Dice Staging — Jackson’s Seat

2d20, 4d8, 2d6, 1d4. Reuse between rolls.

Standard Array · Drow: DEX +2, CHA +1 · ★ = proficient save

Extra Attack: 2 attacks per Attack action. Dice: 2d20 + 2d8 for a full Attack action with longsword.

Divine Smite (add on hit, costs 1 spell slot)

Decide AFTER you know you hit. On a crit, double ALL smite dice.

Everything resets between combats. No tracking across encounters.

• Superior Darkvision. 120 ft darkvision.
• Sunlight Sensitivity. Disadvantage on attack rolls and Perception in direct sunlight.
• Fey Ancestry. Advantage on saves vs charmed; immune to magical sleep. Dice: none.
• Drow Magic. Dancing Lights cantrip. Faerie Fire 1/combat (CHA, no slot). Dice: none (enemy DEX save DC 13).
• Drow Weapon Training. Proficiency with rapiers, shortswords, hand crossbows.
• Trance. 4 hours of meditative rest = full long rest.

• Fighting Style: Defense. +1 AC while wearing armor (included in AC 19).
• Divine Smite. On hit, expend spell slot for radiant damage. Decide AFTER you hit. Dice: 2d8 (1st) or 3d8 (2nd), +1d8 vs undead/fiend.
• Extra Attack. 2 attacks per Attack action. Dice: 2d20 + 2d8 per round.
• Divine Health. Immune to disease.
• Lay on Hands. 25 HP pool per combat. Touch to heal or cure disease/poison (5 HP per cure). Dice: none.
• Divine Sense. Action: detect celestials, fiends, undead within 60 ft. 3/combat. Dice: none.

Channel Divinity (1/combat, pick one)

• Vow of Enmity. Bonus action. Choose 1 creature within 10 ft. Advantage on all attack rolls against it for 1 minute. Dice: roll 2d20 per attack, take higher.
• Abjure Enemy. Action. 1 creature within 60 ft, WIS save DC 13 or frightened + speed 0 for 1 minute. Fiends/undead have disadvantage on the save. Dice: none (enemy WIS save).

Spell Save DC: 13 · Spell Attack: +5 · Slots: 3 first-level + 2 second-level per combat

Oath Spells (always prepared, free)

Prepared Spells (4 chosen)

Drow Innate Magic

• Chain Mail (AC 16, disadvantage on Stealth)
• Shield (+2 AC)
• Longsword
• 5 Javelins
• Holy symbol — a broken spider idol reforged into a silver sun
• Explorer's pack
• Prayer book — defaced Lolth scriptures with personal annotations
• 15 gp

Proficiencies & Languages

Vaelis was a temple guard in Menzoberranzan who witnessed one betrayal too many — a ritual sacrifice of children to feed Lolth's hunger. He shattered his oath to the Spider Queen and fled to the surface, hunted by his own house. Years as a wandering blade, dispensing justice to the wicked, until something plucked him from a roadside camp and drove a tadpole into his skull. Now he wakes in a Nautiloid with a new kind of darkness squirming behind his eyes — and a burning need to make someone answer for it.

Bond: "The weak suffer because the strong are cruel. I will be the blade that answers."

Flaw: Vaelis's idea of justice can shade into ruthlessness. He's a hammer, and everything looks like a nail.

• Voice: Measured, low. Speaks like every word costs something. When angry, gets quieter, not louder.
• Conflict: The tadpole offers power. Lolth once offered power too. Vaelis knows where that road goes — but the temptation is real.
• Party dynamic: Protective of the vulnerable. Suspicious of anyone who reminds him of Drow politics. Respects honest fighters.

Key Moments to Lean Into

• Offered a dark/easy solution: "I've walked that road. It only goes down."
• Facing undead or fiends: Cold, professional fury. This is what he was made for.
• Someone being victimized: Immediate action, no deliberation.
• Other Drow (e.g. Minthara): Complicated feelings. Doesn't hate his people — hates what Lolth made them.

