THE PRIEST

AND HIS
GIANT PROBLEM
LIGHTRAIDERS ADVENTURE BIBLE SYSTEM

ADVENTURE TWO

JAMES R. HANNIBAL JAMES R. BROWN

DAVID N. BROOKS JOSHUA BIXLER

Lightraiders Press
Houston · Orlando
LIGHTRAIDERS®
THE PRIEST AND HIS GIANT PROBLEM
Copyright © 2024 by XPC Media, LLC

Published by Lightraiders Press,

a division of XPC Media, LLC
Winter Garden, FL, USA
www.lightraiders.com

INCLUDED PERMISSIONS
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United States Patent and Trademark Office by XPC Media LLC.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by
Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are
federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Divine pronouns are capitalized
for context.

The fantasy story portions of this book are works of fiction. Names, characters, places, and
incidents are the product of the authors’ imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resem-
blance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, aside from clearly stated Biblical
allegory is coincidental.

CREDITS
Story creation by James R. Brown and James R. Hannibal
Written by David N. Brooks, Joshua Bixler, James R. Brown, and James R. Hannibal
Edited by Cindy Huckabay
Graphic design and layout by James R. Hannibal and James R. Brown
Illustrated by Dean Zachary, Rota Davide; stock illustrations via Depositphotos.com
Cover Design by Kirk DouPonce, DogEaredDesign.com
Cartography by Graham Snow, Gavin C. Huckabay
Additional Cartography by James R. Hannibal
DragonRaid® 1984 created by Dick Wulf
 THE PRIEST
AND HIS
GIANT PROBLEM
LIGHTRAIDERS ADVENTURE BIBLE SYSTEM

Contents
Symbol Key.................................................................................................................iv

Start Here and Episode Summaries.................................................................. v

Things To Know........................................................................................................ iii

Location 1: Jagged Rock........................................................................................1

Location 2A: Fire Pass - Western Pass................................................. 15

Location 2B: Fire Pass - Eastern Pass.................................................. 31

Location 3A: Setis - Gates and Barracks............................................ 41

Location 3B: Setis - Inner Setis.............................................................. 51

Location 3C: Setis - The Baron’s Tower................................................. 59

Location 4A: Wyrm Dunes - Sacri ficial Post..................................... 67

Location 4B: Wyrm Dunes - Hermit’s Den............................................. 81

Location 5: Great Pit o f Spores............................................................... 93

Location 6A: The Temple: Outer Chambers.......................................... 107

Location 6B: The Temple: Hall o f the Giant..................................... 115

iii
 Symbol Key battle
Battles occur in a location or encounter.
granog

Read to Players. Story sections you’ll read A red info box within the shaded section battle

to the players. All italicized text is “Read to includes creature stats and a damage tracker.
Players,” even without the icon.
trial el
unn
Info for the AM. Instructions for you, the Trials are challenges that occur within a rt
wate
Adventure Master, such as how to present the location or encounter. A blue info box
al
scene, act as a non-player character, or share within the shaded section includes all the t ri

additional information with your players. stats needed for the trial.

Cue(s). Question(s) you can use to prompt the parley

fishmonger
players to take action. Read them to the players. Parleys occur within an location or
This text is always italicized. encounter. They are conversations with parley

non-player characters your party meets

during the quest. They are usually designed for gaining
Actions. A list of actions the players might take information. A green info box within the shaded section
and the results of each action. has all the stats you’ll need for the parley.

Onward. Places the characters may go or rescue

actions they may take once the scene is over. Rescues occur within a location or
encounter. During a rescue, your party
shares The Great Rescue (the Gospel) with the
a non-player character and invites them to ist
Tips, Hints, and Strategies. These boxes offer hem
accept the Rescuer. A gold information box alc
extra info to help you learn and run Lightraiders. cue
within the shaded section has all the stats res

you need for the rescue.

location heading
1 Location number within 1 The Outpost
the episode. sa fe haven

Location type.
sa fe haven

Locations may start in the middle of a column.

start point
Where you begin the episode’s action after sp
reading “The Story So Far” will depend on where
your PCs were at the end of the previous episode.
Locations that serve as a possible Start Points include this
label in the location heading.

encounter heading
1 The Bears
1 Encounter number
within the episode.
Encounters happen along your journey, often between
locations. They may start in the middle of a column.

places/events and
mini encounters
These are places or scenes found 1 1
within a location or location map.

iv
Start Here
Welcome, Adventure Master
Y ou’re about to take your players and their player
characters (PCs) into the desert for their second
Lightraider quest. Before starting this adventure, you and
your players should have already completed the Practice
Episode, found in the Rules and Introduction book, and
The Initiate’s Quest. That first quest acted as a tutorial,
gradually teaching you the system. The training is over,
and you’re diving into this adventure with a little more
freedom and less direct guidance. Here are few extra bits
we’d like you to know about before you begin.
WARNING: If you’re a player, STOP
reading here. This guidebook is for
Adventure Masters only.
Don’t spoil the fun!
Keywords
In this quest and others, the cadets may discover secrets
that unlock future actions or advantages. When they
make these discoveries, you’ll give them a KEYWORD to
write down in their Adventure Journal. That will serve as
a reminder when they need it later.
The Cadet Cabinet
The Adventure Journal includes a cadet cabinet. This
cabinet had ten slots for items or weapons. At the start of
this quest, allow your players to choose items or weapons
they wish to leave behind at the academy and store in
the cabinet. This will free up more slots for the quest, but
they don’t have to leave anything behind. IMPORTANT:
for this desert quest, all PCs must add 1 common water
flask to the items on their Character Sheets. A flask has
five drinks that remove 1 each.
The Armor Verses
In this quest, we’ll occasionally ask your players to
temper their armor by reciting specific armor verses from
Ephesians 6. When they successfully recite one of those
verses, they get one extra use the of the piece or pieces of
armor mentioned in the verse. Even if the text doesn’t ask
for it, they may still temper their armor this way.
Episode Summaries
R ead the following summaries for a quick
understanding of the general flow of the quest.
loc 1: arrival in the desert
The cadets step from a hollow tree into the desert. After
exploring the area, possibly helping a wounded animal,
and fighting some goblins, they most choose south or
east, determining their path for the rest of the quest.
v
loc 2a: fire pass - western pass
The cadets begin (or continue) their trek through Fire
Pass, facing multiple trials that test their Self-control,
Goodness, and Patience. They find clues to help them in
their quest.
loc 2b: fire pass - eastern pass
The cadets begin (or continue) their trek through Fire
Pass. They may contend with thieves or parley with
a bound man the thieves left behind. Their Joy and
Kindness will be tested.
loc 3a: setis - gates and barracks
The cadets must struggle with Self-control as guards take
them into custody. Their reaction may lead them to a
parley that earns respect or a chase through the city that
may cause them great damage. In an arena battle they
face lion to save two young nobles from the region.
loc 3b: setis - inner setis
The cadets have a large map of the city to explore,
gathering clues and items which will help their quest and
possibly stop a war.
loc 3c: setis - the baron’s tower
The cadets race to the top of a noble’s tower to stop an
assassination and avert a war. At the top, they find a
hatchling dragon and experience a mid-quest test of the
verses they’ve learned. At the end, the cadets gain rank.
loc 4a: wyrm dunes - sacri ficial post
The cadets strike out into the scrublands in search of
Morellius and the sacrificial post. They face a navigation
challenge and are hunted by wild dogs before finally
finding the priest and rendering vital aid.
loc 4b: wyrm dunes - hermit’s den
The cadets carry their patient to the den of a hermit
physician who may be more than he seems.
loc 5: great pit o f spores
This may be the ninth or second episode, depending on
the choices the party made. The cadets must traverse a
putrid pit filled with danger and lost items.
loc 6a: temple - outer chambers
Upon approaching the temple, the cadets intervene in
a battle and save Aladoth temple guards from a pack
of orcs. After a parley with the captain, they search the
outer chambers for the keys to the giant’s hall.
loc 6b: temple - hall o f the giant
Either a secret passage or a key puzzle gives the cadets
access to the giant’s hall. They face combat trials, giant
battle, and dragon lies in this quest’s final exam. In the
end they return home as cadet scouts, first rank.
Things To Know option 1 flow
About This Adventure
3

SP

2
An ancient temple lies buried in the Desert of Sin. For
generations, the priests of Tahnkahn have worshiped a
terrifying dark creature gifted by the dragons to protect 6
the villages of Tahn and the desert cities of Badu and
Seits. Recently, the creature began demanding more
than grain or even water. It hungers for the lives of its
5 4
worshipers. The priest Morellius has set out to seek an
answer to the problem, but his deluded solution will only
lead to destruction.
Can the cadets find the priest in time to intervene and EP1. SP Jagged Rock
share the Great Rescue? Will they discover how to defeat EP2. 2A Fire Pas: Western Pass
the sand giant and save many Aladoth lives? EP3. 2B Fire Pass: Eastern Pass

exploring the map

EP4. 3A Setis: Gates and Barracks
During each episode, the players will explore one EP5. 3B Setis: Inner Setis
location on the map. Some locations are large enough to EP6. 3C Setis: The Baron’s Tower
require more than one episode to explore. For example, EP7. 4A Wyrm Dunes: Sacrificial Post
Setis and the Temple of Tahnkahn each contain three
EP8. 4B Wyrm Dunes: Hermit’s Den
areas of exploration and are therefore broken up into
three episodes apiece, while Fire Pass and The Wyrm EP9. 5 Great Pit of Spores
Dunes require two episodes to explore. The remaining EP10. 6A Temple: Outer Chambers
two locations—Jagged Rock and The Great Pit of EP11. Temple: Hall of the Giant
6B
Spores—only require one episode to explore.
A map of the region is on page 45 of the MDB. It includes
the following locations:
option 2 flow
3
1. Jagged Rock 4. The Wyrm Dunes
SP
2. Fire Pass 5. The Great Pit of Spores
2
3. The Desert City of Setis 6. The Temple of Tahnkahn
6

episode flow
The first episode takes place at the Start Point SP Jagged
Rock. From there, player choices determine the locations
and flow of each episode, shown in the next column. 5
4
Each flow experiences the locations in a different order.
Either way, though, they complete the adventure at 6
The Temple of Tahnkahn for the final three episodes. EP1. SP Jagged Rock
EP2. 5 Great Pit of Spores
1. Jagged Rock 4. The Wyrm Dunes
EP3. 4A Wyrm Dunes: Sacrificial Post
2. Fire Pass 5. The Great Pit of Spores
EP4. 4B Wyrm Dunes: Hermit’s Den
3. The Desert City of Setis 6. The Temple of Tahnkahn
EP5. 3A Setis: Gates and Barracks
the lesson o f the giant EP6. 3B Setis: Inner Setis
Concerning sin, the sand giant has grown so large that EP7. 3C Setis: The Baron’s Tower
it has become a terror to the priests that have loyally EP8. 2B Fire Pass: Eastern Pass
worshiped it and fed it. James 1:15 says, “Then after
EP9. 2A Fire Pas: Western Pass
desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is
fully grown, it gives birth to death.” Like sin, the giant is EP10. 6A Temple: Outer Chambers
fully grown and death now follows in its wake. EP11. 6B Temple: Hall of the Giant

vi
 EPISODE ONE: JAGGED ROCK
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
tooth. What a terrible thought—that such evil creatures
rule this land. You make a mental note of the jagged rock.
1. Find a hidden map You’ll most likely need to return to this place and look for
Randar Vorn and the portal at the appointed time.
2. Choose your direction
Your mission is to search for a priest named Morellius who
Before you begin, be sure to allow players to needs your help. He has worshiped the sand giant for many
adjust the items and weapons they carry based years, and now the dark creature is enormous in size and
on The Cadet Cabinet on the facing page. has become too difficult to manage. Morellius fears for his
life and the survival of the Tahn region. You must share the
Start Point Great Rescue with him. You must also locate the advantage
Master Talin mentioned—the one the Rescuer promised—

SP Jagged before destroying the creature at the Temple of Tahnkahn

and freeing the people from its terror.
Rock
You have a quick look around the area. That large jagged
ordinary ground rock is rising from the sand to your left, but something has
disturbed a section of ground about thirty yards ahead,
leaving the sand in messy piles. What will you do?
The Story So Far...
“There are many portals in our world—
purposeful wrinkles in the fabric of the Maker’s Do you . . .
creation. Some are stable and predictable, and
others are neither. But the hollow tree portals are special. 1. Investigate the jagged rock?
They are the appointed way to enter Keledev and leave
2. Inspect the ground ahead?
Tanelethar, according to the will of the High One. The tree
is a symbol of the community that all Keledan share
At each encounter, encourage players to try the
because of the Rescuer. It is the symbol for home and a new
actions sub-actions as time permits before you
life in the Liberated Land.”
go to the Destiny Scene. The Destiny Scene is a
These are the words Headmaster Talin III gave you as battle and will take about 20 minutes.
he sent you off on this adventure. It’s true, you have just
become cadets, but urgency has required your services
so soon, and you came highly recommended by Master If the characters . . .
Ardmoor. Also, Master Talin promised he’d send a seasoned
knight—Randar Vorn—to escort you back to Ras Telesar. 1. Investigate the jagged rock.
Before you departed, the headmaster added a warning.
Go to Onward A .
“Remember that you’re cadets, not knights. The giant of the
temple is a formidable foe. In my prayer for you, I felt the 2. Investigate the disturbed ground.
Rescuer promising to grant you an advantage. Take heed
and hear my words. Study the sacred verses and do not Go to Onward B .
engage the creature until you’ve found that advantage.”
So, after a couple of intense days of training at Lightraider
Use one of the following based on
Academy, you made the trip beyond the barrier, through the PCs’ choice.
one of the Passage Lakes and into a hollow tree.
You step out into a hot desert and turn back for a moment A Turn to 1 Dragon’s Tooth, next page.
to admire the beauty of your portal. The mighty green
Ash with its full canopy of vigorous leaves stands in stark B Go to 2 Lion’s Lament, p. 3.
contrast to the dry yellow sand. A wall of dust blows past
on the wind, and when it settles, the hollow tree is gone. 5 minutes
All you see for miles is a landscape of shifting dunes and
swirling dust clouds. The only landmark is a jagged rock
rising from the sand like a broken and petrified dragon

1

1 Dragon’s Tooth
The rock formation’s tooth shape doesn’t look
natural. This was chiseled, perhaps by human
hands, or perhaps by some other creatures. Upon
closer examination, you spot footholds on one side that
could be used to climb to the top or climb downward below
the sand. You wonder what the view from the top would
reveal, and you wonder how much of the rock’s base is
buried beneath the sand.
Do you . . .
1. Climb the footholds to the top?
2. Dig at the rock’s base and see what you uncover?
If the PCs want to try the lock, go to Action 3, below
and choose one of the following.
■ Break the lock with an axe or hammer, use 3A .
■ Break the lock by stomping, use 3B .
■ Pick or break the lock using a toolkit, use 3C .
3. Defeat the lock (only if the PCs found the square
door in Action 2).
Use one of the following based on the PCs’ choice in
Action 2. A group Solve test is allowed.
3A Test Exert 3B Test Exert +1 3C Test Solve
▶ Success. The lock yields to your efforts, and the
compartment opens up. You discover that it contains
a small cache of spears, enough for each of you to take
one if you wish. The hidden compartment is filled
with dust and cobwebs, it appears long abandoned.

ITEM FOUND! quality slots value

If the characters . . . Spear Common 1 3 Pt
A short spear of black wood and animal bone
1. Climb the footholds.
Test Move at -2 ▶ Failure. *Sigh* That didn’t work at all. Perhaps try a
different method. You can try each method once.
▶ Success. You make it to the top and get a survey of the
desert. To the east, you see the shimmer of heat hovering
over a long canyon. Beyond the canyon, you see colored Choose one of the following based
pillars of smoke rising—likely the fireclocks of Setis, the on the PCs’ experiences thus far.
main settlement in this region. Perhaps that is where the
priest has gone? Or perhaps your advantage to defeat the Encourage the PCs to try both encounters before
giant may be discovered there. moving on.
■ Open the MDB to In the Desert of Sin, p. 45. A If the PCs haven’t inspected the disturbed sand
▶ Failure. Watch out! You slip and fall onto sharp stones. mentioned at the Start Point, go now to 2 Lion’s
Suffer 3 . You may retry, but you risk each time. Lament, next page.

2. Dig at the rock’s base (use Digging Trial below). 8 to 14 minutes

Tarrying to dig in this foreboding B If the PCs have experienced both encounters,
g
gin desert is unsettling. This will be a trial continue to 1A Western Dunes, p. 4.
dig of Exert that risks your Peace. Gain 7
successes to find out where the steps at
al 18 to 25 minutes
t ri the base of the jagged rock lead. A
failure will cause you damage from the
sharp rocks in the sand. Be careful!

PE 5 • Exert -1 • 7 • 1

After the Trial...

Your fingers run across a rusted iron lock
attached to a square door under the sand. It may
take brute force to break the lock off, or it may
take smart work with a toolkit.

2

2 Lion’s Lament
You walk toward the disturbed area of sand to
take a closer look, and you find tracks from both
humans and animals. The human tracks are
strange. For some, the sand between the footprints has been
smoothed. These lead in a straight line from the south, with
other footprints to their left and right. Not far from where
you stand, all the footprints become scattered and chaotic.
Amid the sand piles, you also notice the end of a rope, tied
in a knot, sticking up from the ground. The rest of the rope
must be buried.
From behind a nearby dune, you hear a gurgling moan.
Do you . . .
1. Examine the chaotic footprints more closely?
2. Investigate the gurgling moan?
3. Pull on the rope?
Note that there are two primary options for
Action 3. Do not reveal this to the players right
now, but savvy PCs may find a way to pull the
rope without standing too close.
If the characters . . .
1. Examine the chaotic footprints.
Test Solve + Observe in a combined test. A group test
is allowed (see QRP 2, COMBINED TEST).
▶ Success. Wise choice. Gain 1 Wp each. Amid the tracks,
you find flecks of blood and chips of bone, perhaps
broken from bone blades. A violent struggle took place
here. In this area of chaos, the strange tracks with
smooth sand between the footprints reveal more. Hand
prints imply some of these people fell down. Others
seemed to freeze in place, and the impressions between
the footprints have the distinct shape of chains. This
looks like a prisoner march gone wrong. There is one
other strange thing to note. Some of the footprints are
feline. Large cats. One set leads with heavy steps toward
the dune from which you heard the gurgling moan.
You’ve earned the KEYWORD Prisoners. Remember it.
▶ Failure. Too much chaos. Way too much sand. You can’t
figure out what happened.
3
2. Investigate the gurgling moan.
As you come around the dune, a sad sight comes into view.
A lion lies in the sand, wounded in the side. He sees you
approaching and growls. He tries to roar, but the sound is
weak and mournful. The animal has been in the sun too
long. His moans are raspy and dry. That wound looks bad,
but not fatal. Water and a healing kit may help. The lion
wears a collar with a leather tube attached, similar to the
tubes travelers use to carry journeywrits. What do you do?
If the PCs leave the lion alone, choose another action.
If the PCs try to help the lion, continue with A .
A Test Command or Talk with Animals at -2 to get the
lion to allow you to approach. FA 4 or better is required.
Speak the Stand Firm verse to increase your FA by one for
this test.
▶ Success (Command). The lion lays his head in the
sand. His claws retract behind the fur of his paws.
▶ Success (Talk with Animals). Wise choice. Gain 1 Wp
each. The lion breathes easier and lays its head in the
sand. His claws retract, vanishing into the fur of his
paws. You sense bewilderment at your Kindness. Clearly,
this animal has been doing work that runs counter to
the Maker’s design for him.
▶ Failure. Your efforts cause the animal great fear. He
finds the strength to stand, lets out a menacing growl,
and hobbles away. You hope he will be all right, but you
sense abuse has taught him to despise humans.
B Give the lion water, then Test Heal at -2 using a
healing kit. A group test is allowed.
Option A above must be completed first.
The lion allows you to pour some of your water ration into
its mouth. The water soaks into its dry tongue. His gray lips
regain some pink.
▶ Success (Heal). The lion breathes easier. The wound
looks better already. You sense he wants to stand. Before
he does, he lifts his great chin, exposing the tube at his
collar, as if trained to do so. Gently, you remove the
collar, tube and all, and the lion stands and walks off
into the desert. Opening the tube you find a map of what
looks like a temple chamber, with an alter and pillars.
Strange symbols are shown by the walls. Write down the
KEYWORD Lion. See Symbol Map, MDB, p. 59.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Leather Tube Common 1 for 2 5 Cp
A map of a temple chamber with strange symbols
▶ Failure. The lion lets out a whining yelp at your efforts.
In his scramble to get away, he lashes out with sharp
claws. All participating in the healing effort suffer 3 .
The lion hobbles off into the desert.
(next page)
3. Pull on the rope.
If the PCs simply pull on the rope, use A . No test
is required. Ask how many help in pulling before
proceeding.
If the PCs tie their own rope to the knot and move a
short distance away before pulling (or some similar
technique) use B .
A Foolish choice. Lose 1 Wp each.
You tug on the rope and the long line pulls up out of the
sand, leading all the way back to the base of the jagged
rock. You hear a sharp click, and then . . .
All who pulled must roll one starlot. Read the following
to the lowest rolling PC (or PCs if multiple tied for the
lowest roll).
A trap door falls away under your feet. Your hands fly
up and you drop into a pit, clearly a trap for the curious.
Test Move to see if you can grab the edge before falling
further.
▶ Success. You grab the door and hang on with your legs
dangling. You’ve gained the KEYWORD Pit.
▶ Failure. You fall into a deep pit. Suffer 5 .
■ Go to C below.
B Test Exert at -1. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. Wise choice. Gain 1 Wp each. You tug on the
rope with your extra technique and the long line pulls up
out of the sand, leading all the way back to the base of
the jagged rock. You hear a sharp click. Next to the place
you found the rope, the sand seems to fall away. Rushing
over, you see a pit has opened—a trap for the curious.
Good work avoiding it! You’ve gained the KEYWORD
Pit. Perhaps this pit will come in useful.
▶ Failure. Well, that didn’t work. Perhaps you need the
leverage of pulling the rope directly.
■ If the PCs want to pull the rope, go to A above.
C Pull a fallen friend (or friends) out of the pit.
Ask how the PCs will accomplish this. Will they use a
rope they carry? Will they cut the rope they pulled and
use it to help the fallen? Once they make a plan, continue.
Test Exert. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. Well done. You pull your friend(s) out of the
pit. You’ve gained the KEYWORD Pit. Remember it.
▶ Failure. You struggle and slip. The friend(s) in the pit
suffer another 2 .
Once the PCs have tried all desired
actions, choose an option below
based on their experiences thus far.
Encourage the PCs to try the both encounters before
moving on.
4
A If the PCs haven’t investigated the jagged rock as
mentioned at the Start Point, go now to 1
Dragon’s Tooth, p. 2.
10 to 15 minutes
B If the PCs have experienced both encounters,
continue to 1A Western Dunes, below.
15 to 25 minutes
1A Western
Dunes †
ordinary ground
This is a destiny scene that will complete the
episode. It concludes with a short battle that
forces the PCs east or south. That choice will
determine their flow for the remainder of the quest, as
described on p. vi.
You hear shrieking war cries in a high-pitched
and sharp tongue. Short warriors in red linen
hoods and robes charge your way from the east.
Catching a glimpse of a face, you realize these are not men,
but monsters—wicked and foul, like they crawled out of a
forgotten hole deep underground. Their eyes are black,
testing your courage, and yellow wisps of gas pour from
their nostrils.
Goblins! These are desert goblins in human garb. Prepare
for battle. Don’t forget to temper your Keledan armor!
Open the MDB to Desert Goblin Battle,
p. 40, or Desert Goblin Battle Pit, p. 39 if
goblin the PCs found the pit. Place your PC
tokens on the torch symbols. Place 6 dark
battle
creature tokens on the creature symbols.
If the PCs found the KEYWORD
Prisoners, they were ready for hostiles to
return. They may make a round of movements without
any threat from ranged weapons. Otherwise, use normal
battle procedures.
If the PCs have the KEYWORD Pit, they can use it to
their advantage during the fight. A PC standing near the
open pit may lure a goblin to fall in by testing Command.
Luring the Alpha causes one additional goblin to fall in
with it. The creatures fall to their deaths.
 If the PCs knock (pray), asking the rescuer for
help deciding which way to go, ask which verse
ALPHA GOBLIN (1) -1 A
they will use. The Clear Direction verse is their
SPD 4 • KI 6 • KNIFE 4 /CLAWS 2 most likely choice, but the Hope in Him verse may be
used if they can explain how it applies. Award normal
GOBLINS (2 TO 6) -3 Wp for reading or reciting plus 1 extra. If the knock is
SPD 3 • KI 5 • KNIFE 3/CROSSBOW 1 successful, they get the sense they should head south.
If the PCs do not knock, ask them the reason for their
chosen course. Give nothing away. This question is just
damage tracker meant to promote discussion and story-building.

1 THIS IS A † DESTINY SCENE

2 3 4 5 6 Objective Awards
After the Battle...
You vanquished the goblins for the glory of the
High One. You must now decide which way to
go. Will you go south or east to find Morellius or
the advantage you’ll need to defeat the giant. Drink now
from your flasks, at least one drink each.
and the end of Episode One.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
■ Find a hidden map. 2 Wp ea.
■ Choose a direction. 1 Wp ea.
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, next page.
The study will also tell you which Adventure Journal
pages they should look over next.
35 to 45 minutes

The Lions of Sin

5
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 1

Don’t forget that the player verse summaries are in the Cadet Handbook Adventure Journal. Have at least one of
these out for player reference. The same summary is shown below. The Bible study begins on the next page.

Clear Direction Psalm 32:8 PA

I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel.
When you’re uncertain about a decision, especially if it’s important, the wisest plan is to look to God’s Word. Be
patient as you read the Bible and pray. Listen for the Lord’s counsel. He always knows what’s best for you, and
He’s eager to show you and lead you.

Look At The Heart Proverbs 27:19 KI

As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.

Your beliefs and motivations determine what kind of person you are. Everyone around you can see. Examine
your own heart and test it. Think of others the way God does, so that you reflect the kindness of Jesus.

Stand Firm 1 Corinthians 16:13 FA

Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

You live in a world filled with people who oppose your faith. Many will criticize or mock you for believing the
Bible, but you must stand your ground. It won’t be easy, but remain faithful to God no matter what.

Hope In Him Psalm 130:5 PE

I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in His Word.
There are times in your life that you will have to wait on God. As much as you pray and push, the patience and
peace God wants to produce in you is just as important as the action you are waiting for. In these times, you can
bolster your hope by studying His Word.

Secure Bond Ephesians 4:3 KI

. . . making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Among the most precious gifts to us are brothers and sisters in the faith—those who believe in Christ as you do.
They may be different than you in many ways, but don’t you compare or compete. Instead, show kindness, and
do your best to walk in peace together.

6
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
MAIN IDEA: Learning to make good
decisions starts by listening to God.
At the start of the episode, you were transported through
a hollow tree and dropped into unfamiliar territory in the
Desert of Sin (pronounced SEEN). Sure, you were given
orders for the mission to find Morellius and warned not
to confront the giant until you found an advantage. But,
other than that, you had no clue which way to go or what
challenges you would face.
What your characters experienced is much like real
life. In so many moments, you won’t know what comes
next or where to go. No map. No step-by-step guide.
No YouTube video. Instead, you have to rely on good
decision making and prayer to lead you forward. You
have to listen to what you know to be true in God’s Word
and what the voice of the Spirit is leading you to do. And
those things never contradict.
Along the way, there will be other voices trying to
influence you, including your own. You’ll be tempted to
take matters into your own hands, rather than waiting
a little while longer for direction. Sometimes you won’t
even like the counsel of Christian friends, your parents,
or your spiritual leaders, and you’ll find yourself arguing
with them. Likely, you’ve experienced this already.
Let’s explore the verses prepared for this episode in the
Know section below to see what they say and how they
relate to good decision making.
KNOW—MIND: What can I know
about these verses?
Let’s have a volunteer read the first verse from the Giant
Problem Jagged Rock Adventure Journal pages. Right
now, we’re just trying to extract truth in context.
Clear Direction Psalm 32:8 PA
The Lord has his ‘eye’ on you. This means He gives you
customized advice for your life, based on His knowledge
of you. God has a perfect plan for you, but He expects
you to decide what you will do based on what He shows
you. For this to work, you must be humble and teachable.
The next verse in Psalm 32 says, “Do not be like a horse
or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled
with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you.”
7
E 1
God doesn’t want to control you like an animal. He wants
you to have understanding so He can lead you closely.
Look At The Heart Prov. 27:19 KI
The point of the verse is that a reflection on the surface of
water directly corresponds to the original object. In the
same way, there is a direct correlation between a person’s
heart (their inner self, thoughts, and character) and
who they are in public, even if they try to put on a show.
Having integrity means being a person of good character
in both private and public. People of integrity don’t need
to put on a show. Because they think about good things,
it ends up showing on the outside in the decisions they
make. Their heart is right.
Stand Firm 1 Cor. 16:13 FA
The apostle Paul gives very direct instructions to the
Corinthian church at the close of his first letter. In this
verse alone he gives four important directives. When
he says, ‘be alert’, he is talking about being awake (and
staying awake) and being watchful concerning spiritual
things. This same phrase is used in other Bible passages
in regards to staying awake while praying, watching for
the coming of the Lord, or keeping a sharp eye out for the
devil who roams around seeking anyone he can devour.
What we get from the context is that Paul is concerned
about those things that can push us away from Christ
and cause us to falter in our faith. Standing firm requires
you to plant yourself on the Rock and remain standing.
Don’t let anyone or anything knock down your faith.
The last two instructions, ‘be courageous, be strong’
are also what the Lord commanded Joshua, the leader
of Israel after Moses. Joshua 1:6 says to “be strong and
courageous…” Paul was instructing the Corinthians to
act courageously and become strong spiritually. Some
translations even say “be men.” This is because physical
strength is often associated with manliness. Why
shouldn’t spiritual strength be regarded as manly too?
Hope In Him Psalm 130:5 PE
This verse deals with the subject of waiting on the Lord.
There is a sense of expectancy coming from the writer,
who started the psalm in despair. “Out of the depths,
I call to you, Lord!” But, just four verses later he is
speaking about “hope.”
(next page)
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
In the last two verses, the psalmist encourages the
entire nation of Israel by talking about the abundant
redemption of the Lord.
The word ‘wait’ here means to endure, to stretch beyond
your normal level of peace (calm) and patience, because
you know your Redeemer will come. He promised in His
Word and that’s where you put your hope. Blessed are the
flexible, for they shall not be broken!
Secure Bond Ephesians 4:3 KI
By the time we get to this verse, the apostle Paul has
already described in chapters 1-3 the unity that exists
among people who have accepted the truth and believed
in Christ. This is not a unity that humans can organize or
create on their own. It is a gift from God made possible
by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Our job, the verse
explains, is to keep it. This requires an eagerness and
zealous effort to guard the unity of the Spirit from the
forces that threaten to take it away from all sides. The way
to do this, Paul says, is through the bond of peace.
A parallel passage exists in Colossians 3:14, which says,
“Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of
unity.” When Christians love each other, are loyal to the
truth, and move in obedience to the Holy Spirit, they
bind themselves together in peace.
GROW—HEART: How can my
relationship with Christ grow through
these verses?
Now, think about the way you make decisions in your
life. What part does God play? When and how does God
speak to you the most?
What have others said about you as a person? Not your
enemies, but fellow Christians or your family.
Next time . . .
If the PCs chose to head east from the Jagged Rock, your next episode is 2A Fire Pass: Western Pass on the next
page. They should study the “Giant Problem: Western Pass” pages in their Adventure Journals.
If the PCs chose to head south from the Jagged Rock, your next episode is 5 Great Pit of Spores on p. 77. They
should study the “Giant Problem: The Pit of Spores” pages in their Adventure Journals.
8
E 1
One of the best ways to examine your own heart, is to
pay attention to the way you affect others around you. A
tree cannot taste its own fruit to know whether it is good
or not. Neither can you taste the fruit of your own heart.
Only other people can do that. But, you can examine
your fruit. Therefore, look at the impression you make on
others. It is a reflection of what’s inside of you.
Based on your reflection, what is your fruit like?
Describe a teachable person. How teachable are you?
GO—HANDS/FEET/MOUTH: What
do I do about what I’ve learned today?
Through these verses, we can see clearly that God desires
to lead us in the way we should go. We also see that we
have a very special bond with our fellow Christians. But,
our faith and unity are threatened from within and from
without. If we are not patient or willing to calmly wait on
God, if we’re not alert or eager to guard our faith, and if
we are not willing to examine ourselves to make changes,
then our faith is vulnerable. It is time to strengthen,
stand, and keep our faith courageously.
What will you change going forward because of these
verses?
When will you make those changes?
Who will you tell about your commitment to change?
PRAYER
Take a moment to pray for your players. Thank the Spirit
for the unity you have in the cross of Christ. Ask the Lord
to teach them how to patiently wait on Him for direction.
Finally, ask for strength and courage to zealously guard
their faith and stand firm.
 2A FIRE PASS: WESTERN PASS
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
Do you . . .
1. Survive without becoming wounded (½VT)
2. Find a useful item. 1. Climb the natural staircase?
3. Refill your water flasks. 2. Descend the left side of the canyon?

Start Point EASTWARD

SP The Western
Pass
1. Climb the natural staircase.
Go to Onward A (Eastward).
ordinary ground
2. Descend the left side of the canyon.
Depending on their chosen direction at the end Go to Onward B (Eastward).
of Episode One, your party may have arrived
here traveling EASTWARD from the Jagged
Rock or WESTWARD from the Eastern Pass. Use the Westward—The Story So Far...
following rules to guide your PCs through this episode.
You never expected bandits in the pass, but the
• If the party arrived traveling east from the Jagged
Rescuer helped you deal with the situation and
Rock, read the EASTWARD sections, starting with
the Aladoth in ways that showed his grace and
EASTWARD—THE STORY SO FAR . . . below.
compassion. The guardians at the academy would be proud
• If the party is traveling west through the pass, read the of how you represented the Keledan and the Rescuer’s light.
WESTWARD sections, starting with WESTWARD— Of course, that business with the pyrcat under the
THE STORY SO FAR . . . in the next column. bridge . . . now that, you expected.
When you reach a destiny scene, grant the appropriate Go to Onward C (Westward).
awards based on the objectives the PCs completed.
Remind players that PCs with KEYWORD Sting must Use one of the following based on
carry 3 that cannot be removed until they find
the cure. the PCs’ choice.

Eastward—The Story So Far... A Turn to 1 The Natural Stairs, next page.

After surviving the battle with the desert goblins, B Go to 3 The Northern Trail, p. 13.
you decided to travel eastward into a long
canyon toward a settlement. You reach the ledge C Go to 5 The Rock Wall, p. 15.
and look down, and you immediately doubt your decision.
You can’t see an easy route down. On your left, there’s a
sloping, sandy trail filled with chiseled boulders you could 3 minutes
easily crack your head on if you were to slip and fall. Then,
there’s a sheer drop that looks impossible to climb down.
The other option is a natural staircase to your right that
disappears about a half tick down into a tunnel of rocks.
Who knows where that leads exactly, but the steam that’s
rising into the air from below the stairs indicates
somewhere very hot.
Speaking of hot, the sun is already climbing, and it feels like
you’re standing next to a camp fire.
Better decide what to do.

