Into the Belly of the Beast

An adventure for four to five characters of levels 3rd to 5th.

Written By
Jeff C. Stevens
jcorvinstevens@yahoo.com
@jcorvinstevens

Cover and Internal Artist

Daniel F. Walthall
A link to Daniel’s work and can be found in Free! Fantasy Stock Art by Daniel F. Walthall

Free! Fantasy Stock Art by Daniel F. Walthall is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License. (CC BY 4.0)

Cartography
Some artwork by © 2017 Elven Tower Cartography, used with permission. All rights reserved.
https://www.patreon.com/elventower

Test Readers
M.T. Black, Ken Carcas, Jean Headley, Harrison
O’Sullivan

Layouts
Benoit de Bernardy

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, Player’s
Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master’s Guide, D&D Adventurers League, 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.
All characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards of the Coast. This material is protected
under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or
artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast.
Copyright © Jeff C. Stevens 2017

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DM’s Overhead Map (A printer friendly version is available at the end of this module). Suggested hours
of travel are listed as numbers from one point to the next.

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 Player’s Map

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M
any years ago, Gras’ess, a
lizardman from deep within
the swamp, drew this map.
He took the map and several
large gemstones to the edge
of the marsh and waited for a
nobleman or adventuring party to pass so he
might engage in trade. Gras’ess wanted to move
up higher in his tribe’s ranks and wished to trade
for magical weapons.
The lizardman did meet up with a group of
traveling adventurers, but the encounter did not
go as he had planned. The adventurers attacked
Gras’ess, killed him, looted him of his jewels
and map and then proceeded on to Daggerford.
The adventuring party lost the map in a game of
Three Dragon Ante. See the ‘Possible Adventure
Hooks’ section for where the map ended up.
Adventure Outline
This adventure is broken into thee chapters,
with each chapter being slightly customizable.
Necessary and Optional encounters are listed in
the below outline.
Chapter One: Into the Swamp
The players, having already acquired a map,
enter the swamp and follow the map to various
destinations.
†† Encounter A – The Lizardman Patrol
Necessary. Starts the action.
†† Encounter B – The Rolling Grass
Optional. DMs discretion.
†† Encounter C – The Hag of the Swamp
Necessary. Introduces a potential NPC
†† Encounter D – Random Island Encounter
Optional.
†† Encounter E – Lizardfolk Island
Necessary. Party acquires a boat or side quest.
Chapter Two: Decisions
The players are presented with adventure
choices. One must be completed before they may
progress further.
†† Encounter F – DarkRoot
Necessary. Party acquires a side quest and
gains entry
†† Encounter G – Kanthar the Troll
Potentially necessary to complete a side
quest.
†† Encounter H – A Vile Smell
Potentially necessary to complete a side
quest.
†† Encounter I – Swamp Goblin Island
Potentially necessary to complete a side
quest.
Chapter Three: X Marks the Spot
The players find their way to the X marked on
the map, and a final encounter that may prove
deadly.
†† Encounter J – The Guarded Land
Necessary. No events occur in this section.
†† Encounter K – The Belly of the Beast
Necessary. Completes the original objective.
Possible Adventure Hooks
Getting the PCs involved is just a matter of
making sure that they come across the map. You
can find below some possible ways they might
acquire it:
†† A sibling or family member acquired the map
while gambling.
†† The party acquire the map while gambling.
†† The party find the map during another
adventure.
†† The party find a young boy or girl standing
along the edge of a swamp. The child wears
an overstuffed backpack while reading the
map. The child’s parent has been ill and the
family needs gold. The child could sell the
map to the adventurers for 100 gold pieces.
About this Adventure
I’ve wanted to create a swamp adventure for a
while, and the image I had in my head is now
the beautiful cover image by Daniel F. Walthall.
The dragon skull is the ‘X marks the spot’ in
this treasure hunt adventure through a swamp.
I’ve included several additional encounters
that can be used to extend the adventure.
Also, an outline is included that shows which
encounters are necessary.
The overall goal of the adventure is to find a
treasure that lies deep within the swamp. The
party acquires an old map with a red X. Several
landmarks are noted on the map to help them
find their way through the swamp. Along the
journey, they encounter all sorts of interesting
creatures and obstacles.
I hope you enjoy the adventure!
Now – go play D&D!
- Jeff C. Stevens
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 The Map
The map is unimpressive and looks as if it had
been drawn by a child. However, a successful DC
10 Wisdom (Perception) check reveals, however
childlike the drawings, there does seem to be an
exotic quality about the map. It isn’t drawn on
parchment. It feels more like a very thin hide of
some sort. The ink of the map is also different
and could be dried blood.
Running the Adventure
Text in textboxes is to be read to the players. I
tend to be long winded when using descriptive
text, but I want the DM to know the NPC and
get a feeling for the situation. Feel free to
summarize the descriptions if that is more your
DMing style.
Text in orange boxes is for your information
and should not be read to the players.
The stat blocks for the creatures in this module
can be found in the 5th Edition Monster
Manual or in Volo’s Guide to Monsters.
Official Wizards of the Coast books referenced:
MM = 5th edition Monster Manual
PHB = 5th edition Player’s Handbook
DMG = 5th edition Dungeon Master’s Guide
VGtM = Volo’s Guide to Monsters
A Battle Stat Tracker is included for many of the
encounters. I include this to make preparation
time easier for the DM.
Unless otherwise noted, assume all NPCs have
the stats of a commoner (MM, p 345).
Your players may not follow this adventure the
way it is written. Be prepared to be unprepared
and have fun! Let your imagination fly.
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Chapter 1: Into the
Swamp
The players, having already acquired a map,
enter the swamp and follow the map to various
destinations.
The Swamp
General. The swamp is a foul-smelling place
that is not easily traversed. It should prove to be
a task for the party to move around the swamp.
Water Levels. The water levels of the swamp
vary. The overview map shows the varying
depths of the water using different shades of grey
and black, with black being the deepest water.
Terrain. The swamp is filled with patches of
dry land but for the most part it is water and may
require the use of a boat in some areas. Most
islands have a 5-foot-wide shoreline of 6-inch
deep water. An adventurer traveling deeper into
the swamp quickly finds the water rising, and
the muddy and mucky bottom creates Difficult
Terrain. The grey sections of the swamp are
10-feet deep and the black sections are 20-feet
deep. You may wish to familiarize yourself with
the Swimming rules and Exhaustion rules on
pages 116 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide before
running this adventure.
Insects. Insects are a nuisance as they buzz
around and bite (with no effect unless otherwise
noted).
Survival. Most of the wood and kindling in the
swamp is damp. A character succeeding on a DC
12 Wisdom (Survival) check finds dry wood.
Travel. Certain areas of the swamp are not
accessible. The deep waters of the swamp are
over 20-feet-deep and are filled with horrible
dangers. To convey this message to the PCs, you
may mention that the deep waters swirl about
savagely, or a large tail or fin is seen breaking
the water’s surface, or a small creature falls from
a tree and lands in the water. It treads water
and swims for the shore as fast as it can, but
suddenly the water rolls and boils around it and
it disappears.
Crafting. A character succeeding on a DC
12 Wisdom (Survival) check can craft a raft for
the party that holds together for one-hour. On a
result of 15 or higher the raft lasts for one day.
Entering the Swamp
The adventure begins while following the map to
the various noted landmarks. Many changes to
the area have occurred over the years and not all
the landmarks are as they appear on the map.
The first section of the map is current and the
party travels along a raised section of land.

A: The Lizardman Patrol

The party travels 2-hours before the first
encounter.

You walk along a peninsula of sparsely

vegetated ground. The dark waters of the
swamp can be seen to your right and the
shoreline is active with slithering snakes,
crawling crabs, and other small creatures.
Two hours pass without incident but, as you
continue, you hear something in the water off
to your right. Several lizard-like faces swim
through the water and head toward you.

A patrol of eight lizardmen (N, CR ½, MM, p

204) attack the party. The patrol is from the
lizardfolk village that lies deeper in the swamp.
As the battle continues, one lizardman
attempts to flee the battle after five of the patrol
have fallen. If successful, he returns to the village
and warns it of the adventurers.
In addition to their normal equipment, one
lizardman carries a medium-sized pink pearl
worth 100 gp.
B: The Rolling Grass
The peninsula ends at a mass of thick grass
that spans across the swamp. Although the
castle depicted on the map cannot be seen,
a lone castle tower extends 30-feet out of the
grassy area.
The grass is known as ‘rolling grass’. It is a thick,
carpet-like grass often found in swamps and
it grows on top of the swamp water. If walked
on, the thick grass ripples and rolls, as if one
were walking on a trampoline. It is solid in most
places.
NOTE: To get a real view of Rolling Grass,
go to YouTube and search for Traversing
Trembling Earth and select the Discovery
Channel video.
You may wish to add a DC 10 Dexterity check
every so often to see if the movement of the
rolling grass trips up any of the adventurers.
Failure results in the PC falling prone.
The castle depicted on the map has sunk
since the map was sketched. Only its tall tower
reaches out from the water.
The rolling grass has grown over the castle.
The walls of the castle are just below the rolling
grass and offer it support. Certain sections of
the rolling grass cover empty rooms into which
adventurers may fall. These stone-walled rooms
have only ¼-inch of water on the floor.
The grass is tall and only a successful active
DC 25 Wisdom (Perception) check reveals a
slight change/indentation to the ground that
covers an empty room.