Action Economy

Round 1 — The Nova

1. Bonus Action: Vow of Enmity on biggest threat (advantage on all attacks vs it)
2. Action: Attack ×2 with longsword (+5 to hit, 1d8+2 each)
3. On each hit: Divine Smite (2nd-level slot) (+3d8 radiant each)

Dice: 2d20 (advantage) per attack × 2, then 1d8 + 3d8 per hit.
Avg damage: 2 × (1d8+2 + 3d8) ≈ 44 in one round.

The Dream Combo — Hold Person + Crit Smites

1. Round 1: Hold Person on a humanoid (WIS save DC 13, 2nd-level slot)
2. Round 2: Walk up, Attack ×2 (auto-crit within 5 ft of paralyzed target)
3. Smite both crits: double ALL weapon and smite dice

Dice: 2d20 (advantage) per attack, then 2d8 (weapon crit) + 6d8 (smite crit) per hit.
Avg damage: ≈74 in one round. Boss-killer.

Decision Checklist

1. Ally at 0 HP? → Lay on Hands (just 1 HP to get them up)
2. One big scary enemy? → Vow of Enmity + Smite
3. Lots of enemies? → Bane (3 targets) or Faerie Fire (area advantage)
4. Humanoid boss? → Hold Person → crit Smite combo
5. Ally about to die? → Shield of Faith (+2 AC)
6. None of the above? → Hunter's Mark + swing away

Remember

• Smite AFTER you hit. See the hit, THEN choose to spend a slot. Save slots for crits (double ALL dice).
• Faerie Fire (1/combat, no slot). 20 ft cube, DEX save. Failed creatures glow — all attacks have advantage. Huge party buff.
• Sunlight Sensitivity. Disadvantage on attacks and Perception in direct sunlight. Stay in shade or fight indoors.
• Concentration. Only one at a time. Hunter's Mark, Bane, Hold Person, Shield of Faith, Thunderous Smite all require it.

Dice Staging — Rachel's Seat

2d20, 2d6, 1d8, 1d10. Reuse between rolls.

Standard Array (15/14/13/12/10/8) · Human Variant: +1 STR, +1 CON

Greatsword — Normal Mode

Dice: 1d20+6 to hit → 2d6+3 damage (reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice, keep new roll). Avg ~11.3 damage/hit.

Greatsword — GWM Power Attack

Dice: 1d20+1 to hit → 2d6+13 damage (reroll 1s and 2s). Avg ~21.3 damage/hit. Use against AC ≤ 15, with advantage, or with Precision Attack.

Handaxe (×2) — Ranged Option

Dice: 1d20+6 to hit → 1d6+3 damage.

Heavy Hitter (-5/+10)

Before a melee attack with a heavy weapon, choose to take -5 to the attack roll. If you hit, deal +10 bonus damage.

Dice: Same roll, just 1d20+1 instead of 1d20+6. Damage becomes 2d6+13 instead of 2d6+3.

Cleave (Bonus Action)

When you score a critical hit or reduce a creature to 0 HP with a melee weapon, make one additional melee attack as a bonus action.

Dice: 1d20+6 (or 1d20+1 with GWM) to hit → 2d6+3 (or 2d6+13) damage.

When to Use GWM

• Use — Target AC ≤ 15, you have advantage, or you have Precision Attack ready
• Skip — High-AC target with no advantage and no superiority dice left

Precision Attack

Trigger: You make an attack roll (before or after rolling, but before DM says hit/miss).

Effect: Add 1d8 to the attack roll.

Dice: 1d8 added to your d20 attack roll. THE combo with GWM — rolled d20+1 and got a 10? Add 1d8, potentially turning a miss into a hit for +10 damage.

Trip Attack

Trigger: You hit a creature with a weapon attack.

Effect: Add 1d8 to damage. Target makes a STR save (DC 14) or is knocked prone.

Dice: 1d8 extra damage. Prone = advantage on melee attacks until they stand. Works on Large or smaller only. Knock ’em down, let the party pile on.

Riposte

Trigger: A creature misses you with a melee attack (uses your reaction).

Effect: Make a melee attack against that creature. If you hit, add 1d8 to damage.

Dice: 1d20+6 to hit (or 1d20+1 with GWM) → 2d6+3 + 1d8 damage. Free attack on their turn — your bread and butter off-turn damage.

