# DESERTS & DRAGONS

##### During the occupation, what will you do to survive?

An adventure by Samuel Burt, 2018

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CHAPTER 1 | LORE OF THE DESERT

# Chapter 1 # Lore of the Desert

# Welcome to a land of oppression, where human armies failed to secure an empire. Now, they are watched over by a mysterious race of cuttlefolk. Travelers from far away lands mingle within the occupied human cities that dot a dry landscape of rocks, dunes, and canyons. The travelers exhibit characterists of many animal species. The war was long ago and resentment builds. How long can the superior magic of the cuttlefolk suppress the restless human resistance groups? ## History of the Region After the end of the ruling sorcerer bloodlines, humans, often called apefolk, in the center of the continent began a unification effort. The races of the south grew nervous and formed treaties. Humans found themselves flanked in the north (minotaurs and centaurs) and south (dragonborn, kenku, kobolds, lizardfolk, tabaxi, and yuan-ti). The dwarves (molefolk) in the western mountains chose to remain neutral in the coming conflict. In the 3rd Age in the years surrounding 870, the humans scored many victories in the south. As they turned northward in 3A 871, the normally isolationist cuttlefolk came from the eastern islands to intervene. The cuttlefolk, with unconventional tactics, better intel, and mysterious methods overcame the human armies quickly by 3A 875. The human lands have been divided into districts where cuttlefolk serve as overseers. This occupation has lasted from 3A 875 to the present 925. The cuttlefolk confiscate magic items and outlaw human possession of magical artifacts. They construct schools, training apefolk adepts in a new type of magic, wizardry. Human children are brought to learn magic while also adopting pro-cuttlefolk sentiments. Many graduate to become inquisitors and maintainers of the tentative peace. ## Magic Magic on this world operates similarly to other known D&D realms, but wizardry is new. Some say the oldest magic came from a race of druids, long forgotten. One creation myth tells of these druids creating the many races by manipulating animals and teaching them language and druid craft. Some claim that holy magic came first from a powerful mother goddess that created the druids and the gods. No one knows precisely why sorcerer bloodlines were given power, but the kings and queens who ruled over empires through the second age and 700 years of the third age claimed that their innate abilities were proof that they should lead. It's whispered that some have discovered ancient evils and struck bargains to gain magical abilities. The cuttlefolk teach a new form of magic, one that all people can access. Through study and practice, anyone who is properly trained can manipulate reality and become a master wizard. Many humans have taken up this mantra of self-reliance, even if they do not practice wizardry. ## Desert Factions The human desert districts are not entirely human. Visitors from other lands pass through for trade or to study magic at the cuttlefolk schools. Human allegiances to greater causes are rare, but some feel a calling, especially to four groups. **The Human Liberation Army.** Rogue human magi and other insurrectionists plan violent, public protests against the cuttlefish occupation. **Caravan Guild.** Also called the "Appeasers" by some, the Caravan Guild is a trade monopoly for transporting items through the desert. Their guild leaders work to maintain good relations with the occupation. It is well-known though not publicly acknowledged that many of them are opportunists and some are mildly corrupt. **Cult of Conflict.** The cult owns this term as a group of religious restorationists who seek to restore the third part of divinity of the human religion. They work in secret to avoid the occupation. They might reluctantly collaborate with or harbor members of the Human Liberation Army occasionally. When the cult occasionally participates in something violent, it is done in a targeted, secret manner. **Society of Culture.** Archaeologists and adventurers join this society to seek out ruins and recover lost human treasure. **Greyervas.** Dedicated human acolytes to the god Greyerna serve the people in many ways. They organize redistribution of abundance to places of need. They root out dangerous evils. They serve as healers and champions of justice. \page

CHAPTER 1 | LORE OF THE DESERT

## Religion ### Greyerna Good or evil, humans worship a neutral god called Greyerna. Before the cuttlefolk occupation, they worshipped a three-headed three-armed god. The names of the personalities vary by region. Most common were the following: - Cooperation (also called Worship) whose domain is Knowledge is Lawful Neutral. - Culture (also called Work) whose domain is the Forge is True Neutral. - Conflict (also called War) whose domains are War and Trickery is Chaotic Neutral. Worshippers would come to Cooperation with incense to burn in the senser. They would come to the altar before Culture with sacrifices. They would come before Conflict to be pricked by the spear. The occupation banned human observance of Conflict. They tore down and replaced many depictions of this human god. In other locations they transmuted or glamored the statues so they would only show a two-headed version of Greyerna. ### Practices Human-trained acolytes undergo strict ritual training. For five years, they are sequestered in a cell where their only outside contact comes from chanters. Chanters come every day to recite holy texts, which aspirants work to memorize. By their fifth year, aspirants are expected to start prophesying inspired by the synthesis of the texts they’ve memorized. Those who show a great gift for prophecy will then go through the rites to serve as clerics. Those who have moderate gifts and sturdy forms will go through training to take oaths as paladins. Others will be released back into the world or will serve lesser functions. Most aspirants come from accomplished families. ### Religious Hierarchy The Greyervas appoint religious overseers for each human settlement chosen from sworn acolytes. These regional Greyerval priests and priestesses serve to reallocate resources to locations that need them, oversee ceremonies, and to provide religious training to the laypeople. Independent acolytes also roam the country, providing individual care, seeking out problems, and occasionally dealing with heretics, necromancers, and devil cults. Before the occupation, Greyervas wielded great influence in human settlements. They approved of any succession or election of civilian leadership and provided paladin commanders for armies. ### Other Gods Worship of Greyerna does not deny the existence of other deities. Many regional human settlements have their own pantheons and visitors from the south bring their own faiths. The cuttlefolk encourage the balance of extremes. They remember ancient gods and tell tales -- whether true or made up to impress younger races -- of the gods walking among them. They worship ancient gods who have had many names over the millenia. Some of their practices are public and some are so secret that other races have not observed them. - Dawn whose domain is Light is Lawful Good - Noonday whose domain is Arcana is Lawful Evil - Twilight whose domain is the Grave is Chaotic Good - Midnight whose domain is Death is Chaotic Evil - Luna whose domain is Nature is True Neutral Depending on the phase of the moon, some cuttlefolk may choose to favor a particular set of behaviors, honoring that god during that week, but the devout maintain dedication towards some form of neutrality and balance. Cuttlefolk faith has long since given up structural religion. Family and tribal traditions persist as a way to distinguish them culturally or to pay homage to memory. To the cuttlefolk, their gods have departed and no longer seek worship. Ceremony, to the Cuttlefolk, is for their individual betterment. Other races have incorporated the cuttlefolk pantheon into their own, either as gods to be worshiped or ancient forces that were subdued by their own pantheons. \page