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 A red circle represents an empty room. A
creature stepping on a red section must succeed
on a DC 18 Dexterity save. A success results
in the creature catching itself before it falls
completely through the rolling grass. However,
it notices that its lower torso is no longer in
the water and dangles freely below it. A failure
results in the creature falling through the rolling
grass, landing in a dark room with stone walls,
and suffering 2d6 bludgeoning damage from the
fall.
The Ruins
General. This castle was a ruin long before it
sank and most of its valuables have already been
plundered.
Light. The interior of the ruin is dark and
requires the use of darkvision, a torch, or other
light source.
Water Levels. The water level of the swamp is
just below or nearly even with the height of the
castle walls. Certain rooms on the map show
rooms which are filled with swamp water.
Interior. A ¼ inch pool of water covers the
interior floor of the ruin. The wooden doors
(white sections) are unlocked.
Creatures. A giant constrictor snake (CR 2,
MM, p 324) has made the sunken ruin its lair. Its
nesting location is Room F and it uses the tower
to get in and out of the ruin.
Area A
The exterior of the castle was not covered with
a roof. The rolling grass now covers the empty
rooms below.
Area B
The interior sections of the castle are covered
with a solid roof. The stone floors of specific
rooms have cracked and failed, causing swamp
water to seep in and fill the room (see H).
Several large pellet shaped items are found in
the interior. These pellets are excrement from
the giant constrictor snake that lives in the ruin.
Though no bones can be found within these
pellets, a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check
reveals the hilt of a +1 dagger (DMG, p 213).
Area C
This room is filled with a rotten straw mattress.
A 3ft-long snake skin lies on top of the mattress.
The snake skin is from a baby constrictor snake
that may or may not be in the ruin.
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Area D
This room contains a rotten straw mattress.
If the mattress is moved, a DC 13 Intelligence
(Investigation) check or a DC 13 Wisdom
(Perception) check reveals a loose stone in
the floor. Removing the stone reveals a hidden
storage space that contains 100 gp and a philter
of love (DMG, p 184).
Area E
A stone tower extends 30ft. above the ruin. The
stairwell is sound and can be used to enter and
exit the ruin. Climbing the exterior of the tower
requires a successful DC 13 Strength (Athletics)
check. Due to the soft nature of the rolling grass,
if an adventurer falls while climbing, they take
1d3 bludgeoning damage per 10ft. they fall. They
must also succeed a DC 15 Dexterity check to
avoid breaking through the rolling grass and
landing in an empty 20ft. x 20ft. stone-walled
room, or under the grass and in swamp water.
Area F
A 15-foot long Giant Constrictor Snake lairs in
this room. She has been sleeping but awakens
when the adventurers enter the ruin. She waits
for them and surprises (surprise attack) the first
adventurer that appears in the doorway of Room
F.
Area G
A storage room holding brooms, shovels, and
rakes.
Area H
A section of the floor has cracked, allowing water
to seep in. The room is now filled with swamp
water. The wooden door is swollen shut and
mud from the swamp fills the crevices, causing
a nearly tight seal. A successful DC 13 Wisdom
(Perception) check reveals that the door appears
damp, as if it is soaked with water.
Anyone attempting to open one of these doors
must succeed on a DC 18 Strength (Athletics)
check. On a success, the door bursts open,
causing swamp water to spill out in a 10-foot
cone and into the interior of the ruin. Any
creature within the cone must pass a DC 15
Dexterity check or be knocked prone and pushed
back 15ft. as the water rushes out. If this push
effect results in the character hitting a wall, apply
1d6 bludgeoning damage.
Area I
A simple closet with old, rotten leather capes
and cloaks hanging on the wall. A character
searching these garments finds 7 gp, 3 sp, and 5
cp in the pockets.
NOTE: For a more difficult encounter, add
another giant constrictor snake and/or 4
babies (constrictor snake, CR ¼, MM, p 320).
C: The Hag of the Swamp
A green hag (N/E, CR 3, MM, p 177) lives in a
raised hut on a patch of dry land. The entrance
to her hut faces an open, deep-water area of the
swamp. Her pet, Toady, (swamp roper, N/E, CR
5, see Appendix) resides in the swamp next to
the hut and is disguised as a large rotten tree
trunk standing in 5-foot deep water and 20-feet
from the hut’s open porch.
As she usually does, just in case she
encounters any would be meals, the hag has
used her Illusory Appearance to assume the
shape of an attractive half-elf maiden named
Hilla. Hilla is fishing from the bridge when the
party encounter her. She invites them to her
home for a bowl of stew and a safe place to rest.
Hilla is an attractive half-elf maiden with green
eyes and cropped black hair. She wears nice,
yet dirty, leather breeches and a white poet’s
shirt. She comes across as hospitable and
speaks with a certain southern charm.
The thatch-roof hut rests on thick tree trunk stilts
and stands approximately 10ft. above the ground.
A ladder is used to reach the main entrance.
A wooden chair sits on a small porch on the
outside of the hut. A character passing a DC 12
Wisdom (Perception) check notices red stains
along the porch by the chair, as well as on the
railing. In the evenings, Hilla sits in the chair and
throws bloody meat scraps to Toady.
When the party enter the hut, read or
summarize:
The dusty and unkempt interior of the hut
includes an unmade bed, a pot-belly stove with
a simmering pot on top, a weaved chair, and a
closet. Several dried rodent skulls of various
sizes dangle from the ceiling and sway in the
breeze that slips in through the windows.
Goblin Stew
Hilla offers the adventurers a bowl of stew, which
does smell tasty. When eaten, it tastes like it has
been cooked in swamp water and the meat has a
very odd, gristly texture.
Have each character eating the stew roll a d20.
The character with the lowest result bites down
on something flat and hard. If they remove it
from their mouth, they pull out a gnarled, yellow
toenail.
The closet holds a captured swamp goblin
named Me’Jerk (pronounced Me Jerk). He is
bound, gagged, and maimed. Blood soaks
through the dirty, cloth bandage that covers
the leg that is missing a foot, which was used
to make the simmering stew. Me’Jerk begins to
move around when he hears voices. He wants
out! A passive Perception score of 12 or higher
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 notices sounds coming from the closet. If no one Marspot Gimblebum (male forest gnome
in the party has a passive Perception of 12 or commoner) and his friend, Timotay Handywits
higher, a character succeeding a DC 12 Wisdom (male forest gnome commoner), were
(Perception) check hears the sounds. inexperienced adventurers. They entered
the swamp several years prior and became
Me’Jerk is a swamp goblin (swampy), (C/G, separated. Timotay met his fate with Hilla.
CR 1/4, see Appendix). Both his goblin and Marspot, nearly dead from dehydration, was
common are poor and broken when he speaks. found by the swamp goblins and has since
He knows that he can’t currently make it been made a slave.
home alone with his injured foot. He needs the
help of the adventurers. Me’Jerk offers to help If Me’Jerk is asked about Marspot, he verifies the
them traverse the swamp if they promise to goblin village has a gnome living in it. He also
take him home. tells them that that they require a boat to reach
Me’Jerk limps about on his bandaged leg and the Swamp Goblin Village.
cries out often. He may even ask to be carried
by an adventurer. “Me’Jerk want to help. White-haired gnome
trying to do riddle for Chief Gumba. She nice
but want treasure. Gnome working on that.”
If Hilla is asked about the sounds, she says, “You take Me’Jerk home. I help you. We need
“Sometimes rodents climb up and into the hut. boat. Scaly-men have boats.”
Nothing to worry about. I’ll get him later.”
If Me’Jerk is found, Hilla shapechanges into For more information on the Swamp Goblins,
her Green Hag form and attacks the party. In see section “I: Swamp Goblin Village”.
addition, she yells, “Toady! Momma needs help!”
The Swamp Roper then moves closer to the hut
and attacks the party through the opening on the
porch with its 50ft. tendrils.
Treasure. A small, wooden box under the bed
contains 2 pp, 47 gp, a small diamond worth 25
gp, and a sending stone (DMG, p 199).
The Sending Stones
The other Sending Stone is held by Marspot
Gimblebum, who is being held as a slave at the
Swamp Goblin Village. Anyone using the stone
contacts Marspot. He’s kept the stone hidden
from his captors.
If the stone is used, Marspot responds with:

A quiet and anxious voice comes through the

stone. It says, “Timotay, is that you?”
“I’m being kept on an island of goblins.
Please, (sneeze) come help me!”

