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# Haunted House Party There's something wrong with the Falk household. The chandelier keeps falling out of place, for one. And there seems to be something moving in the icebox. Oh, did I mention the portal in the dining room that drops you into hell? No? What about the face that keeps screaming under the bed? But there is something far more nefarious going on in this building. The plans for the gigantic pyramid. The bulldozing team waiting outside. This place is haunted, sure, but the souls of the dead and the beasts from time immemorial are only the prelude to something greater, something to do with...*land development*. ### What Am I Reading Right Now? This is a Dungeons and Dragons 5th Ed. homebrew adventure based around a conspiracy in a haunted house. It is a standalone adventure made to be played in 1-3 sittings. It should take somewhere between 4 and 6 hours. As written, everything should be balanced for a 4 player party of level 5 adventurers, however there is considerable flexibility given the open nature of the module. ### How do I use this module? This document will provide an overview of the main story points and the locations your players may find themselves in for this adventure. In particular this module is broken into five parts. 1. The Conspiracy: An overview for the DM of the secret backstory behind the haunted house, and the machinations that are still at play. 2. Opening: How to begin the adventure and introduce all of your players' characters. This is a largely linear segment in which events will play out with minimal deviation. 3. The House: This section will take up the majority of the adventure. Here players will be free to explore the haunted house as they try to determine what happened to the man who called them over. 4. The Mystery: An overview of all of the steps the players will have to take while exploring in Part 3 in order to solve the mystery and get to the finale. 5. Finale: An outline of the final battle and the resolution to the story. ___ Bolded words refer to items, maps, or non-playable characters (NPCs) whose information can be found outside the main text. When your players come across new items, information will be included in info boxes near the relevant section. However, in the interest of space, maps and stat blocks for NPCs are included at the end of this document rather than interspersed within the text.
## *1. The Conspiracy* The town of Hannibal's Reach is located on the spot where Hannibal, the general of the Carmetians, was stopped by the Remoran Empire as he invaded their territory. Hundreds of years later, the lord mayor of Hannibal's Reach, Wayne Wagner, developed an obsession with the long-gone empire of Carmet. Fascinated by their mighty pyramids and all-powerful pharaohs, Wagner was intent on matching their grandeur. Wagner's plan was to build a pyramid over the entirety of the Cottian Peak, the mountain top situated near the town. To do this, he would first have to destroy all of the homes that were already built on the mountain range, and use the money from rising property values in the town to fund the construction. However, Wagner's friend and former business partner, Hermen Falk, was not willing to go along with this plan, and refused to sell the old home he still owned in the mountain pass. For his defiance, Wagner had Falk killed. But not before Falk could booby-trap his home with various enchantments and begin a ritual that would allow him to return as a ghost. The ritual worked, but was incomplete. As part of Falk's plan to stop Wagner from razing the mountain, he sent word to a local adventuring party to join him as security. Now, thirteen days later, it is up to the party to solve the mystery of what happened, stop Wayne Wagner from destroying the house, and complete the ritual so Falk can complete his transition to his spectral form. ## *2. Opening* ## Background Your players compose an existing adventuring party who receives a message from a man named Hermen Falk. Falk wishes to hire the party for security, but gives few other details aside from directions to his home. He lives in the Alpeilles, a mountainous region within the Remoran Empire, specifically on the Cottian Peak near the town of Hannibal's Reach. ## Hannibal's Reach The party arrives at Hannibal's Reach through a system of elephant-based transport that extends throughout the Alpeilles. They pass under a sign bearing the town's name, and a small contingent comes out to greet them. This includes **Stephann**, the leader of the town guard, along with several **Remoran town guards**. They are dressed much like Roman soldiers, but with blue instead of red. Stephann greets them and asks what brings them to the town. When they mention the Falk house, he gets confused and a little nervous. Unsure what to say, he suggests that they visit the mayor in the town hall. \page

