Credits

Designer: Andy Dempz

Campaign Story and Development: Will Doyle

Editing: Ashley Michaela “Navigator” Lawson

Art Direction and Layout: Stacey Allan
Artists: Eric Belisle, Zoltan Boros, Olga Drebas, Lee Moyer,
Irina Nordsol, Wayne Reynolds
Cover Illustrators: Vance Kelly, Zoltan Boros (inset illustration)
All art provided by Wizards of the Coast and used with permission
Cartography: Will Doyle, Dyson Logos

D&D Adventurers League Guildmaster: Chris Lindsay

D&D Adventurers League Wizards Team: Adam Lee, Ari Levitch,
Chris Lindsay, Mike Mearls
D&D Adventurers League Eberron Administrators: Will Doyle,
Amy Lynn Dzura, Shawn Merwin

Playtesters: Daniel K. Alter, Christopher Andaya, Marshall Averill,

Logan Bidus, Andrew Bishkinskyi, Boltoff, Kat Cahill, Brentatious F,
Rob Froberg, Nathaniel “Gib” Gibson, Mitchell Keeley,
Jason Robert Keller, Lana Krolokowski, Ryan Lanphere,
Athanasios Maravelias, Jonathan Misner, Amanda Reel, Will Warner

Welcome
Welcome to the Oracle of War campaign, presented by the
Adventurers League! You can play this adventure as part of
your own Eberron: Rising from the Last War campaign, or as
part of the Oracle of War organized play campaign. While
this campaign runs under the umbrella of the Adventurers
League, it utilizes different rules. You can familiarize yourself
with these unique campaign rules by checking out the Oracle
of War Player’s Guide and Oracle of War DM’s Guide, found in
the D&D Adventurers League Players Pack.
LEE MOYER

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master’s Guide, D&D Adventurers League,
all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. All characters and their distinctive likenesses
are property of Wizards of the Coast. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork con-
tained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast.

©2019 Wizards of the Coast LLC, PO Box 707, Renton, WA 98057-0707, USA. Manufactured by Hasbro SA, Rue Emile-Boéchat 31, 2800 Delémont, CH. Represented by Hasbro Europe, 4 The
Square, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB11 1ET, UK.
 his adventure is designed for three to seven
17th- to 20th-level characters and is optimized
for five characters with an average party level
(APL) of 19. Characters outside this level range
can’t participate in this adventure.
This adventure occurs in the Mournland, in a creation
forge beneath the ruins of Making. This is the third in a
series of four adventures, the Flames of War storyline.
Flames of War is part of the Oracle of War Eberron
campaign for the D&D Adventurers League.
Background
The CREATION FORGES of HOUSE CANNITH were
shut down as a condition of the Treaty of Thronehold, but
one escaped notice: a secret forge beneath the Cyran city
of Making that was never listed in official house records.
Ensconced inside this hideout, master artificer AAREN
D’CANNITH, the creator of true warforged, continued his
experiments into the creation of life. Since the Mourning,
his magical studies have intensified, eventually tapping
into the very powers of the planes. Now, the LORD OF
BLADES has discovered the location of the forge. Against
Aaren’s wishes, the Lord of Blades has seized control of
the forge and is using it to raise an army the likes of which
Khorvaire has never seen!
When the adventure begins, the united forces of the Five
Nations have besieged the forge. Thus far, the tactics of
the defending warforged have proven superior, as they are
guided by the prescient knowledge of the eldritch machine
known as the ORACLE OF BONES. Only the Oracle of
War can guide the adventurers past the Lord of Blades’
defenses—by sending the party back in time!
Overview
The adventure’s story is spread over three parts and takes
approximately 4 hours to play:
Part 1: Making (15 mins). The alliance’s scouts have been
thwarted by the Oracle of Bones. Only the Lamannian
Triune—the genies trapped inside the Oracle of War—can
get the adventurers inside the forge. They offer to send
the party back in time to just before the Lord of Blades’
arrival, allowing the group to sneak inside and wait for
this moment to arrive—then strike from within while the
alliance carries out a massive diversionary attack.
Part 2: The Forge (60 mins). Sent back in time, the
adventurers infiltrate the cavern housing the creation
forge. They must scout out the forge and find somewhere
safe to hide until the timestream catches up, all while
maintaining the integrity of their own future.
Part 3: The Lord of Blades (165 mins). The timestream
synchronizes and the diversionary attack begins. The
adventurers burst from hiding to defeat the Lord of
Blades and destroy the Oracle of Bones!
Time Travel
In this adventure, the characters travel back into their own past.
In the world of Eberron, time travel involves plunging through
the infinite layers of Xoriat, the Realm of Madness. Time
travelers soon learn that Xoriat’s energies prevent them from
meddling too greatly with the timestream: while minor changes
can be made, anything that alters their own, predetermined
future can have a lethal effect. For example, stealing from a
stranger in the past may have no ill effects—the timestream
simply washes over such trifles—but attempting to kill a person
you fought in the future could prove fatal.
While exploring the forge, the players must keep the
timestream intact by ensuring that known events from their
future-to-be occur as they did in their recent past. Some of
these choices may challenge their morals, as preventing
certain events from unfolding could reduce the death and
destruction the characters witnessed on the battlefield
during DDAL-EB-18 Scales of War. See “Time Travel Rules” in
part 2 for full guidance on how to handle time travel in this
adventure.
Adventure Hooks
In the Oracle of War campaign, the characters are
scavengers working for salvage crews. Players should
invent their own reasons for undertaking such dangerous
work: dedication to a just cause, serving a specific patron,
spying for an organization, pure profit, etc.
Players with access to the D&D Adventurers League
Oracle of War Player’s Guide can use the backgrounds
and patrons listed there. Many serve as adventure hooks
for this and later adventures in the campaign. At the start
of play, ask your players if their characters have utilized
any of these backgrounds or patrons, and tie them into the
adventure, if possible.
Back to the Mud makes special use of the following
background:
• Mercenary leader
Characters with this background know one of the war-
forged’s prisoners and can convince them to lead an
uprising as a distraction during parts 2 and 3. See the
adventure text for more details.
DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 3
 Continuing the Story
If the characters played through DDAL-EB-18 Scales of
War, this adventure picks up after that adventure ends.
The adventurers have returned to the command tent of
the united armies of Aundair, Breland, and Karrnath (and
possibly New Cyre and Thrane too) and had the benefit of
a long rest.
• Before the adventure begins, give the players Handout
1: Flames of War. This handout summarizes the objec-
tives of the Flames of War storyline and recaps the
events of the Oracle of War campaign.
Legacy Events
Before beginning play, ask the players to check their
Adventure Records for any legacy events that affect this
adventure. Back to the Mud incorporates the following
legacy events from previous adventures in the Oracle of
War series:
Argonth Survivor (DDAL-EB-10 Judgment of Iron).
Characters who fought inside Argonth previously gain an
advantage in the final battle.
Mournland Dossier (DDAL-EBEP-02 Rolling Thunder).
Characters who stole the Mournland dossier from the
Excelsior recognize a symbol from the dossier branded
on the arms of some human captives kept by the war-
forged inside Argonth. One captive turns out to be Jara
Blue, Sky Blue’s father.
Pyrrhic Victory (DDAL-EB-18 Scales of War). If the
armies fared poorly against the Lord of Blades’ forces,
the Lord of Blades has greater resources to oppose the
characters with.
Secret of the Triune (DDAL-EB-16 The Dragon Below).
Characters who supplied the Oracle of War with a
meaningful secret can gain a bonus from the Lamannian
Triune in part 1.
Your Face Is Known (DDAL-EB-09 Lord Bucket or
DDAL-EB-10 Judgment of Iron). Characters who
earned the Lord of Blades’ ire discover he has acquired
supernatural advantages against them in part 3.
JULIAN KOK
4 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD
Hero Points
In the Oracle of War campaign, adventurers are a cut
above the rest. To reflect this, each character in the party
gains one hero point at the start of this adventure. Players
can earn additional hero points by completing story goals.
The DM may not award hero points except when directed
to by the adventure. At the end of the adventure, the
players lose any hero points they’ve accrued.
Hero Points
A player can spend a hero point whenever they make an
attack roll, an ability check, or a saving throw. The player can
spend the hero point after the roll is made, but before they
know whether they’re successful or not. Spending the hero
point allows the player to roll a d6 and add it to the d20,
possibly turning a failure into a success. A player can spend
only one hero point per roll. In addition, whenever a character
fails a death saving throw, the player can spend one hero
point to turn the failure into a success.
DM Advice
If you’re running in a timed environment, keep an eye on
the clock. Exploration can easily run long and the combat
in part 3 can be lengthy. The exploration mechanics in
part 2 are intended to facilitate efficient play and simulate
exploration from a “zoomed out” perspective, but if it suits
your table and you have time, you can “zoom in” and play
events out in detail as you see fit.
Tier 4 characters have a wide range of powers and
abilities: our intent is to provide you with useful tools you
can use, not to restrict you. If your players exploit powers
not covered by text, it’s down to you to adapt events to
your own story. At this level, the characters are incredibly
powerful heroes, and they’ve earned the right to blast
through some of the challenges before them. We feel it’s
more important for players to feel epic throughout, rather
than be challenged at every step!
Estimated Duration: 15 minutes
The alliance’s scouts have been thwarted by the Oracle of
Bones. Only the Lamannian Triune—the genies trapped
inside the Oracle of War—can get the adventurers inside
the forge. They offer to send the party back in time to just
before the Lord of Blades’ arrival, allowing the group to
sneak inside and wait for this moment to arrive—then
strike from within while the alliance carries out a massive
diversionary attack.
The Glass Plateau
Many people believe that the city of Making was at the
epicenter of whatever caused the Mourning. The cataclysm
reshaped the terrain around the city, creating the great
highland formation known as the Glass Plateau.
The Glass Plateau is mostly smooth and flat, though
jagged spikes and spires jut up from the ground in seemingly
random places. The central portion of the highland plain is
obsidian, and bursts of fiery light can sometimes be seen in
its dark depths. Toward the edges of the plateau, the glass
becomes lighter in color and more transparent, appearing
almost pale white along the jagged cliffs at the edge. Nothing
grows on the plain of glass, and few creatures haunt its
jagged peaks and flat expanse.
The ruins of Making still peek through the obsidian flats
of the Glass Plateau. Those who believe that the Mourning
started here also expect that Making is where the mystery
of its origin will be unraveled. A secret Cannith facility is
supposed to lie in the city’s subterranean depths.
—Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Meeting the Generals
When the players are ready, read the following boxed
text aloud:
The Battle of Broken Tower was hard fought by the alliance,
and the Five Nations’ forces have pushed the warforged
army known as the Blades across the Glass Plateau to the
ruins of Making. The surviving generals have convened a
meeting to discuss their next move and have requested that
you attend and bring the Oracle of War.
The generals reveal the following information:
• The alliance’s forward scouts have been continually
thwarted by the enemy. For every inquisitive move the
army makes, the enemy has prepared a counter. They
must be receiving intelligence from a supernatural
source—the Oracle of Bones!
• The Lord of Blades’ forces are occupying an under-
ground House Cannith creation forge called the
Lifespark Foundry, a facility developed in secret with the
Cyran government.
• The Lifespark Foundry occupies an enormous glass
cavern beneath the ruins of Making. The floating
fortress Argonth is there as well, having been captured
by the Lord of Blades in DDAL-EB-10 Judgment of Iron.
The Oracle of Bones is suspected to be aboard Argonth.
• Alliance scouts have determined that the Lord of Blades
is using the creation forge to make new varieties of
warforged, as seen in the Battle of Broken Tower. Given
enough time, there’s no limit to what he could develop
and unleash.
The Oracle Speaks
As the generals and the characters discuss options, the
Oracle of War activates spontaneously.
The Oracle of War clatters and whirs and emits a puff of
amber smoke before speaking in a chorus of voices, two
female and one male.
“There is another way. Like us, the Oracle of Bones sees
many things. It can see the present as it is and future as it
is likely to be, but it can only see the past as it was. If you
travel into the past, you could escape its sight and approach
unseen. We can send you there, but we ask for one thing in
return: a promise.
“If we help you here, one of you must swear an oath
bound by magic to help us in the near future.”
These are the Lamannian Triune, the genies trapped
within the Oracle of War. As their story approaches its
conclusion, they seek the adventurers’ aid to help them
escape their bondage. For now, they keep this goal secret,
asking only for the adventurers’ trust in their benevolence.
The generals urge the adventurers to agree to the deal.
Whoever agrees to the offer gains the Promise of the
Oracle legacy event; at the end of the adventure, ask just
this character to mark this on their adventure record.
DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 5
 The Oracle of War directly asks any character
with the Secret of the Triune legacy event
to make the promise. If they do so, they gain
a hero point as their bond of trust with the
Oracle is strengthened.
The Plan
Once the promise has been made, the Oracle speaks
again. It suggests that the adventurers infiltrate the
foundry in the past, before the Lord of Blades arrived, then
hide and wait for the timestreams to synch up. When the
present arrives, the alliance can mount a frontal assault
to act as a distraction while the adventurers destroy the
Oracle of Bones. Fascinatingly, if fate is on their side, the
adventurers are already inside the foundry right now,
awaiting the diversion!
The Risks
Traveling through time means plunging through Xoriat,
the Realm of Madness, and is extremely dangerous.
Meddling with the timestream risks drawing Xoriat
closer to Eberron, and the veils between worlds must
be preserved. The Oracle of War reveals the following
information:
• To maintain the timestream, the present must remain
mostly unaltered. Some things can’t be changed, while
other events may need to be actively brought about!
• Those who disrupt the timestream suffer for it. Minor
disruptions could result in psychic backlashes; in
extreme cases, these could cause death. In the worse
instances, Xoriat could overcome and consume
this reality.
• High magic must be used carefully while time traveling,
as the energies could disrupt the timestream with
catastrophic results.
• Time travelers won’t be able to rest until they return to
their own time. They won’t suffer negative effects from a
lack of sleep, but they’ll be unable to benefit from short
or long rests. Any abilities or magic items tied to rests or
the passage of time won’t recharge until the timestream
synchs back up.
A Mysterious Messenger
If the characters didn’t meet Gaarvin in DDAL-EB-18 Scales
of War, one of the generals reveals that she met a mysterious
figure riding a warforged dragon on the battlefield. The figure
introduced themselves as Gaarvin ir’Gelios, apprentice to the
grand artificer Aaren d’Cannith, and said they had recently
met the adventurers inside the Lifespark Foundry. Aaren
was “lost” soon after their meeting, along with “all hope of
saving the Five Nations from his wayward children.” Gaarvin
begged the general to give the adventurers a message: they
must save Aaren. Gaarvin disintegrated into gray mist as the
message was relayed.
Into the Past
Give the players Handout 2: Timestream Integrity as
summary of the Oracle’s warnings. The generals offer each
character 1,200 gp for destroying the Oracle of Bones and
defeating the Lord of Blades. Upon acceptance, they order
the assault while the Oracle sends the party back to five
days before the present!
Multicolored dust streams from the Oracle and envelops
you, as the other figures in the room begin to move in
reverse. The effect speeds up, faster and faster, until it
suddenly stops. You find yourselves on the barren Glass
Plateau in the Mournland, on the edge of the ruins of
Making. The war camp is gone. The armies won’t arrive here
for five days. Your mission awaits, and the fate of Khorvaire
depends on your success.
Give inspiration to each player in the group and proceed
to part 2. The Oracle of War remains in the present and
therefore doesn’t travel with the group.