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Me’Jerk and the Lizardfolk
Me’Jerk’s goblin clan and the lizardfolk are
rivals; they often battle over fishing and hunting
grounds. They both claim this area of the swamp
and neither wish to leave. Me’Jerk tells the party,
although they are rivals, the two villages have
stayed away from each other for several months.
Me’Jerk tells the party the lizardfolk village
has boats. They may be able to steal a boat, but
the lizardfolk queen, Ska’la, will not speak with
them. This is not entirely true.
“Map show place you go over deep water.
You need boat. Scaly-man village have boat.
But, they not like strangers, and...they not like
Swampys.”
Because he fears for his life, he tells the party
that the Queen will not speak with them. A
character passing a DC 10 Wisdom (Insight)
check believes Me’Jerk is not being truthful. If
questioned, Me’Jerk quickly explains that he is
afraid that the lizardfolk will kill him if they see
him.
Me’Jerk does not wish to enter the lizardfolk
village. He would rather wait for the party
outside of the walls. A successful DC 12
Charisma (Intimidation) check convinces Me’Jerk
to enter the lizardfolk village.
E: Lizardfolk Island
Although shallow enough to cross without
incident, the water from Area D to Area E is
3-feet deep and considered Difficult Terrain. All
other waters surrounding Areas E, F, G, and H
are 20-feet deep. Unless the party has a means to
cross these waters, a boat may be necessary.
A 6-foot tall timber fence lines the shoreline of
the village. A gate, guarded by two watch towers
with a Lizradman in each, is on either side of the
village. The guards are not typically very alert;
seldom does anything ever attempt to enter the
village. If one of the lizardmen escaped the battle
in Area A, the guards are on full alert.
The Village
A large ruin stands in the center of the village
and is occupied by Ska’la, the lizardfolk queen,
and her two lizardfolk royal guard.
The village consists of:
†† 10 lizardfolk warriors (N, CR 1/2, MM, p 204)
†† A lizardfolk shaman (N, CR 2, MM, p 205)
†† A lizardfolk queen (C/E, CR 4, MM, p 205)
†† 2 lizardfolk royal guard (see Appendix)
†† A pit of 8 trained crocodiles (CR 1/2, MM,
p 320), two of which patrol the sides of the
island.

D: Random Island Encounter

This island, and other unmarked islands, can
be used to extend the adventure with additional
encounters. Please see the suggested “Additional
Encounters” appendix on page 26 if you wish to
add short encounters.

Chapter 2: Decisions
The players are presented with adventure
choices. One must be completed before they
may progress further.
There is the possibility that they bypass the
Swamp Goblin Village if they are not traveling
with Me’Jerk and did not find the Sending Stone
in the Hag’s hut. Skipping the Swamp Goblin
Village does not impact the story.