### Town Hall The town hall is a small building a short distance from the gates to the town. Stephann leads the party to the office of Lord Mayor Wayne Wagner. The first thing they will notice is all of the ancient Carmetian artifacts on display throughout his office. A shield displays the image of a phoenix, the emblem of Carmet. Miniature carvings of pyramids sit on his desk. There is a painting on the wall of the final battle between the Carmetian and the Remorans, on the spot where Hannibal's reach now stands. Carmetian elephants clash against Remoran centurions. The most striking, however, is the pharaoh mask. It is much like the ornate head of a sarcophagus, but with holes for the eyes. The Lord Mayor himself is a man in his fifties with a thin beard and a twang to his voice. He shakes everyone's hands and asks them to take a seat. Before getting to business, he asks if they like his artifacts. Wagner could go on and on about the exploits of Carmet and its great pyramids. He still has a great love for the Remoran Empire, of course. Definitely. Regardless, Wagner is genuinely friendly and looking to be of service. When the party mentions Hermen Falk's house, he grows concerned. ___ "Folks, that house has been empty for *thirteen years!*" ___ According to Wagner, Hermen Falk was largely a recluse and hasn't been alive for thirteen years. No one knows where the body is, but everyone who enters his house either goes missing or returns with terrible stories of ghostly happenings. No one will prevent the party from pressing onward, but he urges extreme caution in their quest. ### The Town The party will have to pass through the rest of the town if they are to reach Cottian Peak and the Falk house. The sun is just starting to rise over the mountaintops all around, and light snow is falling. Warm light shines from the rustic houses throughout the town. The only notable location besides the town hall is the chocolate shop. The shop is run by a dragonborn who greets them happily and offers free samples of chocolate truffles. In the closet at the back of the store, there is a secret passage that connects to the cellar of the Falk house, but that won't be important during their first visit. ### Climbing The Peak The walk up the side of the mountain takes about 10 minutes. Along the way, the party will pass by a team of armored elephants pushing plows to knock down a large manor. Several other buildings that have previously been demolished can also be seen along the way. The Remoran town guards at the demolition sites will inform them that it was a routine procedure, and the buildings had not been up to code. About halfway up the peak the path narrows until everything is bottlenecked in a narrow passage. It is here that we find the Falk estate.
## *3. The House* This section will provide an overview of everything to be found in Hermen Falk's property and the surrounding area. Here, the players are free to explore the area as they please, collecting clues in order to determine what exactly is going on. However, they will not be alone in their search. ## The Ghost Fighters Early into the party's investigation, a group of strange people enter the house through the front door. All are wearing plague doctor masks in the shape of various animals. They have oil lamps on sticks strapped to their backs, and have a collection of various knives, crowbars, machetes and other tools all over their outfits. They are all wearing sashes with holy symbols from a variety of different gods and pantheons, and each holds a short wand/staff about 2 ft. long with gems at the end. These are the ghostfighers. They were hired by Wayne Wagner to figure out how to rid the house of Hermen Falk's magic so that it can be demolished and the development plans can continue. Due to some kind of enchantment, the walls of the house (and the fence) cannot be destroyed, which has caused issues for the development. This is not what they will tell the party, however. To the party they will claim to have been hired by the town in order to investigate the haunting for the sake of people's safety. Since the goals of the ghost fighters and the party are largely aligned at the beginning of the adventure, they should be able to work together on friendly terms. But once they hold the means to destroy Hermen Falk for good, the ghost fighters will either return to the Lord Mayor or attempt to do it themselves. #### Ghost Fighter Salvador **Salvador** is the leader of the ghost fighters, and his mask takes the shape of a gharial crocodile. He has a calm, soothing voice, and speaks very matter-of-factly. Salvador is the most engaged in solving the mystery, but he keeps his staff on hand at all times, ready to send an arcane blast at any spectral beings that show themselves. #### Ghost Fighter Carl **Carl**'s mask is in the form of a canary, and his primary role is to smoke out any areas that may hold hostile creatures by deploying his gas bombs. #### Ghost Fighter Siegward **Siegward**'s mask is in the shape of a swordfish, and he lives up to this symbol. He holds specialized dueling machetes in each hand and is always looking for a chance to show off his expert swordsman skills. #### Ghost Fighter Leonhard **Leonhard** is the tank of the group, his mask that of an elephant. His massive form is accentuated by the glowing ghost-punching gloves on each hand. Though silent and held back for most of the investigation, there is the unspoken assumption that he has the capacity for significant destruction. \page

## The Estate **The estate** sits in a narrow passage that cuts off the rest of the Cottian Peak from the town of Hannibal's Reach. Although the fences and the siding of the house appear to be in a state of decay, none of them can actually be damaged for some reason. If a player tries to hit one of the walls or the fence with a weapon, it will be repulsed with a glowing green light. At any time the party can leave the estate to return to Hannibal's reach or continue up the peak to see the shrine. Both are about 10 minutes away. ### The Main Floor The party will likely first access the **main floor** from the front entrance. The very first thing they will see is the massive grandfather clock at the end of the hallway. It appears to be stuck at 11:49. There is a compartment underneath the clock, but it doesn't seem like it was meant to be open. If the party tries to open the compartment, a massive cuckoo bird will extend out of the clock and down the hall. Everyone in the hall must succeed on a DC 15 dexterity saving throw or take 2d8 + 2 bludgeoning damage from the trap. Afterwards, the bird will retract back into the clock. #### The Living Room Anyone who walks under the chandelier in the living room must succeed on a DC 15 dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 + 3 bludgeoning damage as it falls onto them. After falling, the chandelier floats back up the ceiling and reattaches itself, the trap reset. #### The Kitchen If any of the players walks by the icebox in the kitchen, a collection of zombified squid tentacles, crab arms, and vegetation will reach out and try to pull them into the icebox. The targeted player must succeed on a DC 17 strength saving throw to avoid being pulled into a seemingly endless pit of ice water. For every 10 seconds they spend in the icebox, the player takes 1d4 ice damage. To escape, they must succeed on a DC 15 strength saving throw or deal at least 10 damage against the zombified arms that are holding them inside. If another player character is aware that their friend is trapped, they can help them out with a DC 12 strength check. #### The Dining Room Sitting on any chair in the dining room will send any creature falling through a portal into what seems to be the fiery pits of hell. For every 10 seconds they spend in the flames, the player takes 1d4 fire damage. They must succeed on a DC 14 acrobatics saving throw in order to climb out. Alternatively, another player can help them out of the pit with a DC 13 strength check. #### Library The library is important for the secret passage behind the bookshelf. The passage can be opened by placing the book titled *A History of Secret Passages* into the slot where two of the other books remain fixed. What is found in the secret passage will be explained towards the end of Part 3. ### The Cellar **The Cellar** is not so much a cellar but the space underneath the raised building that has been permanently snowed in. It provides a means of crawling out of the building without being seen by anyone watching from the main floor. It also features a nice wine shelf carved out of a block of ice. Walking by, however, the party runs the risk of activating the **possessed snowman** who will attack them until it is destroyed. The **cellar items** can be found inside the crates towards the back of the space. Through the handheld ouija board, the half-formed spirit of Hermen Falk may be able to send some distorted messages to the party. This can be a means of giving clues to your players without giving anything away directly.
>### Cellar Items >#### Handheld Ouija Board > Paddle-shaped ouija board with magnetic planchette. Can possibly be used to communicate with spirits. > >#### Frozen Molotov Cocktail > When thrown, all creatures within a 15ft. radius must succeed on a DC 15 dexterity saving throw or take 3d6 + 2 cold damage. >
#### The Tunnel Behind one of the pillars in the cellar is a stone carving of a tree with a face. A DC 14 history check will tell the players that this sort of carving is associated with the ancient civilization of ram people who once lived in the mountains, long before the Remorans and the Carmetians. At the trunk of the stone tree is a passage that opens into a tunnel carved out of stone. Though cold and dark, this tunnel has full walls, ceiling, and a floor. After about 15 minutes of walking, the passage will open up into a closet at the back of the chocolate shop in Hannibal's Reach. The shopkeeper is not aware of this passage and it is not currently in use. However, it may be useful later when Wagner lays siege on the house. ### The Top Floor The **top floor** grants a full view of the Falk estate via the balcony, which can also be used to exit the house if the main entrance is blocked off or being watched. The frozen snow will not reduce the fall damage however, which at this height would be 2d6 bludgeoning damage if the player cannot succeed on a DC 12 acrobatics check. #### The Guest Rooms There is not much to find in either of the two guest rooms on the right side of the map. However, the large dresser opens into a secret passage that allows a player to slide down a hidden tunnel and out of a cupboard in the kitchen. \page