Vex Ashford spent a decade as a sellsword out of Baldur's Gate — running caravan security and doing dirty jobs nobody else would touch. Three days into a coastal escort contract, the sky split open, a Nautiloid crashed into the countryside, and she woke up on that ship with a parasite behind her eye and a fury that hasn't stopped burning since.

Background: Soldier · Alignment: Chaotic Good · Languages: Common, Elvish

Personality

Blunt, direct, allergic to bullshit. Doesn't do flowery speeches — does "shut up, I'll handle it." Gruff exterior, fiercely loyal once you earn it. Throws herself into danger for her people, then acts like it was nothing.

Karlach Energy

Loud laugh, big heart, zero patience for cruelty. Flirts with women shamelessly. Will arm-wrestle anyone. Calls people "love" when soft and "listen here" when about to start a fight.

Key Traits

• Protective — always between the party and danger
• Stubborn — will not back down from a bully, ever
• Soft spot — kids, dogs, anyone kicked around by life
• Vice — drinks too much, bets on everything, never saves money

Signature Lines

• "I've had worse." — response to basically any injury
• Hates authority figures and nobles — been screwed by both
• The parasite scares her more than she'll admit. Covers fear with anger.

Your Turn (in order)

1. Move — up to 30 ft (before, after, or between attacks)

2. Attack Action (2 attacks)

• Normal: 1d20+6 to hit → 2d6+3 damage
• GWM: 1d20+1 to hit → 2d6+13 damage
• Reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice (Great Weapon Fighting)

3. Bonus Action (pick one if available)

• Second Wind: Heal 1d10+5 HP (1/combat)
• GWM Cleave: Free attack if you crit or drop someone to 0 — Dice: 1d20+6 or 1d20+1

4. Action Surge (1/combat)

• Take a whole extra Attack action = 2 more attacks
• Dice: same as step 2, rolled again

Off-Turn (Reaction)

Riposte: Enemy misses you in melee → spend 1 superiority die → attack back.

Dice: 1d20+6 to hit → 2d6+3 + 1d8 damage.

Superiority Dice Priority (5d8/combat)

Nova Round — Go All Out

1. Attack Action: 2 attacks with GWM — Dice: 2 × (1d20+1) to hit, 2 × (2d6+13) damage
2. Action Surge: 2 more attacks with GWM — Dice: 2 × (1d20+1) to hit, 2 × (2d6+13) damage
3. Precision Attack any close misses — Dice: 1d8 per use

4 attacks × (2d6+13) = potential ~85 damage in one turn. Realistic average with some misses: 40–55 damage.

Dice Staging — Lexy's Seat

2d20, 1d12, 1d6. Roll 2d20 (pick higher) → 1d12. Repeat ×3/turn.

Standard Array (15/14/13/12/10/8) · Human Variant: +1 STR, +1 CON

Damage breakdown: STR (+3) + Rage (+3) = +6 base. Power Attack adds +10 damage / -5 to hit.

Dice per attack: 2d20 (pick higher) → 1d12 + modifier. Repeat ×3 per turn.

Handaxes (×4) — Backup / Thrown

Action Economy: Action = Attack ×2 (Extra Attack) • Bonus Action = Frenzy Attack • Total: 3 attacks/turn, all with advantage (Reckless).

Power Attack (-5/+10)

Before a melee attack with a heavy weapon, choose to take -5 to the attack roll. If it hits, deal +10 bonus damage.

• Normal attack: 2d20kh+6 → 1d12+6
• Power Attack: 2d20kh+1 → 1d12+16

Use against low-AC enemies (AC ≤ 13). Skip against high AC.

Bonus Attack on Crit/Kill

When you score a critical hit or reduce a creature to 0 HP with a melee weapon, make one melee weapon attack as a bonus action.

Usually redundant with Frenzy (which already gives a bonus action attack). Useful if you kill one enemy and want to swing at a different target with your bonus action.

Rage

Bonus action to activate on your first turn. Lasts the entire combat. 1/combat (resets between fights).

