A Baleful Awakening

A Baleful Awakening is an adventure with elements of survival horror that is intended to be the start of
a new campaign—or a standalone adventure.
Waking in an abandoned tomb, the party must scavenge the area for weapons and supplies in order to
survive. If they’re lucky enough, they might discover what has happened to them…and get out alive.

A 3 hour adventure for four, 1st level characters

by Adrian Kaas

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A Baleful Awakening 1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3
The Naeviris Tomb 4
Necropolis Escape 9
Appendix A: Monsters 11
Appendix B: Items 12
Credits 14

A Baleful Awakening 2
INTRODUCTION
To the dead we pray,
Don’t come near this night.
There’s a home for you,
So don’t covet our light.
—Vernal Heart Folksong
The city of Vernal Heart is a hardy place that lies
amidst the mountains. People say there’s something
special in the land itself, a strong magic inherent to it.
This has drawn and bred two competing schools of
magic to study the area—one arcane and one druidic.
The relative remoteness has made the city an even more
attractive option, as it’s far more difficult to monitor the
experiments of a place so difficult to travel to.
This doesn’t change the fact that something very
illegal and dangerous is happening in Vernal Heart. A
rash of strange kidnappings have been going on for
months. The victims are people from lower classes, and
so the higher-ups haven’t been paying as much mind as
they should. However, enough people have gone
missing with many leaving behind families that want
answers. The situation can’t be ignored any longer.
But where have the bodies gone?
The answer lies above the city, in the necropolis
carved out from the mountain. Deep within that
labyrinthine place, a tomb has been cleared out to
practice strange, necromantic studies. This is where the
party will awake, finding themselves trapped after the
latest experiment didn’t take effect.
To make matters worse, the researchers stationed
there have been brutally murdered, their bodies rising
again due to the overlapping and lingering layers of
their necromancy spells. The fault is their own, because
when you play with dead that don’t wish to be
disturbed, sometimes those dead fight back.
ADVENTURE SYNOPSIS
In their attempt to escape, characters will have to
scavenge to survive, finding and creating weapons and
armor. They will face undead guard dogs, zombies, and
a shadow while trying to piece together what happened
in that tomb. The adventure is designed for four 1st-
level player characters, and will take them to level 2 by
the end of the story.
1. Naeviris Tomb. The majority of the adventure will
be spent trying to escape this area, gather gear, and
survive. Exploration is a dangerous, but rewarding. A
number of clues can be gained that lead to the identity
of who is ordering these kidnappings and experiments
A Baleful Awakening
in the first place, because the crew living in the tomb
are merely ground workers. By not scavenging for
armor and weapons, the characters will find it
significantly more difficult to get the key to open the
trapped gate.
2. Necropolis Entrance. The necropolis guards will
naturally wish to question the characters regarding what
transpired, and if the party cooperates, they are likely to
be rewarded later and given a possible avenue for
further work. If the characters react negatively to the
guards, it will make escaping a fair deal harder.
RUNNING THE ADVENTURE
This adventure is designed to provide a plothook to
starting a campaign, as well as provide a reason to
gather the party together. While the story is set near the
city of Vernal Heart, it is intended to spark ideas for an
original setting, or as a placeholder for more established
ones. Likewise, it is recommended to play with the
story to best suit the needs of the campaign.
One thing to note is that the inciting incident,
involving kidnapping and drugging, could potentially be
very uncomfortable for some players. Making sure
everyone is on the same page is a good way to clear up
any issues before they pop up in the first session.
PLAYING A SESSION 0
Depending on group playing style, a session 0 involving
how the characters came to the area, and then were
kidnapped and knocked out could be useful to establish
setting and atmosphere. If not, discussing why the
individuals are in the area beforehand, whether on the
road or living in the city itself, would still be a good
way to give the players a sense of place.
3
THE NAEVIRIS TOMB
OUTER ENVIRONS
1. SERVANTS’ QUARTERS
To begin the first scene, start by having the players roll
a Constitution saving throw. This will determine the
order in which they wake up.
You come to consciousness with a clouded mind and a hazy
memory. Hadn’t you just been on the road? Or did you
manage to get to the inn? You try to open your eyes, but you
can’t see. What happened to your eyes?! Gradually, you begin
to understand that you entire body is covered in something
soft with an odd, herbal smell.
Rubbing at your face until the cloth comes away, you
realize you are naked save for the bandages covering you
from head to toe. Looking over, you see several other
individuals also stirring to face whatever nightmare you’ve
found yourselves in.
IS STARTER EQUIPMENT NEEDED?
While the intent of this adventure is to have the players collect
the items they need along the way, you might not find this
suitable for your own group. In this case, you can change the
scene to have some of their gear stored somewhere
haphazardly within the room. However, it is recommended
you increase the difficulty of the encounters to take this
change into account.
2. KITCHEN
While there is more light in this room, coming from a
long window and around the frame of the door, it is far
dustier than the one the characters woke in. It is a
kitchen made of stone, but with various tools of steel
and iron hanging on the walls and shelves.
Treasure. With a cursory investigation, some of the
items in the kitchen can be turned into makeshift
weapons: rusted cooking knives (dagger), frying pans
(club), bandages and loose stones (slingshot), and a
couple serving platters (a shield that only gives +1 AC).
Creatures. Looking out the window with a
successful DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) will expose a

