101 Adventure Ideas for a Mystara Campaign
by Sean MeaneyWelcome to Adventure Ideas for the Mystaran setting. This is an archive where anyone can contribute an Idea. It is asked that you Maintain the Layout Standard however...
1. Plague spreads amongst the villages
"You have proven your loyalty to the church of Thanatos, now take this powder and introduce it to the wells of every village in Karameikos."-Urga, High Priest of Thanatos addressing the faithful in a meeting in Mirros.
DM Briefing: Travellers and Merchants begin dropping small sacks of poison into the wells of numerous villages across the Kingdom of Karameikos. Symptoms include boils and lesions and looks like the mummy rot plague.
2. A Sinkhole opens in Kelvin
"Are you sure we won't get in trouble?" Yan looked about nervously.
"We can sell that rock for a gold Royal now shut up and dig..." Boris speared his crowbar into the dirt by the boulder. The Crowbar vanished into the Earth along with the boulder and much of Mrs. Mealy's Garden.
"What did you do?" Yan looked at his friend.
DM Briefing: A Sinkhole opens in the city of Kelvin. The Hole Expands threatening several homes. The Sinkhole drops 500 feet into a cavern the size of the city above it.
3. A Sword in the Peat
"Found it under the Peat I did. Look at it." Stephan wiped the muck from its surface.
His companion stared at the blade and looked for the smiths-mark that should be...
"By Hala...It Cannot Be." Iago fell to his knees in fear.
"Iago?" Stephan stared at his friend.
The sight of Stephan holding a sword aloft while leaning over his kneeling companion drew instant attention.
"He's killed him!" The voice from the crowd was quite loud.
DM Briefing: A very old short sword is found beneath the peat diggings east of the city of Kelvin. The Sword has the blacksmith's marks of Halav. Indeed, this is one of Halav's swords crafted by the smith before he achieved immortality. The Sword is non-magical yet will fetch a price of a million gold Royals. As a consequence everyone will want it by any means.
4. A Plot to take the Estate of Marilenev (part 1)
"One of the Last Traladaran-held Estates...?"
"It produces near a hundred million gold Royals a year."
"Well there is that."
"Lady Marilenev's tithe to the Church of Traladara exceeds the tithe we get from every Thyatian in the Kingdom including the King."
"The Church of Karameikos must have it all."
"And those are very important points but how?"
"There are Clerics of Chaos in the Mountains to the North-east. It is time they moved against the Kingdom."
"Vanya help you if the Patriarch finds out."
DM Briefing: Senior Clerics in the Church of Karameikos begin plotting to take the Estate of Marilenev as a Bishopric. They flood the region of the North east with poorly guarded merchants with wagonloads of weapons. This is a Lead-in to KEEP ON THE BORDERLAND (THE CAVES OF CHAOS), HORROR ON THE HILL (THE HOBGOBLIN KING), and ELWYN'S SANCTUARY which can be used to form a Major campaign Arc in which Clerics of Chaos strive to establish a Dark Theocracy (under assorted Immortals: Leptar: a Humanoid (Elwyn), The Watcher: an Immortal Beholder (caves of chaos), and the philosophy of Chaos in general (The hobgoblin King)) in North Eastern Karameikos. The Merchants will have document indicating that MARILENEV is the buyer of the Weapons being dumped cheaply in the region (and falling into Humanoid Hands).
5. A Plot to take the Estate of Marilenev (part 2)
"Fire!" Alexis listened to the cry as her fireball gems struck dry timber in the Nest. No Moon made her invisible on the flying broom. The explosions shook the poorest district of Mirros and began their work. Rescuers were going to their deaths, the impoverished populace was in anarchy. Within moments the entire quarter was an inferno.
DM Briefing: Senior Clerics in the Church of Karameikos plotting to take the Estate of Marilenev as a Bishopric employ a Thyatian Mage to carpet bomb that region of Mirros known as THE NEST with fireball Gems. This is a Lead-in Adventure to Lady Magda Snaps (simply replace Lady Magda with an Illusion created by a Thyatian Wizard employed to Start a Riot and blame Lady Marilenev).
6. A Plot to take the Estate of Marilenev (part 3)
"They are looking for answers."
"Then it is time we gave them some."
"You will personally spoil a tax shipment of wine coming to the King from within the Marilenev Estate."
"But that would Expose Me!"
"Yes Moray Vaco. And that is why you will go to ground with the Humanoids in the Cruth."
"You are mad!"
"No, Just setting you in place to lead the humanoids against Traladaran Settlements there."
DM Briefing: The clerics conspiring to take the Marilenev Estate begin exposing their own as plotters to destabilise the patriarch and turn the Traladarans against the Church of Karameikos.
7. Something under Mirros
"I hear ol Vigo was moanin about somethin tryin ta eat him when he went the Jakes at the Broken Mug." Boris squatted above the hole in the ground and moaned at his constipation.
"Damn Drunk with his fairytales!" Replied Yan from the next squat.
"You Know there are supposed to be tunnels dug beneath the city." Boris was thinking they might look into that soon.
"Yeah. Been thinking about...what the...ERRAGGG!" Yan's scream was Cut short.
"Yan? What you Screaming about? Yan?" Boris felt very alone as he staggered forward around the stall to look in on his friend. he watched as a naked foot and leg slid down a very narrow hole. The stall was sprayed with blood.
Boris made best speed for the Tap Room leaving a trail of dung in his wake.
"For Halav's Sake someone find me a Pot to go in..."
DM Briefing: A Gelatinous predator begins eating people who use the toilet or venture into cellars. This is a Permanently Hasted Gargantuan Black Pudding (stats: 8xHD, 2x Size).
8. Death on the Rooftops
Vigo turned to face the noise and watched wooden roofing tiles clatter into the dirt street. Vigo looked up at the cloaked shadow on the roof above him. The foe was an almost intangible piece of black cloth gripping a great Scythe.
"Scyth'r!" Vigo screamed and fled down the alley in a mad rush.
Vigo crashed through People standing in front of the Black Dog Tavern.
"The bugger has come for me..." He tried to make them understand as the cloaked figure dropped from the roof top into their midst and took Vigo with a single swipe of its pure entropic Blade.