CHAPTER 2 | CHARACTER RACES

# Races **The northlands.** Minotaurs and centaurs live peacefully and mostly apart from one another. Minotaurs are famous architects. They prefer to live in isolation and work with construction and landscaping to limit access to their abodes. Sometimes, other races might hire them for construction projects. Centaurs are tribal and nomadic, preferring open land. **The western high mountains.** Most other races imagine the dwarves living in the mountains an opulent and uncaring existence. Only dwarves know what dangers they fight in the caverns so that the weak surface dwellers might rest peacefully. **The middle planes and desert.** The apefolk live in occupied districts. Some live in the mountains, some live north in the plains, and some in the great stretches of desert. They are a divided people, each individual fighting for survival in a dry, unforgiving landscape. **The southern nations.** The dragonborn, kenku, kobolds, lizardfolk, tabaxi, snakefolk (yuan-ti), and other races live in relatively new nation states whose borders are somewhat porous. Southern cities are often mixed with many races present. These races are adept at compromise. They are more likely to follow other alignments than those of their cousins on other planes. ## Cuttlefolk REMEMBERING THE HIDDEN REAFS OF REMOTE islands where she hatched, Sepianis marvels at how far she has traveled in her short life. A more recent memory interrupts--a dispute with a rather rough human who disagreed with the tax she had come to collect. She regretted the way the argument ended, but her superiors would commend her for a job well done. ### Cuttlefolk Traits Your cuttlefolk character has the following racial traits. **Ability Score Increase.** Your Intelligence increases by 2. **Age.** Cuttlefolk live brief but productive lives, maturing 8 years after leaving their tide pools and living until the around the age of 40. **Alignment.** Cuttlefolk society balances itself as members pursue extremes therefore cuttlefolk are either very lawful or chaotic. They also tend to choose good or evil over neutrality. **Size.** Cuttlefolk exhibit vast size differences. Many nautiloid cuttlefolk might grow up to 6 feet tall. The smallest chameleon cuttlefolk can be 2 feet. Nautiloids count as medium creatures. Chameleons count as small creatures. **Speed.** You have a walking speed of 25 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 30 ft. **Amphibious.** You can breathe air and water. Each day you must moisten your skin with one ration of water or suffer one level of exhaustion. **Ink Cloud.** You can you a bonus action to spray a cloud of brown ink at one creature within 10 feet of you. Until the end of your turn, that creature has disadvantage on attack rolls. **Languages.** You can speak and read Common and Aquan. ### Subraces #### Nautiloid Nautiloid cuttlefolk produce iridescent shells. **Ability Score Increase.** Your Constitution increases by 1. **Natural Armor.** You have a hard shell. When not wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield's benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor. #### Chameleon Chameleon cuttlefolk dispense with shells for greater mobility. Their exposed skin can shape and color itself to match its surroundings. **Ability Score Increase.** Your Dexterity increases by 1. **Chromatophoric Camouflage.** You can use a combination of changing skin pigmentation and texture change for a stealthy advantage. You can use the hide action anywhere. While you are not seen, you can use the hide action as a bonus action.

**Image used:** Dietsch, Tj (19 December 2017). Lethal Legion: An Avengers Sketchbook. Marvel.com.
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CHAPTER 2 | CHARACTER RACES

## Giff WITH SNOUT RAISED PROUDLY, MEDALS POLISHED, *and uniform immaculately cleaned, the giff soldier stood at attention. Only her eyes moved as she scanned the crowd for potential threats. Behind her, doors closed, her commander conducted business. It was not her business to know, nor did she care. Her happiness came from proving her loyalty and doing her duty better than any other soldier could.* *A minotaur in a long tattered duster stood erect in the shadows on the other side of the crowd. She could feel his eyes calculating risk. She shifted slightly, moving her blunderbuss from one shoulder to the other and glanced around the area for co-conspirators. Looking back, the orc had disappeared. She permitted herself a brief smile on one side of her massive mouth.* ## * * Giff are bulky humanoid hippopatmi. They are foremost soldiers, enjoying discipline, hierarchy, and trust. They also relish weaponry and explosives. ### Excellence and Explosions Giff find employment as soldiers throughout the spheres. Their reputations are beyond repute. The Giff ranks are well organized. As a people, they seek neither territory nor money. They are motivated by the promise of glory and rank. They are also compelled by the opportunity to acquire more powerful weapons. The larger the explosion, the better! ### Giff Names Giff names are unpronounceable so they go by names in Common. To engender respect from wealthy employers, they often take upper-class names. They tend towards rarer names. **Male Names:** Algernon, Bertram, Cordell, Eustace, Horatio, Trenton. **Female Names** Cartwright, Galloway, hadley, Kilburn, Upton. ### Giff Traits Your Giff character shares pecularities with all other Giff. **Ability Score Increase.** Your Strength Score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1. **Age.** Giff mature early, entering adulthood at 15. If they don't die in combat, they can live to around 75. **Alignment** Giff are inherently lawful, valuing their reputations for loyalty and followthrough. They tend towards neutrality in moral matters, serving leaders rather than causes. **Size.** Giff are wider than most humanoids and can stand as tall as 9 feet. They average 400 pounds. Your size is Medium. **Speed.** Your base walking speed is 30 feet. **Powerful Build.** The legendary Giff girth grants them certain advantages. Whenever you are subjected to an effect where size is important, such as a spell or an opposed skill check, you can consider yourself to be one size larger. A Giff can use weapons designed for a creature one size larger without penalty. **Brutish Magical Resistance.** You can use your reaction when required to roll a saving throw against a spell or magical effect. You can roll a Strength or Constitution saving throw in place of the required saving throw. This ability recharges after a short or long rest. **Explosive Weapon Training.** You are proficient with firearms and explosives. **Languages.** You can speak, read, and write Common and Giff. You know one additional language of a race that employed you.