The characters are in the servants’ personal quarters

of a noble estate. However, everything in it is carved
from stone. This includes the beds they are lying on,
the storage chests, and the lone set of shelves. Faint,
dusty light comes from a window cut out of the
wall, slanting through heavy iron bars. On the north
wall, there is a door made of old, warped wood held
together by bolted, metal brackets.
Bandages. Checking the bandages requires a
successful DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check. This
will allow them to piece together that the
composition of herbs and chemicals applied to the
bandages are commonly used in the embalming
process in this part of the world.
Kidnappers. Because the dust has been
disturbed, a success on a DC 14 Intelligence
(Investigation) or Wisdom (Survival) reveals that at
least three people have been coming into and out of
this room. Their frequent passing has worn down the
dust to nothing in the most well-tread areas, but you
can still make out at least three distinct footprints.
Arcane markings. Above each of the beds is a
circle made of arcane markings. A successful DC 16
Intelligence (Investigation) or Wisdom (Perception)
is needed to see them, and a DC 10 Intelligence
(Arcana) will identify them as coming from the
Necromancy school of magic.

A Baleful Awakening 4
large, skeleton dog (Appendix A) that looks to be in
rough shape. With a DC 14 Wisdom (Perception), the
second skeleton dog can be seen lying down in the
shadowed recess of the eastern flower bed.
OPTIONAL RULES FOR OLD GEAR
All weapons and armor found in this estate are very, very old.
Be warned, if a 1 is rolled on an attack, they will break and
become unusable. Similarly, if an enemy rolls a critical hit on
their attack, the armor will similarly be lost.
3. COURTYARD
Creatures. As soon as the door is opened or any
movement is made in the courtyard, the two skeleton
dogs will rush forward to engage in combat.
The courtyard you now find yourselves in is heavily in
shadow. You realize you are in an enormous cavern carved to
look like a noble estate like you find in a city. Bright noon
light filters from a sinkhole up high above, and through two
gates to the south. This light passes over structures that are
simple, but elegant—all deep shadows and bright highlights.
Between you and a three story building are two flowerbeds
and a pool that has a small wisp of smoke curling up from the
rim. Maybe this place was beautiful once, but now it is lonely,
barren, and somewhere even weeds don’t want to grow.
Pool. Where before there would have been a small
pool of water is now a pit of ash. It’s full of burnt bones
and crisped body parts as well as a few lingering scraps
of cloth. This is where the researchers disposed of
bodies once they were done experimenting on them.
A Baleful Awakening
Gate Trap. It appears that the only way out of the
estate is through the gate to the south. It is ornate iron,
large enough for a carriage to pass through. With a
detect magic spell, or a successful DC 13 Intelligence
(Investigation), the Evocation runes inscribed on the
gate will be revealed.
If anyone attempts to pick the lock, break the gate,
or even touch the bars, it will trigger the trap, which
does 2d6 (6) fire damage. This trap will trigger
indefinitely without the use of the key.
Stairs. On the outside of the three story building,
there is a set of stairs curving up to a broken balcony,
and door, on the second floor (that leads to Area 10). If
proceeding cautiously, no check need be succeeded.
However, fair portions of the stone steps have given
way and are in ill repair with clumsy boards thrown
over top. If any character chooses to walk up without
watching their footing, a success on a DC 12 Dexterity
(Acrobatics) check will be required to not fall through
near the top and take 1d6 (3) fall damage.
4. BARRACKS
This area appears to have designed as a barracks, with
bunk beds and stone storage chests similar to the
servants’ area.
5. ARMORY
Within this room is an armory that has stands of dusty,
rusted weapons and armor. With a bit of craftiness, they
can be made useful again.