9

1 The Natural Stairs
Read the appropriate entry based on the PCs’
direction of travel through the pass.
If the party is traveling EASTWARD.
You reach the natural stairs and begin climbing downward,
taking care with every step. Loose rocks and stones fill
the spaces between boulders, making it hard to keep your
footing. You might easily wedge a foot in a crack and twist
an ankle. You press your hands against the boulders for
support and quickly pull away. The boulders are hot, and
their ridges are sharp enough to slice through flesh.
Spires line the canyon rim high above, giving you the sense
you’re walking into a dragon’s jaws. Will fire come belching
from its rocky throat to roast you?
Soon, periodic blasts of steam begin rising from cracks to
hit you. To avoid terrible scalds, you must shield your faces
with your cloaks and arms. How can you travel when you
must hide your eyes every few steps?
Continue with the Steam Vent Trial below.
If the party is traveling WESTWARD.
The chamber releases you up and out into the light. It has
been a grueling climb in the dark and you’re grateful you’ve
made it this far. The canyon rim and its many spires are
perhaps a half tick away. Will you finally escape Fire Pass?
When—if—you make it home to Ras Telesar, your party is
considering making a special petition to the guardians. No
more desert quests. Ever.
This moment of relief ends quickly as pillars of steam
explode skyward from giant vents on either side of the
stairs, bathing you in heat and sweat. This last stretch of
canyon doesn’t look promising.
Continue with the Steam Vent Trial below.
This trial requires you to encourage
t
ven your companions. The encouragements
m
stea will give you the strength to make it
through the steam quickly. Don’t take
a l
t ri too long on this stairway, lest the steam
melt the very skin from your bones.
With each roll, you should role-play your encouragements
to one another. For each failure, suffer 3 . If your PA is
less than 6 and you fail, you lose your cool (get it? because
the steam is hot!), and you’ll need counsel before moving
on. Have fun describing your successes and failures.
10
For instance, you stop to help a suffering companion only
to take a blast of steam in your face. Ouch!
When your team has accumulated 6 successes, you have
completed the trial.
PA 6 • Encourage • 6 • 3
After the Trial...
Go to Onward.
Use one of the following based on
the PCs’ direction of travel.
If the party is traveling EASTWARD . . .
Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement to get you
through hard challenges. You are finally out of the steam
vents. As you pause to catch your breath, you thank the
Rescuer for each other.
Ask the players to role-play this scene of thankfulness
for each other. They may also perform Restore actions.
When they’re ready, continue.
Once you’ve found your wind, you continue down the
staircase. The lower you descend, the more you can see licks
of flame in the fissures of rock. So, this is why it’s called
Fire Pass. Drops of sweat fall from your chins, sizzling and
vaporize the moment they hit the ground.
Go to 2 The Whispering Walls, next page.
10 to 15 minutes
If the party is traveling WESTWARD . . .
You arrive at the top of the stairs to stand on the rim of
the canyon. As you look back at the pass and beyond to
the fireclock smoke rising from Setis, far in the distance,
you’re grateful that you’ve made it this far. Night is coming,
but you have everything you need to confront the giant
problem at Tahnkahn.
This is a WESTWARD Destiny Scene †.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
■ Survive without becoming wounded. 2 Wp each.
■ Find a useful item. 1 Wp each.
■ Refill your flask. 1 Wp each.
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, p. 16.
30 to 45 minutes

2 Whispering Walls
Read the appropriate entry based on the PCs’
direction of travel through the pass.
If the party is traveling EASTWARD.
The stairs take you into a tunnel. A hot darkness closes
in, until you’ve left the light far behind. And still the
tunnel goes on, down, down into the dark, for what seems
like leagues. The scent of smoke fills your nostrils. Dust
assaults your eyes. One moment, an unsteady breeze brings
whispers from the rocks. In the next, it becomes a gust that
sets booming echoes against you. Both the whispers and the
echoes speak the same warning—”Leave or die.”
Fear grips your heart, and you cover your ears to shut out
the voices. You breath deep, desperate for air, but wretch on
burning smoke. You must find a way out of this tunnel and
off the staircase, but all you can do is grope around in the
dark for a side passage or an opening. What will you do?
All candles, lanterns, or torches blow out.
Continue to the Actions below.
If the party is traveling WESTWARD.
You decide to take the natural stairs up and realize this is
your first upward climb since entering the canyon. For the
first few steps, everything is fine, but after two dozen, you
begin to feel the burning in your legs and lungs.
A wall of smoke and sand blows in on a hot wind and
envelopes you from behind. You choke and wretch, covering
your faces to keep from breathing in any more of the
burning cloud. All sight is gone. Stretching out your hands,
you find a tunnel, and take it—anything to get out of this
cloud. But the sand and smoke seem to follow you in.
Continue to the Actions below.
EASTWARD or WESTWARD
Test Solve at +4 in a group test. Recite and explain the
Sound Judgment verse to lower the by 2.
▶ Success. Gain 1 Wp each. Together, you can do this.
By describing what you feel and see, you gain a sense of
your surroundings. Explore to find a way out.
■ Go to 2A The Tunnel, next column.
▶ Failure. The smoke and dust stings your eyes and throat.
Suffer 5 and try again. Keep trying until you succeed.
■ Go to 2A The Tunnel, next column.
11
2A THE TUNNEL
Choose a representative to roll one starlot each
round. Each number results in a different
discovery. Disregard duplicate rolls and roll
again, EXCEPT FOR 1 or 2. Once you find the exit from
the tunnel, you may take it at any time, but you may keep
exploring if you wish.
Read one of the following each round, based on
the number rolled by the PCs’ representative.
1. Sand Blast. A sudden blast of hot sand rushes over your
group. Each of you Test Move to dodge the blast. If you
have a cloak, use -1.
▶ Success. Quick feet! You avoid injury.
▶ Failure. Too slow! Suffer 2 .
2. Fire Beetles. A chorus of clicking approaches fast. Each
of you must roll a starlot.
Read the following to the two PCs with the lowest result.
Insects swarm your party, latching onto your clothes.
One bites through. It stings! Suffer 3 . Carry at least
3 until you find the special cure for the sting or until
you return to the academy.
If your SC is less than 6, mark it as infected by the
poison. You’ll need counseling before you can contribute
to any trials or battles.
Write down the KEYWORD Sting as a reminder.
3. Gnats. A swarm of gnats follows your group. PCs with
PA 4 or less must increase all s by 1 until you exit the
tunnel. If you roll another 3, disregard it and roll again.
4. Abandoned Hideout. You draw back a moth-eaten
curtain to reveal an old hideout. The bandits left little
behind, except four cloaks and four sets of trekking poles.
They appear to be of superior quality, but damaged.
Test Craft with a toolkit to repair and take one item if
desired. If you roll another 4, disregard it and roll again.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Traveling Cloak Superior 1 1 Hf
Set of Trek Poles Superior 1 1Hf
With these poles, use Move -1 outside of battle.
(next page)
5. A Tight Squeeze. You find a depression in the tunnel
wall. But, as you explore deeper, you realize it leads to a
narrow side tunnel. Do you enter this side tunnel?
If the PCs refuse to enter the side tunnel, move on.
Otherwise, continue below.
You press yourselves into the tight space, feeling the rocks
close about you. They’re rough and sharp. Suffer 2
each. The side tunnel only loops back to the main tunnel.
On the way, find a pouch secured to a frayed rope
belt. Perhaps a traveler lost this. Inside you find three
halfins, a double claw, and a small parchment. That’s a
goodly amount. You don’t recognize the language on the
parchment. It must be a local tongue or code.
EASTWARD. Embroidered yellow thread reads “Saral.”
WESTWARD. Embroidered yellow thread reads “Zort.”
What do you do?
If the PCs leave the pouch behind, move on.
If they divide the coins among them, read A .
If they decide to find the owner, read B .
A The weight of the coins becomes too heavy. You
must leave them behind. You’ve made a foolish choice.
Lose 1 Wp each. Your Self-control is infected. One of you
should offer counsel for the group.
B Gain 1 Wp each. Write down the name
embroidered on the pouch as a KEYWORD.
6. Sand and Glass. Ask the players to each roll a starlot.
Address the following to the one who rolls the lowest.
You bang your shin on a chest. Suffer 1 . The hinges
are rusty from years of no use. The lock is broken.
Opening the chest, you find it is full of sand. Do you dig
in the sand?
If the PC digs, read below. Otherwise, move on.
Test Observe. Only one test allowed.
▶ Success. Within the sand you find a strap of fabric set
with two glass circles. You sense this strange item is
long forgotten. Take it with you if you like.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Glass circles set in a
Common 1 5 Cp
fabric strap
You tie the strap around your head and find you can
see through the glass circles. The smoke and dust stops
burning your eyes. Use -1 for all tests in the tunnel.
▶ Failure. It seems there’s nothing here.
7. Mad Marmosets. You find a chamber that shelters you
from the dust and sand. There is no exit here, but there
is a pair of pygmy marmosets, little denizens of the
desert. They seem to be guarding a natural shelf where
12
they’ve collected a pile of rocks. These animals screech at
your intrusion and cast their rocks at you.
Test Fight and Command in a combined test to stop
the creatures (see QRP 2, COMBINED TEST).
▶ Success. While blocking and dodging the rocks, you
command the marmosets to settle. The creatures
bow and hop down from their shelf, making room
for you to approach. They quietly go about gathering
up the rocks they threw, hugging and petting each
one. On the shelf, you also find small fruit similar to
nectarines, which the primates likely confused with
their precious rocks. You remember learning about
sun fruit in your academy studies. It is a healthy part
of the Maker’s creation, still growing in this region
despite the dragons’ decay. There are enough sun fruit
for each of you to take one.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Sun Fruit Superior 1 3 Cp
Eating one sun fruit removes 3 .
▶ Failure. Ouch! Suffer 2 each. These pesky primates
have deadly aim. Fall back into the tunnel!
8. Water Well. A quiet splashing joins the echoes and
whispers of the wind and dust. You feel a spray of
moisture. A spring well! Water pours over the stone rim.
This is an unexpected sight. The water is crystal clear,
cool to the touch, and has no odor. Do you drink?
A PC who drinks from the well, may remove 3
(only 1 drink allowed). PCs may also refill their
water flasks. The next two drinks from the flask
remove 2 each.
9 or 10. Escape! You find a narrow opening in the tunnel
wall. Squeezing through brings you to a broad chamber.
The wind, dust, and smoke are gone. A carving in the wall
shows a flaming hand forming a globe. That is the art
of the Aropha. Scratches, burns, and scars mar the rock
around the carving, but the art itself is untouched. There is
peace here. Yes. You’re sure of it. This small place feels like a
sanctuary. When you shift your gaze from the carving, you
see an archway. You’ve found the way out.
Use one of the following based on
the PCs’ direction of travel.
EASTWARD. Go to 5 The Rock Wall, p. 15
20 to 30 minutes
WESTWARD. Go to 1 The Natural Stairs, p. 10.
25 to 35 minutes
 5
The Northern Trail
GO 6 • Move -2 • • 3
3

After the Trial...

Read the appropriate entry based on the PCs’
Address the following to the PC who failed
direction of travel through the pass.
the most rolls in the trial. If no one failed, or
If the party is traveling EASTWARD. to break a tie, have the PCs roll one starlot
and address the one with the lowest roll.
With hopeful hearts, you navigate your way along the
northern ridge to seek a safe path downward. You’ve been A huge rock comes bouncing your way.
hunting for a tick or more. Everything is going well, but Test Move, or you may quickly temper your shield by
then, far behind you, on the top of the rim where you came reciting the Shield of Faith verse.
from, you spot a band of desert warriors on horseback,
▶ Success (Test). Such reflexes! You roll on the slide to
carrying spears.
dodge the boulder.
One warrior aims an arrow on a longbow in your
▶ Success (Verse). Gain 2 Wp for reciting. Your shield
direction, while another shouts angry words you can’t
flashes to life on your arm and the sandstone boulder
understand. The bowman lets the arrow fly. It catches fire
breaks over it into pebbles and dust.
in flight.
▶ Failure. The boulder glances off you. That hurts! But
Ask the players to each roll a starlot. Address the
Praise the Maker that it’s sandstone and not granite.
following to the one who rolls the lowest.
Suffer 4 .
Test Move to dodge the arrow, or you may quickly
temper your shield by reciting the Shield of Faith verse.
▶ Success (Test). What agility! You duck and roll to Use one of the following based on
dodge the flaming arrow. the PCs’ direction of travel.
▶ Success (Verse). Gain 2 Wp for reciting. Your shield
flashes to life on your arm and disintegrates the arrow. EASTWARD. Go to Hunted By Birds, next page.
4
▶ Failure. Oh no! Suffer 5 .
A huge rock flies toward your party. On the far rim you see 10 to 15 minutes
a catapult cart with a snake emblem. Are you caught in a
battle? You have no time to run. The rock hits the canyon WESTWARD. This is a WESTWARD Destiny Scene †.
wall below you. You caught only glimpses of those shooting arrows at you.
If the party is traveling WESTWARD. They were Aladoth, not dark creatures. Were they bandits, or
have you stumbled into a war? Either way, all you can do is
You round one more corner and now see your way out
follow the Rescuer’s will and shine his light in this dark place.
of the pass. The trail ahead leads upwards through sharp
rocks and boulders. The giant spires on the rim remind you Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
of the jaws of a dragon and you shudder. Is this pass alive? Objective Awards
Will it let you leave? As if in answer, the ground shakes.
■ Survive without becoming wounded. 2 Wp each.
Continue below.
■ Find a useful item. 1 Wp each.
■ Refill your flask. 1 Wp each.
A loud crack echoes through the The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
de
d sli canyon. An entire section of rock wall When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, p. 16.
san
breaks away and topples into the gorge.
l
Pebbles and stones quiver and bounce. 30 to 45 minutes
a
t ri In the next instant, you’re sliding on
your backs. Arrows fly at you. Local
Aladoth are shooting at you. Why?
This endurance trial tests Move to see if you can ride out
the slide and dodge arrows. In an endurance trial, you
don’t count successes. Simply roll for the listed number of
rounds (in this case, 5). Save all counseling to the end.

13

Hunted By Birds
4 ▶ Success. Your voices are a shield! The birds back off.
The desert has gone quiet. You may use any
Restore actions you need, and you must pause to
drink water. Use at least one drink.
Once the PCs are ready, continue.
The sand grows thick and deep. You slog through this
twisting canyon under the boiling sun. Even in the shade
of the high walls, the heat is oppressive. Distant screeches
reach your ears. Looking up and back, you see enormous
carrion birds on the wing. Are they stalking you—waiting
for you to fall over and expire? You’d better hurry, lest they
grow impatient and try to speed your demise.
You must travel ten rounds through the canyon to escape.
Each round, choose Move to run, Command to scare the
birds, or Sneak to hide. Success may reduce your rounds
remaining, so be sure to keep track. All tests are -1.
Before each round, you (the AM) must roll a
starlot to decide whether the birds are
attacking, searching, or soaring (use the list
below). Let the PCs chose their action and roll. Then read
the appropriate test result from the action the PCs chose.
Sometimes, the result will tell you what the birds do next.
• 1 to 4. A Birds Attack
• 5 to 7. B Birds Search
• 8 to 10. C Birds Soar.
Escape The Birds
1. Test Move in a group test to run from the birds.
A Birds Attack (AM rolled 1 to 4)
▶ Success. You dodge birds. Great work!
▶ Failure. A flurry of talons and beaks overwhelms
you! Suffer 2 each.
B Birds Search (AM rolled 5 to 7)
▶ Success. Quick feet! The birds fall behind. Subtract
1 extra round from your rounds remaining.
▶ Failure. Too slow! The birds are closing in. Add 1
to your next .
C Birds Soar (AM rolled 8 to 10)
▶ Success. The birds are climbing higher, and you
take full advantage, increasing your pace. Reduce
your rounds remaining by 2 extra.
▶ Failure. You stumble in the thick sand. The birds
attack!
■ Use Birds Attack next round (no AM roll).
14
2. Test Command in a group test to scare the birds.
A Birds Attack (AM rolled 1 to 4)
▶ Failure. Terrible screeches overcome your shouting.
The birds claw at you. Suffer 3 each.
B Birds Search (AM rolled 5 to 7)
▶ Success. The canyon walls reflect your voices,
doubling their power to scare the birds. Frightened,
the birds back off. Reduce your next by 1.
▶ Failure. Your shouting slows you down and draws
the birds in. Add 1 to your next .
C Birds Soar (AM rolled 8 to 10)
▶ Success. Your voices rise to reach the birds, forcing
them higher in fright. The respite lets you gain
ground. Reduce your rounds remaining by 1 extra.
▶ Failure (Birds Soar). Are you commanding them
or calling them? The birds dive at you.
■ Use Birds Attack next round (no AM roll).
3. Test Sneak in a group test to hide from the birds.
A Birds Attack (AM rolled 1 to 4)
▶ Success. The shadows of the canyon hide you.
Confused, the birds fly high.
■ Use Birds Search next round (no AM roll).
▶ Failure. The birds’ sharp eyes make you easy prey
for their sharp beaks. Suffer 3 each.
B Birds Search (AM rolled 5 to 7)
▶ Success. They’ve lost you! But for how long?
■ Use Birds Soar next round (no AM roll).
▶ Failure. Spotted! Add 2 to your next .
C Birds Soar (AM rolled 8 to 10)
▶ Success (Birds Soar). They’re flying high, giving
you time to pick your hiding place. You duck into
a crevice only to find it cuts through the canyon.
Reduce your rounds remaining by 2 extra.
▶ Failure (Birds Soar). You can’t find a hiding place!
Add 2 to your next .
Use one of the following based on
the PCs’ direction of travel.
EASTWARD. Go to 5 The Rock Wall, next page.
20 to 35 minutes
WESTWARD. Go to 3 The Northern Trail, p. 13.
10 to 15 minutes
 5 The Rock Wall n
Use Exert plus Solve combined to find
b dow your way down the rocks (see QRP 2
clim
COMBINED TEST). caused by a
failure depends on how high you are,
al
Read the appropriate entry based on the PCs’ t ri meaning how much steep slope lies
direction of travel through the pass. below you. The more successes you gain,
the lower you get. And the higher you
If the party is traveling EASTWARD. are, the worse the fall.
You never want to see another bird in your life. You pull So, equals six minus the number of successes your party
yourselves together and continue on in the evening desert has achieved.
heat. Take a drink of water. You round a canyon corner
to find a steep hill of rocks. To keep moving forward, you
SC 6 • Exert + Solve • 6 • =6-
must climb it. You can see no other way. You see a well of
water at the base. It looks man-made, but out of use. The
water is not crystal clear, but it looks clean enough. You
may fill your flasks.
After the Trial...
You reach the bottom of the rocks and take a
Continue to the Climb Up Trial below. breather. Take a moment to perform Restore
actions if you wish. There’s a well of water here.
If the party is traveling WESTWARD. It looks man-made, but out of use. The water is not crystal
It is mid-morning, and the sun is already burning down. clear, but it looks clean enough. Do you fill your flasks?
You’ve come to a steep rocky hill that looks impossible to When you’re feeling ready, you head west along the canyon
climb down. But, you’ve got no other options. Looking at floor. It’s not the best of paths—rocky, with patches of deep
all the boulders, you wonder how you’ll tackle the climb sand. Up ahead, the path forks. To your right, smoother
down without falling and killing yourselves. sand hugs the northern wall of the canyon. To your left
Continue to the Climb Down Trial, next column. is a natural rock staircase leading up to caves with steam
pouring from their openings. Which path will you take?
If the PCs take the right fork, go to Onward B , below.
Use Exert plus Solve combined to find
p
bu your way up the rocks (see QRP 2 If the PCs take the left fork, go to Onward C , below.
clim COMBINED TEST). caused by a
failure depends on how high you’ve
al
t ri climbed, The higher you are, the worse
the fall. Use one of the following based on
So, equals the number of successes your party has
the PCs’ direction of travel.
achieved minus one.
A This is the EASTWARD Destiny Scene †.
SC 6 • Exert + Solve • 6 • = -1 Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
After the Trial... ■ Survive without becoming wounded. 2 Wp each.
You reach the summit and look beyond to what ■ Find a useful item. 1 Wp each.
lies ahead. You wonder what this day would have ■ Refill your flask. 1 Wp each.
been like if you’d taken a different path. It doesn’t
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
matter. You’re following the Rescuer’s will, and that means
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, next page.
you’re right where he wants you. Continue to seek his
guidance for the next half of the journey through Fire Pass.
For now, you’ll need rest. You make camp for the night.
30 to 40 minutes
This is ordinary ground, so you remove 2 per watch, B Go to 4 Hunted By Birds, p. 14.
but you only get three watches of rest. Remove 6 each.
Go to Onward, next column, and use A . C Go to 2 Whispering Walls, p. 11.

10 to 15 minutes

15
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 2 or E 9

Don’t forget that the player verse summaries are in the Cadet Handbook Adventure Journal. Have at least one of
these out for player reference. The same summary is shown below. The Bible study begins on the next page.

Hopeful Patience Romans 12:12 PA

Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

There are many people in this world that live without hope, but not you. Rejoice in the confident hope you have
in Christ. Even though you face many trials, never give up on prayer. Don’t lose your cool when the going gets
tough. Be patient and persistent!

Goodness Conquers Romans 12:21 GO

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

When others harm us, retaliation and revenge are not the answer. Vengeance belongs to God, according to His
righteous anger. Instead, God expects us to treat our enemies better than they deserve by being good to them.

Sound Judgment 2 Timothy 1:7 SC

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
When we’re afraid or under stress, the confidence of the Lord can help us to make good decisions under the
Spirit’s control. There is no reason to fear what God calls us to do because He always equips us to do it. This
reminder might help an injured friend find a sure footing and keep going.

Kingdom Strength 1 Corinthians 4:20 GO

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Members of God’s kingdom must have more than a good message and the ability to talk. They must be living
witnesses of God’s power. Voices of opposition are no match for the light of His Kingdom. A friend suffering
injury at the hands of Aladoth might be tempted to lash out, hurting your witness. This verse might help.

Right On Psalm 119:160 SC

The entirety of Your Word is truth, each of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
There is nothing more authoritative and true than God’s Word—all of it, from Genesis to Revelation. It will last
throughout eternity. When we know that His Word is true, we can make it our foundation and sure footing. This
reminder might help an injured friend to trust the Maker’s truth and keep going despite treacherous terrain.

16
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
MAIN IDEA: Make good decisions.
Discerning the will of God is the beginning of making
good decisions.
Even in our teens, we’re faced with important choices
that affect the rest of your life. What we choose today
shapes our destiny. If you truly want to live in the will of
God, then you must listen to the Holy Spirit and look to
the Word to help you make your daily decisions. Don’t
listen to a world that urges you to follow your human
desires, no matter how loud that world shouts.
Remember, God sees the whole picture and He has
promised to counsel you with His eye on you (Psalm
32:8).
KNOW—MIND: What can I know
about these verses?
Let’s look at these verses in context so that we can gain
more understanding.
Hopeful Patience Romans 12:12 PA
When Paul says, “Rejoice in hope,” he is saying to be
glad and delighted for the things that you confidently
expect concerning the promises of Christ. What are you
confidently expecting heaven to be like?
We could arrange the verse in its original order like this:
“In hope, rejoicing; in affliction, patience; in prayer,
persistence.” One feeds into the other. If our state of mind
is truly to rejoice in the hope of glory, then it will make
it all the easier to be patient in affliction. And because of
persistent prayers, it is easier to rejoice in hope.
Goodness Conquers Romans 12:21 GO
In this passage, Paul speaks about the way we should
treat our enemies. In verses 19-20, he tells us not to
avenge ourselves but to “leave room for God’s wrath,”
which is not evil, but based on His righteous judgment.
If we do evil things because of evil, then we are the ones
who are conquered. But, if we do good to those who are
evil toward us, then we are the conquerors.
This is not a promise that our enemies will miraculously
change their ways because we treat them nicely, even
17
E 2 or E 9
though that would be nice. Instead, it is a statement of
truth. If we respond to evil with goodness, then it stops
evil in its tracks so that it cannot spread any further,
starting with us.
Sound Judgment 2 Timothy 1:7 SC
The Greek word for ‘fear’ in this verse has also been
translated as ‘timidity’ or ‘cowardice.’ In the verse prior,
Paul reminds the young pastor Timothy to “rekindle the
gift of God” that is inside of him. He wants Timothy to
get back the spark. This message is just as relevant in our
day as it was back then. Many Christians (even pastors)
need some stirring. We need power and boldness
to stand firm in the truth, while at the same time
demonstrate the love of Christ and the ability to bring
others into a sound mind.
Kingdom Strength 1 Cor. 4:20 GO
This verse comes as part of Paul’s address to some of
the Corinthians who were arrogant and had a puffed
up spirit. He saw them as good talkers, but as a spiritual
father, he wanted to let them know that he was coming
to check on them and investigate them. He wouldn’t be
looking at their talk, but their power in the Spirit. Did
they just have a love for the power of discourse, like
many Grecians in their day? Or, did they have a love for
godliness, as evidenced by their light and goodness?
The Greek word translated ‘goodness’ in Galatians 5:22
is agathōsynē. It means “uprightness of heart and life” or
“moral excellence.” It is associated with kindness toward
others. We can be sure that the kind of power Paul was
looking for was the power of goodness and its affect on
others. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said that when others see
the good works of His followers, they will give glory to
the Father in heaven. That’s real kingdom power.
Right On Psalm 119:160 SC
Psalm 119 consists of 22 strophes based on the letters of
the Hebrew alphabet. There are 8 lines in each strophe,
and this verse is the last line for the letter Resh. Each
line starts with the same letter. The poem is written as
an alphabetic acrostic to celebrate the Lord’s torah—His
instruction and teaching. The writer is clearly honoring
the perfection and completeness of the Lord’s instruction.
(next page)
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 2 or E 9

In this strophe of the Psalm, the writer is calling on the

Lord to be his rescuer. He calls for help by pointing out
how he remembers the Lord’s instruction and has not
turned from it, yet the wicked do not do the same. The
Psalmist isn’t bragging. He’s pleading and reminding God
how much he loves His precepts and asking to be given
compassion and life.
GROW—HEART: How can my
relationship with Christ grow through
these verses?
Now is the time to ask yourself some important
questions. These sacred verses speak about the heart and
what drives your thinking and decision making.
GO—HANDS/FEET/MOUTH: What
do I do about what I’ve learned today?
If you take what we’ve studied and apply it to the way you
live, you’ll become a great decision maker, making
decisions with the right motive. The next time you are
faced with a choice of significance, remember these
verses and ask the Spirit to lead you.
Your love for God’s Word and for people makes a huge
difference in the way you think, but more importantly
it determines your impact on the lives of others. Not
everyone will change because you do good. They might
even persecute you. But, doing good gives you the
greatest chance to turn their hearts toward God.

What verses in the Bible give you hope? PRAYER

What do you need to persist in prayer about? Pray with your players. Consider their comments and
the answers they gave to the questions posed. Have the
What are you afraid of as a Christian?
mindset of a coach toward them when you pray, with no
What can you do to be more kind and good to others? other agenda other than to be there for them and to help
them become all God has called them to be.
How will you grow your love for the Lord’s instructions?
Next time . . .
If the PCs are on the EASTWARD path, your next episode is 2B Fire Pass: Eastern Pass on the next page. They
should study the “Giant Problem: The Eastern Pass” pages in their Adventure Journals.
If the PCs are on the WESTWARD path, your next episode is 6A The Temple: Outer Chambers on p. 87. They
should study the “Giant Problem: Outer Chambers” pages in their Adventure Journals.

ADVENTU RE MAST ER NOT ES

18
 2B FIRE PASS: EASTERN PASS
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
1. Survive without becoming wounded (½VT)
2. Save a local from certain death.
3. Refill your water flasks.
Start Point
SP The Eastern
Pass
ordinary ground
Depending on their chosen direction at the end
of Episode One, your party may have arrived
here traveling EASTWARD from the Western
Pass or WESTWARD from Setis. Use the following rules
to guide your PCs through this episode.
• If the party arrived traveling east through the
pass, read the EASTWARD sections, starting with
EASTWARD—THE STORY SO FAR . . . below.
• If the party is traveling west from Setis, read the
WESTWARD sections, starting with WESTWARD—
THE STORY SO FAR . . . next column.
When you reach a destiny scene, grant the appropriate
awards based on the objectives the PCs completed.
Remind players that PCs who suffered a fire beetle sting
must carry 3 that cannot be removed until they find
the cure.
Eastward—The Story So Far...
After traveling half the canyon, you ascended a
steep rock slope. Rising before the sun, you look
out at what lies ahead. The trail narrows between
the canyon walls. There’s no way to find out where it leads
except to press on into the gap. The path is winding, and
tight. You must march in twos, and most of the time, you
can’t see more than ten paces ahead.
Go to Onward, next column.
19
Westward—The Story So Far...
The baron offered you anything you want from
the Guilds. Which item did you choose? A glass
sword? Leather armor? Perhaps a weapon the
blacksmith would not sell to you?
If the PCs choose anything other than the spear called
the Flame, grant them the item (refer to The Guilds
p.46) and skip to the paragraph below the item box. If
they choose the spear, continue below.
The blacksmith was reluctant to part with the spear, but
the baron’s gold was persuasive. When you first took hold
of it, the shadow filling the black tip gave way to brilliant
translucent purple. It is like a great starlot, even now.
When the blacksmith saw this, he called you the prophesied
warriors. You shared the Great Rescue with him, and he
immediately believed.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
The Flame Mastercraft 1 Priceless
+2 plus quality bonus. Will likely stop a giant.
You spent the night in the baron’s tower in safety, but you
commit yourselves to rising early to head for the temple. It’s
time to take on the giant. Remove 3 per watch for three
watches of rest. You rise in the fourth watch to get ahead of
the sun.
After a short search of the rim, you find a natural bridge
that arcs down into the canyon over a stone forest that
burns with blue flame. Talania’s bright moons provide
enough light to see the full canyon—Fire Pass, as the baron
called it—is expansive and deep. Tall, twisting rocks in the
stone forest glow like embers far below the bridge. Better
not be scared of heights.
Go to Onward below.
Use one of the following based on
the PCs’ direction of travel.
EASTWARD. Go to 1 The Narrow Way, next page.
3 minutes
WESTWARD. Go to 2C The Bridge, p. 24.
4 minutes

1 The Narrow Way
Read the appropriate entry based on the PCs’
direction of travel through the pass.
If the party is traveling EASTWARD.
Continue with the next blue Read to Players icon below.
If the party is traveling WESTWARD.
The bridge descends into the canyon, where the path
narrows into a winding corridor. Most of the time, you
can’t see more than ten paces ahead, and you must march
in twos. As the sun comes up, the temperature rises. You
wonder what it will be like by midday. Hopefully, you’ll be
closer to the western rim by then.
Continue below.
The path winds maddeningly back and forth,
with only a few short stretches where it
straightens. You are in one of these stretches
when a whispering sound reaches your ears from ahead.
Test Observe at -1. Only one test allowed.
▶ Success. You hear the sound of human speech coming
from around the next bend. Better take care.
■ Go to 1 Overheard, below.
▶ Failure. It’s probably just the wind.
■ Go to 2 Pressing On, next column.
1 OVERHEARD
You creep forward making as little sound as
possible. Peering around the bend, you see a
group of men talking and laughing. They
wear dark cloaks with their hoods hanging down to
cast their faces in shadow. You see a couple of short
swords. The smallest wears a spear and shield at his
back and is digging through a large sack of goods.
As you strain to hear their conversation, you notice
one of them disappears under a ledge. A few seconds
later, he returns and says, “He’s still alive, but we can’t
wait much longer for his friends.”
The man who was digging in the sack replies, “It’s a
shame not many came after him, but we’ve stolen a
fair amount.” He pulls a golden statue and a handful
of jewelry from the bag, then drops them back in.
“Time to find us another greedy fool. Let’s move out.”
The men gather up their tunics and belongings. They
head away from you, in the direction you were going.
20
Do you . . .
1. Investigate the hideout?
Go to Action 1, below.
2. Follow the bandits?
Go to Action 3, next page.
PRESSING ON
2
You round the next bend only to be greeted
by two large men holding daggers. In an
instant, the blades are at the throats of the
two of you in front. Beyond the men, you see three
others. All wear hoods that cast shadows over their
bearded faces, and all carrying daggers and short
swords. The smallest wears a spear and shield at his
back and holds a large sack. You catch a glimpse of
gold before he cinches the top.
“You are an interesting lot,” the man with the
sack says. “Not from the desert, I gather. Well, it’s
unfortunate for you that you met with us today. This
will be the end of you unless, of course, you’re carrying
enough coin to satisfy us. In that case, we may let you
pass. Open your pouches and purses.”
Do you . . .
1. Allow the bandits to rob you?
Go to Action 2, next page.
2. Battle the bandits?
Go to Bandit Battle, p. 22.
If the characters . . .
1. Investigate the hideout.
You take a closer look at the hideout under the ledge, and
you find a shallow cavern, high enough to stand in. At the
back is a cave mouth on the right, and a low, hand-hewn
tunnel on the left, hardly big enough to crawl through.
A battered man lies on the ground, bound in rope. The
man stirs and opens one eye. The other is swollen shut.
“Leave me alone!” he says in a weak voice. “I’ve nothing
else to give you. Let me die in peace.” His voice is weak,
but you can see strength in his arms and the breadth of his
shoulders. He may yet be very strong. His clothes, now torn
and soiled, were once rich. This humiliation has brought a
proud man low. Do you cut his bonds or leave him bound?
Go to Bound Man Parley, next page.
2. Allow the bandits to rob them.
Fearing a deadly battle with these Aladoth, you surrender.
“Come now,” the smallest says, “let’s see what you’ve got.”
The bandits rummage through your manykits.
As the bandits search, you catch hints of nervousness—a
quick head movement here, or a slight tremble there. These
men are showing fear. Clearly, they think that if you decide
to fight, one or more of them may die. Do you let them
continue? Or do you reach for your weapons to stop this?
If the PCs let the bandits continue.
The bandits take the most valuable item (only one) from
each PC and half the PC’s coins, rounded down. They
take no common weapons, only superior or better. Have
the players adjust their items accordingly. If a PC has
common items only, choose one. If a PC is carrying the
coin pouch with Saral embroidered on it, the thieves take
this in addition to the PC’s most valuable item.
“We have taken little and left you your water as a sign of
respect,” the small thief says. “This is the way of the desert
among those with fire in their blood. I sense that fire in
you. Do not prove me wrong by seeking revenge.”
EASTWARD. The bandit lifts his chin and says, “As a
boon, I offer this as well. In Setis, ask for Geldan, in the
merchant’s district. Tell him the Dagger sent you.”
The players should write down the KEYWORD Geldan.
WESTWARD. The bandit lifts his chin and says, “As a
boon, I offer this as well. If you visit the priest Morellius at
the temple, tell him the Dagger wishes him well.”
The players should write down the KEYWORD Dagger.
If the PCs attempt to stop the robbery.
Go to Bandit Battle, next page.
3. Follow the bandits.
Keeping low and quiet, you follow the bandits, trying to
catch pieces of their conversation. On the move, with the
crunching of their boots on the desert gravel, it’s hard to
hear, but you think one of them is complaining about
leaving his whetting stone behind. The man pats his pockets
for a time, then all the thieves stop.
They turn. They’re coming your way at a quick pace. You
don’t have time to get far enough back, past their hideout,
to avoid them—not without making too much noise. A
confrontation is imminent. You will be robbed or face
battle with these Aladoth. Quickly, which do you choose?
If the PCs choose to be robbed.
Go to Action 2 above.
If the PCs choose battle.
Go to Bandit Battle, next page.
21
If the PCs chose to cut the man’s
bound man bonds, use the WISE . If they
parley chose to leave him bound, use the
FOOLISH .
KI 4 • WISE = - 3 • FOOLISH = -1
Test Persuade. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. The man calms down. “I believe you when you
say that you mean me no harm. I ask only for your aid.”
■ If the PCs have not cut his bonds, tell them he asks
them to do this now. If they refuse to cut them,
jump to the Abrupt End.
▶ Failure. Jump to the Abrupt End.
questions
1. Who are you and where are you from?
2. Do you know what’s is in this hideout?
3. Can you tell us anything about this region/desert/
Setis?
4. Have you ever heard of the Rescuer?
answers
1. “My name is Jag Kasheen. I am a catchpole from the
city of Setis. I am hated by many. The nobles provide me
protection, but a threat of war has caused them to raise
troops and cost me my personal guard.
“Those men kidnapped me several days ago. They
robbed me, beat me, and brought me to Fire Pass. They
used me as a lure to draw my friends to find me so they
could rob them too. But only one of my friends came—
poor Ishmad. They took his gold and jewelry and threw
him over the bridge into the canyon. I think he’s dead.”
Jag starts to shake and cry. How might you encourage
him? Group-test Encourage at +2. Or try the Healing
Heart sacred verse.
■ If the Encourage test succeeds, or a PCs reads or
recites the verse (normal Wp reward), the parley
may continue. Otherwise, go to the Abrupt End.
2. “I have only seen this room, but the bandits go into that
cave to sleep at night. I think it’s where they keep all
their stolen goods. As far as the low tunnel, I’ve never
seen them enter, but once they threatened to put me in
there if I didn’t shut up.”
(next page)
3. “This place is called Fire Pass. Many try to cross it an
die—killed by the sun, thirst, fire beetles, or any of the
other dangers that feed the carrion birds. The fire in
the belly of the land rises close to the soil here. Sending
bursts of flame and steam into the sky. Pyrcats crawl
up from the depths, called by the dragons, even though
they hate the sun. There is a city on the east end of the
pass. Setis. My home since I was a boy. My wife and I
live there in the noble ward, well protected. But Badu, a
rival city, has threatened Setis with invasion. Spies are
everywhere. Mahku, a servant in the baron’s tower, drew
me out of the city to be taken by these thieves.”
■ Have EASTWARD players write down the
KEYWORD Mahku.
4. “The Rescuer? I don’t believe in gods my friends—only
gold.” He won’t speak more on this topic.
abrupt end
The man shakes his head, and you can’t get him to speak
any more.
Open the MDB to Bandit Battle, p. 42.
Place your PC tokens on the torch
bandit symbols. Place 5 Aladoth tokens on the
hand symbols. Remind your players to
battle
temper their armor if desired.
Do not reveal the Boss Bandit’s low
Command . His Fight is normal.
When a bandit runs out of damage boxes, he flees.
Lightraiders are forbidden from killing Aladoth. The PCs
should consider knocking to seek the Rescuer’s guidance.
If the PCs knock by reciting and explaining a sacred
verse to your satisfaction.
The Rescuer impresses on you that the leader of the bandits
is a coward and can be easily frightened into surrendering.
If the PCs followed the bandits.
The PCs are ready and take no damage in the first round.
BOSS BANDIT (1) A COMMAND -3

After the Parley...

SPD 2 • JO 5 • SPEAR 3

Read the appropriate paragraph based on the BANDITS (2 TO 5) -2

PCs’ actions. SPD 2 • JO 3 • DAGGER 2/SWORD 3

If the party refused to unbind the man.

damage tracker
With a great heave, the big man breaks the rope binding
his ankles. He fights his way to his feet, shoulders past you, 1
and runs out into the desert.
Go to the Cues below.
If the party cut the man’s bonds.
2 3 4 5
The man uncovers a small hole, pulling out a bag of rations
and a flask the bandits had hidden. “Do not follow me,” he
says. “There is only so much trust I’m willing to give.” Then
he heads out into the desert.
Go to the Cues below.

After the Battle...

Do you . . .
The bandits run for it, taking their bag of stolen
goods with them. The path is quiet for the
1. Explore the cave at the back?
moment, you may take Restore actions.
Go to Action 1, next page. Afterward, will you continue on your way or return to the
2. Crawl into the low tunnel? bandits’ hideout?
Go to Action 2, next page. If the PCs return to the hideout.
3. Leave and continue your journey? Return to Action 1, Investigate the hideout, on p. 20.
Go to Onward, next page. If the PCs continue on their way.
Go to Onward, next page.

