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The Road Through Kryptgarden ~1~

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Appendix: Creatures 24
Serafina Tanerathen 25
Table of Contents 2
Blighted Treant 26
Credits 3 Gnawbones Druid 27
Map of the Sword Coast 4 Guardian Statue 28
Introduction 5 Half-Ogre (Ogrillon) 29
Background 5 Needle Blight 29
Location Overview 5 Orc 29
Ogre 30
Part 1:Into Kryptgarden Forest 5
Phase Spider 30
Travelling through Kryptgarden Forest 5

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Twisted Dryad 31
Becoming Lost 6
Venomfang 32
Encounters in Kryptgarden Forest 7
Venom Troll 33
Part 2: The Standing Stones 10

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Wereboar 34
Dreams In the Night 10 Wood Woad 35
Reality Vs. Dreams 11
Appendix: Magic Items 36
Journeying to the Standing Stones 12
Cormandar 37
The Standing Stones Locations 13
Flute of Phalorm 37
Aftermath 14
Mithral Splint Mail +1 38
Awarding Experience Points 14
Part 3: The Puzzle Crypt 14
An Ancient Message
The Tomb Locations
Aftermath
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Awarding Experience 20
Part 4: A Fort In The Woods 20
The Prison Camp 20
The Truth of the Situation 20
Arrival At The Prison Camp 21
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Prison Camp Locations 21

Aftermath 23
Awarding Experience Points 23
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DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, Eberron, the dragon
ampersand, Ravnica and 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.

This work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast and/or other authors. Such material is used
with permission under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.

All other original material in this work is copyright 2021 by Carl Vandal and published under the Community
Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.

The Road Through Kryptgarden ~2~

 CREDITS

Some maps copyright Michael C. LaBossiere

(used with permission)

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NOTES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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The Road Through Kryptgarden ~3~

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Map of the Sword Coast—created by Christian Zeuch (www.czrpg.com)

The Road Through Kryptgarden ~4~


This adventure is for five to six 8th-9th level Dungeons &
Dragons 5th Editions characters. The material contained in
this document can serve as a one-shot adventure, or a quick
side adventure for your established game. This adventure is
set in the Forgotten Realms and can act as a follow on to the
“Lost Mines of Phandelver” or “Dragon of Icespire Peak”.
The adventure is a follow-on from “Halls of the Goblin King”
but can be played on its own.
BACKGROUND
Following an elaborate banquet at Wave Echo Cave, to
celebrate the opening of a new mining seam, the adventurers
were invited to a meeting with Gundren Rockseeker, Sildar
Hallwinter and Linene Graywind.
At the meeting, the adventurers were tasked with surveying
an old route through the Sword Mountains, leading past
Southkrypt, through Kryptgarden Forest, and on to
Westbridge.
As Linene explained, though, the old dwarven settlement had
become home to a tribe of goblins, and the party were
instructed to deal with the goblins.
The adventurers journeyed to Southkrypt, facing all the
dangers that the Sword Mountains could throw at them.
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Upon arriving at Southkrypt, they gained entry to the fortress
and faced the self-styled “Goblin King”.
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Having dealt with the situation at Southkrypt, the
adventurers are now ready to continue the task of surveying
the route to Westbridge.
LOCATION OVERVIEW
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Kryptgarden is a small wooden region near Westbridge. It
hides many old dwarven ruins and the extensive underground
city known as Southkrypt. For centuries, Kryptgarden Forest
has been the home and haunting ground of the ancient,
female green dragon, Claugiyliamatar, better know as “Old
Gnawbones”. She earned her nickname from her habit of
gnawing on old kills, and is often seen with a mangled corpse
hanging from her mouth. Other dragons rarely remain in
Kryptgarden Forest for long because Claugiyliamatar drives
them out.
The prolonged presence of Claugiyliamatar has had a
pronounced impact on the environment of Kryptgarden
Forest. A perpetual fog hangs in the air throughout the
wood, carrying with it a strong acrid smell, reminiscent of
the breath of the dragon. The moss-covered trees that
form the forest, grow much closer together, and the few
paths that exist wind their way through the forest like a
maze. The light that reaches the forest floor carries an
emerald green cast, and every sound in the forest seems
muffled.
The creatures of the forest have likewise been warped by
the magical presence of the ancient dragon. The rare
dryad or treant to be found within Kryptgarden Forest
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have been twisted into distorted parodies of the peaceful,
friendly creatures that most would expect them to be. A
large colony of phase spiders has made its residence in
the southern part of the forest but can be found hunting
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throughout, except near the dragon’s lair. Trolls within
the forest have been warped by the poison that permeates
the ground, becoming Venom Trolls and Dire Trolls.
The numerous ruins to be found throughout Kryptgarden
have also suffered from the influence of the dragon’s
presence. Greater levels of decay are more common, and
the forest has encroached into the ruins to a much greater
degree.
It is through this that the adventurers must make there
way, and survey a route to Westbridge.
PART 1: INTO
KRYPTGARDEN FOREST
The dwarfs of Southkrypt cultivated an area near their
stronghold that they named Southkrypt Gardens. It was
from these gardens that Kryptgarden Forest grew.
Claugiyliamatar took up residence in the forest around
about 1285 DR, and over time the forest changed due to
her magic.
The adventurers will be familiar with the legends
regarding Kryptgarden Forest, and that it is the home to
an ancient green dragon.
TRAVELLING THROUGH
KRYPTGARDEN FOREST
Westbridge is more than 100 miles due east of
Southkrypt, requiring the adventurers to travel straight
through the northern edge of Kryptgarden Forest. Given
that the adventurers need to survey the route for Linene
Graywind, it will take at least eight days travel to reach
the town.
Traveling through Kryptgarden Forest requires ability
checks to avoid hazards and threats. Any time the party
fails at one of these ability checks, roll on the
Kryptgarden Forest Encounters table.
For every three hours of travel the adventurers need to
make a DC18 Wisdom (Survival) check. Additionally, when
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~5~

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they set up camp for the night they need to make two DC15
Wisdom (Survival) checks. If any adventurer has Forest as a
favored terrain, they make these rolls with Advantage.
When the party enters the forest read the following to
them:
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As you descend from the mountains, the trees become more
frequent around you. Ahead you can see them stretching to
the horizon. Kryptgarden Forest beckons you to enter.
As you pass the border of the forest, there is a marked
change. The dim light that penetrates the canopy takes on a
pale shade of green, an acrid smell permeates the air, and
there is an unnatural quiet that pervades the forest.
A slight breeze moves through the trees, briefly rustling the
branches before dissipating suddenly. For such a large forest,
it appears entirely devoid of signs of animals or birds.
Finding your bearings before continuing, you set off east
through the trees, moving slowly to allow you time to
properly survey the route you are taking. Westbridge and the
Long Road await.
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Becoming Lost
Travelling beneath the canopy of Kryptgarden Forest can
be very confusing for the adventurers. While attempting
to survey a route through the forest, it is entirely possible
that the adventurers may find themselves becoming lost
amongst the trees.
The party navigator must make two DC15 Wisdom
(Survival) checks per day of travel. Even though the
adventurers are travelling slowly, there is no bonus to this
check due to the conditions present within Kryptgarden
Forest.
If both Wisdom (Survival) checks succeed, the party
travels in the desired direction without becoming lost. If
either of the checks fails, the party inadvertently travels
in the wrong direction and becomes lost. If one check
fails, the adventures spend two hours travelling in the
wrong direction before they can make another check to
get back on course. If both checks fail, the adventures
spend four hours travelling in the wrong direction before
they can make another check to get back on course.
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~6~
 Kryptgarden Forest Encounters failed save (or half as much damage on a successful one.