#### The Master Bedroom A ghostly green light is shining out from underneath the bed in this room. Anyone who looks under the bed will see a face screaming loudly at them. The face is largely nondescript and isn't of anyone in particular. Anyone who sees the face must succeed on a DC 14 wisdom saving throw to avoid being frightened and unable to investigate further for 10 minutes. If they overcome their fear, however, they will be able to obtain the **bed items** underneath. Breaking the bed will make the trap go away, after there is another scream. With their masks of fearlessness, the ghost fighters will be unaffected by the screaming face. This means if the party is frightened after discovering the items under the bed, the ghost fighters may take the opportunity to go ahead and take the items. This is not necessarily a hostile act, but perhaps one of distrust. The party will then need the ghost fighters in order to use the secret passage in the library.
>### Bed Items >#### Introduction to Secret Passages > A book. > >#### Magic Blanket Sheet > Can be worn by 1 medium creature to look like a blanket sheet ghost. Will gradually shift color while the user is standing still, granting them advantage on stealth checks. > >#### Ghost Dagger > One-handed, reach 5ft., +1 to hit, 1d6 necrotic damage. Target is unable to make any noise while they are stabbed with the dagger.
#### The Study The door to the study is booby-trapped. As soon as someone turns the handle, their arm is pulled inwards, and they feel a hand clenching their wrist inside. They must succeed on a DC 13 strength saving throw in order to pull their hand free. The key to opening the door is to give the hand a firm handshake. The door cannot be broken down, but the study can be accessed by breaking through the bars on the window. An explosive like the molotov cocktail will work, but just using a character's brute strength will require a DC 20 strength check. The **items** on the desk will likely be of some use to the party. As before, the ghost fighters will take any opportunity given to politely take any items that are not immediately claimed by the party. They will be unable to hide the **letter**, however. If the ghost fighters are present when the players see the letter and learn of the Lord Mayor's treachery, they will pretend to be outraged and that they had nothing to do with it. Salvador will do most of the talking, and it will take a DC 18 insight check to tell just by his expression that he is lying in some way. ``` ``` >### Desk Items >#### Even More Advanced Studies in Secret Passages > Another book. > >#### Crystal Ball > Allows one to see what is happening with one person at a given time. Provides visuals but not sound. > >#### Alpeillan Multitool > Can be used as a shortsword, a crossbow, a shovel, a lute, a hammer, or a lockpick, using the normal stats for the item in question. Any ability checks or saving throws (but not attack rolls) that employ the multitool get a +2 bonus to succeed.
___ > #### The Letter >

> > > Dear Hermen, > > I appreciate your concerns about our plans for the Cottian Pass. It is your spirit of collaboration and feedback that allows us to serve the residents of the region in an empathetic and dynamic fashion. We have taken your points into consideration as we proceed with this exciting new step in our development plan. > >
> However, we will be continuing with the demolitions as planned. We believe that by removing the excess units along the peak, we will be able to provide a more efficient and personalized service within the limits of Hannibal’s Reach. This will also allow us to sustainably increase value for our vital shareholders as well as the existing homeowners within the township. > >
> > Thank you for your letter. > >
> > Your friend, > >
> >Wayne Wagner,
>Lord Mayor, Hannibal's Reach >

