completely wing it with the stat block, but something inside me feels more comfortable when NPCs use the same rules, or at least the same basic ideas, as PCs. This has been how I've done it for many editions, since I first started D&D - just look at the various NPCs I've created for B/X in Mystara.

In a previous post on creating PCs in 5.5E, I suggested that rather than shoehorn the new races and classes into an established setting that didn't have them, it would feel better to create a new setting, Xerros. Let's continue with that. In that post I talked about the Spirit Touched (about 1% of the population) having a capacity and power about them that the other 99% (the mundanes) don't. The spirit-touched are created using the PHB, while the mundanes will use the stat blocks in the Monster Manual. This still applies - this 3rd way I am suggesting is about adding more stat blocks for mundanes, borrowing some elements from the PHB but not all that might apply. 

Remember that this is for NPCs and therefore rules are more flexible. This means I should look at other sources. The 5.0 and 5.5 rules are compatible enough that stuff from Xanathar's Guide to Everything and other 5.0 sources can be used, at least for NPCs. I'm working on a spreadsheet to list all of these options from official 5.0 & 5.5 books. There was stuff in the PHB 5.0 book that got left out of the PHB 5.5 (Nature & Tempest domain for clerics, School of Necromancy for wizards), including plenty of subclasses for bad guys (see 5.0E DMG). Bring it back. 

Can I use stuff from even older editions? I have books for 1st, 2nd and 3rd editions; there may well be ideas such as kits from 2nd edition or prestige classes for 3rd edition that I like the look of. Here I need to consider the cost-benefit balance. I’m supposed to be coming up with relatively quick and easy way to create NPCs - unless I’m going to use that prestige class again and again I don’t think I need to worry too much about a conversion. But I can always borrow the ideas in a loose way.  

Commoners, nobles and guards are treated as 0-level. Understandable, but I remember 3E having NPC classes of Adept, Aristocrat, Commoner, Expert and Warrior. I could borrow these and adapt them to the 5E stat block. I don't need to stick rigorously to the tables from 3E DMG, but just use them as a rough guide for things like burly bar tenders who don't put up with drunken troublemakers, or a blacksmith who is quite tough for a commoner, or a sergeant of the watch who isn't quite as skilled as a captain but could certainly best the rank and file under his command.  

Finally about formatting. I know the stat blocks in 5E & 5.5E look beautifully presented in their tan/beige boxes with dark red lines. I don't think I'm going to do that. I think the word processed version that I've used for the Red Wizard Neophyte is good enough. As long as the order approximately follows that of the Monster Manual stat block, I'm sure I and hopefully other DMs can use it in the middle of game play. 

The Dwarf Stronghold of Torrak Veig

 

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This dwarven settlement is in the southwest quarter of Rockhome, on the hills to the west of the Larodar river. Like other dwarven strongholds it is a combination of fortification and habitation, with some industry and trade as well. 

From the southwest Rockhome entry:

Torrak Veig: This dwarf stronghold is home to the Grayquartz family who have specialised in both mining coal (very useful for smelting metals as well as cooking food and keeping homes warm) and brewing malt beer. The stronghold has 160 members and all are loyal to Syrklist Clan.

The Leadership Crisis

The most important matter that this summary does not cover is the tension over the clan leadership. The current clan chief, Drogmoor Grayquartz, is not well at all - since a run-in with a strange undead creature three years ago Drogmoor has been suffering from bouts of insanity, and clerics are baffled as to how to cure it. Drogmoor has a young son, Thilgon, who has not reached an age where he can be considered a clan chief. Thus when Drogmoor is beset by insanity and Thilgon the heir is still a dwarven child, there are three competing authorities as regent;  Vanthi (wife of Drogmoor and mother of Thilgon), Graldi (brother of Drogmoor and uncle of Thilgon) and Ordoin, younger brother of Drogmoor and another uncle of Thilgon.