1d20 Event (see below for details) Any adventurer that ends their turn in the cloud must
make another saving throw.
1-2 Lightning Storm
Gnawbones Druid
3 Blighted Treant
As the party make there way through the trees, ahead of
4-5 Venom Trolls them they spot a small clearing. Sat cross-legged on a
6 Insect Swarm rock in the center of the clearing is a young woman. The
party will recognise that she is communing with nature,
7-8 River Crossing and is therefore likely to be a druid, if they succeed on a
9 Twisted Dryad DC12 Intelligence (Arcana) or Intelligence (Religion)

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check.
10-11 Mysterious Corpse
If the party approach the young woman, she will initially
12 Poison Cloud and Spores
be surprised to see them in the forest. She will ask them
13-14 Gnawbones Druid about their plans and why they are in Kryptgarden. If

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15 Terrified Ogre questioned about her own intentions in the forest, she
will be evasive and vague. If any of the adventurers
16-17 Spiders in the Wood succeed on a DC12 Wisdom (Insight) check, they will
18 Elemental Cloud (Acid) recognise the signs that she is trying to deceive them
about her intentions.
19-20 Venomfang

ENCOUNTERS IN KRYPTGARDEN
If the party attack her, the young woman turns out to be
quite capable of defending herself. She is a member of the

FOREST e Gnawbones Druidic Circle. They worship the ancient

green dragon, Claugiyliamatar, and draw power from her
The adventurers might have the following encounters as they and the forest.
travel through Kryptgarden Forest while heading to As she is outnumbered, the druid will try to escape. To
Westbridge. assist her in doing this she will use the following spells:
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Blighted Treant • Earth Tremor
The trees in the area that the party are traversing are
• Entangle
exceptionally old. Any of the adventurers will realize this if
they succeed in a DC15 Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom • Spike Growth
(Survival) check. Unfortunately, they also show signs of
suffering from tree blight. • Erupting Earth
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As the adventurers proceed through the area they each need • Plant Growth,
to make a DC15 Wisdom (Perception) check. If more than half
• Maelstrom.
of them fail this check then they are surprised by the sudden
awakening of the blighted treant as it attacks the interlopers If forced to fight the party, she will summon as much help
in his home. If more than half of them succeed in this check, as she can by casting
they are not taken by surprise.
• Summon Beast
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Additionally, there is one needle blight plus a needle blight

per two members of the party that will appear from tree • Summon Elemental
canopy to assist the blighted treant.
• Summon Fey.
The blighted treant will fight to the death. It has been
She will use her ability to wild shape to turn herself into a
corrupted by both blight and the draconic influence that
brown bear, dire wolf or giant owl. She is limited to only
pervades Kryptgarden Forest.
two shapes.

Elemental Cloud (Acid)
This area has been touched by elemental essence. A light
green fog appears to hang in the air, and is unaffected by the
wind. This will be evident to adventurers if they succeed in a
DC15 Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom (Survival) check. A
Detect Magic spell will reveal the presence of faint magic in
the area.
As a last ditch attempt to escape she will cast Meld with
Stone, and enter the rock in the center of the clearing.
Insect Swarm
This area is the where a swarm of insects have chosen to
rest. This will be evident to adventurers if they succeed in
a DC15 Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom (Survival) check.

If an adventurer enters the cloud they must make a DC12 Finding a path around the swarm’s resting spot requires
Constitution saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) acid damage on a a DC12 Wisdom (Survival) check, and adds two hours to

The Road Through Kryptgarden ~7~

 the journey time. Failing this check adds four hours to the
journey time.
Should the adventurers choose to proceed through the area,
they must each make a DC12 Dexterity (Stealth) check. If
more than half of them fail this check they disturb the
insect swarm. The swarm engulfs the adventurers, and will
pursue them as they try to get away from it.
A cloud of swarming insects surrounds the adventures,
filling a 30-foot-radius sphere, and the swarm can move 20
-feet each round.
Adventurers in the same area as the insect swarm must
make a DC12 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save,
they take 11 (2d10) piercing damage (or half as much on a
successful save).
An adventurer that ends their turn within the insect storm
must make another saving throw. An adventurer cannot be
damaged by the insect swarm if it is wielding a torch or is
within 5-feet of a fire.
Once the adventurers are more than 40-feet away from the
swarm, it will stop pursuing them.
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Lightning Storm
The weather starts changing, initially with a heavy
downpour but then turns into a fierce lighting storm. This
will be evident to adventurers if they succeed in a DC15
Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom (Survival) check. The
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adventurers can then choose to seek suitable shelter or to
continue with their journey.
If the adventurers choose to find somewhere to wait out the
weather, they need to all make a DC12 Wisdom (Perception)
check to find a suitable location to wait out the weather. If
they fail this check, they are unable to find suitable cover
and have to continue their journey. If they find cover, they
need to wait for three hours for the lightning storm to
reduce in intensity, at which point they are able to resume
their journey.
If the adventurers continue with their journey, then they
each need to make six DC15 Wisdom (Survival) checks. Each
failed check results in the adventurer suffering injury due to
the inclement weather. They take 9 (2d8) damage. A
critical fail results in the adventurer being struck by
lightning. They take 27 (6d8) lightning damage, and if they
are wearing heavy armour this increases to 45 (8d8)
lightning damage. Healing potions and spells can be used
between rolls to reduce the damage taken.
Mysterious Corpse
As the adventurers turn a corner, any of them that
succeed on a DC12 Wisdom (Perception) check spot a
shape lying in the undergrowth ahead of them.
As they approach, they will realize that the shape is a
body. A success on a DC12 Intelligence (Investigation) or
Wisdom (Survival) check will find evidence that there was
a fight and that the body was dragged into the
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undergrowth.
The body is of a young, female half-elf, dressed in leather
armor. A longbow lies discarded near the body. A success
on DC12 Intelligence (Investigation) or Wisdom
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(Perception) check will find marks on the body that
indicate she died from wounds caused by arrows to her
torso.
If the adventurers search the area, a success in a DC15
Intelligence (Investigation) or Wisdom (Perception)
check will find a discarded messenger satchel which has
been emptied.
The body is that of a harper messenger who was carrying
missives from a contact in Westbridge to Sister Garaele
in Phandalin. She was ambushed by a Zhentarim party
and her messages were taken to Halia Thornton. This can
lead to further adventurers at a later point.
Poison Cloud and Spores
This forest floor in this area is covered with fungal
growth.. This will be evident to adventurers if they
succeed in a DC15 Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom
(Survival) check.
Finding a path around the fungus requires a DC12 Wisdom
(Survival) check, and adds two hours to the journey time.
Failing this check adds four hours to the journey time.
Should the adventurers choose to proceed they must each
make a DC12 Dexterity (Acrobatics) or Dexterity (Stealth)
check. If more than half of them fail this check they
disturb the spore residue in the area, and a spore cloud
fills a 60-foot-radius sphere around the party.
Adventurers in the same area as the cloud must make a
DC12 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, they
take 11 (2d10) poison damage (or half as much on a
successful save), and suffers from the condition of being
Poisoned for one hour.
An adventurer that ends their turn within the cloud must
make another saving throw to try to resist the poison
damage.
River Crossing
The route that the adventurers have chosen to follow has
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~8~
 led them to river crossing, spanning a 30-foot wide river. Twisted Dryad
The party will realize that the crossing is unsafe if they
From just ahead of them on the trail that the adventurers
succeed in a DC15 Wisdom (Perception) check. Finding an
are following, they hear the sound of some female voices
alternate route, avoiding the crossing, requires two DC15
singing pleasantly.
Wisdom (Survival) checks, and adds six hours to the journey
time. Failing these checks adds three additional hours to the If they choose to investigate, each member of the party
journey time for each failure. must make a DC12 Dexterity (Stealth) check. If more than
half of the party succeed in this they approach the area
Attempting to cross the river counts as if crossing difficult
ahead of them without being detected. If more than half of
terrain and requires that each adventurer make two DC15
the party fail this check, then the are detected as they
Strength (Athletics) or a DC15 Wisdom (Survival) checks. If
approach the area ahead.
either of these checks is failed, the adventurer is caught up
by the flow of the river and is swept away.. They travel 30 As the adventures approach, they see two dryads sitting at

feet downstream and take 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage.
Once per turn, the adventurers caught in the river can make
a DC15 Strength (Athletics) check. On a success, the
adventurer moves 15 feet towards the shore. Two successes
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the center of a copse of trees, singing. If the party
approached without being detected, the dryads continue
singing until the party make their presence known. If the
party were detected, the dryads stop their singing as the

are required to exit the river. If the adventurer fails this roll,
they suffer the same effect as before, taken 30 feet
downstream and take 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage.
Spiders in the Woods
The area that the adventurers are travelling through is an
very dense section of the forest. The trees are much closer
together and it becomes more difficult for the party to
proceed. The area is a prime location for an ambush, which
will be clear to any adventurer that succeeds on a DC15
Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom (Survival) check.
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party approaches and turn to face the adventurers.
Anyone who succeeds on a DC15 Intelligence (Nature) or
Wisdom (Perception) check, notices that the dryads do not
appear like any dryad they have every heard of previously.
The dryads foliage like bodies are dark green in coloration,
tending towards black in some areas.
If the party move closer to the dryads and attempt to start
talking with them, the creatures reveal their true nature

Finding a path around the densely packed area requires a

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DC12 Wisdom (Survival) check, and adds two hours to the
journey time. Failing this check adds four hours to the
journey time.