\page

There is a good chance that the next thing the party will want to do is look at Wayne Wagner using the crystal ball. At this moment he is likely just sitting in his office admiring the pyramids on his desk. Later it will be more useful as he brings his force up the Cottian Peak and lays a siege on the Falk estate. ## The Shrine To get to the shrine, the party will have to walk up the crumbling trail for about 10 minutes. The ghost fighters have not been told that anything important is at the shrine and so will stay in the house, taking the opportunity to look around on their own. On their way to the shrine the party will see several other rustic homes along the peak. Some are manors similar to the Falk estate, but others are larger units that are actively housing many people. The shrine itself consists of several rows of old, worn-down tombstones and a large statue of a tree that was pulled down by the Remorans long ago. On the broken mantle are images of the ram-people who once roamed these mountains, now starting to be buried in the snow as the wind picks up. With a snow storm seemingly forming out of nowhere, the silhouette of a large humanoid creature can be seen in the sky above. This is the **winged yeti**, which will descend from above to prey upon the party. The yeti will fight in short bursts before launching back up into the sky and then swooping down again. If it fails to eliminate any players with its *dive from above* attack, it will eventually land and fight in a more conventional fashion. ### The Body On one side of the shrine, the frozen corpse of a ram-person from long ago is lying on the ground. On the other side, a grave has been torn up, only hastily filled back in with the frozen chunks of earth. Inside this second-hand resting place is the body of Hermen Falk himself, identified by the sword on his belt bearing the name. He has clear stab wounds all over his chest, and there are several **buried items** along with him. The ouija board will be able to confirm that this is in fact Hermen Falk, and that he was in fact murdered.
>### Buried Items >#### Advanced Studies in Secret Passages > Yet another book. > >#### Sword of Falk > One-handed, reach of 5ft., +1 to hit, 1d8 radiant damage
## The Hidden Rooms Much of solving the mystery will involve unlocking the sequence of nested hidden rooms within the house. Each ___ room is accessed by placing a secret passage-themed book into an empty slot in a bookshelf. ### The Hidden Room The hidden room is accessed by placing *Introduction to Secret Passages* (found in the master bedroom) in the empty slot in the bookshelf at the back of the library. The shelf swings open halfway to reveal a room filled with Carmetian artifacts, not unlike the Lord Mayor's office. Model pyramids sit on a desk along with various other **hidden room items** that fit the Carmet theme. On the wall is the makings of a vast conspiracy, with pieces of parchment tied with strings between them. These represent Hermen Falk's attempt to understand Wayne Wagner's scheme, but it may not be clear to the party or the ghost fighters. There are financial records of money transferred from the McCapital corporation to the Wagner estate. Several certificates confirm the acquisition by Wagner and his investors of land all throughout Hannibal's Reach. In the middle are blueprints of plans to convert the Cottian Peak into a giant pyramid, like the tombs of the pharaohs in Carmet. On seeing the plans and the Carmetian artifacts, the ghost fighters will be encouraged by the progress towards their goal, but also wary that the party will figure out what is going on too quickly. Salvador may give the order to Siegward to go back to town to get some reinforcements, for the sake of everyone's safety. If a player ends up summoning a monster from the totem of the many-headed beast, this will provide a good excuse. In reality, the purpose is to alert Wagner so he can begin his siege on the house (see below).
>### Hidden Room Items >#### Ring of Grandeur > While wearing the ring, the user hovers about 1/2ft. above the ground, granting +2 to stealth checks that involve movement. A subtle wind blows from behind the wearer, making their hair and clothes sway slightly for dramatic flair. > >#### Canopic Bomb > When thrown, all creatures within a 15ft. radius must succeed on a DC 13 constitution saving throw or take 2d6 + 2 poison damage. > >#### Narmer Mallet > One-handed, reach 5ft., +1 to hit, 1d8 radiant damage > >#### Mummified Cat > Will follow simple commands such as to retrieve an object or carry a message. Is it alive? Who's to say. > >#### Totem of the Many-Headed Beast > Push the button. I dare you. \page

>#### Totem of the Many-Headed Beast (DM Info) > The totem is a small stone carving of a monster with many different heads. There is a button on the back that will randomly summon 1 of the monsters listed below. The monster will be hostile to all creatures nearby, including the person who pushed the button. If a creature has already been summoned (and some creatures have yet to be seen), reroll until you land on a new creature. > >1. **Ammition**: A lion with the head of a crocodile emerging from its mane. Spits up hearts that then explode into acidic blood. > >2. **Bagradas Dragon**: Large snake-like creature with a big puppet-like mouth. Due to its rough skin, it can only be killed with bludgeoning damage. Also known for its big chomp. > >3. **Dire Hippopotamus**: It's a big big hippo. > >4. **Serpopard**: A leopard creature with a long neck. Neck remains rigid and upright, and the serpopard will try to swing its head in order to bludgeon the party. Can speak common, and will be calling over to the party to stop running away. May lie and say it grants wishes in order to trick its victims into coming closer.
There is another bookshelf on the other side of the hidden room with a slot between two books. This opens another passageway if *Advanced Studies in Secret Passages* is placed inside. ### The Hidden Room Within The Hidden Room The hidden room within the hidden room is accessed by placing *Advanced Studies in Secret Passages* into the slot in the bookshelf at the end of the hidden room. In addition to yet another bookshelf at the end of the room, there is a large desk with a number of occult objects strewn across the surface. These are the **hidden room within the hidden room items**. This is the room where the party will find the means of saving Hermen Falk and stopping Wayne Wagner's plan while the ghost fighters will find the means of killing Hermen Falk and seeing Wagner's plan to completion. The key object is the large scroll outlining the ritual Hermen Falk used to begin his transformation into a ghost upon death. It appears that the ritual was not completed before Hermen was killed. To accentuate this point, ghostly green ink forms around the remaining incantations and the ouija board instructs the party to complete the procedure as the only way to stop Wagner. A note says that it will take until midnight for the ritual to finish, and that the "focus" cannot be destroyed over Hermen will be trapped on the other side. A scrawled drawing of a ___ clock is enough for the ghost fighters (or alternately, Wayne Wagner watching through his own crystal ball) to figure out what they need to do next: destroy the clock, and kill Hermen Falk for good. Salvador will weigh his options when deciding what the ghost fighters will do next. Unless he really believes that the party is too weak to defeat them, he will give the order to run out of the building and join Wagner's forces. From there, the final battle will begin (see Part 5).
>### Hidden Within The Hidden Room Items >#### Book of the Forbidden Arts > A book. > >#### So You Want to Become a Ghost > Another book. > >#### Phoenix Feather > A feather that can be used to bring an unconscious creature back to life at half health. The person who uses the feather (not the unconscious person) takes 3d8 + 3 fire damage. > >#### Cross of Josh > A cross-shaped pendant worn around the neck. Wearer cannot take damage so long as they remain frozen in a t-pose. Casting a spell will also temporarily remove this invulnerability. > >#### Amulet of Reincarnation > An amulet shaped vaguely like a modern recycling symbol. Can be used to allow a permanently dead player to return as an animal of CR 1/2 or less within 30 minutes after their death.
### The Hidden Room Within The Hidden Room Within The Hidden Room The hidden room within the hidden room within the hidden room can be accessed by placing *Even More Advanced Studies in Secret Passages* into the slot in the bookshelf in the hidden room within the hidden room. Since the final battle will begin shortly after the hidden room within the hidden room is discovered, the party will likely only be able to access this third room if they already have the final book on hand. The **items** inside are an arsenal of weapons that will aid in their confrontation against Wagner's forces.
There's a blank space here because all this hidden room within the hidden room bullshit mean that even the title of the next section wouldn't fit here. So I'm typing some stuff so that the formatting doesn't look quite as ugly. \page

