DARK EAGLE

GAMES

The Child
1

5e Adventure
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
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Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)


THE CHILD
The Child is a 5e adventure for a party of four
3rd-level heroes.
There is enough material for about 6-8 hours
of play.
The heroes are expected to take several short
and long rests during the adventure.
YOUR WORLD
The adventure is meant to be dropped into
any campaign in a small town or village.
It involves roleplaying and ethical temptation
along with combat. Some of the combat
situations are unwinnable on a direct assault.
WARNING
If your heroes are hack and slashers,
murderhobos, or “Plan A” type players, this
adventure will be wasted on them.
It will likely kill them!
My recommendation is to save it for another
group.
Plan A - Charge and a�ack!
BLESSING OF THE GODS
There are many minor Booms and Curses
given by the gods in the adventure. These are
one-time powers gifted or blights given to
their followers. The local gods use these to
encourage obedience to their laws.
Keep track of the blessing given and when
used. The blessing can turn the tide of a
battle, save the party, or just fall flat.
Same with the curses. Do your best to punish
them when you activate them. Make sure they
know of the curse and what it can do!
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
Teach them that it doesn't pay to disrespect
the gods.
As the DM, you are in partnership with your
players. Your goal is to challenge them, elicit
emo�ons, and in the end, entertain them. To do
this, you take the heroes to the edge of defeat.
Some�mes the heroes fail or even die.
PREPARATION
The following is fundamental advice for newer
DMs. A gaming session is only as good as
imagination and preparation. Take the
following advice to heart.
Read the Adventure. It isn’t too long.
Make It Your Own. Figure out how to fit the
adventure into your world. Ask yourself if the
encounter can foreshadow future events or
be a clue to solve an unanswered question?
Consider Their Reaction. Each group will
behave differently. Perhaps you can better
present a situation to get a better response. In
this way, you can proactively keep it "on the
rails".
Scale Encounters. If they are too hard or too
easy, then make adjustments. Know that there
are several deadly encounters if they
approach them head-on without tactics.

STORY OVERVIEW
Last night, the breath of the mountain god
brought winter's first snow to the lands. It is
at that time that our heroes arrive at the small
town of Spring Rose. To the heroes' surprise,
instead of a quiet farming town winding down
for the night, it's alive with activities. Lit by
torchlight, angry townsfolk gather at the
town square with pitchforks and spears.
The town's pride, a six-year-old girl named
Darcy, had been kidnapped by a known Orc
gang. Calling themselves the Fang Gang, they
live in the nearby mountains where they have
honored a truce for the last three years. That
agreement was broken tonight by five of their
members.
The town's sheriff is forming a posse and asks
the heroes to join it.
Together, they race to a nearby bridge where
they hope to save the girl. But it is an ambush.
After suffering heavy losses, the posse turns
back. But the heroes are encouraged to
continue on their own.
Doing so brings them to a Bog Giant who has
Darcy. He will return the child, but only on
one condition, they kill the orc who brought
her to him. Now they must travel into the
nearby mountains and find the leader of the
orcs, Voltar, and kill him. It is not an easy
challenge as they must make friends with
Goblin bandits, explore an old shrine, and
defeat Voltar's many guards.
When Voltar is dead, they return to the Bog
Giant. But there is a twist. He offers them the
same payment he had the orc for the child.
Magical long life!
If they pass that temptation, they return to
town as heroes.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Voltar the Reborn leads the orc tribe known
as the Fang Gang.
Until recently, he had a secret. He was dying
from consumption. Since Voltar discovered
his illness, he has had to kill many challengers
for leadership of the gang. It would only be a
matter of time before a rival killed him.
For the last few years, the Fang Gang numbers
have been shrinking. They control less land
and have less influence in the region.
Voltar made a peace treaty with the nearby
town. To distract the Fang Gang, he directed
his orcs to raid and pillage the goblin in the
caverns below him.
A nearby Bog Giant had learned of a child with
perfect hair born in the town. He struck a deal
with the dying Voltar. An agreement of
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
healing was made. Voltar ordered his orcs to
take the girl, then traded her for the Bog
Giant’s magic.
Now Voltar feels young and strong. He plans
to rebuild his broken tribe.
THE LANDSCAPE
Don't have a place to drop this adventure in
your world? Use the following.
The Barony. A reasonably peaceful region
within a strong barony. The baron's knights
keep the peace and will arrive in force to
defend the town. The keep is five days to the
west.
Town of Spring Rose. It's a farming
community with around 400 people living
there. There are another 1,000 people that live
within 5 miles of downtown.
The population is primarily human, gnomes,
and some half-orcs. They worship the local
Harvest goddess.
The Blackrain Mountains. About a day away,
the mountains are home to orcs, goblins, and
ogres.
The Bog. Two hours east, there are some
wetlands. The townsfolk avoid that area.
Lately, there have been rumors of a Bog Giant
living there.
The Rat's River. A twisty river runs through
the area. The rat claimed many lives, as
crossing it can be deceitfully treacherous. It is
said a Serpent God god claims its waters.
There are few places to safely cross the river
this time of year.
The Knights of the Baron
Hopefully they are only appear by
reputation. As a lot of the monster’s
motivations are to avoid them.
When the knights have been called in the
past, many monsters get slain. For this
reason, the monsters are not just
immediately murdering everyone. They fear
doing so will bring in the knight
 VOLTAR THE REBORN
He was Voltar the Might, but now he is
reborn. His near-death experience has only
increased his ambition.
Many of his tribe are scattered and slowly
returning. Once it is spring, he will unite the
orcs, goblins, and ogres of the mountains
under his command. And then attack the
barony with his new army.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
THE FANG GANG
Once the tyrants of the Blackrain Mountains,
their numbers are dwindling. They paint their
faces and arms with a smokey white war
paint.
Tactics. They like to fight 1 to 1. The extras
will throw javelins. If they get between 10 and
4 hit points, they will withdraw. If they get to
3 or less, they will fight to the death.
Loot. The average orc has 2 gp of primitive
jewelry.
5