22

If the characters . . .
1. Explore the cave.
A short passage leads to a series of inter-connected
chambers much like the cave-cottages in the vales south of
Dayspring in Keledan. Rough-hewn shelves hold raggedy
blankets and pillows, tin cups, and crude utensils.
Test Observe at -1. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. Cracks in the lowest shelf of the main chamber
draw your eye. Is that piece of rock loose? Pulling it free,
you find a well. The water is clear. You may drink if you
wish or refill your flasks. Drinking your fill removes 1 .
There’s more. One of the shelves holds many vials, jars,
and bandages. This is medicine. Anyone with a healing
kit may refresh it here. One vial is ruby-colored glass
carved with the image of a beetle and inscribed with
the letters “SZ.” You assume they must be initials from
the glass blower. You remove the cork and hold it under
your nose. The liquid smells of cinnamon. What could it
be? This might be something you should take with you.
■ If the PCs have the KEYWORD Sting, they may
realize this is the cure for the fire beetle poison. One
swallow removes 3 from the sting. Ten swallows
are available.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Ruby colored vial Superior N/A Unk.
This liquid smells of cinnamon. Add to healing kit.
Five drinks. One drink removes 3 . The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
▶ Failure. It seems there’s nothing useful here.
Use one of the following based on
the PCs’ direction of travel.
EASTWARD. Go to 2C The Bridge, next page.
15 to 25 minutes
WESTWARD. This is the WESTWARD Destiny Scene †.
The morning ticks are fleeting, and the temperature is
rising. You march through seemingly endless switchbacks,
pondering all that has transpired. At least half this terrible
canyon lies before you. What other dangers will arise?
It doesn’t matter. You’re more determined than ever to
destroy the menacing sand giant and to meet your escort
home—Randar Vorn, the famous lightraider knight.
Headmaster Talin promised he’d be waiting back at the
jagged rock. Or did he promise Randar Vorn would be
waiting at the hollow tree? But the hollow tree disappeared.
Oh dear.
You finally emerge to a high clearing. Far ahead, you see
massive columns of steam rising into the sky. And once in
awhile, you catch a glimpse of red flames, flicking up from
the cracks in the canyon.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
■ Survive without becoming wounded. 2 Wp each.
■ Save a local. 1 Wp each.
■ Refill your flask. 1 Wp each.
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, p. 28.

2. Crawl into the low tunnel. 40 to 50 minutes

Only one PC may enter at a time. They must choose who
will go. Address the following to the chosen PC.
You inch your way inside but soon stop. It’s too dark to
see. Your elbow crushes something small—crunchy at first,
and they squishy. A cinnamon odor assaults your senses.
Red flickering lights suddenly illuminate the tunnel, and
a chorus of clicking drowns out all other sound. Beetles.
Before you can react, they attack.
Test Move + Exert in a combined test to back out.
▶ Success. You only suffered one bite. Suffer 3 . Carry
this damage with you. It cannot be removed by any
means until you find the cure or return to the academy.
Write down the KEYWORD Sting as a reminder.
▶ Failure. Ouch! Ouch again! Suffer 6 from beetle bites.
Carry this damage with you. It cannot be removed by any
means until you find the cure or return to the academy.
Write down the KEYWORD Sting as a reminder.

23

B1 The Bridge
perilous place
Read the appropriate entry based on the PCs’
direction of travel through the pass.
If the party is traveling EASTWARD.
You make a long trek over open ground before coming to
a trailhead between giant boulders. The footpath leads
upward onto an arcing sandstone bridge that extends
toward the canyon’s eastern rim. The bridge appears to be
the only way out. A forest of twisting rock spires stretches
underneath from the start of the bridge to the rim. What
could be lurking among those spires? Flames for sure. You
see licks of blue fire flashing in the stone forest. Smoke rises
to caress the bridge. One giant pillar supporting the natural
bridge may offer a way down if you really want to venture
there, or perhaps the Rescuer has other plans.
You step onto the bridge to begin the crossing
Continue with the blue Read To Players icon below.
If the party is traveling WESTWARD.
The bridge is wider than expected. It looked so narrow
from the canyon rim. This gives you comfort. Nevertheless,
the sheer height of it makes your legs a little weak. Below, a
forest of twisting spires, rising smoke, and flickers of flame
extends all the way to the natural ramp leading down from
the bridge. You couldn’t survive a fall in that unless the
Rescuer intervened.
Continue below.
The bridge walk is terrifying, but you make it a
quarter of the way across without incident.
There, you stop for a breather. Drink from your
flasks. You scan the expanse below. To your shock, you spot
what looks like a man caught in webbing stretched between
two rock spires. He’s lying very still. There’s no way down
from here, but if you can reach the massive pillar near the
center of the bridge, you might find a way to climb down.
The journey to the bridge’s center is
treacherous. Use the events # starting in the
next column to determine what happens to the
party along the way. Use one or all events, depending on
how much time you have. Keep in mind, if your group is
headed west, you may have a rescue, two or three
possible battles, and a parley still ahead.
24
For each event, roll a starlot and go to the hexagon with a
number range that matches your result.
The Shooting Flames and Wind Blast may be played
multiple times. When you’re finished, go to After the
Events, on the next page.
1-2 shooting flames
Blue fire erupts from fissures in the canyon floor, shooting
high enough to scorch the bridge. Flames wrap the
sandstone from underneath and force you to leap to avoid
a burn. Test Move.
▶ Success. Impressive! You dance over the flames and
escape unsinged.
▶ Failure. Your garments catch fire, and the flames burn
you before you can pat them out. Suffer 3 .
3-4 wind blast
A powerful wind blast blows across the bridge, hurling
rocks and sand. Test Exert at +2 to withstand it.
▶ Success. You set your feet and raise your arm against
the blast. When it’s over, you are unharmed and grateful
to the Rescuer to still be standing on the bridge.
▶ Failure. Your feet slip. In the next instant you’re sliding
across the ground. Suffer 2 from cuts and scrapes. By
the Rescuer’s grace, you don’t fall into the spire forest.
5-6 armored lizard
A giant lizard charges your party at top speed. Orange
plates spotted with red ripple as it lumbers your way. You
can’t escape it. Stand your ground and fight!
Show the PCs the lizard on MDB p. 47.
ARMORED LIZARD -1
SPD 4 • JO 3 • BITE 3 / CLAWS 2
Every third injury from the lizard is a bite. The
venomous bite causes 3 each round until the PC is
renewed or the battle ends.
damage tracker
1
After the Battle. The lizard wails and lumbers off. It
scrambles down the central pillar and disappears into the
stone forest.
 7-8 sand storm
A wall of sand rushes in to envelope you. Quickly, you
grasp each others arms and shoulders. Group-test Solve
at +1 to keep from staggering off the edge in your
blindness.
▶ Success. Good work. Together, you kept your footing
and stayed on the bridge. You brush the sand from your
faces and garments and continue on.
▶ Failure. Your eyes sting. In moments, your boots lose
purchase, and the bridge seems to vanish. Your whole
party has gone over the edge. You fall for what feels like
a league, crying out in silent prayer to the Rescuer for
aid. You have his answer when you crash through soft
and sticky webbing. It slows your fall, but you still hit the
canyon floor hard. Suffer 3 each.
■ Go now to 3 Twisted Spires, next page, and
start with If the party crashed through the webs.
9 - 10 death vipers
A skeletal snake as big as a man slithers toward you,
followed by three others. The leader rears up and hisses
through bone fangs. “Ssssstop where you are, Keledan. Turn
about or suffer our wrath.”
This is a combat trial. You must fight your way through the
snakes in 8 quick rounds. Save counseling to the end. You
may temper your armor and use its advantages.
Make sure all counseling is completed before going to
After the Trial.
JO 5 • Fight • 8 • 2
After the Trial. Good work! Three of the creatures fell
from the bridge. The last lies dead before you, already
disintegrating. It’s bulbous abdomen dissolves, and a
hundred tiny versions of the spider come rushing out. They
go scurrying away, vanishing against the sand.
After the Events...
The peak of the bridge’s arch and the central
pillar that supports it loom ahead. Beyond
the peak, you spot the slow, jerking
movement of an army of bony creatures. Skeletons! If
you reach the pillar, you can escape down a cut
staircase into the stone forest and perhaps help the
man you saw caught in the webbing—if he’s still alive.
25
Do you . . .
1. Confront the skeletons?
■ Continue to Skeleton Battle, below.
2. Climb down to help the man?
■ Go to 3 Twisted Spires, next page and start
with If the party is climbing down the pillar.
Open the MDB to Desert Skeleton Battle,
p. 43. Place your PC tokens on the torch
skeleton symbols. Place 5 dark creature tokens on
the claw mark symbols. Note that certain
battle
precarious spaces on the edge of the
bridge increase the difficulty of actions.
When a skeleton runs out of boxes, it
collapses into a pile of bones.
SUN BAKED SKELETONS -2
SPD 1 • JO 5 • BONE CLUBS 1
damage tracker
1 2 3 4 5
After the Battle...
You defeated those piles of bones and returned
them to . . . well . . . piles of bones. The piles lie on
the bridge, dusted with sand. You may take a
moment for Restore actions if you wish.
Once the PCs have finished any Restore actions, continue.
A swirling wind rises. The bones begin to quiver and quake.
Before you can make a run for it, the wind whips the bones
into a whirlwind and casts you off the bridge. You fall
for what feels like a league, crying out in silent prayer to
the Rescuer for aid. You have his answer when you crash
through soft and sticky webbing. It slows your fall, but you
still hit the canyon floor hard. Suffer 3 each.
Go now to 3 Twisted Spires, next page, and start
with If the party crashed through the webs.
 3 TWISTED SPIRES
Read the appropriate paragraph based on
how the party arrived.
If the party crashed through the webs.
You drag yourselves to your feet and pull thick webs from
your hair and clothes. That fall might easily have sent you
all to Elamhavar, the Eternal Home, but the Rescuer chose
to keep you on this globe a little longer. He must want you
to find that man you saw from above.
Continue with the blue Read To Players icon below.
If the party is climbing down the pillar.
The steps cut into this sandstone are not for Aladoth or
Keledan. They are far too big. You wonder for a moment
if they were cut by the Elder Folk, but they seem too
misshapen. That could be the work of the desert winds. Or
these steps might have been cut to bring something big and
terrifying up out of the desert. The sand gives under each
tenuous step on the way down. Each of you test Move and
Solve combined to see if you can safely make it down.
▶ Success. You are sure footed, no doubt. You safely reach
the canyon floor.
▶ Failure. The edge of a step gives under your boot and
you fall, bouncing down the final steps. Suffer 3 .
Continue below.
A wasteland of twisted rock spires shrouded in
smoke surrounds you. Long cracks and fissures
scar the canyon floor. An underground fire,
flickering blue and orange, burns beneath.
If your sense of direction is right, you should locate the
man in the webbing to the west a few hundred paces from
here, but the spires, some as wide as two horse carts, make
straight paths impossible. You use the bridge, high above,
as a guide and move as fast as the terrain allows. Only a
few paces into the trek, you realize you’re not alone.
Make only one Observe test. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. A low growl draws your gazes. A ragged cat
with hide like the cracked and flaming canyon floor
stalks you from the right. It’s eyes are like embers. The
creature crouches, ready to pounce. “Fear me, Keledan,
for I know the secrets of this flaming forest. You cannot
defeat me! Bow, and I will teach you.”
▶ Failure. Look out! A cat-like creature with fire under its
cracked and brittle hide attacks!
Continue to Pyrcat Battle, next column.
26
Open the MDB to Pyrcat Battle, p. 44.
Place your PC tokens on the torch
pyrcat
symbols. Place 1 medium dark creature
battle
token on the claw mark symbol.
A PC that recites the Puffed Up Poof verse
dims the creature’s fire, causing 2 .
If the PCs have the KEYWORD Pyrcat.
Use -2 anytime they lure the pyrcat out of the bridge
shadow (to the left side of the yellow line).
If the PCs succeed in the Observe test.
They are ready and suffer no in the first round.
PYRCAT
SPD 5 • LO 5 • CLAWS/BITE/FIRE 4
damage tracker
1
After the Battle...
The pyrcat crumbles to the canyon floor, its fire
extinguished. As the flames flicker out, you hear
the cries of the man stuck in the webs. “Help me!
I beg you. I’m up here!” You’ve no time to waste. Whatever
spiders created those webs could come at any moment.
Test Solve+Exert in a combined group test to get him
down.
▶ Success. Good work! You ease the man down and begin
to tend to him.
▶ Failure. Oops! You manage to cut the webs, but the poor
man falls, adding to his injuries.
Continue below.
The man clearly hasn’t eaten or tasted water for
days. In a hoarse whisper, he tells you his name is
Ishmad. He was captured by the very bandits
who kidnapped a friend of his from Setis—Jag he calls him.
When he came looking for Jag, they robbed him and threw
him over the bridge. He believes that his friend is likely
dead. What do you say to him?
Allow the players to role-play what they might say to
this man. Take note if they think of giving him water or
treating his injuries. It will affect their rescue .
Continue to The Rescue of Ishmad, next page.
 Use one of the following based on
Ishmad frowns at your words. “I the PCs’ direction of travel.
appreciate your kindness, but my life is
one thing. You have no idea who I am. My EASTWARD. This is the EASTWARD Destiny Scene †.
soul may not be worth saving at all.”
From its peak, the bridge makes a shallow descent to the
If the party passed the Solve/Exert test
the eastern rim of the canyon. You praise the High One and
cue
AND offered Ishmad water or treated his son, the Rescuer. You survived Fire Pass. Night is fast
reso f him, use the WISE . If they passed approaching. Time to make camp.
mad but did not offer water or treat him,
ish Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
use a normal . If they failed, use the
FOOLISH . Objective Awards
■ Survive without becoming wounded. 2 Wp each.
LO 4 • WISE = - 3 • FOOLISH = +1 ■ Save a local (multiple possible). 1 Wp each.
■ Refill your flask. 1 Wp each.
Resolve =3
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, p. 28.
After the Rescue...
40 to 50 minutes
Read the appropriate paragraph below, based
on the PCs’ success or failure.
WESTWARD. Go to 1 The Narrow Way, p. 20
If the rescue was successful . . .
Ishmad sobs. Never has he heard such words of love and 15 to 25 minutes
truth before. “The priests and the tribes were all wrong!
Praise the Rescuer!” he exclaims. You get the sense the
Rescuer will lead him to a hollow tree.
Go to the blue Read to Players icon, below.
If the rescue failed . . .
The man thanks you for everything you have done and
offers you a rich reward for your good deeds if you come
and visit him in Setis.
Continue below.
The Giant Lizard

”Our paths are different, but let us travel on as

friends until we part ways.” With that, you hurry
to the great pillar supporting the bridge, where
rough stairs let your climb out of the darkness.
Go to Onward, next column.

27
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 3 or E 8

Don’t forget that the player verse summaries are in the Cadet Handbook Adventure Journal. Have at least one of
these out for player reference. The same summary is shown below. The Bible study begins on the next page.

Mending Hearts Psalm 34:18 LO

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.

Those who are hurt by the things of life should always remember that the Lord is near and promises to save
them from being crushed. He will mend their hearts. Speaking and explaining this verse before a rescue will
increase your LO score by 1 for one encounter. It may also encourage a friend crushed by fear and despair,
restoring your friend’s Joy.

He Cares 1 Peter 5:7 JO

. . . casting all your cares on Him, because He cares about you.

Every concern and worry should be given to the Lord. There is literally no one who cares as much for us as
Jesus, and He makes all our burdens lighter. When faced with despair, this verse help an injured friend find
hope and joy in the Rescuer.

Healing Heart Proverbs 17:22 KI

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
The joy of the Lord is a healer for both the one who lives it out and for those who witness it. But those who stay
in brokenness continue to get worse. Speaking and explaining this verse may help an Aladoth continue to listen
or may increase your KI score by 1 for one encounter.

Puffed Up Poof 1 Corinthians 8:1b LO

We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
Great knowledge is less important than sharing the love of Christ with others. Through that love, we build them
up as a person. Speak and explain this verse to help a friend who is caught up in the desire of knowledge, or
recite and explain the verse to knock the fire out of a dark creature.

Joy In Him John 15:11 JO

I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
When we obey the commandments of Christ, our joy overflows because of the grace we experience and the
promises He fulfills to those who love Him. Speak and explain this verse to help a friend who has lost his or her
Rescuer-gifted Joy in battle.

28
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
MAIN IDEA: Christ wants to shine
through us.
In our lives, God presents many opportunities for us to
come alongside broken and hurting people. In this way,
we show them the love and joy of Christ living in us. It
all begins when we trust Jesus enough to tell Him about
our own cares and experience His love for ourselves.
When our hearts have been mended and we overflow
with joy, it’s so much more compelling than any kind of
head knowledge or memory verse that we can throw at
people. If all they see is our puffed up knowledge, we will
never be able to build them up in love. That’s why it is so
important to not only put these verses in our minds, but
to put them in our hearts, and then live out their truths.
KNOW—MIND: What can I know
about these verses?
Let’s look at these verses in context so that we can gain
more understanding.
Mending Hearts Psalm 34:18 LO
David writes about how the Lord helps the righteous
in Psalm 34:17-20. We read that He hears their prayers
when they call on Him, and that He rescues them. If they
have psychological and emotional wounds, He is close to
them and answers their prayers for help. The righteous
have problems too, but God comes to their rescue to
preserve them.
He Cares 1 Peter 5:7 JO
In the verse preceding this one, Peter writes that we
should humble ourselves, and subject ourselves to God’s
mighty hand, allowing Him to discipline us and teach
us. He speaks about how God will raise us up in His
perfect timing. We should not raise ourselves up. Instead,
whatever cares we have, we should put them on God,
because we can know for sure that He cares for us.
29
E 3 or E 8
Healing Heart Proverbs 17:22 KI
This verse is straightforward. It speaks of how a joyful
heart brings healing, just as a broken spirit causes decay.
The ‘heart’ refers to a person’s inner self, thoughts,
emotions, and will. As Christians, we can foster a
joyful heart by spending time in God’s Word—in His
presence—by remembering how He saved us and
everything that He’s done.
Puffed Up Poof 1 Cor. 8:1b LO
Snippets and verses from the apostle Paul’s letters are
often taken out of context. To understand this verse in
context, we need to see the whole picture. In a three
chapter discourse, Paul addresses questions about
whether Christians should eat food sacrificed to idols. In
that day, there was a controversy between the Jerusalem
Council, who forbid it, and some in the church who
wanted to exercise Christian liberty. Paul wanted them
to work toward unity, so he reminds the church that
they shouldn’t become proud because they have an
understanding that the council does not. Pride will not
build up the church, but love will, he explains. In the
next two chapters, he goes on to explain why those who
had pridefully presumed their knowledge had erased the
dangers of idolatry had instead opened the door to sin.
Joy In Him John 15:11 JO
In John 15:1-11, Jesus taught his disciples that He was
the true vine and they were the branches. As long as they
remained connected to Him, they would produce much
fruit—fruit that would last. This included an abundance
of joy as mentioned in the verse. The prophet Isaiah
spoke in chapter 35 about the “unending joy” of the
ransomed and how joy and gladness would “overtake
them.” In John 15, Christ, by referencing Isaiah, was
claiming the place of the Redeemer.
(next page)
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 3 or E 8

GROW—HEART: How can my GO—HANDS/FEET/MOUTH: What

relationship with Christ grow through do I do about what I’ve learned today?
these verses?
The next time you have a problem, how will you
Your relationship with Christ can grow deeper as you approach God to ask Him for help?
humble yourself and trust Him with the concerns and What could you do to foster a more joyful heart and
cares of your daily life by giving them to Him in prayer. healthier life?
These verses remind you about the love and joy that God
wants you to have and how he desires to heal you by You can make a difference in the life of someone with a
filling you with overflowing and complete joy. He knows broken spirit.
you are going to have problems, but He promises that PRAYER
your problems won’t crush you because He will save you Take a moment to pray with your players, and focus on
and preserve you. praying for the health of their heart. Remind them that
How is your heart? God cares and wants to protect them.
What cares do you need to give to Jesus? Lord, we bring all of our needs to you today and cast
them all before you. We thank you for your love and care
for us and your desire for us to have a healthy heart and
body. Help us to be humble and to love one another and
build each other up. May each of us overflow with your
joy as we remain in you. Amen.
Next time . . .
If the PCs are on the EASTWARD path, your next episode is 3A Gates and Barracks on the next page. They
should study the “Giant Problem: Gates and Barracks” pages in their Adventure Journals.
If the PCs are on the WESTWARD path, your next episode is 2A Western Pass on p. 9. They should study the
“Giant Problem: Western Pass” pages in their Adventure Journals.

ADVENTU RE MAST ER NOT ES

30
 3A SETIS: GATES AND BARRACKS
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
desire to help these people and destroy the bloodthirsty
giant as soon as you can. But your studies thus far have
1. Make a new friend taught you to wait on the Rescuer. “Wait on him” is easy
to say. But can you do it while out here on the quest? It’s so
2. Save two locals from certain death. hot here. Drink from your flasks.

Start Point If any PCs have an untreated fire beetle sting,

SP The Gates
ordinary ground
The Story So Far...
You passed the night on ordinary ground,
gaining four watches of rest while guarding the
camp in shifts. Remove 8 each.
The walls of Setis rise from the sands ahead, far larger than
you expected. You know the Rescuer wants you to find an
advantage that will help you destroy the giant here, but
how will you find it among the many streets and alleys that
must lie within those walls? Impatience gnaws at you—the
remind the players that they can’t remove the
those 3 until the party finds the cure.
Open the MDB to The Gates of Setis, p. 46, and show the
group. Then continue.
The morning trickle of local villagers and
merchants enters by the gate. You slip into the
sparse crowd, hoping the guards are not
concerned about taxes or journeywrits today.
Quickly, you see that they are. A guard, perhaps a
lieutenant, stops you several paces from the gate. “I don’t
know your faces, strangers. What’s your business here?”
There’s a break in the line of locals. The gate stands wide
open. The two guards near it look bored and distracted.
What do you do?
(next page)

The Gates of Setis

31

Do you . . .
1. Talk to the guard who challenged you?
■ Requires SC 4 or better.
2. Shove him down and run for it?
If the characters . . .
1. Chat with the guard.
Continue to Guard Parley, below.
2. Shove him down and run for it.
Go to 3A1 Fleet Footed, next page.
Evaluate your PCs’ response to
guard the guard’s question “What is your
business here?”. Decide whether
parley
their answer deserves the Wise , a
normal , or the FOOLISH .
If the PCs attempt to give the guard the journeywrit
found in the Tarlan mine-palace.
The guard examines the writ and frowns. “This writ is for
Tarlor. We’re in Zayor. Do you take me for a fool?”
Jump to the Abrupt End.
SC 2 • WISE = - 2 • FOOLISH =
Test Persuade. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. The guard starts toward the gate. “Walk with
me. War is brewing. Our baron has declared that even
citizens must carry a writ, and to aid our defenses,
foreigners must pay an extra writ tax. You must pay
your tax and wait at the guardhouse until your writ is
signed. It should not be a problem.”
■ Ask the PCs if they still want to walk with him. If
they do, continue the parley. If they make a run for
it, go to 1 Fleet Footed, next page.
▶ Failure. Jump to the Abrupt End.
questions
1. What do you mean, “war is brewing?”
2. How much is the writ tax?
3. For a few coins, can you forget the writ and just let us
into the city?
4. Can you tell us anything about this city?
5. Do you know a priest named Morellius?
6. Have you ever heard of the Rescuer?
32
answers
1. “There have been raids on the city. Invaders rob our
merchants. Two of our beautiful monuments were
burned. This reeks of Badu, a rival city, those snakes. We
have answered them with raids of our own. There have
been skirmishes in the desert. A full attack is imminent.”
2. “A writ will cost one claw and three petas for a party
your size.”
3. “Are you trying to bribe me?”
■ Jump to the Abrupt End.
4. “Setis is a jewel of the desert and the birthplace of the
sorcerer Peshar Sin, after whom this desert is named. We
are honored to have a noble, the baron, as our mayor.
Few from the lordly bloodlines take an interest in the
cities. But Setis is exceptional and prosperous. Our oasis
provides all we need, and our sun fruit—zaykala—are
the most delectable in all Tanelethar.
5. “I’ve heard of him. Not sure if he’s here.”
6. “You mean the Southern Overlord? I have no interest in
foreign oppressors.” He gives you a suspicious glance and
will not say more on the topic.
abrupt end
“Silence, spies! You are servants of Badu, I can smell it on
you.” He signals the other guards. “Take them to holding to
await interrogation! And the tax must still be paid.”
After the Parley...
Two other guards flank you as you pass through
the city gate. All of the guards wear helmets with
copper plumes shaped like curving scorpion tails.
You see more scorpion imagery inside the city. About one
hundred paces ahead, you see a low building with small,
barred windows. That looks more like a jail than a
guardhouse. Can you trust this man?
If the PCs want to run for it or they have no coins to
pay the tax.
Go to 1 Fleet Footed, next page.
If the PCs want to trust the guard and pay the tax.
Go to Don’t Run Trial, next page.
 This is a trial of Encourage that puts
run your Goodness at risk. Can you keep it
’t
don together, wait on the Rescuer, and
willingly let these guards escort you to
al
t ri a building that looks a lot like a jail?
If you fail, you drift, and a guard
will block you with a sphere and shove you in the right
direction causing 1 damage. If your Goodness becomes
infected, you must counsel yourself by speaking and
explaining a verse as if you were saying it in your head.
Keep track of your rounds. You must earn six successes in
ten rounds or less. Otherwise, you can’t control the urge to
run. IMPORTANT: You cannot spend more than 1Wp per
round to change a result in this trial.
If at any time, the PCs decide to run for it or if they do
not have two halfins to pay the writ tax.
Go to 1 Fleet Footed, next column.
GO 5 • Encourage -1 • 6 in 10 • 1
After the Trial...
Read the appropriate entry based on the
party’s performance in the trial.
If the party earned 6 success within 10 rounds.
You reach the low building, and the guards escort you into
a long passage. The doors on either side are wooden. One is
open. Guards inside lounge at a table, playing a game with
stone tiles. Nearing the far end of the passage, the doors
on either side are no longer wooden. They’re made of iron
bars. Those are cells!
The guards open one of these cells, take your weapons (with
apologies) and lock you inside. You hand one of them the
tax, half expecting him to pocket the coins, but he dutifully
places them into a small wooden box, which he hands to a
messenger. The guard lifts his chin at you as the messenger
hurries off. “I am Tefal, lieutenant of this city’s guard. Be
patient, and I will bring you the writ as soon as I can.”
Go to Onward, next page, and use A .
If the party did not earn 7 successes in 10 rounds.
Go to 3A1 Fleet Footed, next column.
33
1 FLEET FOOTED
A quick shove, some quick feet, and you’re on
your way. Those guards never saw it coming. Or
did they? Spears fly at you.
Test Move at -2. All must test.
▶ Success. You feel the whoosh as the spear flies by.
▶ Failure. You feel a little more than a whoosh. The spear
tip slices into you as the weapon passes. Suffer 2
Pure chaos slams your senses—the clamor of
merchants, the cheers of a crowd in a circular
arena set below the street’s level, the scent of
spiced smoke rising from the city fireclocks. Amid the other
sounds, you hear the shouting of the guards heading your
way, all in armor, with scorpion-tail helmets and carrying
spears. Can you outrun them? You race into an alley. To
your, left barrels are stacked up to the rooftop. You might
climb them. Straight ahead, the alley lets out into crowded
streets. Which way?
Do you . . .
1. Do you climb the barrels?
2. Run straight?
If the characters . . .
1. Climb the barrels.
Test Move in a group test.
▶ Success. You help each other up the barrels, making
quick work of it. Start the chase on the roof.
▶ Failure. A barrel breaks. You all come tumbling down.
Suffer 1 each. Start the chase on the ground.
2. Run straight down the alley into the crowd.
Start the chase on the ground.
Choose a representative to roll one starlot each
round, and I will tell you what happens. If you
roll the same number twice, roll again.
Begin the chase on the next page. In each
round, read from the event that matches the
number rolled. In each event, use A if the
party is on the ground or B if the party is on a roof.
They may not spend Wp to change any test result. Once
the party fails three rounds or experiences every event,
go to Onward B .
(next page)
 1 -2 herd the flock
A A big pack of stray cats trips you up. So many!
Test Command at -1 to shoo them out of the way.
▶ Success. The cats run away from, straight into the guards.
▶ Failure. Trip and fall into hisses and claws. Suffer 1
each. The guards are gaining!
B A huge flock of pigeons takes wing as you set foot on
the roof. A whirlwind of feathers threatens to knock you off.
Test Command to clear the air.
▶ Success. The birds flutter away. You leap to the next roof.
▶ Failure. You fall to the street below. Suffer 2 each.
You pick yourselves up, but the guards are coming!
3 -4
hoists and bridges
A The crowd forces you into a closed alley. A hoist and
platform for lifting crates to the rooftop is the only way out.
Group-test Exert at -1 to make it to the rooftops.
▶ Success. Good work. You’re on the roof. The guards are
coming. Run for it!
▶ Failure. The platform comes zipping down. Suffer 1
each. A local peaks through a door to see what’s
happening, and you rush past him, through his shop and
out into daylight.
B The gap to the next building is too wide to jump, but
two long, narrow planks lie on this roof.
Group-test Craft to build a solid bridge to the next roof.
▶ Success. Like tight-rope walkers, you run across, and
continue on your way.
▶ Failure. You fall to the street with your planks crashing
down on top of you. Suffer 2 each. You pick
yourselves up, but the guards are coming! Run!
5 -6 squeaks and beetles
A A cart of paper lamps crosses your path. Strange red
lights flash inside the lamps.
Test Move at -1. Each must test.
▶ Success. What was that? Doesn’t matter. Keep going!
▶ Failure. You crash into the cart. Fire beetles swarm from
the lamps and bite you. Suffer 3 each. Write down
the KEYWORD Sting. Those 3 cannot be removed
until you find the cure for the fire beetle’s bite.
B The roof planks squeak and groan. Guards are near.
Group-test Sneak to sneak across to the next roof.
▶ Success. You did it! The guards never turned their heads.
▶ Failure. They heard you. Run!
34
7-8 the stable
A You see a horse hitched to a cart of sun fruit. The
guards are coming close on your heels.
Test Talk with Animals to get the horse to block the road.
▶ Success. What skill! The horse gives you a nodding
neigh as you pass and clip-clops into the road behind
your party, blocking the guards.
▶ Failure. The horse moves too soon, before you can get
past. You have to squeeze between the cart and a wall.
B This roof is thatch and peaked. You hear and smell
horses. Is this a stable?
Group-test Solve to cross the roof without falling through.
▶ Success. You saw every weak spot in the thatch and
dodged every danger. The guards shake their spears at
you from the street below. Keep going!
▶ Failure. You fall through the thatch into the stable.
Suffer 2 each. The horses neigh and whinny, drawing
the guards’ attention. You run into the street.
9 -10 trapped
A Turn down an alley and see no way out.
Group-test Observe to find an exit.
▶ Success. Stairs in the wall! Your race up and take to the
rooftops.
▶ Failure. Trapped! You race out of the alley again. The
guards close the distance.
B You reach the end of the rooftops. Uh oh.
Group-test Observe to find a way down.
▶ Success. Stairs! You descend to the street and keep going.
▶ Failure. The guards surround the building. It’s over.
Use one of the following based on
the PCs’ choices or performance.
A Go to A1 The Guardhouse, next page, and start
with If the party willingly entered their cell.
B The guards close in. You tried your best, but there’s
nowhere else to run. This is their city. They know it
far better than you. You’re captured.
The guards march you back to the guardhouse and
shove you in a cell.
Go to A1 The Guardhouse, next page, and start
with If the party made a run for it.
15 to 25 minutes
 answers
1. “Me? The guards locked me up because of my

A1 The birthplace—because I am from Badu, a rival city. I am

Guardhouse
ordinary ground
Read the appropriate paragraph based on the
PCs’ previous experience.
If the party made a run for it.
The guard takes your weapons and slams the barred door
shut and shakes his head. “If only you’d paid the tax.” He
sighs and walks away. As he does, you feel eyes watching
you. A young man sits in the cell across from you with his
chin in his hands.
Continue with Emissary Parley below.
If the party willingly entered their cell.
Whoever is signing your writ for Lieutenant Tefal is
certainly taking his time. You plop down on the cell floor to
wait. A young man sits in the cell across from you. His chin
is in his hands.
Continue below.
Buhdi Zayal, son of the city’s royal patron, Baron Zayal.
I came here as an emissary for my father, seeking peace.
Now I will be tossed into the arena.”
2. “Didn’t you see the large pit near the gate? The arena sits
below the street level. The throng cheers from it’s stone
benches while unfortunate souls battle cats and creatures
for their lives—this is what passes for entertainment in
Setis. I will go there soon to meet my fate. I hope to die
with honor.”
3. “Never heard of him.”
4. “I know of whom you speak. Perhaps you can pray to
him on my behalf—and on your own behalf.”
■ Jump to the Abrupt End.
abrupt end
Go to After the Parley, directly below.
After the Parley...
Before the young man can say another word, a
pair of guards arrive. One bangs his spear
against the bars of the young man’s cell. “It’s time,
Badu snake. On your feet.”

This young man is glad to have This man offers no resistance. He lets the guards lead him
emissary someone to talk to. If the PCs away.
willingly entered the cell, use the Continue to Onward, below.
parley
WISE . If the PCs ran for it and
were captured, use FOOLISH.
Use one of the following based on
SC 3 • WISE = - 4 • FOOLISH = -2 the PCs’ choices or performance.
If the party willingly entered their cell.
Test Persuade. A group test is allowed.
Go to 1 Freedom, next page.
▶ Success. The young man says, “What brings you lot to
this fine establishment? If the party ran for it and was captured.
▶ Failure. The young man says, “You look like nice folk. I Go to 2 Hauled away, next page.
hope you survive.”
■ Jump to the Abrupt End.
20 to 30 minutes
questions
1. We ran for it, and it went poorly. What about you? OR
We’re just waiting for our writ. What about you?
2. The arena? What arena?
3. Do you know a priest named Morellius?
4. Have you ever heard of the Rescuer?

35

1 Freedom
Lieutenant Tefal approaches your cell and presses
a small roll of leather through the bars. Unrolling
it, you find a parchment with the words “Writ of
Passage for the Desert of Sin,” a set of marks equal to the
number in your party, and, over those marks, the seal of
Baron Setal of Setis.
“Keep your journeywrit with you at all times,” Tefal says,
unlocking the cell. “And keep your party together.” He nods
at your weapons. “If you use those in our city, you will pay
with your lives.”
Your weapons are returned. Tefal walks you out to the busy
street. “You’re free to go.”
You ask him about the young man who was in the cell
across from you.
“Him? That Badu snake is headed for the arena. I’m
heading there now. Follow me if you’d like to watch him
and his traitorous friend become lion food.”
Lion food? You feel the Rescuer’s urging. You’ve waited and
earned this guard’s respect, but now is the time for action.
You follow Tefal’s quick steps, dodging horse carts full of
orange fruit and children carrying parchment lamps filled
with strange red lights. He clears a way through the crowd
to the arena rail. You look down on a small field of red
sand and a half circle of stone risers filled with cheering
and jeering people. The emissary, Buhdi, stands on the field
with his sword drawn. A young woman is near him. He
shouts to her, “Stay behind me, Saral!”
Three gates beneath the risers open. Great black lions
emerge, growling and snarling at each other and their prey.
The lions’ lower their bodies. The stalking begins.
Do you . . .
1. Plead with the lieutenant for the emissary’s life?
2. Leap into the pit?
If the characters . . .
1. Plead with the guard.
Tefal laughs. “Stop this? The lions are loosed. There is no
stopping them now. Leap in and stop them yourselves if
you love him so. I will be most impressed.”
Go to Onward, next column.
2. Leap into the pit.
36
Go to Onward, next column.
You feel no hesitation. This is part of the Rescuer’s
plan for you in Setis. You draw your weapons and
leap into the pit to land near Buhdi.
Go now to 3 Arena Battle, next page.
25 to 35 minutes
2 Hauled Away
The guard who first greeted you outside the city
stops the men who marched Buhdi out of his cell.
He gestures at your party. “Them too. They can
all fight together, and perhaps earn some honor in death.”
The guards size you up, and then call for three more to help
in escorting you. Two of them have spears leveled at your
backs at all times as they march you out of the guardhouse.
Merchants move carts filled with orange fruit out of your
way as you pass. Children holding parchment lamps
flickering with strange red lights stare at you, mouths open.
Women in colorful robes laugh and point.
You descend stairs in a long spiral until you come to a gate
of iron bars. The sand beyond is deep red. Is that its natural
color, or has it long been stained for the entertainment of
this city?
The guards open the gate and force you onto the sand at
the tips of their spears. You hear deep laughter, and the
gate slams closed behind you.
Buhdi seems resigned to his fate. His sword is not even
drawn. He trudges forward through a short passage. You
follow him and walk out into daylight on a field of the
same red sand. On the opposite side, a half circle of stone
benches rises to the street level. The crowd cheers and boos
at the sight of you.
Buhdi gasps. Terror washes over his face. Is it the crowd?
No. Another prisoner was already out here. Buhdi runs to
her. “Saral? No! It cannot be!” He presses her behind him
and draws his sword, turning to face three iron gates under
the stands. They open, and great black lions emerge. They
growl at each other, then catch your scent.
The stalking begins.
Go now to 3 Arena Battle,
next page.
25 to 35 minutes

The young emissary glances over at you
with pleading eyes. “My friends, I was
arena ready to die—resigned to the fate the
dragon spirits had chosen for me. But this
battle
woman is Saral, niece of the Baron of Setis
and the song of my heart. Help me save
her, and in so doing, save yourselves.”
Open the MDB to Arena Battle, p. 56. Place PC
tokens and three animal tokens as shown. Place
two Aladoth tokens on the Buhdi and Saral
spaces. Buhdi and Saral do not move. Buhdi attacks any
adjacent lion each round, doing 1 . PCs may pick up
the weapons shown on the map. All are common. They
may need to coax a lion to move to access a weapon.
The lions will attempt to bite every other round,
potentially causing higher . PCs may pick up and keep
the common weapons found in the arena.
IMPORTANT: There is no Alpha. Each lion requires two
successful Command or Talk with Animals tests before it
will lie down and stop fighting.
BLACK LIONS -2
SPD 5 • PE 5 • BITE 4 / CLAWS 2
damage tracker
1 Command or Talk with Animals
2 Command or Talk with Animals
3 Command or Talk with Animals
After the Battle...
”Ha ha!” Buhdi shouts, whirling in a circle. We
are spared! You speak to the beasts, and they fear
you. Perhaps your Rescuer is to be feared as well.”
You walk among the quiet lions. A hush falls over the
crowd. All eyes turn to the center of the stone risers, where
a large man in silk robes sits on a pillow, sweating. His eyes
are wide with bewilderment.
Seeing the expectant faces of the crowd, the man stands
and raises a short scepter, but words seem to fail him.
37
“What’s wrong, Setal?” Buhdi shouts. “Are you not
overjoyed to see your niece spared?”
The man, Baron Setal, narrows his eyes at Buhdi, then
waves his scepter toward the passage behind you. Moments
later, the guards emerge and escort you all out.
You climb a stair to the street level, where the guard who
first greeted you when you entered the city waits. You see
the baron walking away behind him. He raises an eyebrow.
“No one has ever survived the arena. There is more to
you travelers than I thought—either for good or for ill.
The baron will decide your fate. Until then, remain in the
city. Move about as you will. If you try to leave or raise a
weapon against anyone, you’ll be struck down.”
(If the PCs had their weapons confiscated, they are
returned now. They may keep weapons found in the arena.)
Tefal leaves, and Buhdi and Saral turn to you. “We are
grateful,” the woman says. “But we must hasten away from
you now. My uncle thinks me a Badu spy. I must find out
why, and I must find a way to keep him from sending me
and Buhdi back into the arena. If they send us in tonight,
we are lost. In daylight, we faced lions. At night, it will be
pyrcats, terrible beasts that no man can kill or command.
Their only weakness is their hatred of the light.”
If the PCs have not been to Fire Pass.
Have them write down the KEYWORD Pyrcat as a
reminder that pyrcats hate the light.
If the PCs have the KEYWORD Saral.
If the PCs offer Saral her items, read the following. Saral
clasps her hands. “My valuables! They were stolen by
bandits. This parchment is of great importance. It’s a note
from a relative at Tahn that proves I was there four days
ago, not in Badu, acting as a spy. This will help me win
back my uncle’s favor!” The grateful noble signals a young
woman, who rushes over with a wooden box. From inside,
she draws a handful of halfins, two for each of you. “Save
these, or spend them in our markets if you wish.
Continue below.
This is a Destiny Scene † and the
end of this episode.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
■ Make a new friend (Saral, Buhdi, Tefal). 1 Wp for
each PC for each friend they made.
■ Save two locals. 2 Wp each.
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, next page.
35 to 45 minutes
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 4 or E 5

Don’t forget that the player verse summaries are in the Cadet Handbook Adventure Journal. Have at least one of
these out for player reference. The same summary is shown below. The Bible study begins on the next page.