 Yet half the time Drogmoor has his wits about him and rules well enough. While he is compos mentis he asserts his authority over his family and all seems to be well for several weeks or even several months. But nobody can tell when the insanity returns - last time it happened was in the middle of a feast to honour neighbouring clan chiefs. It was a terrible embarrassment for the clan and although two of the visiting stronghold chiefs took Drogmoor's rantings and ravings as insults, the other three realised their fellow chief had suddenly lost his mind. They also noted by the reactions of Grayquartz family members that this was not the first time either. 

Clerical magic has proven ineffective (although a Cure Insanity spell will stop the current episode, the insanity will return later) and there is a strong suspicion that rather than being a natural insanity, that fateful encounter with the undead creature resulted in a powerful curse being placed on Drogmoor.  

Different dwarves have different ideas about how to handle this. Vanthi reckons Drogmoor should remain the official chief and while sane should rule as such, and authority only temporarily passing to her while her husband is unable to make sane decisions. 

Graldi reckons Drogmoor should abdicate and Graldi should be regent until Thilgon is old enough to rule. As far is he is concerned the clan needs strong, unequivocal leadership now and the uncertainty caused by the current chief’s bouts of insanity is unacceptable. 

Ordoin realises that although he might be influential, he does not have a real chance of family leadership. Instead his proposal is that Drogmoor should abdicate, and Vanthi should be regent until  Thilgon can assume the role of chief, with him (Ordoin) in an advising and supporting role.  

When Drogmoor is not trying to cast spells like a Glantrian mage and complaining about kobolds hiding under his bed , he is trying to find a permanent solution to his insanity. When it first started after his encounter with the undead thing, he was confident he could rule most of the time, only stepping down when clearly incapable. Now he is starting to doubt his fitness to govern even when he is lucid, and the idea of abdicating in favour of either Graldi or Vanthi is a serious option. 

Other aspects of Torrak Veig

• The stronghold may have 160 members inside its gates, but there are another 200 or so dwarves dotted around the neighbourhood of the stronghold in the mountains and river valley who consider it to be the hub of their community. 
• In times of war or other emergency the stronghold can muster up to 80 dwarf warriors (mostly 1st level but some with more experience). They are all infantry, though about half of these can bring crossbows to the fight. 
• There is a small shrine in the stronghold manned by a dwarf cleric (Berred Grayquartz) and his two acolytes
• The coal mine mentioned in the previous post is an extension of the stronghold, going down in a southwest direction. The coal seam is extensive and so are the mine tunnels. Regular patrols to drive out vermin and giant rats are necessary. 
• The brewery is in the surface structure, and the dwarves buy the hops and barley from the local farmers in nearby valleys. However, a series of ankheg attacks have now put the hops supply in jeopardy - one farmer was killed, several farm workers were injured and two whole fields of hops were destroyed by acid. 
• The main route connecting Torrak Veig to the rest of Rockhome is a path that follows the river past Dangtheign's Post. Dwarves are distrustful of boats and river travel and tend to leave that to humans. 
• Coal is typically transported by donkey or mule cart along the riverside path with an escort of two dwarf warriors per cart. So far this has proved sufficent in protecting trade to Dangtheign's Post and nearby strongholds. 

The Tomb of the Graven Ancestors

This catacomb is dug into a mountainside about eight miles from Torrak Veig. The upper two levels are relatively peaceful and is where Grayquartz family members have been traditionally laid to rest. Below in the third and fourth levels things become more dangerous. It is believed that deep in these lower levels Drogmoor encountered something that caused his insanity. This nameless creature, according to Drogmoor, appeared to be an undead chaotic dwarven cleric. Yet what has happened to Drogmoor does not register with any known clerical magic. This undead thing is also able to animate dead bodies, thus desecrating the dwarven dead laid to rest in the Tomb. It has been suggested that destroying this undead dwarf cleric might remove Drogmoor’s curse, but this is speculation.  