The Harbinger
Players who met the half-human, half-warforged artificer
Gaarvin in DDAL-EB-18 Scales of War may have questions
for the Triune about Aaren d’Cannith. According to Gaarvin,
Aaren was “lost” soon after Gaarvin met the adventurers
inside the Lifespark Foundry. On the battlefield, Gaarvin
disintegrated into gray mist while asking the adventurers to
prevent Aaren’s death.
• The Lamannian Triune can’t say whether Aaren is alive
or dead, but Gaarvin clearly suffered for trying to meddle
with time.
• To preserve the timestream, the adventurers must
ensure that Gaarvin meets them on the battlefield and
delivers the warning. If Gaarvin gave an adventurer one
of their own trinkets, the adventurers must ensure they
give it to Gaarvin to pass on.
• Saving Aaren d’Cannith could prove fatal. If he truly
died in the past, changing that event could disrupt the
timestream. The Lamannian Triune leave that choice up
to the adventurers!

6 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD

Estimated Duration: 60 minutes
Sent back in time, the adventurers infiltrate the cavern
housing the creation forge. They must scout out the forge
and find somewhere safe to hide until the timestream
catches up, all while maintaining the integrity of their
own future.
Time Travel Rules
While traveling into the past, the players must preserve the
timestream by ensuring that known events in the future
occur. Interfering with any of the following events incurs
an immediate time travel consequence:
• The Lord of Blades must survive.
• The warforged titan guarding the entrance to the cavern
must survive.
• The Lord of Blades must be permitted to build his army
in the Lifespark Foundry and imprint his directives on
Aaren’s warforged creations.
• The characters must sabotage the efforts to restore war-
forged colossus WX-31 “Karrnslayer” to full mobility.
• The characters must meet Gaarvin and convince
them to relay the message to the characters. Gaarvin
and the warforged dragon must survive to deliver the
message on day 4.
• Casting a spell of 5th level or higher also incurs a time
travel consequence.
Aside from these key events, time travelers have a lot of
freedom. Destroying warforged patrols is fine, so long as
such attacks aren’t frequent enough to prevent the army
leaving the cavern—after all, nobody knows exactly how
many warforged were present in the recent battle. So long
as events don’t change the known future, the DM should
allow players to do as they wish.
Time Travel Consequences. Every time the party incurs
a time travel consequence, each character must make a
Charisma saving throw, taking the psychic damage listed
on the Time Travel Consequences table on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a successful one. If this dam-
age reduces them to 0 hit points, they disintegrate, and no
magic can restore them back to life. On incurring the fifth
time travel consequence, the characters rip open the bar-
rier to Xoriat and Eberron is consumed! The characters no
longer incur time travel consequences when they catch up
to the present in part 3.
Time Travel Consequences
Breaches Saving Throw DC Psychic Damage
1 10 22 (4d10)
2 15 55 (10d10)
3 20 99 (18d10)
4 25 132 (24d10)
5 N/A World Ends
Arrival at Making
The characters have arrived five days before they left.
Read the following boxed text aloud:
Scouting out the ruins of Making, you soon find the cavern
described by the generals. It appears as a vast, glowing
bubble inside the solid glass of the rising plateau. There’s
one clear opening: a fractured ravine where lava and
alchemical fluids flowing from the cavern have melted
through the glass. A hulking warforged titan stands guard
over the narrow entrance.
As you set eyes on the titan, your mind is flooded with
memories of the Battle of Broken Tower. You’ve seen that
machine in battle, five days from now. To preserve the
timestream, you must get past it without harming it!
To enter the cavern, the adventurers must bypass the
warforged titan. Damaging or destroying the titan incurs
an immediate time travel consequence, but magic used to
temporarily blind or deceive it has no ill effects. The titan
has standing orders to attack intruders on sight. The glass
formations provide cover for a stealthy approach. The titan
is stationed just 20 feet away from the cavern entrance but
has its back to it.
The cavern entrance is a narrow, 5-foot-wide opening
above a swirling lava flow. When a creature enters
the lava for the first time on a turn or ends its turn there, it
takes 33 (6d10) fire damage. The cavern’s glass shell is 5
feet thick in this region and has AC 13, 100 hit points, and
immunity to poison and psychic damage. Magic affects it
as if it were stone.
The Glass Cavern
When the characters enter the cavern, read the following
boxed text aloud:
DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 7
 The cavern interior is a shock to the senses after the barren
desolation of the Glass Plateau. It stretches at least three
miles wide, with a column of crystalline black rock reaching
to the ceiling in its center. Green clouds laced with flashes
of lightning lazily float across the landscape, which is scored
by rivers of lava.
To the east is a jungle the likes of which you’ve never
seen: a mass of wood, iron, and steel shaped into jagged
palms and ferns. To the west, a broad savannah of
bunched metal fibers stretches to the walls. Giant metal
beasts stalk the cavern floor and mechanical insects buzz
through the air.
The plants and beasts here are the successful results of
Aaren d’Cannith’s experiments in the Lifespark Foundry.
Alongside the mechanized plants, the cavern is inhabited
by a variety of warforged megafauna: elephants, elk, and
more. Most of these creatures aren’t initially hostile to the
characters and either ignore them or express mild curios-
ity at their presence.
Warforged Plants and Beasts
None of these creatures need to eat, drink, breathe, or sleep.
If you need a stat block for one, use an appropriate Beast
from the Monster Manual, add damage resistance to poison,
and give it the Warforged Resilience trait:
Warforged Resilience. The warforged has advantage on
saving throws against being poisoned and is immune to
disease. Magic can’t put it to sleep.
Glass Cavern Features
This area has the following features:
Lighting. Auroras of flame within the glass walls provide
bright light throughout the cavern.
Terrain. The cavern floor is a mix of coiled, grasslike
metal fibers, thick mechanized jungle, and scattered pools
of alchemical fluid. Rivers of lava flow from the central
column to the entrance in the south.
Sounds and Smells. The cavern echoes with the weird
roars of mechanical wildlife and the bubble and froth of
the alchemical pools, which make uncanny sounds as
the magical fluids react. The entire cavern smells like an
alchemy lab.
Weather. A layer of living cloudkills floats 30 feet above
the ground, blanketing the entire area. Any creature that
moves through this layer is attacked by two living cloud-
kills. The living spells only attack once per turn and don’t
pursue their prey.
Exploring the Cavern
Each hex takes an hour to traverse, and every step of the
journey tests the party with a host of environmental and
monstrous challenges: caustic winds, savage mechanical
predators, pockets of wild magic, and more. Rather than
play these events out in detail, you should abstract them
into a single description. For example: “Passing through
the mechanical jungle, you’re harassed by warforged
apes, and mechanized insects peck at your skin with tiny
syringe-like proboscises.”
Hazard Checks. At the start of each day and whenever
the group moves between hexes, the players must make
a group check to determine how their characters fare
against the environmental hazards. The hex descriptions
IRINA NORDSOL
in “Glass Cavern Locations” specify which abilities are
tested for these checks. All adventurers in the party must
make their group checks using the same ability.
 The Hazard Check Results table specifies the ability
check DC and the damage dealt by the hazards. If the
group check fails, each character takes the damage listed,
with damage types varying between bludgeoning, slash-
ing, and piercing. Characters reduced to 0 hit points by
damage from a hazard check stabilize automatically and
can be healed, thereby draining the party’s resources
(remember that no rests are allowed!).
Hazard Check Results
Suspicion Level Group Check DC Damage
0 10 5 (1d10)
1 15 11 (2d10)
2 20 22 (4d10)
3 25 33 (6d10)
4 30 49 (9d10)
Using Other Abilities
When making hazard checks, you can permit the players to
use other abilities or skills at your discretion, if they come up
with a good plan. A character can also cast a spell using a
3rd-level spell slot or higher to a succeed on their check if the
application is reasonable. Only class features, magic items,
racial traits, and spells that can be used repeatedly or that
have durations of 8 hours or longer can be used to influence
hazard checks.
Suspicion. The suspicion level represents how alerted
the Lord of Blades’ forces are to the party’s presence.
The suspicion level starts at 0. At the start of day 2, raise
the suspicion level to 1 as the Blades arrive (see “Timed
Events,” below). Thereafter, increase the suspicion level by
1 whenever any of the following events occur:
• Accrue three cumulative hazard check failures while
exploring the cavern.
• Sabotage the warforged colossus in area C6.
• Attack the Lord of Blades.
• Destroy the warforged titan in area C1.
• Destroy the warforged dragon.
Other actions that would alert the Blades can also increase
the suspicion level at your discretion. The suspicion level
can’t go above 4 or below 0. As the suspicion level rises,
the characters take more damage from hazard checks.
This represents the increased presence of warforged
patrols throughout the cavern.