THE KIDNAPPING
The goal is to get the party involved in the
story. It's a time for roleplaying and learning
the story's lore. Lastly, getting commitments
from the PCs to save the young girl would be
nice.
SETTING
The town is up at arms. Sheriff Landy is
forming a posse. Townfolks are lining up with
torches, pitchforks, and spears.
She will address the heroes.
Landy - Not an hour has passed since orcs
kidnapped Darcy, a six-year-old daughter of
the Millers. The family has seen them done
it with their own eyes.
We need your help to catch up to those orc
bastards and get that girl back.
Sheriff Landy
A well-meaning law-folk
who leads the posse to
hunt down the orcs. She
recognizes the might of
the heroes and will defer
to their suggestions. Use
a [Guard MM p347] with
33hp.
Description. A tomboy
who stands 6 feet tall.
Personality. She’s a flirt
to short men.
Secret. She is too hard
on herself.
HER PLAN
Not far out of town, there is a bridge the orcs
will need to cross the river. We ambush them
there. But we have to hurry.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
THE POSSE
Made up of townfolks that can be gathered on
short notice.
• 3 Deputies (LN, Guards)
• 30 Townfolks (Commoners)
The town pays each posse member 25 sp for
their service.
INVOLVING THE HEROES
To get the heroes on board the adventure, use
as many hooks as are needed.
CIVIC DUTY
Sheriff Landy knows she needs the heroes to
succeed! She will appeal to their egos.
Landy - My friends, look at this lot. Good
folks but not a fighter among them.
We need you!
PARENT APPEAL
Mr. Miller will offer the heroes a reward of 25
gold. Sheriff Landy will point out that it is a
large sum for a little village girl.
The mother will give one of the heroes a
simple straw doll for them to give to Darcy. It
is her favorite.
THEIR DESTINY
A woman will tell the heroes that Darcy was
born with a rare trait of platinum hair.
She has a destiny. Why else would the gods
bring the heroes here at this time? It is their
fate. If you do this for them, the gods will
reward you.
 OTHER INFORMATION
If the heroes ask townsfolk for information,
they will be open books. Here are some of
what they can learn.
• They got the girl on the east fields, but the
mountains are to the north. They will have
to cross the river. The sheriff thinks we can
cut them off if we leave within the hour.
• We have had a peace treaty with the Voltar's
Fang Gang for the last three years. We knew
it was a matter of time before the orcs broke
it.
• The girl has perfect platinum hair, a sign of
great beauty. The oracle says she has a
destiny. But what that means is beyond us.
• There were easier kids to grab, but they
wanted her for a reason.
• The orcs have been at war with the goblins
for a while now. Stupid goblins.
• Word has been sent to the Baron, but it will
take weeks before his knights arrive. But
they will kill all the orcs.
DISTRACTION HEROES
If there is pressing business they need to
quickly do, the sheriff will try to
accommodate them.
Otherwise, every shop is currently closed.
THEY REFUSE THE ADVENTURE?
It happens. No point in forcing it. Do
something else.
The town will not appreciate it and will wait
until morning to re-open. Darcy never
returns. Life goes on.
NEXT SCENE
As they ready to leave, go to the next section
of Prayer of Protection.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
PRAYER OF PROTECTION
Once they are ready to leave, a local priest of
the Harvest goddess will ask for everyone to
gather and kneel. He will then pray over the
posse, asking for the goddess to protect them.
CAN I HAVE A WITNESS?
He will then ask if anyone will swear to find
the child.
Priest - Who here will swear to the gods
to bring back this child?
If a hero does promise to protect the
child, they are automatically blessed with
Divine Deflection.
Divine Deflection
The gods have heard a prayer for your
protection. At will, turn a successful weapon
attack on you into a miss. Once you use this
blessing, you lose this ability.
Everyone praying with the priest makes a
DC 15 religion check. If successful, they get
the blessing of Divine Deflection.
NEXT SCENE
The heroes should be a part of the posse
marching to Rat’s Falls.
OFF THE RAILS?
It can still be saved if they rush off without
needing the posse. The heroes don't know the
local landscape. The posse can catch up and
show them the way.
 RAT’S FALLS
The purpose of this scene is for the heroes to
fight the Fire Shaman. Then the posse will
turn back, and the heroes must continue on
their own.
SETTING
Rocks create rapids on the river that the
locals call Rat’s Falls. Here there is an old,
elven bridge that has withstood the ages.
While the orcs can cross the river in many
places, it would be hard to do so while
carrying a child. So the Sheriff is gambling
that here is where they will cross.
You reach Rat’s Fall. The river narrows here,
and the ground is rocky. An old wooden
bridge 60 feet long connects the east and
west across the river. Right away, this is the
perfect place for you to have your ambush.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Voltar has set up an ambush here. While he is
currently at the Bog Giant’s hut, many of his
remaining orcs wait for the posse for battle.