Orderly Peace 1 Corinthians 14:33a GO

. . . since God is not a god of disorder, but of peace.

When we shout over one another, no one is heard. When our actions promote disorder, we work contrary to
God’s will. God is not a God of confusion or chaos. In today’s episode, when you’re tempted to take rash action,
this verse may help you remember to do what’s right.

Weak Monster Psalm 56:3 PE

When I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Fear can drive us to foolish actions and responses. Lean on the peace of knowing God is all sovereign and will
take care of us. Trust in Him. When faced with adversity or injury, this verse may help a panicking friend to
stop, think, and trust.

Goodness Conquers Romans 12:21 GO

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

Answer evil from others by reflecting God’s goodness—His beneficence. Do what is best for your enemy in
God’s eyes, not your own. In today’s episode, when you want to answer wrong with wrong, hurting your party’s
witness, this verse may help you remember that’s not what the Rescuer desires.

Right On Psalm 119:160 SC

The entirety of Your Word is truth, each of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
Man’s rules and declarations are shifting and untrustworthy. So are our own desires and motivations. God’s truth
and authority are constant and dependable. His truth is our foundation. In today’s episode, if your Self-control
needs a boost, speak and explain this verse to raise your SC by 1 for one encounter.

Perfect Peace Isaiah 26:3 PE

You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.
By trusting in God and relying on the truth of His promises of salvation and life eternal, we can remain in peace
and not fear, no matter what the world throws at us–even if it’s lions charging our way in an arena.

38
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
MAIN IDEA: Remember to wait on God.
It can be hard to wait on God. We tend to be impatient
and want answers immediately. If we give in to the
temptation of trying to rush God’s perfect plan, it can
cause us frustrations and negative complications that we
would have avoided if we had chosen to wait on Him.
God directs the steps of those who seek Him. So, as
Christian warriors, we trust our Heavenly Commander
and patiently seek His plan and not our own desires.
KNOW—MIND: What can I know
about these verses?
Let’s dive into these verses to see how God can use them
to help us better wait on Him.
Orderly Peace 1 Cor. 14:33a GO
In this chapter, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a
city in Ancient Greece about spiritual gifts. While God’s
power is limitless and He gifts each of us uniquely, we
are to use our spiritual gifts to build each other and the
church up, not show off or for personal gain.
When we are not using our gifts as intended, or selfishly,
it causes disorder and confusion. God blesses us with
spiritual gifts to further His plan and His kingdom.
Weak Monster Psalm 56:3 PE
King David, a man after God’s own heart, accomplished
great acts of courage. Fighting Goliath would have been
terrifying for any person, but David’s courage came
from trusting in God, which gave him the strength to
overcome his fear. When we trust in God, it helps us to
wait on Him and His plan. It gives us the courage to not
give into fear and to try and complete God’s plan for our
lives our way. Waiting on God is a great act of courage,
and we find this courage by trusting in Him.
39
E 4 or E 5
Goodness Conquers Romans 12:21 GO
In this beautiful chapter of Romans, Paul instructs how
we as Christians must act and be examples to a broken
and sinful world. He ends the chapter by saying that we
should “not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with
good.” Acting as Christ desires takes great patience and
trust. It’s easy to give in to our sinful desires, such as
anger, and not show the love that Christ has shown to us.
When we trust God and His plan and choose love over
our sinful emotions, then we not only fulfill God’s plan,
but we bring more light into our broken world.
Right On Psalm 119:160 SC
One way that can help you wait on God is to realize that
His plans and His ways are perfect. No matter how much
we try, we will never be able to achieve something better
than what God has planned for us. We need to accept
that God’s words are true and that His way is the best.
This is exciting. We have a God who is perfect, who loves
us, and who wants what is best for us. So, let us wait
patiently for His perfect plan.
Perfect Peace Isaiah 26:3 PE
What is the best way to wait patiently for God? It is to
trust Him. When we choose to trust God and place our
complete faith in Him, it becomes easier to wait, because
He fills us with His perfect peace.
GROW—HEART: How can my
relationship with Christ grow through
these verses?
All great relationships are built on trust and God gives us
every reason to trust Him completely.
God loves us. He has already died on the cross for our
sins and offered us the way to Heaven even though we
do not deserve it. We just need to trust Him and His
perfect plan. Being selfless, using our gifts for the good of
the kingdom, loving when it is hard, knowing that God’s
ways are perfect, and ultimately, trusting in Him, will
give us the strength to wait patiently on Him.
(next page)
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 4 or E 5

Learning to wait on God and placing your faith and
trust in Him, will allow you to see even more of how
God deeply loves you, and it will strengthen your
relationship with Him. Isaiah 26:3 says that trusting God
and depending on Him will fill us with perfect peace.
When we have God’s perfect peace, it will not only make
it easier to wait patiently for Him, but it will allow us to
show the truth of God’s love to a hurting world.
GO—HANDS/FEET/MOUTH: What
do I do about what I’ve learned today?
Think of something you do every day to help build your
faith in Christ.
How will you use the lessons in this study/adventure to
become more patient and wait on Christ?
How will you be an example to others of God’s love?
How can you share the wisdom of waiting on God with
your friends and family?
PRAYER
Take a moment to pray with your players. Remind them
that God’s plan is perfect and that they need to put their
faith in Him and patiently wait for His plan.
Lord, thank You once again for allowing us to spend time
together having fun, and learning Your Word. I pray that
You give us the courage to wait on You and know that
You have a perfect plan for our lives. Help us to use our
gifts for Your kingdom and to share Your love and perfect
peace with others. Amen.

Next time . . .
All groups will go from here to 3B Inner Setis, next page. They should study the “Giant Problem: The
Merchants’ Ward” pages in their Adventure Journals.

ADVENTU RE MAST ER NOT ES

40
 3B SETIS: INNER SETIS
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
1. Find out what’s going on in Setis.
2. Find an advantage that will help you destroy
the giant.
Start Point
The
SP
Inner Gate
ordinary ground
The Story So Far...
Ask your players what they remember about
the previous episode. Do they think they are
close to finding the advantage that will help
them destroy the giant?
You saved Buhdi and Saral from the black lions
in the arena. Now, the two sweethearts must find
out why Saral was branded a traitor. Saral and
Buhdi are nobles from opposite sides of a growing conflict.
Could it be that their care for one another has been
exposed? Or could it be something more? The two hurry
off, heading for a gate in the inner city wall.
41
Geldan’s Smithy
You’re not the only ones watching the two young nobles.
Three men in cloaks the color of the desert seem to stare
after them as they hurry away. The men watch for a few
beats, then start for the same gate.
Do you . . .
1. Follow Saral and Buhdi?
2. Explore Inner Setis?
3. Follow the three men?
Open the MDB to Inner Setis, p. 48. Place a PC
token on the SP to represent the party. Each
ward contains one or more clues they might use
in the future. The blacksmith workshop in the Guilds
contains the “advantage” they’re looking for, but it is not
essential. For groups that came from Fire Pass, the Oasis
has critical information about Morellius. When visiting all
places, the episode may take longer than normal. The next
episode can be shorter, if you want to split this one, but be
sure to do today’s Bible study. If, at some point, you feel
time is running short, inform the players that they see
Saral and Buhdi and follow them to the Baron’s tower,
then go directly to 1 Saving Sweethearts, p. 49.
Otherwise, let the players explore. The text will guide you.
(next page)

If the characters . . .
1. Follow Saral and Buhdi.
Saral seems to speak in a low tone to an attendant
traveling with them, and the girl splits from their path
before they reach the gate in the city’s inner wall. The two
young nobles hug their cloaks about them and join the
crowd moving up the gate steps. They look as if they’re
trying to walk unnoticed. They’re not very good at it.
Group-test Observe at -2 to see if you can keep them in
sight as they pass through the gate.
▶ Success. You try not to laugh as you merge with the
locals walking up the gate steps. Saral and Buhdi bear
the healthy forms and upright posture of those who live
on plenty and drink from the cleanest wells—so different
from most of those around them. You have no trouble
keeping them in sight.
■ Go to Onward A .
▶ Failure. Whoops! Looks like you’ll need more training
to improve your tracking skills. You lose sight of your
quarry, and when you glance around, you can’t find the
strange three men, either.
■ Go to Onward C .
2. Explore Setis.
There’s no reason to harass the sweethearts right now.
They have enough to worry about, and you have much
to do. You need to find that advantage Headmaster Talin
mentioned—the one the Rescuer wants you to find.
Go to Onward C .
3. Follow the three men.
Saral speaks to an attendant who seems to be traveling
with her, and the girl splits from the two nobles and
vanishes into the crowd. As she disappears, Saral and
Buhdi join the crowd flowing up the steps to the inner city
gate. The three men you saw watching them are not far
behind. Most folks who were at the arena are traveling
through the same gate, so it could be a coincidence that
these men are going the same way as Saral and Buhdi.
Staying behind them, puts you too far from the nobles
to watch them. You’ll have to keep the men in sight, and
that’s no easy task. Their cloaks are the color of the sandy
streets and the dried mud on every building. That seems
intentional. These men are making it their business to walk
unseen. Can you follow them?
Group-test Observe to see if you can keep them in sight as
they pass through the gate.
▶ Success. Excellent! You follow the men through the gate.
■ Go to the blue Read To Players icon, next column.
▶ Failure. Lost them!
■ Go to Onward C .
42
Read the following if the party succeeded in
keeping the three strange men in sight.
You stay as close as you dare, following the strange men
through the gate. On the other side, the crowd disperses,
onto three main roads into the inner city. Well ahead, you
catch site of Saral and Buhdi, easy to spot by the way they
carry themselves, so different from the masses who don’t
eat quite so well.
To your surprise, the three men do not follow the young
nobles. Instead, they turn aside into a small gatehouse just
to the side of the gate. Can you get close enough to see or
hear what they’re up to?
Test Sneak. A group test is allowed.
A PC that speaks and explains the Quiet Confidence
sacred verse may reduce the by 2.
▶ Success. You sneak up to a window on the gatehouse.
Inside, the men are talking to a frail man in worn but
rich pale blue clothing. They sound unhappy, and you
think you hear the name Mahku. One of the men shakes
his fist.“How did you let this happen?”
“What was I to do?” the frail man replies. “Those
foreigners interfered.”
The one who shook his fist goes to a nearby cabinet,
rummages around for a moment, then yanks out a bag
jingling with the sound of coins. “You didn’t earn this.
And now we’ll have to clean up your mess.” He storms
out, and his companions follow.
■ Add the KEYWORD Mahku.
■ Go to Onward B .
▶ Failure. They’re on to you! The men look in your
direction. Quick, head the other way!
■ Go to Onward C .
Have the PCs drink from their
flasks. Use one of the following as
directed by the Actions.
A Go to A Nobles’ Ward, next page, and start with
If the party followed Saral and Buhdi.
B Go to A Nobles’ Ward, next page, and start with
If the party followed the three men.
C Allow the PCs to choose one of the city’s wards.
Start with, If the party is just exploring.
A Nobles’ Ward, p 43. D Workers’ Ward, p. 48.
B The Oasis, p. 44 E The Market, p. 48.
C The Guilds, p. 46. F Baron’s Tower, p. 49.
10 minutes

A NOBLES’ WARD
Read the appropriate entry based on how the
party arrived.
If the party followed Saral and Buhdi.
Saral and Buhdi follow the city paths east into a district
of clean streets and opulent houses. This is likely home
for Saral, the Nobles’ Ward of Setis. This is where the
wealthiest merchants and those of royal blood live.
A woman in servant’s garb greets them at the threshold of
a home with many domes and throws her arms around
Saral. They all go inside. They might be a while. Perhaps
you should explore a bit while you wait to see what the
young nobles do. Glancing around, you see the three
strange men you noticed before. Did they follow the young
nobles here? There are so many houses. What will you do?
Continue with the blue Read To Players icon below.
If the party followed the three men.
The men move swiftly east through the city paths, entering
a district of opulent houses with billowing silks. The most
beautiful house, in the southeast corner of the inner city,
has many blue domes that sparkle in the desert sun.
The men head toward that one. One of the men points.
Looking beyond them, you see Saral and Buhdi. They’re
approaching that same house. How did the men know
they’d come here?
A woman in servant’s garb greets Saral and Buhdi at the
threshold and throws her arms around Saral. They all go
inside. The three men walk to a set of covered carts where
street merchants are selling sweets and wait there, keeping
an eye on the house.
The captain of the guard warned you that if you draw
your weapons here, you may end up back in the pit. A
confrontation is not an option. What will you do?
Continue with the blue Read To Players icon below.
If the party is just exploring.
You head east through the city paths, entering a district
of opulent houses with billowing silks. The most beautiful
house, in the southeast corner of the inner city, has many
blue domes that sparkle in the desert sun. There are many
houses, street merchants, and people.
Continue below.
How will you know where to go? Is there a sacred
verse in your Adventure Journal you might use
as a prayer to express your trust in the Rescuer?
Encourage the PCs to knock using the Love
Trust verse. When you’re satisfied, award Wp
for reading or recitation, and continue.
43
The street dims around you, all except for one
street merchant’s stall. He’s selling candied sun
fruit. Perhaps you should talk to him.
“Sweets!” the merchant shouts.
candy fruit “Candied sun fruit your friend Goshy.
Best in Setis!”
parley
One fruit wedge costs a copper. Four
cost three coppers. Will you buy any?
There is no right answer here, but purchasing a little
from Goshy will bless him and loosen his tongue. If
the PCs purchase three or more wedges, use WISE. If
they purchase one wedge, use -2. If they make no
purchase, use FOOLISH. The candy has no effect on .
GO 3 • WISE = - 3 • FOOLISH =
Test Persuade. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. “It’s a slow day,” the man says. “I suppose I
have time for a chat.
▶ Failure. “Please move along,” the merchant says. “I have
many customers, and you’re scaring them away.”
■ Jump to the Abrupt End.
questions
1. Have you ever met a priest named Morellius?
2. Have you ever heard of the Rescuer?
If the PCs have the KEYWORD Geldan.
3. Do you know a merchant named Geldan?
If the party followed Saral and Buhdi or the three men,
the PCs may also ask these questions.
4. Who are those three men over there?
5. Who lives in the house with the blue domes?
answers
1. “Morellius? Why yes, he visits one of my regular
customers occasionally. He never partakes of my fruit.
I suppose that’s part of the whole temple priest thing. I
haven’t seen him lately, but my regular is Zaydol. You
can usually find him lounging about in the Oasis. Big
man. Loves the color scarlet. You can’t miss him.”
2. “You mean the Southern Overlord? I’m not interested in
talking about him right now.”
3. “Oh yes. Good man. Blacksmith. You can find his shop
in the Guilds, a ward in the west-center of the inner city.
4. “I’ve seen them hanging about these carts. They never
buy a thing. They’re not residents of the Nobles’ Ward.”
5. “That is the home of the baron’s closest relatives. Is it not
a beautiful sight? I post my cart here just to look at it.”
(next page)
abrupt end
Go to After the Parley, directly below.
After the Parley...
Read the appropriate entry based on how the
party arrived.
If the party followed Saral and Buhdi or the three men.
Saral and Buhdi leave the house and head north. They
walk past, but don’t seem to notice you. Nor do they notice
the men keeping an eye on them. You wait a beat and, sure
enough, the men follow the young nobles.
Test Sneak if you want to follow the men. A group test is
allowed.
A PC that speaks and explains the Quiet Confidence
sacred verse may reduce the by 2.
▶ Success. Good work. You keep the men in sight and let
them do the work of keeping Saral and Buhdi in sight.
■ Go to Onward A .
▶ Failure. They’re on to you! The men glance back, locking
eyes with you. Quick, head the other way!
■ Go to Onward B .
If the party was just exploring.
The merchant has nothing else to say. But perhaps he’s said
all you need.
Go to Onward B .
Have the PCs drink from their flasks. Use one
of the following as directed by the parley, or use
C if the PCs have visited all main locations
on the Inner Setis map.
A Go to B The Oasis, next column, and start with If
the party followed the NPCs.
B Allow the PCs to choose one of the city’s wards.
Start with, If the party is just exploring.
B The Oasis, next column E The Market, p. 48.
The Guilds, p. 46. Baron’s Tower, p. 49.
C F
D Workers’ Ward, p. 48.
C If this is the last available location.
You catch sight of Saral and Buhdi heading for the baron’s
tower. You feel the Rescuer’s urging that these two need to
hear the message of his gift. You hurry to intercept them.
Go to 1 Saving Sweethearts, p. 49.
44
B THE OASIS
Read the appropriate entry based on how the
party arrived. Also, they may refill their flasks
here for 1 Cp each.
If the party followed the NPCs.
Saral and Buhdi work their way north, and the men who
are following them stay close. They come to an alabaster
building on the shore of an oasis. Trees surrounding the
water are filled with sun fruit, protected by guards in
shining copper armor. A skiff with a black silk sail drifts on
the water. There’s also a fireclock—a pillar sending green
smoke skyward. A dragon with a scorpion tail is carved in
a spiral around it. Locals throw coins into the flames.
The three men keep their distance, staying near the street.
You sneak past them and follow Saral and Buhdi inside.
A servant all in white offers Saral and Buhdi cups from a
tray, but neither partake. Instead they walk straight to a
man who is both broad and tall. He wears scarlet silk from
head to toe. They catch up to him just as he drops heavily
into a woven chair.
Saral asks him a question you can’t hear. His answer makes
her jaw drop. Buhdi’s fists clench so tight his knuckles turn
white. Whatever answer they were seeking, they have
found it, and they’re not happy about it.
Buhdi tries to storm out, but Saral catches his arm. He may
be an emissary, but she has the cooler head. She motions
toward the water, and the two pay a fair to ride out on the
skiff, where they put their heads together, whispering.
Continue with the cues, below.
If the party is just exploring.
You come to an alabaster building on the shore of a
large oasis. This is likely the reason Setis is here. Trees
surrounding the water are filled with sun fruit, protected
by guards in shining copper armor. A skiff with a black
silk sail drifts on the water. There’s also a fireclock—a
pillar that tracks the time sending green smoke skyward. A
dragon with a scorpion tail is carved in a spiral around it.
The local elite throw coins into the flames.
You notice a man who is both broad and tall drop a coin
on a servant’s tray with a loud clink and pick up a cup. The
man is dressed head to toe in scarlet silk. He takes his cup
and drops heavily into a woven chair.
Do you . . .
1. Take a look around?
2. Speak to the man in scarlet silk?
(next page)

If the characters . . .
1. Take a look around.
Test Observe.
▶ Success. You notice movement in the shadows of the
fruit trees. Servants all in black shuffle from tree to tree,
picking fruit. They must be broiling in those black linen
clothes. Are the guards protecting the trees or keeping
those servants in?
▶ Failure. You see nothing special here. Just a bunch of
wealthy Aladoth.
Test Observe again if you wish. This time, use +1.
▶ Success. Not everyone here is Ledaneth (mankind). A
tall creature with horned wings and scaly skin speaks
in a gravely tone with the owner. It holds open a small
wooden chest. Clearly frightened, the man fills the chest
with gold. You hear him say the name Narvol. The
creature snaps the chest shut and walks out.
■ Add the KEYWORD Narvol.
▶ Failure. It’s so hot here. Are your eyeballs actually
sweating? You see nothing special.
2. Speak to the man in scarlet silk.
Go to Zaydol Parley, below.
You wait another beat, then walk over
zaydol to speak with the man in scarlet.
parley Ask the PCs what they say to the
man. If they employ an over-direct
approach, like “Hey, what were you
talking about with Saral and Buhdi?” use FOOLISH. If
they’re more subtle, use WISE. Use your discretion.
LO 2 • WISE = - 2 • FOOLISH =
Test Persuade. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. “I’m Zaydol. You’re blocking the sun nicely. As
long as you stand there, I’m happy to chat.”
▶ Failure. “Move along and annoy someone else.”
■ Jump to the Abrupt End.
questions
1. Have you ever met a priest named Morellius?
2. Have you ever heard of the Rescuer?
If the PCs have the KEYWORD Geldan.
3. Do you know a merchant named Geldan?
If the party followed the NPCs here, the PCs may also
ask these questions.
4. We’re friends of Saral and Buhdi. Do you know them?
5. If you don’t mind us asking, what did you say to them?
45
answers
1. “Ah, Morellius. He puts in a good word for me with the
giant whenever he can. Or so he should, because I pay
him well for it. I don’t intend to ever become a sacrifice.
Alas, the giant’s hunger has driven the priest south into
the Wyrm Dunes to seek the blessing of a dragon. A
hatchling is coming near the sacrificial post. He took
a prisoner with him. I shudder to think what for.” He
reaches under his chair. “If you’re headed that way, will
you carry something for me? There’s a skilled physician
who lives in a hut at the edge of the dunes. He made the
journey here to treat my gout, but he left this Cresian
automaton behind.” He offers you a small wind up lion
made by the skilled hands of a tinker. “It has been a
delightful distraction, but I’ve no use for it now.”
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Automaton Lion Mastercraft 1 2 DCl
This lion would bring quite a price. But is it yours to sell?
2. “I’m not interested in such conversations.”
3. “Everyone knows the blacksmith. Look in the Guilds.”
4. “I know Saral. I worry about her keeping company with
a Badu noble. It is a poor look, and I told them so. No
wonder her uncle thinks her traitor. He isn’t the only
one. I first heard the rumor from Mahku, who works
most days in the baron’s tower, but prefers to live in the
Workers’ Ward. You didn’t hear any of this from me.”
■ Add the KEYWORD Mahku.
5. “The baron isn’t the only one who thinks Saral is a
traitor. I first heard the rumor from Mahku, who works
most days in the baron’s tower, but prefers to live in
the Workers’ Ward. Let’s be clear. Neither they nor you
heard any of this from me. I know better than to cross a
servant in a noble house.”
abrupt end
Go to After the Parley, directly below.
After the Parley...
Read the appropriate entry based on how the
party arrived.
If the party followed Saral and Buhdi or the three men.
The skiff lands, and Saral and Buhdi head west with new
resolve. The three men follow them.
Go to Onward A , next page, if the PCs want to keep
following. Otherwise, Go to Onward B .
If the party was just exploring.
The man in scarlet waves you away. It’s time to go.
Go to Onward B , next page.
 Use one of the following as directed by the
parley, or use C if the PCs have visited all If the characters visit . . .
main locations on the Inner Setis map.
A Go to C The Guilds, below, and start with If the 1. The tannery.
party followed the NPCs. Whew! What a smell! This place stinks of vitriols and raw
B Allow the PCs to choose one of the city’s wards. animal hide. Near the front of the tannery, a few items are
Start with, If the party is just exploring. for sale. There is plenty of armor. Is man-made Aladoth
armor what the Rescuer wanted you to find?
A Nobles’ Ward, p. 43 E The Market, p. 48.
If any PC wishes to purchase leather armor, they may
C The Guilds, below. F Baron’s Tower, p. 49.
buy a full suit.
D Workers’ Ward, p. 48.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
C If this is the last available location. Leather Armor Superior 3 1 Cl
You catch sight of Saral and Buhdi heading for the baron’s Heavy leather. Reduce suffered in by 2. Reduce Speed
tower. You feel the Rescuer’s urging that these two need to
by 1. Increase Move by 1 until dropped.
hear the message of his gift. You hurry to intercept them.
2. The weavers.
Go to 1 Saving Sweethearts, p. 49.
Look at all the silk! So many colors! There’s not much to find
here besides fabric. They do have a very fine silk rope.

C THE GUILDS If any PC wishes to purchase the rope.

ITEM FOUND! quality slots value

Read the appropriate entry based on how the 50’ of Silk Rope Superior 1 1 Hf
party arrived. A twelve-goblin rope. It’s light, but very strong.
If the party followed the NPCs. 3. The glassblowers.
Saral and Buhdi move west along the southern road of the Watching these men and women spin sand into beautiful
inner city. To your surprise, they stop in at the gatehouse, glass is mesmerizing. But the heat is intense. Mostly, they
but they don’t stay long. When they come out, Saral’s face sell goblets, vases, and mirrors, but there’s one glass sword.
is in her hands. Whoever they were looking for is not
there. The two look around, as if unsure of themselves, and If any PC wishes to purchase the sword.
then walk north into the ward known as the Guilds. This ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
is the city’s center of industry, the home of the craftsmen
and tinkers. The two nobles walk among the workshops. Glass Sword Superior 1 1 Cl
The men following them keep their distance. If they have Good for one attack. +3 on fungal creatures.
sinister intent, there are clearly too many people about for
them to execute their plan. 4. The smithy.
This small building is less opulent than the rest. Only one
There is much to see here. Could this be the place you
man works here, pounding away at his anvil, working on
might find the advantage that Headmaster Talin spoke of?
what appears to be a scimitar. He pauses as you enter.
Continue with the cues, below. Go to Blacksmith Parley, below.
If the party is just exploring.
You arrive in a district of workshops, the home of
The smith sets his hammer and steel
craftsmen and tinkers. There is much to see here. blacksmith
down and brushes hands on his apron.
There is much to see here. Could this be the place you parley “Ho there. I’m Geldan. Are you looking
might find the advantage Headmaster Talin spoke of? for something in particular?”
If the PCs have the KEYWORD Geldan and they
Which workshop do you visit? remember to tell him “The Dagger sent us.”
The smith replies, “The Dagger. Thief and liar. I want
1. The tannery? nothing to do with him.”
2. The weavers?
Use the FOOLISH .
3. The glassblowers?
4. The smithy? (next page)

46
 After the Parley...
SC 3 • WISE = - 2 • FOOLISH =
That spear may be just what you were meant to
Unless otherwise directed, use WISE. find, but Geldan won’t give it up or even let you
touch it. You may need some help convincing
Test Persuade. A group test is allowed. him. For now, you’ll have to leave it behind.
▶ Success. The smith starts pounding again. “If you can
The PCs may purchase one of the items listed
stand the noise, you can stay and talk.”
below, or they may leave and try another
▶ Failure. The smith starts pounding again. “I’m busy.” workshop. Otherwise, continue below.
■ Jump to the Abrupt End.
FOR SALE quality slots value
questions Curved Sword Superior 1 9 Pt
1. Have you ever met a priest named Morellius? Light Axe Superior 1 7 Pt
2. Have you ever heard of the Rescuer?
Talanium Spear Superior 1 2 Hf
3. What granog?
The smith has plenty of wares available for everyone.
4. Which of these is your favorite weapon? He will also purchase any chunks of silver ore you
5. Is the spear for sale? carry for 5 Cp each.
6. Can we hold the spear?

answers Once the PCs are done visiting the different

1. “The priest? I know of him, but we’re not the same guild workshops listed in the Actions on the
kind of folk, if you know what I mean. You’ll never see facing page, continue below.
him with soot or sores on his hands. I know his guard
captain, though. Sindon. Powerful fighter. Often begs me Read the appropriate entry based on how the
for my favorite weapon.” party arrived.

2. “Keep your voice down. You want the granog to hear?
He doesn’t like that kind of talk, and neither do I.”
3. “Narvol, the dragon administrator. He’s been hanging
about a lot since our catchpole, Jag Kasheen vanished.
Steer clear of him unless you’ve got gold to spare.”
■ Add the KEYWORD Narvol.
4. “Ah. The Flame, of course—my pride and joy. I didn’t
forge it. I found it in the desert after a long search.”
He pulls down a spear that was hanging on the wall.
The blue talanium shaft is half a length longer than
any of the spears you’ve seen here. The head is a long
gray-black stone with four sides narrowing to sharp
point. “Don’t let the stone fool you,” the smith says.
“According to legend, that spearhead was once glistening,
translucent purple—and indestructible. It was formed
of crystallized dragon flame. One day, when a worthy
warrior takes it up for battle, the spear will return to its
ancient state.”
5. “Are you jesting? The Flame is near priceless. It would
take a baron’s ransom for me to part with it. Unless
you’re of royal blood, you likely don’t have enough.”
6. “Not on your life. Perhaps you should go.”
abrupt end
The smith shoos you out of his workshop.
Go to another building, or jump to the burgundy Info for
the AM icon below the parley, next column.
If the party followed Saral and Buhdi or the three men.
Saral and Buhdi didn’t seem to find what they were looking
for here. They head southwest into the Workers’ Ward with
the three men following at a distance.
Go to Onward A .
If the party is just exploring.
Go to Onward B .
Use one of the following as directed above, or
use C if the PCs have visited all main
locations on the Inner Setis map.
A Go to D The Workers’ Ward, next page, and start
with If the party followed the NPCs.
B Allow the PCs to choose one of the city’s wards.
Start with, If the party is just exploring.
A Nobles’ Ward, p. 43 E The Market, p. 48.
B The Oasis, p. 44. F Baron’s Tower, p. 49.
D Workers’ Ward, p. 48.
C If this is the last available location.
You catch sight of Saral and Buhdi heading for the baron’s
tower. You feel the Rescuer’s urging that these two need to
hear the message of his gift. You hurry to intercept them.
Go to 1 Saving Sweethearts, p. 49.

47
 Use one of the following as directed, or use C
D THE WORKERS’ WARD if the PCs have visited all main locations on the
Inner Setis map.
A As you follow, a local signals you and opens his cloak.
Read the appropriate entry based on how the
Small leather pouches hang from the inside. “Lock-
party arrived.
picks,” he says. “A good price, I’ll make, yes?”
If the party followed the NPCs.
FOR SALE quality slots value
Saral and Buhdi enter a section of the inner city that
Lock-pick Set Common 1 2 Pt
is dingier than the rest. The two are clearly looking for
someone. Buhdi shouts and points. A frail man in pale They may buy sets if they wish. Then go to E The
blue cringes and turns to face them. They speak with him Market, below. Start with If the party followed the NPCs.
angrily and urgently, but the frail man shrugs. The signal
B Allow the PCs to choose one of the city’s wards.
is clear. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Buhdi
Start with, If the party is just exploring.
looks like he might strangle their quarry, but Saral leads
him away, leaving the frail man alone. Those who’d been A Nobles’ Ward, p. 43 E The Market, below.
following them converge on the one the nobles spoke too. B The Oasis, p. 44. F Baron’s Tower, p. 49.
Go to Cues, below. C The Guilds, p. 48.
If the party is just exploring.
C If this is the last available location.
You arrive in a section of the inner city that is dingier than
the rest. Many of the people here wear white, dusted by the You catch sight of Saral and Buhdi heading for the baron’s
sand. There’s not much else to see here. However, one man tower. You feel the Rescuer’s urging that these two need to
catches your eye, glances left and right, then hurries over hear the message of his gift. You hurry to intercept them.
and opens his cloak. Small leather pouches hang from the Go to 1 Saving Sweethearts, p. 49.
inside. “Lock-picks,” he says. “A good price, I’ll make, yes?”
FOR SALE quality slots value
Lock-pick Set Common 1 2 Pt
E THE MARKET
Go now to Onward B , next column. Read the appropriate entry based on how the
party arrived.

Do you . . . If the party followed the NPCs.

Saral and Buhdi walk through the market slowly. Saral
1. Follow Saral and Buhdi? looks at the spices and silks as if she may never see them
2. Try to get close enough to hear what the men are saying? again. The men following them duck into the crowd and
are gone. As long as you keep the two nobles in sight and
protected, perhaps you have time to shop in the market.
If the characters . . . Continue with the burgundy Info for the AM icon, below.
If the party is just exploring.
1. Follow Saral and Buhdi.
Tents, carts, and covered stalls make up a busy market.
The two head toward the market. You stay close behind. As
You smell spices and sizzling meat. Perhaps you have time
you go, you see the frail man running past them, staying
to visit the shops.
close to the buildings and doing his best to avoid their eyes.
Continue below.
Go to Onward A , top, next column.
Open the MDB to Setis Market, p. 51. Allow
2. Try to get close enough to hear the men.
the PCs to shop if they wish. The vendors can
Test Sneak in a group test. all make change. The chart on p. 39 of the
▶ Success. “Get back to the tower, Mahku. Find us a way Cadet Handbook shows what each coin is worth. When
in. Either this ends in her death or yours.” the PCs are finished shopping continue below.
The frail man runs off. You follow the strangers. If the party followed the NPCs.
■ Go to Onward A , next column. Go to Onward A , next page.
▶ Failure. They spot you. Turn and leave. Quickly! If the party is just exploring.
■ Go to Onward B , next column. Go to Onward B , next page.

48
 Use one of the following as directed, or use A
if the PCs have visited all main locations on the LO 3 • WISE = - 4 • FOOLISH = -1
Inner Setis map. Resolve =4
A If this is the last available location OR the PCs Use one roll for both listeners. It’s okay if they don’t
accept, but, for timing, they both must choose the same.
were following the NPCs.
You catch sight of Saral and Buhdi heading for the baron’s

After the Rescue...

tower. You feel the Rescuer’s urging that these two need to
hear the message of his gift. You hurry to intercept them.
Go now to 1 Saving Sweethearts, below. Read the appropriate entry below, based on
the PCs’ success or failure.
B Allow the PCs to choose one of the city’s wards.
Start with, If the party is just exploring. If the rescue was successful . . .
A Nobles’ Ward, p. 43 D The Workers’ Saral and Buhdi throw their arms around you. They are
B The Oasis, p. 44. Ward, p. 48. so grateful for the freedom you’ve shown them and the gift
C The Guilds, p. 48. F Baron’s Tower, below. the Rescuer has given. Saral is eager to help her uncle—to
show him the Rescuer’s gift and to proclaim her innocence.
She and Buhdi ask you to accompany them into the tower.
Go to the blue Read to Players icon below.
F THE BARON’S TOWER
If the rescue failed . . .
Saral and Buhdi thank you for your kindness. They’re not
Read the appropriate entry based on how the
ready to believe yet. Even so, you’ve done much for them,
party arrived.
and they ask you to accompany them into the tower.
If the party has not completed all other locations in Continue below.
Inner Setis (if they did not follow the NPCs here).
Guards in armor decorated with scorpion designs stop you
before you can approach the tower. “Strangers, we know You join the two young nobles on their way to
your faces from the arena. You are not welcome in this the tower, but when you reach the gate to the
tower at this time. Return here when you are summoned.” lower courtyard, the guards refuse to let you
Return to the PCs previous location and let them choose pass. Their leader is Tefal, the lieutenant you met at the
a different place to visit. city gates. “I’m sorry,” he says. “The baron was clear. You
travelers may not enter the tower until summoned.”
If the party has completed all other locations in Inner
Setis OR if they followed the PCs here. Saral and Buhdi go up alone. As they enter the tower, you
notice the men who were following them. A frail man in
Continue to 1 Saving Sweethearts, below. pale blue opens a servants’ door, and the men slip inside.
When you try to tell Tefal, he shakes his head. “I don’t see
anything, friends. You’ll have to wait.”

1 Saving Sweethearts This is a Destiny Scene † and the

end of this episode.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Before you begin, do you have any urgent
Objective Awards
news for Saral and Buhdi.
■ Find out what’s going on in Setis (AM’s discretion).
If the PCs tell Saral that the three men 1 Wp each.
are trying to kill her. Use WISE.
■ Find the advantage (“Find” completes the objective,
al “I see no strangers now, other than you,”
sar even if the PCs did not acquire the item). 1 Wp each.
and di
Saral says. “But thank you for the warning.”
h
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
Bu When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, next page.
cue
If the PCs tell Saral that Mahku is the
res one who betrayed her. Use WISE.
“I suspected as much. But can we convince 35 to 45 minutes
my uncle that he’s a liar?”
If the PCs have not learned any news. Use FOOLISH.