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11
 The gates are barred from the inside.
A character passing a DC 13 Intelligence
(Investigation) check discerns that the bar could
be lifted from the outside by using a sword
or similar item through the slits in the gate.
Lifting the bar without being noticed requires a
successful DC 15 Dexterity (Stealth) check.
Meeting Queen Ska’la
Most of the lizardfolk only speak Draconic, the
only exceptions being Ska’la and the Shaman
who also speak common. If no one in the party
speaks Draconic, they may have a very difficult
time entering the village. If the adventurers do
not threaten the guards, one of them summons
the shaman to speak with the party.
These lizardfolk respect the party as mighty
adversaries, especially if one of the patrol
survived the first encounter. They believe in a
‘good death’ and perishing in battle is an honor.
The lizardfolk have little ill-will for the party if the
adventurers are respectful, and Queen Ska’la has
a task for them.
If the party request a meeting with Ska’la, one
of the lizardfolk takes them to area “A: Queen
Ska’la on Her Throne”.
Attacking the Village
If the party do not request a meeting with the
lizard queen, and they attack the village, the
lizardfolk fight to defend their home and their
queen.
†† The lizardfolk shaman in area “4: The
Shaman’s Hut” rushes to area “3: The
Crocodile Pit”. He then releases the penned
crocodiles and commands them to attack the
adventurers. He and the six crocodiles appear
three rounds after the battle begins.
†† The shaman then casts conjure animals to
conjure one of the below reptiles:
• 1 giant constrictor snake (CR 2)
• 1d6 + 2 flying snakes (CR 1/8)
• 1d6 + 2 constrictor snakes (CR 1/4)
• 1d4 crocodiles (CR 1/2)
• 1d6+2 giant poisonous snakes (CR 1/4)
• 1d6+2 giant lizards (CR 1/4)
†† The shaman then attacks with his thorn
whip or produce flame cantrips, or he casts
entangle after the PCs defeated the animals
he summoned.
†† Each of the Guard Towers (area “1: The
Guard Towers”) has a lizardfolk with four
javelins which they hurl at the adventurers
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12
if within range. They otherwise wait for the
adventurers to get closer. If a guard runs out
of javelins, his next turn is used to exit the
tower. He then joins the fight on the ground.
†† Four of the lizardfolk resting in their huts
(area “2: Lizard Huts”) rush out of their
quarters and attack the adventurers. The
other two lizardfolk run to warn Queen
Ska’la. They then wait at the ruin entrance
and attack the party when they appear.
†† Ska’la (lizardfolk queen) and her two
lizardfolk royal guard wait in the ruin.
1: The Guard Towers
A boat, broken and unusable, is tied to the
island’s bank. The tops of two guard towers
peek out from above the 6-foot tall gate
fashioned from timbers.
There are four guard towers in all, two on either
side of the island, with a lizardfolk in each guard
tower. A crocodile, tamed by the lizardman
shaman, patrols either side of the island. The
crocodiles do not patrol the gated areas. They
have been trained to patrol only the sides of the
island.
Sneaking past the guards requires a successful
DC 11 Dexterity (Stealth) check. If a lizardman
escaped during encounter “A: The Lizardman
Patrol”, the guards are on alert. In this case,
have the party roll Dexterity (Stealth) checks
contested by the guards’ active Wisdom
(Perception) check at +3. If the adventures are
spotted, the guards yell at them (in Draconic) and
tell them to stop where they are. If none of the
adventurers speak Draconic, the guards quickly
summon the Shaman to converse with the party.
2: The Lizard Huts
The six thatch huts on the west side of the island
each hold a sleeping lizardfolk. If the guards in
the towers alert the camp of the intruders, these
sleeping lizardmen quickly rise and join the fight.
Treasure. Each of these huts hold 2 sp, 1 cp,
and a small gemstone worth 10 gp.
3: The Crocodile Pit
The village’s shaman has trained eight
crocodiles to obey his commands. Six crocodiles
are currently in the pit while the other two patrol
the shoreline of the island; one on either side.
Should the party attempt to skirt the shoreline,
they run into a crocodile half-way around the
island. This alerts the camp and the guards.
The shaman commands all the crocodiles to
attack the adventurers if a battle ensues.
4: The Shaman’s Hut
The shaman’s hut is filled with strange herbs,
dried plants and berries, and roots. Three
bamboo containers with cork stoppers stand on
a makeshift table. These are potions of greater
healing which have been brewed by the shaman.
The lizardfolk shaman is in his hut when the
PCs arrive at the village. He wears a six-inch
long, dried crocodile-head necklace around
his neck. This necklace is a necklace of the
crocodile.
Necklace of the Crocodile
Necklace, rare, requires attunement
This necklace has 3 charges, and it regains
1d3 expended charges daily at dawn. While
wearing the necklace, you can use an action
to expend 1 of its charges to cast one of the
following spells: animal friendship (save DC
14) (crocodiles only), speak with animals
(crocodiles only), summon crocodile 1/day (as
the conjure animal spell, but only 1 crocodile)
5: The Ruins
A 20-foot tall stone structure stands in the
middle of the island.
Five rooms make up the interior of the ruin.
A: Queen Ska’la on Her Throne
When the party enters the ruin, read or
summarize:
At the other end of the room, an obese
lizardwoman sits on a stone throne. Her huge,
naked belly lops into her lap and several slivers
of meat lay along her partially leather-covered
bosom.
A muscled lizardman, holding a spear and
wearing nothing more than a knee-length red
loincloth, stands on either side of her.
The lizardwoman raises a hunk of meat to
her mouth and takes a large bite. She chews
for a few seconds as she looks at you. “What
ess it you want?”, she says while spitting bits of
meat onto her chest as she speaks.
Ska’la is a fat and bloated lizardfolk queen.
Her belly hangs over her waist and she
wobbles as she walks. For this reason, her
speed is reduced to 20 ft. for both walking and
swimming.
Ska’la wears a brown leather top that barely
covers her chest and a brown leather loincloth.
She is a disgusting creature.
She is willing to deal with the adventurers
if the deal helps her. But, once the deal is
complete, given her chaotic evil nature, she
double crosses the adventurers.
Ska’la carries a circular key ring that holds
three iron skeleton keys on her hip. This key
ring is not visible when she sits, but could be
noticed with a DC 12 Wisdom (Perception)
check if she stands. These keys open the chests
located in the treasure room.
Ska’la keeps two lizardfolk men (lizardfolk royal
guard – see Appendix) in the ruins with her.
These men are her servants, bodyguards, and
mates, and they have sworn to protect Ska’la.
If the party is granted an audience with Ska’la
she may listen to them and accept an agreement.
An island of swamp goblins lies to the east and
she would like the party to vanquish them from
the swamp. To prove they have completed the
task, she requires they return with four goblin
heads.
13
 If Me’Jerk is with the party when they meet
Ska’la, she demands he be immediately
executed. The party may be able to persuade her
otherwise. Doing so requires a Charisma check
(Intimidation or Persuasion) versus Ska’la’s
Charisma check (+2). The roll has advantage if
the PC presents a good reason to spare Me’Jerk.
If the party accepts the offer, she lends them a
6-person dugout canoe. However, when the party
return and enter the lizardfolk village, her troops
attack. She is a chaotic evil lizardfolk queen after
all.
B: Guard Room 1
Searching this room yields 2 gp, 30 cp, and a
note scribbled in Draconic that reads ‘She’s so
disgusting!’
C: Ska’la’s Bedchamber
Ska’la sleeps on a surprisingly nice straw
mattress. Investigation of the bed yields little -
only a few scraps of old, dried meat.
Investigation of the wooden dresser yields
2 large, cut emeralds (100 gp each), a leather
sack containing 50 gp, a scroll of protection vs.
undead (DMG, p 199), and a metal key which
is used to open the treasure room (area “E:
Treasure Room”).
D: Guard Room 2
Searching this room yields 2 gp, 30 cp, a
polishing cloth, and a finely polished silver
handheld mirror.
E: Treasure Room
The treasure room door is locked, but can
be opened with the key found in Ska’la’s
bedchamber or with a successful DC 15
Dexterity check using thieves’ tools. The iron
door has an AC 19 and 27 HPs if the party
attempt to bash it down.
This room contains three large chests and
three 4ft-tall wooden barrels. The chests may
be opened with the key ring that Ska’la carries
around her neck, or with a successful DC 12
Dexterity check using thieves’ tools.
†† Chest #1 holds 536 cp.
†† Chest #2 holds 50 medium-sized pearls worth
25 gp each.
†† Chest #3 holds a suit of studded leather
mariner’s armor (DMG, p 181).
†† One barrel is filled with pickled frogs and
equals 10 servings for a group of 5.
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14
†† One barrel is filled with salt-cured fish and
equal 20 servings for a group of 5.
†† One barrel is half-filled with aged turtle eggs
– a delicacy to the lizardfolk. If cracked open,
the smell from the gelatinous goo inside of the
shell is stomach churning.
F: DarkRoot
An island, fenced-in by thick cypress trees,
appears ahead. The foremost tree, a massive
dark-grey cypress, begins to move. Orange-
colored eyes and a mouth appear in the tree’s
trunk. It speaks to you in a deep and unhurried
voice. “Turn back now. You have no business
beyond this point.”
DarkRoot (treant, C/G, CR 9, MM, p 289)
guards this section of the swamp. He controls
the bushes and trees on this island to keep the
island creatures safe from the evil that lurks
in the swamp. The dark waters of the swamp
have turned this cypress tree a dark grey, hence
his name.
DarkRoot sees no reason for the adventurers to
pass into his sanctuary. Although, he could strike
a deal if the adventurers state their true intent.
He is only concerned about the safety of the
creatures under his guard.
Securing Safe Passage
DarkRoot has two quests for the adventurers;
completing either quest grants the party access
to the land beyond his guard.
1) A bothersome troll constantly torments
DarkRoot. It appears every few days and
stands in the water, taunting DarkRoot
in its foul, unintelligible language. If the
party dispatches this troll, DarkRoot lets
them pass. He requires proof and asks
that the party return with the peculiar
spiral-shaped bone earring the troll wears
in its right ear. The troll lives on an island
not far to the west and he believes, from
its actions and taunting, that its name is
Kanthar. If the adventurers choose this
quest, see G: Kanthar the Troll.
 2) A loathsome, smelly beast (a catoblepas)
has recently taken to a section of the
swamp. Its stench is horrid and infects
the waters. DarkRoot can taste the animal
in his roots and he wishes it dispatched.
The beast lives in a fetid, muddy area of
the swamp to the east and the journey is
roughly 6-hours by boat.
The beast must be incinerated as DarkRoot
does not wish to taste its rotting carcass in the
swamp water. He’ll know the deed is done when
the water’s natural flavor returns and he tastes
the ash in the water. If the adventures choose
this quest, see H: A Vile Smell.
Attacking DarkRoot
If attacked, DarkRoot (treant) animates two of
the large cypress trees that stand next to him.
Each becomes a treant. Attacking DarkRoot
would be unwise as the party would be facing
three CR 9 creatures. If the adventurers become
unwilling to negotiate with DarkRoot, you may
wish to allow a DC 10 Intelligence (History
or Arcana) check. A success reminds the
adventurers of the tales they have heard of these
types of creatures being able to animate other
trees.
Sneaking Around DarkRoot
If the adventurers attempt to bypass DarkRoot
and enter the guarded land without completing
one of his quests, DarkRoot knows. He has
a connection with the surrounding trees that
allows him to sense intruders, and his spirit may
travel to any of these trees. He then transforms
the tree into his Treant form and confronts the
adventurers.
Talking to DarkRoot
If questioned about the dragon skull on the map,
read or summarize:
DarkRoot says, “Yes, a large black dragon lived
in the cave many years ago, and the woodland
creatures tell me that its skull now fills the
cave entrance. It’s good that he is gone. Black
Dragons are vile creatures.”
DarkRoot knows the lair is occupied by another
black dragon, but he sees this as an opportunity
to either rid the swamp of the black dragon, or
rid the swamp of these pesky adventures. The
last thing he wants is more adventurers entering
the swamp.
G: Kanthar the Troll
General. The troll lair is damp and smells of
rotten flesh and mildew.
Light. Two types of bioluminescent algae grow
in the cave and provide dim light in several areas.
Other areas are considered dark.
Terrain. The floor of the cave is a wet mix of
gravel and mud. It makes a squishy noise when
walked on but does not hinder movement.
Water. Pools of fresh water are found in
several areas of the cave.
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15
 Kanthar (troll, C/E, male, CR 5, MM, p 291)
lairs in a cave located on a small island. The
cave entrance is easy to locate and the caverns
lead under the swamp. He looks like your
typical troll, but wears a strange bone earring
in his right ear.
Kanthar is hungry. He has grown tired of
scouring the swamp for food. The lizardfolk
have built defenses and they avoid his island.
He can smell the tasty morsels that scurry in
the land that DarkRoot protects, and he often
stands in front of the treant, pleading for him to
open the gates so that he may hunt. He knows
a fight with the treant would be pointless, so he
continues to plead.
Kanthar is not on the island or in the cave when
the adventurers arrive. He is out in the swamp
looking for his next meal. He returns when the
adventurers reach the cave’s main chamber (F).
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16
Two types of bioluminescent algae grow in the
cave and provide dim light in several areas.
The Green Algae. The green algae are
harmless and may be removed and used as a
light source. The green algae are very sticky and
clings to clothing, armor, and skin, and it does
not wash off. Anyone touching the algae finds
it lingers on their skin. If they try to wipe it on
clothing, the green algae only smear and grow.
Any creature contaminated with the green
algae suffers the effect of the faerie fire spell
(PHB, p 239).
The algae continue to glow until it has spent 12
hours outside the cave, or until it is burnt off.
The Yellow Algae. If touched, the yellow
algae explode and hurl yellow-colored acid in a
10ft. radius. A creature within this radius must
succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw,
suffering 2d6 acid damage on a failed save, or
half as much damage on a successful save.
A: A Pool of Water
This section of the cave has an 8-foot deep pool
of fresh water. Investigation of the pool reveals a
glowing light at the bottom.
The glowing light is a necklace of prayer beads
(DMG, p 182). The necklace has four blue topaz
beads attached to it, each of which are a bead of
curing.
B: Kanthar’s Restroom
A horrible smell fills this area. A large pile of
green fungi casts its light about the room, and
you notice a glint of something shiny in a small
alcove. Peering in, you find a thick layer of
excrement covers the alcove floor. Something
shiny, perhaps gold, peeks out from the filth.
Gooches is currently sitting in the pool of
water, its eyes just poking out from the surface.
The light of the algae makes its eyes glow green.
The effect resembles the light on the walls and
the glowing eyes could be mistaken for more
algae. A creature passing a successful DC 14
Wisdom (Perception) discerns the glow is from a
pair of eyes reflecting the algae light.
It is nearly feeding time and Gooches assumes
the adventurers are its next meal. Gooches
leaps from the water and attacks the nearest
adventurer.
E: Junk
Various bits of clothes, a few mundane weapons,
and two small gold necklaces (10 gp each) lay in
the corner of this area of the cave.