If the party chooses to proceed through the area, they need

to each make a DC12 Wisdom (Perception) check. If more
than half the party fail this check, they are surprised by the
attack that materializes.
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As the adventurers make their way through the dense

woodland they are set upon by a foraging party from the
phase spider colony that has been established in the
southern area of Kryptgarden Forest. There is one phase
spider per member of the party.

Terrified Ogre
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As the adventurers come around a turn in the path, they spot

ahead of them an ogre desperately digging in the ground.
The creature is oblivious to the party’s presence and
continues to be so as they approach.

As they get closer, they will notice that the ogre’s hands are
covered in its own blood and it is repeating only one word,
“Hide!”

The ogre had the misfortune of witnessing two of its

brethren being eaten by Claugiyliamatar. It managed to
escape but was so traumatized by the encounter that it is
trying to dig itself a hole to hide in. The ground in the area is
very tough and this has caused the injuries to its hands.
The ogre will only fight if forced to as it would rather escape
from the forest as quickly as it can.
Venomfang
As the adventures enter a large clearing in the forest they
become aware that there is a large shadow in the sky
overhead. The creature alights in the clearing, a young
green dragon called Venomfang.

The Road Through Kryptgarden ~9~


Venomfang was driven out of his lair in Thundertree by a
group of adventures (if the characters were that group he
will recognise them), and has been seeking a new lair every
since. He knows that settling in Kryptgarden is not an
option, Claugiyliamatar is his grandmother but that would
not stop her from killing him for intruding in her territory.
Venomfang will claim that he is here as an emissary of
Claugiyliamatar, and will attempt to persuade the
adventurers to explore a ruined tower that lays ahead of
them. He will claim that they will receive a reward from
Claugiyliamatar if they clear the tower of its current
residents. (This leads to Part 4: A Fort In The Woods.)
Any adventurer that succeeds on a DC15 Wisdom (Insight)
check will realize that Venomfang is not being entirely
honest with them.
If the party attacks Venomfang, he will fight back but will
attempt to flee if he is reduced to half hit points.
(If Venomfang was slain during your playthrough of “Lost
Mines of Phandelver”, then this young green dragon will
be called Terrorwing).
Venom Trolls
While making their way through the forest, the party
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of a deer. The venom trolls claw and bite each other, trying
to take possession of the tasty remains.
When the adventurers find the venom trolls, they are at
half their starting hit points. If the adventurers can remain
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quiet, the venom trolls beat each other up even more, until
they are all down to a quarter of their starting hit points.
To avoid being spotted by the venom trolls each member of
the party must make a DC12 Dexterity (Stealth) check. If
more than half the party succeed, the venom trolls
continue fighting without becoming aware of the
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adventurers.
There is one venom troll plus an addition venom troll per
three members of the party. The adventurers represent the
biggest potential meal that the venom trolls have seen in
months, so they will fight to the death.
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PART 2: THE STANDING
STONES
Kryptgarden Forest holds lots of secrets, and has been home
over the centuries to many different individuals and groups.
At one time, a circle of druids resided in the forest, allied to
the dwarfs of Southkrypt. When Claugiyliamatar arrived in
the forest, the circle attempted to fight the dragon but she
proved too powerful for them, and the circle was almost
wiped out.
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The last surviving druid retreated to the haven of the druidic
circle, a small circle of standing stones with a mythal stone
at its center, and a portal to a small area of the Feywild.
No matter how Claugiyliamatar tried, she could not enter the
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area of the stones, nor could her servants cross the boundary.
In the end, she decided that the single druid was of no
further consequence and she forgot about the standing
stones.
Then the Spellplague hit, and the power of the mythal at the
heart of the stone circle was disrupted. The protection that
the stones had weakened. Claugiyliamatar did not become
the affects of the Spellplague started to dissipate, the power
of the mythal started to return.
Claugiyliamatar's attention was once more drawn to this
aberration within her forest, when she sensed the power of
the circles retuning. She is determined to prevent this
happening but is unwilling to risk herself to deal with such
powerful magic..
It is with this in mind that she approaches the party to coerce
them into investigating the stones.
DREAMS IN THE NIGHT
When the party takes stops to rest for the night, read the
following to them:
The night passes quietly but not uneventfully.
As you sleep, you become aware that you seem to be
sharing your dreams. You are still within Kryptgarden
Forest but it appears much younger, and the light in the
forest is brighter. The strange, acrid smell that permeates
the forest is not present.
As you look around you realise that there is a robed figure
standing at the edge of your camp, leaning on a wooden
staff. The figure steps forward and pushes back the hood of
their robe, to reveal an elderly female with silvery hair,
with a touch of green running through it.
“Well met my friends,” she starts, with an accent that you
cannot place. “I have need of your assistance.”
The female in the dream is Claugiyliamatar, using her crystal
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~10~
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balls to manipulate the dreams of the adventurers.
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Claugiyliamatar will explain that she will ensure that the

She will converse with them for as long as she feels it is
necessary, to persuade them to investigate the standing
stones. To this end, she will share the following information
with the party:
• The standing stones are located about half a days travel
southward.
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reward is delivered to them once they have dealt with the
circle.
If the party seems reluctant to travel to the stone circle, then
Claugiyliamatar will cast suggestion on them, through the
crystal ball. Each member of the party must succeed on a
DC17 Wisdom saving throw to resist the suggestion to

investigate the standing stones. If more than half the party

• The stones were once the grove to a powerful circle of
fail this save, then they all succumb to the suggestion.
druids.

• The circle provides protection to those within it, from
dragons, fiends and other creatures.
• There is a link between the circle and the Feywild.
• There are further, powerful magic that may be found
within the circle.
Reality vs. Dreams
Claugiyliamatar has told the party what she believes they
will need to hear to make them want to investigate the
standing stones.
However, she has left out a vast amount of information:

Claugiyliamatar will attempt to convince the party that it is • The standing stones have stood in Kryptgarden Forest
essential that they deal with potential threat that a portal to for over one thousand years.
the Feywild represents to the region. She will tell the party
• They formed the center point of a Druid Grove of a
that they may keep any magical items they find, and will offer
powerful Circle of the Forest.
them a reward of 500gp and gems worth 200gp.
• The central stone altar is a mythal stone but lost most
Should the party ask how they can collect this reward,

The Road Through Kryptgarden ~11~

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e the next events. They can either head directly towards the
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of its power during the Spellplague.
Standing Stones or they can continue towards Westbridge,
• The mythal stone has acted as a mitigating force on the choosing to ignore the dreams.
influence Claugiyliamatar has had on Kryptgarden
In either case, read the following to them:
Forest.
As you make your way along the paths winding their way
• The mythal stone, although now much weaker, is still
through Kryptgarden Forest, a heavy fog descends. For a brief
able to protect the druid grove by influencing nearby
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moment, you pause to avoid becoming lost in the sudden

creatures.
shroud of darkness, and then it dissipates.
• The standing stones act as a portal to a part of the
Feywild. It is almost as if the clearing fog has transported you to a
different forest. The dimness you have become accustomed
• The archdruid of the circle survived the battle with
to has gone, and you can hear the sounds of birds in the trees.
Claugiyliamatar but was forced to flee into the Feywild
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to heal. Continuing eastward, as you turn a corner in the path, you

• Unfortunately, having spent four hundred years in the
Feywild, the archdruid has been driven insane.
Journeying to the Standing
Stones
suddenly find yourself entering a less dense area of the forest,
and ahead of you there is a circle of eight stones placed
around a large, grey altar-like stone.
A wave of familiarity washes over you, as you “recognise” the
Standing Stones mentioned to you in your dreams.