There is a helm in the depths of the Tomb that belonged to Huggorn Grayquartz, a renowned leader of the Grayquartz tribe and led them from Dengar to Torrak Veig. This helm is believed to imbue the wearer with influence and leadership, and wearing it would be seen as a symbol of authority.  The helm ended up in the tomb after acting as an unofficial crown for Torrak Veig when during a heated leadership struggle where neither side behaved with dignity or honour an angry dwarf cleric decided that neither side deserved the helm and took it back down into the Tomb to lay on the sarcophagus of its original owner. Both Graldi and Ordoin are aware of the helm’s existence and both seek to claim it to gain support their respective proposed solutions.  

Other locations near Torrak Veig

• Scalefoot Chasm: This is a deep chasm open to the weather between two mountains. The most notable inhabitants are the Scalefoot goblins that have become very adept at climbing, and giant spiders they have domesticated which now serve as precipice-climbing steeds. Down in the chasm there are entrances into goblin warrens. There is a single well-defended set of stone stairs carved into the chasm walls but most of the time the goblins will use spiders or rope ladders to get in and out. The goblins and dwarves have skirmished but there has not yet been all-out war.  
• The Ruined Chapel of Kagyar: This small chapel to the patron immortal of dwarves is partly on the surface, with a small church-like structure set against the mountainside, partly underground with passages going deep. Nobody at Torrak Veig knows what the tunnels lead to. Was it a mine?  An underground settlement? A subterranean place of worship? It should be investigated. 
• Dangtheign’s Post. This surface settlement is on the west bank of the Larodar river where it turns from north-east to northwest. This is now a fortified village of 60 people, including 30 dwarves, 10 gnomes, 15 humans and strangely 5 kobolds, representatives of the Glitterbug Tribe. Traders from Torrak Veig, Torrak Sorros and Torrak Halastoron will all visit here, and occasionally merchants from further afield. As well as trade, Dangtheign’s Post is also seen as a neutral meeting ground when disputes need to be resolved peacefully. 
• Glitterbug Tribe: This tribe of 120 kobolds seems surprisingly non-aggressive. Many dwarves simply do not trust them but the fact that they leave dwarves alone and even occasionally try trading at Dangtheign’s Post is seen as very odd. Some dwarf sages would like to investigate the Glitterbug tribe. Are they just faking it to gain the trust of naive dwarves? Or are they fundamentally different in outlook from other kobolds? The tribal lair is entirely underground, with the entrance hidden in a boulder field at the base of a steep slope. The kobolds often wear copper items and malachite jewelery, and may offer to trade these. 
• Vunstein's Tower: This ruined tower on a hilly outcrop was an outpost for the dwarves but now has fallen into goblin hands and is a forward post for the goblins of Zugguth Peak. It sits about half way between Zugguth Peak and Torrak Veig. Recapturing it on behalf of the dwarves would be appreciated, but the goblins have hired bugbear mercenaries to defend the tower. 

Logos Location #14: The Pillared Halls of Serathis

 

Cartography by Dyson Logos (source), 1 square: 10ft

Thanks to Dyson Logos' generosity, he has made a large number of his high quality maps available for use. I have decided (with his approval) to incorporate these into locations within Mystara. This is a dungeon adventure using the B/X D&D rules for a party of characters of levels 6-8 set in the Great Waste of Sind. 

Background of the Pillared Halls of Serathis

The Pillared Halls of Serathis was originally a seat of power for the proto-Hulean tribes that roamed the land before the Great Rain of Fire of Blackmoor transformed the land into a parched desert. When the land dried, the plants withered and the animals fled for greener pastures, most of the proto-Huleans traveled west over the mountains into what is now Hule. But some stayed, mainly because their cellars beneath the surface structures had their own water sources, thus removing at least one problem. These formed into two main groups, one led by mages, one led by clerics. But both groups of spellcasters became greedy, ambitious and conceited, and there were struggles for dominance, and even a few skirmishes. Then the clerics performed a fearsome ritual to summon a Prince of Chaos called Serathis, a lieutenant of their patron deity, and bind them to their service, with the intent to set Serathis against the upstart mages. This did indeed summon the Prince of Chaos, but he was neither controlled nor compliant, and instead transformed all of the inhabitants of the Pillared Halls into various monsters. They have roamed the halls ever since. 

