Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

M1: Hall of Betrayal

Dragon spirits haunt this area. They are illusory manifestations that can't attack or be damaged. In Draconic, they accuse the characters of trespassing, calling them desecraters and betrayers.

A character can calm the spirits by assuring them in Draconic of the party's innocent intentions. If the spirits aren't immediately calmed, each creature in the hall on the round after the spirits manifest must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or use its action to make a melee attack against a random creature within reach. If no other creatures are within reach, the creature does nothing this turn.

The spirits vanish 1 round after appearing. They reappear after 24 hours if creatures pass through the tunnel again.

M2: Fallen Shop

A stone golem hides under a pile of shattered wood and feathery hats. Demelin (see x) created the golem and ordered it to attack any creature that disturbs the ruined structure. Any characters who near the ruin and have a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 16 or higher notice the golem.

M3: Flooded Passage

The flooded hallway, which leads to x, has partially collapsed. Creatures of Medium size or larger that attempt to swim through the tunnel will have to squeeze through the rubble. Creatures that attempt to squeeze through must succeed on a DC 16 Strength (Athletics) check to progress. If a creature fails this check by 5 or more, it gets stuck, is restrained, and risks drowning. A creature can free itself or a creature within reach by using an action to shift the rubble and succeeding on a DC 16 Strength (Athletics) check.

M4: Wine Cellar

The ruined remnants of a wine cellar fill this chamber. A character who investigates the glass finds it comes from dozens of spiral-shaped wine bottles.

M5: Bone Gauntlet

Enormous reptilian bones jut from the walls of this natural corridor. A character who examines the bones and succeeds on a DC 14 Intelligence (Arcana) check determines these are dragon bones.

When a character makes it halfway down the corridor, read or paraphrase the following:

Three incomplete dragon skeletons emerge from the walls, missing bones and entire limbs. These creatures each use the bone naga stat block but without the Spellcasting trait. They fight until destroyed.

Characters who speak Draconic understand the skeletons as they hiss accusations like "You fly on our backs" and "You soar on our bones." However, the skeletons don't understand or respond to anything the characters say.

M6: Flooded Tavern

The ceiling of this room is 20 feet high. The tunnel from area M5 opens into this room 10 feet above the surface of the water.

Murky water fills this room to a height of 3 feet, making the flooded area 3 for creatures without a swimming speed.

A green slaad lurks on the stage, drawn to the tunnels by the chaotic magic of the city. If it notices a character, the slaad turns and hisses before using its Hurl Flame action against the character. If a character is in the water, the slaad ignites the flammable liquid (see below). The slaad fights until slain.

M7: Ghosts of the Past

This room was once a lounge in an Istarian home. Characters with the Stonecunning trait or proficiency with mason's tools can tell that after the bas-relief was carved, a less skilled hand excavated it from its original stone and transported it here. In truth, the skull and relief were once part of a monument dragons erected to honor their kind—until the Istarians repurposed them for decoration.

Once multiple characters enter the room, green flames blaze in the skull's eyes, and beneath it, the incorporeal bones of a phantom brass dragon appear. The skull glares at the party and says the following in Draconic:

A character speaking Draconic can try to convince the dragon they mean no harm by making a DC 18 Charisma (Persuasion) check. On a successful check, the brass dragon nods and disappears. On a failed check or if a character doesn't speak to the dragon, the dragon's bones manifest around the skull as a complete skeleton. Together, they animate as a lesser death dragon (see appendix B) and attack.

M8: Wizard's Workshop

Demelin (currently in area M9) uses this chamber as a laboratory. Many of the books contain rare lore predating the Cataclysm. If a character spends 1 hour investigating the books here, they find references to a flying city called Onyari and learn all the information from the "x" section. Additionally, they find a spell scroll of arcane gate and a book containing rituals for the divination and phantom steed spells.

