Southland Adventure: Stone Grave-Workshop Alley

STONE GRAVE

A Fantasy Core and D&D 5^th Edition Southland Adventure

© Jerry Harris 2015

Published here as Open Game Content. 

(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Playtest Rules.)

Southland Index

Stone Grave Index

Work Level Index

Workshop Alley

Workshops and forges populated this area when it was a mine.  The smoke was channeled out through an elaborate chimney system.  That was all closed up when Stone Grave became a bunker.  It’s a dirty, dingy place that was only used for storage during the war.  There’s nothing of portable value here except for the two exits from this level.  It is regularly patrolled by the Grimlocks.

Exit Tunnel

3 XP for making it past the guards.

7) This large passage connects Stone Grave to the rest of Mount Connor’s labyrinth.  It is rather rough-hewn for the most part where the Humanoids were working on it, but occasionally the original, skillful work shows through.  About 50’ in are the piles of debris from the excavation.  From there, it’s “Injun Country,” where you can find all the sub-human Humanoids you want.  However, there would also be exits from the mountain.  How easy those will be to get to is up to you.  I’m pretty sure dragging large amounts of treasure to any of them would be very difficult.

When the Characters first arrive on this level, the main force of Grimlocks and their Gargoyles will be battling a large force of Hobgoblins.  The sounds of this battle will be easily heard anywhere near the passage.  No one fighting will notice the group, unless they attempt to enter the battle space (which would be unwise to say the least).  The battle will go on for about 15 minutes.  A disorganized squad of Hobgoblins will make it through the gauntlet and will be searching the level for the way up to the next.  The majority of the Grimlocks will fall back to the Main Chamber, carrying their dead and the Hobgoblin dead with them (both for later consumption).

The tunnel is usually guarded by 6 Gargoyles, who are fairly conspicuously placed.  8 Grimlocks are also hidden in the passage.  6 will attempt to get behind anyone attacking the Gargoyles, while 2 are stationed near the entrance, who will run to the Main Chamber to get reinforcements.  The Grimlocks will not pursue anyone making it out of the passage.  The debris field at the other end is a highly contested area that the various Humanoid tribes don’t even bother trying to hold or monitor. 

Ramps to Next Level

2 XP for making it past the guards.

8) 2 Gargoyles with 4 Grimlocks by the entrance watch the ramps that lead to the next level.  The Grimlocks are a bit more lax here, as the Humanoids above have little capacity to harm the Gargoyles.  Currently, the Grimlock leaders are debating holding this level permanently or sealing themselves off from it.  They’ll certainly wipe out the Humanoids in the Residence level either way eventually.  For now, they’re content to keep them bottled up. 

If attacked, one of the Grimlocks will try to make it to the Main Chamber for reinforcements.   Given the direction that the guards will likely be attacked from, with a little stealth, it’s entirely possible to sneak up on them.  They won’t attempt to escape the upper level.  

Southland Adventure: Stone Grave-Gambling/Pleasure Den

STONE GRAVE

A Fantasy Core and D&D 5^th Edition Southland Adventure

© Jerry Harris 2015

Published here as Open Game Content. 

(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Playtest Rules.)

Southland Index

Stone Grave Index

Work Level Index

Gambling/Pleasure Den

6) The purpose of this section may not be immediately apparent as it fell into complete disuse during the war.  The entry chamber is a ruined mess of circular and rectangular tables for games of chance and skill played for money.  Unfortunately, the games and currency will be alien and worthless to the Characters.  The crook in the north passage featured a table and small lockbox (busted).  The small bedrooms down the hall are entirely too functional to be residences.  Let’s just say the occupants were in the entertainment business for the miners’ enjoyment.  The best that can be said is that this area is that it is very quiet and deserted.  Grimlock and Giant Spider patrols usually overlook it unless following someone.