Possible hooks for exploring the Pillared Halls of Serathis

• The PCs are desperate for water having crossed the parched wastes for weeks, and divination indicates that fresh water can be found down in this dungeon (see rooms 7, 12 & 23)
• The Scrolls of Zarrash the Dark are believed to contain powerful mage spells, as well as the instructions and incantations for constructing Jade Serpents. A wizard in Glantri has determined that this location holds the scrolls. (See room 9)
• A caravan the PCs were part of was attacked by monstrous raiders. Some caravan members were captured and dragged away by the creatures and the tracks lead would-be rescuers to here. (See room 19)
• A dwarf warrior disappeared in this area carrying a dwarven heirloom, an axe called Goblin-slicer. (See room 20) 

On the Surface

source

As the PCs travel the Great Waste they can see the ruins of some ancient settlement. Time, wind and sand have reduced most of these down to no more than a man's height, with only a few arches and pillars still standing. Although the DM is welcome to place encounters here (either wilderness or dungeon-related), I have not done so. In the middle of these surface ruins there is what appears to be a well, a circular hole in the ground 15ft diameter with a low (2ft tall) wall around its perimeter. This drops down 30ft to an underground chamber. At the bottom is a pile of sand (blown in from the desert) so anyone dropping down takes 2d6 rather than usual 3d6 falling damage. Nonetheless, most PCs will want to travel down a little more gently, and preferably with some way of getting back up (such as a rope tied to something secure on the surface). Once on the sandy pile, they are in room #1....

General architecture of the dungeon

The Pillared Halls of Serathis are relatively spacious compared to some dungeons, with the halls with actual pillars being 20ft high. Furthermore there are plenty of carved relief decorations on the wall showing scenes of pre-Hulean culture (which has a similar aesthetic to Earth’s Assyrian and Babylonian wall carvings). The dungeon is generally unlit as all the resident creatures have infravision. 