DM Briefing: A Shadow with a Scythe of Pure Entropy descends on the city of Mirros and begins targeting several individuals who were all involved in a raid on a Temple when they were young adventurers. The Weapon itself has the abilities of a magic missile in that it automatically hits inflicting 1d6+1.
9. A Sandbar blocks the Mirror Harbour
"Dredge it they Says. Do it Quicker they Says, Trade pays your wages, they says." Purvis the Wizard waved his Rod of Civil Works and the sand loaded on the Barge.
"Who says what?" The odd voice came from all around him.
"Who said that?" queried Purvis as he looked around him.
The wet sand began to tower to its full height pulling even more sand onto the barge.
"I said that." The very ancient and aquatically-evolved earth elemental was in the mood for conversation.
"Pefh! No sandbar here." Purvis dived into the harbour water and swam for shore.
"What about me?" The twelve foot tall sand-bar wanted answers.
"Not my department, I'm Civil Works." Purvis was having none of it.
"Want to hear about how the water gets the grit out of all my crevices?"
"Definitely not!" called Purvis as he headed to the nearest tavern.
DM Briefing: An ancient (and aquatically adapted) Earth Elemental decides to make its home in the Harbour of Mirros to the inconvenience of Ships in the Harbour.
10. The Great Robbery
"I was just saying that it seem silly."
"What do you mean?" Arlo Von Gaunt queried Boris.
"That the King's Treasury would have fifty two Firkins of Silver simply walked down to a ship in the Harbour." Boris whispered as the army of Porters walked past in teams of two with a small barrel branded Treasury of Karameikos on a litter between them. They were escorted by a hundred Guardsmen.
"They're paying it to Darokin for the Annual Shipment of Grain."
"I Think it's silly." replied Boris to his new companion.
"You think that twenty-six thousand pounds of Silver is Silly."
The Silver was loaded into the hold.
"I simply think it silly that they didn't have better protection of the Ship."
DM Briefing: Robbers steal a ship moving 260,000sp of Karameikan Coin to the Republic of Darokin.
11. Buttleknnose's Steam
The great brass ball turned as the steam sprayed from its opposing arms.
"What exactly does it do?" Stephan stared at the Gnome-built engine with wonder.
"It is Technology!! It drives the future. It powers the...the ships of industry!" Buttleknnose was struggling for words on his Knees with his hands in the Air.
Shuuu...Shuuu...Shuuu...Shuuu....went the great steam engine echoing all the way down the valley. It didn't seem to be driving anything in particular.
"But what exactly does it do?" Stephan looked at his companion who was attempting not to break into laughter.
"Um, well, nothing right now. Gear's broke."
"Well the folks down the valley would appreciate it if you fixed the noise, particularly the loud bang that happens in the morning."
"Yeah! It's putting off the milking cows." Arn the dairy farmer was finally getting a word in.
"That wasn't the Buttleknnose Steamball(tm). That was the Buttleknnose SteamKannon(tm)." Buttleknnose was on a roll.
"Will you ask him what "(tm)" means or shall I?" Stephan stared sternly at the smiling farmer...
DM Briefing: A Gnome builds some steam based technology to the detriment of the future.
12. Flying Shield Abducts Villagers livestock
"It was big and shiny and round and polished mirror-like, like a...a mirror and there were lights and it flew and ..." Stephan held up a hand to pause the young Halfling.
"So what you are saying is that a big shiny flying discus abducted your sheep?"
"Nono. That was the Thingummy that they flew off in. It was funny-looking elves with pointy ears and silver clothes and lightning bolt wands with funny grips and they all went about saying 'resistance is pointless' and 'prepare for the harvest' and 'cor! that's a pretty sweater'...scared the missus an all."
DM Briefing: Blacklore Elves with Magic-built flying Saucers and Lightning bolt ray guns abduct some farmers Livestock and take them back to their secret base on the dark side of the Moon.
13. The Burrowing Tower
"Our initial investigations of the Tower in the Great Crater have provided valuable Data." Prince Malachie looked around the Council Chambers at the few Princes and Princesses of Glantri who cared to show up.
"Witness reports that the Tower 'burrowed to the surface' have been verified. The Geological Data is on page three of the report. The Tower itself is of Entropic origins and has an aura consistent with an artefact of Entropy" Malachie paused and looked at princess Hillsbury.
"We are however still unable to penetrate the Interior." Princess Hillsbury smiled at his personal failure.
DM Briefing: The Tower has been penetrated by Synn the Night Dragon (a.k.a. Dolores Hillsbury). To activate the tower, she must sacrifice the princes and princesses of Glantri (She has already sacrificed prince Kol). Activating the Tower causes everyone in the Great Crater to evolve into Gargantuan versions of themselves (Gargantuan: HDx8, Sizex2).
14. Something Terrible
A great and terrible monolith adrift in MYSTARASPACE loomed before their Flyingship. The magic failed and the Flying ship Zirchev's Messenger would soon follow.
"By the Immortals! What is that thing?" Captain Halav stared at the incredible sight as the small wooden vessel fell into its gravity well...
DM Briefing: The PC's, having ventured into MYSTARASPACE encounter a fifty mile long, twenty five mile wide, 8&1/2 mile thick derelict Starship (and potential Dungeon) adrift in MYSARASPACE. [NOTE: This was previously refer to as the Starship Warden located in the Phlogiston].
15. River of Blood
"The Magos bleeds, my friend." Kuzama whispered to her companion the latest rumour.
"Aye. I hear the River Magos flows with an unholy redness. As though the Mountains were bleeding..." Stephan invoked the ritual of Halav for simply speaking of such evil.
DM Briefing: The Magos river runs bloody red from it's source. Fish in that river float dead on its edges. A Cinnabryl Vein has been discovered at the source of the river by some Modrigswerg dwarves who are using it to make weapons from an alloy of Cinnabryl Known as Corrupted Steel (not RED STEEL). These are Entropic Weapons which inflict <standard weapon damage> + <Entropic plague requiring a will check at -8 penalty or become half fiendish (D&D3rd ed.)>.
The process requires the washing out of the redness of the steel to create a dark and rotting look to the steel.
16. The poisoning of an Emperor
"Are you sure he took the poison?" Senator Fiorenza needed to know.
"Yes." The Assassin did not enjoy being interrogated by his employers.
"Are you sure it will work?"
"Fiates Rose is impossible to detect, and immune to all magical and clerical cures. The Emperor is a dead man within three days."
