Turn of Fortune's Wheel

Walking Castle Features

The castle has the following features:

• Ceilings. Ceilings in the castle are 30 feet high on the first floor and 15 feet high on other floors.
• Doors. Doors in the castle are stone reinforced with iron. The doors have AC 17, 25 hit points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage. They can be broken open as an action with a successful DC 25 Strength (Athletics) check. Locked doors can be picked as an action with a successful DC 20 Dexterity check using thieves' tools.
• Light. Crystals embedded on the interior walls and ceilings of the castle fill rooms with bright light.
• Water. Taps in the kitchen, washroom, and workshop provide endless streams of fresh water.

W1: Terrace

A paved ring with a 2-foot-high lip provides a foundation for the castle. The base of the tower opens into a hall without exterior doors. Along the west and east interior walls of this hall are doors that lead to area W2. The door to the east is locked. The door to the west has been shattered inward.

A character who walks around the tower and succeeds on a DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check notices the perch and door to area W4c, 30 feet above.

W2: Library

The library holds the collected writings of Iedcaru's scholars. The majority focus on esoteric philosophies of the Outer Planes and multiversal theories.

The spiral stairs rise to area W3.

W3: Main Room

A character who listens carefully before entering this area and succeeds on a DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check can hear the tieflings inside discussing whether to betray someone named Thlaarsh.

When a character enters this area, read or paraphrase the following:

The tieflings are neutral evil gladiators in the service of Thlaarsh (see area W5). They're hostile, but a character who succeeds on a DC 18 Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check or who offers each tiefling at least 1,000 gp convinces the pair to betray their yugoloth allies. Otherwise, the tieflings scream battle cries as they fight to the death. If the characters don't silence the tieflings quickly, the Fiends in areas W5, W6, and W7 are alerted.

Through doors to the southwest are a pantry and washroom. If a character dies in the castle, their incarnation appears in one of these rooms.

The ladder to the north leads to area W6.

W4: Bedrooms

The following bedrooms surround the main room:

• W4a. This room has a single bed, a desk, and a cabinet containing loose robes.
• W4b. This room has two beds, a writing desk, and an empty cabinet.
• W4c. This room contains a large nest, once used by an avian scholar, and a cabinet with clothes suited for a winged wearer. A door to the east opens onto a sturdy log perch covered in old talon scratches.

W5: Study

If the nycaloth in this room is aware of the characters, it casts invisibility. When a character enters the room, read or paraphrase the following, leaving out the last sentence if the nycaloth is invisible:

This is Zaythir's study. The nycaloth Thlaarsh the Gore Drinker is here, seeking ways to make the castle move. Thlaarsh attacks rival trespassers and fights to the death, but it tries to capture spellcasters, hoping to make them pilot the castle.

W6: Castellan Chamber

If the two mezzoloths in this room were alerted by noise in area W3, they cast darkness before the characters enter. Otherwise, read or paraphrase the following when a character enters the room:

The two mezzoloths attack the characters on sight and fight to the death.

W7: Meditation Chamber

The lights in this room have been destroyed, leaving the area in dim light.

An incubus named Arcis, who serves Thlaarsh, waits in this room, guarding the prisoner on the floor above. If he heard battle in areas W3 or W6, he transforms himself to look like a wizened gnome wearing the robes and tall hat of a member of the Fraternity of Order. He pretends to be a prisoner and lies to the characters, begging them to help him get out of the tower before more Fiends arrive. This is a ploy to drive the characters toward any Fiends surviving on the floors below. If none remain, he either tries to escape the tower or uses the characters to his advantage.

W8. Signal Tower

The Fiends have kept the castle's caretaker, a neutral githzerai uniter (see Morte's Planar Parade) named Zaythir, in this chamber. Zaythir is eager to be free and evict the devils from her home. She is further detailed in the "Zaythir" section.