The Key to the Dungeon Map

1. The Dusty Shaft - main way in and out. The circle in the middle is the pile of sand and dust blown in from the shaft directly above. As described above, dropping down from the top of the shaft will cause 2d6 falling damage. 
2. The Jackalwere lair. This was an abandoned chapel, now occupied by 3 jackalweres (borrowed from AD&D) who will appear to be human travellers and claim to be human merchants stuck down here. When the PCs are close enough They have ladders in a corner to ascend & descend the shaft in room 1. They have looted treasure from various victims stored in a single large earthenware pot that contains 3500sp, 1500gp, 110pp and a small sapphire gem worth 500gp as well as a scroll of 4 magic user spells: Dispel Magic, Fireball, Phantasmal Force and Knock. 
   Jackalwere: AC 4, Mv 120ft, HD 4 (hp 16, 18, 19), THAC0 16, Att 1 bite for 2d4, Spec abil: gaze, weapon immunity, Save F4, Ml 8, Align C, Int 12, XP 125, Gaze against unsuspecting (i.e. non-hostile) creatures causes sleep (save vs spells or fall asleep for 4d4 turns. Weapon Immunity: Silver or Magic weapons needed to hit, immune to normal weapons.  
3. Empty
4. Altar at the far end is trapped with an Explosive Rune. Anyone who reads or touches the rune on the altar takes 6d4+6 fire damage, no save. Those within 10ft radius are also affected but may save vs dragon breath to take half damage.  But behind the trapped altar is a lever that opens up the secret door to room 22. 
5. Empty
6. 3 minotaurs are based here. This room has sides raised up 10ft and the minotaurs will lurk there behind the pillars, attacking when the PCs reach the steps halfway along. 
   Minotaur: AC 6, Mv 120ft, HD 6 (27 hp each), THAC0 14, Att 1bite/1 gore for 1d6/1d6, Save F6, Ml 12, Align C, XP 275
7. This Chamber is divided by a moat 5ft deep with stone bridge. The water is drinkable. At the east side are two alcove each with iron-grey statues of ancient warriors. In the room is a lesser Nagpa called Alchellos. At its command the two statues attack as Iron Living Statues. Alchellos has a purse with 20pp and 45gp. 
   Lesser Nagpa Alchellos: AC 5, Mv 120ft, HD 6**, hp 29, THAC0 14, Att 1 beak for 1d6 or special, Save MU6, Ml 7, Int 14, XP 725, spec abil: innate abilities: Create Flames, Darkness, Phantasmal Force, prepared spells: Charm Person, Locate Object, Protection fron Normal Missiles. 
   Iron Living Statue AC 2, Mv 30', HD 4, hp 20, THAC0 16, Att 2 fists + special for 1d8/1d8, Save F4, Ml 12, Align Neutral, XP 125  Metal absorption: If a character hits the iron living statue with a non-magical metal weapon, the character must make a save vs spells or else the weapon is partially absorbed by the statue, and cannot be used again until the living statue is killed 
8.  This is the living quarters for the lesser nagpas, and there are 2 lesser nagpas in here, Ganthor and Errikis. The 5ft deep pool of water on the west wall is connected to similar pools in rooms 7 & 9 by 2ft wide pipes. Similar 2ft wide pipes lead out of the dungeon to the north and east to some underground water source. Errikis has 40pp while Ganthor has a purse of 30gp and an ornately wrought silver bracelet worth 150gp.  
   Lesser Nagpa Errikis: AC 5, Mv 120ft, HD 6**, hp 20, THAC0 14, Att 1 beak for 1d6 or special, Save MU6, Ml 7, Int 14, XP 725, spec abil: innate abilities: Create Flames, Darkness, Phantasmal Force, prepared spells: Hold Portal, Web, Lightning Bolt (6d6 damage).
   Lesser Nagpa Ganthor AC 5, Mv 120ft, HD 6**, hp 26, THAC0 14, Att 1 beak for 1d6 or special, Save MU6, Ml 7, Int 14, XP 725, spec abil: innate abilities: Create Flames, Darkness, Phantasmal Force, prepared spells: Charm Person, Caustic Bolt. Haste
9. 1 Greater Nagpa, Norgatho, guards a library of books containing the Scrolls of  Zarrash the Dark as well as a chest containing a treasure hoard of 6000gp, 1200pp, 4 pieces of jewelery worth 1500gp each and a huge ruby worth 5000gp, as well as a Shield +2 a Longbow +1 and an Amulet of Elemental Friendship (new item, see below).  On the west wall is a 5ft deep  