As the party awaken from their dreams and start talking,

they will realize that they all shared the same dream,
including the party member that had been on watch at the
time. They will also be aware that each of them has a strong
feeling that seems to be pointing them towards a certain
direction of travel, southward towards the location that
their dreams indicated was where they would find the
Standing Stones.
Sensing the nearby presence of the party, and the influence
of Claugiyliamatar, the mythal has chosen to intervene as
well. Using its limited ability to manipulate the forest, it
created the fog and has transported the party to the Druid
Grove.

The choice that the party now takes will, in fact, not alter
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~12~
 The Standing Stones Locations
S1. The Druid Grove
The Druid Grove is a small sphere of Kryptgarden Forest
(about 300 feet in diameter) that remains as the forest
originally stood in the days before Claugiyliamatar arrived.
Birds sing in the trees, the animals move around the area
normally, there is no acrid smell, and the light is normal,
with no tinge of green.
Druid and Ranger spells cast within the grove have the
Metamagic feats of “Empowered”, “Extended” and
“Heightened” applied to them automatically.
S2. The Standing Stones
At the center of the druid grove is the circle of stones. Eight
of them, spaced evenly around an altar stone.
Any adventurer that touches the stones will have a sudden
sense of “age” and “sadness” wash over them. A success on
a DC12 Wisdom saving throw will allow them to control their
feelings. Failing this roll results in the adventurer suffering
one level of exhaustion which will remain until they leave
the Druid Grove.
Any attempt to damage the stones, although futile due to
wood woad, plus an additional wood woad per two members
of the party, to defend the circle. The wood woad will
immediately attack the party.
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their magical nature, results in the mythal summoning one
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S3. The Mythal Stone
The grey altar stone at the center of the Standing Stones is
the mythal stone. The stone is stained with ancient blood
and radiates magic.
Any adventurer standing within the circle of stones will be
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able to sense the magic coming from the altar. Any
adventurer that places their hands on the altar stone must
succeed on a Dc15 Wisdom saving through or suffer a level of
exhaustion as a sense of dread and despair washes over
them.
The mythal stone is ancient, and once was as powerful as its
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sister stones in Silverymoon and Waterdeep. During the
period of the Spellplague, the mythal lost a considerable
amount of its power.
If any adventurer drops fresh blood onto the altar, this will
activate the portal to the Feywild and all members of the
party standing within the circle will find themselves
transported to that location.
S4. The Feywild
When the adventurers enter the Feywild read the following
to them:
Although your surrounds appear to be the same, you sense
that something has changed.
The sky has turned from the azure-blue of day to golden
shades of sunset, and you can smell the autumn leaves on the
wind. The trees around the Standing Stones appear larger
than they were, and more vibrant in color. Birdsong fills the
air.
The red marks on the altar stone have disappeared, and there
is now a small circular indentation in the center of the stone.
Any adventurer who succeeds on a DC12 Intelligence (Arcana)
check will realize that they have been transported into the
Feywild.
Dropping fresh blood onto the altar stone has no affect on
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this side of the portal.
As the adventurers start to investigate the area, any of them
that succeed on a DC12 Intelligence (Investigation) or
Wisdom (Survival) check will find footprints in the grass that
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indicate someone has recently visited the Standing Stones.
Following the trail requires a successful DC12 Wisdom
(Survival) check. The trail meanders around the area but
eventually leads to a small clearing nearby.
In the clearing is a small camp and sat, initially with her back
to the adventurers as they approach, is a robed figure. The
adventurers will instantly recognise the robes as those worn
by the woman in their dreams.
As they watch, the figure will start singing. The song is
compete nonsense and at the end of it, the figure starts
laughing.
If the party approach the figure read the following to them:
As you enter the clearing and move towards the robed figure,
it starts to speak. The voice confirms that the figure is female
but it is not the same voice as from your dreams
“What do you want? Have you come to torture me further for
my failure?”
The figure rises and turns to face you, the hood of her robe
sliding back as she does so, revealing her raven-black hair and
youthful complexion. She looks at you all and an inane grin
starts to form on her face.
“Well, no more I say.”
And with that she slams the end of the staff she is holding into
the ground, which instantly starts to shake.
The party have found the archdruid. Unfortunately, four
hundred years of self-imposed exile in the Feywild have
taken there toll on her sanity.
She attacks the party but only to subdue them. If any attack
she makes results in any member of the party suffering an
injury that would kill them, reduce this to them only being
unconscious.
If she is reduced to half her hit points, the shock of the
wounds temporarily restores her sanity and she will try to
surrender. Anyone casting calm emotions on her, or any
similar spell, with the aim being to restore her to some
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~13~
 semblance of sanity, will immediately cause her to cease
attacking. A success on a DC20 Charisma (Persuasion) check
will have the same result.
If she succeeds in subduing the whole party then they will
awaken a short while later to find that the archdruid has
temporarily regained her sanity.
If she surrenders or has her sanity restored in some other
fashion, then events will follow a similar path as for her
subduing the party.
In all cases, read the following to them:
The woman collapses onto the ground, head in her hands and
tears running down her face.
“Forgive me. I am sorry.”
She lefts her head and looks at you all. There is a soft light
behind her pale green eyes that was not there while she was
fighting you.
“Please, tell me of events in Kryptgarden?”
The archdruid will sit and talk with the party. During their
conversation she may reveal the following information to
them:
e contains the reward that Claugiyliamatar promised them for
• Her name is Serafina Tanerathen.
• She was the leader of the Circle of the Forest in
Kryptgarden.
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• Her circle of druids fought against Claugiyliamatar and
lost.
• She barely survived the battle herself.
• She retreated in to the Feywild to heal.
• Overwhelmed by her guilt and failure, she exiled herself
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to the Feywild.
• She has resided in this area of the Feywild for four
hundred years.
• Staying in the Feywild for that length of time has
affected her, physically and mentally. She cannot now
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leave the Feywild without suffering severe
consequences.
• She is able to open the portal between the Feywild and
the Druid Grove.
If the party mention their shared dream to Serafina, she will
inform them that it was most likely caused by
Claugiyliamatar. However, she is very appreciative of the
information that the party provide her with regarding the
current state of Kryptgarden Forest and the North.
Once the party have exhausted their conversation with
Serafina, she will return with them to the Standing Stones
within the Feywild. When they arrive, she will once again
thank them and will place her staff in the small indentation
on the altar stone. As she does so, a portal will open leading
directly to the stone circle in the Druid Grove. She will
encourage the party to pass through, wishing them well as
they do so.
Treasure. Just before the last member of the party passes
through the portal, Serafina will present them with a small
gift, in gratitude for visiting her. The items include a Cloak of
Elvenkind and a Ring of Animal Influence.
AFTERMATH
Returning through the portal only solves part of the problem
now facing the party. They are now aware that
Claugiyliamatar has taken an interest in their actions within
Kryptgarden Forest.
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The power of the mythal stone within the Druid Grove
remains weakened but is of sufficient strength that the grove
will remain outside the influence of Claugiyliamatar.
The portal to the Feywild will remain closed but can be
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reopened in the future. Possibly the adventurers may find a
way to help Serafina return to from the Feywild.
Claugiyliamatar is frustrated that the Druid Grove remains
outside of her area of influence. However, she is a dragon
that honors her deals. The next time that the party stops to
rest, when they awaken, they will find a small package has
mysteriously found its way into their camp. The package
investigating the Standing Stones. The dragon used her
ability to pass without trace and invisibility to enter the camp
undetected, and left the package for the adventurers. The
ease with which Claugiyliamatar did this may unsettle the
party.
AWARDING EXPERIENCE POINTS
Completing the quest for Claugiyliamatar, and discovering
the location of Serafina Tanerathen is worth 6000XP to be
shared equally between the characters.
PART 3: THE PUZZLE
CRYPT
With numerous empires having risen and fallen over the
millennia, the area of Kryptgarden Forest has been used by a
variety of people as the final resting place of their heroes and
villains.
Unfortunately for the party, one such burial site rests
immediately in their path to Westbridge., the tomb of an
ancient king, Javilarhh “the Dark” Snowsword of the Realm
of Three Crowns. When he died, his allies hide his body in
this location, and placed a variety of traps and guardians
within, to prevent the desecration of his tomb. Spells were
cast to hide and protect the tomb, and to prevent people
raiding it for Javilarhh’s treasures.
The Realm of Three Crowns, also called Phalorm, collapsed in
615Dr and Javilarhh died in 528DR. In the intervening nine
hundred years, most of the history passed into legends and
then even the legends faded.
In time, the few that remembered realized that the treasures
within the tomb might be needed one day, and so they
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~14~