>### Hidden Within The Hidden Room Within The Hidden Room Items >#### Ghost Glaive > One-handed, reach 5ft., +3 to hit, 1d10 necrotic damage > >#### Shield of Suffering > +2AC. When an enemy misses an attack against someone holding the shield, they take 1d6 necrotic damage. > >#### Sawchain > Two-handed, reach 5ft., 3d6 slashing damage, incredibly loud > >#### Sickle of the Banshee > One-handed, reach 5ft., 1d8 necrotic damage. The user regains hit points equal to 50% of the damage dealt using this weapon.
## The Siege At some point while the party is investigating the house and realizing the Lord Mayor's plan, Wagner brings his forces to the house to mount a **siege**. This will likely begin after the party discovers the hidden room and the ghost fighters send one of their own back to warn Wagner. Stephann and the other Remoran town guards begin to set up a line of tents that resemble pyramids from a distance. Gradually things begin to escalate. Several **plow elephants** arrive, ready to knock down the building as soon as the clock is destroyed and Hermen Falk's enchantments are broken. Representatives from the McCapital Corporation arrive to oversee the process. A **seer** is brought over with her own tent, which Wagner uses to spy on the party with his own crystal ball. ### Speaking With The Mayor While the house is under siege, the party can converse with the Lord Mayor Wayne Wagner at any time. In the beginning he will deny that he is there for nefarious purposes, insisting that he has brought up this force solely for the security of the people, intending to prevent any supernatural forces from marching down to Hannibal's Reach. But as time goes on, Wagner will begin to admit his truth, dropping the facade. The house has not been abandoned for thirteen years so much as thirteen days, when Falk was killed. The purpose has always been to knock down the houses along the mountain pass, thereby driving up the prices in the town that would then be used to fund his own personal pyramid. But this one pesky house in the middle of the pass just won't be destroyed. Wagner does not show very much remorse in his plan. Maintaining the friendly salesman-type demeanor, he says ___ that it is well within his rights to purchase whatever property and do with it as he pleases. And the murder? That's just how the world works. That's how the Carmetians did it when they marched across the Alpeilles, and he intends to match their glory. It gradually becomes clear that Wagner is simply insane. He lets out a diabolical laugh on occasion when he is not watching his demeanor. If the party watches him with the crystal ball, they may catch him in his tent wrapping himself with bandages as he looks at himself in the mirror, and speaking to the pharaoh mask as though it was conversing with him. ## *4. The Mystery* This section will outline everything the party needs to do in order to solve the mystery of the Falk estate and get to the finale. Most of this will consist of collecting the books that unlock the hidden rooms. * Collect *Introduction to Secret Passages* from under the bed in the master bedroom. * Use *Introduction to Secret Passages* to open the passage behind the shelf in the library and enter the hidden room. * Collect *Advanced Studies in Secret Passages * from the grave where Hermen Falk was buried. * Use *Advanced Studies in Secret Passages* to open the passage behind the shelf in the hidden room in order to enter the hidden room within the hidden room. ___ The steps listed above are all that is strictly necessary to get to the end of the adventure. However, for the party to access a greater arsenal of weapons for the final battle, they may also complete the following steps along the way. * Collect *Even More Advanced Studies in Secret Passages* from the desk in the study. * Use *Even More Advanced Studies in Secret Passages* to open the passage behind the shelf in the hidden room within the hidden room in order to enter the hidden room within the hidden room within the hidden room. ___ As well, in order to gain a full understanding of Wayne Wagner's scheme and what happened to Hermen Falk, the following points may also be important. These are things that the party will likely run into while completing the rest of the adventure. * Read the letter in the study to hear about Wagner's development plans. * Look at the financial transfers and plans to build a pyramid over the Cottian Peak found in the hidden room. * Speak with Wagner as he mounts his siege to have him admit to having Falk killed so he could continue his bulldozing of the remaining properties in order to clear space for his pyramid and fund it with the rising property values. \page