Ref’s, do you like playing chatty monsters and have been somewhat frustrated with this adventure so far?  Here’s an option for this space.  There are intelligent non-humanoid creatures peppered throughout the Mount Connor complex.  This particular one, the Doppelganger, is alien to this world and was brought in by the Ancients.  (For what, we’ll never know.  Even it doesn’t remember.)  It is extremely long-lived and obviously able to blend in well. Given the dubious nature of this particular area, the Doppelganger could be introduced in any number of bad and embarrassing ways.

News of Stone Grave being opened up brought the Doppelganger inside to find magic items from Ancient times.  It snuck in with the Humanoids, but got careless and was detected and had to run for its life.  Then it ran into the Gargoyles, who seem to be able to detect it naturally, and it won’t risk going back in. 

For the moment, the Doppelganger is hungry and hurt and can only change form with painful effort.  In exchange for healing and food, it will be will to impart its knowledge of the Humanoid forces on the next level (give a general overview of type, numbers, and zones of control).  The Doppelganger will stay behind after the Characters leave. 

From here, perhaps it returns to the Residence Level, after the party has taken out the Gargoyles.  Certainly it won’t be able to make it past the Gnolls guarding the Noble Level without allying with the group or the group taking out the Gnolls first.  On the top level with its riches, the Doppelganger may stalk and infiltrate the party and try to take off with any choice items it can carry.  Or, if the group has had some losses, maybe it remembers their kindness and becomes a replacement Character.  Whatever seems most interesting.

The Doppelganger (FC)

HD 4d8+4, Hp 9 (full strength 36), AC 15 (Natural), Enhanced Init +3

Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6

Melee: Slam +5 to hit 1d6+1

Ranged: 2 x Darts (8) +7 to hit 1d4 + Poison DC 12 Fort Sv or Stunned (with pain) 4 rds 

Disguise +9, Dopplegangers physically take another’s form.  They need to see and hear someone in person to do so.  It takes them only 1 rd to change form.  Their disguise will only drop if killed.  A True Seeing spell or some other magical sight device will see their true form, a pale, almost featureless humanoid.

Telepathic +6 (+4 Int, +2 HD)

DC 12 Sense Thoughts and Psychometry: These abilities are used to enhance their subterfuge.

The Doppelganger (5e)

HD 8d8 + 16, Hp 12 (full strength 52), AC 14 (None)

Str +0, Dex +4, Con +2, Int +0, Wis +1, Cha +2

Deception +6, Insight +3, Passive Perception 11

Condition Immunities: charmed

Darkvision 60 ft.

Shapechanger: The Doppelganger can use its action to polymorph into a Small or Medium humanoid it has seen, or back into its true form. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t

transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Read Thoughts: The oppelganger magically reads the surface thoughts of one creature within 60 feet of it. The effect can penetrate barriers, but 3 feet of wood or dirt, 2 feet of stone, 2 inches of metal, or a thin sheet of lead blocks it. While the target is in range, the doppelganger can continue reading its thoughts, as long as the Doppelganger’s concentration isn’t broken (as if concentrating on a spell). While reading the target’s mind, the doppelganger has advantage on Wisdom (Insight) and Charisma (Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion) checks against the target.

Multiattack: The doppelganger makes two melee attacks.

Melee: Slam +6 to hit 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning

Ambusher: The doppelganger has advantage on attack rolls against any creature it has surprised.

Surprise Attack: If the doppelganger surprises a creature and hits it with an attack during the first round of combat, the target takes an extra 10 (3d6) damage from the attack.

Britney

Check your DearBritney e-mail.

J.

Southland Adventure: Stone Grave-Recreation Alley

STONE GRAVE

A Fantasy Core and D&D 5^th Edition Southland Adventure

© Jerry Harris 2015

Published here as Open Game Content. 

(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Playtest Rules.)