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returned to Kryptgarden Forest. Once there they placed clues
and instructions to assist the adventurers that they had
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foreseen would find the tomb.
AN ANCIENT MESSAGE
The adventures have travelled for four days through
Kryptgarden Forest when they enter a clearing along their
path..
As the party enters the clearing read the following to them:
The trees ahead start to thin out. As you continue you enter a
large clearing. In the middle of the clearing stands a large,
irregular stone edifice.
There are no signs of animals or others in the area. As you
approach the structure you notice a large set of sealed doors
on the western side of the stone barrow. There are no other
entrances to the place.
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Above the door, engraved into the lintel, are three
intertwined crowns.
Several runes have been drawn upon the door, and there
appears to be a message writing on the wall beside the
entrance. As you stare at the message, trying to decipher
what it says, it seems to warp and change. Suddenly the
writing becomes clear.
“Here is the final resting place of King Javilarhh “the Dark”.
Long ago he fell in battle against the Howltusks.
Within this tomb rests his bones and his treasures. Guardians
abound and the unwary will suffer. But for those strong of
arm, fleet of foot, and keen of sight, a bountiful harvest
awaits.”
Any adventurer that succeeds on a Dc18 Intelligence
(History) check will be able to recall some of the legends that
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~15~
 surround King Javilarhh:
• He was the human king of the Realm of the Three
Crowns.
• He ruled from 523DR to 528Dr.
• He died in battle against the Howltusks orc horde.
• He was also named Snowsword.
Any adventurer succeeding on a DC15 Intelligence
(History) check will be able to recall the following details
regarding the Realm of Three Crowns:
• The Realm of Three Crowns was formed in 523DR.
• It was an alliance between the elves of Ardeep, the
dwarves of Dardath, and the other settlements of the
North (humans, gnomes and halflings).
• It was also known as Phalorm.
• The Realm of the Three Crowns collapsed in 615DR.
The adventurers are now faced with a choice—they can
either attempt to explore the tomb or leave it alone.
The Tomb Locations
Tomb Level 1
T1. The Entrance
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The large set of sealed doors form a barricade to entering
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the tomb. The lintel above the door is engraved with three
interwoven crowns, representing the Realm of the Three
Crowns.
The door itself has a circle of runes engraved upon it,
twelve in total. Any adventurer who succeeds on a DC12
Intelligence (Arcana) or Intelligence (History) check will
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recognise the runes as being from an ancient language, and
that they represent different races (Human, Elf, Dwarf,
Gnome, Halfling, Orc, Hobgoblin, Yuan-ti, Goliath,
Lizardfolk, Kobold, and Bugbear).
There is no lock on the door, and anyone who succeeds on a
DC10 Intelligence (Arcana) check can sense the magic
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energy emanating from the door. If any of the adventurers
touch any of the runes, the rune touched will illuminate.
Any attempts to damage the door will result in all members
of the party standing within 15ft of the door taking 18 (4d8)
lightning damage on the first attack, 27 (6d8) lightning
damage on the second attack, and 54 (12d8) lightning
damage on the third and any subsequent attacks.
To open the sealed doors, the adventurers need to find the
correct combination of runes to press, and the correct
order to press them in. Any adventurer succeeding on a
Dc12 Intelligence (Arcana) or Intelligence (Investigation)
check will realize that the runes are connected with
opening the door.
After five minutes of staring at the door, the message on
the wall of the entrance starts to change.
Five races formed the Three-Crowned Realm,
Oldest first, stone next, the upstarts then appear,
The pebbles next, and then the feet arrive.
Each in turn must you find, err feel the wrath from those left
behind.
The adventurers need to press the runes for the following
races in order:
• Elf (the oldest race of the Realms)
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• Dwarf (the race born from stone)
• Human (the upstart race of Man)
• Gnomes (the second earth-born race)
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• Halflings (the “feet”)
If they press any of the runes in the wrong order, or press any
of the other runes, then all members of the party standing
within 15ft of the door suffers 18 (4d8) lightning damage
each time this occurs.
Once the adventurers have managed to open the door, they
see a ten foot by ten foot room, with irregular walls. The exit
from the room is a solid wooden door. There are two levers at
the side of the door.
If they check the area before entering it, any adventurer
succeeding on a DC15 Wisdom (Perception) check will find
that the floor conceals a twenty-foot deep pit trap. Any
adventurer walking into the room needs to make a Dc15
Dexterity save. For each adventurer after the first that enters
the room, the DC increases by 3. Failure results in them
falling twenty-feet onto the spikes at the bottom of the pit.
Any adventurer that falls into the pit takes 11 (2d10) piercing
damage and must make a DC15 Constitution save. Failure
results in the adventurer being poisoned.
Any adventurer who succeeds on a DC12 Strength (Athletics)
or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check can safely get across the pit
and reach the levers. Only one of the elvers will move
initially. This lever locks the pit trap and allows the
adventurers to safely enter the tomb entrance space.
The second lever will move only once the pit trap has been
disabled. Pulling it opens the door to the second chamber,
and also closes the outer door of the tomb at the same time.
TOMB FEATURES
The tomb was created through the use of magic over eighteen hundred
years previously. The walls are irregular in shape but are otherwise
smooth to the touch. It is a solid structure, no damp or natural mold has
entered the tomb.
Ceilings. Ceilings throughout are ten feet high and irregular in texture
unless the text says otherwise.
Doors. All doors are made of solid elven wood and emanate magic. They
cannot be harmed by physical means.
Light. The walls are lined with torch sconces, but are empty.
Adventurers require darkvision or their own light sources to see inside,
unless otherwise stated in the room description.
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~16~
 Returning it to its start position closes the door to the level.
second chamber and reopens the door to the exterior.
Tomb Level 2
T2. Stairs Chamber
T1. Lower Stairs Chamber
This chamber is a thirty-by-twenty-five foot space with
irregular walls. The chamber stretches over 60ft eastward, beyond the
distance of most with darkvision. The adventurers will be
If the adventurers have some form of light to see by then
able to see that there is an empty chamber to the north, one
they will find that the walls of this chamber depict the life
to the south, one to the southeast and one to the northeast.
of a mighty human warrior of the North. If they are using
The ceiling is ten feet high and clearly vaulted, so does not
darkvision to see, then the mural appears only in shades of
need to be supported by pillars.
grey and they will be unable to make out the details.
T2. Stone Pillars

The only other item of interest in the room are the stairs
that descend into the lower level of the tomb. Looking
down the stairs, the adventurers will be able to see very
little even with a light source, as the lower level appears to
be in darkness. Any adventurer who attempts to listen for
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There are two stone pillars located in the main thoroughfare
of the tomb. Any adventurer who succeeds on a DC15
Intelligence (Investigation) check will realize the pillars are

any sounds in the lower level can make a DC12 Wisdom
(Perception) check. Success on this check will reveal that
there are no discernible sounds coming from the lower
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unnecessary to support the ceiling.
The stone pillars depict a large humanoid warrior wielding a
greatsword. They are very intricately carved, and appear to