DM Briefing: The Young Emperor of Thyatis is poisoned by something that can neither be detected as poison, nor cured by wizard or clerical magic. This leaves the Thyatian Empire with a child for an emperor.
17. On the whim of an Emperor
Special Category: The Mystaran Past.
The Emperor of Thyatis stared at the old map. Oddly Alphatia wasn't on it.
His aide leaned forward to examine the curiosity.
"Um? Sir? Shouldn't that bit be labelled Empire of Alphatia?"
Emperor Zendrolion snapped a look of disgust at the disloyalty of his staff.
"If I say there is no such place as Alphatia, then that is all." The aide straightened and cleared his throat.
"Yes my Emperor!"
The Emperor's Aide carried word to the Cartographers guild. Overnight, Every map was altered and new ones issued.
DM Briefing: Emperor Zendrolion Issues new Maps. Maps without any sign of Alphatia. Irrelevant until you colonise a piece of vacant coast based on that map and the Alphatians show up to tax your Wizard-Baron.
18. A Home with a View
Frandos the Maleficent looked out across the Great Crater. The staircase being carved into the steep embankment, by an army of underskilled humanoids learning the art of stone masonry, was a wide avenue on the roof of the homes on the lower level.
"As you can see my lord, it is a house with a view and you will not regret the location..." Prince Kol's Aide smiled as he sold the better aspects of the city being carved into the Caldera.
DM Briefing: The PC's are granted a nice house in the Great Crater in a Lottery by which Mages from the Great School of Magic might be lured to live in the great Crater.
19. Bargle abducts Aleena
"I intend to father my children upon you." Bargle stroked her cheek and smiled at his own rising pleasure.
"Get off me you monster!" Aleena pushed him away.
"You’re my property now."
"My Husband will get you." She was pure hate.
"Who? Him? He came looking for me at Mistamere." Bargle pulled back the curtain to reveal a very dead and tortured Traladaran shackled to a torture frame. Aleena recognised the broken form before her instantly.
"Noooooo!!!!" Aleena's Scream echoed across the flying castle...
DM Briefing: Her Husband murdered by Bargle, Aleena is abducted from Threshold by Bargle the Infamous. The PCs must penetrate his flying fortress and rescue Aleena.
20. What fiend is that? (The Dark Baron Part 1)
"What?" Desmond turned his head quickly to catch a view of the shadow moving beyond his field of vision. Nothing.
Desmond shook his head and walked off.
"Heerraaa!" One of his guards screamed.
Baron Kelvin ran to the sound. The Guard was dead.
"Sound the Alarm!" Kelvin's loud voice screamed the words.
Guardsmen poured into the hall.
"We have an intruder. Find him now. And someone deal with him." The Baron pointed at the body. Guards Scurried off and a few carried off their dead companion.
Baron Kelvin returned to his chambers to retrieve a weapon. His mace hung on a hook on the inside of the door.
"Why do you need a mace when you have a perfectly good sword in your hand?" The voice came from nowhere. In his hand he now held a sword. The blade coated in the blood of the Guard.
DM Briefing: Baron Kelvin develops an alternative Personality. It is Chaotic Evil and of the Fighter Class.
21. The Knightly Tournament (The Dark Baron Part 2)
"And as a fine reward this Tournament the victorious Knight is to be granted an Estate by King Stephan Karameikos." Baron Kelvin looked up at the Scribe who was still writing and waited for him to finish.
"Finished?" The Scribe placed it on the Baron's desk before him and he affixed his Seal.
DM Briefing: Baron Kelvin Hosts a Tournament. During the Tournament, The Baron arranges the Poisoning of one of the Knights in the Final Round. This is designed to Throw suspicion on the Winner so the King will not issue the Grant of an Estate. The Insulted NPC Knight will become an Enemy of the King. If the Winner is a PC then they will be snubbed and Ostracised by the Monarchy.
22. On the Run (The Dark Baron Part 3)
"We didn't kill those villagers lady Aleena. Please believe us."
"I Do, but you need to surrender yourself to trial, running will just hurt your position."
"We tried. Killers attacked us when we did."
"What do you mean?"
"You need to be aware of some evil creeping into..."
A crossbow bolt grazed Aleena and drove into the wall.
"We've put you in Danger."
That attack came from inside the Residence.
"They have people inside the residence?" Aleena was in shock.
"They have agents everywhere. It may be better if we remain criminals on the run."
DM Briefing: The party find themselves blamed for the massacre of a village. Attempting to seek legal outcomes, the party are attacked by agents of the real villains at every turn putting friends and loved ones in danger. Baron Kelvin's Evil grows as threats to his Activities com under attack.
23. The Siege of Penhaligon (The Dark Baron Part 4)
"My lord Baron, I was not behind the Assassination attempt on your life..." The Sword Penetrated the flesh of Lady Penhaligon and took her life.
"Oh but you were behind it. I would not have gone to the effort of faking the evidence if it were not so."
"Why?" Blood spilled from her mouth like a fountain of wine.
"You are in my way." Baron Kelvin wiped the blood off his sword and summoned a Servant.
"Clean this up."
DM Briefing: Having invited Lady Penhaligon to visit, The Baron accuses her of an Assassination attempt and executes her. By morning her Personal servants are dead and the Armies of Baron Kelvin are Marching on Penhaligon.
24. The Banished One (A Crisis of Faith part 1)
"Eoward Radu! You are banished from Traladara for all time!"
The Terrible voice was instantly heard by every one in the kingdom of Karameikos. Eoward Radu looked up at the Sky. The sky distorted and became the face of Halav.
DM Briefing: For Eoward Radu, he becomes the most despised and mistrusted man in all of Karameikos. Once this gets out to other nations, He will be the most despised individual in the world.
This is a crisis of Faith for the Cult of Halav. Suddenly they are no longer sure that King Stephan is the reincarnation of Halav.
25. A Schism in the Cult of Halav (A crisis of Faith part 2)
"King Halav! That we might clear away the horrors of the past, It is at the heart of our petition that you should grant us that ground upon which the ruins of Castle Doom do fester. Let us heal these wounds by constructing a Monastery to Petra that shall provide haven and education to both churches and pave the healing path to unification." King Stephan waved forward his servant. The young Cleric handed the petition to the servant and Bowed at King Stephan.