Southland Index

Stone Grave Index

Work Level Index

Recreation Alley

This area serviced the miners’ various personal needs.  It included a Bathhouse, Mess Halls, Kitchen, Brewery, and (ahem) entertainment.  It all operated continuously, 24 hours a day.  During the war, some of the basic functions remained the same.  For now, one or two of the areas are currently occupied (your choice about one of the areas).  The Grimlocks patrol this area very reluctantly for a reason. 

Brewery

5) When this area was an active mine, an unsurprisingly large amount of beer was consumed by the miners on their off-hours.  An onsite brewery was the most efficient way to service them.  When later converted to a survival bunker, the large vats became emergency water storage (and people had to look elsewhere to get buzzed).

The current residents are fairly obvious, although the lights are out (covered over).  Large strands of webbing stretch all across the chamber and floor.  Mummified corpses of Grimlocks and Humanoids hang from the ceiling.  Unfortunately, it’s even worse than you think.  This isn’t just a Giant Spider lair, it’s an Undead Giant Spider lair.  Who can say what magical alchemical demonic process conspired to bring these creatures to life, but they’re here and have to be dealt with if stirred up. 

When the Humanoids were cleaning out this level of undead, they left this chamber alone.  Perhaps lacking flaming oil (in sufficient quantities, it would create a devastating inferno), they had no means of destroying the lair.  Unfortunately with the presence of warm bodies in the level, the spiders have been aggressively hunting separated individuals and pairs, not to mention immediately defending their own lair against any intruders.  Worse, they’ve been capturing victims and turning them into Zombies.  The spiders have a purpose.  They’re attempting to accumulate a new army to retake the level.

The multitude of spider webs in the room creates a difficult terrain situation (whatever that means).  So, any running or full movement will trip the individual unless they make a DC 12 Ref check (5e DC 10 Dex check).  Any knock down will also put an individual into the webs.  From there, it’s a DC 12 (5e DC 10) Str Check or Escape Artist check to get loose.  The webs are flammable and the spiders will retreat from fire, but will actually put out small fires by smothering them with webs. 

[The Giant Spider stats are pretty different between FC and 5e.  Both will have the same tactics.  They seek to poison their opponents, drag them off when they are helpless, and string them up in their lair.  Within 24 hrs, the victim will become a Zombie if they aren’t broken loose and given healing treatment.] 

Giant Undead Spider (FC) (x 10)

HD 2, Hp 8, AC 14 (natural)

Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +0

Melee: Bite +4 to hit 1d6 + Necrotic Poison DC 12 Fort Sv or sickened 1 turn (all bonuses and skills go to 0), a victim failing the first saving throw, bit again, and failing a second saving throw is reduced to 0 hp and rendered unconscious.

Stealth +4 (DC 16 to Detect)

Giant Undead Spider (5e) (x 6)

HD 4d10 + 4, Hp 26, AC 14 (Natural)

Str +2, Dex +3, Con +1, Int −4, Wis +0, Cha −3

Stealth +7

Blindsight 10 ft., Darkvision 60 ft.

Passive Perception 10

Spider Climb: The spider can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Web Sense: While in contact with a web, the spider knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Web Walker: The spider ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Melee: Bite +5 to hit 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing and the target must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 9 (2d8) necrotic poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If the poison damage reduces the target to 0 hit points, the target is stable but poisoned for 1 hour, even after regaining hit points, and is paralyzed while poisoned in this way.

Ranged: Web (Recharge 5–6): +5 to hit, range 30/60 ft., The target is restrained by webbing. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).

[The Zombies hanging from the ceiling are interesting.  The party will probably have their hands full with the spiders, but you could make it worse if needed.  Spiders would cut them loose and drop them on the characters.  Alternately, let the Players see them and find out they’re Zombies, and then leave the story thread dangling.  If the Characters return to this level, the spiders may have overrun the Grimlocks and the Humanoids and converted them.  The party then runs into a hoard of Zombies and spiders.]

Zombie (FC) (x?)                    