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The Road Through Kryptgarden ~17~

 be in excellent condition.
The pillars are guardian statues, placed in the tomb to guard
against any intruders. Once the last adventurer has cleared
the stairs, the two in the Lower Stairs Chamber will both
animate and attack. They cannot be negotiated with and will
fight until they are destroyed.
The guardian statue in Javilarhh's Resting Chamber will
animate only if the adventurers remove any contents from
Javilarhh’s sarcophagus.
e sense the magic energy emanating from the door. If any of
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T3. Magical Illumination
These two points provide illumination in the otherwise dark
of the lower level of the tomb. The light from these two
points is not visible from the Stairs Chamber on Level One
of the tomb.
The light in the north chamber illuminates the whole area,
allowing anyone descending the stairs to see that the
chamber is empty.
The light at the entrance to the Southern Chamber only
casts light over a ten foot radius, which is enough for the
adventurers to be able to clearly see the stone pillar that
stands next to it. It also casts shadows into the Southern
Chamber.
T4. Southern Chamber
In the limited illumination provided by the light from the
entrance to the chamber, the adventurers will be able to see
that the walls of this chamber are decorated with an
extensive mural.
It depicts the formation of the alliance that became the
Realm of the Three Crowns, Phalorm. It shows the rulers of
the three separate nations signing the treaty between the
races of elves, dwarves, men, gnomes and halflings.
Amongst the details that are shown in the mural is the date
when Phalorm was founded, 523DR. This date is the
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combination to the puzzle door to the Treasure Chamber. If
they are using darkvision to see, then the mural appears only
in shades of grey and they will be unable to make out the
detail of the date.
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T5. Treasure Chamber
The door to the chamber has a ring of runic numbers,
representing the numbers 0 to 9, engraved upon it.
As with the entrance door and the door to the Javilarhh’s
Resting Chamber, there is no lock on the door, and anyone
who succeeds on a DC10 Intelligence (Arcana) check can
the adventurers touch any of the runes, the rune touched will
illuminate.
Any attempts to damage the door will result in all members
of the party standing within 15ft of the door taking 18 (4d8)
lightning damage on the first attack, 27 (6d8) lightning
damage on the second attack, and 54 (12d8) lightning
damage on the third and any subsequent attacks.
To open the sealed doors, the adventurers need to find the
correct combination of runes to press, and the correct order
to press them in.
After five minutes of staring at the door, a message will
appear on the wall of the tomb beside the door. The message
glows in the dark if no other light source is available.
The treasures of Javilarhh, First King of Phalorm, lie within.
Javilarhh was one of three, though last that comes,
Of races, five he did rule, and that is first you see,
And of his sons, two of them there were, and in the middle be.
The adventurers need to press the runes for the following
numbers in order:
• 5 (the number of races that formed Phalorm)
• 2 (the number of sons Javilarhh had)
• 3 (the number of crowns that ruled Phalorm)
• This gives the date 523DR, the date of the founding of
Phalorm.
If they press any of the runes in the wrong order, or press any
of the other runes, then all members of the party standing
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~18~
 within 15ft of the door suffers 18 (4d8) lightning damage
each time this occurs.
Once the adventurers have managed to open the door, they
see a forty-five foot by fifty-five foot room, with irregular
walls. The room is filled with chests and piles of coins.
However, on closer inspection these will turn out to be
illusionary.
If any of the adventurers continues to check the room, and
walks through the illusionary treasure, they will find the
true treasure. In the north-eastern corner of the room.
Treasure. Hidden behind the illusionary treasure is a large,
crystalline gemstone worth 1800gp. Additionally, there is a
single chest that contains a belt of frost giant strength,
boots of the winterland, and a periapt of proof against
poison. Opening the chest requires an adventurer succeed on
a DC15 Dexterity (Thieves’ Tools) check.
T6. South-Eastern Chamber
The entrance to the South-Eastern Chamber appears to be
perfectly ordinary. However, any adventurer succeeding on
a DC12 Wisdom (Perception) check will spot a familiar level
located on the wall of the chamber ten feet into it.
If they check the area before entering it, any adventurer
e glows in the dark if no other light source is available.
succeeding on a DC15 Wisdom (Perception) check will find
that the floor conceals a twenty-foot deep pit trap. Any
adventurer walking into the room needs to make a Dc15
Dexterity save. For each adventurer after the first that enters
the room, the DC increases by 3. Failure results in them
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falling twenty-feet onto the spikes at the bottom of the pit.
Any adventurer that falls into the pit takes 11 (2d10) piercing
damage and must make a DC15 Constitution save. Failure
results in the adventurer being poisoned.
Any adventurer who succeeds on a DC12 Strength (Athletics)
or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check can safely get across the pit
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and reach the lever. The lever locks the pit trap and allows
the adventurers to safely enter the South-Eastern Chamber.
Once the adventurers enter the South-Eastern Chamber
they will be able to see that the walls of this chamber are
decorated with an extensive mural, in a similar manner to
the murals in the Stairs Chamber and the Southern
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Chamber.
It depicts the battle of the House of Stone, where the armies
of Phalorm slaughtered the Howltusk orc horde, and where
King Javilarhh was slain.
The mural shows Javilarhh standing alongside the two other
rulers, facing off against eight orcs. The mural also shows
the numerous wounds that Javilarhh suffered, three arrows
sticking from his left shoulder, a spear driven through his
stomach, and a sword gashing his right shoulder.
Amongst the details that are shown in the mural is the date
of the battle, 528DR. This date is the combination to the
puzzle door to Javilarhh’s Resting Chamber. If they are
using darkvision to see, then the mural appears only in
shades of grey and they will be unable to make out the detail
of the date.
T7. Javilarhh's Resting Chamber
This chamber is the resting place of King Javilarhh. The
entrance to the chamber is guarded by another puzzle door.
The door to the chamber has a ring of runic numbers,
representing the numbers 0 to 9, engraved upon it.
As with the entrance door and the door to the Treasure
Chamber, there is no lock on the door, and anyone who
succeeds on a DC10 Intelligence (Arcana) check can sense the
magic energy emanating from the door. If any of the
adventurers touch any of the runes, the rune touched will
illuminate.
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Any attempts to damage the door will result in all members
of the party standing within 15ft of the door taking 18 (4d8)
lightning damage on the first attack, 27 (6d8) lightning
damage on the second attack, and 54 (12d8) lightning
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damage on the third and any subsequent attacks.
To open the sealed doors, the adventurers need to find the
correct combination of runes to press, and the correct order
to press them in.
After five minutes of staring at the door, a message will
appear on the wall of the tomb beside the door. The message
Here rests Javilarhh, First King of Phalorm.
His wounds were many,
His friends were few,
And foes surrounded all.
The adventurers need to press the runes for the following
numbers in order:
• 5 (the number of wounds Javilarhh suffered)
• 2 (the number of allies Javilarhh fought beside)
• 8 (the number of orcs that overwhelmed Javilarhh)
• This gives the date 528DR, the year that Javilarhh died in
the battle against the Howltusks..
If they press any of the runes in the wrong order, or press
any of the other runes, then all members of the party
standing within 15ft of the door suffers 18 (4d8) lightning
damage each time this occurs.
Once the adventurers have managed to open the door, they
see a forty-five foot by seventy foot room, with irregular
walls. Twenty-five feet into the room stands a stone pillar,
which is actually a guardian statue.
A stone sarcophagus sits against the eastern wall of the
chamber. The sarcophagus is inscribed with King Javilarhh’s
name and with a depiction of the three crowns of the Realm
of the Three Crowns (a silver circlet, an adamantine crown,
and a golden crown). Removing the lid of the sarcophagus
requires that an adventurer succeed on a DC15 Strength
(Athletics) check. Additional help reduces the DC by 2 for
each extra adventurer involved.
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~19~
 Opening the sarcophagus reveals the desiccated remains on
King Javilarhh. Any adventurer who succeeds on a DC12
Intelligence (Investigation) or Wisdom (Medicine) check
will recognise that the body has gone through some form of
mummification process.
Treasure. In the sarcophagus, placed on the mummified
corpse, is the longsword Cormandar, a powerful frostbrand
sword.
Removing the sword from the sarcophagus activated the
guardian statue and plunges the chamber into darkness. The
darkness stops if the guardian statue is defeated or if the
sword is returned to the sarcophagus.
T8. King Javilarhh’s Statue
In the corner of the burial chamber is an intricately carved
statue of King Javilarhh striding across the heads of his
defeated foes.
He wields a battle axe in his right hand and a longsword in
his left, and upon his head is the golden crown of the Realm
of the Three Crowns. Around the base of the statue,
Javilarhh’s name has been inscribed.
Any adventurer succeeding on a DC15 Intelligence
(Investigation) check will notice that the “I” in Javilarhh’s
compartment in the base of the statue.
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name is actually a button. Pressing this releases a hidden
Treasure. In the hidden compartment are a collection of
gemstones worth 750gp, and an ornately carved flute, the
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Flute of Phalorm.
AFTERMATH
If the adventurers fully explore the tomb they will have
gained some knowledge about the ancient realm of Phalorm,
and will have recovered two of the treasure of Phalorm,
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Javilarhh’s sword and his flute .
Any scholar that the adventurers encounter in the future
might recognise these treasures, and this could potentially
lead to the party being asked to hunt for other relics of
Phalorm.
The adventurers might even encounter a descendant of
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Javilarhh who could lay claim to Javilarhh’s property.
AWARDING EXPERIENCE POINTS
Exploring the tomb, solving the puzzles, and overcoming
the guardian stature, is worth 6000XP to be shared equally
between the characters.
PART 4: A FORT IN THE
WOODS
Kryptgarden Forest has swallowed numerous locations over
time as it has expanded. One such location was a small fort
that was built by a group of adventurers in the distant past.
Unfortunately, their tales were lost in the annals of time and
they have been long forgotten by the peoples of the Sword
Coast North.
THE PRISON CAMP
On the eighth day of travel through Kryptgarden, the
adventurers spot smoke rising from the forest to the south.
A success on a DC12 Wisdom (Survival) check will let the
adventurers know that the smoke is coming from a large
campfire.
As they party continues on their way, read the following to
them:
You continue east towards Westbridge, taking care to note
details of the route on your survey map for Linene Graywind.
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Suddenly, from the forest to the south, a figure bursts out of
the treeline. The young woman running towards you looks
worse for wear, her bare feet are bleeding, and she keeps
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glancing back into the forest. As she spots you ahead of her,
she stops and collapses to the ground.
“Please, please tell me your not with them?” she cries in
terror. Her hands cover her face as she starts sobbing and
you notice the dried blood on her wrists.
The woman has only recently escaped from a camp which
can be found to the south of the party’s location. She, and
several others were captured during a raid on a caravan on
the Long Road.
Once the adventurers have managed to calm woman down
they can manage to get the following information from her:
• Her name is Mara Helder, from Longsaddle.
• She, and her parents were travelling to Red Larch.
• Her parents were killed in the ambush on their caravan.
• There are at least another six people from the caravan
that are being held captive, thought here may be more.
• Her captors were Orcs, although they appeared to be
following the orders of a few larger individuals.
• They have a camp in the ruins of an old fort somewhere in
the forest.
• She has been held captive for at least a ten-day but she
has lost track of time.
• She escaped by forcing her wrists out of the manacles that
she was held in (she has broken her left wrist in the
process).
• Once her wrists were free, she waited for an opportunity
to make a break for it, and ran into the woods when she
had her chance.
Any adventurer who succeeds on a DC12 Wisdom (Insight)
check will recognise the signs that Mara is being truthful,
and that she is traumatized.
The Truth of the Situation
Everything that Mara has told the adventurers is accurate, to
The Road Through Kryptgarden ~20~
 the best of her knowledge. However, there is more to the
situation than she is aware of.
The orcs are working under the supervision of two
wereboars. The wereboars had them target caravans on the
Long Road in the hope of capturing individuals that they
could then infect with lycanthropy, allowing them to add to
their pack.
Any adventurer who examines Mara, and succeeds on a DC15
Intelligence (Investigation) or Wisdom (Medicine) check, will
notice that she has deep scratches on her arms that are in the
process of healing. Mara cannot recall when, or how, she
received this injury. A success on a DC15 Intelligence (Nature)
check will identify the scratches as most likely to have come
from a boar’s tusk. Mara is unable to recall seeing any boars
in the camp, nor can she remember any being present during
the attack on the caravan.
Mara has already been infected with the curse of lycanthropy.
She will not change until the next full moon, in three days.
Initially, Mara will try to resist the change and so will be
unaware that she transforms into a wereboar during the full
moons. This may lead to further complications in the future
for the adventurers to deal with.
Arrival at the Prison Camp e At some point in the past, this location was used by a
If the adventurers decide to investigate the situation, they
can follow Mara’s trail back to the ruins with a success on a
Dc10 Wisdom (Survival) check. The journey takes them about
an hour to complete.
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As they approach the ruins, read the following text to them:
From ahead of you, you can see the smoke rising from the
campfire within the ruined structure.
The remains of three stone towers form the vertices of a
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triangle, joined by the remnants of stone wall that would
have once stood as a defense for this fortification.
The forest has encroached upon the structure, with trees
dotted around the ruins, and ivy and moss covering the
stones.
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Although the edifice is crumbling in places, and being
consumed by the forest in others, the walls still stand nine
feet tall, preventing you from getting a clear view of the
interior.
Of the three towers, the two northern ones both have gaps in
their outer walls where the stone have collapsed. The main
wall connecting them has a large gap where the main gates
would likely have once been. A makeshift gate has replaced
the original structure, and two orcs stand watch at it,
frequently staring over their shoulders into what would
probably have been a courtyard. From beyond the makeshift
gate, you can hear the sounds of cheering and hollering.
There are loud shout, in Orcish, emanating from beyond the
makeshift gate. “Come on, fight if you want to live.”
The Prison Camp Locations
P1. Northwestern Tower
One of three towers that formed the corners of the original
fortification. Gaps in the wall allow adventurers to gain
access to the interior.
There is little evidence remaining of the original use for
this tower. The stone, spiral staircase ascends the wall to
the height of nine feet but leads to nowhere, as the upper
floors have completely crumbled away.
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A gap in the wall, where a door would likely have stood,
would lead to the courtyard if it were not blocked by rubble.
A single tree has grown in the southern half of the empty
tower, and some bushes line the eastern wall of the
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structure.
Buried beneath the roots of the tree is a small, well-made,
wooden box. An adventurer who succeeds on a DC15
Wisdom (Perception) check will notice that the roots
appear to be mis-formed. An adventurer that makes a
second successful Intelligence (Investigation) or DC12
Wisdom (Perception) will unearth the box.
ranger as a base to explore Kryptgarden Forest.
Unfortunately, she died but she left behind some of the
items she found in the forest.
Treasure. The box contains 60gp, 87sp, and a small bag of
mixed gems worth 150gp. There is also a ring of spell
storing, containing the spells Chromatic Orb, Fog Cloud
and Ice Knife.
P2. Northeastern Tower
One of three towers that formed the corners of the original
fortification. Gaps in the wall allow adventurers to gain
access to the interior.
The stone, spiral staircase ascends the wall to the height of
nine feet and leads to the remnants of a wooden second
floor. The wood has long since rotted from exposure to the
elements, and anyone attempting to stand on it will fall the
nine feet to the ground below, taking 3 (1d6) bludgeoning
damage from the fall. The noise of someone falling will
attract the attention of everyone in area P3.
Bushes line the western wall of the tower, and a gap in the
wall, where the door would likely have been, leads to the
courtyard. The gap is strewn with rubble from the collapsed
walls and so counts as difficult terrain.
P3. Courtyard
The orcs have set up their camp in the remnants of the fort
courtyard. There are guards posted at each of the gaps in
the walls, with a makeshift gate covering the main entrance
at the north of the courtyard. Guards also watch over the
entrance to the southern tower, where the prisoners are
being kept.
There is a large campfire in the center of the courtyard, and
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is the smoke from this that the party initially saw from corner of the courtyard, the party will find 217gp, 436sp and
afar. gems with a value of 327gp. Darget wears Studded Leather
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Armor+2, and there is a set of Mithral Splint Mail+1