Their goal is to drive back the townsfolk and
send them a message that the Fang Gang is
back!
Lore says it's called the Rat because anyone who
tries to swim it is food for the Serpent god.
You can swim it, but just don’t roll a natural 1.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
LANDY’S PLAN
The posse with hold up within site of Rat’s
Falls. She will gather the heroes and come up
with a plan.
Landy - Well, we are pressed for �me. If
them orcs are using the bridge, we should
expect them soon, if not too late already.
We should spread out and hide behind the
rocks. Then a�ack once they cross the
bridge. Someone will have to block their
retreat.
What do you guys think?
Suspecting Heroes, if they are concerned
about being ambushed, give them an
advantage on their Perception check when
they go to the rocks.
Battleplans, Landy will agree with any
reasonable plans the heroes make.
GOING TO THE ROCKS
When they march to the rocks, have them
make a DC 12 Perception check. Those that
fail are surprised.
Surprised Heroes!
Roll for turn order. Then on round 1, skip any
surprised hero’s normal turn. Then have
them go at the end of the round.
Starting on Round 2, use normal turn order.
 MASS COMBAT!
This is a mass melee with 60+ people fighting
on two sides. It is too much!
Right away, the heroes must be directed to
climb up to the Fire Shaman. That becomes
their fight, killing the Shaman.
You need to make these two different combats.
One of the heroes figh�ng the Fire Shaman.
Everyone else is in the background.
Ignore the posse fight as much as possible.
BATTLEGROUND
There are rocks to hide behind for full and
partial cover and mud patches for difficult
terrain. It should be a chaotic fight, with
scattered battle lines of small groups, and
where the groups cannot always see each
other.
TACTICS
The Orcs plan to run up and kill the posse.
They will not pursue them when they retreat.
If any orc reaches 10 or fewer hit points will
withdraw.
Use the following results for the mass combat
(not coun�ng the heroes’ kills).
Posse: 11 dead and 9 wounded.
Orcs: 4 dead and unknown wounded.
ENCOUNTER!
• Fire Shaman (see appendix)
• 4 Orcs (MM p246)
• Random Orcs
In round 1, have a random orc
or two reach the party.
Then one of the commoners is
engulfed in flames from a Fire
Shaman standing on top of one
of the tall rocks.
Landy - Up there (poin�ng).
That’s the leader! Can you
take him out? We will hold
them off here.
The Fire Shaman should become
the heroes’ mission. Time spent
figh�ng with the posse is wasted
�me.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
TACTICS
The Fire Shaman will cast Tasha’s Hideous
laughter at the first hero that reaches him. He
will then cast Firebolt for the remainder of the
battle.
The firebolts of the Fire Shaman are
unusually powerful for his craft. He does not
know why, but he likes it.
BATTLEGROUND
To get to him quickly, they must climb up the
side of the tall rock.
Climbing up to him requires 10 feet of
movement and a DC 10 Athleticism check. It
isn’t a challenging climb. It’s about the
timing of it.
If they fail the check, they have a
Disadvantage in the round they arrive. If they
roll a natural 1, they lose all movement and
are considered prone.
If they wish to get to him safely, they can run
by the posse fight to get to the other side. It is
30 feet of movement plus 10 feet of difficult
terrain. If they do not use a disengage action,
they get an attack of opportunity on them by
a random orc.
VICTORY
If the heroes take out the Fire Shaman, the
orcs will flee. If they ignore the Shaman and
fight the posse battle, the posse will be
overrun and flee.
The heroes can lose this fight and
s�ll con�nue on the adventure.
OFF THE RAILS!
It is all messed up! They are
back in town defeated or
something else. The sheriff has
a hunch she wants them to
check out. She sends them
directly to the Pursuit.
NEXT SCENE
After the heroes have won,
gotten their loot, and even
taken a short rest (if needed),
you can move on to Pursuit.
 SHORT REST
PURSUIT The posse needs it, so they are taking one.
Getting the group going on their own. It is
expected the heroes take a short rest.
If they need a long rest, it can take place back at
SETTING town!
The posse has many dead and wounded. It has
taken its licks, killed a few orcs, and expects
more traps. They are AFTER THOUGHT
done. As the heroes are ready to
As they gather the leave, Landy will call one
wounded and prepare of them over. She will
to leave, Landy will hand them her personal
come to the heroes. Potion of Healing. It is a
gift for being willing to
Landy - This is more continue on.
than they signed up
for. Besides, the girl
wasn't even here. Landy - Given what is
I cannot force you, but going on, take this.
there is one other way You might need it more
they could have gone than me where you are
into the bog. going. May the gods be
I can have Tom Pa�er with you.
show you the way.
It's that way, (poin�ng
to the north).
NEXT SCENE
It is a long shot that She wishes them luck,
you will find anything. whistles, and leads the
But think of the
parents and poor posse back to town.
Darcy. The can follow Tom
Patter across the bridge
north to The Journey to
the Bog.