M9: Demelin's Apartment

The robed figure is Demelin, high wizard of Onyari (detailed in the "Demelin" section). Members of the Mages of High Sorcery recognize her robes as those of the Order of Red Robes. Demelin has been using the scrying spell to monitor the characters and has judged they might be useful in ridding the ruins of the Dragon Army invaders.

The gem Demelin breaks is an elemental gem. An instant later, an air elemental with an outline resembling a dragon appears and attacks the characters. Demelin stands back and watches, taking the Dodge action until the elemental is defeated. Afterward, she holds up a hand and says the following:

If attacked, Demelin uses her robes to cast the dimension door spell, retreating elsewhere in the Path of Memories. After letting the characters cool off, she approaches them again.

Talking with Demelin

Once the party agrees to hear Demelin out, she explains herself. Read or paraphrase the following:

Demelin wishes to evict all strangers from the City of Lost Names and ensure the city never flies again. Though the red-robed mage is unwilling to take on an entire army directly, she encourages the characters to drive off the militaristic intruders. She offers nothing but information about the city in return.

Use the following points to guide her conversation with the characters:

• Demelin is aware of the invasion of the city, but she doesn't know who these troops are or what plans they have.
• She shares what she's seen of the invaders' movements. Patrols of soldiers and monsters roam the city, focusing much of their activity on the Threshold of the Heavens at the city's center. Troops also frequently come and go from a sizable mansion that lies along the road to the Threshold. She suspects the latter is a command post.
• If asked, she explains the Threshold of the Heavens is where the city's flying magic was controlled.
• She won't accompany the characters into the city, but she gives them a basic overview of its geography (see the "x" section).
• She shares the information from the "x" section.

Demelin and the Lance

If the characters ask Demelin about Knight Sarlamir's lance, she says she's seen it before. If the characters don't ask about it, she senses its presence. In either case, she tells them it's Sarlamir's dragonlance, which Paladine cursed after the knight slew the gold dragon Karavarix. She doesn't think its reappearance is a coincidence, and she encourages the characters to seek out the x in the northeast of the city to reveal why the god has returned the lance to Onyari.

Demelin's Test

If any character seeks to join the Mages of High Sorcery, Demelin notes this before they leave and says the following:

If a character asks for more information before agreeing, Demelin explains she has administered the Test of High Sorcery countless times, and though these conditions are unusual, she can do so now. See "x" in chapter 1 for details on the Test of High Sorcery.

If a character agrees to take the test, proceed to the following section.

After interested characters' tests are complete (or if no characters want to take the test) and the party is ready to enter the city proper, proceed to the "x" section.

During the Test

The test should involve a clear choice between good, neutrality, and evil as represented by the orders of the White Robes, the Red Robes, and the Black Robes, respectively. As it unfolds, give the character the opportunity to choose any order they please. If the character makes a surprising choice, consider asking the player how they reconcile their choice with their character's values. If the character feels strongly about a choice that conflicts with their values or alignment, their player might use this as a pivotal moment for character growth.

Ending the Test

As the test reaches its decisive moment, remind the character's player that their character's choices will result in them gaining membership in a particular order of the Mages of High Sorcery. If the player would like to change their choice, allow them to do so.

Good Character

The dragon returns and attacks the fleeing people, including both a large group of innocents and a small group of people beloved by the character. There's likely time to save only one group. The character might prove themself suited for white robes by trying to save everyone, by sacrificing themself, or by desperately trying to negotiate with the dragon. If they prioritize what they want over the good of others, they might earn red robes.

Evil Character

The dragon returns, and the character's rival or a non-spellcasting ally steps between those trying to escape and the oncoming dragon. Unaware of the character, this rival uses the incredible magic of a glowing staff to hold off the dragon. If the character attacks their foe, tries to steal the staff, or otherwise prioritizes their own ambitions, they prove themself suited for the black robes. If they put the city and innocents first, they might earn red robes.