49
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 5 or E 6

Don’t forget that the player verse summaries are in the Cadet Handbook Adventure Journal. Have at least one of
these out for player reference. The same summary is shown below. The Bible study begins on the next page.

Puffed Up Poof 1 Corinthians. 8:1b LO

We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
Great knowledge and impressing friends or new acquaintances is less important than sharing and showing
the love of Christ. Through that love, we build others up. Speaking and explaining this verse as a reminder to
yourself may reduce the difficulty in sharing the Rescuer’s love with others.

Love Trust Psalm 13:5 LO

But I have trusted in Your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
God’s love is always there for us–limitless. When you’re tempted to put our trust or hope in the world,
remember what He’s done for you and how He is utterly faithful, and rely on Him instead. This episode, when
friends run into trouble, this verse might help them rely on the Rescuer’s faithfulness rather than the world or
their own strengths.

One Mind Psalm 119:113 SC

I hate those who are double-minded, but I love Your instruction.

God’s Word tells us to avoid those who say they love His instruction but whose actions betray their true hearts.
This verse may help friends infected in a trial focus on the Rescuer’s teaching and get back to the mission.

Quiet Confidence Isaiah 32:17 SC

The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be a quiet confidence forever.
Knowing and understanding God’s Word and His promises means we can know when we’re doing the right
thing, no matter what the world says. Trusting in Him leads to peace, and peace leads to quiet confidence. When
you’re following strangers in Setis, this reminder may help you walk with silent and sure steps.

Know It Do It James 4:17 GO

So it is sin to know good and yet not to do it.

Inaction can be sin. The Goodness Core Strength is aggressive goodness. It’s active. It’s proactive. We work at
doing right, especially for others. Put away selfishness and don’t miss a chance to meet another’s needs. When a
sting infection turns a friend toward his or her own wants and away from the mission, this verse might help.

50
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
MAIN IDEA: Trust God in all
circumstances.
In our previous Bible study, we talked about the
importance of waiting on God. To do this well we have
to trust God. Life can be tough and sometimes it feels
harder to trust God’s plan than it is at other times. Yet,
as discussed, God’s plan is perfect, so we need to learn to
trust God in all circumstances. We can’t only trust God
when life is easy. We also need to trust Him when life is
hard. God loves us and His Word gives us the tools we
need to rely on Him.
KNOW—MIND: What can I know
about these verses?
Let’s look at the following verses and see what each tells
us about trusting God in every circumstance.
Puffed Up Poof 1 Corinthians. 8:1b LO
When we trust in only our knowledge and abilities to
get us through our circumstances and don’t place our
faith in God, we set ourselves up for disappointment and
failure. When we puff ourselves up and feel special and
self-satisfied because of our knowledge and abilities, we
need to take a step back and realize God is the one who
blessed us with our knowledge and abilities. Place your
trust in Him.
Love Trust Psalm 13:5 LO
This verse should give you immense comfort and remind
you why you need to trust God. His love is faithful and
unfailing. He delivered us from sin and Hell. No matter
what happens in this life, if you receive God’s gift of
salvation, then you will be in Heaven when you die.
He’s already shown the greatest love for us by paying the
ultimate price for our sins, so we should always place our
trust in Him.
51
E 4 or E 5
One Mind Psalm 119:113 SC
Just as we should not be puffed up with our knowledge,
we should not allow ourselves to become fickle and
confused in our thoughts about what’s right. God’s Word
guides and instructs us. Taking comfort from God’s
Word, believing it and not becoming wishy-washy and
conforming to the ideas of this world, will allow us to
trust God in every circumstance.
Quiet Confidence Isaiah 32:17 SC
When we trust God’s Word and strive to do what it says,
this will fill us with peace that makes us confident in
God’s Word and promises. This is essential to trusting
God. When we study His Word every day and constantly
go to Him in prayer, we strengthen our relationship
with Him. This constant exposure to God’s Word and
consistent communion with Him makes it more difficult
for Satan to deceive us. This combination of peace and
confidence gives us the strength to deal with difficult
circumstances and not lose our trust in the Lord.
Know It Do It James 4:17 GO
Christianity is not passive. It’s active. When we know
something is wrong, we don’t wait to fix it. When we see
people in need, we don’t wait for someone else to take
care of them. We act. This constant action and dedication
to doing what’s right allows it to become muscle memory.
By doing what’s good constantly, we put our faith in God
into action. Trusting God becomes instinct.
GROW—HEART: How can my
relationship with Christ grow through
these verses?
As we’ve learned, trusting God takes work and courage,
but following the advice in these verses, makes trusting
God much easier. God loves us and wants us to trust Him
in every circumstance. He knows we’ll face tough times
in life. When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane,
He knew He would soon be crucified and die. Yet even
though He knew the painful death that awaited Him, He
trusted His Father, saying in Luke 22:42, “not my will, but
yours be done.”
(next page)
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
Christ’s faith in His Father in the most difficult of
circumstances led to the conquering of sin and the grave
for our salvation.
By trusting God in every circumstance, we gain a
stronger faith, love Him even more, and strengthen our
relationship with Him. By studying God’s Word intensely,
and memorizing verses like you are for Lightraiders,
you’re allowing God’s Word to take root deeply in your
heart. When life gets tough and throws a curve ball at
you, you’ll have the tools to quickly remember God’s
Word and trust Him in difficult circumstances.
GO—HANDS/FEET/MOUTH: What
do I do about what I’ve learned today?
How can I start putting my faith in God right now?
What actions can I take every day to build trust in God?
Next time . . .
All groups will go from here to 3C The Baron’s Tower, next page. They should study the “Giant Problem: The
Baron’s Tower” pages in their Adventure Journals.
ADVENTU RE MAST ER NOT ES
52
E 5 or E 6
Is there something good that I know I should be doing
that I am not?
How can we encourage our friends and family to trust
God in all circumstances?
PRAYER
Take a moment to pray with your players. Remind them
that they need to study God’s Word and start trusting
Him. The more deeply they allow God’s Word to take
root in their hearts, the more easily it will be for them to
trust God.
Lord, thank You once again for allowing us to come
together and have fun. Thank You for loving us
unconditionally. I pray that we all learn to trust You more
in every circumstance. Help us to do good whenever
an opportunity arises and to spread your Word to our
friends and families. Amen.
 3C SETIS: THE BARON’S TOWER
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
1. Save Saral and avert a war.
2. Destroy a terrible creature.
Start Point
SP The Lower
Gate
ordinary ground
Ask the players what they remember from the
previous episode. What did they learn about
Saral? What did they learn about Morellius?
The Story So Far...
You’ve explored Setis and hopefully learned
much. It’s so dry here. Pause and drink from
your flasks as you reflect. Setis and Badu are on
the brink of war. The Baron of Setis believes spies are in the
city and believes his own niece is one of them. It must
certainly have to do with her sweetheart romance with the
son of the Baron of Badu, but is that enough to call her a
traitor and send her to the lions?
Thanks to you, Saral and Buhdi were free to roam the
inner city and look into the accusations against her.
Perhaps you learned a few things too. You have now shared
the Great Rescue with the two of them, and they have gone
up into the baron’s tower to confront him and proclaim
Saral’s innocence. You, however, were not allowed to enter.
Just as Saral and Buhdi went in through the main door,
you saw the strange men who had been watching them go
in through the servants’ entrance, aided by someone inside
wearing pale blue. Do you know that person’s name?
You wait outside the tower, refused entry by Tefal, a
lieutenant of the city guard. As you pace along the high
copper fence, looking up at the high tower and its golden
roof, you discover the situation is even worse than you
thought. From high on the baron’s balcony, you see a
quick burst of flame and get a fleeting glimpse of a flicking
reptilian tail—a big one. There’s a dragon up there.
You have no choice. You need to get inside. But how?
Do you . . .
1. Try to convince Tefal to let you in?
2. Scale the fence and find a way in on your own.
53
If the characters . . .
1. Try to convince Tefal to let you in.
You return to Tefal and plead with him to let you in,
repeating your story about the strange men and adding that
a dragon may be up there.
Test Persuade. A group test is allowed.
If the party waited patiently in the cell when they first
entered the city, use -1. If they ran for it when they
entered the city, use +2.
▶ Success. “Alright,” Tefal says. “I have seen that there is
something special about you. I will allow you in, but I
can’t escort you upstairs. And I will not offend a dragon
for any man. If there is one up there, you are likely
running to your deaths. You’re on your own. Others may
try to stop you.”
■ Go to Onward A .
▶ Failure. “How many times must I tell you no?” Tefal
asks. “Wait until you’re summoned!”
■ Continue to Action 2.
2. Scale the fence and find a way in.
Those men must have scaled the fence to sneak past the
guards before the servant let them in. Perhaps you can too.
Group-test Move. Multiple attempts allowed.
▶ Success. Your climbing skills are amazing, as if you have
sticky hands.
■ Go to Onward B .
▶ Failure. You fall into a heap. Each of you must roll
one starlot. The one with the lowest roll landed on the
bottom of the pile and suffers 2 . Roll again to break
any ties. Keep trying until you make it, or, if you haven’t
tried it yet, go to Action 1 and attempt to convince Tefal.
Use one of the following as
directed by the Actions.
A Go to 1 The Stairway, next page.
B Go to 2 Breaking In, p. 55.
3 to 8 minutes
 Test Persuade at +1 or Command at +2. A group

The Stairway
test is allowed.
1 ▶ Success. “You’re right, of course.” The woman steps out of
the way. “Saral and Buhdi went up to Narvol’s chamber.
If you hurry, you can catch them.”
You race in through the high copper doors of the
tower’s front entrance. Before you is a grand foyer ■ Go to Stairway Trial, below.
with alabaster columns and a marble floor. A ▶ Failure. She shakes her head. “I warned you. Guards!”
woman in a black linen dress with red silk trimmings walks The guards haul you out and cast you into the street.
your way. “Hello lion tamers. I recognize you from the Suffer 1 each. You’ll have to find another way in.
arena. Have you been summoned by the Baron or Narvol?”
■ Go to Onward B .
You saw your friends enter here. You also saw the strange
3. Ask who Narvol is.
men sneak in elsewhere. What do you say to this person?
“He’s our city granog, of course. Always growling, that one.”
Return to the Cues to the left.
Do you . . . 4. Tell her Mahku is a traitor and the nobles here are in
danger from the strange men.
1. Tell her that men are here to attack the baron’s niece?
“I knew it! Mahku has always been greedy.” She steps out of
2. Ask her if you can follow Saral and Buhdi? the way. Quickly now. Up the stairs. Go and help them!”
3. Ask her who Narvol is? Continue to Stairway Trial, below.
■ If the PCs have the KEYWORD Narvol, they should
already know the answer.
This trial tests Sneak + Move in
If the PCs have the KEYWORD Mahku ay combined tests. A failure means you
tairw
4. Tell her Mahku is a traitor and the nobles here are in s move too quickly, slip and fall. You’ll
danger from the strange men? need counsel from a friend to keep it
al together and keep moving. Choose
t ri
your sacred verses from those you’ve
If the characters . . . used thus far in the quest.
You must gain 9 successes in 12 rounds or less. If you
1. Tell her that men are here to attack the baron’s niece. don’t, then you’ve been too slow, which may have dire
“Travelers, you do not know our ways. I am certain you are consequences for Saral.
mistaken. Unless you’ve been summoned, you must leave.” The players must choose verses on their own,
Ask the PCs how they respond. If they lie at any point, go without help from the Adventure Journal. Use
straight to Failure. Once you’re satisfied, continue. your discretion in which verses you allow.
Test Persuade at +1 or Command at +3. A group
test is allowed. SC 6 • Sneak + Move • 9 in 12 • 1
▶ Success. “You’re right, of course.” The woman steps out of
the way. “Saral and Buhdi went up to Narvol’s chamber.
If you hurry, you can catch them.” After the Trial...
■ Go to Stairway Trial, next column. Go to Onward A .
▶ Failure. The woman shouts, “Guards!”
The guards haul you out and cast you into the street.
Suffer 1 each. You’ll have to find another way in. Use one of the following as
■ Go to Onward B . directed by the Actions.
2. Ask her if they can follow Saral and Buhdi. Go to Narvol’s Chamber, p. 56.
A 3
“Your friends went up to Narvol’s chamber. I’m sure they’re
grateful that you saved them in the arena, but you are not B Go to 2 Breaking In, next page.
Zayor nobles. You cannot go up without being summoned.”
Ask the PCs how they respond. If they lie at any point, go 10 to 20 minutes
straight to Failure. Once you’re satisfied, continue at the
top of the next column.

54
 The players must choose verses on their own,
Breaking In
without help from the Adventure Journal. Use
2 your discretion in which verses you allow.

You land on the other side of the copper fence, SC 6 • Sneak + Move • 8 in 12 • 1
poised like nectarcats and ready for action. You
see the servant’s door where the men snuck in.
You also see a window ledge, high up, that may give you After the Trial...
access to the upper tower. Far below the ledge, there is some Go to Onward.
scaffolding that might get you close, but the scaffolding is
incomplete. How will you get in?

Do you . . . This trial tests Sneak + Craft in

it combined tests. A failure means the
ld
1. Try to sneak in through the servant’s door? bui scaffolding breaks, and you fall. You’ll
■ A toolkit or lock-pick set is required. need counsel from a friend to keep it
a l together and keep climbing. Choose
2. Use the scaffolding and scale the tower? t ri
your sacred verses from those you’ve
used thus far in the quest.
If the characters . . . You must gain eight successes in 12 rounds or less. If you
don’t, then you’ve been too slow, which may have dire
consequences for Saral.
1. Try to sneak in through the servant’s door.
You reach the door without being spotted by the guards, but The players must choose verses on their own,
it’s locked from the inside. You might be able to pick the lock without help from the Adventure Journal. Use
with a toolkit or lock-pick set. your discretion in which verses you allow.
Test Solve + Sneak. Two attempts allowed.
If the PC has a lock-pick set available, use -2 SC 6 • Sneak + Craft • 8 in 12 • 1
▶ Success. The door swings quietly open. You’re in! You
hurry through the servant’s hall and see a spiral stair.
That must be the direction they went. Hurry! After the Trial...
■ Go to Stairway Trial, below. Well done! You reach the ledge and find an empty landing.
From here the central tower rises above you, with its
▶ Failure. It won’t open. You’ll have to try the scaffolding. balconies and golden dome. A short passage leads to a
■ Continue to Action 2, below. wooden spiral stair. You race upward.
2. Use the scaffolding and scale the tower.
“You find the scaffolding half finished pots of dried
whitewash sit by the wall, along with a pile of extra poles
Go now to 3 Narvol’s Chamber,
and twine. If you work quickly, you might reach the ledge. next page.
Go to Build It Trial, next column.
15 to 20 minutes
This trial tests Sneak + Move in
ay combined tests. A failure means you
irw
sta move too quickly, slip and fall. You’ll
need counsel from a friend to keep it
a l together and keep moving. Choose
tr i
your sacred verses from those you’ve
used thus far in the quest.
You must gain eight successes in 12 rounds or less. If you
don’t, then you’ve been too slow, which may have dire
consequences for Saral.

55

3 Narvol’s Chamber
You rush up the central wooden stair of the
tower’s final two floors. At the first floor you
enter a marble chamber that seems much like an
administrator’s office. Shelves filled with chests, scrolls, and
tomes line the walls. Next to an oversized desk and chair
stands a granog. He sniffs the air and mutters, “Keledan. I
thought I caught your stench.”
The granog is not alone.
“Help us!” Saral cries . . .
Read the appropriate entry based on the party’s
performance in the trial that brought them here.
If the PCs took 12 rounds or less to finish the trial.
Thank the High One! You arrived on time. From the looks
of things, the granog has been enjoying the sport of watching
the three strange men chase Saral and Buhdi around the
room. The young nobles hide on one side of a long table,
while the spies are on the other side, about to flank them.
The frail servant who let them in cowers in the corner.
Seeing you, the granog moves to join the fun, drawing
his huge sword. “Continue, friends. I will deal with the
Keledan. You take care of the sweethearts. Be sure to make
it look like the Badu snake killed her and that cowering
imbecile ran him through too late to save her.”
Go to Spy Battle, next page.
If the PCs took more than 12 rounds to finish the trial.
You arrived a bit late. From the looks of things, the granog
has been enjoying the sport of watching the three strange
men chase Saral and Buhdi around the room. But the
chase is over. You arrived too late. One spy has Buhdi by
the arms, holding him fast. Another has a knife to Saral’s
throat. The frail servant who let the spies in cowers in the
corner. A long table stands between you and the Aladoth.
Seeing you, the granog moves to join the fun, drawing
his huge sword. “Continue, friends. I will deal with the
Keledan. You take care of the sweethearts. Be sure to make
it look like the Badu snake killed her and that cowering
imbecile ran him through too late to save her.”
You must act quickly, before battle commences, or the spy’s
knife will sink into Saral’s throat. You are forbidden from
killing the spies. How will you save her?
Do you . . .
1. Hit the spy in the hand with a ranged weapon?
2. Shout for Saral and Buhdi to fight?
3. Do both? But is there time?
56
If the characters . . .
1. Hit the spy in the hand with a ranged weapon.
You’ll need the Rescuer’s peace to steady your hand. Is there
a verse you can recite to knock as you let the missile fly?
If the PC correctly recites the Weak Monster, Scare A
Dragon, or Perfect Peace, award 2 Wp and reduce the
Fight by 2.
Test Fight.
▶ Success. Your aim and the Rescuer’s faithfulness are
true. The spy yelps in pain and drops the knife. Saral flees
his grasp. Buhdi shakes free of his attacker. Hurry now.
Destroy the granog and subdue the spies!
▶ Failure. Your aim is terrible, but the Rescuer is true.
Your missile flies wide. The spy laughs, easing his grip
on the knife. But the Rescuer is not done. Your missile
glances off a copper shield hanging on the wall and
smacks the spy in the head. He yelps and drops the knife.
Saral elbows him in the gut and runs. Battle is upon
you. Fight! Destroy the granog. Subdue the spies!
Go to Spy Battle, next page.
2. Shout for Saral and Buhdi to fight.
Test Command.
▶ Success. The two nobles struggle against their attackers.
Surprised by Saral’s sudden strength, the spy holding her
fumbles the knife. Now’s your chance. Destroy the granog
and subdue the spies. Fight!
▶ Failure. Saral and Buhdi only sigh, resigned to their
fate. The spies laugh at your meager effort. The one
holding Saral laughs so hard that he fumbles the knife.
The Rescuer is with you. Now’s your chance. Destroy the
granog. Subdue the spies. Fight!
Go to Spy Battle, next page.
3. Shout for the young nobles to fight while trying to
hit the spy in the hand with a ranged weapon.
An attack like this takes focus. One of you will have aim for
the spy while the others shout for the young nobles to fight.
Group-test Encourage to silently communicate this plan.
▶ Success. Your eyes speak volumes to each other.
■ Continue to Action 4, Combined Test, below.
▶ Failure. Why are you all blinking and rolling your eyes
around like that? This isn’t working. Try another option.
4. Combined Test
The one aiming for the spy will need the Rescuer’s peace
for a steady hand. Is there a sacred verse you can recite to
knock as you let the missile fly?
If the PC correctly recites the Weak Monster, Scare A
Dragon, or Perfect Peace, award 2 Wp and reduce the
Fight by 2.
(next page)

The PC attacking must test Fight while the rest of you
group-test Command.
▶ Success in both. Saral and Buhdi shout with sudden
ferocity. Buhdi breaks free. Saral elbows her attacker.
Meanwhile, your aim and the Rescuer’s faithfulness are
true. The spy yelps in pain and drops the knife. Saral flees
his grasp. Now’s your chance. Destroy the granog and
subdue the spies!
▶ Failure in either. The spies mock your efforts. The one
holding Saral tosses his head back in laughter, and
your missile sails past his nose. The Rescuer is faithful.
The spy’s loosened grip gives Saral renewed vigor. She
struggles against him, and the man trips and falls. Now
is your chance. Destroy the granog and subdue the spies!
Go to Spy Battle, below.
Open the MDB to Spy Battle, p. 50. Place
the PC tokens and 1 dark creature token
spy
as shown by the torch and claw symbols.
battle If the PCs arrived on time, place the spies
on the green Aladoth symbols. If they
arrived late, use the red Aladoth symbols.
Place two additional Aladoth tokens (numbers 4 and 5)
on the spaces marked as “Saral” and “Buhdi.”
The granog will fight to the death. Each spy individually
will lay down his dagger if successfully commanded or
after 5 . Only the necessary damage boxes are shown.
If Saral and Buhdi accepted the Rescuer in the previous
episode, they may also fight. Use torch tokens. Play them
in the battle. No need to roll. Both have SPD 2, Saral does
1 to an adjacent enemy. Buhdi does 2 .
GRANOG -1
SPD 3 • GO 4 • SWORD 4
SPIES -3
SPD 2 • SC 3 • DAGGER 2
damage tracker
1 his chamber. “Fear me, Keledan,” the dragon says. “I am
1 2 3 Open the MDB to Hatchling Battle, p 52.
57
After the Battle...
The granog dissolves into a stinking, sizzling
puddle of green ooze that smells oddly of fish.
Only its rich clothes and jewelry are left behind.
The spies and Mahku back away from you with their hands
raised. Their weapons, curving daggers, lie on the floor. As
you approach them, you hear a rasping roar and a terrible
cry from above.
“Uncle!” Saral exclaims, and heads for the stairs. Buhdi
grabs Mahku by his collar and is right behind her, dragging
the traitor along with him.
Holding these spies is less important than stopping another
death. There’s a dragon up there! Snatching up their
daggers, you leave them and run after the young nobles.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Dagger Excellent 1 1 DCl
3 vardallium daggers with emeralds in their hilts.
Continue below.
A terrifying scene greets you at the top of the
stairs. The Baron’s chambers are open to wood
balconies. One of these is burning. The baron is
on his knees before a small dragon, shouting, “I don’t know
what he wants,” the baron cries. “He said he was drawn by
our coming war, but then he spoke in riddles. He spoke of
symbols, of a black portal under a hill, of a priest and a
giant. Moments ago he went mad and spoke of raiders
from the south who’ve come to kill him, breathing liquid
fire everywhere. What does he mean? What raiders? Badu
is to the east, not south!”
Goup-test Solve to unscramble the hatchling’s ramblings.
▶ Success. Yes! You are the raiders from the south, and the
dragon is scared. Hatchlings are vulnerable. But there’s
more. A black portal under a hill seems to be tied to the
giant and the priest. Write down the KEYWORD Portal.
▶ Failure. Who knows? Hatchlings are crazy.
The creature turns its attention away from the baron
and focuses on your party, allowing the baron to flee into
Goltox. You will die!”
Place the tokens as shown. Place Aladoth
hatchling or torch tokens as appropriate for Saral
battle
and Buhdi. The baron is hiding deeper
under the dome.
(next page)
 HATCHLING STING DRAGON
SPD 2 • and are variable (see chart)
Round 1. Direct Mindspeech 1 and 2 at individual PCs (your choice). They must refute the mindspeech with
a verse and how it applies or be infected. Each successful refutation deals 4 to the hatchling. Remaining
PCs make weapon attacks. If a PC says, “Aren’t you a little short for a dragon,” it’s PF takes one damage.
Subsequent Rounds. Direct the next mindspeech (in order) at one PC for refutation. The other PCs make
weapon attacks. Any PC that fails a roll or refutation suffers from dragon’s weapons if within range of
the dragon’s SPD and/or weapon. Roll a starlot using the chart below to see what weapon the dragon uses on
each PC and its effects.
After Mindspeech 6 is refuted or all damage boxes are checked, proceed to After the Battle, next page.

DRAGON WEAPON DRAGON WEAPON

1-2 SMOKE LO 3 1 RNG 5’ 6-7 SCORPION TAIL SC 6 4
3-4 FLAMING VENOM GO 5 4 RNG 10’ 8-10 CLAWS PE 4 3
5 DIVE AND BITE PE 4 3

Hatchling Mindspeech (simple and unfocused)

1. “I am terrifying. I feel your fear. The Rescuer cannot save you.” (PE)
Counters. Weak Monster, Scare a Dragon, Perfect Peace, Sound Judgment, Quiet Confidence, Love Trust.
2. “You can’t trust the Maker or his words. Think again. They are ancient. Today, they mean nothing.” (SC/LO)
Counters. Right On, One Mind, Love Trust.
3. “I have the knowledge of ages. Hand over the Aladoth and, for your sacrifice, I will give you wisdom.
Think nothing of him. He would have let the lions eat you.” (LO/GO)
Counters. Puffed Up Poof, Orderly Peace, Know It Do It
4. “Serve me and I will give you this whole city. Did those guards offend you by locking you up? I will burn
their guardhouse to the ground in your honor. Did the people cheer for the lions? I will roast them for the
lions’ meal.”
Counters. Goodness Conquers, Calm Down.
5. “Don’t waste your time with me or these desert dwellers. Are you not here to help a priest and to stop a
giant? Are you not worried that you will be too late? Setis is no concern of yours. Leave now and hurry on
your way.” (GO)
Counters. Don’t Panic, Know It Do It, Hope In Him.

6. “No! Leave me alone! Trust me and not the Maker. All that he says is shifting lies! I will make you
powerful! You will never know fear again!” (LO)
Counters. Love Trust, Hope In Him, Perfect Peace, Weak Monster, Goodness Conquers, Right On.

p f damage tracker

58
After the Battle...
The dragon falls from the balcony and lands on
the sandy streets below, smoldering.
Guards race up the stairwell. Some bring pails
of sand and begin smothering the flames. Others surround
you with spears lowered.
“Hold!” The baron shouts. “These travelers saved me when
the dragon went mad. We may all suffer if the dragons
hear of this, but for now it is only thanks to them that I still
breathe. Lower your spears.”
The guards do as he asks, and Saral runs to her uncle
and hugs him. “Oh, Uncle,” she says. “How could you
think me a traitor?” She gestures to Buhdi, who hauls the
servant Mahku forward. “It was this servant Mahku who
poisoned your ear. He was in league with assassins, trying
to provoke a war.”
“But if you are not for Badu,” the baron says, “then why do
I now see love in your eyes for their emissary?”
“Love is indeed what you see,” Buhdi says. “Not treachery.
Your niece wants peace for our families, as I do. In that
common ground we found each other. There is no betrayal
in that. Your only enemy here is Mahku.”
If the PCs have the KEYWORD Saral and
returned her things to her earlier, tell them
Saral shows the parchment to him now and that
it proves her innocence.
The baron turns to Mahku with clenched fists.
You. I should have known. You will pay for this.
He picks up a knife from his scorched table.
Perhaps you should speak up, or blood will be spilled.
Group-test Persuade to stop the baron.
▶ Success. He lets the knife fall from his hand and asks,
“What else have you dragonslayers to say?”
▶ Failure. You’ve distracted him from killing the servant,
but now he turns on you. “Don’t question me in my own
chambers. Are you of noble blood? On what authority
do you speak?”
At the baron’s question you feel the
Rescuer’s prompting. Share with him. You
coax him into his chambers, find an
unburnt couch to sit on, and begin to tell
him the story of the Great Rescue.
the
He listens with great intent to the tale
on
bar of the Rescuer leading his people to Ras
cue Telesar and becoming a fountain of water
res
to quench the dragon’s fire. In particular,
he seems to like the part about the flames
becoming starlots when the Peaks rose.
59
If the PCs passed the previous test, or if Saral
and Buhdi were rescued last episode, use WISE.
Otherwise, use FOOLISH.
If Saral and Buhdi were not rescued before, they listen
now. So does Tefal. Use a separate Resolve roll for each.
KI 3 • WISE = - 4 • FOOLISH = -1
Resolve =2
After the Rescue...
Read the appropriate entry below, based on
the PCs’ success or failure.
If any rescue was successful, including the previous
rescue of Saral and Buhdi.
Those who accepted the Rescuer pray and weep, knowing
gratefulness like none they’ve ever felt. Others—including
many of the guards who had rushed up the steps—walk
away in sadness, shaking their heads. Those who were
saved begin making their plans to find a hollow tree and go
to the Liberated Land. You tell them all about a jagged rock
in the desert where one may be found.
Go to the blue Read to Players icon below.
If no Aladoth accepted the gift.
Even though they did not accept the Rescuer, the people of
Setis are amazed at your heroism in fighting and defeating
the hatchling. A few mutter that you will be hunted for
murder because you killed the granog, but that is simply
part of the life you’ve chosen with the Order.
Continue below.
The baron continues to express his thanks. You’ve
helped avert a war between Setis and Badu.
Many lives will be saved. As a reward, he offers
you anything you want from the Guilds. He’ll pay any price.
This is a Destiny Scene † and the
end of this episode.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
■ Save Saral and avert a war. 2 Wp each.
■ Destroy a terrible creature. 2 Wp each.
Rank Award: Cadet Sentinel. Advance one Untrained
ability to Apprentice (AP) and one AP ability to
Journeyman (JR).
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
When they’re finished, turn to the summary, next page.
35 to 55 minutes
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 6 or E 7

The dragon battle served as the Bible study for this lesson. If you have additional time, take a moment and
review what the players have learned throughout the quest thus far. What verses can they recite by heart? Do
they understand what each verse means? Here are two more verses that were in their adventure journals for
this lesson. Hopefully they came in handy while fighting the hatchling’s lies. Be sure to end your meeting with a
prayer of thanks for your group’s fellowship and growth and their achievements in ranking up.

Puffed Up Poof 1 Corinthians. 8:1b LO

We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
Great knowledge puffs us up. We often lord it over others and use it to build ourselves up while putting them
down. Instead, we are called to build others up by showing them the love of Christ. Reciting and explaining this
verse in battle might damage your foe.

Scare A Dragon Psalm 34:7 PE

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them.
Most biblical scholars agree that “the angel of the Lord” refers to Christ. Long before He came to earth as
God’s Son, David praised Him for protecting those who love Him. When a terrible creature shatters a friend’s
peace, this reminder of the Rescuer’s presence may help. Or reciting and explaining this verse might strike
fear in the heart of a foe and cause it damage.

Next time . . .
If the PCs came to Setis from Fire Pass: The Eastern Pass (2B), your next episode is 4A Sacrificial Post on the next
page. They should study the “Giant Problem: Sacrificial Post” pages in their Adventure Journals.
If the PCs came to Setis from the Hermit’s Den (4B) after saving Morellius, your next episode is 2B Eastern Pass on
p. 19. They should study the “Giant Problem: The Eastern Pass” pages in their Adventure Journals.

ADVENTU RE MAST ER NOT ES

60
 4A WYRM DUNES: SACRIFICIAL POST
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
1. Find Morellius and keep him alive.
2. Uncover new clues about the giant.
Choose the correct The Story So Far. There are
two different paths your group may be on.
Before you begin, ask your players what they
remember from the last episode. What do they think the
Rescuer is up to in a land with such a dark shadow?
Start Point
The
SP
Scrublands
perilous place
coming from setis
The Story So Far...
The baron offered you anything you want from
the Guilds. Which item did you choose? A glass
sword? Leather armor? Perhaps a weapon the
blacksmith would not sell to you?
If the PCs choose anything other than the spear called
the Flame, grant them the item (refer to The Guilds
p.46) and skip to the paragraph below the item box. If
they choose the spear, continue below.
The blacksmith hated to part with the spear, but the
baron’s gold was persuasive. When you first took hold of
it, the shadow filling the black tip gave way to brilliant
translucent purple. It shines like a starlot, even now. When
the blacksmith saw this, he fell to his knees. You shared the
Great Rescue with him, and he immediately believed.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
The Flame Mastercraft 1 Priceless
+2 + quality bonus + skill.
You spent the night in the baron’s tower in safety, but you
commit yourselves to rising early to head south into the
desert in search of Morellius and his prisoner. Remove 3
per watch for three watches of rest (9 ). You rise in the
fourth watch to refill your flasks and get ahead of the sun.
The trail is not difficult, but it is long taking you most of
the day. You are hot and parched when you reach a ridge
at the border of an expanse of scrublands.
Go to the second blue Read to Players icon, next column.
61
coming from the pit o f spores
The Story So Far...
While traversing the Great Pit of Spores, you
fought both death vipers and spore goblins.
You also encountered items left by less
fortunate travelers who passed through the area. The
pit tested your Faithfulness, your Kindness, and your
ability to work together. You’re grateful to have survived.
You found an important clue. Morellius took a prisoner out
into the desert toward a place called the sacrificial post to
beg for the help of a dragon.
Now you head into the desert praying you can make your
way to the sacrificial post mentioned in the parchment you
found. By the Rescuer’s grace, Morellius will be there, and
both he and the prisoner will still be alive.
You travel into the desert for several ticks, eating up the
daylight and becoming dry and parched. The sun is already
low when you reach a ridge bordering an expanse of
scrublands.
Continue below.
It’s late in the day, and the path that brought you
here was winding. You’re unsure where the
sacrificial post lies. The remains of a dust storm
linger in the air, but the wind is calm now. You think this
ridge may serve as a crossing point for locals, and there are
footprints and cart tracks in the soil and sand pointing
north and south.
Pause and drink water. Perhaps it would also be wise to
knock before stepping out.
Wandering this way and that in the desert is chaotic.
Chaos is not the way of the Rescuer. When asking for his
help, what verse might you speak as a prayer?
The PCs should choose the Orderly Peace
sacred verse. Allow them to justify whichever
verse they choose, and offer guidance as
necessary. When you’re satisfied, award normal Wp for
speaking a verse and tell them a sudden wind blows
north. They get the sense they should try that direction.
(next page)
 Do you . . . Navigation
1
1. Head north?
2. Head south? At your feet, you see a piece of cut stone. You’re
not sure how long it’s been there, but you’re
confident that it’s hand-carved. The sand has
If the characters . . . piled up around it from the recent storms. A similar
piece juts out not far down the hill. They’re marked with
1. Head north. runes you can’t read. This place gives you an uneasy
Large gray-brown rabbit mice scamper through the sparse feeling—a biting urge to leave and find another way to go
brush as you survey the scrublands ahead of you. You’re after the giant.
thankful that there’s less deep sand here, but you also know
the scrub hides other dangers. You’re still greatly at risk of Ask the PCs for their Goodness scores. Any
running out of water, and now you have to confront the who have less than 4 will attempt to leave. They
uncertainty of your path to the sacrificial post. must be counseled by a friend. The appropriate
verse from this episode is the Orderly Peace verse. If they
Go to Onward A .
knocked using this verse, be sure a different player uses it
2. Head South. for counseling now. Once you’re satisfied, continue.
You walk south for a time, taking in this scrubland. Rock In the actions below, the PCs must navigate the desert
formations and small thorny bushes dot the landscape as if to find the sacrificial post using the cut stones to mark
the Maker had cast them from his hand across the desolate the way. At each stone, they’ll test Observe. They must
sand. You see many places of shelter for smaller creatures, complete the actions in order. A failure may send them
but the small creatures don’t concern you. For the last half backward. Keep track of how many rounds it takes them
tick, you’ve been hearing howls, and they’re growing closer. to find all the stones.
You may be mistaken, and you pray that you are, but you
The stones seem to mark a path. Can you find
think a pack of wild dogs has taken notice of you.
the rest? At each stone, you’ll test an ability. One
Go to Onward B . test is a round. A failure may cost extra rounds.
Be sure to keep track of how many rounds it takes you to
Use one of the following as find all of them. Find all six stones in ten rounds or less.
directed by the Actions.
A Go to 1 Navigation, next column. Find the stones
B Go to 2 Wild Dogs, next page. Stone 1.
You’re struggling to tell if the rock ahead is a buried carved
5 to 10 minutes stone, or just a rock with a sharp edge.
Test Observe at -3. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. That was easy! But the winds are picking up.
Sand is already obscuring the stones.
▶ Failure. The winds are picking up. You couldn’t find the
next one. Test again. Don’t forget to count your rounds.
Stone 2.
The sands are flowing over the desert now. It’s hard to see.
Test Solve at -2. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. Well done. Your eyes are sharp. Keep it up and
you’ll figure out where this leads in no time.
▶ Failure. You dig at the current stone’s base to find more
runes. A red beetle crawls out and bites you! Roll one
starlot each. The one with the lowest roll suffers a fire
beetle bite. You must carry 3 until you find the cure.
Write down KEYWORD Sting and try this stone again.

