Shar's newest convert lurks in the dark heart of a dead cavern, composing a requiem for brave heroes. Her first stanza is a tale of betrayal, of trusted servants turned against their masters, while her second laments the emptiness of abandonment by a constant companion. Can the PCs counter with a bright refrain, or will they succumb to the shadow serpent's song?
Ella Mornel was born to a pair of blind apothecaries. Her father was inattentive, distracted by his work in the labs below their cottage. Her mother was fretful and afraid to have a child that could see.
Frontier settlements often hold remnants of the societies that preceded them. In these remote locations, the landscape plays into stories of myth and legend that explain natural and supernatural phenomena. How these stories interact with history is the purview not only of scholars, but also of adventurers, for their actions are often intertwined with the tales surrounding curious places.
From simple village fairs to grandiose and fabulous tournaments, competitive sport is a fun way for your PCs to show off to the locals without destroying the town. These events usually have prizes for the various contests along with a grand prize for the overall champion. And they offer a great opportunity to gain the attention of nobles or wealthy patrons.
No self-respecting adventurer would pass up the chance to sleep under a roof without a good reason. Trekking through the wilderness is exhausting, and there’s nothing like a hot meal and a soft, clean bed at the end of the day. As hospitality can be a rare thing in the wilds, a safe place to stay is a treasure indeed.
Sometimes a +1 longsword is just a +1 longsword. Players understand that. On the other hand, a truly evil hero deserves a truly epic weapon. It’s worthwhile to come up with a story behind the treasure, especially if your players enjoy learning about the history of your campaign world.
While some prisoners are guilty of heinous crimes and others are but innocent victims, all of them have a story to tell. Here are 20 prisoners to mix and match for the next time you need to deposit a few incarcerated individuals into an adventure.
Many adventures begin with a well-placed rumor. But what the PCs hear and what they want to know isn’t always the same thing. After all, Gather Information isn’t a precision tool. Here is a list of 25 rumors and events that can add realism and dimension to the conversation in any tavern within a large city.
A fierce half-orc warrior rises to power through blood and cunning. Girddrez, a savage duelist and brutal commander, blends barbarian rage with deadly precision. Discover her backstory, tactics, and full stat block for use in your D&D campaign.