Zaythir

Zaythir is a patient scholar of the planes who rarely shows extremes of emotion. If she is freed and the Fiends are driven out of her home, she's indebted to the characters. She introduces herself and can provide information on the following topics:

• Personal Background. Zaythir is a scholar of the planes who studies the Outlands and the planes beyond. She has guarded the walking castle alone for years.
• The Castellan. This magical being is Zaythir's companion and the heart of Iedcaru. It controls the castle's movement. Zaythir can introduce the characters to it (see the "The Castellan" section).
• Walking Castle. The walking castle is called Iedcaru. It is a repository of learning and a place to study the Outer Planes. It was created by githzerai long ago.
• Modron. Zaythir was recently visited by a monodrone who called himself R04M. He had been using a mimir (see Sigil and the Outlands) to follow the path of the last Great Modron March, intending to learn truths of the multiverse. He left his mimir here, saying it told him where to go after visiting all the gate-towns (though he didn't say where that was). His mimir was damaged during the Fiends' attack (see the "Mosaic Mimir" section).

Zaythir knows nothing about the multiversal glitch affecting the characters, but she's happy to let them research in the castle's library. Unfortunately, the library contains no information on the characters' circumstances.

If it's clear the characters plan to explore the Outlands, Zaythir offers to help, both by sharing her knowledge of the plane and by letting the group travel via Iedcaru and use it as a base.

The Castellan

This magical wonder is inert when the characters first enter area W6. Zaythir can reactivate it with a word, at which point its body animates and the table before it projects an illusory image of the Outlands.

The Castellan has the following features:

• The Castellan is neutral and has an Intelligence of 12, a Wisdom of 10, and a Charisma of 12.
• The Castellan has hearing and darkvision out to a range of 60 feet, and it can understand Common and Gith but can't speak. It communicates through gestures alone.
• The Castellan can cause Iedcaru to stand or sit. While the castle stands, its lowest level is 40 feet off the ground. The castle can walk at the rate of 12 miles per hour, but it can go no faster or slower.
• The Castellan controls the walking castle and is friendly toward those who rescued Zaythir. If the Castellan's attitude changes, a character must succeed on a DC 14 Charisma (Persuasion) check to convince it to navigate the castle.
• The Castellan is indestructible so long as the walking castle stands.

Provide the players with the poster map of the Outlands, and let them use it to determine where the Castellan should navigate Iedcaru next.

Restoring the Mimir's Data

[image: R04M the Missing Monodrone]

The mimir holds the key to finding R04M, but it must have its missing data restored to access its Esoteric Knowledge and Planar Knowledge properties (detailed in Sigil and the Outlands). Zaythir or a character who succeeds on a DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) check knows that the following steps are required to restore missing data to the mimir:

• Planar Precision. The mimir must be in the place it is receiving data about. In the case of a gate-town, this means being within 5 feet of a gate-town's portal.
• Information Entry. Whoever is attuned to the mimir must record a description of the location and their impression of it. This process takes 1 minute.

Use the Mimir Restoration Tracker (handout 4.1) to note the gist of reports on gate-towns and whether they seem accurate (this is relevant to the adventure's conclusion). Consider earnest attempts at reporting accurate even if they lack certain details. Recordings with purposeful omissions, falsehoods, or editorializing should be considered skewed.

[image: Handout 4.1: Mimir Restoration Tracker]

The Last Great Modron March

Once data on all seven missing gate-towns is restored, the mimir can report on the Great Modron March. It provides the following details:

• The Great Modron March is a procession of countless modrons conducted every 289 years to collect information about the multiverse and realign the workings of the plane of Mechanus.
• Untold numbers of modrons are lost during the march, and sometimes whole tangents of the march split off and get lost.
• The march enters the Outlands through the portal in the gate-town of Automata.
• The march visits all the gate-towns, then passes through the rilmani settlement of Dendradis at the base of the Spire. From there, the march ventures through portals into other planes, with a much-diminished number eventually returning to Mechanus.
• The last Great Modron March occurred ahead of schedule and experienced a heightened number of irregularities and losses for tenebrous reasons.

Adventures in the Outlands

Chapters 5 to 11 detail exploits in the seven gate-towns where the characters need to collect information to restore the Mosaic Mimir. These seven chapters can be run in any order. Chapter 12 provides supplementary encounters you can use at any time. The Castellan can provide the characters with an illusory version of the poster map of the Outlands from Sigil and the Outlands. Then, the characters can decide where they wish to travel.