"I Shall give this honest consideration. Halav Knows we need it in these times." Stephan Smiled.
DM Briefing: A few establish a new faction in the Church. They are the Monastic Rose of Petra. They petition King Stephan for the Hill overlooking the Town of Fort Doom. They wish to demolish the ruined castle and build a Monastery on the site. The Monastery is open to followers of Petra from both churches.
26. Enslaved Gnomish Scientists
Gnomish Technicians huddled around a great iron tractor with mounted cannon when General D'Boer entered the Bunker.
"How long before it fully operational? T' Kaisar wants results!" General Hurak D'Boer grasped Albert by the throat and slapped a second Gnomish technician to the ground.
"A month at least my lord!" Albert Wundersteam resisted the urge to struggle.
"Fool! You told me that a month ago! I want t' Steam Tank operational." The other technicians looked at the interrogation with concern.
"We go to war in less than a Year! If this is a failure like that Kaisarballoon project..."
"A month my lord! With the new enchanted fuel rod, the engine power is much improved."
"It better Be! Or you and your little family here will join t' rest of that Glitterlode-worshiping filth on their way to t' STEAM CHAMBERS!"
DM BRIEFING: An Orcish civilisation in Vulcania is preparing to sweep across Davania using Steamtech.
27. The Pirate Lantern
"Have I Made it?" Devor Mandrazy looked about. He had managed the dimension door to the hold of the merchant ship. He lowered the Pirate Lantern and pulled the hand drill. The noise of his work was easily muffled by the flurry of crew activity on deck.
His pirate raider was struggling to close the distance.
A Dozen holes along the length of the ship and water began pouring in through the hull.
Water was around his ankles when a voice came from above.
"Saboteur!"
Armed marines began pouring down the ladder into the hold.
Devor grabbed up his lantern and was gone.
DM Briefing: Pirates are discovered to be using Magic items specifically made for them. They have wizards in Alphatia turning out Magic items of all manor. Stats for the pirate lantern: Dimension Door Useable 2/day non rechargeable (30 charges). A platinum lantern frame encasing a petrified 2' gelatinous cube. Once the charges are used up, the gelatinous cube grows to full size attacking the user.
28. The Isle of Dread Vanishes (the Dread Sea part 1)
The Tenobar Wake sat in open water.
"Are you certain our course was correct?" Captain Thero looked about.
"Yes my captain. We made the turn the evening last at the island of those cannibals." Navigator Harn shook his head.
"That put us within sight of the mistwall. But the mistwall and the Island are gone."
The Island was gone. Immortals. It had to be Immortals.
"Get us back to the island of the Cannibals. We are going to need the fresh water."
DM Briefing: Ships travelling the Thanegioth Archipelago discover the entire isle of Dread is missing.
29. Asteroid impact in the Sea of Dread (the Dread Sea part 2)
The Flying Merchantman Mirros Rose moved above the surface of the Sea of Dread.
The Terrible flash in very heart of the Sea of Dread caught the sight of the watch.
"By the Immortals, What was that?" In the distance the deep red glow vanished behind a rising wall of water.
"Oh, Halav!" Devin Hyraksos stared at the wave. It travelled quickly out across the horizon.
"Captain...?"
"What is it?" Captain Gregor Stephanov looked up at the Sailor.
"Wave on the Horizon, Captain. Closing fast." The Captain scaled the rope ladder and turned to look where the sailor was pointing.
A Tidal wave was racing toward them at a terrible rate.
"Halav's Mother! Helm, get us up two thousand feet. Now!"
The Ship surged upward just catching the wave. The wave struck the hull and tipped the ship.
DM Briefing: An asteroid clips the Mystaran Moon of Luna sending large rocks at the planet Mystara. The Asteroid itself impacts in the Sea of Dread sending a wave of destruction through coastal and island communities facing the Sea of Dread.
30. Pickled Virgin
Petrov spat out the wine.
"What in Halav's name? It’s befouled." Petrov walked away from the Barrel in search of an Axe.
"Are you sure? This is supposed to be from one of the rarest and most exclusive vineyards in Glantri." Franz sampled the mug.
"By the Immortals it tastes like pickled hog."
"Exactly." Petrov drove the axe into the wood of his stolen prize until the timbers shattered.
The Corpse of a pickled young elf could be made out amongst the shattered wood.
"Yeergh!" Franz released the contents of his stomach on to the ground.
"Right! When you get done turning out your meal, fetch that tame cleric. I want to know who this corpse is and who killed her before sunset."
"Then What?" Franz sprayed the ground again with his stomach contents.
"Then We break open the other six barrels and find out if this is a one-off."
DM Briefing: A shipment of wine stolen during a change of residence by the Prince of Boldavia turns up in Karameikos. The wine contains Pickled Elves for flavouring. The Elves (requiring a speak with the dead) were abducted from the Elf Principalities of Glantri and are infact being pickled for food purposes.
31. The Smith's Apprentice (An Oardacious Plan part 1)
The corpse surfaced near the small boat, as Arko the fisher was preparing a line, taking him by surprise.
"By Petra's uncle...a floater!"
Arko turned the lesion covered corpse face up revealing something ugly and deformed. The shiny almost wizard like clothing suggested he should be pulled in.
He didn't look long dead so perhaps the patriarch could save him...
DM Briefing: A body surfaces in lake Windrush near Threshold. Taken for a deformed wizard, the drowned man is raised from the dead yet has no memories of who he is. "Silvio of Windrush" as he is soon come to be known as finds gainful employment with a Blacksmith. His skills in metalworking soon become apparent as he turns out weapons of Masterful quality. Silvio of Windrush is in fact an OARD. There is a time travel mirror on the bottom of the lake (the mirror was there before the lake was). The OARD was sent through to investigate but drowned, loosing all memory of his past and mission.
32. The Artisan's Lens (An Oardacious Plan Part 2)
"Now sir if you will look through this simple lens you should see some improvement to your sight." Silvio held up a small frame of brass with two circles of diamond carved glass.
The bell rang on the shop door. It was Aleena Halaran.
"Lady Halaran! Wonderful to see you! I'll be right with you..."
Silvio returned his attention to his first customer.
"By Petra she is Beautiful...I never realised." The customer coughed and put down the glasses.
"Wonderful! I'll take them." Silvio smiled.