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Chapter 2 | Stormsgift

# Chapter 3 # Stormsgift

# Stormsgift is the district capital of Sorrow Sand. It lies in the desert along Returning River's winding path to the great pit called Tempest Rise. The storms that emerge unpredictably from the pit pass over Stormgift. Hot dry days can quickly turn into dangerous floods. As the party travels through the desert back from a small settlement near the Singing Canyons, they carry artifacts to an antiquities store. It is a difficult journey, but they have supplies and a camel. They are nearing Uillilocar, a smaller settlement on the Returning River, but they are still a few hours away and the sun is still high overhead. While bandits do not frequent these sands, other dangers lurk. ##### Encounters in Sorrow Sand Desert In the desert, about every eight hours roll a d6. On a 5 or 6, the party has a random encounter. Roll a d20 on the chart below. || |:----:|:-------------| | 01 | d4 dust mephits | | 02 | 1 fire snake | | 03 | 3d8 scorpions () | | 04 | 2d6 jackals | | 05 | 1d4 poisonous snakes | | 06 | single file tracks marching
deeper into the desert | | 07 | 1 swarm of insects | | 08 | 1 druid | | 09-10 | 1d3 + 1 giant toads | | 11-12 | 1 giant constrictor snake | | 13-14 | 1 lamia | | 15 | A pile of humanoid bones
wrapped in rotting cloth | | 16-17 | 1d4 giant scorpions | 18 | A Gnoll bandit party:
gnoll pack lord or flesh gnawer,
1d4 gnoll, and 1d6 gnoll witherlings | | 19 | 1 fire elemental | | 20 | 1 young brass dragon
(may be willing to trade)| ``` ``` ## The Antiquities Shoppe One of the party members, preferrably a human, belongs to a family that values human traditions. A relative has maintained an antiquities shoppe for several decades, dealing in artifacts representing lost human civilizations, a reminder of past greatness. Provide the following information to the relative of the owner when you hand out knowledge blocks:

The shoppe owner liked to tell a story about eight human queens of the north. They built their castles within a days ride of each other. They would often bicker over borders. A wise duke with eight sons devised a plan for peace. He married his sons to the queens. The sons convinced the queens to build new palaces deeper into their territories.

Upon reaching Stormsgift, the party learns that the family member has died, leaving the operations of the store to the relative in the party. The shop itself does not contain magic items, for they are forbidden, though the will does reveal there is a final game to play in order to get the full inheritence.

##### The Eight Queens Puzzle ** Finding the puzzle. ** The will indicates that the full inheritence will be given to the winner of a secret game. The wisest duke of human history will supply the rules. In the back room of the shoppe, there is a window with pully operated shutters, a beaded hammock, a large ceramic jug and basin, a drawer containing a set of dice and a pair of reading glasses, a sentimental selection of books on a shelf, a box with a drawer on the side and a checker-board pattern on top, a rope suspending two sets of common clothes, a framed portrait of an ancestor, a tin of hard candies, a string of exotic feathers strung from corner to corner, and a wooden trunk containing a leash and muzzle, an empty leather pouch, various colors of headwrappings, a quilt, and five red scales. ** Solving the puzzle. ** The box with the checker-board pattern contains chess pieces from multiple mismatched sets. There are 6 kings, 8 queens, 13 bishops, 9 knights, 7 rooks, and 47 pawns. ** Contents. ** When all eight queens rest on the board in such a way that none of them threaten any others, the box produces a clack, and a side panel falls loose. Inside is an object that is clearly contraband. It is a golden ring with a mounded setting of turquoise pieces that resemble the shape of a brain. The ring is the **Ring of Mind Shielding** (DMG 191).

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Chapter 3 | Stormsgift

##### The Eight Queens Puzzle Solution

## Ring of Mind Shielding Anyone in the occupied territories knows that if an inquisitor or an administrator found an item like this upon one's person, prison would be one's fate. Nevertheless, if someone puts it on, they will hear the voice of Acuílessár, a Greyverval Priest dedicated to service of the holy personage of Conflict. Acuílessár has a soft voice and gentle demeanor, though he uses it to prod people into moments of conflict. He believes that refraining from hashing out differences is one of the greatest evils, while confrontation is a holy pursuit. Acuílessár was put to death by the cuttlefolk when they first began stamping out worship of Conflict. He is aware of many ancient shrines. The Antiquities Shoppe's success is due in large part to this knowledge. Yet, the shoppe's previous manager was a coward who chose not to go after the greatest prizes, holy relics of great power. While stored within the ring, he will urge the wearer to seek out these treasures and use them. Though he would prefer the treasures be used to reestablish Conflict as an acknowledged component of Greyverna, he's happy for them to simply be used against the wishes of the cuttlefolk. ### Locations of More Artifacts Acuílessár knows of many forgotten sites of human shrines, libraries, and forges. **The Lost Hammer of Undrun.** A dwarven hero named Undrun likely died east of Cruxrock in a village that no longer exists. Acuílessár knows the whereabouts of the village ruins. **The Golden Idols of Greyverna's Brides.** An offshoot religion believed Greyverna had two wives, one that was Lawful Good and one that was Lawful Evil. He knows the location of temple ruins south of the Hermitage that might still house the idols. **The Contract with Elmara of Sam Polor.** An artifact previously acquired by the Antiquities Shoppe resides in a warehouse in Cragston. It needs to be transported with discretion to contacts in the village of East Falconer's Pass to be taken into Romic. ## Character Knowledge Each player should receive at least one of these knowledge blocks.