Travel in the Outlands

The Outlands is infinite in size and changes constantly. This makes the distances between locations and the time it takes to get from place to place variable. How long travel takes is up to you—it could take 3d6 days to get from one gate-town to the next closest one, or weeks, or longer. While traveling in the walking castle, the characters are safe, and encounters occur only when you choose.

Time also has little meaning, as the characters and many of the NPCs in this adventure are effectively immortal. The following chapters could take place over the course of weeks, years, or centuries, and the results would be the same. Creatures in the Outlands might experience time differently from one another, so make use of NPCs and encounters whenever or wherever you want.

Advancing in Level

Characters gain 1 level every time they complete two of the gate-town adventures in part 2. This is outlined on the Levels in the Outlands table. The characters will be 9th level before starting chapter 13.

Gate to Mechanus

With its size and persistent ticking, the gate to Mechanus is the central presence in Automata. Using the gate sends travelers to a location in Mechanus designated by complicated factors predicable only to the modrons overseeing the gate.

Read or paraphrase the following when the characters approach the gate:

Guarding the Gate

The gate to Mechanus is guarded by a decaton modron (see Morte's Planar Parade) and four pentadrones. If any of these modrons are attacked or feel threatened, they can call on more pentadrones, which arrive in 3 rounds. The guards are indifferent to the characters, and they tell anyone who approaches to get in line. It takes 19 (3d12) hours for a creature at the back of the line to reach the gate. Even then, only those with a gate-access permit may approach the gate (see "Accessing the Gate"). If anyone approaches with questions about the gate, the guards direct them to the Gate Travel Administration.

The modron guards don't allow anyone to approach the gate without approval. If anyone refuses orders to move along, the guards become hostile. They try to forcibly move dawdlers away, and they attack to subdue and arrest those who resist. Should the characters come into conflict with the modron guards, Aristimus interrupts and orders the modrons to stand down after 1 round (proceed with "Agents of Order").

Accessing the Gate

Creatures seeking to use the gate or get close enough to record data using the Mosaic Mimir must obtain an access permit at the Gate Travel Administration building nearby. This monument to bureaucracy is filled with offices, forms, modron officials, and lengthy queues. It takes 26 (4d12) hours of standing in lines and answering repetitive questions before the characters receive the exception forms they need to fill out to approach the gate. This halfling-sized stack of forms takes 1d4 days to fill out and requires a character to succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check. If a character fails this check, they miss a field or otherwise err and are provided a new stack of forms to fill out. These take just as long to complete as the first set of forms.

If the characters settle in for the long haul of Mechanus bureaucracy, word filters through the administration's ranks until Aristimus hears about the characters and comes to investigate their intentions after 1d4 hours (proceed with "Agents of Order").

Agents of Order

Aristimus (lawful neutral githzerai futurist; see Morte's Planar Parade) is the captain of Automata's guards and a member of the town's ruling body, the Council of Order. If the characters clearly want to use the gate for something other than travel to Mechanus, they come to Aristimus's attention, either at the gate or in the Gate Travel Administration. The guard captain approaches them with a job in mind. Read or paraphrase the following text to introduce Aristimus:

Aristimus allows the characters to explain their situation. After they do, Aristimus introduces himself and shares that he's one of the town's leaders. Read or paraphrase the following:

Aristimus can also offer the following information:

• Beltha is a githzerai outlaw who operates in the underground tunnels known as the Inverse.
• If the characters return the logbook, capture Beltha, and bring her to the Hall of Order alive, he'll reward them with 2,000 gp, or half that amount if she's brought in dead.
• Beltha has a distinctive tattoo around her left eye that looks like a shattered gear.
• Getting into the Inverse isn't difficult, as many staircases, vents, and drains lead to the underground.
• Beltha has previously met contacts at the Divine Machine tavern.

Once their conversation is over, Aristimus wishes the party luck and leaves them to their business.