Neutral Character

Scholars struggle to evacuate a collection of ancient tomes (or something else the character highly values) from a crumbling structure. The dragon then returns, threatening both the scholars and a larger group of innocents. There's likely only time to save one group. If the character tries to save themself or the lore-protecting librarians, they're probably suited for the red robes. If they protect the larger group of innocents, the character might be suited for the white robes. If the character tries to abscond with the books, they might be suited for the black robes.

Adjusting the Test

The test shouldn't be strictly a combat encounter. The point is to gauge a character's values and disposition. Consider the following suggestions to make the test more dramatic:

• Altered Magic. Spellcasting or other class features could function differently during the test. For example, perhaps each time the character casts a spell using a spell slot, they take 6 (1d12) necrotic damage or gain 1 level of exhaustion that lingers until the test ends.
• Dream Logic. Like a dream, the test doesn't need to make sense or be consistent from moment to moment. It's okay for the character's surroundings to shift dramatically or for unexpected individuals to show up. Don't let these changes make the character feel like their choices don't matter. Rather, change situations to heighten the drama—like by turning innocents into allies or childhood friends.
• Timing. The test should last as long as feels dramatic and end after a character-defining moral choice. If it seems like things are going too fast, raise the stakes and make things worse to see if the character sticks with their choices.

Dragon Army Activity

The characters see Dragon Army patrols moving through the city. Those who watch the patrols for ten minutes or more note activity at three locations:

• Central Spire. A tower rises in the center of the city, surrounded by several dragonnels and smaller flying figures. The tower's foundation floats dozens of feet off the ground. (This tower is detailed in the "x" section.)
• Occupied Mansion. Small patrols come and go from a ruined mansion a third of the way across the city. (This building is detailed in the "x" section.)
• Sinister Temple. A foreboding temple stands at the south end of the city, its grounds teeming with soldiers. (This temple to the evil gods is detailed in the "x" section. Discourage the characters from approaching it at this point.)

Priorities

The characters can choose their priorities in the city, but they likely fall along the following lines:

• Find an Outpost. and learn what the Dragon Army is planning (see "x").
• Learn about the Dragonlance. and how its curse might be undone (see "x").
• Investigate the Spire. at the city's center and find the Dragon Army's leaders (see "x").

Use the following sections to further detail the ruins as much as you please. This chapter concludes at the Threshold of the Heavens, so make sure the characters have investigated the city as much as they want before heading there.

City Sights

Random City Encounters

Bridge Checkpoint

Three sivak draconians (see appendix B) stand guard on a 25-foot-wide bridge spanning a 60-foot drop into a rocky fissure. They are quick to investigate any nearby noise or strange sights.

Dragon Army Engineers

One Dragon Army officer and three sivak draconians (see appendix B for both stat blocks) oversee ten commoner engineers repairing 30-foot-deep cracks in the city's streets. If the Dragon Army members spot the characters or the characters attack them, the engineers stay out of combat. The engineers can tell the characters they're making sure the city's foundations are solid, though they don't know why.

Monster Hunters

A sivak draconian and four kapak draconians (see appendix B for both stat blocks) have orders to seek out dangerous monsters lurking in the ruins. They've just found an Istarian drone (see appendix B) and are preparing to attack.

Patrol

Five kapak draconians (see appendix B) patrol the city. They follow a predictable route and, after an hour of walking, check in at their headquarters (see the "x" section).

Dragon Army Interrogations

O1: Exterior

This command post buzzes with activity during the day, with human and draconian patrols coming and going. At night, only the draconian patrols continue.

O2: Foyer

When worn with the hood up, the cloaks here grant advantage on Charisma (Deception) checks made to pass as a Dragon Army soldier while in the mansion. There are also six spears here.

O3: Carriage House

Two sets of metal sliding doors lead into the carriage house. They make considerable noise when opened, alerting the creatures inside. A character who listens at these doors and succeeds on a DC 14 Wisdom (Perception) check hears snarling within. When the characters open a door, read or paraphrase the following:

This carriage house serves as the base's prison.