Wandering Dragon. Gaarvin’s warforged dragon
roams the cavern. At the start of each day and whenever
the characters move between hexes, roll a d6 on the
Dragon Location table to determine where the dragon
is located.
Dragon Location
d6 Result
1 Flying over the savannah (C2 hexes)
2 Gaarvin’s Hideout (C3)
3 Flying over the jungle (C4 hexes)
4 Blades Camp (C5)
5 Repair Platform (C6)
6 Lifespark Foundry (C7)
If the dragon passes over the same hex as the characters,
it spots them and approaches them, filled with curiosity.
Characters who met Gaarvin in DDAL-EB-18 Scales of
War recognize the dragon at once. Any time traveler who
spots the dragon is supernaturally aware that it has a role
to play in maintaining the timestream. If the warforged
dragon is damaged or destroyed, the characters suffer a
time travel consequence.
The warforged dragon can’t speak but understands
Common. If the characters ask the dragon to take them to
Gaarvin, it leads them to his hideout (area C3).
Timed Events
The characters have five full days to explore the cavern
before they sync up with the timestream on day 6. During
this time the following events take place; in each case,
describe the scene as the adventurers witness it from their
current hiding place:
Day 1: No Blades Presence
The characters arrive. The Lord of Blades isn’t present.
Day 2: Lord of Blades Arrives
At dawn, the Lord of Blades arrives with the floating citadel
Argonth. Argonth stops on the plains (area C5) near the
repair platform and remains there while the Lord of Blades
advances on foot to the Lifespark Foundry (area C7),
accompanied by a pack of warforged warriors. If Aaren
d’Cannith is still inside the foundry, the Lord of Blades
murders him and seizes control of the creation forge.
After taking control of the foundry, the warforged begin
repair work on warforged colossus WX-31 “Karrnslayer”
in area C6. A large force of warforged warriors set up a
drill camp in area C5 to train the new creations emerging
from the foundry. From now on, the Lord of Blades
remains at the creation forge, crafting new soldiers for
his army and indoctrinating Aaren d’Cannith’s existing
creations. The Lord of Blades spends most of his time
inside the creation forge in the Lifespark Foundry (area
C7), but returns to Argonth (area C5) from to time to
consult the Oracle of Bones.
Argonth
Argonth is a huge floating fortress formerly under the
command of Captain Alain ir’Ranek. It was one of five created
by House Cannith during the last war, and one of only two
remaining. The fortress patrolled the Brelish border until it was
captured by the Blades during DDAL-EB-10 Judgment of Iron.
DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 9
 Day 3: Parliament Uprising
At the end of day 3, the adventurers witness something
peculiar occurring in their vicinity: warforged gather one-
by-one in a secluded location nearby, clearly taking effort
to avoid other warforged patrols. This is a gathering of
the “Parliament of Gears (see sidebar), led by Haftspear,
a Blade champion. When the meeting begins, Haftspear
addresses a swarm of warforged soldiers.
Characters who spy on the meeting overhear Haftspear
explain to the gathering that action must be taken to
slow the Lord of Blades’ muster and delay his invasion
of Khorvaire. The creation forge can only be worked
by someone bearing the Mark of Making, so Haftspear
is plotting to assassinate the captive smith Demery
d’Cannith (see area C7). Later that night, Haftspear
himself sneaks into the Lifespark Foundry and shoots the
captive smith from afar with a crossbow. If the characters
don’t take action to prevent this, they suffer a time travel
consequence when the hit takes place. Negotiating
with Haftspear and the Parliament is a possibility, but
the characters must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma
(Persuasion) check to stop the warforged from attacking
them on sight.
The Parliament of Gears
Although most of the Blades support the Lord of Blades’
goals and objectives, a few deplore his methods. Rather than
seeing him in the role of dictator or god-king, they’d prefer
he operated in a more presidential aspect governed by an
elected parliament. The Parliament of Gears is considering
assassinating the Lord of Blades and replacing him with more
forthright figurehead, but so far they lack the means to do so.
Day 4: Colossus Upgrade
At the beginning of day 4, the adventurers spot the war-
forged colossus testing its weapons at the repair platform
(area C6). As energy crackles from its eldritch turrets,
the adventurers receive a flashing vision of the warforged
colossus using a flamethrower to decimate the allied
armies in the Battle of Broken Tower—a weapon it wasn’t
equipped with when they fought it on the battlefield! The
repair work being undertaken on the colossus must be
sabotaged, otherwise it will become more formidable than
it was in the future! If the players fail to sabotage the war-
forged colossus before it leaves the next day, they suffer a
time travel consequence.
Day 5: Army Marches Out
After receiving word of approaching allied troops, the
warforged army departs for the Battle of Broken Tower.
The Lord of Blades remains at the forge making more
soldiers, pushing the forge to its limits and destabilizing
the magical pools. If Gaarvin hasn’t left to deliver their
message by the evening of day 5, the adventurers suffer a
time travel consequence.
Day 6: Timestream Synchronizes
The allied armies besiege the cavern. At midday, the
timestream syncs back up, the assault of the allied armies
begins, and the characters are free to act without incurring
time travel consequences.
10 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD
Glass Cavern Locations
The following locations are keyed to the Glass Cavern
map in appendix A:
C1. Cavern Entrance
The entrance to the cavern is detailed earlier, in “Arrival
at Making.” The rest of this hex counts as savannah
(see area C2).
C2. Savannah
Metallic grass tinkles and shimmers across this
strange plain.
Hazard Checks. Groups crossing the savannah must
contend with packs of warforged lions, patches of razor-
sharp grass, lightning strikes, and electrified mud pools.
Checks to avoid such hazards are made using Dexterity
(Stealth), or Wisdom (Perception or Survival).
C3. Gaarvin’s Hideout
The land here is dotted with heaps of scrap metal and is
wreathed in alchemical smoke. Gaarvin ir’Gelios, a half-
human, half-warforged artificer, dwells among the junk.
Hazard Checks. This area is dangerous due to Blade
patrols, explosive gases, and living barbed wire. Checks
to avoid them must use Dexterity (Stealth), Intelligence
(Nature), or Wisdom (Perception).
Gaarvin’s Hideout. Gaarvin ir’Gelios came to the
Lifespark Foundry in search of their missing master,
Aaren d’Cannith, the artificer who first gave sapience
to the warforged. Expelled from the foundry by Aaren’s
foul moods, Gaarvin now assists the master artificer
by gathering materials from the Mournland. Gaarvin
lives in a shack hidden among the salvage. To locate the
shack, a character must succeed on a DC 15 Intelligence
(Investigation) check while searching through the scrap,
or be led here by Gaarvin’s warforged dragon (see
“Wandering Dragon”).
At this point in time, Gaarvin is blissfully unaware of
their own role in the upcoming timeline and has no knowl-
edge of the adventurers. To preserve the timeline, Gaarvin
must deliver their message to the future characters by no
later than day 5. Persuading them to perform this task
requires a successful DC 20 Charisma (Persuasion) check,
although Gaarvin does so willingly if told to do so by Aaren
d’Cannith or if the Lord of Blades murders Aaren.
Gaarvin reveals the following information if befriended
by the adventurers:
• The Lifespark Foundry was created in secret by Aaren
d’Cannith with funding from the Cyran government.
Aaren wanted to create new forms of life to enrich the
world. Gaarvin was his trusted assistant.
• Gaarvin was procuring supplies from Wroat on the Day
of Mourning. After the cataclysm, Gaarvin sought out
the Lifespark Foundry to see if Aaren had survived.
Aaren still lived, but his forge had become empowered
with mysterious magic. Aaren’s studies became more
ambitious—he spoke of crafting an entirely new world to
replace this “flawed creation”—and he became ever more
withdrawn. In time, his mood swings forced Gaarvin
from the foundry.
• Gaarvin loves Aaren but fears he’s become dangerously
obsessed with his work. Gaarvin knows Aaren will never
 abandon the creation forge or allow the Lord of Blades
to use it.
Gaarvin offers the adventurers a +3 all-purpose tool
if they promise to save Aaren from the Lord of Blades.
Gaarvin gladly accompanies the party, but warn that doing
so could put the timeline at risk. If Gaarvin fails to deliver
the warning on day 5, the adventurers suffer an immediate
time travel consequence.
Gaarvin ir’Gelios (GAR-vin Eer-GHEL-ee-oss)
Cyran artificer, half-human, half-warforged
Gaarvin is an acolyte of Aaren d’Cannith and is the current
caretaker of his forge, the Crucible of Making. Gaarvin was
once fully human, but ever since the Day of Mourning,
they’ve been steadily replacing their body parts with
warforged components to better understand the warforged
people and the magic used to create them.
Motivation: Like Aaren, Gaarvin believes that the warforged
are a people unto themselves and deserve the freedoms all
free-willed people are granted across Eberron. Unlike the
Lord of Blades, Gaarvin believes that such freedoms must be
secured peacefully.
Mannerisms: Gaarvin is methodical and calculating but
isn’t intentionally antagonistic. They’re very focused on facts,
which may result in them being perceived as cold or willing to
“make needed sacrifices.”
Quote: “Perfection is the enemy of progress.”
C4. Jungle
The warforged flora grows thick in this area. It’s impene-