Treasures. A number of weapons can be scavenged
from this room including a mace, halberd, longsword,
shortsword, shield, and three rusty breastplates with a
reduced AC of 13 + Dex modifier (max 2).
FIRST FLOOR
6. HALL OF TRIUMPHS
Light stretches in, and you see marble has been laid over the
natural stone. Compared to the other areas you’ve been to so
far, it seems relatively clean here. There are several, ancestral
statues stretching down the hall, and along both walls is a set
of double doors. The one to the right is slightly ajar, and from
inside you can smell wet earth and something fungal.
Left doors. If a character succeeds on a DC 12
Wisdom (Perception), they will be able to hear a slight
moaning and scratching coming from behind the doors
on the left side of the hall. This is a zombie.
5
7. SOLARIUM
It is completely dark within this large room, for the windows
have been boarded over. A thick, herbal scent invades your
nostrils, and over top the stone furniture and decor, there are
dozens of large boxes full of rich soil that host odd plants and
mushrooms.
This room was carved to be a solarium—an area for
peaceful viewing and tea parties. Now it is being used
to grow photophobic plants.
Plants. A success on a DC 14 Intelligence (Nature)
check will lead to the understanding that while some of
these plants are mildly poisonous, nothing is overtly
fatal to touch or ingest. There is also a fair blend of odd
herbs and fungi that can induce sleep or hallucinations.
However, combing these plants together could
potentially create a rather dangerous concoction.
8. DINING HALL
A once grand dining hall has been completely
ransacked. The alchemy lab it had been turned into has
been destroyed, with glass and partially finished
solutions splattered everywhere. It is apparent that the
dwarf was killed in the work area, the blood streaking
as she crawled to the door. From there she began the
transformation into a zombie.
Creatures. If no stealth checks are being made, or
the group average is below 10, then the zombie within
the dining hall will begin to more energetically beat and
moan at the door. As soon as the door is opened,
combat will initiate with the relatively fresh corpse of a
well-dressed, dwarven woman.
A Baleful Awakening
Treasure. Easily found on the dwarf’s belt is a key
to area 13. A successful DC 12 Intelligence
(Investigation) check made on the room can expose a
healing potion, an alchemical formula detailing how to
make a sleeping draught, and a workbook containing
many different trials—the most recent being the one
used on the party. If any character has proficiency in
alchemist’s tools, then no roll is needed to understand
that the general direction of this workbook is leading
toward creating deeper, catatonic states in the people
the doses are administered to.
9. TOILET
Within this small room are a couple buckets of waste
that should have been taken out days ago. The smell is
abysmal.
SECOND FLOOR
10. HALLWAY
There is an open area that has a small lounge consisting
of stone couch and chair placed next to a window that
overlooks the courtyard.
Smell. With a success on a DC 10 Wisdom
(Perception), the character can hear and smell some of
what is lying in wait deeper on the floor. The rank
aroma of death and the frenzied squeaking of rats is all
too evident. The sounds and scents are coming from
area 11B.
11A. GUEST ROOM
This room belonged to the dwarven alchemist-turned-
zombie that was found in area 8 on the first floor. Over
the stone decoration, few attempts
have been made to make it homier, and
everything is well ordered and
organized.
Trap. A successful DC 12
Intelligence (Investigation) or Wisdom
(Perception) check will reveal that
there is a trap on this door laid by the
previous resident. If triggered, a small
shower of rocks falls down to deal 1
bludgeoning damage. After it is
triggered, a note will lazily drift down.
It reads, “Stop looking through my
stuff, Garentha.”
Treasure. Within the neat room, it
6
easy to find what few useful items
there are. There is a purse with 10 gp,
68 sp, 112 cp, alchemist’s supplies,
and a healing potion.