* Find the ritual scroll in the hidden room that reveals Falk's plan to become a ghost before Wagner could kill him. ___ Once the hidden room within the hidden room is discovered, the party will know how to save Falk and stop Wagner (by completing the ritual) while the ghost fighters and Wagner will know how to defeat Falk (destroy the clock before the ritual is completed). At this point, the finale can begin. ## *5. Finale* Once the party has the means of completing the ritual, they will have to go to the clock at the end of the hallway and speak the last of the incantations. When they are done, the clock, which has been forever frozen at 11:49, moves to 11:50 and finally starts to count down. The spectral face of Hermen Falk then appears in the face of the clock. He thanks them for their help but says that the ritual still needs time to complete. Until the clock counts down to 12:00, he will remain trapped. Until then, only some of his ghostly powers have returned. Outside, Wagner is preparing to make his assault on the house to destroy the clock and defeat Hermen Falk for good. He emerges from his tent covered in bandages like a mummy, grinning ear to ear. When one of his people tries to explain that the pharaohs didn't wear the bandages while they were alive, he politely asks one of the Remoran guards to kill him. Undeterred, Wagner places the pharaoh mask over his face. ___ "I am the gods damn pharaoh of the Alpeilles!" ___ The eyes begin to glow in Wagner's mask, and the bandages come to life, reach out like tentacles and lift him off of the ground. **Pharoah Wayne Wagner** charges forward, along with all of the remaining ghost fighters, Stephann, and 2 Remoran guards. The plow elephants charge forward as well, but they are repulsed by a glowing green light as they smash into the house. Wagner's goal is to destroy the clock, which has 75 hit points. But he will easily get distracted by the party trying to kill him. As well, while the battle takes place inside the house, Hermen Falk will be able to aid the party. At the end of their turn, each player can use 1 **ghost move** for free. Since the ritual requires 11 minutes to complete, it will probably not finish before Wagner is defeated or the clock is destroyed. The resolution to the story, therefore, depends on killing Wagner and his forces. ## The End For narrative purposes, the ritual is completed shortly after the party wins the final battle. Hermen Falk is now able to emerge from the clock in a full ghostly form and thank the party for their help. He will explain any part of the mystery they may not have already figured out. Falk resolves to continue to fight the unnecessary demolitions while in his ghost form. To begin, he expands in size and lets out a horrible wail in order to scare away the elephants and the remaining guards in the siege. Content, he begins to float down to Hannibal's Reach to get some chocolate from the shop. How that will work in his undead ___ form is yet to be determined. But it is worth a try. You only live once, after all. ##### End.
___ > ## Ghost Moves >*Each player may use 1 at the end of their turn.* > ___ > ***Cuckoo Kick.*** A large mechanical bird emerges on springs out of the clock, striking everything in its 10ft. wide path to the front door. All creatures in the central hallway must succeed on a DC 15 dexterity saving throw or take 2d8 + 2 bludgeoning damage. > > ***Grasping Hands.*** Any enemy creature within 5ft of the walls will be grabbed by ghostly hands reaching through the wall. Target is grappled until succeeding on a DC 15 strength saving throw at the start of their turn. > > ***Possession.*** 1 enemy creature must succeed on a DC 14 wisdom saving throw or be momentarily possessed, using one of its attacks or other actions against another enemy. Attack must be known to the player using this move. Cannot be used on Wayne Wagner due to the protection from his mask. > > ***Spectral Scream.*** A wail emerges from oneself or an ally as ghostly faces appear around them. Enemy creatures within 5ft must succeed on a DC 14 wisdom saving throw or become frightened and flee to 10ft away. Creatures can succeed on a DC 16 wisdom saving throw at the start of their own turn to lose the frightened condition. Cannot be used on Wayne Wagner. > > ***Unliving Dead.*** An unconscious player can choose to automatically fail a saving throw to return in a zombified state with 10 hit points. Player must still make subsequent saving throws to avoid permanent death. Player that becomes stabilized while in this state will become immobile again unless they want to start saving throws again, starting with an automatic failure. > > ***Falling Chandelier.*** All creatures standing within 5ft. of the chandelier in the living room must succeed on a DC 15 dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 + 3 bludgeoning damage. > > ***Undead Icebox.*** 1 creature within 5ft. of the icebox must succeed on a DC 17 strength saving throw or be pulled into the icebox. Creature takes 1d6 ice damage and is then trapped in the box until they succeed on a DC 15 strength saving throw at the beginning of their turn. Only 1 creature can be trapped in the icebox at a time. > > ***Portal to Hell.*** 1 creature within 5ft. of the dining table will fall into a portal to hell and take 1d6 fire damage. In order to climb back out they must succeed on a DC 14 acrobatics check. Only 1 creature can be trapped in hell at a time. \page