10

Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)


THE JOURNEY TO THE BOG
A logistic scene and a chance to give them
any missing information. A quick check for a
traveling reward. Otherwise, it can be a brief
transition scene.
SETTING
Due to the frost on the ground, it isn’t hard for
anyone to track the orcs. Unless they have no
one with Survival skills, they shouldn’t even
have to roll. The orcs were in a hurry, so they
were not hiding their tracks.
The tracks are of three orcs, and they go into
the bog. The opposite direction of their
mountain home.
TOM PATTER
He is a local tracker and hunter (NG,
Commoner with 10 hp).
He will take them to the bog, point out the orc
tracks, and then ask them if he can return
home.
If the heroes have any Rangers or Druids in the
party, they will soon realize that Tom adds
nothing to the group.
TOM WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS
• He knows of Voltar, the leader of the Fang
Gang. Hasn’t been seen in years.
• He knows the bog is dangerous and home to
many evils. Rumors of a giant living in it.
• The mountains are the gang’s home. But
also home to goblin gangs.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
• There have been fewer orcs about for the
last three years. The Fang Gang has been
weakened, but he doesn’t know why.
• The village is proud of Darcy. She is a child
of exceptional beauty. They hope the gods
will bless them.
Early Snow
Keep in mind that it is cold with winter’s first
snow. During this time, all Survival skill
checks for tracking are at an advantage.
All other Survival checks are at a
disadvantage.
ON THE WAY TO THE BOG
While traveling, have a hero make a DC 12
Nature check. Or you can use the Group
check.
On a success, they spot valuable herbs on
the trail. They find 2d6 common healing
herbs useful with a Medicine kit (worth 1 gp
each).
In addition, the hero that gathers the herb
makes a DC 10 Naturalism check. If
successful, they collect twice the amount of
healing herbs.
On a failure, they lose the trail for an hour.
But due to the snow, they find it again.
Expanded - If you want some extra content or
fight, you can add random encounters with giant
snakes or even ogres.
NEXT SCENE
There is no point in lingering on this logistical
scene. You can get them to Unconditional
Compromise quickly.
11