11B. GUEST ROOM

This is where the horrid smell and
sounds of rats is coming from.
Within is the gory, animated remains
of a half elven woman, her blood and
viscera mixed with the chaos of her
personal items. Though the zombie
cannot walk, it still clumsily moves
its arms and tries to snatch up the rats
swarming over and picking at the
separated pieces of its flesh.
Creatures. While standing outside the door to the
room, there is no danger. However, as soon as foot is
set in to pick through the items inside, the swarm of
rats will attack anyone that tries to disturb their meal.
They will give chase if their prey flees, but will back off
and return to the room once the target has left the
second floor. There is also the zombie lying on the bed
in the room. This presents a much lesser threat, as it has
disadvantage on all its attack rolls and a speed of 0.
Treasure. Once the enemies have been dispatched,
a successful DC 12 Intelligence (Investigation) check
can be used to comb through the mess for loot. Picking
through the scattered coins can turn up 2 gp and 9 cp. In
terms of more mundane items, there is a flask half full
of alcohol as well as a key to area 13. If a detect magic
spell is cast, it will pick up on the find familiar scroll,
and a ruined spellbook. A success on a DC 10
Intelligence (Arcana) check will identify the spellbook
as being full of primarily Necromancy spells.
Unfortunately, whatever happened here has rendered it
completely unusable.
12. BALLROOM
What was once a ballroom, with an ornate chandelier of glass
as the centerpiece, has now been transformed into a bizarre
intermediary space. Though the windows are clear, a couple
lanterns have been set up in the more darkened corners. They
flicker fitfully, the oil within them nearly fully spent. There’s
a pile of clothing and a few crates set up along one wall, and it
seems to be a sorting area. On the other side of the room are
three tables, one of which has a body partially wrapped in
bandages.
Body. The corpse on the table is that of an average
seeming, human male in his late thirties. Rolling a
successful DC 10 Wisdom (Medicine) to examine the
body will show that he was likely killed by blunt force
trauma to the back of his skull, and appears to have
been a laborer when he was alive.
Treasure. The pile of clothing and boxes mostly
has personal items from lower class citizens. They are
generally rough, stained, and have been mended many
times. Going through the pile, a success on a DC 12
Intelligence (Investigation) check will help find a finely
made, tan coat hidden amidst the more common items.
It has a base worth of 10 gp, and in the pocket is a pearl
worth 100 gp.
If there is a wizard in the party and the characters
are not going to be able to retrieve the gear they had
before being kidnapped, the Game Master might wish to
provide a spellbook as well that will miraculously
contain all the same spells that the wizard character had.
THIRD FLOOR
13. COMMON AREA
Door. In contrast to the rest of the building, the door
here is obviously new. To enter the third floor, either
one of the keys found on the zombies will allow the
door to be opened. Alternatively, it can be beaten down
(AC 15, 7 hit points).