trable in some spots and hazardous in others, to the point
that the Blades avoid patrolling here.
Hazard Checks. Packs of warforged apes, bloodsucking
WAYNE REYNOLDS
mechanical insects, and lumbering warforged megafauna
can be avoided using Dexterity (Acrobatics), Intelligence
(Nature), or Wisdom (Survival) checks.
C5. Argonth War Camp
On day 1, this area counts as savannah (see area C2). On
day 2, the floating fortress Argonth arrives and docks here.
The metallic grass around the citadel is trampled flat as
the Blades train the newer warforged and prepare for war.
Argonth’s interior is detailed in part 3, under “Argonth.”
The Oracle of Bones remains aboard Argonth throughout
this adventure.
From day 2 onward, Blades troops use prisoners to haul
salvage from Argonth to the colossus (area C6). Anybody
who spies on Argonth from a nearby hex can spot the
prisoners at work (see area C6 for details).
Hazard Checks. From day 2, large numbers of war-
forged soldiers occupy this hex. Checks to avoid them must
use Dexterity (Stealth) or Wisdom (Perception). Due to
enemy’s overwhelming numbers, checks are made with
disadvantage.
C6. Colossus Restoration
This area is dotted with alchemical pools with narrow
pathways winding between them. On day 1, the legless
wreck of the ruined colossus WX-31 “Karrnslayer” rests
here in a dormant state. Any character who sights the
colossus recognizes it as the same one that fought in the
Battle of Broken Tower, and immediately senses that it
must be preserved to maintain the timeline. Destroying the
colossus causes the adventurers to suffer an immediate
time travel consequence.
From day 2 onward (see “Timed Events”) the Blades
begin work on repairing the colossus using salvage hauled
from Argonth to this location. They mount the colossus
on a mobility platform crafted from a set of studded
treads, then begin work on rebuilding its legs. On day 4,
the Blades outfit the warforged with a new weapon—a
flamethrower—which the adventurers must sabotage to
preserve the timeline. On day 5, the colossus is wheeled
to the Broken Tower, where repair work continues until it
bursts forth in DDAL-EB-18 The Scales of War.
Karrnslayer (Colossus WX-31)
In the final days of the Last War, House Cannith unleashed its
mightiest creations: the warforged colossi. These enormous
mechanical warriors thundered across Cyre, crushing every-
thing in their paths and leaving ruin behind them. The arcane
cataclysm that engulfed Cyre destroyed most of the warforged
colossi, causing them to collapse into lifeless heaps. Some
warforged colossi survived the Day of Mourning more or less
intact. Karrnslayer (Colossus WX-31) lost its legs but crawls
through the Mournland, using its arms to drag its great bulk
across the ground.
—Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Hazard Checks. On day 1, this area counts as savan-
nah (see area C2). From day 2, warforged soldiers fill the
area, and checks to avoid them are made using Dexterity
(Acrobatics or Stealth).
Sabotaging the Colossus. Three hundred prisoners
work on the colossus, under the watchful eye of over eighty
Blades soldiers (if combat ensues here, use swarms of
warforged soldiers). At this level, characters should be
able to infiltrate the site using their own initiative. The
characters can inspire the prisoners to stage an uprising
DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 11
 if they can contact them without being caught by the
Blades and succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion)
check. The uprising serves as a distraction that raises the
suspicion level by 1. The sabotage is an opportunity for the
players to demonstrate their creativity—any reasonably
executed plan should be allowed to succeed, although it
may increase the suspicion level even further if it’s obvious
there are infiltrators on site. Award one hero point to
adventurers who succeed in sabotaging the colossus.
Characters with the mercenary leader background spot
a prisoner onsite who they recognize: a Brelish mercenary
named Ketia. If they speak with her, they automatically
succeed on any attempts to incite an uprising (indeed, she
suggests the plan if the adventurers haven’t thought of
it already).
Characters with the Mournland Dossier
legacy event recognize a symbol from the
dossier branded on the arms of some human
captives. One of these captives is Sky Blue’s
father, Jara Blue. Adventurers who free
Jara earn the Jara Rescued legacy event. At the end
of the adventure, ask the players to mark this on their
adventure records.
Jara Blue (JAR-ah)
Brelish veteran, human
Jara Blue was a decorated officer in the 12th Brelish Infantry,
who fell from fame when he was court-martialed for deser-
tion. Jara was unjustly convicted: in fact, his teenage daughter
Sky had smuggled herself onto the front lines to be with her
father, forcing him to desert the infantry to take her home.
Jara was sentenced to join the vanguard of his regiment and
was later presumed dead on the battlefields of Cyre. In fact,
he was captured by the Lord of Blades and forced to serve as
a laborer.
Motivation: Escape the Blades and find Sky Blue.
Mannerisms: Jara walks with a limp from an old war wound
but holds his head high, with a military bearing. He rarely
shows fear but is wise enough to know that impudence gets
you killed.
Quote: “You know my daughter?!”
12 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD
Aaren d’Cannith (AIR-un duh-CAN-ith)
Cyran artificer, human
Philosopher, artificer, poet—Aaren was a far cry from his
father Merrix (the grandfather of Baron Merrix d’Cannith of
Cannith South). While his father crafted hulking machines
of war, Aaren sought ways to grant sentience to his own ar-
tificial creations. His work culminated in the creation of the
first warforged: a triumph of engineering that blended wood,
stone, and metal into a thinking creature.
Aaren hoped to create life, but his father greedily adapted
his son’s creations for murder: indoctrinating the warforged
and churning out legions of tireless warriors. When Aaren
protested, his father had him excoriated—formally disinher-
ited from House Cannith.
Aaren disappeared and has been missing for 28 years. In
secret, he turned to the Cyran government, which funded the
construction of a clandestine creation forge beneath the city
of Making. From this Lifespark Foundry, Aaren continued his
work to create the perfect artificial lifeforms.
Motivation: Protect the Lifespark Foundry and continue his
great work of creation.
Mannerisms: Obsessed with his work, Aaren has grown a
mane of wild hair and dresses in a filthy, threadbare gown.
He mutters to himself and is easily distracted by his own
meandering thoughts.
Quote: “Our lives are naught but pebbles falling into the torrent.
To effect true change, we must reroute the river at its source.”
C7. Lifespark Foundry
This rough obsidian column rises from floor to ceiling and
is clustered with Khyber dragonshards. Lava belches from
its base and flows through the cavern to the entrance at area
C1. An obsidian platform juts from the base of the column
just above the bubbling lava: magically suspended ahead of
this is an obelisk covered in arcane runes and sigils. This
is the creation forge’s arcane core. The features of this area
are fully detailed in part 3, under “The Creation Forge.”
Hazards. This area is filled with lumbering warforged
megafauna and bubbling creation pools. Checks to avoid
these hazards are made with Dexterity (Acrobatics or
Stealth), or Intelligence (Arcana).
The Master Artificer. On day 1, the legendary artificer
Aaren d’Cannith is working here (see sidebar), raising
ERIC BELISLE
new warforged beasts from the creation pools and infusing
them with life via the obelisk. Aaren is obsessed with his
 work and believes he can build an entirely new world for
his creations: a better world, for a better species. If warned
of his imminent demise, he refuses to accept it; as a war-
forged, surely the Lord of Blades can be persuaded to join
Aaren in his new world?
“I can lead my creations into a glorious new future! A world
of hope! Of peace!” he says. “And this world? This rotten
world can go back to the mud.”
Only a successful DC 22 Charisma (Persuasion) check
can convince Aaren to abandon the forge. Showing him
firm evidence of his future demise grants advantage on
this check, as does the presence of his apprentice Gaarvin.
If persuaded to abandon the forge, Aaren hides in the cav-
ern and fights alongside the adventurers in part 3 or leaves
the cavern with Gaarvin and hides out in the Mournland.
Those who fail to persuade the artificer are ordered to
leave; if they defy him further, he turns his magic against
them. See “The Creation Forge” in part 3 for guidance on
how to handle combat in this location.
Any attempt to prevent Aaren’s fate causes the adventur-
ers to suffer a time travel consequence: if the characters
have maintained the timeline so far, it could be a hit they’re
willing to take. If Aaren d’Cannith survives the adventure,
ZOLTAN BOROS
Arrival of the Lord of Blades. On day 2, the Lord of
Blades arrives to seize control of the creation forge. If
Aaren is present, even the Great Creator can’t sway the
Lord of Blades from his cause. Aaren tries to reason with
the Lord of Blades but is cruelly impaled midsentence and
hurled into the lava.
To work the forge, an operator must have the Mark of
Making. Knowing this, the Lord of Blades has brought
a captive House Cannith smith with him: a poor wretch
named Demery d’Cannith. After taking control of the
forge, the Lord of Blades forces Demery to raise his own
warforged warriors from the pools. In addition, he uses
the obelisk’s magic to indoctrinate Aaren’s warforged
creations and prepare them for war.
Proceeding to Part 3
Proceed to part 3 when the armies attack on day 6. When
the Blades leave to fortify the entrance, the adventurers
can make their assault.