##### The Antiquities Shoppe Your relative owns a shop dealing in ancient human artifacts. This relative is in good standing with the Caravan Guild and the Society of Culture.

##### A Friend in High Places Your friend, with whom you studied magic, is now a high ranking inquisitor searching for magic violators.

##### Caravan Guild Certificate You are properly licensed to transport goods in Sorrow Sand. This exclusive permit provides you no license to carry goods through any other district.

##### A Promise of Knowledge You have been gaining the trust of the owner of the Antiquities Store. The owner has a reputation for knowing about ancient sites of knowledge. Your perserverence might reveal the location of information related to an ancient grove of druids.

Each week the characters spend around town, each can make a Charisma (Persuation) or Wisdom (Insight) check to uncover interesting gossip. ### Gossip ##### Uncovering Gossip | DC | Number of knowledge blocks | |:----:|:-------------| | less than 10 | 0 | | 10-14 | 1 | | 15-19 | 2 | | 20 or more | 3 |

##### Coming Crackdown Whispers tell of a coming arch-inquisitor looking for dissidents, cultists, sorcerers, warlocks, and all manner of illegal magic. They say he took 30 people from Skyrise to Tempest Prison.

##### Lost Dwarven Hammer Molefolk scholars have determined that one of their ancient magical weapons given to them by a storm djinn to defend themselves during the War of One Hundred Dragons was likely lost by a dwarven adventurer who traveled to Tempest Rise. They now believe he died of his wounds in a village that used to exist east of Cruxrock. Rumors say they are offering a king's ransom for its return.

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Chapter 3 | Stormsgift

##### Dry Wells It seems Rimok's ground water is running out. The shepherds have started selling off their herds.

##### Wurmhunt! Skilled hunters have been called for the five-year Wurmhunt. Wurms are sometimes seen by travelers who venture into the deep desert. Those who return with a wurm get great reknown and a special travel permit to nearby districts to spread tales of valor.

##### Modonora Caves Adventurers reported in Watersmeet that they found a long cave system under the Modonora Crest northeast of Falconer's Pass. They couldn't say how far they go, but some ne'er-do-wells set out to see if they could find a way under the district boundary.

##### Meditation Maze The Low Chapel completed its meditation maze two weeks ago. The faithful can contemplate Greyverna while they walk the stones. One young girl expressed awe at the two foot tall blocks of polished obsidion. A boy complained about how hot the stones get during the day.

##### A New Bridge over Returning Since a flood washed out the bridge on the way to Tarneym travelers have been going all the way to Watersmeet to cross. Builders have almost finished but the workers have been frightened away by dozens of new black stones up and down the shore along the river. They see it as a bad omen.

##### Moongrove Meeting Word is spreading that the desert druids will have their quarterly meeting at the copse along the river outside of Looranze next month. Visitors are asked to respectfully maintain silence and stay outside the trees while they observe the historic druidic practice.