Finding Beltha

The characters have two options to track down Beltha:

• Search the Inverse. Characters can search the Inverse for Beltha, but doing so without a lead takes 2d4 hours. A character who then succeeds on a DC 20 Wisdom (Survival) check locates Beltha's hideout (see "Seeds of Chaos"). Due to the chaotic essence of the Inverse, lawfully aligned characters have disadvantage on this check.
• Stake Out. Characters who go to the Divine Machine and spend 1d4 hours watching the clientele eventually see a dwarf Hands of Havoc fire starter (see Morte's Planar Parade) with a tattoo on his arm that matches the description of Beltha's tattoo. This is an associate of Beltha named Xannik. A character can tail Xannik to Beltha's lair in the Inverse by succeeding on a DC 14 Dexterity (Stealth) check, or they can convince him to give up her location by succeeding on a DC 16 Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check. Failing everything else, paying Xannik 200 gp gets him to give up Beltha's location.

Features of the Inverse

The Inverse has the following features:

• Chaotic Essence. At a point 30 feet below the surface of Automata and lower, the Inverse is saturated with the essence of chaos. Due to disorientation and headaches, lawful creatures in this area have disadvantage on Wisdom checks.
• Gravity. Gravity in the Inverse pulls toward an invisible, horizontal plane 30 feet below the surface.
• Light. The tunnels and chambers of the Inverse are dark unless otherwise noted. Locals carry their own light sources as necessary.

Seeds of Chaos

The residents of the Inverse are largely freethinkers and anarchists, with a smattering of criminals. Most fled here to avoid being prosecuted for crimes. Roll on the Inverse Incidents table for additional encounters characters might have in the Inverse.

Inverse Hideout

Beltha's lair is a series of chambers at the edge of the Inverse (depicted on map 5.1). It takes 30 minutes to find the lair if the characters know the way. Refer to the "Finding Beltha" section if the characters don't know where to go.

When the characters reach the steam-pipe-lined tunnels where Beltha hides out, read the following:

Beltha (chaotic neutral githzerai zerth) is on the balcony above with her allies Kit and Kot (chaotic neutral quadrones). Below, near the spiral stairs, is the red slaad Kythkyr. The group is hostile to trespassers and demands they leave. The group attacks the following round. The quadrones favor using their Shortbow attacks, while Kythkyr tries to prevent intruders from climbing to the balcony.

A character who uses an action and succeeds on a DC 14 Charisma (Persuasion) check can convince Beltha to call off her gang and talk (see "Talking with Beltha" for details).

Talking with Beltha

Beltha is an agitator in the Inverse. She's irreverent and doesn't believe people are meant to live as rigidly as the Council of Order and the powers of Mechanus prescribe. She stole the logbook from Concord Terminus to remind Automata's residents that even the modrons' plans aren't perfect. She plans to sell the logbook and expects to get 1,000 gp for it. She'll sell it to the characters for 1,500 gp, or 1,000 gp if a character succeeds on a DC 20 Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check.

Beltha fights to the death to avoid being taken prisoner.

Encounters in Curst

While exploring Curst, the characters might have any of the encounters listed on the Curst Encounters table.

Curst's Walls

A 30-foot-tall wall of rusted metal and razorvine surrounds Curst. It's patrolled by a ruthless cadre of guards called the Wall Watch. These guards are under orders from the town's leader, Baron Villigus Bazengar, to prevent anyone from leaving. Two neutral evil veterans and a maelephant (see Morte's Planar Parade) guard Curst's gates. If attacked, these guards call on additional maelephants, which arrive in 2 rounds. The Watch also uses a flight of four trained wyverns to prevent flying creatures from escaping. If the characters attack and are defeated by Curst's guards, the characters' bodies are thrown in the gate-town's dump.

Leaving Curst

The Wall Watch prevents characters from leaving Curst, using either threats or outright force. Characters who ask how to gain permission to leave the gate-town are dismissively referred to the burgomaster's estate to get permission from the burgomaster. Baron Villigus isn't currently in the gate-town, though, so even attempting to get his permission to leave is impossible. The farastu demodands (see Morte's Planar Parade) who serve as the baron's guards stiffly relate this to anyone who appears at the estate before urging them to move on.

Once the challenges of leaving Curst become clear but before the characters make any elaborate escape attempts, proceed with the "Innocent Prisoner" section.