UNCONDITIONAL
COMPROMISE
After two hours of travel, the heroes discover
a hut in the bog. After the deal with the
watchdogs, they learn that a powerful
creature, a Bog Giant, has Darcy.
He doesn’t want to fight. He is willing to give
the child back to them, but only if they kill the
orc Voltar.
THE BOG GIANT’S HUT
The hut is decorated with shrunken skills and
is surrounded by water. About 20 feet away,
there is solid ground. Two bloody bodies of
still orcs have been torn to shreds, and two-
headed Dogs chew on bloody bones.
A Bog Giant (see appendix) looks out from a
window of the hut at the group but does not
respond.
Animal Handling, skill checks on Death
Dogs are at a disadvantage. The Bog Giant
treats them well.
ENCOUNTER!
• 2 Death Dogs (see MM page 321).
TACTICS
The dogs have a straightforward approach. If
it hits, it will keep attacking the same target. If
it misses, it will try someone else.
BATTLEGROUND
There are patches of sold ground, but most of
the area is knee-deep deep water and mud.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
VICTORY!
After killing the dogs, the Bog Giant will speak
to the heroes.
Bog Giant - Young ones. I take it you are the
guardians of the girl. While I want a
daughter, I do not wish for such troubles.
I will return the girl to you unharmed. But
first, you return to me the price I paid.
I have exchanged a gi� of long life to an orc
named Voltar the Reborn in exchange for
the child. I will not return the child while he
s�ll lives.
I want no trouble from you. But you must
take his life, and I will return the girl to you.
That is fair.
He now returns to those mountains not far
away.
ROLEPLAYING THE BOG GIANT
They killed his dogs. So he knows they can
fight. He doesn't want to fight them over the
girl. But he doesn't want to lose on the deal
either.
They do not have to accept his terms. See
Attacking the Bog Giant.
Accepting the deal, the Bog Giant will
explain the girl is his adopted daughter. She
will not be harmed.
He will know when they kill Voltar as his
magic will return.
Behind the Scene: He is hoping the heroes
will die and he can keep his daughter.
12
 FINDING VOLTAR
He gives directions to the Orc Camp.
NEXT EVENT
You can move on to the scene Goblin Bandits
unless they plan to battle the giant. If they do,
then use the next section Attacking the Giant.
ATTACKING THE GIANT
The heroes may not believe him or just want
to kill him. It would be difficult. He is more
powerful than the party, but it's not
impossible.
The bigger problem for the heroes is he
doesn't want to fight. He will stay away from
them while keeping Darcy hidden in his magic
hut.
INSIDE THE HUT
Inside is a fake hut filled with mundane items.
A DC 20 Investigation will find a locked
magical secret door to the real hut.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
He might engage them if they start to break
down the door but quickly withdraw if the
fight gets too severe.
If they keep pressing on it, they can kill the
Bog Giant. The heroes might need to get
lucky, or it could be a TPK.
He could also return the child if he gets too
low on hit points and leaves. In this way, the
story can end with them still as heroes.
THEY ARE LOSING, BAD!
Remember, there is no upside for him now. He
has been discovered by the town. For him, the
knights of the baron are the real threat.
He doesn’t want to kill the heroes. If they are
getting slaughtered, he will try to parlay. He
will even heal the dying.
At that point, he will repeat his appeal. Either
leave him be with the child or kill the orc who
stole the child.
TALKING IT OUT
He will answer all the questions honestly
except for giving them information about his
hut, Darcy’s location, or personal plans.
He will tell them about Voltar dying, the magic
he has gifted him in exchange for the girl. He
wants the magic back.
Involving the Town
They will not be interested. One child is such an
enemy of such a powerful creature. Be�er to
wait for the knights. Let the baron deal with it.
It's why we pay taxes.
VICTORY!
They slay the giant, they should be able to
jump directly to Praise for the Heroes at the
end of the adventure.
Unfortunately they missed a lot of the fun. Not
a problem. You can take the various sections
and use them in other adventures.
13
 GOBLIN BANDITS
While traveling up the side of the mountain to
the Orc Camp, they encounter goblins. An
opportunity for information and an alliance.
Or it could become a fight.
SETTING
As the heroes make their way up the
mountain, goblins bandits have spotted them.
ENCOUNTER!
• Goblin Boss
• 13 goblins (both MM:
page 166)
GOT ANYTHING?
The majority of goblins
are hiding nearby. Their leader, Hey Dummy
(it's what his mom called him), reveals himself
to them.
Hey Dummy - Hey, people folk. You come up
to our mountains, huh? What say you to
that? You know this is our mountain? You
got anything for us?
Attack, if the heroes are not interested,
they can fight it out with a bunch of
goblins. The goblins will flee when 4 or
more of them die.
BATTLEFIELD
The goblins are uphill. They have partial
covering (AC +2) on round 1.
TACTICS
The goblins have a rock-side planned. They
will then charge. None of them will fight to
the death! When a goblin takes any damage, it
will run away.
Rock-slide. Those that make a DC 13 Percep�on
check avoid the trap. Everyone else takes 11
(3d6) damage, taking half damage on a
successful DC 10 Dexterity check from the
impromptu rock-side.
LOOT
Nothing interesting. That is why they are
robbing the heroes.
Its a Rout!
On paper, the fight looks super deadly. Since the
goblins don’t want a fight. It can be over in 1-2
rounds. A few die, and the rest retreat.
If it goes bad for the heroes, remember that the
goblins can be bribed. Instead of murdering
heroes, they will loot them.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
TALK TO THEM
The goblins will try to get a bribe from them.
If they mention the orcs, the goblins will
be quick to change their attitude. They will
offer to take the heroes to the orcs.
Hey Dummy - Oh, you want to kill orcs?
Don’t let us stop you. In fact, we will show
you the way! Follow us.
Insight skill checks, easy the goblins are
excited the heroes are here to kill orcs.
AT THE CAMPS
Once outside the Orc Camp, it will become
apparent to the heroes it is a nasty fight!
The goblins will offer another way.
Hey Dummy - We hate them, orcs. They lie
and steal from us. Kill many, but we kill
many too.
Hey, we will make a trade with you. If you
got something? We got something to tell
you that you want to know.
A trade? Smart, huh?
They will take anything of value, it could
be mundane weapons, something shiny, or
even food. They are not too picky.
In exchange, they will show the heroes the
Secret Tunnels to the Backdoor.
RETURNING GOBLINS