##### Greenbrick Tavern Has New Owner The Greenbrick Tavern, a long respected establishment in Stormsgift for food and drink, shut down several months ago when its owner passed away. Maira Romorod purchased it and it reopened two weeks ago. People recommend the spicy stewed goat.

``` ```

##### A Courier for an Administrator Administrator Korlok has been extremely busy. Korlok is seeking a courier group who is willing to make a couple of trips between Stormsgift and Tempest Path. Korlok will pay the standard rate.

##### Holy Rites In order to properly perform the twelve-year blessing, a priest from the high temple requires special ingredients from two remote parts of the desert. If anyone finds scarlet whisper or a bone stone, the Greyervas would bestow a blessing upon them.

##### Kayak Race In three months, the Returning River kayak race will occur, with racers piloting from Looranze to Uillilocar. Several business in town are said to be looking to sponsor gifted boaters.

##### Crayling's Old Wife Has a New Friend Crayling Bonadoro married his second wife three years ago. Despite spreading all kinds of rumors about his first wife, Loritta, it seems she found a new male companion after moving to Watersmeet. Her family in Stormsgift confirm that he is an avid waterman and much better looking than Crayling.

##### Ghosts of the Full Moon If you are quiet, you can spot ghosts walking the ramparts of Gante Tower during the full moon.

##### Cursed City The residual energy from a magical attack in Laitom during the first human uprising there causes half the city to be uninhabitable.

##### Mad Librarian Guta the book collector of Oestrabanchi went mad after studying a new batch of books shipped to her from Dhep.

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Chapter 3 | Stormsgift

# Nonplayer Characters Stormsgift is both a place of learning and an occupied city. The cuttlefolk of Stormsgift serve as administrators, peacekeepers, and educators. The sentinels guard the city and enforce the law. The inquisitors work as detectives, investigating with magic what the sentinels cannot uncover. The wizard training in Stormsgift results in many humans loyal to the cause of justice and order. Human mages also serve as inquisitors. When they join the ranks of the inquisitors, they are presented with special short swords that they use as implements. ___ > ## Cuttlefolk >*Small to medium humanoid (cuttlefolk), lawful neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 12 > - **Hit Points** 17 (4d8) > - **Speed** 25ft., swim 30 ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|13 (+1)|9 (-1)|12 (+1)|12 (+1)|11 (+0)| >___ > - **Skills** Arcana +3, Stealth +3 > - **Senses** passive Perception 11 > - **Languages** Common, Acquan > - **Challenge** 1/2 (100 XP) > ___ >**Amphibious.** The cuttlefolk can breathe air and water, but it must moiston its skin with water each day to avoid a level of exhaustion. >**Ink Cloud.** The cuttlefolk can use a bonus action to spray a cloud of brown ink at one creature within 10 feet. Until the end the cuttlefolk's turn, that creature has disadvantage on attack rolls. > ### Actions > ***Tentacle.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +3 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 5 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check or be grappled. The cuttlefolk can only grapple one creature at a time. > > ***Shortbow.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack:* +3 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. *Hit* 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage. ``` ``` ### Sentinels Cuttlefolk can be someone dimuitive and unassuming. Inquisitors use this to their advantage. Sentinels, however, grow heavy nautiloid shells that provide sturdy protection. They are an imposing presence. Often their silent presense is enough to deter crime and conflict in the streets. ___ > ## Cuttlefolk Sentinel >*Medium humanoid (cuttlefolk), lawful neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 14 (natural armor) > - **Hit Points** 39 (6d8+12) > - **Speed** 25ft., swim 30 ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|16 (+3)|12 (+1)|15 (+2)|13 (+1)|10 (+0)|9 (-1)| >___ > - **Skills** Insight +2, Perception +2 > - **Senses** passive Perception 12 > - **Languages** Common, Acquan > - **Challenge** 2 (450 XP) > ___ >**Amphibious.** The cuttlefolk can breathe air and water, but it must moiston its skin with water each day to avoid a level of exhaustion. >**Ink Cloud.** The cuttlefolk can use a bonus action to spray a cloud of brown ink at one creature within 10 feet. Until the end the cuttlefolk's turn, that creature has disadvantage on attack rolls. > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The cuttlefolk makes two attacks: one with its trident and one with its tentacle. > > ***Trident.*** *Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack:* +5 to hit, reach 5ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. *Hit* 11 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage. > > ***Tentacle.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +5 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check or be grappled. The cuttlefolk can only grapple one creature at a time. \page

Chapter 4 | Monsters

### Inquisitors Human and cuttlefolk inquisitors are the foundation of order in Sorrow Sand. They are both renowned and feared for their thorough investigations, often delving into the minds of the accused to determine guilt. Peace has lasted for so long due to their tireless efforts to root out conspiracies. Yet, they must remain vigilant, because there are always a rebellious few who elude detection.
___ > ## Cuttlefolk Inquisitor >*Small humanoid (cuttlefolk), lawful neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 14 > - **Hit Points** 39 (6d8+12) > - **Speed** 25ft., swim 30 ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)|15 (+2)|15 (+2)|11 (+0)| >___ > - **Skills** Insight +4, Investigation +4 > - **Senses** passive Perception 12 > - **Languages** Common, Acquan > - **Challenge** 2 (450 XP) > ___ >**Amphibious.** The cuttlefolk can breathe air and water, but it must moiston its skin with water each day to avoid a level of exhaustion. >**Ink Cloud.** The cuttlefolk can use a bonus action to spray a cloud of brown ink at one creature within 10 feet. Until the end the cuttlefolk's turn, that creature has disadvantage on attack rolls. >**Spellcasting.** The inquisitor is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). The inquistor has the following spells prepared: > >Cantrips (at will): *lightning lure, message, ray of frost* > >1st level (4 slots): *charm person, detect magic, sleep* > >2nd level (3 slots): *detect thoughts, mind spike* > > ### Actions > > ***Tentacle.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +3 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check or be grappled. The cuttlefolk can only grapple one creature at a time. ___ > ## Human Inquisitor >*Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 10 > - **Hit Points** 18 (4d8) > - **Speed** 30 ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)|14 (+2)|10 (+0)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Skills** Investigation +4 > - **Senses** passive Perception 10 > - **Languages** Common > - **Challenge** 1/2 (100 XP) > ___ >**Spellcasting.** The human inquisitor is a 1st-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). The inquistor has the following spells prepared: > >Cantrips (at will): *booming blade, light, sword burst* > >1st level (3 slots): *detect magic, disguise self, shield* > > ### Actions > > ***Short sword.