"Forty gold Royals as agreed." Coins were exchanged and the elderly wizard left with a nod to Aleena.
"Now where were we?" Silvio of Windrush pulled the large wooden case from beneath the counter and flipped the lid to reveal a great brass Spyglass.
Aleena smiled at the gift for her father's birthday...
"Thank you Sylvio. A wonderful lens."
DM Briefing: The Artisan known as Sylvio of Windrush (An OARD) finally opens his own shop in Threshold and begins crafting lenses for short-sighted wizards, and a fine range of telescopes.
33. The Master's Diving Bell (An Oardacious Plan Part 3)
Silvio took a breath full of air and sank beneath the surface of the lake. Franz took a breath and followed him.
It didn't take long to reach the Diving Bell anchored near the shore.
The two companions surfaced in the air pocket of the dive bell.
"As you can see, the bell holds several minutes of good air and can be replenished with a simple mechanical apparatus. From here a diver can plunder the riches scattered on the sea floor." Franz looked at the mirror sitting on the muddy bottom now a few feet below him.
"Is that a gold framed mirror?" Franz pointed out the treasure he had spotted.
"Indeed. There are many treasures for salvage even here at the bottom of a lake."
DM Briefing: Silvio of Windrush discovers the OARD mirror while testing out a diving bell of his invention. He gives it to his financial partner as a gift.
The mirror winds up in the offices of Franz Thwaket in Mirros. It is from here that a number of OARD eliminate Franz and take over his half of the Diving Bell business. Thwaket and Windrush Diving Bells becomes a front for the OARD
34. The Twilight Sky
Wendel the Sworder looked down into the valley. There scattered across the side of a Mountain was the shattered iron hull of the Twilight Sky. The Alphatian Flying Carrier that had laid siege to the city of Glantri at the height of the War.
It had gone down in the Wendarian Ranges with all hands.
"By the Immortals!" The carnage was terrible and awe inspiring. The contents of a once glorious empire were scattered across the mountains of Northern Glantri.
Wendel didn't see the Predator lurking in shadow. It came at him with furious speed.
DM Briefing: The PC's stumble across the wreckage of the Alphatian Flying Carrier ship scattered across a mountain in the Wendarian Ranges. There amongst the wealth of lost wizard magic are numerous powerful predators that were summoned to attack Glantri.
35. Buy me some Stone
The Wagons moved up the rocky trail toward New Xorg. Magebuilt walls encompassed a rapidly growing community of walled suburbs teaming with Orcs. Brawls could be seen in the streets...Indeed there was a crowd betting on a fight. Waste was being thrown from the steps into the gutter and the smell was foul and toxic.
Erina of Threshold held her nose. It was worse than the foul streets of Mirros. Get in, buy twenty wagons of Stone, and get out.
Still there was something wrong with the prospect of an orc City.
DM Briefing: New Xorg is located on the southern edge of the ORCLANDS of Darokin. It is a recently established Quarry town employing its orcish population in stonecutting.
INFO on NEW XORG can be found on the Vaults of Pandius (including maps).
36. And now a lesson in Agricultural Economics
"Now the concept of a glut is over production. Because there is much produce, the buyer or merchant can pick an choose from available producers to get produce at lower prices." Devon was starting to slur from too much wine.
"Now If a farmer wants to push prices up, he needs a shortage of the product or a Monopoly...what's in this?" Devon blinked at the mug of wine.
"Is Radishes...So what's this monopoly thingy if everyone's got one?" said farmer Durn.
"Um Its where like you is the only one with a crop." Devon passed out.
"You mean like where the other farms are burned down and their crops torched?" No reply.
DM Briefing: A drunken economist explains the concept of Market forces to farmers. A few Barns are burned and crops put to torch. There is a sudden wheat shortage in Northern Karameikos as the PCs are called in to investigate acts of Agricultural Terrorism.
37. Night Terrors
"I tell you I saw it! It weren't no child! It was a fiend!" Afern the ropemaker jerked his head side to side at a shadow still moving around him as they dragged him into the cell.
"Wa! Demons!" came the cry from the many cellmates of Afern.
Jailer Cadesa shook his head and walked back to his seat by the door.
"What in Petra's name is wrong with them?" His companion guardsman shook his head.
"Been pulling them in all night. Ordinary folk just seeing demons. This one killed his daughter. Said she turned into a monster and tried to eat him." Cadesa returned to his ale but he couldn't stomach it. Mirros was in an uproar as the demonic epidemic spread.
DM Briefing: A massive shipment of ergot contaminated ryebread is sold cheap by bakers in Mirros. By evening over a thousand of the populace are sick, hallucinating, or dead.
38. War
Franz leaned back on the hay pile and stared at the morning sky. They young farmhand could only wonder at the distant lands an magical sights he should be experiencing.
"Franz? Franz lad, you done with the hay?" Farmer Stephanov marched around the load of hay that was mostly on the wagon.
"Hoy! Back to work! This needs to be shipped to Verge tomorrow." Franz climbed to his feet only then noticing the two black spots in the distant sky and the terrible flicker of thunderous fire between them.
"What the?" Franz pointed at the sky and flying citadels that were closing the distance toward their little farm.
"By Zirchev!" Farmer Stephanov ran to the farmhouse.
Magical Fire snapped and flashed as they continued to draw closer.
Then one began a descent reminiscent of a thrown stone while it's opponent continued bombardment. It fell toward the small farm with increasing speed until it touched below the ground and dug in.
A wave of tilled sod rushed out from the impact and rolled through the farm house throwing it aside.
Franz climbed out from under the collapsed haystack and snatched up a hayfork.
"Woah!" Franz watched as the remaining Citadel drifted over it.
DM Briefing: Two flying citadels engage in open hostilities over Northern Karameikos. One of them is finally shot down by the other near Verge. Who, what and why are left entirely to the DM.
39. A Dark Trade
"This sword belonged to a soldier in King Stephan's Guard. He was killed in a Riot...yours for a hundred gold Royals." The Black marketeer wiped the blade slowly across his sleeve.
"Interesting...I'll Take it." Del Marko exchanged a sack of coin for the weapon.
DM Briefing: Black marketeers begin selling trophy weapons of Warriors of the Kings Guard who die. The price for a trophy weapon is ten to a hundred times the market price of a new weapon. Some begin killing and ambushing members of the King's Guard just because their weapon's have value.