If the heroes fight them but get stuck in the
adventure, the goblins can always return with
more numbers to try to get a bribe from the
heroes. This can be a second chance to talk to
them and learn about the Secret Tunnel.
NEXT SCENE
If they work with the goblins, they will take
them to the Secret Tunnel. If not, they will go
to the Orc Camp.
14
 SECRET TUNNEL
The Goblins will lead the heroes to the other
side of the Orc Camps. They will show them a
hidden tunnel.
Hey Dummy - If you go that way, it will take
you to a sneaky way into their homes. They
won’t expect you that way.
Then the goblins leave. As they leave, they
sing songs about dead orcs.
NEXT EVENT
The tunnel will take them to the Lair of the
Spider.
They can return to the Orc Camp if they don’t
trust the tunnels.
Remember, they can always return to the Secret
Tunnel if the Orc Camps don’t work out for
them.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
LAIR OF THE SPIDER
The goblins have told a half-truth. The tunnels
will take them to the backdoor of the orcs, but
it is guarded. They are hoping the heroes will
clear the way for them.
SETTING
After traveling for twenty minutes, the tunnel
widens. Ahead are webs and an old shrine to
some ancient spider goddess.
BEHIND THE SCENES
The ruins were build by an ancient cult
devoted to an archfey who they worshiped as
a goddess.
It is too simple of a map to make. A sec�on of it
can be found on the Orc Dungeon Map. They
connect through a 15 foot secret passage.
15
 ENCOUNTER!
• 2 Giant Spiders (MM p328)
• 1 Animated Armor (MM p19)
BATTLEFIELD
Lots of spiderwebs to make difficult terrain.
Archery in the area is at a disadvantage.
The webs do not burn. After all, they are in a
shrine of a spider goddess.
TACTICS
When the spiders take damage, they will
withdraw only to attack again! They are trying
to get an advantage on their attacks.
The Animated Armor will attack whoever is
close to the statue each round.
Both spider and armor fight to the death.
Blessing of the Spider
As a bonus action, you can take a hide
action. Once you use this blessing, you lose
this ability.
LOOT
Anyone searching through the spiderwebs
will discover that many goblins and orcs have
been killed here.
Perception skill check, against a DC 15. If
they succeed, they find one of the orcs has
a pouch with a silver nugget (50 gp).
If they fail, they only find rotten gear.
Offend the Goddess!
When making an offering, if they give something
offensive, the goddess could decide to strike
against them.
Animated Armor rises from the ground to
murder the blasphemer hero.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
STATUE OF THE SPIDER
GODDESS
At the center of the cavern is an ancient
lifelike statue of the “Spider goddess.”
There is also a locked door on the other side
of the chamber. It will not open.
Investigating the Statue, there is a place to
make an offering to the goddess. And an
inscription below.
Reading the text, requires a DC 10 History
check. If you speak Elven, you have an
advantage. On a success, it is unclear as not
all of the words are recognized, but it
seems the goddess wants an offering.
Breaking open the door, it is possible to
force it open. It will take time and tools to
do so.
GIVING AN OFFERING
Anyone who places something on the platter
must make a DC 10 Religion check.
Good offerings get an advantage, while poor
ones get a disadvantage. Natural 1 causes Armor
A�acks!
Successful offering, the door will open, and
the giver of the offering will get the
blessing of the Spider.
The quality of the offering is judged by the
emotional connection of the hero giving. If it
means nothing to them, it is of poor quality.
Other offerings, after the first are made
with a disadvantage.
NEXT SCENE
The door takes them to the Backdoor.
16
 ORC CAMPS
The heroes have arrived at the Fang Gang
camps. The more strategy the heroes use, the
easier the fight.
It will be easier if they use the Backdoor.
SETTING
A sizeable open cave is the front door to their
dungeon home. Beyond it is their dungeon. It
is well guarded.
POSSIBLE TACTICS
If the heroes charge in, it will be a deadly
fight. They will need to make a plan.
They can watch the orcs for a while and count
their numbers.
Also, small groups of 4 orcs will occasionally
leave the caves to go on patrol around the
areas.
Getting into the caves, the good old divide
and conquer. They can kill a few of the orcs
and lower the numbers.
Pick off a patrol, will put them on high
alert.
WITH THE GOBLINS
If Hey Dummy has brought them here, he will
tell them there is another way inside.
See notes on the Secret Tunnel.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
FRONTAL ASSAULT
Suicide, but not if they hit and then run. As
many of the orcs are inside wounded, they
will not chase. But now the orcs are aware of
them. They will be better prepared.
Siege, each day 1-3 more orcs return. Their
number will be growing!
Waiting it out, if they keep waiting the orcs
numbers will grow to three times the size.
But all is not lost.
The orcs will eventually return to the business of
killing goblins and preparing for a raid. The
heroes only need to kill Voltar.
At some point, you can have a fight with them
and the leader. Then they run away.
ENCOUNTER!
• 6 Orcs (MM p246)
• 4 Orcs reinforcements
• 6 wolves (MM p341)
BATTLEFIELD
The orcs have cleared out all of the nearby
covers. Due to the pet wolves, it is nearly
impossible to sneak up.
TACTICS
This is their home. The orcs will fight to the
death.
They have partial cover and will throw
javelins and let the heroes come to them.
While possible, it will be a siege. The heroes
must hit, run, cut down patrols, and harass the
orcs. It will be much easier if they go to the
Tunnels.
Did they kill the goblins? While doing these
tac�cs, they discover the Secret Tunnels on their
own.
17
 THE DUNGEON B. PRIVATE CHAMBERS
Mostly filled with trash or empty.
Many of the chambers are uninteresting.
C. GUARD CHAMBER
MAP SUMMARY
A large chamber for sleep and living.
A. Front chamber
B. Private chambers Here is where the 4 reinforcement orcs live if
C. Guard chamber they did not run to help the Front Room.
D. Armory There can be a second encounter here to
clear them out.
E. Nursery
F. Water chamber D. ARMORY
G. Supply chamber
H. Dice chamber Normal spare axes, javelins, and hide armor.
Some other supplies like hammers, rope,
I. Mural chamber nails, and soap.
J. Trophy chamber
K. Voltar’s chamber E. NURSERY
L. Shrine of the Spider Goddess
Empty chamber where the children usually
live.
Mundane Explora�on
Recommended to not make too much of the F. WATER ROOM
explora�on. Keep it moving with summaries of Snow melt runs along the wall. There are clay
the uninteres�ng rooms. pots to store water here. There is evidence of
a bear that comes here.