A Baleful Awakening 7
There is no light in the third floor hallway, for no walls that
the goddess Leira. If the name of the goddess is said
you can see have windows. Like below, the smell of death while the scroll is open, a mouth will appear and in a
precedes your finding of the body. In front of an open door whispered voice of indistinguishable gender, will say,
lies the bloody corpse. The human man’s face is frozen in a “In the first new moon of the month. Dusk. Within the
rictus of fear and his throat was torn open by a dagger lying a grove behind the Lastallan Monument. Reminder to
short distance away. bring all reports.”
This is a meeting with the researchers’ contact,
Crying. In area 17, the imprisoned spirit of the lady nine days away. The contact is a female, wood elf druid
of the manor is weeping. Faint and ethereal, it’s barely that goes by the name of ‘Mica’. She is but one part in
perceptible without a successful DC 12 Wisdom the chain of the operation, and provides locations for
(Perception) check. body pickups, and orders from higher up.
Treasure. On the body of the man is a set of
15. MASTER BEDROOM
studded leather armor, a bloody dagger, a healing
From this far into the third floor, even the least
potion, the main gate key, and a silver dog whistle
perceptive can now hear the weeping woman. It
(Appendix B) with a magical aura from the
becomes omnipresent, a constant litany within the
Enchantment school.
desecrated room. The carved bed has been broken apart
and underneath carvings of a sleeping man and woman,
14. STUDY
Of all the rooms in the building, this one is being used a skeleton has been arranged into a bizarre design. In
as the original carvings implied. There are open papers the hollow beneath it are painted necromantic sigils that
across the stone desk and jammed into spare spaces on are little over a week old.
the shelves. These is the remains of a ritual the now deceased
Code. While nothing in the room is hidden away, wizard was using as simple practice. It clearly wasn’t
all of the most important correspondence is written in important to her, or the other residents of the estate, as
code. In order to decode the messages, three separate there’s castoff detritus from the spell scattered about the
sessions of study with a success on a DC 15 Intelligence room without care.
check are required. A long rest is required between each
16. BATHROOM
attempt. The details within can be as detailed at the
Inside, the light from the window reveals a bathroom,
Dungeon Master desires, but in general, they are reports
that if real, would have been worthy of envy.
on how the experiments have been going, requests for
Unfortunately, it is full of dust, and dried muck at the
different kinds of humanoids to practice on, and areas
bottom of a tub that also has a haphazardly tossed
where meetings took place. The character that learns
skeleton lying in it. These are the remains of the lord.
this code will be able to read and write in it at any time,
Skeleton. A successful DC 16 Intelligence
and can count it as a language: Tomb Code.
(Investigation), exposes that there are bits of ink and
Scroll. With the use of detect magic or a successful
blood on the bones that suggest a ritual was conducted
DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation), a scroll with magic
on this skeleton, though it appears to have been rejected
mouth cast on it can be found amidst all the other
for whatever reason. There is also a gold tooth in the
documents.
skull worth 4 sp.
Written upon it is ‘Speak the name of the Sunken
Woman.’ Without leaving the necropolis and
investigating further, it is very difficult to know what is
being referred to and requires a success on a DC 20
Intelligence (History) check. In Vernal Heart, there is a
gathering place used by the local, more established
underworld members. It is called the Sunken Woman.
Only a character with a Criminal Background, who is
from the city, would know the vague location of it. Yet
they would likely never have been there as it is for more
powerful individuals.
The mentioned ‘woman’ is referring to a statue of

A Baleful Awakening 8
17. CHILD’S ROOMS

There is a pervasive aura of sadness in this set of rooms.

Stepping inside, it is clear that this was supposed to be the
bedroom and play area for a child. Despite the changes made
to the rest of the estate, these rooms have been left untouched.
A thick layer of dust coats the rocking horse and toys left out.
There is a small bed with a chair beside it in the northern area.
On that chair, is the white, translucent figure of a woman.
Her form is vague, as if the spirit is unsure of what she
actually used to look like. She weeps, and other than briefly
glancing up at you, does not seem to care that you’re here.

Creatures. In the northern corner with the deepest

darkness, a shadow is lurking, and its stealth can be
rolled versus the characters’ Perception. Yet even if
none manage to notice it, the shadow will still be
unable to launch a surprise round. The moment it moves
to attack, the lady’s spirit will begin to scream
wordlessly at it, setting off the alert. While the spirit
will attempt to harm the shadow, she is unable to do
any damage.
Once combat commences, the corpse in area 13
will reanimate as a zombie if it hadn’t been previously
destroyed. If the armor was not removed, it will have an
Armor Class of 10.
When combat has come to an end, the lady will
return to her chair and continue to weep, moving her
arms as if holding a baby. As she is a spirit on the verge
of becoming a specter and losing any sanity she once
had before being forcibly brought back to the material
plane, any attempts to interact with her will be met with
screaming. However, she will not attack the characters.
It’s best just to leave her alone for now.
Treasure. There isn’t much in the way of riches in
this room, but one item that remains is a mobile above
the bed that is made of gold and semi-precious stones.
Each of the little spheres represent one of the higher
planes. Because of the exquisite craftsmanship, the
mobile could likely be sold for 15 gp.