O4: Salon

The Dragon Army has converted this room into a mess hall. At any time, two bozak draconians, one kapak draconian, and three Dragon Army soldiers (see appendix B for these stat blocks) take meals here. They glance up at anyone who enters the room, but they pay no attention to characters dressed as Dragon Army troops.

If a fight breaks out here, the soldiers resting in x respond after 2 rounds.

O5: Lower Hallway

This hall leads to areas O6 and x, then ends in a heap of rubble where the east wing of the house collapsed long ago. The door at the east end of the hall opens into a collapsed room also filled with rubble.

O6: Kitchen

The command post's cook, Yurl, is a skeletally thin hobgoblin captain. His apron is covered with grisly stains, which grow by the minute as he hacks at a jackal carcass with an oversized cleaver. If Yurl detects intruders, he attacks with his cleaver (which uses the statistics for his Greatsword attack).

Yurl's apron pocket holds the key to area O7, along with a handful of animal teeth he's been collecting.

O7: Pantry

Crates and weapon racks fill this room.

O8: Drawing Room

This parlor serves as a barracks for Dragon Army troops not on patrol. Eight Dragon Army soldiers (see appendix B) are resting here. If they haven't been alerted by noise in other rooms, they are surprised if the characters attack.

O9: Upper Hallway

The mansion's staircase connects this small hallway to x on the ground floor. To the east, the hall ends in a collapsed wall. To the northwest, a door leads to a small balcony overlooking the patio.

O10: Master Bedroom

[image: Captain Hask]

Captain Hask, an aurak draconian (see appendix B), is writing reports at the desk. Hask knows all the soldiers in his unit, and the characters can convince Hask they're Dragon Army soldiers only with a successful DC 22 Charisma (Deception) check. If Hask believes he's being tricked, he stands and attacks while calling for the soldiers in area O11, who arrive after 1 round. Hask is a devout servant of the Dragon Queen and fights to the death.

O11: Library

Three Dragon Army officers (see appendix B) work here as clerks, coordinating reports. If threatened, they shout to alert Captain Hask, who arrives from area O10 after 1 round. These officers are loyal to Captain Hask, and he counts as a Dragon for the purpose of their Draconic Devotion trait. Two of the three officers fight to the death. The last remaining officer surrenders when their allies are defeated.

P1: Causeway

As characters near the temple's grounds, read or paraphrase the following:

The causeway rises over water that's 20 feet deep. From it, characters can see the temple grounds and the Temple of Paladine itself. A cleric of Paladine or a character who succeeds on a DC 12 Intelligence (Religion) check recognizes the platinum triangle as the symbol of the god Paladine.

P2: Wooded Berm

The neutral treant Duskwalker stands motionless amid trees whose branches bear dead Dragon Army soldiers. Before Onyari's destruction, Duskwalker served as its master gardener. The city's devastation left them deeply bitter, and the Dragon Army's invasion has newly angered the ancient creature.

Unless a character openly displays a symbol of a god of nature—like Chislev, Habbakuk, or Zeboim—or is otherwise clearly a servant of nature, Duskwalker uses their Animate Trees action to ambush the characters, then follows the trees into battle. During combat, Duskwalker slowly bellows, "Each defiler you send to my gardens meets the same end. Begone!" A character being attacked by a tree notices a dead Dragon Army soldier amid its branches.

[image: Duskwalker]

P3: Lake

A hostile marid named Jamir has taken up residence in this area. Once bound by the kingpriest's wizards to power the city's plumbing, Jamir has taken great delight in Onyari's destruction and seeks to punish any who would reclaim the city. If alerted to the party's presence by noise from area P2, he conjures a water elemental and hides underwater, prepared to ambush the characters. Characters with a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 16 or higher aren't surprised when Jamir attacks. If reduced to 20 hit points or fewer, he uses plane shift to escape at the first opportunity.