HD 2, Hp 8, AC 11 (Always strike last)

Fort +3, Ref +0, Will +0                                         

Melee: Slam +2 to hit, 1d8                                      

Swarm: If 2 or more make successful attacks one 1 victim in 1 rd, they Grapple the opponent.  DC 12 + 1 per additional attacker (up to DC 15 for 4 attacking the same victim) Str check or Escape Artist to break or automatically take 1d4 Bite/attacker/rd

Zombie (5e) (x?)

HD 3d8 + 9, Hp 22, AC 8 (Natural)

Str +1, Dex −2, Con +3, Int −4, Wis −2, Cha −3

Saving Throws: Wis +0

Passive Perception 8

Melee: Slam +3 to hit, 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning

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.

Southland Adventure: Stone Grave-Market Alley

STONE GRAVE

A Fantasy Core and D&D 5^th Edition Southland Adventure

© Jerry Harris 2015

Published here as Open Game Content. 

(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Playtest Rules.)

Southland Index

Stone Grave Index

Work Level Index

The Market Alley

In Stone Grave’s mining days, this area was next to the main gate and the stalls here sold goods from the mine to outsiders and goods were brought in to sell to the miners.  Iron gates at either end of the alley locked up the area at night.  The main gate was buried in during the war and this area was used for storage of various survival goods.  The Humanoid raiders made a mess of this place searching valuables.  Any food items have long since rotted, but likely any reasonable common item might be found with enough searching and might be intact. 

Loitering around the alley and making noise will certainly draw attention from the Wandering Encounters described earlier.  The iron gates are currently open, but could be closed and wedged or fused shut to temporarily delay someone from entering or to trap someone inside from leaving.  (These tactics could be used by either the Players or the creatures.)

The Lost Squad

4) This is a group of Humanoids that survived the battle going on when the Characters entered the level and made it inside.  While Hobgoblins are normally disciplined warriors, this squad has been ambushed in the tunnel, stripped of their leadership, and are lost.  This group is holed up in an empty room trying to figure out what to do next.  In contrast to their normal behavior, they will hysterically attack anyone they come into contact with and run off in a rout if they are being defeated. 

They’re not going to be able to get past the Gargoyle sentries at either exit, so there’s a possibility a diminished group could be encountered more than once as they stumble around the level. 

Hobgoblin Soldier (FC) (x 10)

HD 1+2, Hp 6, AC 15 (Rough Hide, Light Wooden Shield)

Fort +4, Ref +1, Will –1

Melee: Longsword +2 to hit 1d8+1

Ranged: Short Bow +2 to hit 1d6, M

Hobgoblin (5e) (x 7)

HD 2d8 + 2, Hp 11, AC 18 (Chain Mail, Shield)

Str +1, Dex +1, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +0, Cha −1

Darkvision

Passive Perception 10

Martial Advantage: Once per turn, the hobgoblin can deal an extra 7 (2d6) damage to a creature it hits with a weapon attack if that creature is within 5 feet of an ally of the hobgoblin that isn’t incapacitated.

Melee: Longsword +3 to hit 5 (1d8 + 1) slashing

Ranged: Longbow +3 to hit, range 150/600 ft., 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing

Southland Adventure: Stone Grave-Dangerous Plant Life

STONE GRAVE

A Fantasy Core and D&D 5^th Edition Southland Adventure

© Jerry Harris 2015

Published here as Open Game Content. 

(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Playtest Rules.)

Southland Index

Stone Grave Index

Work Level Index

Dangerous Plant Life

There are two farming plots and three water reservoirs in the main chamber that were installed during the war.  They provided some sustenance, waste material treatment, and water storage in a closed loop ecology.  It was a fairly desperate measure for food and fresh water.  It broke down immediately when the Catastrophe hit.  Unfortunately, it also mutated.            