Kanthar relieves himself in this alcove. Anyone

searching through the small filth-filled alcove
must pass a DC 15 Constitution save or be
poisoned for one minute while they vomit
profusely. Searching the filth reveals a gold ring
worth 30 gp and a ring of jumping (DMG, p 191).
C: The Bone Piles

The algae on the wall casts a dim-green light

on several piles of bones.

The bones are a mix of several creatures. A

character passing a successful DC 18 Wisdom
(Medicine) check discerns that the bones are
from goblinoids, rodents, and humanoids.
A successful DC 12 Wisdom (Perception)
check reveals 1d6 cp and 1d4 small, uncut
gemstones (5 gp each) intermixed within the
bones.
D: Kanthar’s Pet
Kanthar keeps a pet giant toad (CR 1, MM, p
329) named Gooches in this area. Gooches has
adapted to being a pet and enjoys being feed and
not having to hunt. It roams the cave freely.

INTO THE BELLY OF THE BEAST

17
 F: The Den of Kanthar
The cave opens to a large cavern. Several
patches of the green and yellow algae provide
excellent light. A large, raised area can be
seen on the opposite wall and a gleaming
shortsword leans up against a group of stones
to the left.
A +1 shortsword (DMG, p 213) leans up against
the group of stones. Kanthar found the shiny
shortsword in the swamp. He uses the magical
weapon to clean his kills.
Kanthar (troll) returns to the cave when the
party enters Area F and reaches them in three
rounds. He carries an unconscious feral boar
(CR 1/4, MM, p 319) over his shoulder. He’s
returned to the cave with the boar to clean it
with the magical shortsword he keeps in his
den. Kanthar has found boar to be much more
enjoyable after the hide had been removed.
Each round, have the adventurers roll a
Wisdom (Perception) check to see if they hear
Kanthar in the cave. The first roll is DC 20, the
second in DC 18, and the last is DC 15. On a
success, they hear grunting and movement in
the cave behind them. If all checks fail, Kanthar
surprises the adventurers when he returns to his
den, allowing him a free round of attacks before
initiative is rolled.
If a battle ensues, Kanthar drops the boar
and attacks with his club. The boar regains
consciousness after three rounds and attacks the
nearest creature, even Kanthar. If the party has
not defeated Gooches (see area D: Kanthar’s Pet)
when Kanthar returns, the giant toad joins the
fight to protect its master.
G: Kanthar’s Bed
A natural set of stairs leads to a raised area. In
the middle, a mixture of moss, fern branches,
and grass creates what appears to be a
bedding area.
Kanthar sleeps on a bed made of moss, fern
branches, and grass. Several bones of various
size are easily found lying on the ground. A
INTO THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
18
successful DC 12 Intelligence (Investigation)
or Wisdom (Perception) check reveals 10 gp
interspersed within the stones.
Treasure. Kanthar wears a spiral-shaped
bone earring in his right ear. This is the token
that DarkRoot requires as proof that the troll is
destroyed.
H: A Vile Smell
Locating the creature is easier than you
thought. You hadn’t noticed the smell that
DarkRoot spoke of while you talked to him,
but as you began your journey to slay the
creature, the more you moved to the east, the
more pungent of an aroma you smelled. You
see an island and are certain it’s where the
creature can be found. The smell is disgusting
- a rancid mix of swamp gas, animal musk, and
decomposition.
The party must leave their boat at the edge of the
island. The catoblepas (VGtM, p 129) lives 50
ft. from the edge of the island and is concealed
by bushes and trees. It is currently feeding on
rotting swamp grass and is rutting through the
mud with its tusks as it hopes to dig up a bigger
meal. When it notices the adventurers, it has
found its bigger meal.
I: Swamp Goblin Village
The island the swamp goblins (C/G, CR ¼,
see Appendix) live on rises 10 ft. out of the
swamp. The sides are sheer and muddy and
are considered difficult terrain and require a
successful DC 12 Strength (Athletics) check if
climbed. A small section of the island is level to
the water and acts as a boat dock and entrance
to the goblin camp. Two guard towers, manned
by a goblin in each, guard the entrance.
Swamp goblins are a little more gracious
than their normal goblin cousins and have an
alignment of Chaotic Good.
Traveling with Me’Jerk
While traveling to the Swamp Goblin Island,
Me’Jerk tries to convince the party that the
swamp goblins are mostly peaceful. They are
ruled by a goblin chieftess named Chief Gumba.
“Us Swampies more peaceful than scaly men.
You see! Chief Gumba, she only want answer
puzzle and get prize. We swampys normally
live deep in swamp. Chief Gumba won’t leave
until she find prize. That what gnome doing.
Answering.”
When the adventurers arrive at the Swamp
Goblin Village:
†† If Me’Jerk convinces the adventurers that
the swamp goblins mean them no harm, he
explains this to the guards and gains entry.
†† If Me’Jerk believes the adventurers plan to
attack the goblins, he warns the guards the
first chance he gets. The two swamp goblins
in the guard towers attack the adventurers
with their bows. Two rounds later, the
remaining 8 swamp goblins arrive at the
shore and attack the party as it lands.
Entering the Village
If they are not traveling with Me’Jerk:
†† The adventurers could attempt to persuade
the goblin guards to let them in. A successful
DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion, Deception)
check convinces the guards that the
adventurers mean them no harm.
†† The adventurers could attempt to sneak
into the camp. A successful DC 9 Dexterity
(Stealth) check is required to sneak past the
guards.
†† If the adventurers attack the guard posts, the
two swamp goblins in the towers attack the
adventurers with their bows. Two rounds later,
the remaining 8 swamp goblins arrive at the
shore and attack the party as it lands.
INTO THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
19
 The Village
Depending on how the adventures make it into
the camp, use one of the below, or adjust to fit
whatever scheme your players came up with. If
they enter the village peacefully, they and Me’Jerk
are taken to Chief Gumba.
As you enter the village, you see a white-haired
gnome speaking with a swamp goblin. The
gnome has several pieces of parchment laid
across a large half-moon shaped stone.
Several 10-feet wide circular thatch huts line
the interior of the island and a dirt trail leads
to a larger hut that rests on a higher hill. To the
right, you see a large, flat stone patio.
Three goblins walk up to you. They look at
Me’Jerk, his bandaged leg, and then back to
you.
“No, no. These save me. Mean hag was gon’
eat me!”, says Me’Jerk as he waves the goblins
back.
“Good you back, Me’Jerk. Sorry ‘bout foot,”
says one of the goblins.
One of the goblins looks at you and says, “We
take you to Chief Gumba. She want to talk to
you.”
They turn and begin leading you up the dirt
path that leads to the large hut on the hill.
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20
Meeting Chief Gumba
When the adventures meet Chief Gumba, she is
polite and offers them refreshments. They have
clean water to drink and sautéed slugs to eat.
Chief Gumba (swamp goblin boss, CR 1, see
Appendix) is a gracious host. She only wants to
crack the riddle of the stone shrine. Although
she has no proof, she believes it holds a grand
treasure and she won’t leave this part of the
swamp until she has it.
Chief Gumba wears a mud-stained yellow
dress that is tattered from dragging on the
ground. Long, dangling gold earrings stretch
her earlobes and she wears a bright red type
of makeup on her lips. In addition, she uses
ash as a type of eyeshadow. The makeup job is
sloppy. An adventurer could earn her trust by
doing her makeup for her.
If any of the party members wear makeup, or
if any are very well-groomed, Chief Gumba is
drawn to that adventurer. She offers to trade a
few pieces of jewelry (DM’s discretion on what
she has) to procure new pots of makeup.
Chief Gumba asks the adventures to help
decipher the riddle of the stone platform. The
gnome has been trying to open it for several
years and everyone is becoming very frustrated.
Once the puzzle is deciphered, and once she has
the treasure it holds, she releases the gnome,
and she and her swamp goblins move deeper
into the swamp. They are tired of dealing with
the lizardfolk.
“Dem scaly men are nothin’ but trouble. We do
nothin’ to dem. They attack! I give you boat if
you kill dem. Or – I give you boat and we leave
if you figure out riddle. Me want prize that be
hidin’ inside.”
Meeting Marspot Gimblebum
Marspot explains that he has been treated very
well while being held captive. It appears the
swamp goblins only want him for his mind. He
has been tasked with deciphering an ancient
puzzle. Chief Gumba believes the stone altar
holds a treasure, and Marspot agrees.
Marspot Gimblebum (male forest gnome
commoner) is being held captive in the
Swampy’s camp. Although his captivity is
against his wishes, Marspot moves freely about
the camp and is treated as one of the members
of the village. He lives in a hut near Chief
Gumba’s large hut. His first question is, “Have
you seen my friend? His name is Timotay
Handywits.” If asked, Marspot tells party that
he and Timotay entered this swamp several
years ago, and became separated. He doesn’t
know what happened to Timotay.
The gnome walks you over to the shrine and
takes a perch on a half exposed round boulder.
He says “Chief Gumba, a rather pleasant
goblin by most standards, believes this ancient
stone shrine holds a valuable treasure. I tend
to agree with her. The center stone has wider
creases, so do the stones with the indentations
on each corner. I’ve tried putting just about
everything in them: water, various types
of food, dirt. Nothing seems to trigger the
mechanism. The goblins, against my wishes of
course, even tried filling them with blood from
several swamp creatures.”
“I’ve tried to pry the stones out, but they are
5ft. thick. There’s no number of goblins that
could move that stone with a pry bar.”
Marspot pulls a handkerchief from his pocket
and blows his nose with a horn-like toot,
“Excuse me. My sinuses have never adapted to
this swamp.”
He folds the handkerchief, places it in his
pocket, and continues, “Anyway, this is one time
I wish I were one of my cousin rock gnomes.
Maybe then I’d have the smarts to figure this
out!”
The Shrine
The shrine is an ancient vault. The center stone
rises when the shrine is activated. There are four
round 2ft x 2ft boulders scattered on the island
(see map).
Each boulder weighs 1,200 lbs. A combined
Strength score of 40 is necessary to carry the
boulders to the shrine. These boulders must be
placed on the corner stones to activate the center
stone.
One boulder is broken in half and is the half-
moon pedestal located in the center of the
village. The second half of that boulder is under
the half-moon being used as a pedestal.
Once the boulders have been set on the corner
stones of the shrine, the corners slowly lower as
the center stone rises.
If the players have a difficult time figuring out
the shrine, you may allow a DC 15 Intelligence
(Investigation, Religion) or Wisdom (Insight)
check. A success gives the player a hint that the
indentations in the corner stones may represent
a boulder, much like the one the gnome sat on.
A druid or rock gnome has Advantage on this
roll.
Treasure. The center stone holds 50 silver
bars. The bars are 5 inches long, 2 inches wide
and 1 inch think and weigh 5lbs. each. Each bar
is worth 25 gp.
Conclusion
If the adventurers decipher the shrine:
†† Chief Gumba rewards them with 5 bars of
silver.
†† She releases Marspot.
†† She begins moving the camp deeper into the
swamp.
If the adventurers do not decipher the shrine:
†† Chief Gumba could be convinced to move
the camp deeper into the swamp with a
successful DC 18 Charisma (Intimidation)
check
†† Chief Gumba wants treasure. A bribe of 200
gp grants advantage to the roll.
If the adventurers accepted Ska’la the
lizardfolk queen’s agreement, they are required
to return with four goblin heads. If they return
to the lizardfolk village without the heads, Ska’la
proclaims them liars and orders her lizardmen to
attack the party.
INTO THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
21
 Chapter 3: X Marks
the Spot
Having completed a quest for the treant named
DarkRoot, the players find their way to the X
marked on the map, and a final encounter that
may prove deadly.
If the party rescued Marspot from the Swamp
Goblin Village, he does not enter the cave during
the final encounter. He prefers to stay outside
and wait for the party to return.