Meeting Valder

Valder approaches the characters as they prepare to escape Curst. Read or paraphrase the following text:

Valder introduces himself and asks if the characters want to join him and his son for tea and a chat about the gate-town's signature wall. If the characters agree, proceed with "Meeting Fellik." If the characters are suspicious, he becomes more forthright, telling them he and his son need help and inviting them to discuss details at his home.

Meeting Fellik

Valder's home, a tiny shack near the town dump, is made of rusted metal plates and scavenged wood. It is simply furnished with a few chairs, a table, a kitchenette, and a bench cluttered with metal scraps and tools. A curtained-off area holds a single bed.

After Valder hurries everyone inside and bars the door, read or paraphrase the following text:

Fellik died in an accident in Sigil several years ago. When he manifested as a petitioner, he took the form he had in life. However, his body, while still corporeal, is semitransparent like a ghost. Fellik and Valder have spent several weeks reconciling, but they've agreed it's time for Fellik to move on to his rightful afterlife in Mount Celestia.

Fellik is good natured but cautious and indecisive. He's wary of the characters and won't do anything they say unless a character does it first.

A Father's Request

Valder gets straight to the point: he wants the characters to help his son escape Curst. He can share any of the information in the "Innocent Prisoner" section, as well as the following details:

• Valder knows of a tunnel in the dump that goes under Curst's walls.
• Fellik can lead the characters to the tunnel, but the way is dangerous.
• Valder wants the characters to protect Fellik on his way out of the city.
• If pressed, Valder explains that he refuses to leave Curst, as he fears the Mercykillers are still hunting for him and he doesn't want to put Fellik in danger by association.

Valder offers the characters no reward—their reward is escape from Curst. If pressed, Valder flips them 2 electrum coins, which is most of the money he has in the shack (he saves another 5 coins for Fellik).

If the characters agree to help, Valder encourages them to wait until nightfall, then return, collect Fellik, and head to the dump. He urges the characters to leave so he and Fellik can say their goodbyes. Use this time to let the characters explore or run scenes from the Curst Encounters table.

Curst Escape Features

Curst's dump has the following features:

• Garbage Heaps. Trash heaps are 20 feet tall.
• Garbage Tunnels. Interior spaces are cavities in the surrounding junk with 8-foot-high ceilings.
• Lighting. During the day, the dump is brightly lit. At night and in interior spaces, the dump isn't illuminated. Area descriptions assume the characters have a light source or other means of seeing in the dark.
• Sludge. Viscous runoff pools in the dump. Unless otherwise noted, this sludge is 2 feet deep and is difficult terrain. Creatures that try to leave a pool of sludge must succeed on a DC 8 Strength saving throw or have the restrained condition. A restrained creature can make another saving throw to escape the sludge at the start of its next turn.

Curst Escape Locations

The following locations are keyed to map 6.1.

C1. Junk Heaps

Characters who have a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 14 or higher hear bubbling and dirge-like humming from the pool. These noises come from two otyughs partially submerged in the sludge. They are influenced by energies from Carceri that make them gray, dour, and envious of anyone seeking freedom. If the characters don't make themselves known as they approach, the otyughs are startled and attack. Should the characters try to communicate, the otyughs speak in Otyugh and insist to know what the characters are doing. If characters reveal they're trying to escape, or if they're unable to answer, the otyughs attack. Otherwise, the otyughs are indifferent to the characters.

C2. Hidden Tunnel

There is no obvious exit from this chamber, and Fellik doesn't know where to go from here. The young man swiftly grows concerned, fearing he and his father have been betrayed.

A character who inspects the ground and succeeds on a DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check finds footprints leading into the sludge. Creatures that enter the sludge and search for a passage find a submerged tunnel leading through the opaque slime. Although the prospect is disgusting, creatures can swim through the sludge as if it were water.

C3. Escape Route

The figures are Amod Ka and Lot Sheng, lawful neutral, human Mercykiller bloodhounds (see Morte's Planar Parade). Lot's driftglobe lights the room. On spotting Fellik, Amod asks, "Any luck finding your pops, kid?"