62
Stone 3.
You can see the next stone, but a long crevice lies between
you and it. To get to the other side, you’ll need to jump.
Test Move at -1 as individuals. The full party counts
as 1 round in total.
▶ Success. You’re moving now, following the stones like
desert goats!
▶ Failure. The sand gives way beneath you, and you fall
into the crevice. Suffer 2 . Crawl out and try again
while your friends wait, costing an additional round.
Stone 4.
The blowing sand forces you to cover your eyes and nose.
Finding the next stone will be a real challenge.
Test Observe. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. Impressive. These stones are getting harder to
find, but that hasn’t stopped you.
▶ Failure. You tarry too long at the current stone, unable
to see the next. A swarm of scorpions moves in with the
dust. Suffer 2 each and try this stone again.
Stone 5.
This next stone looks like two arrows, but they point in
different directions. That’s not helpful at all.
Test Solve at +1. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. Good job working together! Gain 1 Wp each.
You have no trouble finding the right way. Keep going!
▶ Failure. You wander too far in your efforts. You’ve lost
the marker. Go back to Stone 4. Be sure to keep track of
how many rounds this is taking you.
Stone 6.
A whole colony of rabbit mice hop out of the scrub. They
looked so harmless before, but now you see their teeth.
Look out! They’re attacking!
Group-test Fight at +2 to defend yourselves.
▶ Success. Those little scrub-beasts are no match for your
party. Cheeping and chirping, they beat a hoppity retreat
into the brush and sand.
■ Go to Onward. Be sure to note how many total
rounds the PCs took to finish this challenge.
▶ Failure. Suffer 2 each. Retreat to Stone 5.
Use one of the following based on
the PCs’ previous experience.
If the party already encountered the wild dogs.
Go to Go to A1 Sacrificial Post, p 64.
Otherwise . . .
Go to 2 Wild Dogs, next column.
15 to 30 minutes
63
Wild Dogs
2
The air here is quiet except when the wind picks
up and cuts through the scrub. You hear a
different howl, and while you haven’t dealt with
them before, there’s no mistaking the sound of wild dogs on
the trail of their prey. Thankfully, from the sound of it,
they’re still a ways off. But they’re closing the distance.
The landscape is full of hidden dangers, and you know
from the small amount of training you’ve had that wild
dogs in the Desert of Sin chase their prey to exhaustion.
Their grim reputation fills you with dread.
Ask the PCs for their Peace scores. Any who
have less than 5 will attempt to leave. They must
be counseled by a friend.
Use the events # starting below and on the next page
to determine what happens based on the party’s roll of
a starlot. Use one or all events at your discretion. The
group may still have the Navigation encounter (5 to 10
minutes) and will also have a parley with Morellius and a
Heal trial to keep him alive (10 to 20 minutes).
When ready, continue below. When you’ve completed all
the events desired, go to After the Events, p. 64.
Your flight from the wild dogs is fraught with
danger. Choose a representative to roll one starlot
each round, and I’ll tell you what happens.
Duplicate rolls are possible.
the den
1
Is that the dogs’ den? Group-test Observe to find out.
▶ Success. Fantastic! Your sharp observation lets you
avoid the den or alerting more dogs.
▶ Failure. While trying to see, you stumble into each other
and fall onto sharp rocks. Suffer 2 each.
2 leaping hounds
Three wild dogs lunge at you from a rock formation. All
must test Move to dodge them.
▶ Success. With grace, you side-step the attack. The dogs
collide. Hurry away before they collect themselves.
▶ Failure. You beat them away, but suffer 2 in the
effort. They’ll come at you again soon. Get out of there!
 3 giant spider 7-8 a hint o f silver
A massive spider comes scrambling out from a hole in the The party may experience this up to three times.
side of a hill. You can’t outrun it. Watch out, its venom
A glint catches your eye. What’s that in the sand? You’re
may cause you to panic.
not out here to find treasure, but you can take a glance as
you run past. One of you Test Observe at -2 .
GIANT SAND SPIDER -2 ▶ Success. Silver! You know this region holds silver ore.
SPD 3 • GO 3 • BITE 3 These chunks might fetch a price to help feed your party.
This spider’s bite will slow a PC down for the ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
remainder of this Wild Dog encounter (Move +1)
2 Chunks Silver Ore Common 1 for 2 5 Cp ea.

damage tracker ▶ Failure. There’s nothing here. Keep going

1 9-1 0 more than scrub

The party may experience this twice.
After the Battle. The spider crumbles into sand and blows You descend a short hill and find a patch of green and
away on the wind. Keep moving! orange. This is a sun fruit tree. You’ve heard of the fruit’s
benefit.

ITEM FOUND! quality slots value

4 rock slide
12 Dune Sun Fruit Superior 1 for 3 1 Pt for 3
You run through a small gorge. Look out. Rock slide! Can Each fruit removes 3 .
you dodge it? All must test Move.
▶ Success. Did the rock slide even happen? You sure made
it look like it didn’t. After the Events...
▶ Failure. The rocks bash you. Suffer 2 . The howling has ceased. It sounds like the
dogs have given up. Now you can get back to
the task of finding Morellius.
5 ghost in the dunes
Wait, is that someone in need? “Hello!” you shout, but
Use one of the following based on
there’s no answer. You want to get away from the dogs, but the PCs’ previous experience.
you can’t leave someone to perish out here. Test Observe. If the party already faced the navigation challenge
A group test is allowed. on p. 62.
▶ Success. It’s only a mirage—a trick of the dust and the Go to Go to A1 Sacrificial Post, below.
lowering sun. But your observation shows you a path
ahead. The dogs howl behind you. Keep going! Otherwise . . .

▶ Failure. Your mind is playing tricks on you. Worse, the Go to 1 Navigation, p. 62.
fastest dogs have caught up.
■ No roll. Go straight to 2 on the previous page. 15 to 30 minutes

6 healing waters
You’ve found an Aropha fountain monument to the High
One, untouched by the dust and vermin. The water is clear.
Fill your flasks with 3 drinks each. Each drink removes 2 .

64

A1 Sacri ficial
Post
perilous place
The scrubland gives way to ribbons of dunes,
growing in height. The last of the sunlight gives
them a rose hue. Among them, you see a flash of
gold. The altar. It must be. Hurry! When you crest the final
dune, you see the sacrificial post—three white spires
decorated in lapis and gold rising from a stepped platform.
Nearby is a huge black egg open and smoldering. A burned
and bloodied man lies at the bottom of the steps. Are you
too late? You run to him. He’s alive but fading fast.
Morellius is wounded and willing to
morellius
talk, but he’s not terribly coherent.
There is no Persuade test. If the PCs
parley
finished the navigation challenge 10
rounds or less, allow them to ask five
questions. If not, they may only ask three questions. Two
are critical.
questions
1. What happened to the prisoner?
2. Can you travel?
3. Where is the dragon?
4. Tell us about the giant.
If the PCs found the map with symbols in Episode 1.
5. Tell us about the symbols on this map.
If the PCs didn’t find the map with symbols.
6. What is that in your hand?
answers
1. “The egg burst open in a spout of liquid flame. It
weakened the altar chains, and the prisoner broke free.
He ran away and left me.”
2. “Not far. There’s an old hermit physician who lives by the
small oasis east of here. Will you carry me to him?”
3. “I don’t know. The hatchling went berserk, black with a
stinger for a tail. It clawed me. Flames were everywhere.
I blacked out, and when I came to, I saw it flying north
toward Setis.”
4. “The giant is out of control. For generations, it wanted
only gifts of grain in exchange for protecting the villages
of Tahn. But in my years, it has grown strong and bold,
demanding our life-giving water, and now demanding
blood. Every day, it waits by the obsidian wall behind
the altar for a sacrifice. If we fail to appease it, the giant
emerges and claims many lives in its rage.”
65
5 or 6. “This is a map of the temple. See the altar and the
wall behind? We call that the Obsidian Gate. Long ago,
when the dragon Goltox brought the giant to Tahn, it
carved the symbols with a black talon. The symbols are
carved around the hall Goltox called them a gift of sorcery
that tames the giant. But they don’t seem to be working
anymore.”
After the Parley...
Morellius ceases to speak. His eyes roll back.
You’re losing him! He told you there’s a physician
nearby. You’ve got to renew Morellius enough to
make it safe to carry him to the hermit’s den.
Continue with the Renewing Trial, below.
This is a challenge of Heal that put’s
ing your Peace at risk. There is no damage
ew
ren for a failure, but your Peace may be
infected. Gain seven successes, testing
l
a as individuals in team rounds. Try to
t ri
do it in eleven rounds or less. By the
Rescuer’s grace, your healing kit does
not run out. Only one use is required.
PE 5 • Heal • 7 in 11 • N/A
After the Trial...
Darkness falls over the dunes. Morellius is breathing, but
he’ll need more than your healing kit if he’s going to live.
The desert air grows cold. You wrap Morellius in as much
warmth as you have to spare and prepare to move him.
There’s an unsettled feeling in the pit of your stomach. Yet,
you know the Rescuer is with you, and able to save your
patient, no matter how dire the circumstances appear.
This is a Destiny Scene † and
the end of this episode.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
■ Find and save Morellius. 2 Wp each.
■ Find new clues about the giant. 1 Wp each.
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, next page.
35 to 45 minutes
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 7 or E 3

Don’t forget that the player verse summaries are in the Cadet Handbook Adventure Journal. Have at least one of
these out for player reference. The same summary is shown below. The Bible study begins on the next page.

Mending Hearts Psalm 34:18 LO

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.

Those who are hurt by the things of life should always remember that the Lord is near and promises to save
them from being crushed. He will mend their hearts. Speaking and explaining this verse may lift a downtrodden
Aladoth’s spirits.

Scare A Dragon Psalm 34:7 PE

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them.
Most biblical scholars agree that “the angel of the Lord” refers to Christ. Long before He came to earth as
God’s Son, David praised Him for protecting those who love Him. When trials shatter a friend’s peace, this
reminder of the Rescuer’s presence may help.

Don’t Panic Luke 12:25 PE

Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying?
The logic is unassailable. It ought to be. These words were spoken by Jesus Himself. And today’s doctors have
proven this to be true. When trials shatter a friend’s peace, this reminder may help.

Weak Monster Psalm 56:3 PE

When I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Fear can drive us to foolish actions and responses. Lean on the peace of knowing God is all sovereign and will
take care of us. Trust in Him. When faced with adversity or injury, this verse may help a panicking friend to
stop, think, and trust.

Orderly Peace 1 Cor. 14:33a GO

. . . since God is not a god of disorder, but of peace.

When we shout over one another, no one is heard. When our actions promote disorder, we work contrary to
God’s will. God is not a God of confusion or chaos. Panicking does no good. In fact, doing good, or what is
beneficial to others, requires us to stay calm. When things go awry, this reminder might help calm the situation.

66
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
MAIN IDEA: Don’t panic.
We know it’s important to wait on God and trust Him in
every circumstance. One of the ways Satan tries to make
both difficult for Christians is by tempting them to be
afraid and panic during tough times. When things go
poorly, it’s easy to get scared and panic. When you panic,
you’re not focusing on God and waiting patiently for
Him. When you lose your focus on God, it’s easy for sin
to sneak past your defenses. When the going gets tough,
take a pause and remember God is faithful.
KNOW—MIND: What can I know
about these verses?
Let’s see how the following verses can encourage us in
our Christian walk and help keep us from panicking.
Mending Hearts Psalm 34:18 LO
Life is not a walk in the park. While we have joyful times,
we also have periods of hurt, sadness, temptation, and
despair. King David wrote this Psalm in one of his lowest
times, when he was fleeing from Saul. He even pretended
to be mad in the presence of his enemies. The great
warrior who slew Goliath was on the run in a lowly state,
yet he remembered the goodness and faithfulness of God.
When times are tough, don’t panic, because God is near
to the brokenhearted.
Scare A Dragon Psalm 34:7 PE
This is another powerful verse from David during the
same dark period in his life. Even though he was being
pursued by his enemies, he knew God’s presence was
surrounding him, and he had faith that the angel of the
Lord would rescue him. One of the prominent themes in
Lightraiders is the Rescuer, who represents Christ, and
how we spread the love of Jesus to help rescue the lost
who are dying from sin. Even though we’re saved, we will
still experience tough times. Like David, we need to trust
that God will rescue us from the trials and temptations
of life. David is a model of faith and resilience in tough
times, and we should study his example so we can apply
the same principles to our lives.
67
E 7 or E 3
Don’t Panic Luke 12:25 PE
Worrying and anxiety make a difficult situation worse.
As Jesus says in this verse, worrying does not accomplish
anything. All it does is cause you to panic and focus even
more on the bad instead of trusting God and knowing He
has your back. When we worry too much, it can send us
into a spiral and tempt us into a fear that God will fail to
take care of us. It also doesn’t send a good message of our
faith in Christ to nonbelievers watching us spiral.
Weak Monster Psalm 56:3 PE
David was a mighty man of God. He was one of the
most courageous people in all of history. He knew the
true secret to courage is drawing it from your faith in
God. When you’re scared, don’t panic. Lean on God and
pray He will grant you courage like David to get through
your situation.
Orderly Peace 1 Cor. 14:33a GO
Panic leads to disorder. It causes us to stress, jumbles our
thoughts, and causes us to imagine unrealistic scenarios
of doom and sorrow. God is a god of peace and does not
want us to fret and give over to fear. Stay calm, trust the
Lord, and don’t panic.
GROW—HEART: How can my
relationship with Christ grow through
these verses?
Trusting God and not giving over to fear in tough
times will strengthen your relationship with Him like
never before.
A Soldier doesn’t know how well he can fight until he’s
at war. A quarterback doesn’t know how well he can
handle the defense blitzing until he’s in a real game.
Likewise, Christians don’t know the full extent of their
faith in God until they experience temptations and trials.
Experience builds endurance. This is why James says in
the New Testament “Consider it a great joy, my brothers
and sisters, whenever you experience various trials,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces
endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that
you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”
(next page)
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 7 or E 3

Tough times allow our faith to grow stronger and bring PRAYER
us closer to Christ. If we go through a trial and feel we
Take a moment to pray with your players. Remind them
didn’t perform well, that’s okay. That trial has revealed
that God does not want them to panic when the going
what you need to work on in your faith. By assessing
gets tough and that no matter how hard it gets, He is still
yourself and praying, you’ll know your shortcomings and
with them through it all.
be ready when the next trial comes along.
Thank you, God, for once again allowing us to have
a wonderful time playing a game and learning about
You. Allow us to understand that life can be hard and
GO—HANDS/FEET/MOUTH: What that it’s okay. Fill us with your peace, so that when hard
do I do about what I’ve learned today? times come, we won’t give into panic, and we can be a
wonderful example of the joy that you bring. Amen.
How should I honor God during tough times?
Why shouldn’t I panic when things get tough?
How do tough times make me a stronger Christian?
How can I prepare myself spiritually for tough times?

Next time . . .
For all groups, your next episode is 4B Hermit’s Den on the next page. The players should study the “Giant
Problem: Hermit’s Den” pages in their Adventure Journals.

ADVENTU RE MAST ER NOT ES

68
 4B WYRM DUNES: HERMIT’S DEN
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
1. Get Morellius to safety.
2. Discover how to defeat the giant.
Start Point
SP Sacri ficial
Post
perilous place
Throughout this episode, you’ll need to take
notes when players make decisions that impact
the redemption of Morellius. You also need to
remember whether they completed the final trial in the
previous episode in eleven rounds or less. You’ll need
that information later in this episode. The singular goal
of this episode will make it one continuous scene.
Ask the players what lasting impressions they have from
the last leg of their journey? Do they think someone like
Morellius can change? After all, he did try to sacrifice a
prisoner to the dragon. Can he be redeemed?
The Story So Far...
You’ve faced wild dogs and navigated treacherous
scrubland. You saved Morellius’ life and learned
that, long ago, the dragon Goltox brought the
giant to the village priests to protect Tahn. But, lately, the
giant has grown more demanding and required more
sacrifices of the priesthood, demanding water and blood.
Morellius was gravely wounded but said a hermit who
lives not far away might be able to save his life. After he fell
unconscious, you set a course for the hermit’s den.
You’re exhausted, but time is running out for Morellius.
With the night wearing on, you catch a glimmer of starlight
off the oasis water. There’s the hermit’s hut!
At the sight of it, you feel a wave of relief. But you rein in
your elation with a reminder that you haven’t arrived yet.
The desert starlight often magnifies objects. You may have
a good distance yet to travel.
In this carry challenge, players must carry
Morellius to the hermit’s hut. At each stage,
they’ll face another choice or challenge that
may increase or decrease the rounds still before them.
Keep track of your rounds in the following
event. Each stage will present a choice or
69
challenge that may leap you ahead or force you to try
one or more stages again. Keep track of how many
rounds it takes you to get through all six stages. You
must reach the hermit’s den in ten rounds, or you may
not be able to save Morellius.
Carry challenge.
Stage 1. Sharp Rocks
You see a shortcut, but those sharp rocks look dangerous.
Will you run through the rocks or take the long way?
A Run through the rocks.
Group-test Move.
▶ Success. Great shortcut! Skip to Round 3.
▶ Failure. Suffer 3 each on the way, but skip to
Stage 3.
B Take the long way.
Group-test Move at -1.
▶ Success. Slower is faster, as the swordmaster
always says. Advance to the next stage.
▶ Failure. Rock formations block your path. Go back
and look for another long way, or take the shortcut.
Remember to count the extra round.
Stage 2. Hidden Danger
The sand was covering an old wooden cache that just
waited for you to walk across it. The weight of your party
carrying Morellius is too much. It’s giving way!
Group-test Move at +1.
▶ Success. You leap from the breaking hatch just in time.
Keep going!
▶ Failure. The hatch breaks. Suffer 3 each protecting
your patient in the fall. Go to A below.
A Group-test Solve to haul your patient and
yourselves out of the cache.
▶ Success. You’ve done it. Keep going, but
remember to count the extra round.
▶ Failure. Keep trying. It’ll cost one round for each
attempt until you get out and on your way.
Stage 3. The Old Stone Path
Sand blows away at your feet, revealing an old stone path.
Group-test Observe at +2 to follow the path.
▶ Success. Sharp eyes! Skip to Stage 5.
▶ Failure. Was it a trick of the starlight? There’s nothing
here. Go to Stage 4.
(next page)
Stage 4. The Dry Riverbed
The place you’re standing looks like a dry riverbed, but
the water has gone underground. Perhaps it leads to the
hermit’s oasis. You start to follow the bed, and begin to
sink. Quick sand!
Each of you test Exert + Solve to escape.
▶ Success. You’re out. Help your friends who are
struggling.
▶ Failure. You didn’t make it out. Group-test Exert +
Solve again with friends until you escape. Each test must
include a person who has already escaped. Every extra
test costs one additional round.
Stage 5. Red Light
Tiny red stars twinkle ahead. No. Those aren’t stars. They’re
fire beetles, hovering over a rocky slope that you must
climb. Get your patient up the slope before they bite.
Help each other up the slope. If one of you can recite and
explain the Carry Me sacred verse, you may reduce the test
target by 2.
Group-test Move at +3.
▶ Success. Well done. You’re up the hill and nearing
the goal.
▶ Failure. Too slow! Roll one starlot each. The one with the
lowest roll suffers a fire beetle bite. You must carry 3
until you find the cure. Write down KEYWORD Sting.
Stage 6. Scorching Stones
Big stones glow in the sand. These rocks seem to gather
the desert heat so well that it feels like an oven when you
approach. They form a scorching maze. Can you find the
quickest way through?
Group-test Solve at +2.
▶ Success. There’s the hut! You’ve done it! Write down the
number of rounds it took.
▶ Failure. You couldn’t find the way. Use one extra round
searching for a way around. But there’s the hut. You’ve
done it. Write down the number of rounds it took.
But have you really done it? There’s the oasis,
with its cool water and sun fruit trees. You
see the hut on the near shore.
Smoke billows from the chimney, and you hope that
means the hermit is tending the fire inside. You
imagine the bliss of the warmth of the fire and a tasty
cup of sun fruit juice. Your body is aching and needs
to rest, and your patient needs treatment.
But you’re not there yet. The ground shakes.
In your exhaustion, you were slow to see the shape
emerging from a dune not far from the hut. A surge
courses through you. Sand troll! You can’t let it have
Morellius. Carefully, you set your patient down and
advance to stop this threat.
70
From the corner of your eye, you see a skinny man in
loose-fitting robes emerge from the hut. He rushes out
and begins dragging Morellius away. You hope that’s
the hermit dragging him to the hut, but the troll now
has your full attention.
Open the MDB to Sand Troll Battle, p.
57. Place the torch tokens as shown.
sand troll Place 1 medium dark creature tokens as
shown. During this fight, the sand troll
battle
uses song sorcery that urges PCs that
suffer to leave their rescue attempts in
pursuit of the desert’s hidden treasures of
silver ore, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. PCs that
temper their armor with the Boots of Readiness verse may
use their boots twice during the battle.
The creature stomps across the sand on short legs,
shaking the ground, but it’s long body and tall
head make it twice the height of a man. Long
arms reach for you, and five uneven orange eyes hit you
with a blazing glare. You hear a grinding rumble from
within its belly. Words form in the rhythm. “Silver and
diamonds. Rubies and emeralds, catching the light of the
moon. Think what they’ll buy you—the advantage they’ll
bring you. Cease fighting and dig in my dunes.”
TROLL
SPD 3 • FA 6 • FIST 4
damage tracker
1
After the Battle...
With a grinding rattle, the troll returns to sand
and clumps of fungal growth. You feel a twinge of
nausea at the sight and smell of it.
Your attention turns to Morellius—or the absence of him.
The last you saw, the hermit pulled him off the battlefield.
Did he take him to the hut? You hope so, but while the
battle distracted you, anything could have happened. You
wonder what kind of person the hermit is. Morellius is a
Tahnkahn priest, which may afford him some respect from
the people who live nearby. But you’re not sure the same
respect will be extended to you, a group of outsiders.
Continue to Hermit Parley, next page.

The door of the hut cracks open, and
hermit the hermit pokes his head out.
parley
“Are you coming in?” he says. “Or are
you waiting for a new troll to grow
from that fungus?”
His smile eases your concern a bit. But, with so few words
spoken, you can’t tell if he’s friendly or simply mad.
This parley has multiple stages. The PCs don’t
know that Morellius is semi-conscious and
hearing parts of the conversation. As a result,
their actions and words have an impact on further
conversations with both characters.
If the PCs completed the Renewing Trial last episode in
eleven rounds or less and completed the carry challenge
in this episode in ten rounds or less, they have reduced
the danger for Morellius and earned the respect of this
physician. Use WISE. If they failed to meet the rounds
goal for one of those challenges, use +3. If they failed
to reach the rounds goal for both, use FOOLISH.
PE 3 • WISE = +2 • FOOLISH = +4
Test Persuade. A group test is allowed. You may not spend
Wp to change this result.
▶ Success. “I’ve done what I can for now. Sit with me and
tell me about him.”
▶ Failure. “You’re not very good at this yet, are you,
cadets?” He grins. “Yes, I can sense what you are. Sit
down. Let’s talk.”
stage one
The inside of the house is much tidier than you
expected from the word “hermit.” Everything
seems to be in a particular space and labeled
with precision. A fire is cracking away on the far side of the
room. The sight and warmth of it bring you comfort and a
wave of peace. Remove 1 each.
Morellius is asleep on a cot beside the fire. The hermit
seems to notice your observation. “Your friend is resting. I
thought he might have woken when I brought him inside,
but if he did it was short.”
Morellius is not a friend. You’d never met him before
tonight. But you also don’t know what will happen if you
correct the hermit. How do you respond?
cadet response options (choose the closest)
1. We only just met Morellius and saw he needed help.
He told us you might be able to provide aid.
2. Yes, our friend needs aid. Can you help him?
71
If the PCs met Zaydol in Setis and took the lion.
3. [Offer the automaton] We brought this for you from
Zaydol in Setis. He said it belongs to you.
hermit replies
1. “It’s good that he told you about me. The town is so far
away that he would have succumbed to his wounds
before you reached it. Your renewing work may have
saved his life.”.
2. “Curious that a Tahnkahn Priest would be friends with
Keledan strangers like you.”
■ Take note of the small deception in the PCs’ answer.
3. “I don’t seem to remember ever owning an automaton.
But thank you for bringing it to me.” He winds the
automaton as if he’s done it a thousand times, sets it
on a shelf and watches it prance around and let out a
clackety roar. “How fortunate that Zaydol thought it was
mine, since it helped you find me tonight.”
Award the PCs 2 Wp each.
stage two
The hermit, once again, glances at Morellius.
“Whether a friend or not, this man is fighting for
his life. I applied a poultice to his wound, and
I’ve offered him all the skill I have, but it would still take a
miraculous intervention to see him through to the morrow.
In fact, I happen to have a pair of prayers taught to young
renewers in your very own Order of the Lightraiders. They
might help when spoken as prayers by Keledan like you.”
He pulls a framed scroll from his wall that looks like it was
inked by skilled and loving hands. On it you see two verses
from the Sacred Scrolls.
Open the MDB to Renewer’s Prayers, p. 58.
These are two additional verses for the PCs.
Each is a partial verse. They will learn the full
verses as their rank and abilities increase. Encourage the
players to recite each Renewer’s Prayer together as a
group. They should consider them the PCs’ prayers for
Morellius, who needs the Rescuer’s healing.
As you lift your eyes, you notice that the Hermit
had bowed his head with you. You aren’t sure
whether it was out of respect, or something else.
Morellius heaves a great breath where he lays, then settles
again. Color returns to his lips. The Hermit nods. “Perhaps
your Rescuer will come through. I‘ve found him to be far
more faithful than the dragons. In the meantime, tell me,
what brings you so far from the Liberated Land of Keledev.”
How do you respond?
(next page)
cadet response options (choose the closest)
1. We go where the Rescuer sends us, and he brought us
here to deal with the giant and help Morellius.
2. We’re just passing through and wanted to help.
hermit replies
1. “The giant is indeed a problem, and it’s clear Morellius
needs help. So do the people here. You saw the troll.
Those things are often drawn to giants of similar fashion.
Each time the giant leaves its temple, which is happening
more and more, it kills Aladoth. This region grows
darker by the day.”
2. “Really?” The hermit’s smile flattens. By his tone, you
can tell he’s unhappy with your answer. “No one happens
through this Tahn region. There’s nothing to the North or
South—nothing for you to be passing to or from. And so
it seems foolish to wander the desert. No. I think you’ve
come to kill the giant.”
■ Take note of the PCs’ attempt to deceive the hermit.
stage three
The hermit leans forward in his seat and speaks
low, as if others might be listening. The light from
the fire seems to dim. “The people of Tahn, Setis,
and Badu all know the story of how the giant came here. A
priest saw blue-black smoke, purple lightning, and the
glitter of silver rising from an Aropha ruin half-buried in a
dune and built a temple there. The dragon Goltox came
and praised the priest for his handiwork. As a reward, he
offered the region protection. The priest gladly accepted,
and the giant appeared in the temple along with the black
wall behind the altar, called the Obsidian Gate. The dragon
named the giant Tahnkahn and gifted the temple with
runes of sorcery to tame the giant for the people. For
generations, the giant protected them, asking only offerings
of grain. But then the dragon Goltox vanished. And not
long after, the giant began demanding more and more. It
hungers for—”
The hermit sits back, and it seems the firelight grows
brighter again. “Perhaps you don’t need all those terrible
details. And we must soon tend to our patient. Is there any
other information I can provide you to help with your goal?”
cadet response options (choose the closest)
1. We found a map of the temple with symbols by the
walls. What do they mean?
2. We have no idea what we’re doing.
If the PCs earned the spear called the Flame in Setis.
3. We have this starlot spear. Will it kill the giant?
72
hermit replies
1. “That is what we must determine together.”
2. “I’m grateful for your honesty. In my humble opinion,
you’ll need to find a weapon that can slow the giant
down. I also think you’ll need to break the secret of the
symbols the dragon etched in the hall of the Obsidian
Gate. Since you have a map showing those symbols, we
can work on those together.”
3. Before you can stop him, the hermit takes hold of the
spear. You expect the translucent starlot head to blacken
into shadow, but it doesn’t. The hermit hefts the spear
like a man who’s thrown many and nods. “This will slow
the giant down, I’m sure of it.” He hands the spear back
to you. “But it won’t kill the creature. For that, I think
you’ll need to break the secret of the symbols on the map
of the temple. I can help you with that.”
After the Parley...
“A wise person asks for help when they don’t have
the answers they need. But, who you ask is
always of the utmost importance. Asking
someone who lacks good motives, or who doesn’t
understand the situation can be a catastrophe. But, I am
honored you thought to ask me. Then again, you’ve
probably already guessed that I am a saltwarrior of the
Lightraider Order, living here as the Rescuer’s witness in
the Tanelethar. My name is Joshiel, and the Rescuer sent
you to me for help in this quest.”
As Joshiel finishes speaking, Morellius sits up. He rubs
his eyes and looks over at you. “Did one of you mention
the symbols in the temple hall? Could those be the key to
ending Tahnkahn’s rage?”
Continue to Symbol Trial, below.
Put your heads together with Joshiel
bol
and Morellius to unlock the secret of the
sym symbols on the temple map. You likely
found this map in the collar of a lion or
al gripped in Morellius’s hand. Joshiel
t ri
believes that solving the riddle of these
symbols will help you kill the giant.
The hour is late, and you’re exhausted. You’ll need to battle
your desire to sleep if you want to solve this and continue
the quest. If you fail a round, you nod off and bang your
head on the table or fall out of your chair, suffering 1
. This trial puts your Love, Joy, or Goodness at risk,
whichever is lowest. If two of your Character Strengths tie
for the low score, I’ll use my discretion and tell you which
one is infected.
 If the PCs have the KEYWORD Portal, use
-1. Open the MDB to Symbols Map, p. 59.
Show the players the map they found. Remind
them of the clues they’ve found, listed below.
1. Before the temple was built, blue-black smoke, purple
flashes, and silver dust were seen over an Aropha ruin at
that dune.
2. There is a black rock wall behind the temple altar called
the Obsidian Gate.
3. The dragon Goltox carved the symbols in the temple hall
to “tame the giant.”
LO/JO/GO 6 • Solve -1 • 6 • 1 If Morellius did not accept the gift.
After the Trial...
“I’ve got it!” Joshiel says. “That Obsidian Gate is the key. It’s
a hollow hill portal—perhaps an unstable one. The dragon
didn’t call the giant into being as it claimed. It brought the
giant in through the portal and sealed it. The symbols are
dragon deceptions. It is not what they mean but whatever
the symbols are made of that keeps the portal sealed. If you
destroy the symbols and sweep them into the temple fires,
you may be able to destabilize the portal and destroy or
banish the giant.” He glances around the table at you all,
then sighs. “Cadets, you might want to write that down.”
Continue to The Priest Rescue, below.
Morellius is amazed by the solution you
and Joshiel have found. “The symbols are
lies,” he says. “They’re not sorcery. They’re
only a trick wrought by the dragon’s
knowledge of portals.”
the
You and Joshiel have saved his life. You’ve
est
pri changed his view of the dragons and his
cue giant. Now is the time to share the Great
res
Rescue. He is ready to listen.
If the PCs attempted to deceive Joshiel in Stage
One or Stage Two of the parley, Morellius
noticed. Use FOOLISH. Otherwise, use WISE.
LO 3 • WISE = - 3 • FOOLISH = -1
Resolve =3
73
After the Rescue...
Read the appropriate entry below, based on
the PCs’ success or failure.
If the rescue was successful.
Morellius is heartbroken by the things he has done of the
dragons and the giant, but he is overjoyed that the Rescuer
would forgive him. He insists on setting out at once for
the villages of Tahn to tell them that he and they had been
deceived, to beg their forgiveness, and to share the Great
Rescue. Joshiel agrees to go with him.
Go to the blue Read to Players icon below.
Morellius thanks you for saving him but is not convinced
that the Rescuer can save him. Instead, he plans to journey
to the villages of Tahn and throw himself at their feet to beg
for mercy for his failure to control the giant. He asks that
you do what you can. Joshiel agrees to go with him, for he
is not fully healed. The saltwarrior will keep reminding the
priest of the truth and good news of the Rescuer.
Continue below.
As Joshiel and Morellius pack, the saltwarrior
shows you his store of sun fruit juice and way
rations. “Stay here tonight,” he says. “My hut is a
safe haven, and my sun fruit are good and healthy. Rest and
renewal will prepare you for the challenges ahead.”
You pass four watches in the safe haven. Remove 12
each. Before leaving you have a breakfast of sun fruit juice
and Joshiel’s way rations. Remove another 5 each. This
brehna in the Rescuer is a blessing you could not have done
without. The Rescuer is with you. Refill your flasks.
This is a Destiny Scene † and the
end of this episode.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
■ Get Morellius to safety. 2 Wp each.
■ Discover how to defeat the giant. 1 Wp each.
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, next page.
35 to 45 minutes
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 8 or E 4

Don’t forget that the player verse summaries are in the Cadet Handbook Adventure Journal. Have at least one of
these out for player reference. The same summary is shown below. The Bible study begins on the next page.

Know It Do It James 4:17 GO

So it is sin to know good and yet not to do it.

Inaction can be sin. The Goodness Core Strength is aggressive goodness. It’s active. It’s proactive. We work at
doing right, especially for others. Put away selfishness and don’t miss a chance to meet another’s needs. Don’t
give up on doing good. When a friend is ready to quit the mission, this verse may help.

No Compromise Psalm 119:128 FA

I carefully follow all Your precepts and hate every false way.
“Hate” is a strong word. “Despise” is another way of saying it. That’s harsh, but God’s Word is specific, and the
message is clear. Don’t compromise. When a creature’s infection causes a friend to get sidetracked, this verse
might help.

Wrong Way Proverbs 14:12 FA

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.
Worldly dreams and pursuits are ultimately dead ends. The world’s message of “follow your heart” is just a
distraction–a dangerous one. Our calling is to pursue God and His will for our lives. That pursuit leads to joy
everlasting. To help a friend suffering from a troll’s infection, try this verse.

Carry Me Galatians 6:2 LO

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
When a brother or sister is suffering trials or temptations, gather around him or her with compassion. Support
and encourage each other. In today’s episode, use this Love verse to help friends suffering from infected
Goodness or Joy. When friends struggle to go on, come alongside them and remind them with this verse that
none of us are carrying our burdens alone.

Night Light Psalm 119:105 JO

Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

Oh how the Lightraiders love this verse! When we need wisdom, God’s Word is the light that illuminates our
path. We dive into His Word and let the light of it bring us joy! In today’s episode, when the darkness drives a
friend to exhaustion, this verse might help.

74
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
MAIN IDEA: No compromise.
As Lightraiders, we have learned to wait on God, trust
Him in all circumstances, and not panic. The deceiver is
full of tricks, however, and he has other lies with which
he tries to turn us from the one true path. One of his
nastier deceptions is trying to get us to compromise what
God’s Word says and appease the sinful beliefs of our
fallen world. When we compromise by twisting God’s
Word to suit our comforts or the beliefs of this world, it
makes us less effective in both our walk with Christ and
our efforts to spread the message and love of the Rescuer.
KNOW—MIND: What can I know
about these verses?
Let’s see how the following verses can help us to not
compromise and be effective soldiers for Christ.
Know It Do It James 4:17 GO
When you know what’s right and you don’t do it, you’re
compromising. Following Christ does not mean that we
do what’s right only when others are watching, but that
we do what’s right when no one is watching. If you’re
constantly compromising in private, then the good you
do in public is for show and is not a true reflection of
your heart. If you compromise when you’re alone, you’ll
find it difficult to stand up for what’s right when the
world challenges your beliefs.
No Compromise Psalm 119:128 FA
A great way to avoid compromise is to realize that God’s
precepts, or commands, are perfect and that we must
carefully follow them. When we start with the foundation
that God’s Word, and only His Word, is our guidebook
for living life, then it’s easier to remain faithful to that
Word. Carefully following God’s commands is essential,
and the best way to carefully remain faithful to those
commands is to read the Bible daily to reinforce what
God desires of you.
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E 7 or E 3
Wrong Way Proverbs 14:12 FA
When we’re tempted to go off on our own path and
compromise what the Bible says, we need to remember
we’re not perfect and that only God is perfect. Satan
throws all kinds of temptations in our way so we’ll
abandon God’s path. What if I cheat on this exam? What
if I lie to get out of trouble with my parents? What if I
tease and act mean towards this person so the popular
students will like me? Once we start on our own path and
ignore what God desires, it leads to nothing but sin and
trouble.
Carry Me Galatians 6:2 LO
Another way you compromise is by abandoning your
Christian brothers and sisters in need. Just as you’re
learning by playing Lightraiders, Christianity is not a solo
quest. We’re all part of the body of Christ. We all need
each other’s support, prayer, and help when we encounter
trials and temptations. When you scoff or ignore your
brothers and sisters in need because of selfishness, then
you compromise.
Night Light Psalm 119:105 JO
This beautiful verse in Psalms perfectly captures how
the Bible aids us in our walk. “Your Word is a lamp for
my feet and a light on my path.” The Bible lights up our
way. It shows us exactly how to live, what to do, and
what to say. When you allow the light of God’s Word to
constantly illuminate your path, you’ll find it easier to
remain faithful to Him and not compromise.
GROW—HEART: How can my
relationship with Christ grow through
these verses?
As Christians, we mustn’t compromise. By not
compromising, we’re telling God that we trust His ways
and that His commands for our lives are perfect. The
enemy desperately wants us to compromise on God’s
commands. If he can successfully do that, then he sows
a seed of doubt in our hearts. Once we allow ourselves
to compromise, then it becomes easier to compromise
again.
(next page)
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 7 or E 3

When a fallen world sees us compromising on our PRAYER

beliefs, then it makes it more difficult for God to use
us to share His perfect message of love and salvation.
Constantly evaluate your heart and your walk with God
to ensure that you are not compromising.
GO—HANDS/FEET/MOUTH: What
do I do about what I’ve learned today?
What can I do today to not compromise?
Are there things in my life that Satan is trying to use to
get me to compromise?
Am I constantly in God’s Word?
Am I building up others around me?
Take a moment to pray with your players. Remind
them that Jesus loves them. If they make a mistake and
compromise, God will forgive them if they repent. Let
them know it is important that as soon as they discover
compromise in their Christian walk to pray for God’s
help in overcoming it.
Thank You, Lord, for Your love and Your constant mercy
and forgiveness. Thank You that You can use a fun
Christian game to teach us the truth and help us grow
closer to You. I pray that as of today we will commit to
not compromise on Your Word. I pray that if we find
ourselves compromising, we will ask forgiveness and
change our ways. Amen.

Next time . . .
If the PCs went to the Sacrificial Post (4A) from Setis your next episode is 5 Great Pit of Spores, on the next
page. They should study the “Giant Problem: Pit of Spores” pages in their Adventure Journals.
If the PCs went to the Sacrificial Post (4A) from the Great Pit of Spores, your next episode is 3A Setis: Gates and
Barracks, p. 31. They should study the “Giant Problem: Gates and Barracks” pages in their Adventure Journals.