A Baleful Awakening 9

THE NECROPOLIS
You fit the key into the lock. There is a small resistance
before it turns and clicks. Unbidden, the gate swings open
with a mournful creak. Passing through the lane between the
two outer buildings, you can then open the second gate
without issue. You now find yourself on a narrow roadway
with a clear sky high above, bracketed by the walls of the
crevasse.
At even intervals along the winding path are other gates
with plaques next to them, each bearing a family name. The
plaque next to the gate you stepped through reads ‘Naeviris’.
Back story. Nearly a century ago, there was a
terrible plague that swept through Vernal Heart. The
Naeviris were a mercantile family on the lower end of
the upper class. They had gotten a lucky break large
enough to reach new heights on the social hierarchy—
enough to purchase their own tomb in the necropolis.
With only the husband, wife, and new babe bearing the
family name, they perished in the plague soon after
their tomb was finished.
The path out. This singular pathway extends for
quite a while, but portions of the necropolis can turn
into a maze in the older areas. A successful DC 12
Wisdom (Survival) check will lead them to newer areas
of the necropolis.
Guards. Throughout the necropolis are guards
patrolling in case of pillagers and to ensure that no
tombs are desecrated. They patrol in pairs. If
encountered they will be wary, but not aggressive. A
simple success on a DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion) will
have them believing the characters’ claims of being
kidnapped.
Either way, they will firmly ask the characters to
accompany them to meet with the captain on duty at the
time, Lura Hill (Appendix A). If the party refuses, they
will begin to fight, within reason, to restrain them.
DANGER IN THE NECROPOLIS
The longer the party is in uninhabited parts of the necropolis,
the more dangerous it becomes for a group so ill-equipped and
green. Specters, ghosts, giant spiders—all of these lurk in
the necropolis, and can be used to steer the party back toward
safer areas.
NECROPOLIS ENTRANCE
Near the entrance of the necropolis, the space has been
greatly widened out. Lower to the earth, huge sections
A Baleful Awakening
of stone and earth have been moved away, and there are
more than a few areas bustling with activity as new
tombs are being crafted. In fact, a central area has been
set up almost as a makeshift village for the workers and
guards.
1. GUARD STATION
One of the largest and sturdiest buildings in the
encampment. It is positioned higher up on the tiers of
carved out mountain so as to have a better view of the
work going on.
It is a long, squat building made of wood that is starting to be
bleached by rain and sun. There is nothing fancy about it,
though there’s a certain homey quality to a place that’s well-
used and kept in good repair. Within it is shadowed and
smells faintly of wood smoke from a fireplace that is currently
cold.
Near the front of the room, a tiefling woman approaching
middle-age stands behind a desk. She is a strong woman in
armor that is old but kept clean. It contrasts to the near
luminous quality of her blue-white complexion and cerulean
eyes. At her feet is a dented shield, and on her back is a
sheathed longsword. She radiates an aura of authority.
ROLEPLAYING LURA HILL
Lura is a firm but fair guard captain. While a very
professional woman, she does have a certain gallows humor
when she relaxes, and that can be somewhat off-putting or
offensive to quite a few people. She grows more intense upon
learning that the party has escaped, as there have been strange
kidnappings going on for several months.
2. CARVERS’ GUILD
The largest of the buildings is actually two stories in
height. It is also the most richly furnished despite its
temporary nature. This is where the main designers of
the new tombs live, plan, work, and host their rich
clients for meetings and tours of the eventual resting
places.
The current head is a rock gnome named Keball
Schenton. He has a good working relationship with the
guard captain, as the two understand the importance of
safety, both from robbers and the undead outbreaks that
happen from time to time.
3. MESS HALL
This is a long hall full of tables and benches, and a
station for workers to get their meals.
4. SLEEPING SHEDS
These makeshift small clusters of buildings are
essentially designed to house a few workers for when
10
they sleep, and as a place to stash what gear they bring
to the work site.
5. WORK SITE
A massive tomb is being dug out of the mountain. At
the current stage, it’s mostly excavating out the space
while leaving the rough shapes of what will be
buildings. In comparison to the estate the characters
escaped from, it is enormous.
DEVELOPMENTS