Amod and Lot are indifferent to the characters, but not to Fellik. They share the following details:

• They followed Fellik to Curst, hoping to track down Valder.
• They intend to capture Fellik and force him to lead them to his father.
• They encourage the characters not to get involved, explaining Valder is a criminal who let a murderer go free, resulting in multiple Mercykiller deaths.

Fellik stammers and lies poorly to the Mercykillers, but they're convinced Valder is in the gate-town. Amod and Lot soon move to drag off Fellik. If the characters impede or attack the pair, the Mercykillers attack. The Mercykillers fight to the death.

A character who succeeds on a DC 20 Charisma (Deception) check convinces the Mercykillers that Valder is dead or not in Curst.

The Godstrand

The gate to Mount Celestia stands atop the Godstrand, a soaring pillar whose top is perpetually hidden by clouds. Spiraling stairs ascend the tower. These are open to any who wish to climb, but those with corrupt intentions find the journey harrowing.

Climbing the Godstrand

Nearly a mile of stairs and ramps leads from the base of the Godstrand to its top. The stairs take most creatures approximately 18 minutes to climb.

Creatures of evil alignment see visions of judgment and shame in the mosaics that decorate the ascent. Every minute that an evil creature climbs the Godstrand or is otherwise within 100 feet of the gate to Mount Celestia, it must make a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature has visions of its past wicked deeds and gains 1 level of exhaustion that can't be removed until it finishes a long rest away from the Godstrand. Creatures that reach level 5 exhaustion are eventually found by heavenly denizens and removed from the tower. This effect never causes a creature to have level 6 exhaustion.

Gate to Mount Celestia

When the characters reach the gate to Mount Celestia, read or paraphrase the following text:

The gate's guards are warden archons (see Morte's Planar Parade). They question the intentions of anyone who nears the gate, but they allow the characters to ascend and use the Mosaic Mimir.

Uncertain Investigations

After the characters update their mimir, they're approached by a hound archon (see Morte's Planar Parade). He's one of the locals who's been reflecting on the gate, and he introduces himself as Varrel, a member of the town guard. He asks if the characters are adventurers who'd be interested in helping him with a task. If the characters agree to hear him out, read or paraphrase the following text:

Varrel is willing to pay the characters for their aid, offering the group 2,500 gp and a brooch of shielding sculpted with watchful canine features. If the characters agree to aid Varrel, he shares what he knows and can lead the characters to either the headquarters of the Excelsior Guard or Sincerity's home (detailed later in this chapter).

Law and Archons

As a hound archon, Varrel is a being of absolute law and goodness. Even if the characters are helping him, he won't condone crimes. If he sees a character commit a crime or finds out about it, he fines them 100 gp. If they discover evidence while committing a crime, he disregards it and informs the characters that he won't let it be used against Sincerity.

If the characters repeatedly commit crimes, Varrel pays them as promised, then escorts them out of Excelsior.

The Soul Trade

No one in Excelsior is sure of it yet, but Sincerity is behind the disappearances in town. She uses empty iron flasks provided by the night hag Uncle Longteeth to capture victims, then uses her trained sunflies to deliver the flasks to him. The night hag plans to take the souls to Hades, where he'll transform them into larvae (see the Dungeon Master's Guide) and sell them as delicacies to deplorable immortals. The characters gradually discover this in the course of their investigation.

Missing Saints

Five lifelong residents of Excelsior have gone missing. Varrel and others can share the details from the Missing Excelsior Residents table.

None of the missing individuals had known rivals or left behind evidence. A character who succeeds on a DC 16 Intelligence (Arcana) check notes that none of these individuals is a native of the Outer Planes (a fact that matters for iron flasks).

Speaking with Sincerity

The headquarters of the Excelsior guard is a palatial tower filled with simple but comfortable offices, libraries, and meeting rooms. Varrel can escort the characters to the meeting room where Sincerity is being questioned. Read or paraphrase the following description when the characters arrive:

The hound archon (see Morte's Planar Parade) is Rolm, an investigator who has features like a terrier. The tiefling is Sincerity, a lawful evil assassin (without weapons at the moment). Sincerity benefits from a supernatural gift that permanently grants her the effects of the spell glibness.