the characters earn the World of Hope legacy event. At the

end of the adventure, ask the players to mark this on their
adventure records.

DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 13

 Estimated Duration: 165 minutes
The timestream synchronizes and the diversionary attack
begins. The adventurers burst from hiding to defeat the
Lord of Blades and destroy the Oracle of Bones.
The Hour of Heroes
The players can resolve the adventure in a variety of ways,
depending on where they chose to hide out, and where
they target first.
• When the armies attack on day 6, the Lord of Blades
moves his forces to reinforce the entrance, leaving
just a skeleton crew to guard Argonth and the
Lifespark Foundry.
• The Lord of Blades remains at the foundry, raising new
forces from the creation forge.
• From this point on, the adventurers can’t incur
time travel consequences, as the timestreams have
resynchronized.
If the adventurers target the Lord of Blades, refer to “The
Creation Forge,” below. If they head for the Oracle of
Bones, refer to “Argonth.”
The Lord of Blades
Mournland warlord, warforged
The Lord of Blades is a warforged warlord who’s broken all
ties with his former masters and established a nation for
his people deep in the Mournland. Warforged from all over
Khorvaire are welcome here.
Some tales assert that the Lord of Blades led the warforged
armies of Cyre in the Last War. Others cast him as a newer
warforged, perhaps the last to come out of the Cannith
creation forges before the Thronehold Accords led to their
dismantling. One story claims the Lord of Blades caused the
destruction of Cyre and warns that he plans to repeat the Day
of Mourning in each of the remaining Five Nations. Whatever
the truth, he’s become a beacon for warforged everywhere.
Motivation: The Lord of Blades seeks to be the god-king of
a new warforged nation and to eradicate the fleshlings who
exploited them in the Last War.
Mannerisms: Calculating, focused, unstoppable.
Quote: “Peace for our kind begins with your eradication!”
The Creation Forge
The Creation Forge map in appendix A shows the layout
of this area. This area has many important features; before
beginning this encounter, read the following sections
carefully:
14 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD
• The Lord of Blades is on the platform near the base
of the column. Shackled nearby is the human smith
Demery d’Cannith (AC 10, 8 hit points), watched over by
a warforged battlemage.
• An ouroboros of three warforged dragons circle the
obelisk, ready to defend it when ordered by their master
(currently the Lord of Blades).
• Four swarms of warforged soldiers mill around
the obsidian column: the audience for the Lord of
Blades’ triumph.
Characters with the Pyrrhic Victory legacy
event face an additional four swarms of war-
forged soldiers and a warforged titan.
The Lord of Blades has advantage on attack
rolls against characters with the Your Face Is
Known legacy event, as he has used the Oracle
of Bones to study their weaknesses.
Living Spell Layer
A layer of living cloudkills floats 30 feet above the ground,
blanketing the entire area. Any creature that moves
through this layer is attacked by two living cloudkills. The
living spells only attack once per turn and don’t pursue
their prey.
Obelisk
The hovering obelisk is covered in arcane runes and sigils.
It is a Huge object with AC 15, 200 hit points, immunity
to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from
nonmagical attacks, and immunity to psychic and poison
damage. Any character who makes a successful DC 15
Intelligence (Arcana) while studying the obelisk can tell
that destroying it will deactivate the warforged dragons.
If Aaren d’Cannith is present, he won’t allow the obelisk
to be destroyed and attacks the adventurers if they try to
damage it!
Psychic Rebuke. Once per turn, when the obelisk is
damaged by a creature within 120 feet of it, that creature
must make a DC 20 Charisma saving throw. On a failed
save, the creature takes 55 (10d10) psychic damage and is
moved up to 30 feet away from the obelisk. On a success,
the creature takes half as much damage and isn’t moved.
Creation Pools
The Mournland’s magic has warped the creation pools to
draw on the power of the planes. When combat begins,
they erupt with planar energy. Each pool is shallow and
counts as difficult terrain to traverse.
 The pools act on initiative counts 20 and 10 (losing ties).
In addition, the pools act again when a creature enters one
for the first time on its turn or starts its turn inside one.
When the pools activate on initiative counts 20 and 10,
choose the pool nearest to the most creatures. If triggered
by a creature, choose the pool that was disturbed. When
a pool is selected, roll a d12 on the Planar Effects table to
see what happens to it.
Countermeasures. Casting dispel magic at 5th level
or higher ends any ongoing effect generated by a pool or
prevents a single pool from triggering again for a number
of rounds equal to the level of the spell slot expended
minus four.
Treasure
The Lord of Blades’ adamantine sixblade and winged
boots can be claimed from his body if he is defeated. The
adamantine sixblade is described in handout 3.
If Demery d’Cannith survives, he offers to reward the
adventurers if he is returned to civilization. At the end
of the adventure, all characters gain the Cannith Scion
legacy event if Demery is still alive.
Adjusting the Scene
Here are some suggestions for adjusting this scene:
• Very Weak: The warforged dragons only have 68 hit points
and remove their Malevolent Presence ability. The warforged
battlemage doesn’t cast power word kill or power word stun.
The creation pools don’t act on initiative count 20.
• Weak: The warforged dragons only have 68 hit points and
remove their Malevolent Presence ability. The creation pools
don’t act on initiative count 20.
• Strong: The Lord of Blades has 276 hit points and can cast
a spell of up to 3rd level when he takes the Cast a Spell
legendary action. The warforged battlemage has 300 hit
points and can identify spells being cast without using its
reaction (see Xanathar’s Guide to Everything).
• Very Strong: The warforged dragons’ Radiant Breath
recharges on 3–6. The Lord of Blades has 276 hit points and
can cast a spell of up to 3rd level when he takes the Cast a
Spell legendary action. The warforged battlemage has 300
hit points, begins combat with globe of invulnerability cast at
9th level, and can identify spells being cast without using its
reaction (see Xanathar’s Guide to Everything).