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +3 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 4 (1d6 + 1) slashing damage. > > ***Divining sword.*** The sword allows the inquisitor to cast *detect thoughts* once. This ability recharges at nightfall each day. ### Desert Worms Great renown will come to those who best a desert worm. They are one of the rarest of creatures in the desert. Preparation is paramount, because worms are one of the deadliest threats. A party is unlikely to happen upon a worm unless they venture to the most remote locations of the desert. Those brave enough to seek one out, if they are lucky, will find one of the younger worms. If an adventurer seeks a worm, the individual or members of their party should roll a Wisdom (Survival) check to search for signs, a Dexterity (Stealth) check to show the participants how to walk without rhythm, and a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check to get the worms attention and tease it out of the ground. This search takes 4 hours and they may perform this activity once per day. Once a party finds traces of a worm, they may yet have to traverse harsh lands to find their prey. It might even take them into tunnels beneath rock and sand or down deep holes. \page

Chapter 4 | Monsters

##### Chance of Finding a Worm | DC of skill check total | Type of Worm Found | |:----:|:-------------| | 25 | None | | 30 | Purple Wormling | | 35 | 50% chance of
Wormling or Young | | 40 | Party's choice of
Wormling or Young | | 50 | 5% chance of Purple Worm,
otherwise, party's choice of
Wormling or Young| ___ > ## Purple Wormling >*Large monstrosity, unaligned* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 14 (natural armor) > - **Hit Points** 37 (4d10 + 15) > - **Speed** 25 ft., burrow 20 ft. > ___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|15 (+2)|7 (-2)|13 (+1)|1 (-5)|6 (-2)|4 (-3)| > ___ > - **Saving Throws** Wis +0 > - **Senses** blindsight 30 ft., tremorsense 45 ft. > - **Languages** - > - **Challenge** 2 (450 XP) > ___ >
> ### Actions > ***Bite.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. *Hit:* 7 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage. If the creature is a Small or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or be swallowed by the worm. A swallowed creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the worm, and it takes 3 (1d6) acid damage at the start of each of the worm's turns.
> If the worm takes 9 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the worm regurgitates all swallowed creatures at the end of that turn, which fall prone in a space within 5 feet of the worm. If the worm dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse by using 5 feet of movement, exiting prone. > > ***Tail Stinger.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. *Hit:* 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. ___ > ## Young Purple Worm >*Huge monstrosity, unaligned* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 16 (natural armor) > - **Hit Points** 80 (10d10 + 35) > - **Speed** 40 ft., burrow 30 ft. > ___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|19 (+4)|7 (-2)|18 (+4)|1 (-5)|8 (-1)|4 (-3)| > ___ > - **Saving Throws** Con +7, Wis +2 > - **Senses** blindsight 30 ft., tremorsense 60 ft. > - **Languages** - > - **Challenge** 8 (3,900 XP) > ___ > ***Tunneler.*** The worm can burrow through solid rock at half its burrow speed and leaves a 7-foot-diameter tunnel in its wake. > > ### Actions > > ***Multiattack.*** The worm makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its stinger. > > ***Bite.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. *Hit:* 16 (2d8 + 7) piercing damage. If the creature is a Small or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw or be swallowed by the worm. A swallowed creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the worm, and it takes 10 (3d6) acid damage at the start of each of the worm's turns.
> If the worm takes 15 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the worm must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate all swallowed creatures, which fall prone in a space within 10 feet of the worm. If the worm dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse by using 10 feet of movement, exiting prone. > > ***Tail Stinger.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature. *Hit:* 10 (1d6 + 7) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 17 (5d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. \page

Chapter 5 | Low Quality Magic Items

#### Aquatic Diving Rod *Wondrous Item, uncommon* ## * * This three foot, forked branch is banded in several places by silver-engraved rings that figuratively depict swimming fish. While holding the forked ends, you can feel slight nearly imperceptible twitches that indicate the direction to face to find the nearest source of water. Whenever you make a Survival check to find water, roll an additional d4 and add that value to your result. While the rod is in your possession, fish are strangely drawn to you when in water. Where present, fish make swimming especially difficult for you and your swim speed is cut in half. #### Stout Shield *Armor (shield), uncommon* ## * * When an enemy hits you while you are holding this shield, roll a d20. On a result of 11-20, the critical hit is negated and only normal damage is dealt. #### Shoes of Swift Feet *Wondrous item (boots), uncommon (requires attunement)* ## * * You can choose to reroll after you roll initiative. You must keep the new result. If the second roll was lower than the first, this ability recharges allowing you to use it at the beginning of your next encounter. This ability also recharges at the end of a long rest. When you use the ability of these boots to reroll your initiative, roll a d4. On a result of 1, a Wall of Fire springs up around you and lasts for three rounds. #### Rug of Easy Sleep *Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)* ## * * You enter a state of pure calm while asleep. You only need to rest for 2 hours a day to become completely refreshed, but you may still only rest once every 24 hours. During the day, you sometimes feel ill at ease, as if something from your dreams has followed you into the waking world. When you roll a natural one on any twenty-sided die, a shadowy vision appears to you within five feet of you. It is invisible to all other creatures. You must succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened of the vision. You can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of your turns. A success dissipates the vision. Up to three visions can appear to you at once, and you roll one save for all of them. #### Boom Whacker *Weapon (any hammer), uncommon (requires attunement)* ## * * This hammer has a very heavy blackened mallet head. Occasionally, you see a lick of flame dance across its surface. In complete darkness, the head glows faintly orange, but not enough to provide light. When you roll a critical hit, add an additional 1d10 fire damage. ``` ``` #### Skeptic's Gem *Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)* ## * * This grey colored gem becomes transluscent when invoked and its color changes to match the psychology of a creature your are examining. When you make an Wisdom (Insight) check, you can roll a d4 and add the value to your roll. You no longer trust barbarians and always assume they are lying to you. This does not apply to members of your party. #### Staff of the Storm Sorceress *Weapon (quarterstaff) and Staff, rare (requires attunement)* ## * * When this staff strikes