The Water Tanks

2) These three large pits were used to treat waste water to make it drinkable and to water the plants.  At the bottom and around the edges are mossy vines which were used to process and clean the water.  Now, of course, they’re dangerous creatures which will grab anyone trying to get a drink or gets too close to the edge.  (If the Characters are fighting Grimlocks near here, have one of the wounded creatures get grabbed and dragged under first.)  The Vines will want to drag a victim into the water and drown them.  (For FC rules, on the third rd underwater, roll a DC 12 Fort Sv, add +1 each succeeding rd.)

Killer Vine (FC)

HD 4, Hp 17, AC 15          (Natural)

Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +1

Melee: 4 X Vine Whip +4 to hit each, 1d6

Constrict: 2 hits on same target and victim is entangled DC 12 Str or Escape Artist to get loose, or 1d6 automatic damage/rd

Will retreat from fire

Killer Vine (5e)

HD 6d8, Hp 27, AC 14 (Natural)

Str +2, Dex +2, Con +0, Int -4, Wis +2, Cha -3

Senses darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 12

Plant Camouflage: The Killer Vine has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in rocky terrain.

Multiattack: The Killer Vine may attack with each of its tentacles each rd at different targets.

Tentacles (x4): Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) slashing damage.

[Note: These stats are an altered Grick.]

The water itself looks clear but is extremely unwholesome.  Anyone drinking it, will need to make a saving throw (FC DC 18 Fort Sv, 5e DC 16 Con Sv) or be violently incapacitated for the next turn.  Anyone making the save will only be sick for the next 2 rds.

The Farm Patches

3) These dirt plot pits grew all sorts of edible organic material during the war.  There was nowhere near enough food for everyone crowed inside in the last days and it was mostly cleaned out.  As the overhead lights have eventually dimmed, funguses and mushrooms have taken their place and mutated into dangerous creatures.  Anyone going into or falling into the pits will immediately encounter them and realize they are surrounded by them.  A few Fire Beetles can be seen scurrying around among the mushrooms, which might be tempting for obtaining a cheap light source.

[Violet Fungus mushrooms protect themselves with tentacles that spray poison spores on would-be harvesters.  They are differently colored than almost any other mushroom as long as you’ve got enough light to see by.  If killed, the mushroom (toadstool) is still poisonous.  There are assassins who can brew Violet Fungus into potent poison applications.]  

Violet Fungus (Giant Mushroom) (FC) (x 1 per 20’ sq)

HD 2+6, Hp 15, AC 13 (Natural)

Fort +6, Ref –1, Will +0

Melee: 4 attacks/rd Tentacles +3 to hit 1d6+2 + Poison Spore Cloud DC 12 Fort Sv or Die.  Immediate effect is 0 hp and unconsciousness.  Death occurs in 1 + Con Bonus days unless treated. 

Violet Fungus (Giant Mushroom) (5e) (x 1 per 20’ sq)

HD 3 (d6), Hp 10, AC 9 (Natural)

Str −4, Dex −1, Con +0, Int +0, Wis +0, Cha −2

Damage Vulnerabilities: fire

Passive Perception 10

Melee: Rake +1 to hit 1 (1d4 − 1) slashing + DC 10 Con Sv Poison.  Immediate effect is 0 hp and unconsciousness.  Death occurs in 1 + Con Bonus days unless treated. 

[Note: Altered stats of an Awakened Shrub.]

[Fire Beetles: These luminous nocturnal insects are prized by miners and adventurers. They have two glands, one above each eye, that produce a red glow. The glands’ luminosity persists for 1d6 days after removal from the beetle, illuminating a roughly circular area with a 10-foot radius. Giant fire beetles are about 2 feet long.]

Giant Fire Beetle

HD 1 (d8), Hp 4, AC 16 (Natural)

Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +0

Melee: Bite +1 to hit 2d4

Giant Fire Beetle (5e)

HD 1d6 + 1, Hp 4, AC 13 (Natural)

Str −1, Dex +0, Con +1, Int −5, Wis −2, Cha −4

Blindsight

Passive Perception 8

Illumination: The beetle sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.  (A pair of glowing glands that give off light for 1d6 days after the beetle dies.)