# Appendices ## NPC Stat Blocks Below are the stat blocks for most of the NPCs your characters may find themselves engaging in combat with. Note that enemies have been given higher damage and lower health in order to make encounters short but deadly. Overall, the relative strength of your players and their enemies should still be balanced, depending on how many they engage at once. However, it is possible that this set-up will favor certain character builds over others.
___ > ## Stephann > ___ > - **Armor Class** 18 > - **Hit Points** 33 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|12 (+1)|16 (+3)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)|10 (+0)|16 (+3)| >___ > - **Languages** Common > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** Stephann makes up to 2 attacks. > > ***Battleaxe.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +7 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d8 + 2 slashing damage > > ***Longbow.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack* +4 to hit, range 400ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d12 + 1 piercing damage ___ > ## Remoran Town Guards > ___ > - **Armor Class** 17 > - **Hit Points** 26 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|12 (+1)|12 (+1)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)|10 (+0)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Languages** Common > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The guard makes up to 2 attacks. > > ***Longsword.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +6 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d8 + 2 slashing damage > > ***Heavy Crossbow.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack* +3 to hit, range 400ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d10 piercing damage ___ > ## Ghost Fighter Salvador > ___ > - **Armor Class** 17 > - **Hit Points** 33 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|14 (+2)|14 (+2)|12 (+1)|18 (+4)|15 (+2)|16 (+3)| >___ > - **Saving Throws** Intelligence +7, > - **Skills** Arcana +4, History +4, Investigation +9, Religion +4, Insight +4, Deception +9 > - **Condition Immunities** Frightened, Charmed > - **Languages** Common, elvish, dwarvish, goblin > >___ > ***Holy Symbols*** Salvador has advantage against any rolls regarding charms or curses. > > ***Mask of Fearlessness*** Salvador is immune to the frightened condition and cannot be intimidated. > > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** Salvador makes up to 3 attacks. > > ***Machete.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +5 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d6 + 4 slashing damage > > ***Arcane Blast.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack* +7 to hit, range 60ft., 1 target. *Hit* 3d8 + 4 force damage > \page

___ > ## Ghost Fighter Carl > ___ > - **Armor Class** 17 > - **Hit Points** 30 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|14 (+2)|12 (+1)|16 (+3)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Skills** Investigation +5, > - **Condition Immunities** Frightened, Charmed > - **Languages** Common, dwarvish > >___ > ***Holy Symbols*** Carl has advantage against any rolls regarding charms or curses. > > ***Mask of Fearlessness*** Carl is immune to the frightened condition and cannot be intimidated. > > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** Carl makes up to 2 attacks. > > ***Machete.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +5 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d6 + 4 slashing damage > > ***Arcane Blast.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack* +6 to hit, range 60ft., 1 target. *Hit* 3d8 + 4 force damage > > ***Gas Bomb (Recharge 6).*** From a point within 40ft. of Carl, gas filled the space in a 15ft. radius. All creatures in the gas have the blinded condition and must succeed on a DC 14 constitution saving throw at the start of their turn to avoid taking 1d6 poison damage. Gas dissipates after 5 minutes. ___ > ## Ghost Fighter Siegward > ___ > - **Armor Class** 17 > - **Hit Points** 33 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|14 (+2)|12 (+1)|16 (+3)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Skills** Investigation +5, > - **Condition Immunities** Frightened, Charmed > - **Languages** Common > >___ > ***Holy Symbols*** Siegward has advantage against any rolls regarding charms or curses. > > ***Mask of Fearlessness*** Siegward is immune to the frightened condition and cannot be intimidated. > > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** Siegward makes up to 3 attacks, 2 with his machetes and 1 other. > > ***Dual Machetes.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +9 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d6 + 4 slashing damage > > ***Arcane Blast.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack* +4 to hit, range 60ft., 1 target. *Hit* 3d8 + 4 force damage > \page

___ > ## Ghost Fighter Leonhard > ___ > - **Armor Class** 15 > - **Hit Points** 40 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|14 (+2)|18 (+4)|10 (+0)|14 (+2)|12 (+1)|15 (+2)| >___ > - **Skills** Investigation +5, > - **Condition Immunities** Frightened, Charmed > - **Languages** Common > >___ > ***Holy Symbols*** Leonhard has advantage against any rolls regarding charms or curses. > > ***Mask of Fearlessness*** Leonhard is immune to the frightened condition and cannot be intimidated. > > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** Leonhard makes up to 2 attacks. > > ***Ghost-Punching Gloves.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +7 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 3d8 + 5 radiant damage > > ***Arcane Blast.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack* +5 to hit, range 60ft., 1 target. *Hit* 3d8 + 4 force damage > ___ > ## Possessed Snowman > ___ > - **Armor Class** 14 > - **Hit Points** 14 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|8 (-1)|8 (-1)|12 (+1)|8 (-1)|8 (-1)|15 (+2)| >___ > - **Languages** None > ___ > ### Actions > > ***Branch Arm.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +7 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 1d6 + 2 bludgeoning damage > > ***Snowball.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack* +6 to hit, range 40ft., 1 target. *Hit* 1d6 + 1 cold damage ``` ```
___ > ## Winged Yeti > ___ > - **Armor Class** 16 > - **Hit Points** 39 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|8 (-1)|8 (-1)|12 (+1)|8 (-1)|8 (-1)|15 (+2)| >___ > - **Languages** Yeti > >___ > ***Blessed Arbiter*** The yeti is immune to curses > > ***One with the Storm*** While the snowstorm is raging, the yeti does not invoke attacks of opportunity and is immune to all conditional effects. > > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The yeti makes up to 3 attacks. > > ***Claws.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +7 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d8 + 2 slashing damage > > ***Bite.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +5 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 3d6 + 5 piercing damage > > > ***Dive From Above.*** While the yeti is in the air, 1 target must succeed on a DC 15 perception saving throw or get hit by the yeti's dive attack and take 2d8 + 4 bludgeoning damage. The yeti may then return to the sky. > > ___ > ### Legendary Actions > The yeti can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only 1 legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The yeti regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn. > > ***Claws.*** The yeti makes a claw attack. > > ***Bite.*** The yeti makes a bite attack. \page