a creature or object, the sound it makes is five times louder than normal, creating a booming noise that can be heard 100 feet away. When you deal damage from a melee or spell attack with this staff, you deal 1 additional thunder damage. If the attack is a critical hit, the additional damage is 2d10 thunder damage, instead. Every night, you snore incredibly loudly no matter how or where you sleep. #### Scales of the Star Drake *Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)* ## * * These two small transparent scales fit under your eyelids. When both scales are in place, your eyes begin to glow brightly at night creating a 5 foot circle of dim light. You can choose to use your bonus action to maintain your focus on a particular creature or object within 30 ft. of you. Until the end of your next turn and as long as the target remains within range, other creatures can also see your target illuminated by this dim light. Dim light functions like bright light for you. While wearing these scales in sunlight, enemies can score a cricital hit against you on a 19 or 20. #### Transmogrifier's Talisman *Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)* ## * * This oversized copper coin has a small hole along its edge that allows it to be strung as a pendant. Engraved in its surface is a violent depiction of a cloaked figure with a fiery sword bisecting a foe in a shower of entrails. Treasure erupts from enemies you kill that are at least CR 1. Dealing a killing blow with damage from a spell or magical effect to a creature causes a mixture of coin demoninations equivalent to 1d4 gold pieces to burst forth per CR level. Whenever you kill an enemy with a critical hit, roll 1d12 per CR level instead. \page

Chapter 6 | The Signing Canyons

# Chapter 6 # The Singing Canyons

# Dry and rocky, the eastern canyons of Sorrow Sand stretch for over one hundred miles. The only lasting settlement of note is the Hermitage on the north end amongst the high flat mesas. Those who travel south snake through a narrowing landscape of layered stone, carved by time or other mysterious forces into deep channels of eerie solitude. ## The Hermitage Along the side of a high mesa drops a narrow waterfall into a deep pool carving away at the stony floor. Near the top of the water stands a large, but simple adobe building. Worn steps crumble along the opposite side of the mesa, climbing a less steep slope. The cenobites are generous to travelers, though they do seem somewhat reserved in discussing particulars of their practice. For good reason, they are not quick to divulge their worship of the three-part divinity. There are representations of the three-persons of Greyerna, but Conflict is openly downplayed, often with Conflict's face turned towards a wall. For those lucky enough to prove their good intensions, the chapel upstairs is a magnificent space with clear worship functions for all three divine personas. One wing houses cells for initiates. These cells are locked and at various times in the day, you can see chanters walking these halls reciting scriptures. See chapter 1 for more details on religious training. There are a few rooms kept for visitors, though they are not particularly well-maintained. ### Greyerval Contention Two factions have formed in the hermitage with many of the Greyervas trapped in the middle. One, led by, **reverend Dronnon** seeks to restore Conflict to the regional temples. Dronnon is a soft-spoken yet provocative man. He's been training clerics in the doctrine of Passive Aggressiveness, so they may go out and secretly spread the virtues of Conflict in deed. He's also preparing paladins for a holy war to return the name of Conflict to the lips of Greyervas across the desert. He believes Greyerna will favor these actions and protect them, though the enemy is seen as an overwhelming force. The other faction is led by two women. **Priestess Fetima** actively opposes Dronnon's efforts with the paladins. She has been soliciting symbols of Greyerval culture from area temples and restoring them at the Hermitage. As a young widow released from a difficult marriage, she fights hard with her words and with her own acolytes. **Herbad Evissa** works in agreement with Fetima. She oversees the gardens, food stores, and importation of goods the cenobites can't grow or make. She knows where rare and valuable items are hidden within the canyons. She keeps her notes hidden away and in a code she shares with no one. She is worried that Dronnon's efforts will draw the attention of the Cuttlefolk and that a bloody culling will end one of the last temples of the true faith. She is kinder and quieter than Fetima, but smarter than anyone else at the Hermitage. Dronnon would prefer that Fetima and Evissa work with him. He wishes that Fetima and her scouts would reveal caches of artifacts that could help his paladins. He would like Evissa to forge or acquire items he needs to take the fight to the oppressors. He appreciates their opposition, though, and will not ask them directly. If someone else managed to get this information, he would generously pay. To earn the favor of Dronnon, the party must show proper obeisance to Conflict possibly including carrying out actions to drive a wedge between Fetima and Evissa. If the party assists Dronnon in carrying out his main goal of equipping his paladins for a holy war, he will give them a ***Blessing of War,*** divinely enchanting one non-magical weapon or implement selected by each character. The weapon or implement receives +1 to the damage of attacks made by it. Fetima would prefer to banish Dronnon from the Hermitage and any of his followers who refuse to abandon their dangerous persuits. To earn the favor of Fetima, the party must show proper respect for Culture, including but not limited to presenting her with newly discovered artifacts. If the party assists Fetima in banishing Dronnon, she will grant them a ***Blessing of Work,*** granting them proficiency in one tool or instrument without the need for training. Evissa would like everyone to just work together to maintain the lives and faith they currently share. To earn the favor of Evissa, the party must give honor to Community, showing that they can work together, helping out around the Hermitage, or locating Shaman's Urn (see next page) and bringing it to her. If the party assists Evissa in acquiring Shaman's Urn, ending Dronnon's jihad while preventing his expulsion, she will grant the characters with a ***Blessing of Worship,*** granting a new coordinated retaliation ability. When a creature attacks a character with this ability, the character may use their reaction to give their allies advantage on attacks against that creature until the creature attacks a different target. \page > ##### Artifacts of the Canyons > Artifacts at dig sites of which Evissa knows. > > **Scroll with Weapon Construction Instructions.** > > **Dedication of Service.** A collection of documents from the second age pertaining to a promise made by Romic tribes to come to the aid of the Tempest people after they helped repel an invading army of dwarves from the north. > > **Shaman's Urn.** An ancient druidic artifact rumored to be from the first age. As long as it contains water, the plants in the surrounding 5 mile area will receive good nourishment and will grow twice as fast, providing twice as much food. > > **Taagret's Labyrinth.