   Greater Nagpa Norgatho: AC 1, Mv 120ft, HD 12** (55hp), THAC0 10, Att 1 bite or special, Save MU12, Ml 8, Int 16, XP 2700, Spec Abil: Innate abilities: Corruption, Paralysis, Create Flames, Darkness, Phantasmal Force, Prepared spells: Magic Missile, Continual Light, Lightning Bolt (12d6 damage), Polymorph Other, Cloudkill, Invisible Stalker
10. 1 lesser nagpa, Chorros, is negotiating with 3 minotaurs, trying to convince them to work for the Nagpas. Chorros has a purse with 30pp.
    Lesser Nagpa Chorros: AC 5, Mv 120ft, HD 6**, hp 20, THAC0 14, Att 1 beak for 1d6 or special, Save MU6, Ml 7, Int 14, XP 725, spec abil: innate abilities: Create Flames, Darkness, Phantasmal Force, prepared spells: Magic Missile, Web, Hold Person. 
    Minotaur: AC 6, Mv 120ft, HD 6, hp 22, 26 & 23, THAC0 14, Att 1bite/1 gore for 1d6/1d6, Save F6, Ml 12, Align C, XP 275
11. 1 Minotaur boss, Gorewrench has made his lair here and has 2 normal minotaurs as minions. He commands the minotaurs within this dungeon and has a tentative agreement with the nagpas. He has a treasure chest with 5400gp, 22000sp and 10 platinum ingots worth 500gp/100pp each. There is also a small sack that holds 2 potions of Extra Healing and 2 Antidote Potions.  
    Minotaur: AC 6, Mv 120ft, HD 6 (hp 23, 33), THAC0 14, Att 1bite/1 gore for 1d6/1d6, Save F6, Ml 12, Align C, XP 275.
    Gorewrench the Minotaur boss: AC 4, Mv 120’, HD 9, hp 37, THAC0 11, Att 1 battle axe for 1d10+3, Save F9, Ml 12, Align C, XP 900, equip: oversized battle axe
12. There is a pool of fresh drinking water in the centre of this room. However, within the pool is an 8HD water elemental that will attack anyone that approaches, unless they wear the Amulet of Elemental Friendship (from room 9). 
    Water Elemental: AC 2, Mv 60', swim 180', HD 8, hp 30, THAC0 12, Att 1 slam for 1d8 (2d8 if opponent is in water such as the pool), Special Defenses: Immune to non-magical weapons (+1 or better weapons needed to hit), Save F8, Ml 12, Align N, XP 1200 
13. Empty apart from evidence of magical rituals and destructive spellcasting. This is where the chaotic clerics foolishly summoned Serathis himself. 
14. Mechanical descending ceiling trap. Once the PCs enter the room, the doors at both ends lock shut. On the south wall there is Magic Mouth spell that asks “What part of you always goes up, never goes down?” If the PCs answer “Age” then the doors at both ends open again. However, after 3 round the ceiling starts crushing PCs, causing 1d10 damage, then 2d10 on 4th round, then 3d10 on 5th round and so on. A generous DM may allow a Knock spell to open one of the doors without answering the riddle correctly. 
15. 4 square pillars dominate this chamber. Between the pillars are 3 raised platforms about 5ft high that each has a gem (a small ruby) worth 500gp. Anyone touching or removing the gems activates a mechanism. All 4 pillars descend, and standing on the top of the pillars are 4 mummies (one on each pillar). The mummies attack of course.
    Mummy: AC 3, Mv 60ft, HD 5+1, 24hp each, THAC0 15 Att 1 slam for 1d12 + disease, Save F5, Ml 12, XP 400 disease prevents magical healing and slows down natural healing 
16. A vicious Manscorpion resides here. Between this room and #15 is a portcullis-like wall of bars. However, on the west side is a lever that raises thisfor 1 turn allowing the manscorpion to enter room #15 and attack the PCs while they are occupied with the mummies.The manscorpion wears a gold and amethyst unholy symbol worth 400gp.
    Manscorpion: AC 1, Mv 240ft, HD 8**, 39hp, THAC0 12, Att 1 weapon/1 sting for 3d6/1d10 + poison or paralysis, Save F8, Ml 10, Int 10, Align C, XP 1750 Opponents stung by stinger must make a save vs poison or die. Those that make their save are paralysed for 1d8-1 (0-7) rounds. 