DUNGEON ROOMS G. SUPPLY CHAMBER

A room filled with winter supplies of dried
A. FRONT CHAMBER meats and nuts.
Huge open cave. See Frontal Assault.

18

Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)

 H. DICE CHAMBER
Here are 6 wounded orcs. Two play dice while
the others sleep.
ENCOUNTER!
• 2 wounded Orcs (MM p246)
• 4 wounded Orcs (sleeping)
Wounded Orcs have 7 hit points.
STEALTH ENTRANCE
If the heroes used the Offering to open the
secret door, they could surprise the orcs.
Overwhelming many of them as they are
getting up from their beds.
BREAKING INTO THE PLACE
The orcs are ready if they spend time prying
open the secret door. However, they think it is
goblins, so they don't warn the gang as they
don't want to share the meal.
TACTICS
Straight up fight to the death. By Round 2, all
of the orcs should be up and fighting.
BATTLEGROUND
Fairly straightforward.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
I. MURAL CHAMBER
Has cave art to the Orc god. In the corner,
there is an offering pit.
History check, the art also includes clues
that there may be other orcs camps on the
other side of the mountain.
Optional, there is drawings of a large fire
elemental and a magical fire room. (see
Story Hooks)
In investigation the pit, they are 10 melted
gold nuggets (20 gp each).
STEALING FROM THE GOD?
If anyone takes the nugget, ask them.
DM - Are you stealing from the Orc god?
A�er all, this is a place where they make
religious offerings.
Make sure they know it's an act of blasphemy.
Even if it is against a god, they do not
worship.
CURSE OF THE ORC GOD
Anyone who takes a nugget must make a DC
18 persuasion skill check or get the curse: Ire
of the Howling God.
Make sure they know they have been cursed and
what will happen by it. The an�cipa�on will
worry them.
Ending the Curse. Remove Curse works to
end it. Once the DM uses it, it is over.
Ire of the Howling God
You have offend a god. The DM will change
one of your successful attacks into a miss.
The DM will try to do this at the worst
possible time for you. Once this happens,
the curse ends.
19
 J. TROPHY ROOM
A room with orc trophies on display
(weapons, scalps, animal heads, and furs).
LOOT
There are 6 high-quality furs (15 gp each). The
various mundane weapons and body parts
only have sentimental value.
If anyone is looting the room, they must
avoid a poison razor trap.
Poison Razor. Hidden in one of the furs is a
sharp, poisoned razor. It also has a bell on it
that rings. When removing the fur, make a
DC 15 Perception check. If they fail, they
must make a DC 12 Dexterity check or take
1d4 slashing and 1d4 poison damage.
VOLTAR ATTACKS!
If they trip the trap with the bell, he will drink
one of his Badger Gut potions and charge in
with his bear!
The final fight can be in this room.
Badger Gut Potion
For the next 10 minutes, you have 5
temporary hit points and advantage to all
saving throws against fear based magic.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
K. VOLTAR’S ROOM
The room of the leader. It is a modest room
with his personal effects in it. It also has
supplies for his pet bear.
ENCOUNTER!
• Voltar (see appendix)
• 1 brown bears
BATTLEGROUND
Voltar has two spike traps in his room. Anyone
who tries to flank him will trigger one of the
traps.
Spike Traps. Make a DC 15 Perception check
to spot the trap when you step into the area.
Otherwise, make a DC 12 Dexterity save. If
you fail, take 2d4 damage and are prone.
TACTICS
He will use everything he has in the fight. The
bear absorbs hits and traps to protect his
flanks.
ROLEPLAYING
He loves it. He feels alive for the first time. If
he is going to die today, it shall be a glorious
death. He will offer flattery for good hits on
him or the bear.
LOOT
The room is decorated with 4 high-quality
furs (15 gp each).
Investigation check, DC 15 finds hidden
treasure of 3 Badger Gut potions and 100
gold coins.
NEXT SCENE
Once they kill Voltar, there should be no other
motivation to stay in the dungeon. If the
heroes came by the backdoor, they could
dodge the Frontal Assault fight and just leave.
The should go to Return to the Bog Giant from
this point in the adventure.
20
 RETURN TO THE BOG GIANT
Here is to give the heroes a twist and an
ethical choice.

SETTING
They leave the Orc Camps and return to the
Bog. There should be no encounters on the
way.

REACHING THE HUT

The Bog Giant will be waiting for them in the
water. Darcy plays with some straw dolls on
the hut's porch.
He plans to honor the deal, but before he does
that, he makes an offer.
Bog Giant - You have done what is asked.
The child is yours to return to the town.
Before you take her. The warlord wanted
long life, and I will offer you the same as I
gave him.
If you let me keep my young daughter. I will
protect her and keep her young and
beau�ful for decades. Forever a child.
When she finally grows old, I will give her a
kind death before I eat her.
What more could you ask? In exchange for
this, I will give one of you the gi� of long life
I gave the Orc.
Is that not generous and fair?If they show
any sign of taking the deal, he will also offer
to throw in (4) potions of healing. But that is
the final offer.
If they agree, he will keep her word. He will
give the Fey Blessing of Long Life to one of
them. He doesn't care who.
They refuse, he allows them to take her
without a problem. He then tells them to
leave him alone.
Hero’s Double Cross, they can always take
everything from him and then attack. Still a
deadly fight!
Fey Blessing of Long Life
You will naturally live to your maximum
expected longevity for your race. In addition,
if you have less than your maximum total hit
points for your level, increase your maximum
hit points by +2.
Using this blessing, you can never have more
than your maximum allowed hit points for
your level.

NEXT SCENE
Move to the Praise for the Heroes once they
refuse the temptation.

21

Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)

 PRAISE FOR THE HEROES
The heroes return to town with Darcy. They
are heroes. The entire town comes out to
reward them with sweet potato stew and
cornbread. The girl is reunited with her
family.
The local priest will lead the town in prayer
for the heroes. They are given the blessing of
One-Time as a reward from the Harvest
goddess.
They will forever be friends in the town.
One-Time!
Upon rolling a natural 1 on a d20, you can
call upon the god for justice. Re-roll the die
using the better result. After you use this
blessing, you lose this blessing.
JOIN THE TOWN!
They are told that if they ever want to return
to live in the town, they will each be given 8
acres of farmland.
They can build homes on the land and be a
part of the community.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
STORY HOOKS
Where to take the adventure from here?
• The Baron could need their help. Landy will
give them an introduction letter explaining
their heroics to the Baron.
• They may want to research the Spider
Goddess, which could lead them to another
dungeon. One of them could think there
might have been another secret door in that
shrine they missed. Or while researching it,
the cult still lives, and they want to know
the location of their lost shrine to their
goddess.
• In the mural room of the orcs, there was a
painted map of a Fire Elemental pit. Perhaps
there is a secret to why the Fire Shaman had
such strong firebolts. Maybe they should go
investigate it.
• The young girl has a purpose. A local
Warlock (or a hero’s patron) asks them to
escort her through a dungeon to drink from
a holy fountain to unleash her sorcerer
powers.
• As they are leaving the area, Hey Dummy
comes to them with an ask. Kur the Butcher
now commands the other orc camps on the
other side of the mountains. He is worst
than the last guy. Hey Dummy knows where
a magical spear is hidden. Want to trade?
 APPENDIX
Stat blocks of the original creatures found in
this adventure.