An arena, of sorts, has been created in the shade of the tree.
amongst the chests (this belongs to Finellen Balderk).
Two orcs are in the middle of a bout, and several of the
others are watching the fight. P4. Southern Tower
The wereboars have established their area by the rubble-
One of three towers that formed the corners of the original
filled gap in the south-eastern wall.
fortification. This tower has suffered far less damage from
There are two orcs per adventurer in the party. the elements over the years, and its walls remain intact.
Additionally, there is one wereboar plus an additional Although the door to the courtyard has rotted away, the gap
wereboar per three members of the party, The leader of the now has a makeshift barrier covering it instead.
wereboars and, by that right, the orcs, is Darget Kerdran.
The survivors of the caravan attack are kept inside this
The orcs and wereboars will fight to the death. The were tower. The survivors include the following:
boars will also try to infect as many of the adventurers with
• Evendur Brakmun (male, Chondathan from
lycanthropy as they can.
Longsaddle), he was one of the guards on the caravan
Treasure. Each of the orcs carry a leather pouch with (1d6
gold and 2d8 silver). Amongst chests in the southeastern
• Kethra Ternivver (female, Illuskan from Longsaddle),
she was one of the guards on the caravan

The Road Through Kryptgarden ~22~

 • Zora Artemel— (female, Tethyrian from Waterdeep),
her family are one of the noble families of Waterdeep
and she was returning from visiting family in Mirabar

• Peren Meliamne (male, half-elf from Triboar),

travelling to Waterdeep to ply his trade as a minstrel

• Finellen Balderk (female, dwarf from Mirabar),

travelling to Red Larch in search of her brother

All have been infected with lycanthropy by the wereboars,

although none of them are aware of their predicament.