Planar Effects
d12 Planar Effect
1 Daanvi. This pool draws on the Perfect Order. Any creature within 10 feet of the pool must succeed on a DC 18 Charisma saving throw
or be charmed for 1 round. While charmed this way, the creature must use their action to do their best to stop others from fighting.
2 Dolurrh. This pool draws on the Realm of the Dead. Any creature within 10 feet of the pool must make a DC 18 Constitution
saving throw, taking 55 (10d10) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
3 Fernia. This pool draws on the Sea of Fire. Any creature within 10 feet of the pool must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw,
taking 55 (10d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
4 Irian. This pool draws on the Eternal Dawn. Any creature within 10 feet of the pool regains 55 (10d10) hit points.
5 Kythri. This pool draws on the Churning Chaos. Any creature within 10 feet of the pool must roll again on this table to determine
the effect it has on it.
6 Lamannia. This pool draws on the Twilight Forest. For 1 round, the ground in a 10-foot radius around the pool twists and sprouts
hard spikes and thorns. The area becomes difficult terrain for the duration. When a creature moves into or within the area, it takes
18 (4d8) piercing damage for every 5 feet it travels.
7 Mabar. This pool draws on the Endless Night. For 1 round, the area within 10 feet of the pool is filled with darkness and bitter
cold. No light, magical or otherwise, can illuminate the area, and creatures fully within the area are blinded. Any creature that
starts its turn in the area takes 55 (10d10) cold damage. Any creature that ends its turn in the area must succeed on a DC 18
Dexterity saving throw or take 55 (10d10) acid damage as milky, otherworldly tentacles rub against it.
8 Risia. This pool draws on the Plain of Ice. Any creature within 10 feet of the pool must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw,
taking 55 (10d10) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
9 Shavarath. This pool draws on the Battleground. Any creature within 10 feet of the pool must make a DC 18 Charisma saving
throw. On a failed save, until the end of the creature’s next turn, other creatures have advantage on melee attack rolls against
it. Also, the creature must use its reaction, if available, to make one melee attack against the nearest creature. The creature has
advantage on the attack roll.
10 Syrania. This pool draws on the Azure Sky. Creatures and objects within 10 feet of the pool that aren’t anchored to the ground fall
100 feet upward, where they’re suspended for 1 round. A creature subjected to this effect can make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw to
grab onto a fixed object it can reach, avoiding the fall on a success. Falling into the pool after the effect ends triggers the pool again.
11 Thelanis. This pool draws on the Faerie Court. An illusory manifestation of fey feasting and cavorting in a fantastic, wooded
landscape is created in a 10-foot radius of the pool. Any creature within the illusion must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving
throw or be blinded to anything outside the illusion’s area. A creature with truesight automatically succeeds on the saving throw.
12 Xoriat. This pool draws on the Realm of Madness. Any creature within 10 feet of the pool must succeed on a DC 18 Intelligence
saving throw or gain a random form of short-term madness (see the Short-Term Madness table in appendix B).

DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 15

 Argonth
The floating fortress Argonth rests in area C6. Deep inside
its walls, the Oracle of Bones provides the Lord of Blades’
warforged forces with tactical advice.
Characters with the Argonth Survivor legacy
event have fought inside Argonth before and
know about the locations marked on the
Argonth Interior map. If no characters with
this legacy event are present, hide these locations from the
players, so they must explore blind.
The Approach
Argonth is defended by magical artillery mounted on
its sides. A swarm of warforged soldiers crews each
weapon, activating, aiming, and firing it as a single action.
(A lone creature takes one action to activate, one action to
aim, and one action to fire the weapon.) The soldiers have
three-quarters cover.
Characters who openly approach Argonth are subjected
to a barrage of artillery fire from three artillery units.
There is no substantial cover within 120 feet of Argonth.
Characters with the Pyrrhic Victory legacy
event face eight elemental artillery units.
Scorchers. These weapons fire a 60-foot cone of flame.
Each creature caught in the area must make a DC 17
Dexterity saving throw, taking 42 (12d6) fire damage on a
failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Shockbolters. These weapons fire a 5-foot-wide,
100-foot-long line of lightning. Each creature in the line
must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 42
(12d6) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much
damage on a successful one.
Entrances
Multiple access ports lead into Argonth’s interior. If the
adventurers came to Argonth first, all access ports shown
on the map are open. If they went to the Lifespark Foundry
first, only the fortified entrance is open: the rest have
been sealed.
Movement Inside Argonth
The fortress interior is a maze of chambers fortified by a
large contingent of Blades soldiers. To navigate it, players
should use the exploration rules detailed in “Exploring the
Cavern” in part 2, with the following adjustments:
• Each hex takes 10 minutes to explore. Class features,
magic items, racial traits, and spells that can be used
repeatedly or that have a duration of 10 minutes or
longer can be used to influence the group checks.
• The base suspicion level is 2 and increases by 1 for
every failed group check.
Hazards. Large numbers of warforged soldiers inside
Argonth can be avoided with Dexterity (Stealth), Wisdom
(Perception), or Charisma (Deception) checks.
16 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD
Mustering the Parliament
Characters who negotiated with Spearhaft and the Parliament
of Gears earlier can make a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion)
check when entering a new hex to try and find sympathizers
among the warforged soldiers. On a success, they can forego
the normal hazard check. They also reduce the suspicion level
by 1. On a failure, the suspicion level increases by 1 and the
characters must make the usual hazard check.
Argonth Locations
The following locations are keyed to the Argonth Interior
map in appendix A:
A1. Brig
Characters who are aware of the prisoners on board
Argonth may choose to free them before or after
destroying the Oracle of Bones. See area C6 in part 2
for details of the prisoner workforce present here. Both
named characters at the restoration site—Ketia and Jara
Blue—are likely to be here when the players arrive.
A2. Bridge
The Oracle of Bones is held on the vessel’s bridge. A war-
forged guardian watches over it, with orders to destroy
anyone who enters the chambers, other than the Lord of
Blades. It won’t leave the chamber and fights to the death to
protect the Oracle. Refer to the Bridge map in appendix A.
The Oracle of Bones. This artifact is a macabre update
on the Oracle of War’s design: a darkwood chest decorated
with the bones of the war dead. It is imbued with the spirits
of thousands who died in the Last War, which cry out for
release in a ghastly, haunting chorus. The Oracle of Bones
possesses the same abilities for read the battlefield as the
Oracle of War but is not tapped into the Draconic Prophecy.
The artifact isn’t easily destroyed—only submerging it
in one of the creation pools in the Lifespark Foundry will
undo its magic and allow its souls to pass on to Dolurrh.
Aaren d’Cannith can impart this information, or the adven-
turers can guess it with a successful DC 16 Intelligence
(Arcana) check. If the Oracle of Bones is submerged in a
creation pool, its surface cracks and splinters, revealing an
unearthly swirl of radiant light. The souls flee their bind-
ings and pass through the pool on their journey to Dolurrh.
Ending the Adventure
The Oracle of Bones is no more, and the Lord of Blades
has been defeated. The adventurers return to Salvation as
champions, but old scores remain to be settled. The Oracle
of War holds the key to Eberron’s future and whoever
claims it will become the master of their own destiny. The
final reckoning arrives in DDAL-EB-20 Old Scores!
About the Author
Andy Dempz is caught somewhere in time and can be most
often be found manifesting in his humble midwestern home-
town of Ann Arbor, MI. He has two children, two dogs, and a
mountain of unpainted plastic. You can follow him on Twitter
at @Andy Dempz.
Rewards
At the end of the adventure, everyone receives rewards
based on their accomplishments:

Player Rewards
At the end of the adventure, each player fills out an
Adventure Record. Print one copy for each player in
the group.
Players earn the following rewards for completing the
adventure:

Advancement
A character participating in this adventure gains one
level. Players must tick the box to show this reward has
been claimed.

Optional: Decline Advancement

A player may decline taking the level advancement. If they do,
they can still take the rewards listed on the Adventure Record,
and still earn legacy events as normal.

Rewards
At the end of the adventure, each character earns the
rewards listed on the Adventure Record. In addition, each
player ticks one of the listed bonus rewards.
Important: If the party failed to perform a listed task
or already consumed the reward, cross it out on their
Adventure Record so they can’t choose it.

Legacy Events
At the end of the adventure, each player should tick any
legacy events earned.
Important: Cross out any legacy events the character
didn’t earn.

DM Rewards
For running this adventure, you earn its Adventure
Record, which you may apply to one of your Eberron
characters. Apply the same rewards your group earned,
including legacy events. If a legacy event was awarded to
a specific character, you may tick that event for your own
character too.
You may complete DM Quests for running this adventure.
See the Adventurers League Dungeon Master’s Guide for
more information about DM Quests.

DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 17

 Important Characters
The following NPCs feature prominently in this adventure:

Important Characters
Name Identity Details
Aaren d’Cannith Human master artificer Creator of the first true warforged, who was excoriated from House Cannith
and has remained missing for the past 28 years.
Gaarvin ir’Gelios Half-human, half-warforged Acolyte of Aaren d’Cannith who met the adventurers in their recent past.
artificer
Jara Blue Human veteran Sky Blue’s father was court-martialed for desertion from the 12th Brelish
Infantry and later taken prisoner by the Blades.
The Lord of Blades Warforged warlord Powerful and charismatic warlord who seeks to conquer Khorvaire at the
head of an army of fanatical warforged followers.

18 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD

Creature Statistics
Aaren d’Cannith Blade Champion
Medium Humanoid (Human), Neutral Good Medium humanoid (warforged), neutral evil

Armor Class 15 (breastplate) Armor Class 18 (natural armor)

Hit Points 104 (19d8 + 19) Hit Points 112 (15d8 + 75)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 19 (+4) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 11 (+0) 16 (+3) 9 (−1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1)

Saving Throws Con +5, Int +8, Wis +7
Skills Animal Handling +7, Arcana +8, Insight +7, Medicine +7
Damage Immunities acid, poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Draconic, Elvish, Primordial
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4
Greater Restoration (1/Day). Aaren can cast greater restoration
if he has access to alchemical supplies.
Spellcasting. Aaren is an 18th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting
ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell
attacks). He has the following artificer spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): light, mending, message, shocking grasp
1st level (4 slots): alarm, cure wounds, identify, ray of sickness
2nd level (3 slots): invisibility, Melf’s acid arrow, web
3rd level (3 slots): dispel magic, haste, stinking cloud
4th level (3 slots): blight, Mordenkainen’s faithful hound,
Otiluke’s resilient sphere
5th level (1 slot): cloudkill
Skills Intimidation +4, Perception +3, Stealth +3
Damage Resistances poison
Damage Immunities fire
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Draconic
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Bladed Armor. Any creature grappling the warforged or
grappled by it takes 5 (1d10) slashing damage at the end of that
creature’s turn.
Shrapnel Explosion. When the warforged drops to 0 hit points,
a flaming orb in its chest explodes, destroying the warforged’s
body and scattering its armor as shrapnel. Creatures within
10 feet of the warforged when it explodes must make a DC 12
Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) piercing damage on a
failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Warforged Resilience. The warforged has advantage on saving
throws against being poisoned and is immune to disease.
Magic can’t put it to sleep.

Actions Actions
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. Multiattack. The warforged makes three melee attacks.
or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage,
Spiked Maul. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw.
target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage, plus 3 (1d6)
On a failed save, the target is affected as if by the polymorph
piercing damage.
spell, transforming into a random Beast (as chosen by the
DM). This effect lasts until the target finishes a long rest.

DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 19

 Living Cloudkill
Large Construct, Unaligned

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

Hit Points 73 (7d10 + 35)
Speed 25 ft., fly 25 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

10 (+0) 15 (+2) 20 (+5) 3 (−4) 11 (+0) 6 (−2)

Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from

nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion,
frightened, grappled, poisoned, prone
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages —
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3

Amorphous. The living spell can move through a space as

narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.
Magic Resistance. The living spell has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions
Multiattack. The living spell makes two Magical Strike attacks.
Magical Strike. Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 22 (5d6 + 5) poison damage.
Spell Mimicry (Recharge 5–6). The living spell creates a
40-foot-diameter sphere of fog within 60 feet of it (the fog
spreads around corners). When a creature enters the fog for the
first time on a turn or starts its turn there, it must make a DC
16 Constitution saving throw, taking 22 (5d8) poison damage
on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
The fog moves 10 feet away from the living spell at the start
of each of its turns, rolling along the ground and through
openings. The fog lasts for 10 minutes or until the living spell’s
concentration ends (as if concentrating on a spell).

20 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD

Lord of Blades, The Warforged Resilience. The Lord of Blades has advantage on
Medium Humanoid (Warforged), Lawful Evil saving throws against being poisoned, is immune to disease,
and magic can’t put him to sleep.
Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 195 (23d8 + 92) Actions
Speed 40 ft.
Multiattack. The Lord of Blades makes three attacks: two with
his adamantine sixblade and one with his bladed wings.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 15 (+2) 18 (+4) 19 (+4) 17 (+3) 18 (+4) Adamantine Sixblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach
10 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) slashing damage plus 7
Saving Throws Str +11, Con +10, Int +10, Wis +9 (2d6) force damage.
Skills Arcana +10, Athletics +11, History +10, Perception +9
Damage Resistances necrotic, poison Bladed Wings. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit,
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5)
Senses passive Perception 19 slashing damage.
Languages Common, Draconic, Dwarvish, Elvish
Challenge 18 (20,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +6 Fire Bolt (Cantrip). Ranged Spell Attack: +10 to hit, range 120
ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d10) fire damage.

Adamantine Plating. Any critical hit against the Lord of Blades Legendary Actions
becomes a normal hit.
The Lord of Blades can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
Bladed Armor. A creature that grapples the Lord of Blades or the options below. Only one legendary action option can be
is grappled by him takes 13 (3d8) slashing damage. A creature used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn.
takes 13 (3d8) slashing damage if it starts its turn grappling or The Lord of Blades regains spent legendary actions at the start
being grappled by the Lord of Blades. of his turn.
Charge. If the Lord of Blades moves at least 10 feet straight Attack. The Lord of Blades makes one weapon attack.
toward a target and then hits it with his adamantine sixblade Cantrip. The Lord of Blades casts one of his cantrips.
on the same turn, the target takes an extra 11 (2d10) slashing Cast a Spell (Costs 2 Actions). The Lord of Blades casts a spell of
damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 2nd level or lower from his spell list that takes 1 action to cast.
19 Strength saving throw or be pushed up to 10 feet away and Blade Dash (Costs 3 Actions). The Lord of Blades moves up to
knocked prone. his speed without provoking opportunity attacks, then makes
one attack with his adamantine sixblade. He can make one
Spellcasting. The Lord of Blades is a 20th-level spellcaster. bladed wings attack against each creature he moves past.
His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 18,
+10 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following artificer
spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): fire bolt (see “Actions” below), mage hand,
mending, prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): expeditious retreat, sanctuary, thunderwave
2nd level (3 slots): blur, heat metal, scorching ray, see invisibility
3rd level (3 slots): dispel magic, fly, haste
4th level (3 slots): freedom of movement, Mordenkainen’s
faithful hound
5th level (2 slots): animate objects, wall of force

Modifications to the Lord of Blades

The Lord of Blades has gained experience in the months
since he last faced the group. He now wears a pair of winged
boots, granting him a Fly speed of 40 feet, and he has gained
the following trait:
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the Lord of Blades fails a
saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 21

 Swarm of Warforged Soldiers Warforged Battlemage
Large Swarm of Medium Humanoids (Warforged), Any Alignment Medium Humanoid (Warforged), Any Alignment

Armor Class 16 (natural armor, shield) Armor Class 20 (natural armor)

Hit Points 105 (14d8 + 42) Hit Points 210 (20d10 + 100)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 24 (+7) 9 (−1) 20 (+5) 20 (+5) 11 (+0) 1 (−5)

Saving Throws Str +9, Dex +5, Wis +6
Skills Athletics +9, Perception +6, Survival +6
Damage Resistances poison
Senses passive Perception 16
Languages Common
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4
Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and
vice versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large
enough for a Medium humanoid. The swarm can’t regain hit
points or gain temporary hit points.
Warforged Resilience. The warforged has advantage on saving
throws against being poisoned and is immune to disease.
Magic can’t put it to sleep.
Actions
Damage Immunities fire, poison, psychic; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren’t
adamantine
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common
Challenge 22 (41,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +7
Fire Absorption. Whenever the warforged is subjected to fire
damage, it takes no damage and instead regains a number of
hit points equal to the fire damage dealt.
Magic Resistance. The warforged has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.
Spellcasting. The warforged is an 18th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 20, +12 to hit
with spell attacks). It has the following wizard spells prepared:

Multiattack. The swarm makes four weapon attacks, or two
weapon attacks if the swarm has half its hit points or fewer.
Shock Armblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) slashing damage plus 10 (3d6)
lightning damage.
Shock Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach
5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing
damage plus 10 (3d6) lightning damage.
Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, mage hand, prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, magic missile, shield
2nd level (3 slots): blur, detect thoughts, misty step, shatter
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, dispel magic, fireball, haste
4th level (3 slots): blight, greater invisibility
5th level (3 slots): animate objects, Bigby’s hand, scrying
6th level (1 slot): chain lightning, globe of invulnerability
7th level (1 slot): finger of death, forcecage
8th level (1 slot): incendiary cloud, power word stun
9th level (1 slot): power word kill

Reactions Warforged Resilience. The warforged has advantage on saving

Protection. When an attacker the swarm can see makes an
attack roll against the swarm or against a creature within 5
feet of the swarm, the swarm can impose disadvantage on the
attack roll.
throws against being poisoned and is immune to disease.
Magic can’t put it to sleep.
Actions
Multiattack. The warforged makes two melee attacks.
Armblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 23 (3d10 + 7) slashing damage.
Poison Breath (Recharge 6). The warforged exhales poisonous
gas in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make
a DC 20 Constitution saving throw, taking 45 (10d8) poison
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one.

22 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD

Warforged Dragon Warforged Guardian
Huge Construct, Unaligned Large Construct, Typically Lawful Neutral

Armor Class 17 (natural armor) Armor Class 22 (natural armor)

Hit Points 147 (14d12 + 56) Hit Points 432 (32d10 + 256)
Speed 30 ft., fly 90 ft. Speed 40 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
24 (+7) 11 (+0) 19 (+4) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 3 (−4) 28 (+9) 12 (+1) 26 (+8) 19 (+4) 15 (+2) 18 (+4)

Saving Throws Str +11, Con +8
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities cold, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages the languages known by its creator
Challenge 11 (7,200 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4
Immutable Form. The dragon is immune to any spell or effect
that would alter its form.
Magic Resistance. The dragon has advantage on saving throws
against spells and other magical effects.
Siege Monster. The dragon deals double damage to objects and
structures.
Unusual Nature. The dragon doesn’t require air, food, drink, or
sleep, and it gains no benefit from finishing a short or long rest.
Saving Throws Int +12, Wis +10, Cha +12
Skills Insight +10, Intimidation +12, Perception +10
Damage Resistances thunder; bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 20
Languages Common
Challenge 25 (75,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +8
Immutable Form. The warforged is immune to any spell or
effect that would alter its form.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the warforged fails a saving
throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Magic Resistance. The warforged has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions
Actions Multiattack. The warforged makes two Unerring Slam attacks.
Multiattack. The dragon uses its Malevolent Presence. It then Unerring Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: automatic hit, reach 5 ft.,
makes three attacks: two with its claws and one with its tail. If one target. Hit: 60 force damage, and the target is pushed up
the dragon isn’t flying, it can also make one attack with its wings. to 5 feet away from the warforged if it is Huge or smaller.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Blazing Edict (Recharge 5–6). Arcane energy emanates from
target. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 7) slashing damage. the warforged’s chest in a 60-foot cube. Every creature in that
area takes 45 radiant damage. Each creature that takes any of
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
this damage must succeed on a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw or
target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage.
be stunned until the end of the warforged’s next turn.
Wings. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 12 (2d4 + 7) bludgeoning damage.
Malevolent Presence. Any creature with an Intelligence of 4 or
more that is within 30 feet of the dragon must succeed on a
DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by it for 1 minute.
A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its
turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s
saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature
is immune to the dragon’s Malevolent Presence for the next
24 hours.
A creature charmed in this way fixates on another creature or
object that the dragon mentally chooses and must, on each of
its turns, move as close as it can to that target and use its action
to make a melee attack against it. If the dragon doesn’t choose
a target, the charmed creature can act normally on its turn.
Radiant Breath (Recharge 5–6). The dragon exhales a ray
of radiant energy in a 120-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each
creature in that line must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw,
taking 31 (7d8) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as
much damage on a successful one.
 Warforged Titan
Huge Construct, Typically Lawful Neutral

Armor Class 20 (natural armor)

Hit Points 125 (10d12 + 60)
Speed 40 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

23 (+6) 8 (−1) 22 (+6) 3 (−4) 11 (+0) 1 (−5)

Damage Immunities poison, psychic

Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t
speak
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3

Platforms. The warforged titan has two platforms built into

its chassis. One Medium or smaller creature can ride on each
platform without squeezing. To make a melee attack against a
target within 5 feet of the warforged, they must use spears or
weapons with reach and the target must be Large or larger.
Siege Monster. The warforged titan deals double damage to
objects and structures.