VOLTAR THE REBORN

Medium humanoid (orc), lawful evil
Armor Class 16 (chain mail)
Hit Points 45 (6d8 +18)
Speed 30 � PB: +3
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
+3 +1 +3 +0 +1 +1
Skills. Nature +3, In�mida�on +3, Religion +3
Senses. Dark vision 60 �.
Languages Common, Orc, Giant
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Aggressive. As a bonus ac�on, the orc can
move up to its speed towards a hos�le
creature that it can see.
Gruumish' Fury. The orc deals an extra 4
(1d8) damage when it hits with a weapon
a�ack.
Howl of the God. When the orc reaches 20
or less hit points, he will call for his god to
assist him against one of his enemies. That
target must make a DC 14 Religion (Wisdom)
check. If they fail, Voltar gets 15 temporary
hit points and advantage on his next a�acks
if directed at the target. He can only uses this
ability once per long rest.
Ac�ons. He can make two a�acks.
War Spear. Melee Weapon A�ack: +6 to hit,
reach 5 �, one target, Hit 8 (1d10 +3)
piercing damage.
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon A�ack: +6
to hit, reach 5 � or 30/120., one target, Hit 6
(1d6 +3) piercing damage.

Description. A tall and strong orc who covers

himself in ash war paint before battle. He
carries a two handed war spear and wears
chain armor.
Tactics. He will choose to fight 1 to 1 against
the stronger enemy in hopes of breaking their
morale.
Loot. His war spear is decorated and worth 50
gp. He also has 50 gp of coins and (2) 25gp orc
jewelry.
23

Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)


FIRE SHAMAN
As Orcs (MM p246), but with 40 hit points
and Wisdom modifier of +2.
He is a 1st level casters with 2 spell slots.
Wisdom is his cas�ng modifier giving him a
+4/DC 12.
Cantrips: Firebolt that does 2d10!
Level 1: Alarm and Tasha’s Hideous Laughter.
Loot: The shaman has Tribal Jewelry (15 gp)
and a Leather Scroll with the spells Alarm and
Tasha’s Hideous Laugh.
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
BOG GIANT
Large giant, neutral evil
Armor Class 15 (natural)
Hit Points 102 (12d8 +48)
Speed 35 � PB: +3
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
+5 +1 +4 +1 +2 (-1)
Skills: Percep�on +4, Stealth +6
Damage Resistant: cold, fire
Condi�on Immuni�es: prone
Senses Dark vision 120 �.
Languages Common, Giant
Challenge 4 (1,1000 XP)
Reach. He has natural reach of 10 feet.
Innate Spellcas�ng. The Bog Giant innate
spellcas�ng ability is Wisdom (spell save DC
12). He does not require materiel
components.
At Will: Light, druidcra�, poison spray (2d12)
1/day each. Burning hands, cure wounds,
good berry, magic missiles
Ac�ons. The Bog Giant can make a punch
a�ack. He then can either cast a spell or
make an addi�onal punch a�ack.
Punch. Melee Weapon A�ack: +8 to hit,
reach 10 �, one target, Hit 12 (2d6 +5)
bludgeoning damage.
Description: 9 feet tall, he looks more like a
fey creature than a giant. His skin is green and
there is yellow moss growing on him.
Attitude. There is no reason he wants to die in
this adventure. With that said, he will defend
his hut to the death. Otherwise, he will be
quick to withdraw and try to make a deal.
Tactics. In fights, he will attack and back up
not concern about attacks of opportunity. He
will try to use natural cover like trees to
protect his flank. Don't forget his reach. He
can always run to the bog and hide.
Loot. He carries 50 gp on her but most of his
treasure is in his hut.
24
 AFTERWARD
ADVANCE OUTLINES
Someone suggested my guides and adventure
were more like advanced outlines than a
totally polished completed work. I indeed give
fewer details. My focus is on the structure.
Perhaps it might be personal preference, but I
don't like it when a guide gives me too many
concrete details, especially on the
meaningless aspects. So I keep it streamlined.
WORK IN PROGRESS
Like all of my guides, I consider this a work in
progress. Hopefully, I will continue to hunt
out typos and mistakes. Also, expand and
improve the content. If I make an update, you
will get a copy of it in the future.
I want to say thank you so much for your
support. If you want to give feedback, I can be
reached at Hello@darkeaglegames.com.
NEWSLETTER
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Join here!
Victor Lyashok (Order #37345719)
THANK YOU!
You purchased this guide; it means a lot
to me. I make these to share my play style
with others.
5e is a great game, but it is not perfect. As
the influence of MTG and Adventure
League codified the rule, I feel something
gets lost.
I started playing when the rules were
more of guidelines. Independent
publishers like Dave Hargrave of the
Arduin trilogy would offer detailed
ramblings that would spark the
imagination.
His campaign was a mess. Totally
unplayable. But the ideas were original
and fun.
My guides are not perfect. But I hope you
find them helpful and, more importantly,
inspirational.
Dark Eagle Games
Wri�en By: John Walts
Art: Midjourny AI
August, 2022
Darkeaglegames.com
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26