J: The Guarded Land

The land guarded by DarkRoot is more pleasant
than the swamp. The foul smell of the swamp
water is gone and the ground is nearly dry and
solid. A full day of travel is required to reach the
dragon skull pictured on the map.

DarkRoot animates two trees, allowing you

to pass into the land he guards. The sudden
change in landscape is surprising. Gone are the
foul, dark waters of the swamp and the muddy
land of the islands. Flowers and green grass
cover the land as far as you can see. Colorful
birds fly overhead and rabbits and squirrels run
about the ground.
After traveling seven hours, the land begins
to turn dreary. The green plants and colorful
flowers are grey and withering and are being
replaced by the familiar vegetation of the
swamp.
Another hour passes. You begin to catch the
scent of death and decay floating on the breeze.
A few moments later, after cutting your way
through a mass of vines, you find the last image
on the map. A massive dragon skull, partially
overgrown with swamp vines, lies in the
opening of what appears to be a cave.
K: The Belly of the Beast
General. The ground of the cave, aside from
the natural stone stairs, is gravel. Insects and
snakes scurry and slither about the cave, and a
putrid smell comes from deeper within.
Light. Light spills in from the entrance for
15-feet. Otherwise, all areas of the cave are dark
and require the use of a torch, darkvision, or
spell.
The dragon skull’s jaw is open wide and
giant teeth obscure the entrance. It appears
the skull has been here for some time as the
swamp vegetation has grown over the exposed
vertebrae of the creature’s neck.
The putrid smells of death and decay spill from
the opening.
The skeleton of the dragon remains intact
and the ribcage creates a white tent of death
overhead. A set of stone stairs leads down into
the beast’s lair.
A character attempting a DC 18 Wisdom
(Animal Handling) or Intelligence (Investigation)
check discerns that the skeleton is from an
ancient black dragon. The character also believes
the beast died from old age.