ADVENTU RE MAST ER NOT ES

76
 5 GREAT PIT OF SPORES
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
1. Cross the pit without becoming “wounded.”
2. Find an item you can return to its owner.
Choose the correct The Story So Far, based on
your group’s path through the quest. Before you
begin ask the players what they remember from
the last episode. In real life, would they rather wander
through a dry desert or venture into a place called the
Great Pit of Spores? In the story, how do they think the
Rescuer is making himself known to their characters as
they wander through such dangerous places?
Start Point
SP The Pit
perilous place
coming from the hermit’s den
The Story So Far...
Thanks to your quick work, the renewer’s
knowledge of a saltwarrior living here as a
hermit, and the healing power of the High One,
Morellius was healed. He and the saltwarrior Joshiel helped
you unlock the secret of the map symbols and decide how
to stop the giant. You must destroy the symbols in the
temple. But can it be as easy as smashing decorations and
sweeping them into the fire?
You felt renewed when you left Joshiel’s hut this morning,
but the day has worn on. Each step in hot sand drains
your strength. You crest a ridge and see the Great Pit of
Spores—a deep, round, and massive scar on the landscape.
According to Joshiel, you must cross it to reach the temple.
Go to the blue Read to Players icon, top, next column.
coming from the jagged rock
The Story So Far...
This quest isn’t so bad. Sure, there were goblins,
at the start, but you handled them. The Desert
of Sin is only sand, sun, and bluster. Really.
What else could it throw at you?
Heat, for one. The day wears on as you make your way
south on your chosen course. Each step in hot sand drains
you, until you feel dry and parched. It’s a good thing you
brought water flasks.
77
You crest a dry and cracked hill and look south to see a
massive barrier—a massive pit, round and deep. To go
around it would take an extra day or more, and your
mission is urgent. Your only path is through.
Continue directly below.
Two paths wind down from the ridge where you
stand into the Great Pit of Spores. Neither looks
safe, but you have no other choices.
One path becomes steep steps descending the near wall of
the pit to the deep, putrid-yellow sand. The other path joins
a ledge below the rim that follows the pit wall for a short
distance before becoming a switchback ramp to the bottom.
The switchbacks are the longer route, and they may be the
only option for a horse cart. But you’re on foot. You could
take the steep steps. Then again, the switchbacks appear
to be littered with items left behind by those who’ve passed
this way before and likely did not survive. Many small
objects glint in the sun. They might be coins or valuables.
Do you . . .
1. Take the steep steps?
2. Take the ledge and ramp?
3. Seek the Rescuer’s will before choosing?
If the characters . . .
1. Take the steep steps.
The steps are steep and dangerous. The sandstone is brittle
and cracks under your boots.
Test Move at -1. Each of you must test.
▶ Success. Your steps are as light and sure as a mountain
goat’s. You reach the bottom unharmed.
▶ Failure. Careful! Suffer 2 in your fall. If any other
PCs have not tested yet, add 1 to their s. This is
cumulative for every PC that fails.
Continue to 1 Pit Challenge, next page.
2. Take the ledge and ramp.
This descent is long, but it seems easy—at first. You have
traversed a third of the ledge along the rim wall, when you
realize that none of the items you saw are valuables. Most
are scraps of leather or half-destroyed boots and belts.
The glinting you saw came from shiny rocks that might be
mistaken for gold and silver, but only from afar. Too late
now. You press onward.
(next page)
Is the sand moving at your feet? It looks as if the very
grains have come to life and begun running up your boots.
Ants! Swarms of tiny yellow desert ants cover the ramp
where you walk. There are too many to sweep away. Run!
Test Move at +3. Each of you must test. Because
you’ve made a poor choice, you may not spend Wp to
change your result.
▶ Success. Amazing. You’ve dodged a serious danger. You
run to the bottom of the winding sand ramp, escaping
the ants with only a few dozen bites. Suffer 2 .
▶ Failure. Oh! That’s itchy! The ants are all over you. No
amount of running can stop them. These ravenous bugs
must have bitten you a hundred times. Suffer 4 .
Continue to Pit Challenge, below.
1
3. Seek the Rescuer’s will.
The guardians at the academy have taught you two ways
to seek the Rescuer’s will. One is by knocking. The other
is simply by going to his Sacred Scrolls. A combination of
the two is always best. For now, is there a verse in your
Adventure Journal that might give you guidance? What do
the Sacred Scrolls say about our view of things compared to
the High One’s?
The players should bring up the Wrong Way sacred verse.
With that guidance, they should realize that choosing the
ledge and ramp because they might find valuables is not
in the will of the Rescuer. Guide them in their choice of
verse and reasoning, and then let them choose a path. Go
to Action 1 or 2, depending on their choice.
1 Pit Challenge
The moment your feet sink into the deep sand on
the bottom of the pit, the smell hits you. It’s as if
each step releases stinking fungus. The remains
and belongings of those who have attempted to pass this
way are everywhere. Boxes, barrels, and one whole horse
cart lay sunken and buried in the sand. Worse, there are
bones—not just animal bones.
How many of those who fell here came not because they
needed to cross this pit, but called by the temptation to
profit from the demise of other travelers? That thought
alone, not to mention what you’ve experienced so far, keeps
you uninterested in searching through the crates, barrels,
and bags strewn about.
The pit is vast. Straight across seems the shortest and safest
route. But is it? There are rock formations and hills down
here. You can’t see the full path. The sand and stench alone
can’t be what ended these other travelers’ journeys. A
sinister presence hides in the sand. Watch your step.
78
Use the events # starting below and on the
next page to determine what happens based on
the party’s roll of a starlot. Use one or all events
at your discretion. We recommend six events.
Start by reading the italics below. When you’ve completed
all the events desired, go to After the Events, next page.
You begin the slow trek toward the lowest point
at the center of the pit. Each round, choose a
representative to roll one starlot, and I’ll tell you
what happens. If you roll the same number twice, ignore it
and roll again. Unless I say otherwise, all of you must test
in each event.
spore cloud
1
An updraft carries a cloud of spores your way. Whatever
causes that stench, it can’t be good for you. Test Exert to
hold your breath until the cloud passes.
▶ Success. You turn a little blue, but you control your
breath.
▶ Failure or SC ≤ 5. You can’t do it. You draw in a breath
and cough on terrible spores. Suffer 1 now and each
event until these events are over.
2 scorpions
A swarm attacks. While they’re not big enough for full
battle, these tiny scorpions have a painful sting. Test Move
to dodge them or Fight to kick them away. -1.
▶ Success. Well done. Those little crawling nightmares
were no match for you.
▶ Failure. Those stingers are half the weight of the full
creature. That’s a lot of venom. Suffer 3 .
3 giant rats
These rats usually feed on dead and rotting meat. But since
there is no rotting meat around, you’ll have to do.
GIANT RATS -3
SPD 5 • KI 4 • BITE 2
damage tracker
1 2 3 4 5 6
After the Battle. The remaining rats scamper away across
the sand. Keep moving before they return with friends.
 4 mud 7 hidden goodness
There must be water deep under this pit. Here, it wells A crate lies partially broken open. You see glass bottles of
close enough to the surface to turn this spore-filled sun fruit juice inside. From your studies of the region, you
dust into stinking, bubbling mud. Test Move + Exert to know this juice to be a gift from the Rescuer. Group-test
get through it. Exert to pull the crate open.
▶ Success. You made it through, but your boots will need ▶ Success. You did it. This juice will rejuvenate you!
a good cleaning. ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
▶ Failure. You strain your muscles trying to slog through. 10 Sun Fruit Bottles Common 1 for 2 N/A
Suffer 2 . The juice is hot, but still good. 1 bottle has 3 drinks.
Each drink removes 2 .

teetering rocks
▶ Failure. You couldn’t break in to the crate. Too bad.
5

You come to a wide crevice in the pit. Narrow rock pillars
offer a precarious stepping-stone path across. Will you try
to leap from pillar to pillar or look for another way?
If the PCs try the pillars.
Test Move + Solve.
▶ Success. You’ve done it! Keep going!
▶ Failure. The rocks are unstable. You dive for the safety of
the other side and scrape your knee. Suffer 1 .
If the PCs look for another way.
The only other path leads into a wide swath of mud.
Instead of rolling for the next event, go now to 4 on
the previous page, even if they’ve already tried it.
a dangerous tome
8
You come upon an old leather-bound text attached to a
broken chain. Twisted vipers adorn the cover, and a scrap
of snake skin is half buried in the sand beside it. The skin
came from a snake of unnatural size. What could it mean?
If the PCs guess death vipers are near, grant 1 Wp each
and tell them to write down the KEYWORD Viper.
9 a single flower
A single flower grows from the dust. The colors of its petals
flow from yellow to gold to rose, making each seem like a
small sunset. Such beauty amid all this corruption. You are

jeweled hand
reminded of the Master of All sacred verse. The Maker is
6 sovereign over all his creation, whether in Dayspring Forest
or here in the Dragon Lands. Gain 2 Wp each.
A white bone hand sticks up from the sand. Every finger
wears a jeweled gold ring—emeralds, rubies, and diamonds.
Do any of you have Self-control less than 5?
10 hidden healing
If any PC(s) have SC < 5.
You grab the hand. It grabs you back! A skeleton lurches You stumble over a small pack, flipping it over in the sand.
out of the sand! Your Goodness is infected. You’ll need A healing kit! What a blessing!
counseling, and you’ll need help fighting the creature off.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
All uninfected PCs must test Fight until the party gains
Healing Kit Common 1 1 Pt 5 Cp
3 successes to fight off the creature.
Replenish a kit or add this one to your items.
You beat the creature away, and it vanishes into the deep
dust with its rings.
If no PCs have SC < 5. After the Events...
You know a trap when you see one. A skeleton lurches You’ve come to the lowest point of the pit.
out of the sand. Defend yourselves! Test Fight until your Perhaps you should have skirted this place,
party gains 3 successes. Do not spend Wp to change but it’s too late. Something’s coming!
results. Failures incur 1 , but no infection.
You beat the creature away, and it vanishes into the deep Go to 2 Not Good!, next page.
dust with its rings.

15 to 20 minutes

79

2 Not Good
The air grows heavy with the smell of mold. From
each side of you, masses of lichen that covered
the rocks shift, release their hold on the stones,
and are drawn into the sand.
Creatures move under the surface, causing trails. The
trails are headed your way at great speed. Humps covered
in boils and flapping fungus rise to the surface. You hear
snarling and tittering laughter all around you. Then you
see the eyes and gnashing teeth.
The creatures run at you from all sides on crab-like legs,
moving at great speed. Spore goblins. They’re everywhere.
Put your backs together. Temper your armor! Fight!
Take time out to practice the Righteous Truth
sacred verse. The players have it in their
Adventure Journals. Ask them to recite it now.
PCs who can RECITE the verse get one use each of the
normal armor advantages of the Belt of Truth and
Breastplate of Righteousness during the trial.
This is a combat trial that risks your
lin
ob kindness. Fight the goblins the number
eg
spor of rounds I tell you. Suffer as little
as possible. Take note of infections. Save
r i al all counseling until the end. If you
t
tempered your armor with the
righteous truth verse, you may use the normal effects of the
Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness during
the trial, once each.
Remember, in a combat trial (a type of
endurance trial), the PCs should keep fighting
and save counseling to the end. Use a number of
rounds equal to your number of players multiplied by 4.
KI 5 • Fight • = PC x 4 • 2
After the Trial...
The goblins dissolve into the sand, adding to its
yellow color. These creatures were an
embodiment of chaos and malice, yet you sense a
pattern in the trails they caused when they attacked.
Go to the Actions, next column.
80
Find the pattern.
1. Find the pattern in the goblin trails.
Test Solve + Observe. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. Several trails trace back to a rock formation.
■ If the PCs check out the formation, go to Action 2,
below, otherwise, skip to Onward.
▶ Failure. You were just seeing things. Probably.
■ Skip to Onward.
2. Check out the formation.
A rude cache has been bored out of the rock. Most of
the goblin “treasures” within are chewed boots and
shiny, worthless objects. But tucked away in the back
is a small box with an intricate carving.
If the PCs came here from the Jagged Rock.
A carved name reads “Saral.” Inside, you find gems,
jeweled rings, and a parchment in a strange script.
1. If the PCs leave the box, skip to Onward.
2. If the PCs divide the valuables among them, read A .
3. If the PCs take the box to find the owner, read B .
A What if bandits stole this from a local? You might
have returned it. These valuables become too heavy. You
drop them. Your party’s Faithfulness is infected. One of
you should offer counsel for the group.
B Gain 1 Wp each. One of you add the box to your
items. Write down the KEYWORD Saral.
If the PCs came here from the Hermit’s Den.
A carved name reads “Sindon.” Inside, you find gems, five
halfins, and a parchment. What will you do?
Open the MDB to Sindon’s Letter, p. 60. Show the
players, and then go to the numbered choices below.
1. If the PCs leave the box, skip to the Onward.
2. If the PCs divide the valuables among them, read A .
3. If the PCs take the box to find the owner, read B .
A What if bandits stole this from a local? You might
have returned it. These valuables become too heavy to
carry. You drop them. Your party’s Faithfulness is
infected. One of you should offer counsel for the group.
B Gain 1 Wp each. One of you add the box to your
items. Write down KEYWORD Sindon.
Continue to Onward, below.
Go to 3 Rattlers, next page.
20 to 30 minutes
 3 Rattlers ALPHA VIPER (1) A
SPD 4 • FA 6 • BONE DARTS 3/BITE 3

You realize that “straight across” was never an VIPERS (2 & 3) -2

option. The putrid sand becomes too deep to pass SPD 3 • FA 5 • BITE 2
except for a wide path of hard ground that drifts
toward the western wall of the pit.
Others have taken this path before you. Broken wagons damage tracker
and scattered crates litter the deeper sands on either side of
the solid ground. Were the owners as parched as you when 1 2 3
they passed this way? You want to keep moving, but you
also learned at the academy that you need to take care of
the body the Maker gave you.

Do you . . . After the Battle...

1. Pause for a rest and drink?
2. Hurry on your way?
If the characters . . .
1. Pause for a rest and water.
Wise choice. Gain 1 Wp each. Remove 2 each.
■ Go to the blue Read to Players icon, below.
2. Hurry on your way.
You can’t stop to rest. Too much is at stake. You hurry on
despite your thirst and exhaustion.
■ Take note of their choice and continue below.
The path leads you closer to the rim, and a
rattling reaches your ears. Oh great. What now?
Three creatures slither out from holes in the pit
wall—huge snake skeletons with blazing eyes. Dry skin
hangs from their bones. Black leather books are chained to
their ribs. “Sssilly Keledan. Ssseek our wisssdom. Ssseek the
deep sssecrets of the pit to claim itsss richesss.”
Open the MDB to Death Viper Battle, p.
53. Place the tokens as shown. PCs who
death viper can recite the Righteous Truth verse may
take the normal armor advantages plus
battle
one extra use of the Belt of Truth and
Breastplate of Righteousness.
If the PCs chose to hurry in the Actions above, use +1
for all rolls. Breaking the book chains with a weapon
requires an Exert test. Success deals 4 to the viper and
neutralizes its poison.
If a PC attempts to grab a viper’s book with his or her
hands, the burn causes 2 and the PC is infected.
The last of the death vipers collapses into a pile of
old bones. The clacking sound of the bones falling
is a satisfying sound of victory, but you’d be
happy to never hear it again.
Among the bones is an old black tome. Embossed into the
leather cover are vipers twisting around a kingly crown.
Any PC that attempts to pick up a viper’s book
of false wisdom suffers 2 and receives an FA
infection. The PC must be counseled.
If the PCs came to the pit from 4B, the Hermit’s Den,
continue with the blue Read to Players icon, below.
Otherwise, go to Onward.
Among the bones and books, you spot a scroll
with a broken seal. You can tell from its shape,
and the lack of tattering, that is not one of the
vipers’ ancient tomes. It hasn’t been here for long. Perhaps
it belonged to a recent victim. What does it say?
Open the MDB to The Poor Acolyte, p. 61, and
show the players. It is a letter from Morellius to
a friend in the villages of Tahn. The party
should gather that Morellius has taken a prisoner to the
sacrificial post in the Wyrm Dunes in hopes of pleasing a
hatchling dragon when it emerges from its egg and
gaining help with his giant problem.
When they’ve read the letter, go to Onward.
Go to 4 The Great Pit Escape,
next page.
30 to 40 minutes

81

4 The Great Pit Escape
Leaving the vipers and their false wisdom
behind, you set out for the far rim once more. If
travelers came into the pit moving in the same
direction as you, likely others have entered going the
opposite direction. It follows that there must be a way out
of this pit on the other side. You just have to find it.
The solid ground wanders away from the pit wall for a
time and climbs a long hill. Reaching the crest, you see the
far wall. You’re almost there. The packed and hardened
sand extends from the bottom of the hill and joins a path
with ruts from cart wheels. The path leads to switchbacks
heading up the wall to the rim. But there’s a problem.
Before the path reaches the switchbacks, it runs into a large
fissure that breaks the pit floor. There once was a chain and
plank bridge across the fissure, but there’s been a collapse.
From your vantage point on the hill, you can see that the
near side of the chain bridge has given way. You’ll have to
get closer to see if any part of it is still usable.
There’s another option for getting across. Or, at least, there
might be. A hundred paces from the bridge, on the edge of
the fissure, you also see a catapult. The huge war machine
lists in the sand like a ship gone aground. Perhaps one of
the warring cities here attempted to bring the machine
across the pit and failed. For a moment, you entertain the
jest of ill-fated people flinging themselves across the fissure
from the catapult. Then you frown. You hope that’s not
what they tried to do.
In any case, the catapult is on the opposite side of the
fissure from you, so you’re not tempted. Even so, it may still
be useful. The arm and bucket are hanging far out over
and above the fissure.
Do you . . .
1. Head for the fallen bridge?
2. Head for the catapult?
If the characters . . .
1. Head for the fallen bridge.
You come to the near end where the bridge used to reach
the solid ground. Two rusted iron posts have been driven
into the soil here, each with an eye on top where the bridge
chains were attached. But those rusted chains have broken
free. The plank bridge dangles from matching iron posts on
the far side—useless. Or is it?
Group-test Observe to see what else you can discover.
82
▶ Success. A wagon has crashed on a cliff jutting out just
below the fissure’s edge. It appears the wagon’s weight
is what caused the collapse. You see no people down
there. The wagon is broken to pieces, and its cargo has
been looted. Bandits tied a rope to the base of one of
the iron posts to scavenge the remains, but they left the
rope behind. You see two intact wagon wheels, two iron
axles with their pins intact, and some broken planks and
lashings. How might you use what you’ve found?
■ Go to 1 Bridge Crossing, below.
▶ Failure. There’s not much you find useful here. Perhaps
you should try the catapult.
■ Go to Action 2.
2. Head for the catapult.
There’s nothing but sand on your side of the fissure, but it
feels packed and solid. The catapult looks even bigger, now
that you’re closer, and the way it lists puts the arm and
bucket far out over the fissure canted up about forty-five
degrees. The fissure is a little narrower here, too, perhaps
twenty feet or so. What will you do?
Go to 2 Catapult Crossing, next page.
1 BRIDGE CROSSING
Let the players discuss their options. There are a
number of possible solutions such that result in
securing a rope between the posts or hauling
the chain bridge back to the PCs’ side. Use the tests below
as a guide to help your PCs work through their unique
solution. If time is short, let them explain their plan and
use one Craft + Solve or Craft + Exert group test to
complete the whole endeavor. Failures result in 1 damage.
Multiple attempts are allowed.
■ Test Move to climb down the rope and retrieve any
objects from the wreckage.
■ Test Fight to shoot an arrow or bolt, cast a spear, throw
an object across, or lasso a post.
• To use a bow or crossbow, the light silk rope from
Setis is required. Normal rope is too thick and heavy
for a bolt or arrow.
• Use -1 when using the light silk rope from Setis.
■ Group-test Exert to haul the bridge back to the part.
■ Group-test Craft to secure ropes or chains to the posts
or objects from the wreckage.
■ Test Exert to cross on a rope by hand.
Jump to the blue Read to Players icon, next page.

2 CATAPULT CROSSING
Let the players discuss their options. There are
fewer possible solutions for the catapult than
the bridge. The intended solution is to lasso the
catapult bucket and swing to the other side or tie a rope
to a spear and cast it over the bucket so that pulling it
back locks it into place. Use the tests below as a guide to
help your PCs work through their unique solution. If
time is short, let them explain their plan and use one
Craft + Exert group test to complete the whole endeavor.
Failures result in 1 damage.
No one falls into the fissure. Multiple attempts
are allowed.
■ Test Fight + Solve to cast a spear or throw an object
over the catapult arm or bucket and get it to lock into
place or to lasso the bucket.
• A bolt or arrow stuck to or wedged on the catapult
will not hold a PC’s weight. A spear or thrown
object is required.
• Use -1 when PCs use the light silk rope
from Setis.
■ Test Exert + Move to swing across on the rope.
Go to the blue Read to Players icon, next column.
Death Viper
83
What togetherness! The Rescuer calls us to work
together as brehnan and shessan under him.
Your party certainly had done that. Gain 1 Wp
each. Only the switchbacks lie ahead. You hurry forward
with renewed vigor and climb the switchbacks, grateful to
be climbing into fresher air. The smell fades with each step
higher, and you take a refreshing drink of water. Through
this challenge, the Rescuer has been with you. What you’ve
seen makes you grateful for him and sad for those who
sank into this putrid pit in the Desert of Sin without him.
Continue below.
This is a Destiny Scene † and the
end of this episode.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
■ Survive the pit without becoming wounded (½VT).
1 Wp each.
■ Find an item you can return to its owner. 2 Wp each.
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, next page.
40 to 50 minutes
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 9 or E 2

Don’t forget that the player verse summaries are in the Cadet Handbook Adventure Journal. Have at least one of
these out for player reference. The same summary is shown below. The Bible study begins on the next page.

No Bitter Sleep Ephesians 4:26, 27 KI

Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity.
Emotions can run high in stressful situations. In those moments, our words and actions can become hurtful. When
we let that anger and hurt fester, the stress gets even worse. Deal with anger immediately. Work at shifting it into
peace and kindness. When a goblin or rat bite drives a friend to harsh words and actions, this verse might help.

Look At The Heart Proverbs 27:19 KI

As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.
Test your motivations and actions against God’s Word. Examine your own heart. Think of others the way God
does, so that you reflect the kindness of Jesus. And when you practice this, you’ll be able to better discern the
motivations of others. When a goblin or rat bite makes a friend unkind, try this reminder.

Righteous Truth Ephesians 6:14 KI

Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest. . .
Do you recognize this armor verse? When we temper the belt of truth to rely on His Word and temper the
breastplate of righteousness to put on His righteousness, we are better prepared to stand against the onslaughts
and temptations of the world. RECITE this verse to temper your armor and be immune from infection for one
extra round.

No Compromise Psalm 119:128 FA

I carefully follow all Your precepts and hate every false way.
“Hate” is a strong word. “Despise” is another way of saying it. That’s harsh, but God’s Word is specific, and the
message is clear. Don’t compromise. Death vipers love to lead humans astray with promises of knowledge and
wisdom. Don’t be fooled! Stop their forked tongues and steer clear of their books of lies. Don’t let them poison
your mind.

Wrong Way Proverbs 14:12 FA

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.
Worldly dreams and pursuits are ultimately dead ends. The world’s message of “follow your heart” is just a
distraction–a dangerous one. Our calling is to pursue God and His will for our lives. That pursuit leads to joy
everlasting. Use this verse to stop a friend from listening to a death viper’s lies or as a reminder when you need
to choose the right path.

84
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
MAIN IDEA: We’re free to be kind and
faithful.
When people watch our lives, our words and actions
should tell them we’re Christians. They should see that
we’re slow to anger, that we don’t make inappropriate
comments or gestures, and that we love one another. We
should conduct ourselves not only with the right words
and actions but also in a joyful manner because God has
done so much for us.
KNOW—MIND: What can I know
about these verses?
Let’s see what the following verses teach us about being
kind and letting our lives reflect Christ’s goodness.
No Bitter Sleep Eph. 4:26, 27 KI
Anger itself isn’t a sin. It’s one of our natural emotions.
The Bible is full of examples of righteous anger. However,
anger quickly leads us down a dangerous road if we
aren’t careful. When we’re angry, we need to deal with
that anger quickly. We need to identify what is causing
our anger and immediately pray for God’s grace and
guidance. When we allow ourselves to become consumed
by anger, it becomes incredibly difficult to be kind and
faithful to others. The devil loves anger because he can
use it to sow seeds of bitterness, jealousy, and other sins
that don’t reflect Christ’s light in our lives.
Look At The Heart Prov. 27:19 KI
What do you think about? How do you view others?
How do you view yourself? The thoughts we harbor are a
more accurate reflection of our heart’s condition than the
words we say. If we allow sin and bitterness to take root
in our hearts, eventually it will come pouring out. The
thoughts that you let take shelter in your mind, whether
good or bad, have profound effects on your relationship
with God and others.
Righteous Truth Eph. 6:14 KI
Every good Soldier goes to the battlefield prepared.
They ensure that they have all their equipment, that it
85
E 9 or E 2
fits correctly, and that it’s in good working condition. As
Christians, we’re in a spiritual battle. So, every day we
must be prepared to let Christ’s goodness shine through
us by not being consumed by anger, not harboring sinful
thoughts, and being kind to others. Putting on the armor
of God every morning will allow us to combat the sins
and lies that Satan throws our way so we can reflect the
truth and love of Christ to others.
No Compromise Psalm 119:128 FA
The devil doesn’t want us to succeed in reflecting God’s
love, so he’s going to tempt us to compromise. He might
deceive you into thinking it’s okay to be angry towards a
friend because your friend deserves it. He might deceive
you into thinking you’ll feel better if you think nasty
thoughts about a person. Don’t compromise! Read the
Bible, pray, and follow God’s commands.
Wrong Way Prov. 14:12 FA
You must follow God’s path. Many lost people are kind.
There are even many kind and well-meaning Christians
who’ve compromised some of God’s truth. When people
follow their own way, and not God’s way, it fills the
Deceiver with joy. He wants to trick you into being just a
“good” person whose life and beliefs don’t challenge the
sin of the world. These people may have good intentions,
but those good intentions don’t spread the gospel of
Christ. When you’re so worried about hurting other
people’s feelings that you compromise the truth, you
aren’t being kind to them. All you’re doing is falling into
Satan’s trap. Follow God’s path not your own.
GROW—HEART: How can my
relationship with Christ grow through
these verses?
By intentionally working on the thoughts you allow to
occupy your mind and trying to deal with anger in a
Christlike manner, you shine the light of God’s truth into
the world around us.
By not giving in to bitter thoughts or excessive anger,
even when it’s easy, you’re showing God that you trust
Him, and you believe that His way is best.
(next page)
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 9 or E 2

As we learned in this study, what is in your heart is PRAYER

the reflection of who you truly are. If you’re constantly
Take a moment to pray with your players. Remember
putting on the armor of God and fighting to keep your
that any youth at your gaming table are fighting spiritual
thoughts pure and focused on Christ, your relationship
battles just like any adult, and Satan is invested in turning
with Him will grow immensely.
them away from God’s truth. Continue to encourage
them and remind them to let the Lightraiders verses
they’re memorizing take root in their hearts.
GO—HANDS/FEET/MOUTH: What God thank you so much for bringing us together again. I
do I do about what I’ve learned today? pray that we’ll focus on You and not let sinful and angry
thoughts take root in our hearts. I pray that we’ll put
on the armor of God daily and reflect Your kindness,
When I get angry, how can I deal with it in a Christ-like faithfulness, love, and truth to our hurting world. Amen.
manner?
How do I fight negative and sinful thoughts?
Is there something I’m compromising that I need to pray
about?
How can I prepare myself every day for spiritual battle?

Next time . . .
If the PCs came to the Pit of Spores from the Hermit’s Den (4B) your next episode is 6A Outer Chambers, on the
next page. They should study the “Giant Problem: The Outer Chambers” pages in their Adventure Journals.
If the PCs came to the Pit of Spores from the Jagged Rock (1), your next episode is 4A The Sacrificial Post, p.61.
They should study the “Giant Problem: The Sacrificial Post” pages in their Adventure Journals.

ADVENTU RE MAST ER NOT ES

86
 6A THE TEMPLE: OUTER CHAMBERS
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
1. Gain access to the temple.
2. Find a way into the giant’s hall.
Before you begin ask the players what they
remember from the last episode. Do they feel
their PCs are ready to confront the giant? What
items are the characters carrying that might help them.
Ask the players to think about what giants they face in
real life.
Start Point
SP The Temple
Gate
perilous place
The Story So Far...
It has been a hard road, but you have made it to
your final goal—the beginning of the end. You’ve
faced the dangers of Fire Pass, saved the life of an
Aladoth priest out on the Wyrm Dunes, crossed the
stinking scar known as the Great Pit of Spores, and stopped
a war between Setis and Badu. Now you’re ready for the
final piece of your quest. You must enter the Temple of
Tahnkahn and destroy the giant, liberating the villagers of
Tahn from the creature’s rein of terror.
Take a drink from your flasks (use one drink). You’ve
walked for some time now. The terrain has, once again,
become wind-blown dunes. On the advice of Joshiel, the
saltwarrior you met, you’ve been moving between the
dunes, not up and over them, to save your strength.
You must be nearing the temple by now, and the largest
dune you’ve yet seen lies before you. Do you risk the
weariness of the climb up this dune to get a better look at
what lies ahead, or do you continue to save your strength
and go around it?
Do you . . .
1. Climb the dune to get a look?
2. Stay low and work your way around the dune?
3. Pause to seek the Rescuer’s will before choosing?
87
If the characters . . .
1. Climb the dune.
Sand is deceptive. This dune is steeper than you thought at
its base, and getting even steeper as you climb higher. The
sand is deep and shifting. You struggle to keep your balance.
Test Move + Exert. Each of you must test.
▶ Success. What strength and agility! You reach the top of
the dune, winded but still ready for whatever comes next.
■ If all PCs pass, go to Onward A , below.
▶ Failure. Exhaustion leads to clumsiness, and you slip
and fall, tumbling down the dune. Suffer 1 . Your
friends may group-test Exert at +2. If they can’t, or if
they fail, you must all go around the dune instead.
■ Go to Action 2, below.
2. Go around the dune.
You’d better save your strength for the fight with the giant.
You stay low, working your way around the dune.
Go to Onward B , below.
3. Seek the Rescuer’s will.
As you’ve learned, it’s never wrong to pray for the Rescuer’s
guidance. What sacred verse might you speak as a prayer
to thank the Rescuer and tell him you’re relying on him?
The PCs may use the Love Trust verse or the Right
On verse. Once a PC has read or recited the verse and
explained how it applies to your satisfaction, award the
normal Wp and read the italics below.
After you pray, a brighter path through the sand appears,
tracing a switchback path up the dune. Some might call it
a trick of the sun reflecting of the sand, but not you. That
back-and-forth path doesn’t look so bad. Having a look at
what lies ahead is worth the climb.
Go right to the test in Action 1, above. In the action’s test,
reduce the combined Move + Exert by 2.
Use one of the following as
directed by the Actions.
A Go to 1 We’re Leaving, next page, and start with
If the party climbed the dune.
B Go to 1 We’re Leaving, next page and start with
If the party walked around the dune.
5 to 10 minutes
 Open the MDB to Temple Steps Battle, p.
1 We’re Leaving 62. Place the tokens as shown. If the PCs
temple steps walked around the dune, place the tokens
on the torch symbols. If the PCs went to
battle
the top of the dune, let them choose
Read the appropriate entry based on the PCs’
where they enter the battle (left edge,
previous choices.
right edge, or bottom, but not the steps).
If the party climbed the dune. A guard will attack any adjacent PC. If a guard is
Your party gathers at the top of the dune, catching your commanded or runs out of boxes, he retreats into the
breath. You were closer to the temple than you thought. temple. If a cat runs out of boxes it lies down on the
temple steps, wounded. The guards can’t damage the orcs.
Chaos reigns in the sands below. Men, orcs, and animals
fight in a melee before the temple gates. From what you If the PCs have the KEYWORD Lion.
can see, the temple guards and their trained tigers and You recognize one lion. He’s the one you helped when you
lions are battling orcs. Veins of silver glisten in the dark first arrived in this desert. When he sees you, he goes to the
creatures’ hides. Silver orcs. You haven’t seen those before. temple steps and lays down as if your arrival has put him
The men battle the orcs with spears and shields, doing little at peace. The other cats follow him.
damage. One of the mens’ tigers is huge and black, and Move the animal tokens to the temple steps.
wears leather armor. It stays close to the tallest guard, who
shouts orders at the others. You can’t make out the words.
The dunes soak up all sound, robbing you of a vital sense. SILVER ORCS (6)
You wouldn’t have heard them in time, and might have SPD 2 • SC 5 • 3 SCIMITAR
stumbled into the battle. It’s a good thing you came up
here to use your eyes. BIG CATS -1
SPD 4 • GO 4 • 2 (BITE/CLAWS)
You must move in soon, or the orcs will kill these men. But
thanks to your wise choice, you have a beat or two to plan. GUARD CAPTAIN (1) A
Prepare for battle. Temper your armor by reciting a specific SPD 3 • GO 4 • 3 SPEAR
armor sacred verse like Righteous Truth (Handbook p. 126)
GUARDS (2 TO 5) -1
and gain 1 extra use of the armor mentioned in the verse.
SPD 3 • GO 3 • 2 SPEAR
Go to Temple Steps Battle, next column. The PCs may
temper armor, strategize, and enter the battle from the
side of their choosing (other than from the temple). damage tracker
Failures in the first round result in no .
1 2 3
If the party walked around the dune.
Faint voices reach your ears. Are men shouting far away?
It’s hard to tell. On this journey you’ve learned that dunes
soak sound from the air, robbing you of a vital sense. 4 5 6
When you reach the other side of the dune, chaos greets
you. Men, orcs, and animals fight in a melee before the
temple gates. From what you can see, the temple guards are
battling orcs. Veins of silver glisten in the dark creatures’ 1
hides. Silver orcs. You haven’t seen those before.
The men battle the orcs with spears and shields, doing little
2 3 4 5
damage. Trained cats—tigers and lions—fight beside the
men. One of the tigers is huge and black, and wears leather
armor. It stays close to the tallest of the men, who shouts
orders at the others.
1 2 3 4
You’ve wandered into a battle. The largest orc and the big
black tiger both see you and charge your way. Look out!
Go to Temple Steps Battle, next column. The PCs may
temper armor, defend themselves, move, and recite
sacred verses, but they may not attack in the first round. (next page)

88
After the Battle...
Read the appropriate entry based on the PCs’
previous choices.
If the party damaged a cat or guard.
The last of the orcs withers into smoldering gray dust.
Where each orc fell, the creature left behind small chunks
of silver ore. Your attention shifts to the guards and their
cats. The guards have recovered from the battle. One tends
to the cats while the others level their spears at you.
Go to Sindon Parley, below, and use FOOLISH.
If the party avoided damaging the cats and guards.
The guards watch you with cautious gazes. Thankfully, you
don’t see any hostility, and some are even gathering the
chunks of silver ore left behind by the orcs.
Go to Sindon Parley, below, and use WISE.
A tall man in leather and bronze
sindon armor decorated with snakes and
scorpions approaches, but you can’t
parley
read his expression through his helmet.
“Speak, strangers, and be quick about
it. My men and I must be on our way as soon as possible.”
GO 3 • WISE = - 2 • FOOLISH =
Test Persuade. A group test is allowed.
▶ Success. “The guard removes his helmet and lifts his
chin. I am Sindon, captain of the temple guard—or at
least, I once was. But I am disbanding the guard.”
If the PCs injured any of the cats.
“Those beasts are family to us. Why would you hurt
them?”
If the PCs injured any of the guards.
“Do you simply enjoy battle, that you would rush in and
attack both orcs and men?”
If the PCs did not hurt the guards or the cats.
“Thank you for your help, strangers. If you’ve come to
worship at the temple, I don’t advise it. The giant is in a
rage, and my men and I are leaving.”
▶ Failure. Jump to the Abrupt End.
questions
1. Where did the orcs come from?
2. Why are you leaving?
3. Where is the giant?
4. Have you ever heard of the Rescuer?
89
If the PCs have the KEYWORD Sindon
5. We found this box of coins and gems. Is it yours?
If the PCs injured any of the cats.
6. We’re sorry about the cats. OR . . .
7. The cats attacked us first. We had to wound them (or
any flippant or sarcastic response).
If the PCs are carrying the Flame (prompt them with
Answer 8 if necessary).
8. Why yes, this is the Flame, gifted to us by Baron Setal
of Setis.
answers
1. “We emerged from the temple with all that we could
carry, ready to leave, and the orcs attacked. I’ve not seen
many orcs around here. I don’t know what drew them.”
2. “Tahnkahn went mad, demanding blood, and our priest
is gone, presumed dead. When the giant grabbed one of
my men, the rest of us fled. We’ve taken all the loot we
can carry so that we can make a new life elsewhere.”
3. “I shut the doors to the giant’s hall to save our lives.
Those doors have not been shut in generations. An
ancient lock engaged, but I don’t know how to release
it—not that I would want to. I think the former captain
mentioned something about four keys, but I can’t be
sure. I’ve certainly never seen them. Perhaps they were
lost somewhere in the outer chambers. In any case, the
giant is locked in his hall, but I’m not sure how long the
old doors will hold him.”
4. “Ah. You’re Keledan. I’ll ignore that because you helped
us, but I want nothing to do with your mad religion.”
5. “I never thought I would see that box again. Thank
you. Poor Zort, my youngest guard, must have perished
trying to carry this to Geldan for me. You have my
thanks for recovering it.” Gain 2 Wp each.
6. “I understand, I suppose. We train them to terrify our
enemies in battle. You likely couldn’t help yourselves. I
will let it pass.”
7. “I should kill you for this.”
■ Jump to Abrupt End.
8. Sindon narrows his eyes. “Is that the Flame, the famous
spear that went to Geldan, a blacksmith of Setis?
That treasure belongs to the people of this desert, not
strangers.” He signals one of his men, and the guard
takes the spear from you. The moment the guard touches
the spear, the tip blackens with shadow. He gasps and
drops it. You pick it up again, and the tip returns to
sparkling purple. Sindon is amazed. “I cannot believe
my eyes. You are the prophesied warriors. You may yet
have a chance against the giant.”
(next page)
abrupt end
A guard casts his spear. Look out!
Test Move.
▶ Success. You dodge the spear. Good job.
▶ Failure. The PC with the lowest failed roll suffers 2
“Hold!” The guard captain yells. The man stands down,
and the captain glares at him. But then the captain turns
his glare on you. “I only command these men to spare you
because your interference helped us defeat these orcs. The
coins their ore will fetch will aid us in our journey.”
Two of the guards keep their spears leveled at you, while
the rest gather the ore and tend to the cats. When they’re
finished, the guard captain turns to you once more. “The
temple is yours if you want it. We’ve taken all we desire.
He laughs a bitter laugh. “Of course, if you enter, you’ll
have to deal with the giant. He’s locked in his hall, but
those ancient doors won’t hold for long.” He waves a hand
in a circle, and guards and cats fall in into traveling order
beside him. They march away.
Skip to Onward.
After the Parley...
“Thank you for the silver ore left behind by the
fallen orcs. It will help us in our journey. The
temple and whatever treasures remain are yours
if you want them.” The guard captain snorts and laughs a
bitter laugh. “Of course, you’ll have to deal with the giant. I
doubt the doors to his hall will hold much longer.”
Sindon waves a hand in a circle, and guards and cats fall in
into traveling order beside him. They march away.
Continue to Onward.
Go to 2 Chamber Search, next
column.
20 to 35 minutes
2 Chamber Search
Open the MDB to Outer Chambers, p. 54. In
.
this encounter, the PCs must search the outer
chambers of the temple to find four keys. If a PC
becomes obsessed with finding loot instead, at your
discretion, his or her Self-control becomes infected and
counseling is required.
A pounding and roaring reaches your ears. The
ground shakes. The giant is angry. It’s time that
you dealt with him.
The temple steps are deceiving. You walk up them to enter
the temple, but once inside, after a short entry platform,
they descend deep under the dune. Great pillars carved with
snakes and scorpions support the roof, which remains level,
so that the farther you descend, the higher the ceiling seems.
At the bottom of the steps is a short entry passage lit by
braziers. The colossal bronze doors at the far end—the
doors to the giant’s hall—flex and shake under the giant’s
pounding. You can’t sit idle and wait for him to bring the
whole place down. You may lose him, and the last thing
you want is a roving, bloodthirsty giant terrorizing the
locals. You need to get in there.
Each side of the door has two large keyholes—four in
total, that might each take a key the size of a cook’s ladle.
Looking around the passage, you see no place to hold keys
so large. They must be in the outer chambers.
Place one of the torch tokens at the SP to
represent the party. They may explore the
chambers at will. When they enter a chamber,
read the associated entry indicated by the lettered
hexagon ( # ). Once they have all four keys, go to the
Onward for E The Barracks, p. 93.
IMPORTANT: This challenge has a fast forward that will
shorten this episode and the final episode. There’s a secret
passage to the giant’s hall behind Morellius’s hearth. If
you want to use it, reduce the . If you want the PCs to
have the option, use the as written. If you don’t want
to skip the key puzzle that starts the final episode, don’t
tell them about the hearth in the priest’s chamber.
Go to one of the following based
on the PCs’ choice.
A Priest’s Chamber, p 91. D Sindon’s Room, p. 92.
B The Kitchen p. 92 E The Barracks, p. 93.
C Common Room, p. 92.
25 to 40 minutes
90