Varrel and Rolm let the characters question Sincerity. The tiefling is patient and polite and assures them this is a misunderstanding. She can share the following information:

• Her name is Sincerity, and she's lived in Excelsior for over thirty years. Before that, she lived in Sigil.
• She doesn't work, but she occasionally volunteers to play instruments for local youth theaters.
• She doesn't know any of the people who have gone missing, but she hopes they're found safe soon.
• She has nothing to do with any disappearances.

Sincerity answers the characters' other questions along similar lines. If the characters ask her any of the following questions, she responds as noted:

Why are so many sunflies at your house? Sincerity says they're her pets—she likes their colors.

Why do your sunflies fly to Uncle Longteeth's wagon? Sincerity claims not to know. Maybe he's trying to steal away her babies?

Who is Uncle Longteeth? She claims not to know.

Varrel and Rolm don't allow the characters to harm Sincerity or use magic on her. Even if the characters detect and note Sincerity's evil alignment, the archons dismiss this as invasive, inconclusive, and inadmissible in Excelsior's courts.

Sincerity's Home

If the characters ask to go to Sincerity's home, Varrel directs them to a tower of comfortable apartments. He won't go with them, as a lantern archon calls him away for some official errand.

The characters can decide what they want to do once they know where Sincerity lives. Her home has the following elements:

• Front Door. The door to Sincerity's home is locked, but it can be picked by a character who makes a successful DC 14 Dexterity check using thieves' tools.
• Cozy Interior. Inside, the characters find a cozy but simple living space, kitchen, and bedroom. Sincerity's home holds no evidence of anything sinister and nothing worth more than 5 sp.
• Terrace. This terrace of blooming lilacs is accessible from Sincerity's home or by creatures that can reach its 150-foot height. A large cage there holds eight sunflies (see Morte's Planar Parade). The sunflies glow in rainbow hues. The door to their cage is closed by a simple hook.

If a character opens the sunfly cage, a sunfly hops forward and raises its foremost limbs, as if it wants a tiny hug. If a character places any Tiny object in a sunfly's grip, the creature takes the object and begins flying spireward out of Excelsior. It ultimately lands at Uncle Longteeth's wagon, drops whatever it was holding, and then flies back to the cage.

Questioning Locals

The characters might question Excelsior locals, witnesses Varrel knows were near a disappearance, or Sincerity's neighbors. If so, relevant locals might share the following information:

• Sincerity seems like a nice person, but she keeps to herself.
• The local saw Sincerity walking near where someone went missing, but they didn't see her do anything wrong.
• Sincerity keeps sunflies. They're unusual in town, but they're harmless, pleasant creatures. The local sees them buzz around sometimes. (If pressed about the sunflies' travels, the local recalls they've seen the sunflies follow a regular path spireward.)
• A character who mentions strange lights or succeeds on a DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check causes the local to recall that they saw colorful lights near where a missing person vanished.

Decisive Evidence

Sincerity drops her act and confesses to her crimes in the following circumstances:

• Freed Captives. The missing individuals are freed and identify her as having imprisoned them.
• Captive Accomplice. Uncle Longteeth is captured and handed over to Excelsior's guards.
• Compelling Story. A character presents multiple compelling circumstances—like locals noticing colored lights that could belong to Sincerity's sunflies and her sunflies flying to Uncle Longteeth's wagon—and succeeds on a DC 20 Charisma (Persuasion) check.

Sincerity pleasantly surrenders after confessing her crimes. The guards collect Uncle Longteeth's iron flasks as evidence. If the characters refuse to surrender the flasks, Varrel explains he needs the bottles to ensure Sincerity meets justice at her trial. He'll look the other way if the characters take one iron flask, but if they try to take more, he calls upon five other hound archons (see Morte's Planar Parade) who insist the characters relinquish the evidence.

Gate to the Beastlands

Nearly a mile from Camp Greenbriar stands the gate to the Beastlands: a peaceful pond surrounded by vine-covered ruins. A 20-foot-tall statue of a human with glowing eyes kneels by the pool. This is the guardian of the gate, an ancient being known as Wrath. It uses the empyrean stat block, with the following changes:

• Its creature type is Construct (Titan).
• Its Maul attack is a Slam instead.
• It automatically knows when it hears a lie.