They are all dressed in ragged clothing, and their hands and

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feet are manacled. The key for the manacles is in the
possession of Darget. A success on a DC12 Dexterity
(Thieves’ Tools) check will open the manacles.

None of the prisoners are in any state to become involved in

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a fight with the orcs or wereboars.

If freed, and escorted to Westbridge, Zora Artemel will

arrange for a reward of 1000gp to be given to the party,
Peren Meliamne will spread tales of the adventurers at
every stop down the Long Road, and they will have the
gratitude of Finellen Balderk, and a promise of aid in the
future.

AFTERMATH
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There is very little option here but to fight the orcs and
wereboars.
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If the adventurers are all incapacitated, they will wake up in
the southern tower with the rest of the prisoners. Each
adventurer will need to succeed on a DC14 Constitution
save to avoid becoming infected with lycanthropy.

If the adventurers defeat the wereboars and the orcs, they

can fee the prisoners. Zora and Finellen will both request
that they be escorted to Westbridge. Once in Westbridge,
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the ex-prisoners and Mara will all go their separate ways

quite quickly. Unfortunately, they have all been cursed with
wereboar lycanthropy.

Zora, Mara, Peren and Finellen will attempt to resist the

curse. Evendur and Kethra will both relish the change the
undergo, and will disappear at the first opportunity after
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the next full moon. (This will occur one night after the
adventurers arrive in Westbridge).

AWARDING EXPERIENCE POINTS

Defeating the wereboars and the orcs is worth 4200XP to be
shared equally between the characters. Rescuing the
prisoners and dealing with their issues is worth 1200XP to
be shared equally between the characters.

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Description
Serafina Tanerathen was the leader of the Kryptgarden Forest Circle of the Forest. An incredibly powerful druid, she was well
known throughout the Sword Coast in 1090DR.

When Claugiyliamatar descended upon Kryptgarden Forest and made it her home, Serafina led her circle of druids into battle
against the ancient green dragon. Unfortunately, they were no match for the strength and cunning of the dragon. Serafina
was severely wounded during the battle and fled. She made her way to the druid grove and used the portal there to enter the
Feywild.

It was assumed that she had perished alongside the others of her circle, and she was lost to memory. Overcome with guilt
and despairing from her failure, Serafina remained in exile in the Feywild. Her four centuries of self-imposed solitary exile
in that realm has, unfortunately, led to her losing her sanity.

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Description
Treants are awakened trees that dwell in ancient forests. Although treants prefer to while away the days, months, and years
in quiet contemplation, they fiercely protect their woodland demesnes from outside threats. Blighted treants,
unfortunately, have been corrupted by environmental impacts on their forest. Warped by magical influences, and poisoned
by toxins, their desire to protect the forest has been twisted.

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Description
Gnawbones druids reside within Kryptgarden Forest. They worship the ancient green dragon, Claugiyliamatar, treating the
dragon like a god. In exchange for their devotion, Claugiyliamatar teaches the druids and allows them to live in her lair.

The druids patrol Kryptgarden Forest, watching for any potential threat to Claugiyliamatar.

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Description
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Guardian statues are magical constructs cut and chiseled from
stone to appear as impressive statues, and then animated by an
earth elemental magically bound to the statue.

They are used to guard tombs and shrines throughout the lands.

Guardian statues can remain in an inanimate state for

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millennia, much like their grotesque cousins, gargoyles.

They remain bound to their duty long after their creators have
died, turned to dust, and been forgotten to history.

Elemental Nature. A guardian statue doesn’t require air, food,

drink, or sleep.
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Description
Travelers entering a forest might catch a glimpse of a feminine form flitting through the trees. Cold laughter hangs on the
air, drawing those who hear it deeper into the emerald shadows.

Treebound. Powerful fey will sometimes bind lesser fey spirits to trees, transforming them into dryads. This is sometimes
done as a punishment when the fey spirit falls in love with a mortal and that love is forbidden.

A dryad can emerge from the tree and travel the lands around it, but the tree remains her home and roots her to the world.
As long as the tree remains healthy and unharmed, the dryad stays forever youthful and alluring. If the tree is harmed, she
suffers. If the tree is ever destroyed, the dryad descends into madness.

The dryads of Kryptgarden Forest have been transformed over the centuries by the magical influence of Claugiyliamatar.
Transformed into twisted versions of their formal selves, the creatures prey on travelers passing through the forest.

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Description
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The most cunning and treacherous of true dragons, green dragons use misdirection and trickery to get the upper hand
against their enemies. A green dragon is recognized by the crest that begins near its eyes and continues down its spine,
reaching full height just behind the skull.

Venomfang is searching for a safe location to establish his new lair after being chased out of Thundertree. Although he
knows that Kryptgarden Forest is not a suitable location, he is currently residing there, and is careful to avoid being
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discovered by Claugiyliamatar or her servants.

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Description
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This troll has been ravaged by massive doses of poison causing it to mutate into a venom troll. Lingering poison infuses its
blood and tissue, and poison leaks from its pores to coat its fangs and claws. These creatures are especially dangerous in
close combat, because poison drips off their flesh and sprays out from every wound they receive.

The trolls have been transformed by living within the boundary of Kryptgarden Forest. They avoid the area around
Claugiyliamatar’s lair, and do their best to avoid the ancient green dragon when she is hunting for food. Many a venom troll
has found itself a light meal for Old Gnawbone.
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Description
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Wereboars are ill-tempered and vulgar brutes. As humanoids, they are stocky and muscular, with short, stiff hair. In their
humanoid and hybrid forms, they use heavy weapons, while in hybrid or animal form, they gain a devastating goring
attack through which their curse is spread. A wereboar infects other creatures indiscriminately, relishing the fact that the
more its victims resist the curse, the more savage and bestial they become.

Wereboars live in small family groups in remote forest areas, building ramshackle huts or dwelling in caves. They are
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suspicious of strangers but sometimes ally themselves with orcs.

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Description
A wood woad is a powerful plant in humanoid form invested with the soul of someone who gave up life to become an
eternal guardian.

Born of Sacrifice. The ritual to create a wood woad is a primeval secret passed down through generations of savage societies
and dark druid circles. Performing the ritual isn’t necessarily an act of evil, if the victim-to-be has entered into a bargain
that requires it to be a willing sacrifice.
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In the ritual a living person’s chest is pierced and the heart removed. A seed is then pushed into the heart, and it is placed
in a tree. Any hollow or crook will do, but often a special cavity is carved out of the trunk. The tree is then bathed and
watered with the blood of the sacrificed victim, and the body is buried among the tree’s roots. After three days, a sprout
emerges from the ground at the base of the tree and swiftly grows into a humanoid form.

This new body, armored in tough bark and bearing a gnarled club and shield, is at once ready to perform its duty. The one
who performed the ritual sets the wood woad to its task, and the creature follows those orders unceasingly.
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APPENDIX: MAGIC ITEMS
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 Cormandar

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Flute of Phalorm
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 Mithral Splint Mail +1

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