A PRIEST’S CHAMBER
You see a stark difference between luxuries here
and the simple chambers of the guardians back
at the academy. Morellius kept rich chambers,
likely paid for by the offerings of the Tahn villagers. The silk
trappings of the room have been ravaged and the valuables
have been looted. The guards even stole the silverware.
Only moldy food was left behind.
What do you investigate?
1. Nine paintings of framed linen are aligned in a three-
by-three grid on the wall. They are yellowed with age
and the art isn’t very good. They don’t match the room’s
luxurious decorations.
2. Morellius’s cabinets are open and his drawers out. The
guards went through them. But they were in a hurry.
Perhaps they missed or ignored something.
3. The hearth at the back of the chamber (only for fast
forward).
If the characters . . .
1. Investigate the paintings.
Once the first trap goes off, savvy players might ask
to shoot each painting or move them with a pole arm,
setting off the traps, until they find the right one. Allow
this if you wish.
Ask the players to each roll a starlot. Address the
following to the one who rolls the lowest number.
You pull the bottom left painting from the wall. A dart
shoots out of a hole behind it. Test Move.
▶ Success. Whew! Close one.
▶ Failure. Ouch! The dart got you. Suffer 2 .
Perhaps you should look around the room some more
before trying anything else with these.
■ Go to Action 2 or 3 (PCs’ choice)
Once the PCs find the parchment in Morellius’s
cabinet.
Morellius couldn’t help writing down where the key was
hidden. You don’t blame him. Traps are dangerous. You take
the bottom right painting from the wall. At first, it seems you
were wrong. No key hangs on the wall. But then you turn the
painting around. There it is, wedged into the frame.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Giant’s Hall Key 1 Superior 1 for 4 N/A
The head of this large key forms a rune that looks
familiar. Have you seen it before on another quest?
91
2. Investigate the cabinets.
You look through the priest’s drawers, knowing you’ll have
to apologize if you ever see him again, but you need to find
those keys. Sadly you don’t see any keys, but you find a
scrap of parchment and two double claws. Looks like the
guards missed those coins.
Open the MDB to Morellius Cabinet Parchment, p. 64. Be
sure to orient the page correctly for the players. The red
reveal shows nine boxes with a check mark in the lower
right box. This indicates the lower right painting is where
the key is hidden.
Taking the coins causes a Self-control infection since the
PCs know that they belong to Morellius. The PC must put
them back. Counseling is required.
3. Investigate the hearth.
Only use this if you want the PCs to have the option to
skip the rest of this search and to skip the key puzzle at
the start of the final episode.
You noticed a clean patch among the soot in the hearth at
the back of the chamber, as if Morellius had placed a hand
on the wall. But the wall won’t budge when you push.
Group-test Observe + Solve at combined +5.
▶ Success. What incredible eyes you have! You scrutinize
the stones around the hearth until you find the tiniest
crack in the mortar around a single stone. You work the
stone free. Behind it is an iron lever. When you turn the
lever down, you hear a clunk from the hearth. Pushing
against the clean patch causes the back wall of the
hearth to swing away. There’s a passage here! Perhaps it
leads into the giant’s hall! Do you take it?
■ If the PCs take the passage, this is the end of the
episode. Skip now to the Onward section of E The
Barracks, p. 93, and use the Destiny Scene portion.
■ If the PCs don’t take the passage, they may keep
exploring.
▶ Failure. Perhaps he rested a hand against the back of the
hearth while setting the logs. There’s nothing here.
Go to one of the following based
on the PCs’ choice.
B The Kitchen, p. 92 D Sindon’s Room, p. 92.
C Common Room, p. 92. E The Barracks, p. 93.
 B THE KITCHEN
You push open the kitchen door, and a gargoyle-
like creature with a face covered in white powder
looks up at you in surprise. Silver orc! It’s been
helping itself to the . . . flour? Is that what these things eat?
You’d ask, but the creature doesn’t look like it wants to talk.
It drops the flour and roars. Fire flares in its joints. It
rushes at you with its scimitar held high.
Place one dark creature token on the
Outer Chambers map in the lower right
flour orc corner, on the B hexagon symbol. Let the
players place PC tokens where they think
battle
the PCs would be.
SILVER ORC (1)
SPD 2 • GO 4 • SCIMITAR 3
damage tracker
1
After the Battle...
That was a bit of fright, but you’ve taken care of
the orc. Add two chunks of common silver ore to
your items if you wish, worth 5 Cp each. A
search of the kitchen reveals nothing of interest. In their
hurry, the guards left a lot of food. You understand. Even
now, the place shakes with the giant’s rage. The door could
fail at any moment. Do you pause to take any food?
Allow the PCs to discuss. They may grab a
small amount of food if they wish. They may
each take a morsel to eat as they search,
removing 2 . However, if they begin to stuff their
manykits, their Self-control becomes infected. Counseling
is required. They need to focus on the mission at hand.
Go to one of the following based
on the PCs’ choice.
A Priest’s Chamber, p 91. D Sindon’s Room, p. 92.
Common Room, p. 92. The Barracks, p. 93.
C E
92
C COMMON ROOM
You find sparse furnishings and not much
else—some plates of old and molded food and a
shelf of old books. It looks like the guards didn’t
care much for reading. The books are covered in dust.
If the characters . . .
1. Investigate the bookshelf.
Group-test Observe.
▶ Success. Well done. Only the largest book—a book of
maps—could hold one of the keys. You open it and, sure
enough, a hole has been carved into the charts.
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Giant’s Hall Key 2 Superior 1 for 4 N/A
The head of this large key forms a rune that looks
familiar. Have you seen it before on another quest?
▶ Failure. Ahchoo! The dust makes you sneeze. Your eyes
grow watery. Search again, but increase your Observe
by 1 for all tests in these chambers.
Go to one of the following based
on the PCs’ choice.
A Priest’s Chamber, p. 91 D Sindon’s Room, below.
B The Kitchen, p. 92. E The Barracks, p. 93.
D SINDON’S ROOM
This room, without a doubt, belonged to Sindon.
A chest sits by the wall. A simple desk might be of
interest, too.
If the characters . . .
1. Investigate the chest.
An old tunic that smells of sweat lies in the bottom. Gross.
There might be a few coins underneath, but definitely not a
key large enough to fit the giant’s door.
PCs who dig in the chest for coins receive a Self-control
infection. Urgency is needed. This is a search for keys, not
loot. Counseling is required.
2. Investigate the desk.
Test Observe. Multiple group tests are allowed.
▶ Success. There’s nothing in the desk, but you notice the
slight movement of the shadows. Looking up, you see a
simple iron chandelier with candles still burning.
(next page)
 Where the chain meets the ring, you spot the key. Perhaps
the person who made the chandelier didn’t know what it
E THE BARRACKS
was for. Or perhaps this has been the key’s hiding place
all along. The chandelier is too far up to reach, which It occurs to you that the priest’s chamber is larger
also makes you wonder how they lit the candles on the than this whole barracks. Morellius certainly
ring. There must be a way to lower the ring, right? lived well compared to those around him. The
■ Continue with Action 3, below. guards didn’t leave much behind—only disheveled beds
▶ Failure. You don’t notice anything special. and an empty chest. There’s another door here. It’s locked.
If the party tries to pick the lock.
3. Chandelier Challenge It can’t be done. You’ll have to find the key.
Players may A look for the normal way to lower the If the party has the small key from Sindon’s room.
chandelier or B use a pole arm or other weapon to You try the key in the lock, and it turns! But behind, you
knock it down. If they come up with a different solution, only find storage. Or is it just storage? Is that a hearth at
feel free to adapt what you see below to fit. the back of this space? Perhaps this was once the priest’s or
A Test Observe + Solve. A group test is allowed. captain’s chamber before the offerings of the villagers made
the temple rich. There are some crates and barrels and a
▶ Success. You follow the chain to a crank beside the bed.
tall cabinet that doesn’t sit quite flush against the wall.
A bed shirt was hanging on it, making it look like a hook
for clothes. As you pull the cloak free, you knock the
pillow off the bed. A small key falls to the floor with it. If the characters . . .
The key isn’t large enough to fit the giant’s temple doors.
You turn the crank to lower the chandelier and retrieve 1. Try to break into the crates or barrels.
the larger key. But what’s the small key for?
Your Self-control is infected. One of you should speak and
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value explain a verse to counsel the party.
Small Iron Key Common 1 for 10 N/A 2. Look inside the cabinet.
Giant’s Hall Key 3 Superior 1 for 4 N/A Empty. There’s nothing here.
The head of this large key forms a rune that looks 3. Look behind the cabinet.
familiar. Have you seen it before on another quest? Test Exert. Multiple group tests are allowed.
▶ Failure. Can’t figure it out. Better find another way. ▶ Success. You heave the cabinet aside and there, hanging
on the wall and covered in dust, is a great big key.
A Test Fight at +1.
▶ Success. You knock the chandelier down, key and all. ITEM FOUND! quality slots value
Uh oh! One of the candles was still burning. The bed Giant’s Hall Key 4 Superior 1 for 4 N/A
cover catches fire. Quickly, you yank the cover to the The head of this large key forms a
floor and put it out. A small key falls to the floor with rune you’ve never seen before.
the cover. That key isn’t large enough to fit the giant’s ▶ Failure. Really? With the whole party, you can’t move
temple doors, but the larger key in the chandelier is. an empty cabinet? Take a breather and try again.
Huh. What’s the small key for?
ITEM FOUND! quality slots value If the PCs are not finished exploring, choose a
room. Otherwise, if they have all the keys, this
Small Iron Key Common 1 for 10 N/A
is a Destiny Scene † and the end of the episode.
Giant’s Hall Key 3 Superior 1 for 4 N/A
A Priest’s Chamber, p. 91 C Common Room, p. 92.
The head of this large key forms a rune that looks
B The Kitchen, p. 92. D Sindon’s Room, p. 92.
familiar. Have you seen it before on another quest?
▶ Failure. Missed. Try again. Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
Go to one of the following based ■ Gain access to the temple. 1 Wp each.
on the PCs’ choice. ■ Find a way into the giant’s hall. 2 Wp each.
The PCs may conduct Progress and Restore actions.
A Priest’s Chamber, p. 91 C Common Room, p. 92.
When they’re finished, turn to the Bible Study, next page.
B The Kitchen, p. 92. E The Barracks, p. 93.
45 to 55 minutes

93
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 10

Don’t forget that the player verse summaries are in the Cadet Handbook Adventure Journal. Have at least one of
these out for player reference. The same summary is shown below. The Bible study begins on the next page.

Orderly Peace 1 Corinthians 14:33a GO

. . . since God is not a god of disorder, but of peace.

When we shout over one another, no one is heard. When our actions promote disorder, we work contrary to
God’s will. Orcs love chaos. Don’t fall for the orc’s infection. Seek peace with each other, and seek calm when
tempers flare.

Goodness Conquers Romans 12:21 GO

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

Answer evil from others by reflecting God’s goodness–His beneficence. Do what is best for your enemy in
God’s eyes, not your own. In today’s episode, when friends fall into rage, this verse may help them to see that
rage is not what the Rescuer desires.

One Mind Psalm 119:113 SC

I hate those who are double-minded, but I love Your instruction.

God’s Word tells us to avoid those who say they love His instruction but whose actions betray their true hearts.
This verse may help a friend who has strayed off the mission to get back on track.

Love Trust Psalm 13:5 LO

But I have trusted in Your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
God’s love is always there for us–limitless. Relying on His love helps us to share that love with the world. In this
episode, use this verse as a reminder when your own love needs a boost or to express your trust in the Rescuer
and ask for his help.

Right On Psalm 119:160 SC

The entirety of Your Word is truth, each of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
Man’s rules and declarations are shifting and untrustworthy. So are our own desires and motivations. God’s truth
and authority are constant and dependable. His truth is our foundation. In today’s episode, when friends stray from
the mission, remind them to consider what the Rescuer would want them to do in order to best shine his light.

94
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
MAIN IDEA: God is the God of order.
The Deceiver enjoys sowing chaos and confusion. Our
awesome God created a beautiful world and gave it order,
but since the Garden of Eden, Satan has tried to disrupt
God’s creation with disorder. The devil constantly throws
new deceptions into the public discourse concerning
marriage, the sanctity of life, and other confusing topics
that distract our fallen world and keep it from aligning
with God’s design. As Christians, we need to be calm,
shining lights of God’s goodness and peace. When the
world struggles with chaos and disorder, we must ensure
our lives and actions are beacons pointing the way
toward Christ.
KNOW—MIND: What can I know
about these verses?
Let’s look at the following verses and see how they can
help us be heralds of God’s goodness and peace.
Orderly Peace 1 Cor. 14:33a
Lightraiders allows your gaming group to simulate
the body of Christ working together as you bring the
Rescuer’s message to the people of Talania. If an outside
observer were to watch your group, Adventure Master
included, how well would you reflect God’s love and
peace? Do you argue amongst yourselves? Do you get
impatient when players take too long with their turns?
Do you build each other up after a bad roll of the starlot?
Lightraiders isn’t just about memorizing verses but
preparing you to be a disciple and a positive working
member of the body of Christ. To be most effective,
you must work in harmony, build each other up, and
complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Goodness Conquers Romans 12:21 GO
One of the best ways to measure how well you spread
God’s love and peace is in how you treat your enemies.
Do you forgive easily? Are you easily angered when
someone provokes you? Do you hold grudges and dream
of revenge? It isn’t easy loving our enemies, but God loves
us despite our sins. Forgiving your enemies and showing
mercy allows us to shine with the love of Jesus.
95
E 10
One Mind Psalm 119:113 SC
Being a hypocrite spreads chaos and confusion. When
we say we’re Christians, but our words and actions
consistently tell a different story, we turn people away
from the saving message of Jesus. We need to strive to
ensure that everything we do and say aligns with what
Christ desires. We’ll make mistakes daily. When we do,
we need to repent, and if someone witnessed our sin,
we need to apologize to them for failing to meet God’s
standard.
Love Trust Psalm 13:5 LO
When you’re struggling with the deceptions of the world,
remember the faithfulness and love of our Lord. He
loved us so much that He died for our sins. Sometimes
being a Christian is difficult, and the Bible acknowledges
this in multiple verses. When being a Christian is hard,
remember that God is wiser than we could ever hope
to be, and His commandments are for our benefit.
Remember how much He loves you and spread that love
to others.
Right On Psalm 119:160 SC
God’s Word is just as true today as it was 2,000 years ago.
God’s Word doesn’t change to meet the fickle and double-
minded ways of the world. Satan wants to isolate us from
God. He wants to confuse us about the truth of God’s
Word and make us compromise it. If the devil can make
us doubt the truth of God’s Word, then he can tempt us
to spread these doubts to non-believers, contributing to
the confusion and chaos that the devil desires.
(next page)
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE
GROW—HEART: How can my
relationship with Christ grow through
these verses?
Understanding the truth of God’s Word and working in
harmony with your fellow believers strengthens your
relationship with God in two ways. First, as you’ve heard
this theme repeated multiple times and in different ways,
when you refuse to compromise the truth of God’s Word
and don’t give into Satan’s deceptions, you send a clear
message that you trust God no matter the circumstance.
Second, it allows you to work together as the body of
Christ. Christianity isn’t meant to be a solo sport. We all
have strengths and weaknesses. We should work together
using the gifts God has given us to spread the gospel,
not one-up each other, not cause disorder, and not act as
lone wolves. As you get ready for the final episode of this
Lightraiders story arc, look at your fellow players around
the table. You’ve had fun, memorized verses together, and
worked as a team to overcome challenges. Continue to
build each other up and spread the love and peace of God
with your friends, family, and classmates.
Next time . . .
All groups will go from here to 6B Hall of the Giant, next page. They should study the “Giant Problem: Hall of
the Giant” pages in their Adventure Journals. That episode will be the “final exam” for the quest.
ADVENTU RE MAST ER NOT ES
96
E 10
GO—HANDS/FEET/MOUTH: What
do I do about what I’ve learned today?
How can I avoid spreading confusion as a Christian?
What can I do to build up my Christian brothers and
sisters?
How do I explain God’s love to a non-believer?
How should I respond when someone is hurtful towards
me?
PRAYER
Take a moment to pray with your players. Congratulate
them on how far they’ve come playing Lightraiders.
Reinforce the message that even as a Lightraiders group,
they’re part of the body of Christ learning how to work
together, spread the good news, and disciple others.
Lord God as we prepare for the final episode of this story,
thank You for how far we’ve come. Thank You for the
fun we’ve had, the verses that we’ve memorized, and the
lessons You’ve taught us. I pray that we continue to stay
in Your Word, to not compromise it, and to spread Your
love to our hurting world. Amen.
 6B THE TEMPLE: HALL OF THE GIANT
EPISODE OBJECTIVES
1. Destroy the giant.
2. Meet Randar Vorn
Before you begin ask the players what they
remember from the last episode. What stands
out to them from their time in this region? How
do you think the villagers of Tahn will feel once the giant
is gone? Will some be angry? If so, is that a reason to let
the giant keep terrorizing others? How will your
encounter with this giant impact you?
Start Point
SP The Giant’s
Hall
perilous place
The Story So Far...
It seems that you entered this desert a lifetime
ago stepping into one of the Passage Lakes in
Keledev, and stepping out of a hollow tree into
these shifting sands of the Dragon Lands.
You were tasked with saving the life of Morellius the temple
priest and sharing the Great Rescue, and you accomplished
that goal. Along the way, you managed to stop a war,
destroy a hatchling dragon, and increase your rank as
cadets. You must be very good at this.
Two objectives remain. You must destroy the giant. And, of
course, you must find Randar Vorn and return to Keledev.
The first of these seems the harder task. The great bronze
doors to the giant’s hall quiver and flex with his pounding.
The very air seems to shake with his roars. And you want
to go in there?
Read the appropriate entry based on the
PCs’ choices.
If the party found the four keys to the giant’s hall.
The bronze doors to the giant’s hall have four keyholes—
two on either side. Think of them as keyholes one, two,
three, and four from left to right. The doors had not been
closed for generations. When Sindon closed them and
they locked, you were left to find the keys. Now that you’ve
found them, you need to figure out which key goes into
which keyhole.
Go to Onward A , next column.
97
If the party found the secret entrance through
Morellius’s chamber (quick ending).
The captain of the temple guard, Sindon, closed the great
bronze doors to the giant’s hall. They hadn’t been shut
in generations, and they locked when he closed them.
Once you entered the temple’s outer chambers, you began
searching for the four keys. But in your search, you came
upon a secret passage through Morellius’s hearth. You have
just entered that passage.
As you sneak through the dark and curving tunnel, the
giant’s roars grow louder. This passage seems to be leading
to the giant’s hall.
Finally, you come to what seems like a bronze wall. You
place a hand against it. The roaring of the giant stops. The
quaking and pounding has ceased. What’s going on?
This battle will be tough. Your lives are definitely at risk
when facing such a dangerous creature. But you have the
assurance of the High One through his Rescuer. You carry
the Keledan armor.
One of the sacred verses about the armor speaks of the
Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit. Can any
of you tell me what the helmet of salvation means to a
Keledan?
Allow the players to answer, and guide them if
necessary. They have seen this question before,
during the Initiate’s Quest, and there is a verse
application in their Adventure Journals for this episode.
When you’re satisfied, go to Onward B .
Use one of the following based on
the PCs’ choices.
A Go to 1 Giant Key Puzzle, next page.
B Go to 2 The Giant’s Hall, next page, and start with
If the party arrived through the secret passage.
5 to 10 minutes

Giant Key Puzzle
1 much of a code. You slide the keys into the locks
Giant keys for a giant’s doors. You return to the
temple’s main entry passage and approach the
quaking doors.
This battle will be tough. Your lives are definitely at risk
when facing such a dangerous creature. But you have the
assurance of the High One through his Rescuer. You carry
the Keledan armor.
One of the sacred verses about the armor speaks of the
Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit. Can any
of you tell me what the helmet of salvation means to a
Keledan?
Allow the players to answer, and guide them if
necessary. They have seen this question before,
during the Initiate’s Quest, and there is a verse
application in their Adventure Journals for this episode.
When ready, continue below.
Recite this verse now to temper your armor,
thanking the High One for his peace of salvation.
With this peace, you can focus on solving the key
puzzle. Tempering your armor with this verse gives you an
extra use of your helmet and sword of the Spirit.
There are four keyholes from left to right—one, two, three,
four. In your searching, you found four keys, each the size
of a cook’s ladle. Each key had a head shaped like a rune.
Three of those runes looked familiar. Where have you seen
them before? Was it during your Initiate’s Quest?
Open the MDB to Giant’s Hall Key Puzzle, p. 65.
The page shows the four runes found on the
keys (just the runes). The players must decide
what the runes mean. The Aropha Rubbing shown to
them on the previous quest is on MDB p. 28. It may help.
When the players are ready, let them use the red reveal
transparent card to see the answer hidden on p. 65.
SOLUTION: Way back in The Initiate’s Quest, the PCs
found a parchment on which a Tarlan noble had taken a
rubbing of Aropha runes and written a translation. The
illustration on p. 28 shows Aropha language, and the list
of items below is a direct translation—except the Aropha
runes read left to right, and the translation reads top to
bottom. The rubbing includes the runes for the numbers
1, 2, and 3, accurately shown in the translation. The rune
for 4 is not there. With that information in front of them,
the players should be able to associate 1, 2, 3, and 4 with
each number.
Once the PCs have figured out the solution, continue at
the top of the next column.
98
One, two, three, four. In the end, assuming you
can read the ancient Aropha runes, it wasn’t
in order and turn them one by one. When the last key is in
place and twisted, it occurs to you. The pounding stopped.
The entry passage no longer quakes. You back away with
weapons raised and armor glowing, and you wait several
beats, expecting Tahnkahn to crash through the door.
Nothing happens. The giant has gone silent.
The silence gets awkward. You exchange wary glances, then
advance, take hold of the handles to the great bronze doors,
and swing them open.
Continue to 2 The Giant’s Hall,
below.
10 to 15 minutes
2 The Giant’s Hall
Read the appropriate entry based on the
PCs’ choices.
If the party arrived through the secret passage.
Recite this Helmet and Sword sacred verse now to temper
your armor and as a prayer of thanks to the High One for
his peace of salvation. Tempering your armor with this
verse gives you an extra use of your helmet and sword of
the Spirit and prepares your heart with peace for battle.
With renewed spirits you all push against the bronze wall
together. It shifts out and rolls to the side. Ahead, you see
stone steps, an altar, burning braziers, and long pits of
flame. The temple is quiet. And hot. The air is so dry and
still it threatens to steal the moisture from your throats.
The giant is not far away, a creature of sand and desert
scrub, with chunks of sliver ore embedded like scales on
its back and arms. He stands idle between his altar and
the huge black wall called the Obsidian Gate. What is he
waiting for?
(next page)
If the party arrived through the bronze doors
The temple is quiet. And hot. The air is so dry and still it
threatens to steal the moisture from your throats. Flames
rise from fire pits on both sides of the floor. Ahead, you see
stone steps, an altar, burning bronze braziers, and long pits
of flame. The giant is a creature of sand and desert scrub,
with chunks of sliver ore embedded like scales on its back
and arms. He stands idle between his altar and the huge
black wall called the Obsidian Gate. What is he waiting for?
(next page)
 Slowly, you walk into the temple, and still the
giant doesn’t move. Has it turned to a statue? No.
The eyes still blaze with yellow-white fire.
The black wall behind the creature is strikingly different
from the rest of the hall. Made of uncut obsidian and
roughly shaped like an arch, it catches the firelight and
reflects it as eerie black flame. Along the upper side walls,
you spot the symbols the dragon carved with its claw.
Silver. The symbols are black, but they sparkle with flecks
of silver. You’ve heard about a similar powder, and you’ve
experienced it in a Tarlan mine-palace.
Those symbols are filled with shairosite. Banishing powder.
That’s the mineral often found near Tanelethar’s portals.
Joshiel, the saltwarrior, told you the symbols are deceptions
and must be destroyed to kill the giant. But how?
You advance with your weapons ready. And still, the giant
doesn’t move. You find the creature’s inaction unnerving.
Suddenly, the giant lifts its sandstone arms and roars. The
temple shakes. A skittering sound reaches your ears. From
holes along the walls on both sides of the temple, snakes
and scorpions pour forth, scurrying and slithering down
the steps. Those scorpions are the size of village cats, and
the snakes are as long as you are tall. Defend yourselves!
This is a combat trial that risks your
in
erm
plev Peace. These creepy crawlies are
tem
unnerving. It’s a good thing you spoke a
reminder of the Helmet of Salvation
r i al
t you wear. Fight the vermin by
continuously rolling for the number of
rounds I tell you. Suffer as little as possible. Take note of
infections. Save all counseling until the end. Anyone who
recited the Helmet of Salvation verse earlier may reduce the
rounds remaining by 1 and suffer 1 failure without
damage.
Remember that in a combat trial, the PCs
should keep fighting and save counseling to th
end. Use a number of rounds equal to your
number of players multiplied by 5.
If the PCs have the Flame (the spear from Setis).
A PC with the Flame may want to cast it at the giant.
Allow this at Fight +2. If successful, the giant ceases
to move, and the vermin become disoriented, and some
fall into the fire pits. Reduce the number of rounds
remaining by 2. The creature awakes and throws the
spear on the ground between the end of the flame pits
before the altar. During battle, a PC must retrieve it.
PE 5 • Fight • = PC x 5 • 1
99
After the Trial...
You knock the last of the vermin into the long
flaming pits. The scent of roasting scorpion and
snake meat reminds you of cooked chicken.
Amid the giant’s roars, you catch silver flashes from the
symbols on the walls. Joshiel called the symbols dragon
deceptions. Could he have intended more than one
meaning? They are deceptions because it is not what they
symbols say that keeps the Obsidian Gate portal sealed,
but what they are made of. However, now that you look at
them. You hear dragon deceptions in your ears. Can you
refute them?
If you can refute the lies the dragon etched into the
symbols, perhaps you can destroy them. You’ll have to fend
off the angry giant while you try.
Go to Giant Battle, below.
The PCs must fight the giant while
refuting the dragon lies. The giant targets
giant any PC with a failed roll.
battle At the start of each round, direct one
lie at one PC for refutation. A PC that
fails to refute a lie becomes infected
(use the lowest of the CS listed with the lie) and must be
counseled.
The Flame (spear from Setis) does +2 in addition to
its Mastercraft quality bonus (+3). Add this +5 to the
PC’s skill level and Might. A successful hit against the
giant stops it for that round. The remaining PCs may roll
to attack without the fear of suffering . If the spear
was thrown, in the next round, the giant casts the spear
two spaces away (your choice), and a PC must move to
retrieve it.
When a lie is refuted, inform the PCs that the symbol
breaks apart and falls to the floor. Place a dark creature
token on the symbol on the map to represent it. Someone
must move to the symbol and sweep it into the flaming
pits. When the pieces of a symbol are swept into the pit,
silver sparks fly from the fire, black smoke crackling with
purple flashes rises, and the Obsidian Gate cracks. The
giant takes 2 .
(go to the giant’s battle box on the next page)
 TAHNKAHN THE SAND GIANT +2
SPD 1 • Lowest of GO/FA • FIST 5 / SAND BLAST 2 (RNG 20’)
If all the giant’s damage boxes are checked before the PCs have refuted all the lies, the giant stands idle,
but the portal remains closed and the creature does not fall apart. They must refute all lies and destroy all
symbols to proceed.

DRAGON LIES
1. “Don’t destroy this creature. With your knowledge, you can control it. Think of the riches you may earn
from the offerings of the villagers with this small compromise. You could help so many.” (FA)
Counters. No Compromise, Wrong Way
2. “A giant is not to be feared by those with understanding. Use the creature instead. Make it a powerful ally
as you roam Tanelethar doing good.” (GO/FA)
Counters. Wrong Way, No Compromise, Know It Do It
3. “You need not risk your lives. Allow this creature to roam free. Think of the havoc it will do among your
enemies. Will that not make your missions easier?” (GO)
Counters. Know It Do It, Orderly Peace
4. “Your Rescuer has hidden much from you, and his teachings are full of limits and boundaries. The
dragons offer knowledge and power without chains. Go ahead and destroy the creature. Prove yourself
worthy. Then come to the sacrificial post and await the boundless wisdom the next hatchling will offer.” (SC)
Counters. One Mind, Right On
5. “The love of the High One is an illusion. It is a desert mirage used to control you. Trust not in illusions.
Trust what you can see, the sharpness of your mind, and the strength of your arms.” (LO/FA)
Counters. Love Trust, Wrong Way, No Compromise

6. “You fear chaos, do you not? Destroy this symbol and chaos will reign. Wait and see. Your Maker has bid
you unleash a whirlwind that will destroy this region and kill you all.” (LO/FA)
Counters. Love Trust, Orderly Peace, Know It Do It

damage tracker

100
After the Battle...
You sweep the last of the symbols into the fire
and watch silver sparks shoot toward the ceiling.
Blue-black smoke, flashing with purple, snakes
toward the Obsidian Gate. A web of fine cracks, glowing
silver, spread across the whole gate.
Perhaps you all should duck.
Boom! Shards of black fly in all directions, but they turn
to dust before they hit you. The giant’s eyes light up with
flame. Did it survive?
What was once black rock in the gate is now roiling black
smoke, bubbling like thick soup in a cauldron. Lightning
flashes out from the gate and strikes the creature. Then
the smoke swirls into a vortex, stretching forth toward the
giant. Sand begins to fall from the creature’s limbs and
torso, sucked into the whirlwind. The gate is sucking it in
grain by grain.
The giant lets out a final fading roar, and in a whoosh of
swirling sands, it’s gone.
The temple brightens. The air cools, if only a bit. Is that a
sea breeze you feel? Looking through what was once the
Obsidian Gate, you see a stretch of white sandy beach
and palm trees. A man wearing a manykit over a loose
tunic and trousers cut off at the knees sits on the trunk
of a drooping palm tree sipping the milk from a coconut.
“Cadets!” he cries, standing up and tossing the coconut
aside. “Praise the Maker. I thought you’d never make it.”
Before you can answer, another voice calls from behind
you. “You’ve done it! The Rescuer is with you!”
Looking back, you see Morellius, the former priest,
advancing your way. Joshiel, the saltwarrior, is with him,
and behind them come droves of locals—the Tahn villagers,
you presume. Those two have been busy.
Continue below.
If the rescue of Morellius failed in 4B, inform
the PCs that thanks to the seed they planted,
Joshiel was able to convince Morellius to accept
the Rescuer’s gift.
”Morellius has shouted the story of the Great
Rescue in every Tahn village,” Joshiel exclaims.
“Thanks to your hard work, many have come to
know the truth and freedom of the Rescuer. We brought
them here to show them the giant’s demise, and thanks to
you and the Rescuer, our faith was rewarded.”
Joshiel leans to look past you and gives the man by the
palm tree a nod. “Randar.”
“Joshiel,” the man replies.
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So this is Randar Vorn. You’ve found him. Or did he find
you? It’s hard to say. He has done much while you were
dealing with the giant. Those you rescued on this journey
are all there with him, gathered like beloved sheep.
Most of those with Joshiel and Morellius have believed.
A few came only to see the spectacle. Strangely, all are
able to walk with you through the portal. How can that
be? Aladoth who don’t accept the Rescuer can’t enter the
Liberated Land.
Of course. This beach where Randar waits for you on the
other side of the gate is not the Liberated Land. You’ve
simply gone to some other place in Tanelethar—perhaps
the Southern Bight, south of the Tarlan Plains, or the
southern coast near the Westlings.
You’ll find out later, you suppose. Randar leaves those who
did not believe in the care of Joshiel, who escorts them back
through the portal before it snaps closed. Nothing is left but
a wall of sandstone in a seashore hill. Perhaps what those
villagers saw in passing through the portal and back will
help in Joshiel’s work.
The rest of you, including Morellius and the others you
rescued, walk the seashore for a time, remembering the
trials you suffered and the lessons you learned on the
quest. Randar leads you to a broad everoak tree, so named
because its leaves never fall.
As if in greeting, the everoak shivers and spins, rising up
to reveal a gateway decorated with intricate scroll work.
Golden light shines within, and behind it, just barely in
view, one of the Passage Lakes high in the Celestial Peaks.
Home.
THIS IS A † DESTINY SCENE
and the end of this quest.
Episode Award: 3 Mu ea.
Objective Awards
■ Destroy the giant. 4 Wp each.
■ Meet Randar Vorn. 1 Wp each
Rank Award: Cadet Scout 1. Advance one Untrained
ability to Apprentice (AP) and one AP ability to
Journeyman (JR).
Allow the PCs to use Progress and Restore actions. They
may remove all damage. After spending Mu and Wp, they
should count the number of unspent points and write
them in the Wp and Mu boxes on their Character Sheets.
They should note how changing an Exert or Move by
advancing those abilities may affect Speed or Might.
When they’ve finished, turn to the wrap-up, next page.
40 to 50 minutes
 KNOW GROW GO GUIDE E 11

The giant battle served as the Bible study for this lesson. If you have additional time, take a moment and review
what the players have learned throughout the quest. What verses can they recite by heart? What did they learn
about doing what’s good or right? What did they learn about God and order or chaos? Here’s one more verse
that they learned at the end of The Initiate’s Quest, which we hope came in handy today. What can the players say
about the helmet of salvation and the peace it brings?
Be sure to end your meeting with a prayer of thanks for your group’s fellowship and growth and the players’
achievements in ranking up. We hope to see you all again in The Five Quests, coming soon. Remind the players
that after those quests, their PCs will join one of the five Lightraider spheres—the Navigators, Rangers, Tinkers,
Comforters, or the Vanguard.

HELMET AND SWORD EPHESIANS 6:17 PE

Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word.
Our hope of eternal life in Jesus is a helmet that protects us from doubt and despair. His Word is the sword by
which we combat trials and temptations. In this episode, use this verse to temper your armor before battle and
gain two advantages. Deal 1 extra damage to a creature with every successful attack, and suffer 1 less damage
with any Fight failure.

ADVENTU RE MASTE R NOTE S

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Tahnkahn the Sand Giant

103
 Arkelia
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Wi n t e r ’ s B i g h t
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N
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Highland Forest PE
e

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THE CELESTIAL PEAKS

Ras Telesar Southern Bight
The Gulf Shark Bight
Dayspring Highlands of Vows
The Gulf
A

of Stars
nam

Keledev
CENTR AL
tu

PLAIN ra Eastern Hills

s
Southern Hills
R I D G E M O U N TA I N
W HITE S
Sil
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VA L R A T AV E L
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www.lightraiders.com

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