___ > ## Ammition > ___ > - **Armor Class** 14 > - **Hit Points** 29 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|16 (+3)|12 (+1)|22 (+6)|10 (+0)|18 (+4)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Languages** None > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** Ammition makes up to 3 attacks, 2 bites and 1 heart attack. > > > ***Bite.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +7 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d8 + 3 piercing damage > > ***Heart Attack.*** Ammition spits out a heart that then explodes into acidic blood. From a point 15ft from Ammition, all creatures (besides Ammition) within 10ft must succeed on a DC 14 constitution saving throw or take 2d6 + 5 acid damage. ___ > ## Bagradas Dragon > ___ > - **Armor Class** 5 > - **Hit Points** 17 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|16 (+3)|16 (+3)|18 (+4)|10 (+0)|10 (+0)|13 (+1)| >___ > - **Languages** None > >___ > ***Rough Skin*** The Bagradas Dragon can only be killed with bludgeoning damage. > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The dragon makes up to 2 attacks. > > ***Tail Swipe.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +6 to hit, reach 10ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d8 + 2 slashing damage > > ***Big Chomp.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +9 to hit, reach 10ft., 1 target. *Hit* 1d6 + 1 piercing damage. Target is grappled and will take 1d4 + 1 piercing damage each turn. Target can succeed on a DC 20 strength saving throw at the end of their turn to break out of the big chomp. ``` ```
___ > ## Dire Hippopotamus > ___ > - **Armor Class** 12 > - **Hit Points** 38 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|20 (+5)|10 (+0)|12 (+1)|8 (-1)|8 (-1)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Languages** None > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The hippo makes up to 2 attacks. > > > ***Kick.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +7 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d8 + 3 bludgeoning damage > > ***Bite.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +6 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 3d8 + 2 bludgeoning damage > > ***Trample.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +4 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 4d8 + 1 bludgeoning damage. Can only be used against creatures who are prone and within 5ft. of the hippo. > ___ > ## Serpopard > ___ > - **Armor Class** 15 > - **Hit Points** 25 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|10 (+0)|8 (-1)|14 (+2)|12 (+1)|8 (-1)| >___ > - **Languages** Common > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The serpopard makes up to 3 attacks. > > > ***Head Swing.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +8 to hit, reach 10ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d6 + 6 bludgeoning damage \page

___ > ## Plow Elephants > ___ > - **Armor Class** 11 > - **Hit Points** 49 > - **Speed** 40ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|22 (+6)|10 (+0)|16 (+3)|8 (-1)|8 (-1)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Languages** None > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The elephant makes up to 2 attacks. > > > ***Plow.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +7 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d8 + 3 bludgeoning damage > > ***Trunk.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +3 to hit, reach 10ft., 1 target. *Hit* 1d8 + 1 bludgeoning damage. Target is knocked prone. > > ***Trample.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +4 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 4d8 + 1 bludgeoning damage. Can only be used against creatures who are prone and within 5ft. of the elephant. > > ***Charge.*** If the elephant moves at leave 20ft. straight forward toward a target and then hits it with a plow attack on the same turn, the target takes an additional 2d6 bludgeoning damage. ___ > ## The Seer > ___ > - **Armor Class** 13 > - **Hit Points** 22 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|13 (+1)|14 (+2)|12 (+1)|18 (+4)|16 (+3)| >___ > - **Languages** Common, celestial > ___ > ### Actions > > ***Shortsword.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +3 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 2d6 + 1 slashing damage > > > ___ > ### Reactions > > ***Brief Prophecy.*** Whenever an attack is made against the seer, the game master is given 1 chance to guess what attack the player is going to make against the seer. On a correct guess, the seer is able to react in time to avoid getting hit. ``` ```
___ > ## Pharoah Wayne Wagner > ___ > - **Armor Class** 18 > - **Hit Points** 92 > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|24 (+7)|12 (+1)|18 (+4)|18 (+4)|10 (+0)|18 (+4)| >___ > - **Damage Resistances** Necrotic, Psychic > - **Damage Immunities** Poison > - **Condition Immunities** All > - **Languages** Common > >___ > ***Sacred Mask*** Wagner is immune to curses > > ***Bandage Tentacles*** Wagner can raise and lower himself up to 40ft. and can climb up vertical surfaces > > ___ > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** Wagner makes up to 5 attacks, 3 bandage grabs and 2 other. > > ***Bandage Grab.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +6 to hit, reach 15ft., 1 target. On hit, the target's speed is halved, and they gain disadvantage on all strength and dexterity checks and saving throws. Wagner can then move the target up to 30ft. on his turn. Target must succeed on a DC 15 strength saving throw (without disadvantage) or land an attack on the bandage (AC 13) to break free. > > ***Cursed Sickle.*** *Melee Weapon Attack* +7 to hit, reach 5ft., 1 target. *Hit* 3d8 + 2 necrotic damage > > > ***Laser Vision (Recharge 5-6).*** Wagner emits lasers from his eyes in a line 50ft. long and 5ft. wide. Each creature in that line must succeed on a DC 13 dexterity saving throw, taking 4d10 fire damage on a failed save or 2d10 fire damage on a successful save. \page

>## Acknowledgements >This adventure was made using The Homebrewery, a free resource on http://www.naturalcrit.com/ > >DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, and all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. > >This is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. >**This adventure, including cover art and maps, was made by RaptorHeist.**
## Maps Below are the maps that should be shown to the players as they enter each area. Note that these are not drawn exactly to scale, and are intended primarily as a visual aid.

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