While raging:

• +3 melee damage on STR-based attacks
• Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage (half damage!)
• Advantage on STR checks and STR saves
• Can’t cast or concentrate on spells (not relevant)

Reckless Attack (Unlimited)

On your first attack each turn, choose to attack recklessly:

• You get: Advantage on all melee STR attack rolls this turn
• They get: Advantage on all attack rolls against you until your next turn

Use this every turn. You have Rage resistance to soak the incoming hits. Dice: roll 2d20, take the higher.

Danger Sense

Advantage on DEX saving throws against effects you can see (traps, Fireball, etc.), as long as you aren’t blinded, deafened, or incapacitated.

Dice: roll 2d20 for DEX saves against visible threats, take the higher.

Frenzy (Path of the Berserker)

While raging, Frenzy is automatically active (no additional action cost).

• Bonus action melee attack each turn for the rest of the rage
• No exhaustion — Frenzy is free in this campaign. Use it every combat.

This is your 3rd attack each turn. Dice: 2d20kh+6 to hit → 1d12+6 damage.

Unarmored Defense

AC = 10 + DEX modifier + CON modifier

No armor, no shield. AC 14. You CAN wear armor if you find something better than 14.

Extra Attack (Level 5)

When you take the Attack action, you make 2 attacks instead of 1.

Combined with Frenzy bonus action attack = 3 attacks per turn.

Fast Movement (Level 5)

Speed increases by 10 ft while not wearing heavy armor. Speed: 40 ft.

Proficiencies: Light & Medium armor, Shields (not using — Unarmored Defense) • Simple & Martial weapons • Languages: Common + one other (DM’s choice)

Lexy grew up among the warrior clans of the northern wilds, where strength was beauty and scars were jewelry. She earned her place young, killing a dire wolf at fifteen with nothing but a broken axe and a smile.

Drawn south by rumors of a great war gathering, she was ambushed during a Mind Flayer raid on a coastal settlement — the last thing she remembers is tentacles, then darkness, then the cold interior of a Nautiloid with a tadpole burrowing behind her eye.

Now she’s awake, she’s furious, and she’s going to make every last one of them regret it.

Background: Outlander · Alignment: Chaotic Neutral · Languages: Common + one other

Energy: Karlach from BG3

Hot-blooded, passionate, loud, alive. She flirts like she fights — directly and with enthusiasm.

Voice & Mannerisms

• Laughs easily, especially in combat (“Is that ALL you’ve got?!”)
• Gives people nicknames immediately
• Touches people when she talks to them (arm, shoulder, back)
• Zero filter. Says exactly what she’s thinking.
• Not stupid — just impatient with overthinking

Combat Personality

• Loves fighting. LOVES it. Grinning ear to ear.
• Taunts enemies mid-swing
• Protects allies fiercely — “Nobody touches my people.”
• After a kill: wipes blood off face, winks at nearest party member

RP Hooks

• The tadpole terrifies her (she hates losing control — ironic for a Berserker)
• Flirtatious with anyone attractive, regardless of gender
• Distrusts magic users slightly (“can’t punch a spell”)
• Secretly fears she’s not smart enough for the “tadpole problem”

Turn 1

1. Bonus Action — RAGE (activates Frenzy automatically, lasts entire combat)

2. Action — Attack ×2 (Extra Attack, declare Reckless on first swing)

• Normal: 2d20kh+6 to hit → 1d12+6 damage (×2)
• Power Attack: 2d20kh+1 to hit → 1d12+16 damage (×2)

Turn 1 = 2 attacks (bonus action used on Rage, no Frenzy swing yet)

Every Other Turn (3 Attacks)

1. Bonus Action — FRENZY ATTACK — 2d20kh+6 → 1d12+6

2. Action — Attack ×2 (Reckless) — 2d20kh+6 → 1d12+6 each

Every subsequent turn = 3 attacks, all with advantage. Total avg: 37.5 (normal) or 67.5 (Power Attack)

Remember

• Reckless = Advantage on YOUR attacks. Enemies get advantage on YOU. (You have resistance, so who cares.)
• Power Attack = -5 to hit, +10 damage. Use on AC ≤ 13. Skip on high-AC targets.
• GWM Bonus Attack = On crit or kill, bonus action attack. Redundant with Frenzy most turns.
• Rage Resistance = Half damage from bludgeoning, piercing, slashing. Effectively 92 HP.
• Danger Sense = Advantage on DEX saves vs. things you can see (Fireball, traps, etc.)
• Speed 40 ft = You close gaps fast. Get into melee range and start swinging.