40. A Delivery of Wine (In his Employ Part 1)
"Well this here shipment goes to a Wizard in the Black Eagle Barony named Bargle." The wine merchant got Stephan to sign for it.
"Should take a week..." Stephan nodded his head. A simple delivery job. Easy coin.
DM Briefing: The PC's are paid a hundred coin to deliver a wagonload of wine to Fort Doom. Unfortunately the Black Blades (Traladarans out for vengeance against Bargle) have other plans. They intend to kill the PCs and handle the shipment themselves having added a suitable poison to the wine.
41. The Job (In his Employ Part 2)
WANTED
Fine and upstanding monster hunters to seek and capture a werewolf plaguing the village of Luln and deliver it to Fort Doom. Remuneration of one thousand Gold Royals value will be made. Deliveries made to Bargle the Wizard.
DM Briefing: What they wont hear is that the werewolf is one of Bargle's Apprentices and he doesn't really want to go back, The entire Affair is designed to cause pain and suffering in the village of Luln, and the PCs are going to be paid one TUN of poor quality wine (value 1000gp if they are lucky)
42. A letter in the Mail (In his Employ Part 3)
"Good Sir, we have journeyed far to deliver this letter on behalf of Nevone the Wizard to your Lord Furlan." Franz handed over the Letter and waited for a reply from Lord Furlan's Aide.
"If you would wait in that room there. Food and drink shall be brought." Manservant Dalwith indicated the small room near the busy kitchen.
Cheap wine and sandwich loaves stuffed with meats, herbs and cheeses were soon served.
Franz and his companions took in the feast for an hour before drifting off.
Dalwith returned, the contents of the Letter on his mind: Dispose of those who deliver this letter and you shall be granted favours of great worth from Bargle the Wizard.
"Move them to the Dungeon. Lord Furlan intends to question them."
DM Briefing: The PCs are hired by Bargle (in disguise) to deliver a letter. The letter is to a nasty lord somewhere in the Kingdom. The Letter is the PC's Death warrant.
43. The Writ of Vanya (The Witchfinder Cometh Part 1)
Witchfinder Ruthven Ghoulburn looked about. Here was a city where ancient hatreds were sorted out on the street and the mob ruled. There could be no mistake: here was a den of witchery and evil.
The Artifact in his hand pulsed with awareness.
Ruthven walked across the crowded market place toward the church of Karameikos. Around him the crowd parted and melted away.
Ruthven nodded to himself. Such was the way of things.
The tall Paladin of Vanya looked at the great wooden doors and hefting the eye of Vanya, placed his hands against their wooden form.
"Invo Vanya Writus!" The wood smoked as Vanya's fire burned across the surface. People about him fled in panic.
As the smoke cleared, Vanya's Holy symbol could be seen scorched into the wood. With it was a writ from the Synod of Freiburg, their seal burned into the wooden document.
Writ of Vanya
Unto this kingdom have we dispatched Paladin of Vanya for it is become corrupt with witchery, heresy, and concealed horrors.
All faithful of Vanya are commanded to route out all witchery, sorcery, and heresy that the faithful of this land may know the embrace of Vanya's Bosom.- issued by the Synod of Freiburg, this year of our Lady Vanya one thousand and twenty.
DM BRIEFING: The Eye of Vanya has the ability to scribe a Symbol known as a writ of Vanya on any surface. All clerics and followers of Vanya looking upon the writ must make save vs spell or form angry mobs and attack wizards and those clerics who are not clerics of Vanya.
44. The Impaling (The Witchfinder Cometh Part 2)
"Did you hear? They found Witchfinder Ghoulburn impaled on the tallest Spire of the Church of Karameikos!" Marina invoked the protection of Halav and Petra.
"The Patriarch of the Church of Karameikos is in league with fiends..." came a voice from the crowd.
DM Briefing: Ruthaven Ghoulburn has been murdered. He encountered something in the Crypt beneath the Church of Karameikos and in its departure it dropped him on the Tallest Spire. This of course has led to all manor of conspiracy theories circulating through Specularum. Even the King has been Blamed.
45. An Imperial Command
"...now where was I? Ah yes: My Dear King Stephan Karameikos, It is with deep sorrow at..." The Emperor fell from the chair in a twitching fit.
"Summon the Cleric!" The scribe leapt forward to help the Emperor of Thyatis as he twitched and foamed on the floor.
He stopped.
"THE END OF MYSTARA IS NIGH! YOU MUST TAKE THE EMPIRE FROM THIS WORLD. THE ALPHATIANS WILL AIDE YOU IN THIS TASK!" The Emperor passed out. The Scribe fell back from him as the other guards arrived with a Cleric.
DM Briefing: The Emperor of Thyatis spouts Prophecy during a fit. The Prophecy gets round the Empire causing Panic and concern at the Highest levels. [Originally: THE MYSTARAN EXODUS led the Empire in a Mass Exodus into the Phlogiston becoming a Refuge crisis for Spelljammer Space].
46. A Peoples Revolution (The Oard Cometh)
"You will find no Taxes here Sir!" Gregor waved his hand and a dozen repeating Crossbows poked from windows.
The Tax Collector halted.
"You will regret this, filthy Peasant!" A Signal fron Gregor ant the Bailiffs were cut down.
DM Briefing: The Bailiffs dispatched by Baron Sherlane of Threshold to a nearby village to collect grain tax have failed to return from the Village. The locals are in the middle of a technological boom. A travelling sage has taught the local blacksmith how to build a mechanical grain harvester. The Humprey Push-Scythe allows a single individual to harvest four acres an hour. He has also taught them to manufacture a repeating crossbow that fires bolts from a drum barrel of twenty and must be wound like a clock in a single turn before use. The Sage is an ordinary person dispatched from an Oard Re-education Facility to "assist" the locals in their technological rise.
The Lords Bailiffs simply stumbled into a peasant uprising and were disposed of on their arrival.
Humprey Push-Scythe: The push-Scythe allows the farmer to harvest a grain crop at four acres per hour (4x rate of peasant labourer) (Weight: 50lb, value: 500gp).
Humprey Repeating Crossbow: Must be wound like a clock with a special handle that fits on the end of the barrel. The weapon fires up to twenty bolts from the crossbow drum barrel (Weight: 30lb, Weapon Cost: 250gp//Ammunition: 10gp/bolt, Range: 100', Damage: Heavy Crossbow+1, Reload: 1 Turn to reload the drum).