Melee: Bite +1 to hit 2 (1d6 − 1) slashing

Southland Adventure: Stone Grave-Main Work Chamber

STONE GRAVE

A Fantasy Core and D&D 5^th Edition Southland Adventure

© Jerry Harris 2015

Published here as Open Game Content. 

(This link will take you to the Fantasy Core Playtest Rules.)

Southland Index

Stone Grave Index

Work Level Index

Main Work Chamber

This area was the ore collection, sorting, and processing area when it was a mine.  As part of the survival bunker, the main chamber was used for underground farming and water collection.  The Catastrophe and various alchemical additives have mutated in dangerous ways.  The invasion of the Humanoids awakened the dormant Undead.  The various plants and chemical pools would also feast upon the unwary, which is why the Humanoids left them alone. 

Elevator Entry

1 XP for getting past the Gargoyles.

1) Both elevators have a Gargoyle sentry.  Lucky for the Characters, they are pointed the other way and not expecting intruders from the rear, also the Gargoyles are the only occupants of the chamber.  If the party can manage to not make too much noise coming up the scaffolding (any battle on the mine level won’t be heard), they may have an opportunity to either sneak away or get in a first strike. 

The two Gargoyles will help each other, but will not go for reinforcements.  They will fight to the death, but not pursue outside the area around the elevators.  Unless the party stays around the Main Chamber for more than two turns (20 minutes), they won’t have to worry about anyone else coming in.

Gargoyle (FC) (x2)

HD 4+19 (37 hp), AC 16* (Natural, Magic to hit)

Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4

Melee: 2 claws +6 to hit melee 1d4+2 and bite +4 melee 1d6+1 

Or Gore (Charge attack, requires 1 rd run) +4 to hit 2d6+3 + Stun 1 rd

Can appear to be a statue (in fact the lair is littered with statue decoys) or can hide by changing color to match the stonework.

Gargoyle (5e) (x2)

HD 7d8 + 21, Hp 52, AC 15* (Natural, Magic or adamantine to hit)

Str +2, Dex +0, Con +3, Int −2, Wis +0, Cha −2

Darkvision

Passive Perception 10

Flight ability

Melee: Bite +4 to hit 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing and Claws +4 to hit 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing

After the battle with the Hobgoblins has finished (about 2 turns after the Characters arrive), a force of Grimlocks returns, dragging a bunch of bodies with them.  Most of Grimlocks and the dead are taken below.  Normally, there are 20 Grimlocks left in the chamber.  They would be eating, healing wounds, sleeping, and silently communing with one another.  Generally, they are waiting for the next alarm to enter into battle.  They would not be very alert or attentive here for intruders, but would be ready for battle quickly if disturbed.  At least two will be scampering down the elevators for reinforcements.    

Grimlock (FC) (x 20)

HD 2d8+2, Hp 11, (18 hp sgt.), AC 15 (None)

Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +2

Melee: Stone Battleaxe +4 to hit 1d8+3

Stealth +5 underground (Can hide by changing color to match the stonework and can scale rock walls and ceilings.)

Climb +5

Blindsight: Grimlocks can sense all foes within 40 feet as a sighted creature would. Beyond that range, they treat all targets as having total concealment.

Grimlocks are susceptible to sound- and scent-based attacks, however, and are affected normally by loud noises and sonic spells and overpowering odors. Negating a Grimlock’s sense of smell or hearing blinds them, their “To hit” drops to +0.

Immunities: Grimlocks are immune to gaze attacks, visual effects, illusions, and other attack forms that rely on sight.

Grimlock (5e) (x 20)

HD 2d8 + 4, Hp 12, AC 15 (Natural)

Str +2, Dex +1, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +1, Cha −1

Blindsight

Perception +3, Stealth +5, Passive Perception 14

Melee: Stone Axe +4 to hit 7 (1d8 + 2) slashing