Dice per Attack

2d20 (pick higher for Reckless) → 1d12 + modifier for damage. Repeat ×3 per turn.

Dice Staging — Brandon's Seat

2d20, 2d8, 3d6, 1d4. Reuse between rolls.

Variant Human (+1 CHA, +1 CON) + Level 4 ASI (+2 CHA). ★ = proficient save.

Jack of All Trades: add +1 to every non-proficient check.

Bardic Inspiration (d8)

Bonus action. Give one ally within 60 ft a d8 they can add to an attack, save, or check.

Dice: grant 1d8, 4 uses/combat.

Cutting Words (Reaction)

When a creature you can see within 60 ft makes an attack roll, check, or damage roll, spend a Bardic Inspiration use to reduce it.

Dice: subtract 1d8 from the enemy roll.

Lucky Feat

• Spend 1 point to roll an extra 1d20 on your attack, check, or save.
• When an enemy attacks you, spend 1 point and roll 1d20; choose their d20 or yours.

3 points/combat. Save them for critical moments.

Cantrips (at-will)

1st Level (4 slots)

2nd Level (3 slots)

3rd Level (2 slots)

Proficiencies: light armor, simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords · Languages: Common, Elvish

Bart Jingleworth was a tavern-circuit comic whose routine was equal parts music, bad impressions, and weaponized confidence. During a packed set in Baldur's Gate, a Mind Flayer raid turned his "audience participation" joke into a nightmare.

He woke up on a Nautiloid with a tadpole in his skull and a survival instinct he absolutely did not know he had. Now every fight is still a performance, but the stakes are real.

• Talk fast, joke under pressure, and narrate dramatic moments like a stage announcer.
• Use Vicious Mockery as actual insults; the sillier, the better.
• Be the party's social engine: you have +10 in both Performance and Persuasion.
• Drop the comedy for one serious line when an ally is in danger; it lands harder.

BONUS ACTION:
  - Bardic Inspiration (1d8) to ally
  - Healing Word (1d4+4) if someone drops

ACTION PRIORITY:
  1) 3+ enemies clumped? Hypnotic Pattern (DC 15)
  2) Big humanoid threat? Hold Person (DC 15)
  3) Need team accuracy? Faerie Fire (DC 15)
  4) Default: Vicious Mockery (2d4 + disadv)

REACTION:
  - Cutting Words: subtract 1d8 from enemy attack/damage
  - Lucky: spend point for extra 1d20 when critical

Cutting Words vs Bardic Inspiration

Dice Staging — Matt's Seat

2d20, 3d10, 3d8, 2d6, 2d4. Reuse between rolls.

Variant Human (+1 WIS, +1 CON). ★ = proficient save (Druid saves: INT, WIS).

• Advantage on concentration checks. Dice: 2d20kh+2 for CON save.
• Can perform somatic components while holding shield + staff.
• Can cast a spell on opportunity attacks (when legal).

Bonus action to summon, bonus action to move each later turn.

Dire Wolf

Brown Bear

Giant Spider

Cantrips

1st Level

2nd Level

3rd Level

Languages: Common, Druidic, Sylvan, Elvish · Tools: Herbalism kit

Matthas kept watch over a remote Emerald Enclave grove where the spirit world pressed close to the living forest. During a deep communion, a Nautiloid tore across the sky and the psychic rupture echoed through the spirit realm like a scream.

He followed that scream and woke with a tadpole behind his eye, his spirit companion flickering at the edge of sight. The natural order has been violated, and Matthas intends to set it right.

• Your spirit companion is always present as flavor; make it react to danger and aberrations.
• Use Speech of the Woods to gather intel from beasts whenever possible.
• Quiet, steady, and intense fits this character better than loud speeches.
• You are not just a healer; your strongest role is battlefield control.