The Party is called in to investigate an isolated village refusing to pay its taxes in farm produce. They find the locals have declared independence from the local lord and have declared them selves the People's Union of Humprey. They will be ambushed on the road by twenty peasants armed with Humprey Repeating Crossbows. If the party capture the Sage, they find a mind immune to torture and interrogation. The Lord dispatches fifty light footmen from his castle a week after the Adventurers with orders to exterminate the villagers. If the People's Union crush the soldiers (with PC help) they spread to control the Lords estate within a year.
47. An Angry Mob (The Oard Cometh)
The Companions advanced into the village Market. The Gathered Crowd were attempting to Lynch someone who looked like a Wizard.
"Now that is one of those quaint little rural Customs I was telling you about." Franton smiled at his companion.
"Just shut up and stop them." Alund Pulled a Sword and Advanced on the Peasants.
DM Briefing: A Wizard in Luln is being lynched by local peasants. The Wizard has been feebleminded by an Oard device called a HYPNOSIS CUBE which causes the Wizard to be unable to cast spells. An Oard traveller surprised the Wizard with the artefact while in the local tavern and hypnotised the Villagers also there into lynching him. The PC's can stop the Lynching. The Wizard and Peasants don't recover from the effects of the device however (that takes a Wish). Until they are cured, the peasants will attack any identified wizard, attempting to Lynch them. When word gets out, rival wizards show up to loot the Wizard's residence.
48. An Iron Dragon (The Oard Cometh)
"That's right. Apparently there is a Dragon made of Iron on a Rampage north of Radlebb Wood." The Rider looked around at the gathered community of Rifllian.
"Is there any amongst you who will Join me in Putting down a Rampaging Dragon?"
DM Briefing: Farmers in a region of wilderness report an Iron Dragon (Drolem) on the Rampage north of Radlebb wood. The Drolem has destroyed their farms and killed their livestock. The Baron of Verge puts out a call for reliable Adventurers to look into it. The Oard are clearing out a region of its population. They are Mining minerals in an abandoned mine in the Area and needed cover. IF adventurers follow its trail of destruction back to the source they are led to a mine that has been recently worked. Dwarf miners will be unfamiliar with the technique. The PC's can stop the Drolem (Oard Robot). It will have some value to a Wizard fetching 1000gp-4000gp. They can also discover that someone used it to cover their mining activity-Something that took Tin, Lead, Copper, Iron, Gold, Silver, Platinum, and some Silicon. Over a thousand tons have been mined in a single week.
Examination of the mine site by a Dwarf skilled in mining for a year will allow improvements in their mining skill (+1).
49. Starfall (The Oard Cometh)
Arenmundi the Astronomer watched the Star fall to Mystara through his Observatory Panopticus.
"Bearing North North East. Near Reedle, I think." Aren looked up and scribbled a note on a scrap of paper before returning to watch the night sky for falling stars.
DM Briefing: A wizard seeks Adventurers to look for a Shooting Star that fell from the sky near Reedle. An Oard Entry Impact Capsule has come down in the Mountains. The Engineer of the Oard Survey Ship (detailed in SPLASHDOWN and FOOTHOLD) has ejected from the ship. They find an Iron Golem wandering about a large Smashed "Egg". It is constructing a Bunker (if allowed to finish). The Oard has perished. The "Smashed Egg" is the Entry Impact Capsule from an Oard Ship. Markings on the Capsule translate as "EIC-1". The Iron golem will not allow the PCs to leave with the Oard and will need to be overcome. The PC's might be hired to retrieve the falling star.
50. The Lifeboat (The Oard Cometh)
“Lifeboat off the Starboard Captain!” Captain Dewan Haas looked out in the direction his watch was pointing. There was something…It looked like a giant egg.
“Gods I hope that is not a Dragon Egg.”
DM Briefing: A ship stumbles across a strange lifeboat in the middle of the ocean. Another of the Crew of the Oard Survey Ship ejected over the Ocean. The "Lifeboat" is an Entry Impact Capsule from an Oard Ship. Markings on the Capsule translate as "EIC-5". The Oard is in Hibernation and will revive if brought onboard. The Oard will attempt to hypnotise the Captain and Crew into slavery. The PC's might encounter the Oard controlled ship at sea or coming into the isolated fishing village they are in. If the Oard makes it to a village it will enslave the locals (A PEOPLES REVOLUTION should provide a good suggestion as to what happens next).
51. Splashdown (The Oard Cometh)
The Sky went black as the massive object passed overhead. Heros looked at the huge moving Shadow as it crashed into the ocean. The Splash drenched the Ship and rolled it to the side.
"Heros? What in Halav's name was that?" The Captain of the Vorloi Trader "Rose" looked up at his watch.
"Sorry Captain! I've no Idea. Something large and Dark simply fell from the Sky."
DM BRIEFING: Sailors report seeing a huge "thing" fall from the sky into the gulf of Marilenev. The "Engine" to the Survey ship has come down in the gulf. There is not much left and it is sitting on the Seabed. Adventurers will find the Ship remains mostly intact and under repair by a pair of iron Golems. Unfortunately the Engine is Days from going critical and any water in "engineering" will cause it to trigger early. The implosion of the engine will create a whirlpool located five hexes south of Specularum. The Whirlpool will last for a year before dissipating. The PC's might be hired to go on an undersea adventure.
52. Foothold (The Oard Cometh)
The Villagers screamed and ran at the sight of the huge Iron Men that marched on their village.
Jambula could only flee as his wooden Spear shattered against the cheat of one of the invaders.
"Don't do that!" A voice came from behind him and he turned to see.
The Stranger was odd and deformed and wore strange cloths that were almost silver. He was holding up a little black block.
DM Briefing: The Forward Section of an Oard Vessel has come down on an Island of Cannibals east of the Isle of Dread. The Forward part of the Ship has crashed in the Thanegioth Archipelago. The Islanders are being re-educated by the "Sky Gods" while the Robots (a dozen Iron Golems) begin mining operations. The PC's might encounter the Oard dismantling their ship section and constructing a base while exploring the region. This event Takes place AC1010, POST Nuwmont 1 for obvious reasons.