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22
You enter through the dragon’s jaw, being
careful not to catch yourself on the massive
teeth that guard the entrance. As you step
inside, you see the beast’s neck still hangs
above you and the ribcage creates a white tent
of doom. Venomous snakes and centipedes
slither and skitter all around you. Mindful of
your steps, you work your way deeper into the
cave.
You exit the dragon’s remains and find a
natural set of steps in the stone floor.
You notice a passage to your left after
you’ve descended 20 feet into the cave. A
faint scraping sound comes from within that
passage.
A: What’s In The Passage?
If the party enter this passage, read or
summarize:
The passage leads to a small cavern. At the
back wall of the cavern, a middle-aged human
man claws desperately at the wall. His legs
bleed and appear motionless, yet he continues
to claw at the wall with his bleeding fingers.
He hears you. His body jerks and he attempts
to pull his bloody torso into a fetal position, but
his legs do not obey.
As he looks up, you see his left eye hangs
from its socket and his right eye is missing.
He tries to talk, but his mangled tongue only
creates gibberish.
INTO THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
23
 The man has been a toy for the black dragon
wyrmling (CR 2, MM, p 88) that lives in the cave.
The man escaped the creature only a few hours
ago, and is now trying to escape the cave. He
unknowingly took a wrong turn.
Georgejohn Bastock (commoner) is a human
farmer who lives a few miles from the swamp.
He was tending to his carrots yesterday when
a great talon grabbed his back and carried him
to this place.
Georgejohn is unable to talk in his current
condition. Even if he is healed, he is in such a
frightened state that his only words are, “Black
as night…black as night…”
Georgejohn only wants to leave the cave. If he
is healed and gains his sight, he bolts for the lit
cave entrance (either daylight or moonlight spills
in through the opening). Georgejohn’s fate is in
the DM’s hands.
B: The Passage on the Right
Clicking and tapping can be heard from deeper
within this passage. As you listen, a small
scorpion crawls out from the passage, skitters
past you, and continues toward the cave
entrance.
The small cavern at the end of the passage
contains swarms of insects and snakes:
†† swarm of centipedes (CR 1/2, MM, p 338)
†† swarm of spiders (CR 1/2, MM, p 338)
†† swarms of poisonous snakes (CR 2, MM, p
338)
These creatures only attack if the cavern is
entered.
C: The Lair
A large cavern smells of death. Two pools of
water are located on either side of the cavern.
Along the far wall, your light reflects off a pile
of gold, silver, and other wondrous treasure. A
small black dragon worms its way around the
treasure, opens its mouth, and hisses at you.
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24
D: The Rotting Pool
Several dead creatures in various states of
decomposition float on top of the pool’s black
water. The stench is horrible.
The bodies are from various creatures from the
swamp and the lands just outside of the swamp.
One body appears to be human and the other is
elvish.
If the humanoids are removed, the creatures
are so decomposed that the flesh merely slips
from their bones.
If an adventurer is brave enough to investigate
the humanoid bodies:
†† The human (woman) wears a wide silver
bracelet inscribed with “I’ll love you always.
Bartely”. It has a value of 25 gp.
†† The elf (wood elf man) carries a leather, water-
tight scroll-case with a note that reads “The
barbarians have been attacking from the west.
Please send reinforcements”.
NOTE: You may use these items, or other
items of your choosing, to create a new plot in
your campaign.
E: The Young Dragon
The young dragon (black dragon wyrmling,
C/E, CR 2, MM, p 88) – Chamista - misses her
plaything. She let Georgejohn go so she could
take a nap. Chamista now looks for a new
plaything and attacks the party with her acid
breath after two rounds, unless she is attacked
prior to this time.
F: The Second Entrance
This deep, black pool is the entrance used by the
current black dragon (young black dragon, C/E,
CR 7, MM, p 88) owner of the lair - Garnifalix.
She is out hunting for her youngster and returns
five rounds after the party engage the young
black dragon.
If this pool is investigated, the dark water
makes it impossible to discern that the water
leads out of the cavern.
There are a couple of ways this plays out.
†† Garnifalix appears while the party is fighting
her baby. In which case, the party may not
notice her rise from the pool. If the pool is out
of view, a character passing a DC 15 Wisdom
(Perception) check notices a dark figure rising
from the pool from the corner of their eye.
†† If the party is investigating The Rotting Pool,
Garnifalix slips out of the pool and sneaks
up on the party. A successful DC 15 Wisdom
(Perception) check alerts a party member to
movement from behind them.
†† If the party is investigating The Second
Entrance when Garnifalix arrives, they notice
the water begin to swirl. Soon after, two large
spiral horns break through the surface of the
water, followed by two large green eyes.
With any of the above, if the baby dragon is
dead, Garnifalix knows and she unleashes her
motherly wrath upon the party.
Conclusion
At this point, the party has completed the original
quest of following the map to the treasure and
the adventure may be over. The journey out of
the swamp may be uneventful. You may use
one of the encounters mentioned in the Extra
Encounters Appendix while the party navigates
out of the swamp.

NOTE: For a more interesting encounter,

add: Garnifalix is an innate spellcaster. She
may cast Misty Step twice per day as a bonus
action.
For a deadly encounter, you may wish to
change the mother dragon to an adult black
dragon (CR14, MM, p 88) and add Lair
Actions.

G: The Treasure
The treasure hoard has been pre-generated, but
you may roll on the Treasure Hoard: Challenge
5-10 (DMG, p 137) if you wish.
†† 500 cp
†† 3,000 sp
†† 6,400 gp
†† 57 pp
†† Boots of elvenkind
†† Wand of web
†† Javelin of lightning
Option. You may wish to add an unhatched
dragon egg that the party can take with them.
If the egg hatches, it appears friendly for 10
minutes. Then, its racial memory identifies the
party as enemies, and it quickly attacks the
nearest creature.

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25
Appendix A: Extra Encounters
Below are a few additional encounters that you
can use while the party travels the swamp
EE1: A Nest of Eggs
A large nest of twigs, grass, and mud, and
holding two 3ft. long eggs, is built in the center
of this small island. The eggs belong to a mated
pair of allosaurus (CR 2, MM, p 79) which are
currently out hunting. The pair of dinosaurs
return to the nest three rounds after the party
find it.
If an egg is stolen before the parents return,
they hunt the adventurers down and attack
during the night.
If an adventurer steals an egg and lives to tell
about it, they could possibly maintain the egg
until it hatches with a successful DC 20 Wisdom
(Animal Handling) once per day for five days.
EE2: This Place Sucks
A rough, small 3ft. x 3ft. ground crevice is found
in the center of this small island.
The crevice is 10ft. long and runs under the
island. It is filled with 5 vargouilles (CR 1,
VGtM, p 195). The vargouilles hunt at night
and emerge from the crevice, attacking the
adventurers if the party camps on the island.
If the crevice is tampered with or explored, the
vargouilles emerge and attack anyone inside the
crevice or on the island.
EE3: A Stash of Loot
A rough, small 3ft. x 3ft. ground crevice is found
in the center of this small island.
The opening is 1ft. thick and then the crevice
expands into a 5ft. x 5ft. cave which extends 80ft
below the island at a 45-degree angle. The initial
opening can be made 2ft. larger with a successful
DC 15 Strength check.
The interior of the cave is damp and water
drips from the ceiling. The rock floor is slippery,
and creatures traversing the cave must pass a
DC 12 Dexterity check once to avoid slipping and
falling prone.
40ft. into the cave, the party finds a group of
bones and a leather loincloth. The bones and
loincloth are the remains of the swamp goblin
NimNim.
A folded piece of leather sits at the bottom of
the cave. The leather holds a diamond ring worth
100 gp.
NimNim (deceased swamp goblin) found a
pretty ring while exploring the swamp. He
didn’t want anyone else to know about his
treasure, especially Chief Gumba, so he
stashed it in this cave.
NimNim slipped while trying to exit the cave
and sustained a mortal wound.
EE4: Free Fish
A 3ft. thick x 3ft. tall stone pedestal stands in
the center of this island. A hand-crafted basket
filled with 10 1ft.-long fish rests on the pedestal.
Several pair of footprints can be found in the dirt
and around the pedestal.
The swamp goblins leave a daily offering of fish
on the pedestal to appease the creatures of the
swamp. Any number of creatures could come
along in the night to claim the prize. Suggestions
include:
†† A shambling mound (CR 5, MM, p 270)
†† 2 swarms of rats (CR 1/4, MM, p 339)
†† 5 ghouls (CR 1, MM, p 148)
†† 1 swarm of rot grubs (CR 1/2, VGtM, p 208)
EE5: Don’t Look at It
A cave entrance, 6ft. wide and 7ft. tall and
descending 50ft under the swamp, is found
in the center of this island. The cave holds a
basilisk (CR 3, MM, p 24) who sits on a nest of
one unhatched egg.
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 EE6: Mud Mephit Island
This island is more mud than solid land. Eight
mounds of mud line the interior of the island.
The mounds are mud mephits (CR ¼, MM,
p 216) and they attack the party when the
adventurers pass the mud mounds.
EE7: The Lonely Boot
The adventurers find a single boot half-buried in
the muddy shoreline. The boot is made of a red-
colored leather and an embossed lightning bolt
adorns each side of the boot’s calf. The skeletal
remains of a foot and tibia are still inside the
boot.
Investigation of the tibia reveals teeth marks
and the PCs believe the leg was savagely
severed.
The boot is a boot of speed (DMG, p 155). It
is unusable alone, but the second boot may be
found during one of the other encounters listed
on the map. If you choose to add the second boot
to the adventure, add it to the treasure found
during an encounter of your choice.
EE8: A Buried Box
A partially buried and locked wooden chest is
found on an island or its shoreline. A successful
DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools opens
the lock. The chest contains an intact set of
navigator’s tools (PHB, p 154) worth 25 gp.
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Random Traveling
Encounters
The below are suggested random encounters you
may add while the party travels the swamp.
†† 1d4 flying snakes (CR 1/8, MM, p 322)
†† 1d4 giant lizards (CR 1/4, MM, p 326)
†† 1 swarm of poisonous snakes (CR 2, MM, p
338)
†† A decaying lizardfolk corpse. 2 sp and 10 cp
are found on the ground near the body.
†† 1d4 crocodiles (CR 1/2, MM, p 320)
†† 1d4 giant lizards (CR 1/4, MM, p 326)
†† 1d6 zombies (CR 1/4, MM, p 316)
†† 1d8 boars (CR 1/4, MM p 319)
Random Deep Water
Encounters
The below are suggested random encounters you
may add while the party travels the deep waters
of the swamp.
†† 1 giant crocodile (CR 5, MM, p 324)
†† 1 hydra (CR 8, MM, p 290)
†† 4 swarms of quippers (CR 1, MM, p 338)
Appendix B: Monster Statistics
Swamp Roper Swamp Goblin
Large monstrosity, neutral evil Small humanoid, chaotic good