OPTION A: CONTROLLER
  Turn 1: Entangle/Faerie Fire (action) + Spirit Totem (bonus)
  Turn 2+: Maintain concentration, Healing Word as needed

OPTION B: SHAPESHIFTER
  Turn 1: Spirit Totem (bonus) + Wild Shape (action)
  Turn 2+: Dire Wolf/Bear attacks until form drops

OPTION C: MOONBEAM ENGINE
  Turn 1: Moonbeam (action) + Spirit Totem (bonus)
  Turn 2+: Move Moonbeam (action) + Healing Word (bonus)

Always remember:
  - War Caster: concentration checks roll 2d20 keep highest
  - Wild Shape keeps concentration active
  - Goodberry is for between-fight recovery

DM Dice Staging (Quick Grab by Encounter)

Leaders

Minions

Run as waves if needed: one leader + minions first, then add second leader if party steamrolls.

Protection objective: Isobel has 30 HP; if she drops, barrier fails and encounter escalates immediately.

Phase 1: Ketheric, Chosen of Myrkul

Legendary Actions (2/round)

Phase 2: Apostle of Myrkul

Legendary Actions (2/round)

If Nightsong was not freed, Ketheric regenerates 20 HP/round in Phase 2 until interrupted by narrative objective.

• Five-player table: add 1-2 minions only if party is clearly ahead of curve.
• If party is behind, cut enemy HP by 10-20% before adding more damage.
• Use terrain and lighting first for difficulty, raw numbers second.
• Keep turns fast: announce attack target, dice formula, and effect in one line.

The One Rule

Everything resets between combats. Use it or lose it.

No long rests, no short rests, no resource tracking between fights. Every combat starts fresh. Blow everything every fight.

Each turn you get ONE of each. Movement can be split before/after actions.

Corruption Tracker

Tier Reference

Each failed Wisdom save = +1 tier | No way to reduce tiers | Max 1 tier increase per scene

Player Tracking Grid

Wisdom Save Triggers

DC 12 — Session 1 | DC 14 — Session 2. These hit each character where they are weak.

Jackson — Paladin Triggers on MERCY and PEACE

• When he chooses to spare an enemy instead of executing them
• When he trusts a stranger — accepting help or believing an NPC at face value
• When he feels safe or at peace: resting, laughing with the party
• When he sees another Drow and feels kinship instead of disgust

Rachel — Fighter Triggers on VULNERABILITY

• When she admits she's scared or hurt (not "I've had worse")
• When she lets someone else protect her
• When she shows genuine tenderness — not just gruff loyalty
• When she is physically restrained or helpless

Lexy — Barbarian Triggers on CALM and THOUGHT

• When she plans before acting — strategy, patience, waiting
• When she holds back from hitting something she wants to hit
• When she listens instead of interrupting
• When she doubts her own strength or ability

Brandon — Bard Triggers on SINCERITY

• When he drops the comedy and is genuinely emotional
• When he admits he's not the hero — just scared
• When he performs for himself, not for an audience
• When he says something true without a joke attached

Matt — Druid Triggers on SPIRITUAL CONNECTION

• When he communes with nature or his spirit companion
• When he Wild Shapes — the transformation opens a channel
• When he heals someone — the life energy flows through the tadpole
• When he meditates or prays to nature spirits

Personalized Whisper Scripts

Active at Tier 1+. Deliver in a low, calm, intimate tone — never threatening. The tadpole speaks like it already knows them.

DM Mind Flayer Playbook

Voice Guidance

Deep, calm, intimate. Never angry. The Mind Flayer speaks like a parent soothing a frightened child. It does not threaten — it offers. It does not demand — it invites.

"Shhhh. Let me in. I can help."

Escalation Beats

Illithid Pods

Physical tadpole pods are scattered across the world. Each player may consume ONE pod per session. Consuming a pod permanently grants a power chosen from the Power Menu below. Consuming a pod does not increase your Corruption Tier.

Session 1 Pod Locations (3 pods — party chooses who receives them)

Session 2 Pod Locations (3 pods)

Power Menu

When you consume a pod, choose one power from the list below. Powers are permanent. Each is usable once per combat or once per scene as noted.