53. Cannibals Cannon (The Oard Cometh)
Farook watched as his Smeltership disintegrated in a terrible explosion.
"My Gold!" Farook collapsed to his knees in shock at the explosion. Captain Gemona put a hand on his shoulder.
"That came from the Small Galley being rowed by those natives." Gemona pointed out from the Harbour of Tanaroa at the overly large war canoe now shifting their position for a new Target.
DM Briefing: Cannibals invade the Isle of Dread. Their small war galley confronts a Thyatian vessel harboured at Port Mora. The artillery round explodes on impact destroying the ship it hits utterly. If you decide the Oard have gone un-noticed until Thyatis invades the region in AC1020, then there should be an Oard Dome with full cloning facilities just off the Coast. An Oard Dome can be found in CM6 Where Chaos Reigns. The Re-educated Natives will be working on developing Fire Arms (using a (unduplicatable even by a wish) mix of gunpowder made from minerals only found on their Island) and have the equivalent of a small war galley fitted with a single huge forward facing cannon. The Cannon and Six shots with Gunpowder would be worth fifty thousand gold pieces to the Emperor of Thyatis who is once again frustrated by the prospect of not having gunpowder weapons. The Thyatians may learn of the incident but will find the mineral reserves soon run out.
The Cannon: (Range: 1000' Damage: 20d6, Weight: 2 Tons//Artillery Explosive Shot: 500lb/ Reload Time: 1 turn to reload).
The party might be on the Thyatian Vessel only to wash ashore on the isle of Dread after the destruction of their ship.
54: Invasion of the Twaelar Empire (The Oard Cometh)
Merman Minnow swam away from the destruction unleashed in the Coral Citadel. How had these ugly surface dwellers managed to...His though was cut short by the impact of a Metal Harpoon penetrating his flesh.
"Next time take it alive. We need to see if we can assimilate them as slaves." OARDLEADER027 broke contact with his companion OARD.
DM Briefing: The Twaelar Empire stops raiding the surface as they come under attack by Oards. The Oards at the Thanegioth Foothold Site have begun an invasion of the Twaelar Empire. The Sea people come under attack from an army of a hundred Iron Golems (Oard Robots) lead by ugly-looking surface dwellers who breathe water (Aquatic Environment Adapted Oards). The Oards are intent on totally assimilating the Twaelar Empire and mining its resources to build a new Spaceship. They will brainwash the Twaelar People into servitude. The PC's might be hired to go on an undersea adventure to investigate why the Twaelar conflict with the Surface has broken off. They might encounter a lone Twaelar citizen fleeing the Empire for help.
55. The Bunker (The Steam Rises Part 1)
Captain Franz Thurgood activated the communication clack on Gunderson’s Inter-dimensional Heliograph™.
<SENDER>CAPTAIN-FRANZ-THURGOOD-VESSEL-SEA-PROW</SENDER>
<MESSAGE>HAVE-SPOTTED-NEW-FORTIFICATIONS-ON-CLIFFS-OVERLOOKING-BAY-OF-KERENDAS</MESSAGE>
“That will give the Freiburg Naval Signals Office something to do.”
DM Briefing: The Captain of the Hattian Merchantman Sea Prow spots an unusual construction on the cliffs overlooking the entrance to Port Kerendas. He makes a note of it in his report to Freiburg. The Oard advising the Thyatian Empire have finally developed a Steam Cannon to replace the unavailability of “cannon-powder” Artillery. The Bunker and its cannon are the first of many such placements securing Thyatian Interests. The Hattians are always on watch for some new military development by the Thyatian Empire. Considering the one mile range of the Cannon, anyone sailing into Port Kerendas is in range of the Artillery.
Steam Cannon: (Weight: 5 Tons, Range: 1 mile, Damage: 20d6, Reload: 1Turn)
Adventurers might simply notice the construction and do a little investigating or are spying on behalf of foreign interests.
56. The Blockade (The Steam Rises part 2)
Cannon shot from the battle-deck at the distant vessels attempting to escape the harbour of Mirros.
“Reload!” Commander Aruin Steelblow stepped out of the cloud of steam to look at the prey.
“What say you Gunners? Shall we give them a second volley?”
“Aye Sir!“
A Second volley came the reply.
DM BRIEFING: The “Thyatis Rose” blockades the harbour of a foreign port. It pounds the ships approaching the Port City with four steam Cannon for a day. Thyatis is testing the power of its steam cannons. It blockades a port and picks off every ship approaching and leaving the port. The PCs could be sailing on a ship that is attacked or simply be in the Port and sent out to challenge the Thyatis Rose.
by Cab Davidson
57. The Pigs Ear
Good to see you here, we've not had many guests in the Pigs Ear Inn lately. What? Bustling port town you say? Bless you, no, you wanted Coston on the other side of the river, this is Dulse, a tiny fishing village. Why, I suspect that the captain of the Bell Isle simply set you off here 'cos there aren't any docking fees. Not to worry, there's the post wagon goes up to the city in the morning, and my beds are as warm as any over in Coston. Don't you fret.
Cleria? Cleria! Go and see what your sisters doing down there in the cellar, I sent her down for wine ages ago.
No, nothing much happening here, its been quiet of late. Ned caught a two headed fish last year, which was an omen, but I don't know what of.
Sven? Sven! Go look and see what the hell your sisters are doing down in the cellar, these good people are fed up waiting for wine!
Oh, I dunno, kids these days, they don't know they're born they don't, I can tell you back when their mum was still living, gods rest her soul, they didn't behave like this back then. Where the hell is Sven now? Oh, heck, you just can't trust 'em, can you? They'll feel the lick of my belt when I get down there...
DM Briefing
What's happening to the innkeepers children? It turns out that a group of gremlins have arrived down there, and they are having the time of their lives. Drunk out of their skulls, with half an inch of brandy now spilled on the floor of the cramped cellar, no light, and four humans all tied up and trussed to play with. If the party want feeding, if they want a bed warmed for them, they'll have to go down there and sort it out. But remember, spirits are very flammable, and the gremlins are drunk, mischievous, but ultimately mean no harm. Can the party persuade them to leave of their own accord, bead them in a drinking contest, sneak up on them and beat them in a fight without the chaotic aura of the gremlins causing great harm? Encourage the party to think their way through what may seem like an easy victory but which, if handled carelessly, could turn into a deadly trap.