** The entrance to an ancient dungeon, created by the master Labyrintharchitekt Taagret, the minotaur. A dragonborn warlord commissioned Taagret to build this underground maze. > > One or two of the items listed in Chapter 5 might also be present at some of these sites. The party will need excavation tools to properly dig at these locations. ### Visitors of the Hermitage Two adventurers are also paying visit to the hermitage. **Gorrock** is a minotaur who has come to map out a portion of the Singing Canyons. He befriended **Niyal** a human cartographer and acolyte of Greyerna. Gorrock may have met a minotaur or centaur character in the party, because all northlanders must go through the same bureaucracy to get passes through the human territories. Roll a d8 for each of these characters. On an 8, he is acquainted with that character. Gorrock is hoping to find Taagret's Labyrinth. He hopes to write a book about the design features. Niyal hides the fact that he is a wizard and an inquisitor. He is, in fact, getting information about the Hermitage for the occupation who are developing a better understanding of how to deal with the disciples of Conflict. He is very careful not to participate in any Conflict rituals and prefers to discuss the other aspects of Greyerval faith. Gorrock and Niyal share a room in the Hermitage as they prepare for their journey into the canyons. If players investigate, they will discover articles commissioning Niyal for inquisition work and a journal detailing strategic information about the Hermitage. ``` ``` ### An Archaeological Tour If the party decides to go looking for artifacts, Dronnon will send six of his most loyal cenobites to follow. Two are excellent trackers (Scouts). Each important location is remote, requiring multiple days' journeys from the Hermitage. ##### Singing Canyon Random Features | d12 | Type | Size | |:----:|:-------------|:--| | 1-5 | wide flat space | 6d12 + 10 ft. max | | 6-8 | narrow canyon | 1d8 + 1 ft. min | | 9-12 | hills | 6d6 + 10 ft. max | | d8 | prevalent terrain | |:-: | :-- | | 1 | barren sands | | 2-4 | arid grass | | 5-7 | rocky | | 8 | uneven rocks (difficult terrain) | | d20 | special feature | | :-: | :----- | | 1-7 | no special features | | 8-9 | deep, narrow crevices | | 10-11 | arches or overhangs | | 12-15 | sand pipes
*Narrow holes that whistle
as the wind blows through them.*| | 16-17 | bell crystals* | | 18 | fossiles | | 19 | a spring | | 20 | signs of an embandoned settlement | > ##### Bell Crystals > Large crystals protrude from the ground. Each crystal gives off a very faint tone. When one crystal is struck, it and crystals within 300 feet of it ring in sympathetic harmony. The crystals cannot be damaged by attacks. If one crystal is struck for at least 10 bludgeoning damage, it and all crystals within 300 feet of it loudly roar as if each was the targeted center of a *shatter* spell. \page

##### Important Locations | Item | Location | to Herm. | to Kux. | to Zern | to Vil. | to Cave | to Rocks | |:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-| | The Hermitage | North Mesas | - | 60 mi. | 65 mi. | 75 mi. | 80 mi. | 100 mi. | | Weapon scroll | Kuximetsi Ruins | 60 mi. | - | 20 mi. | 15 mi. | 25 mi. | 40 mi. | | Dedication of service | Promissory of Zern | 65 mi. | 20 mi. | - | 35 mi. | 5 mi. | 20 mi. | | Shaman's Urn | Mesa Village | 75 mi. | 15 mi. | 35 mi. | - | 10 mi. | 35 mi. | | Taagret's Labyrinth | Dread Cave | 80 mi. | 25 mi. | 5 mi. | 10 mi. | - | 15 mi. | | Scarlet Whisper | Standing Rocks | 100 mi. | 40 mi. | 20 mi. | 35 mi. | 15 mi. | - |

Herbad Evissa can provide a sketchy map and sets of directions to several locations of interest in the Singing Canyons. The chart above shows approximate travel distance between various marked locations. The dungeon master can choose to roll occassionally on the Singing Canyon Random Features tables while the party travels. It is likely the terrain could change drastically every five miles. ##### Kuximetsi Ruins The ruins of Kuximetsi have been partially excavated from layers of sand and stone that have built up from floods and wind. The buildings were constructed in a flat wide basin . The remains of a border wall are discernable around the village area. Several walls still stand, including three walls of a guard tower. On the top of one hill, the outlines of a large building's walls are visible where an expedition began uncovering it. With proper tools, the party can dig within, uncovering a large stone casket with an intricately carved lid. Within are an ancient steel chain shirt, a breastplate, a silver circlet, a scroll case containing plans for a weapon, and a ring of rusty keys. ##### Promissory of Zern In the shadows of a remote cliff stands an arching hole, evidence of ancient cliff dwellers. The hole, 40 feet up an unforgiving cliff with an overhang, leads into partially collapsed chambers. Several other cliff dwellings used to nestle up against this loan surviving structure. They have collapsed to the ground below as a pile of indiscernible rocks. Fallen stone fills the empty sockets where once these residences led back into the cliffs. The internal chambers need some clearing and reinforcement. The artifacts within indicate some form of diplomatic facility. Within a sealed marble chest are many scroll cases. A few of these contain the Dedication of Service. Others are records of families living in the area, bank information, and other such public records. ##### Mesa Village Atop a mesa accessible by following a narrow ascending path stands a massive tree. Its bare roots grasp uneven stone that reveals itself to be a collection of crumbled buildings. In order to excavate, some of the roots need to be moved away. At the center of the ruined village was a circular structure with a central courtyard. Now, the main bulk of the tree grows out of this area with the stone structure lifted out of the ground, ringing the tree's greatest root. The tree is alive and can talk in Sylvan. It harbors the Shaman's Urn at its center. If the party wants the urn, they must either slay the tree and dig out the urn or do as the tree asks, taking five of its seeds and planting them in a more pleasant land. If the party takes the seeds and the urn, the tree will begin to die. ##### Dread Cave This location deserves its own chapter, for it is a massive adventuring area on its own. Suffice it to say that a dragonborn warlord commissioned the master labyrintharchitekt minotaur called Taagret to design a maze most horrible. The entrance itself passes through a fossilized ancient dragon skull and the first portion of the maze follows the dragon's spine and wings into tangled tunnels filled with deadly traps. ##### Standing Rocks Volcanism, erosion, and wild magic have shaped this distant end of the Signing Canyons. Sand pipes and Bell Crystals are more frequent here. Most prominent are the standing stones, brightly colored rocks that stand on top of narrow pillars of pale stone. At the tops of the cliffs bloom the occasional scarlet whisper flower. This is by no means the only source in the world, but they do grow more reliably in this dry climate with no competition of weeds or trees. Beware, for griffons also make their roosts in the area. ### Creatures of the Canyons |Creature |Location| Monster Manual| |:---|:---|:-| |Awakened Trees |Mesa Village|p317| |Dinosaurs|North Mesas and near
Kuximetsi Ruins|pp79, 80 | |Earth Elemental|Mesa Village Area|p124| |Flameskull|Dread Cave|p134| |Griffons|Standing Rocks| p174| |Ochre Jelly|Promissory of Zern|p243| |Skeletons|Dread Cave|p272| |Thri-kreen|Tunnels near
Kuximetsi Ruins|p288| |Will-o'-Wisp|Mesa Village at night|p300| Encounters with these creatures is quite likely in the noted locations. Random Sorrow Sand encounters are also possible as listed in Chapter 3.

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