17. Apparently this room holds a female adventurer called Marra held captive by the manscorpion. However, "she" is actually a Mujina in disguise and will betray the PCs at a critical moment. Note that the mujina has no love of the manscorpions as it was caught stealing from them so it really is a prisoner. It has picked up two oversized clubs it dual-wields.
    Mujina: AC 4, Mv 120ft, HD 8*, hp 34, THAC0 12, Att 2 weapons for 1d6/1d6, Spec Abil: Faceless Scare, Save F8, Ml 10, Int 12, Align C, XP 1200. Faceless Scare: creatures that can see the mujina must save vs wands or attempt to flee for 1d3 rounds.  
18. These two alcoves used to hold treasure but are now empty. 
19. 1 Manscorpion watches over 3 hapless humans, seized from a caravan raid and now tied up and expecting a grisly doom. The three are: Bijan (F2 human male, caravan guard), Shervin (NM, human male, camel handler) and Atoosa (F2, human female, merchant), all of whom are unarmed. The manscorpion wears a gold and amethyst unholy symbol worth 400gp
    Manscorpion: AC 1, Mv 240ft, HD 8**, 32hp, THAC0 12, Att 1 weapon/1 sting for 3d6/1d10 + poison or paralysis, Save F8, Ml 10, Int 10, Align C, XP 1750
20. The Manscorpion cleric called Orrsos rules the other manscorpions in this dungeon, and guards a treasure hoard all piled into a carved stone sarcophagus, containing 22,000sp, 9600gp, 2600pp, a Wand of Fear (10 charges), an Antidote Potion (see below) and a magical battleaxe called Goblin-slicer (see below). Orrsos himself wears a gold and ruby unholy symbol worth 1000gp
    Orrsos the Manscorpion Cleric: AC 1, Mv 240ft, HD 10**, 48 hp, THAC0 10, Att 1 weapon/1 sting for 3d6/1d10 + poison or paralysis, spec abil: clerical spells. Save C10, Ml 12, Int 12, Align C, XP 2700 spells as 10th level cleric, including Insect Plague, Animate Dead, Dispel Magic, Bestow Curse, Cause Disease, Speak with Dead
21. 1 Manscorpion: AC 1, Mv 240ft, HD 8**, 33hp, THAC0 12, Att 1 weapon/1 sting for 3d6/1d10 + poison or paralysis, Save F8, Ml 10, Int 10, Align C, XP 1750 treasure: unholy symbol worth 400gp
22. Secret chamber with a treasure chest guarded by a Jade Serpent, The manscorpions are aware of this secret room but leave it alone as they cannot control the Jade Serpent. Inside the chest is 12,000sp, 3500gp, 4 gems worth 1000gp each (2 sapphires, 2 diamonds) and a ceremonial jeweled dagger worth 2000gp  
    Jade Serpent: AC 2, Mv 120ft, HD 8*, 40hp, THAC0 12, Att 1 bite/1 tail for  2d4 + poison/1d10 + crush, Spec Abil: Immune to non-magical weapons, tail hit enables continual crush + grapple, Save as F8, Ml 12, Align N, XP 1200. 
23. 4 giant scorpions guarding a source of fresh water. They will not attack the manscorpions who treat these as pets. 
    Giant Scorpion: AC2, Mv 150ft, HD 4*, hp 18 each, THAC0 16, Att 2 pincers/1 sting for 1d10/1d10/1d4 + poison (save or die), Save F2, Ml 11, Align N, XP 125  

New magic items

Amulet of Elemental Friendship: Anyone wearing this amulet will not be attacked by elementals unless the elemental is specifically instructed to do so by its summoner. Even then the elemental must make a Save vs Spells to overcome the amulet. Similarly if the amulet wearer or one of the wearer’s allies attacks the elemental, the elemental is allowed a saving throw vs spells each round of being attacked. If successful the elemental can ignore the amulet and defend itself.  

Goblin-slicer: This battleaxe is clearly of dwarven design, with dwarven runes etched into the blade. In the hands of anyone else this weapon functions as a Battleaxe +1. But if wielded by a dwarf, Goblin-slicer becomes a battleaxe +2. It also gives its dwarf owner an extra attack each round when fighting goblins and orcs and will glow a soft green when goblins or orcs are within 120ft. 

Antidote Potion: This potion lasts for 1 hour during which the imbiber is immune to all poisons. Furthermore if the potion is poured into the mouth of someone who has already died of poison within 1 turn, the potion will bring them back to life.