Armor Class 18 (natural armor) Armor Class 15 (leather armor, shield)

Hit Points 93 (11d10 + 33) Hit Points 7 (2d6)
Speed 15 ft., swim 15 ft. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 8 (-1) 17 (+3) 7 (-2) 16 (+3) 6 (-2) 8 (-1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 8 (-1) 8 (-1)

Skills Perception +6, Stealth +5 Skills Stealth +6

Senses darkvision 60ft., Passive Perception 16 Senses darkvision 60ft., Passive Perception 9
Languages — Languages Common, Goblin
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

False Appearance. While the swamp roper remains Nimble Escape. The swamp goblin can take the Disengage
motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal tree stump or Hide action as a bonus action of each of its turns.
or other swamp formation. Swamp Camouflage. The swamp goblin has advantage on
Grasping Tendrils. The swamp roper can have up to six Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in swampy terrain.
tendrils at a time. Each tendril can be attacked (AC 18,
10 hit points; immunity to poison and psychic damage). Actions
Destroying a tendril deals no damage to the swamp roper, Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
which can extrude a replacement tendril on its next turn. A target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.
tendril can also be broken if a creature takes an action and
succeeds on a DC 15 Strength check against it. Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320
ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Actions
Multiattack. The swamp roper makes four attacks with its
tendrils, uses Reel, and makes one attack with its bite.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 22 (4d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Tendril. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 50 ft.,
one creature. Hit: The target is grappled (escape DC 15).
Until the grapple ends, the target is restrained and has
disadvantage on Strength check and Strength saving
throws, and the swamp roper can’t use the same tendril on
another target.
Reel. The swamp roper pulls each creature grappled by it
up to 25 feet straight toward it.

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 Swamp Goblin Boss Lizardfolk Royal Guard
Small humanoid, chaotic good Medium humanoid (lizardfolk), neutral

Armor Class 15 (leather armor, shield) Armor Class 15 (natural armor, shield)
Hit Points 21 (6d6) Hit Points 22 (4d8 + 4)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 8 (-1) 10 (+0) 17 (+3) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 7 (-1) 12 (+1) 7 (-1)

Skills Stealth +6 Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4, Survival +5

Senses darkvision 60ft., Passive Perception 9 Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Goblin Languages Draconic
Challenge 1 (200 XP) Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Nimble Escape. The swamp goblin can take the Disengage
or Hide action as a bonus action on each of its turns.
Swamp Camouflage. The swamp goblin has advantage on
Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in swampy terrain.
Actions
Multiattack. The swamp goblin boss makes two attacks
with its +1 dagger. The second attack has disadvantage.
Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) piercing damage.
Reactions
Redirect Attack. When a creature the goblin can see
targets it with an attack, the swamp goblin boss chooses
another goblin within 5 feet of it. The two swap places, and
the chosen goblin becomes the target instead.
Hold Breath. The lizardfolk royal guard can holds its
breath for 15 minutes.
Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage
when the lizardfolk royal guard hits with it (included in
attack).
Actions
Multiattack. The lizardfolk royal guard makes two attacks,
each with a different weapon.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 9 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Heavy Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
Spiked Shield. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.

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Appendix C: Combat Tracker
Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP
Lizardfolk MM 204 +0 15 30 ft. / 2 Bite +4 5 ft. 5 (1d6+2) P 22
30 ft.
Multiattack. The lizardfolk make two melee attacks, each one Claws +4 5 ft. 7 (2d4+2) S
with a different weapon.
Spiked Shield +4 5 ft. 5 (1d6+2) P
Hold Breath

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Giant Constrictor MM 324 +2 12 30 ft. / 1 Bite +6 5 ft. 11 (2d6+4) P 60
Snake 30 ft.
(*) and the target is grappled (escape DC 16). Until the grapple
ends, the creature is restrained, and the snake can’t constrict Constrict* +6 5 ft. 13 (2d8+4) B
another target.

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Green Hag MM 177 +1 17 30 ft. 1 Claws +6 5 ft. 13 (2d8+4) S 82
Amphibious, Mimicry
Innate Spellcasting, Invisible Passage, Illusory Appearance

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Swamp Roper Appendix -1 18 15 ft. / 4 Bite +7 5 ft. 22 (4d8+4) P 93
15 ft.
Multiattack. The swamp roper makes four attacks with its
tendrils, uses Reel, and makes one attack with its bite.
Tendril* +7 50 ft. N/A
False Appearance, Grasping Tendrils (see appendix).

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 Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP
Lizardfolk MM 204 +0 15 30 ft. / 2 Bite +4 5 ft. 5 (1d6+2) P 22
30 ft.
Multiattack. The lizardfolk make two melee attacks, each one Claws +4 5 ft. 7 (2d4+2) S
with a different weapon.
Spiked Shield +4 5 ft. 5 (1d6+2) P
Hold Breath

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Lizardfolk MM 205 +0 13 30 ft. / 2 Bite +4 5 ft. 5 (1d6+2) P 27
Shaman 30 ft.
Multiattack. The lizardfolk shaman makes two melee attacks,
one with its bite and one with its claws.
Claws +4 5 ft. 4 (1d4+2) S
Hold Breath, Spellcasting (DC12, +4 to hit)
Change Shape

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Lizardfolk Queen MM 205 +1 15 20 ft. / 2 Bite +5 5 ft. 6 (1d6+3) P 78
20 ft.
Multiattack. The lizardfolk queen makes two attacks: one with Claws +5 5 ft. 5 (1d4+3) S
its bite and one with its claws or trident or two melee attacks
with its trident.
Trident* +5 20/60 7 (1d8+3) P
Hold Breath, Skewer*

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Lizardfolk Royal Appendix +0 15 30 ft. / 2 Bite +5 5 ft. 9 (2d6+3) P 22
Guard 30 ft.
Multiattack. The lizardfolk make two melee attacks, each one Heavy Club +5 5 ft. 9 (2d6+3) P
with a different weapon.
Spiked Shield +5 5 ft. 9 (2d6+3) P
Hold Breath, Brute (already added to damage)

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 Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP
Troll MM 291 +1 15 30 ft. 3 Bite +7 5 ft. 7 (1d6+4) P 84
Multiattack. The troll makes three attacks: one with its bite
and two with its claws.
Claws +7 5 ft. 11 (2d6+4) S
Keen Smell, Regeneration

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Giant Toad MM 329 +1 11 20 ft. / 1 Bite* +4 5 ft. 7 (1d10+2) P 39
40 ft. plus
1d10 poison
Amphibious, Standing Leap, Swallow
(*) target is grappled (escape DC 13)

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Boar MM 319 +0 11 40 ft. 1 Tusk +3 5 ft. 4 (1d6+1) S 11
Charge, Relentless

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Catoblepas VGtM +1 14 30 ft. 1 Tail* +7 10 ft. 21 (5d6+4) B 84
129
(*) target must succeed on a DC 16 CON save or be stunned
until the start of the catoblepas’s next turn.

Death Ray – one creature within 30ft. DC 16 CON save. See

VGtM p 129.

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 Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP
Swamp Goblin Appendix +2 15 30 ft. 1 Scimitar +4 5 ft. 5 (1d6+2) S 7
Nimble Escape, Swamp Camouflage Shortbow +4 80/320 5 (1d6+2) P

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Swamp Goblin Appendix +2 17 30 ft. 2 +1 Dagger +4 5 ft. 5 (1d4+3) P 21
Boss
Multiattack: The swamp goblin boss makes two attacks with
its +1 dagger. The second attack has disadvantage.

Nimble Escape, Swamp Camouflage, Redirect Attack

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Black Dragon MM 88 +2 17 30 ft. / 1 Bite +4 5 ft. 7 (1d10+2) P 33
Wyrmling 60 ft. / plus
30 ft. 2 (1d4) acid
Damage Immunities: Acid

Amphibious

Acid Breath: 15-foot line 5-feet wide. DC 11 DEX save.

22 (5d8) acid damage on failed save, or half as much on a
successful save. RECHARGE

Page Init. AC Speed Attacks Weapon To Hit Rng. Damage HP

Young Black MM 88 +2 18 40 ft. / 3 Bite +7 10 ft. 15 (2d10+4) P 127
Dragon 80 ft. / plus
40 ft. 4 (1d8) acid
Damage Immunities: Acid

Amphibious

Acid Breath: 30-foot line 5-feet wide. DC 14 DEX save. 49 Claw +7 5 ft. 11 (2d6+4) S
(11d8) acid damage on failed save, or half as much on a
successful save. RECHARGE

Optional – Innate Spellcasting – Misty Step 2/day.

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Appendix D: Print Friendly Maps