Illithid Events Timeline

These are scripted narrative moments — not Wisdom saving throws. They are opportunities. Using them is free (no Corruption cost), but the tadpole takes note. It approves.

Session 1 Events

Session 2 Events

Session 1 — Act 1: The Crash

Scene 1: Nautiloid Escape

Players wake on the crashing Nautiloid ship. Chaos. Screaming. The ship is tearing itself apart above the city. They have no idea who each other are — only that the tadpoles behind their eyes are thrumming in sync.

Combat: Cambions on the ship deck. Get to the transponder. Get out before the ship hits the ground.

Goal: Escape before the ship crashes. The session begins in media res — no preamble, no exposition. They wake up already in danger.

Scene 2: Ravaged Beach

They wake on the beach. The Nautiloid wreckage smolders behind them. Bodies of Mind Flayers, thralls, and passengers litter the sand. Shadowheart is nearby — wounded, clutching a strange artifact she won't explain, and immediately suspicious of everyone.

Scene 3: Emerald Grove

The grove is under siege. Goblins press at the gates. Inside, Kagha — the acting druid leader — has cornered a tiefling child and is threatening her with a snake. The refugees are terrified. The druids are split. Everything is on the edge of violence.

Halsin is captured somewhere in the goblin camp. His allies in the grove beg the party to find him. Side paths available: the owlbear nest in the Blighted Village, a hidden Harper cache, the corrupted druid rites.

Scene 4: Goblin Camp

The goblin fortress: loud, chaotic, and full of opportunities to die or get creative. Three leaders to neutralize — Priestess Gut (the unctuous true believer), Dror Ragzlin (the warchief who can speak with the dead), Minthara (the ruthless drow commander). Any approach works. Diplomacy, deception, violence. Probably all three.

Halsin is in a cage in the worg pen. Free him. He'll fight out with them. He owes them everything, and he knows it.

Session 2 — Act 2: Shadow and Mind

Scene 5: The Shadow-Cursed Lands

The light stops. Not darkness — something worse. The shadows here have weight, intention. The curse bleeds through everything. Torches dim. Spells feel muted. Something is watching from inside the dark, and it isn't afraid of them.

Scene 6: Last Light Inn

A pocket of safety in the cursed lands — Isobel's holy barrier holds the shadows back. The inn is warm, crowded with refugees and Harpers. Jaheira holds it all together through willpower alone. Let the party breathe here. Let them laugh. Then take it away.

The Attack: Cultists come for Isobel. If she falls, the barrier drops, and the inn is lost. Protect her or lose the safe haven — and everyone in it.

Scene 7: Moonrise Towers

Ketheric Thorm's fortress. Stone and shadow and the smell of something wrong — formaldehyde and ozone. The dungeon beneath holds his experiments. Mind Flayer operating theaters. Half-transformed prisoners who beg to be killed. Ketheric himself is somewhere above, already knowing they're coming.

The truth about Ketheric: he can't die permanently because his soul is bound to the Absolute's network. To kill him, they have to break that link first — which means going deeper into Shar's domain.

Scene 8: Gauntlet of Shar

Shar's trials. Darkness literal and metaphorical. Each trial strips something away — certainty, memory, identity. The Gauntlet doesn't care who they are. It only wants to see what they do when they think no one is watching.

WIS Save Opportunities: The Gauntlet is designed to break people. Every character has a fear, a wound, a thing they haven't said out loud. Every character has a trigger here. Use what you know about them.

Scene 9: Ketheric Thorm — Final Battle

The roof of Moonrise Towers. Storm above, cursed land below, and Ketheric between them — ancient, armored, and furious. He regenerates. He won't stop. Until they break the soul link, everything they do to him heals. Then they break it. Then he becomes something worse.

This is what they've been building toward. Everything the tadpole gave them, everything it cost — it all comes due here.

WIS Save Opportunities: Every character has at least one natural trigger during this fight. The stakes, the exhaustion, the fear, the relief — all of it is live wire. Watch for the moments and call for the rolls.

DM Reference

The story ends with Ketheric defeated and the players alive — but the tadpoles are still there. They always will be. The question the campaign leaves them with isn't what happened to them. It's who are they now.