P4: Nave

The ceiling here is 20 feet high, and tall windows admit any light from outside.

P5: Preparation Chamber

Here, the dead were prepared for burial in the crypts below the temple. These crypts have crumbled, and the stairs leading to them are filled with rubble and brackish water.

P6: Rectory

This apartment once housed the temple's resident priest. A character who looks under the bed finds a rusty chest. Its rusted lock can't be picked, but a creature can break open the lock with a successful DC 17 Strength check. The chest is a Small object with AC 19, 15 hit points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage.

P7: Chancel

The altar here bears the symbol of Paladine, while the sculptures depict him in his draconic form. A cleric of Paladine or a character who succeeds on a DC 12 Intelligence (Religion) check recognizes the symbol.

[image: By Paladine's might, a dragonlance is restored]

T1: Plaza

Once characters reach the floating island of the Threshold of the Heavens, read the following:

An open plaza stretches for 100 feet on each side of the tower, ending at the island's edge.

T2: Entry

The kingpriest insisted the Threshold was a holy place, but little besides the holy water fonts here remains of its religious trappings.

T3: Tower Monitoring

This room monitors the tower's magic and its connection to the city beyond.

T4: Energy Field

This chamber functions as a defense for the tower and part of the tower's broader magical systems.

T5: Drone Monitoring

In this room, workers would charge and repair the tower's construct defenders. The two Istarian drones (see appendix B) are intact but powered down. They activate and attack in the room if a drone, a column, or the console is damaged.

T6: City Overview

The pedestal here is an illusory representation of Onyari prior to its crash. Sections of the illusion flicker, the structures fading in and out of existence. These flickering sections correspond to parts of the city that have been destroyed or radically changed.

T7: Communications

The consoles once performed a magical function, but Dragon Army soldiers accidentally destroyed them. The consoles now buzz with misfiring magic. A character who succeeds on a DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) check determines the consoles are broken beyond their ability to repair.

T8: Navigation

Two aurak draconians (see appendix B) lean over the table, intensely studying it. They can be surprised by a character who succeeds on a DC 8 Dexterity (Stealth) check.

T9: Scrying Room

This chamber's scrying magic informed the city's navigators of storms and other approaching threats. The black-robed wizard Lohezet (see appendix B), who hunches over the southwest desk here, has been using his magic to alter the magical mirrors' focuses, fixing one on Kalaman.

T10: Bridge

[image: At the Threshold of the Heavens, Belephaion reveals his true form]

Belephaion (see below) sits on the throne in this room. Two bozak draconians (see appendix B) attend him, one in the walkway to the southwest and the other in the walkway to the southeast.

When Belephaion sees the characters, read the following text:

Belephaion has activated the throne's magic, with dire ramifications for the city (see "Helm" below).

Escaped Dragonnels

Four Dragon Army dragonnels (see appendix B) have been separated from their riders. A character can convince the dragonnels to let the characters ride them out of the city by succeeding on a DC 16 Charisma (Persuasion) check. Afterward, the dragonnels drop the characters off and depart.

Alternatively, if the characters saved the wasteland dragonnel (see appendix B) in the occupied mansion, it might return with other dragonnels to help them escape.

Floating Rocks

The characters find their path impeded by a 30-foot ascent or descent between levels of the ruins. A character can jump between a series of floating rocks to navigate this obstacle. The character must succeed on three DC 14 Strength (Athletics) checks to leap from rock to rock. A character safely ascends or descends 10 feet with each successful check. If they fail a check, they make no progress. If they fail a check by 5 or more, they fall to the lower level.

Ill-Fated Ambush

A patrol of three kapak draconians and one sivak draconian (see appendix B for both stat blocks) spots the characters and attacks. At the end of the first round of combat, roll a die. If you roll an even number, a random draconian is affected as if by the levitate spell (save DC 15) for 1 minute. If you roll an odd number, a boulder falls on a random draconian, dealing 33 (6d10) bludgeoning damage to it.