There are a number of ways the adventure can be
resolved depending on what clues have been picked up,
and the rapport the party establishes with the guards. If
milestone levelling is being used, the characters should
all reach level 2 upon finally leaving the necropolis. If
using the experience points system, in addition to the
XP from defeating enemies, they party will receive a
combined 800 XP for surviving to get to this point.
Uncovering additional clues might warrant gaining
additional experience points.
Tips. After speaking with the guard captain, she
will offer an escort to the main barracks within Vernal
Heart. She thinks that the higher-ups will want to ask
further questions. She won’t force them to go, and will
leave off an escort if they don’t wish it, but does say
that there might be some monetary reward for providing
information on the mysterious kidnappings that have
been occurring in the city and adjacent areas.
A Baleful Awakening
Sneaking. If, for whatever reason, the party decides
that sneaking is the better option, they will have a fairly
tough time with it. Guard patrols are fairly regular at all
times of day and night, and it can be dangerous to hide
in the tombs—if they are even accessible.
Arrested. If the guards are hostile to the party, they
will be put in a holding cell for a night, and then taken
to the barracks in the city. Escape will be incredibly
difficult, but still possible. However, merely waiting out
the night will have the party taken in, their stories
checked, and sent on their way—without the reward
that would have been possible for cooperating.
The narrow canyon winds beyond the excavation site, the
shadows long and the breeze more intense for being squeezed
through such a narrow space. It opens up to a road gently
switchbacking its way down the mountainside. It is beautiful.
All the trees are orange and gold, a thick carpet of them
extending throughout the valley.
Wisps of smoke curl up from a dark gap in the foliage.
There would be Vernal Heart, just an edge of it in view from
your vantage point.
The wind stirs, the leaves rustling like whispers and
carrying the scent of rich plant life. It’s a fairly sharp contrast
to the dust and blood that’s been filling your nose.
You’re free…for the moment at least.
11
APPENDIX A: MONSTERS LURA HILL
Medium humanoid, lawful neutral
SKELETAL GUARD DOG Armor Class 17
Medium undead, lawful evil Hit Points 36 (4d10+8)
Armor Class 11 Speed 30 ft.
Hit Points 10 (2d8+2)
Speed 40 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 12 (+1) 15 (+2) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 11 (+0)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 12 (+1) 15 (+2) 2 (-4) 8 (-1) 5 (-3)
Skills Insight +3, Intimidation +2, Perception +3
Saves Strength +5, Constitution +4
Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning Damage Resistances Cold
Damage Immunities poison Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned Languages Common, Infernal
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Languages —
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP) Innate Spellcasting. Lura’s innate spellcasting ability is
based on her tiefling heritage, and uses Charisma. She
Keen Hearing. The skeleton dog has advantage on has a +2 to hit, and a spell save of DC 10.
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing.
At will: ray of frost
ACTIONS 1/day: armor of agathys (at 2nd level)
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 3 (1d4+1) piercing damage. If the target is a Second Wind. As a 4th level fighter, Lura has access to
medium or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 11 the ability after a short or long rest. She heals 9 (1d10 +
Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. 4).

Action Surge. Lura can take an additional action on her

turn. She cannot take this again until she’s had a short
or long rest.

Improved Critical. With the Champion archetype, an

attack roll of a 19 or 20 counts as a critical hit.

ACTIONS
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) slashing damage.

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APPENDIX B: ITEMS
WHISTLE OF (UNDEAD) COMMAND
Wondrous Item, Uncommon
This silver whistle looks plain save for the markings
around the mouthpiece. As an action, the whistle can be
blown to cast command on any undead creature, who
then must save against a DC of 10. This feature can
only be used once per long rest.

A Baleful Awakening 13
CREDITS
Writing and Design. Adrian Kaas is a content creator
that loves the idea and writing side of the creating
process, but who’s not all that great at the formatting
and visual design side. If you have any questions or
comments about this adventure, you kind find them on
Twitter or their Blog.

A Baleful Awakening 14