Actions
Multiattack. The warforged titan makes one axehand attack
and one hammerfist attack.
Axehand. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 19 (3d8 + 6) slashing damage, plus 11 (2d10)
slashing damage if the target is prone.
Hammerfist. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 19 (3d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a
creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or
be knocked prone.
Sweeping Axe (Recharge 6). The warforged titan makes a sweep
with its axehand, and each creature within 10 feet of it must
make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 19 (3d8
+ 6) slashing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage
on a successful one.

24 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD

 Handout 1: Flames of War

Flames of War
Summary
Flames of War is a four-part storyline that concludes the Oracle of War campaign. The Five Nations unite to wrest the
floating fortress Argonth back from the Lord of Blades and prevent the renegade warforged from seizing control of a
House Cannith creation forge.

The Story So Far

In the ruins of the Mournland, you recovered a strange device, the Oracle of War. This artifact had the power to provide
tactical advice, but soon malfunctioned and revealed a verse from the Draconic Prophecy. In Breland, you met the
sphinx Flamewind and the orphan thief Sky Blue—and learned that the Oracle’s prophecies were starting to come true.
Returning to the Mournland, you sought out Sulring Mroranon, creator of the Oracle of War. You discovered the
Lord of Blades had captured him and forced him to craft a new device, the Oracle of Bones. You rescued Sulring from
captivity, but the Brelish flying fortress Argonth was lost during the battle.
Brought before the Institute of the Twelve, the Oracle revealed a new prophecy that indicated the Lord of Blades
was now a direct threat to Khorvaire. Sulring Mroranon revealed he had received assistance from the Order of the
Emerald Claw to craft the Oracle of Bones. You captured one of the Emerald Claw’s commanders and learned the
Lord of Blades had traded him a map to the ruins of a daelkyr sanctuary deep below Metrol. Before you could act on
this information, agents of the Undying Court awakened elven sleeper agents across the continent in a deadly move to
seize control of the Oracle of War.
As Khorvaire reeled from the attack, you returned to the Mournland to seek out the daelkyr sanctuary. Learning
that the Emerald Claw were damaging the sanctuary’s Gatekeeper seal, you traveled to the Mror Holds and the
Talenta Plains and acquired the magical means to restore the seal and foil the order’s plans before they could
accidentally wake the daelkyr Valaara. Interrogating their leader, you learned the Lord of Blades is hunting for a
secret government facility in the ruins of Making. It’s time to put a stop to him for good.

Objectives
Your goals in Flames of War are as follows:

1. Locate the whereabouts of the secret facility in Making.

2. Lead the alliance into the Mournland to defeat the Lord of Blades and destroy the Oracle of Bones.

The Oracle of War

The Oracle of War is a large, beautifully stained wood chest, set with cogs and gears. It’s three feet wide, two feet
deep, three-and-a-half feet tall, and weighs 200 lb. Once per day, you can spend 1 minute feeding the device battlefield
information to make a DC 10 Wisdom (Insight or Perception) group check. On a success, the Oracle provides tactical
advice to aid your party in combat. Each adventurer in your group
chooses one of the following benefits, which lasts for 1 hour or
until used. These benefits only affect you if you remain within
500 feet of the location where you used the Oracle of War.
• You gain surprise at the start of your next combat.
During that combat, you have advantage on Dexterity
(Stealth) checks.
• You can turn one hit from a weapon attack into a
critical hit.
• For 1 minute, you ignore a single creature’s
damage resistances and immunities.
• You gain 10 temporary hit points.
OLGA DREBAS

DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD 25

 Handout 2: Timestream Integrity

While traveling into the past, you must preserve the timestream by ensuring that known events in the future occur.
Interfering with any of the following events incurs an immediate time travel consequence:
• The Lord of Blades must survive until the timestream synchs up.
• The Lord of Blades must be permitted to build his army in the Lifespark Foundry.
• Any warforged creations that you saw on the battlefield during EB-19 Back to the Mud must survive until the timestream
synchs up.
• You must convince Gaarvin to relay their message to you. Gaarvin and the warforged dragon must survive to deliver the
message on day 4.
• Casting a spell of 5th level or higher also incurs a time travel consequence.
You won’t be able to rest until you return to your own time. You won’t suffer negative effects from a lack of sleep, but you’ll
be unable to benefit from short or long rests. Any abilities or magic items tied to rests or the passage of time won’t recharge
until the timestream synchs back up.

26 DDAL-EB-19 BACK TO THE MUD

Handout 3: Adamantine Sixblade

Adamantine Sixblade
Weapon (double-bladed scimitar), very rare (requires attunement)
The adamantine sixblade is the Lord of Blades’ signature double-bladed scimitar. It deals 2d6 slashing damage on a hit instead of the usual
2d4 damage. When you hit with an attack using this magic weapon, the target takes an extra 2d6 force damage.
Special. If you attack with the adamantine sixblade as part of the Attack action on your turn, you can use a bonus action immediately after
to make a melee attack with it. This attack deals 1d6 slashing damage on a hit, instead of 2d6.

Name Damage Weight Properties

Adamantine Sixblade 2d6 slashing + 2d6 force 10 lb. Special, two-handed

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 Appendix A: Dungeon Master Maps
Glass Cavern (Part 2)

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Creation Forge (Part 3)

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 Argonth Interior (Part 3)

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Bridge (Part 3)

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Appendix B: Dungeon Master Miscellany
Short-Term Madness Table (Part 3)
A calm emotions spell can suppress the effects of madness, while a lesser restoration or greater restoration spell can rid a
character of short-term madness.

Short-Term Madness
d100 Effect (lasts 1d10 minutes)
01–20 The character retreats into their mind and becomes paralyzed. The effect ends if the character takes any damage.
21–30 The character becomes incapacitated and spends the duration screaming, laughing, or weeping.
31–40 The character becomes frightened and must use their action and movement each round to flee from the source of the fear.
41–50 The character begins babbling and is incapable of normal speech or spellcasting.
51–60 The character must use their action each round to attack the nearest creature.
61–70 The character experiences vivid hallucinations and has disadvantage on ability checks.
71–75 The character does whatever anyone tells them to do that isn’t obviously self-destructive.
76–80 The character experiences an overpowering urge to eat something strange such as dirt, slime, or offal.
81–90 The character is stunned.
91–00 The character falls unconscious.
Appendix C: Dungeon
Master Tips
To run an adventure as a DM, you must have 3 to 7
players—each with their own character within the
adventure’s level range (see Adventure Overview).
New to D&D Adventurers League?
https://dnd.wizards.com/ddal_general
Preparing the Adventure
Before you start play, consider the following:
• Read through the adventure, taking notes of anything
you’d like to highlight or remind yourself of while
running it, such as a way you’d like to portray an NPC or
a tactic you’d like to use in combat. Familiarize yourself
with the adventure’s appendixes and handouts.
• Gather any resources you’d like to use to aid you in
running the adventure, such as notecards, a DM screen,
miniatures, and battle maps.
• Ask the players to provide you with relevant character
information, such as name, race, class, level, passive
Wisdom (Perception) score, and anything the adventure
specifies as notable (such as backgrounds and
legacy events).
Players can play an adventure they previously played as
a player or ran as a DM, but may only do so once with a
given character. At the end of the session, give each player
an Adventure Record for this adventure, and take one for
yourself. The adventure information and your information
are added at the end of the session—whether they
completed the adventure or not.
Each player is responsible for maintaining their
Adventure Records, or another logsheet with the relevant
information. If you have time, you can do a quick scan
of a player’s character sheet to ensure nothing looks out
of order. If you see magic items of very high rarities or
strange arrays of ability scores, you can ask players to
provide documentation for the irregularities. If they can’t,
feel free to restrict item use or ask them to use a standard
ability score array.
Point players to the D&D Adventurers League Oracle
of War Player’s Guide for reference. Unless the adventure
specifies otherwise, players should select their characters’
spells and other daily options prior to the start of the
adventure. Feel free to reread the adventure description to
help give players hints about what they might face.
Adjusting This Adventure
To determine whether you should consider adjusting the
adventure, add up the characters’ levels and divide the
total by the number of characters (rounding .5 or greater
up; .4 or less down). This is the group’s average party
level (APL). To approximate the party strength for the
adventure, consult the table below.
Determining Party Strength
Party Composition Party Strength
3–4 characters, APL less than Very weak
3–4 characters, APL equivalent Weak
3–4 characters, APL greater than Average
5 characters, APL less than Weak
5 characters, APL equivalent Average
5 characters, APL greater than Strong
6–7 characters, APL less than Average
6–7 characters, APL equivalent Strong
6–7 characters, APL greater than Very strong
Safety Tools
Safety tools help ensure players aren’t pushed beyond their
comfort levels. These tools let your players know you want
them to have a positive experience. Some common safety
tools are provided below, each with a summary of how they
work. An article about one such safety kit is provided to help
with further information. Ensure that you discuss these tools
with your players before the game:
• Code of Conduct. This is a group agreement for play. It
outlines desired and prohibited behaviors, confidential
reporting, and possible consequences.
• Pregame and Postgame Discussions. Use time before the
game to explain content warnings, set boundaries, and
collaborate on a safety plan. Then decompress and discuss
improvements at the end of the game.
• Be Welcoming. Welcome and encourage respectful and
open conversations about issues as they arise. Show that
you’re listening by avoiding defensive responses.
• Confidentiality. Provide contact information for private
and confidential conversations between players and DM.
Only disclose another player’s name if that player gave
unpressured permission for you to do so.
• Safety Tools. Learn about the safety tools that TTRPG
community members have created and compiled. A
broad range of such safety tools are available for you and
your players online, or you can get more information by
reaching out to your event organizer or community@
dndadventurersleague.org.
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