Wrath questions any creature approaching the pool, asking the creature's business in a booming voice. The guardian attacks any non-Beast who lies, refuses to answer, or tries to use the gate without Wrath's permission. If the characters are honest about why they want to use the gate, Wrath allows them to bring their mimir close to the gate and record an entry for Faunel.

After the Battle

If Razak is with the characters after the battle, he identifies the ibex as Oka, a storyteller and advisor to Ophelia, leader of a group of local herbivores. If Razak wasn't with the characters, he comes across the scene as the battle ends and shares the same information. The ibex's body bears a distinguishing accessory: a beaded necklace with an eye-shaped topaz. The necklace is worth 40 gp.

Razak encourages the characters to come with him to Heart Delta to meet Ophelia and convey the news of Oka's death.

The Vile Hunt

Razak or others at Camp Greenbriar can identify the gnolls as members of the Vile Hunt. This group of local criminals hunt and kill for sport, targeting unawakened animals and Faunel's sapient residents indiscriminately. They're led by a cruel hunt master called Mick Mangehide. So far, the Vile Hunt has evaded locals' attempts to capture its members or drive them off.

Heart Delta

Heart Delta lies a few miles away from Camp Greenbriar. When the characters visit there, read or paraphrase the following description:

The crater at the center of Heart Delta is called the Hollow. Here the elephant Ophelia addresses hundreds of gathered animals nightly. Characters seeking Ophelia find her here.

Ophelia uses the elephant stat block, with the following changes:

• Ophelia is lawful good.
• She has an Intelligence of 10, a Wisdom of 14, and a Charisma of 14.
• She speaks Common.

Talking with Ophelia

Ophelia is wise and patient, and she seeks to protect her people. She wants to create a new Faunel where sapient animals overcome their instincts and live communally. If the characters converse with her, she shares the following information:

• She's saddened to hear about Oka's death but thanks the characters for informing her.
• She suspects the Vile Hunt is working for Ebonclaw, the leader of the predators at Razortooth Rock.
• She recently defeated Ebonclaw in battle when he and some of his predators attacked a herd under her protection.
• She suspects Oka's death is Ebonclaw's retaliation.
• She asks the characters to go to Razortooth Rock and find out if Ebonclaw is working with the Vile Hunt.

If the characters can find out who is behind Oka's death, Ophelia promises to reward them with a figurine of wondrous power (serpentine owl).

Razortooth Rock

Razortooth Rock stands 5 miles spireward from Camp Greenbriar. Read or paraphrase the following description as the characters approach:

Sapient predatory animals follow the characters through this wilderness but don't bother the characters. At Razortooth Rock, the peak at the center of this rugged land, the characters find Ebonclaw.

Ebonclaw uses the saber-toothed tiger stat block with the following changes:

• Ebonclaw is lawful neutral.
• He has an Intelligence of 12 and a Charisma of 12.
• He speaks Common.

Talking with Ebonclaw

Ebonclaw is arrogant and cunning, but he is nursing his wounded pride after a clash with Ophelia. He seeks to create a Faunel where the residents embrace their skills, becoming proud and powerful.

Ebonclaw is suspicious of visitors, even if Razak is with them. He converses only if a character succeeds on a DC 16 Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check or brings him a gift of fresh yak meat. Characters might purchase yak meat at Camp Greenbriar for 20 gp or ask Ophelia to provide it from a non-sapient source.

Once Ebonclaw agrees to speak with the characters, he is forthright and shares the following:

• He was recently defeated in battle by Ophelia. He and his hunters attacked a group of reindeer, not realizing the group was under her protection. His group was in the wrong.
• He knows nothing of Oka's death but is sad to hear of it. He doubts any creature in his territory was involved.
• Ebonclaw loathes the Vile Hunt.
• Although he doesn't know who killed Oka, he suggests asking Parvaz at Eagles' Aerie—the albatross leader's flying followers see all.

Eagles' Aerie

A forest of exceptionally tall trees lies a few hours away from Camp Greenbriar. If the characters visit the forest, read the following description:

Any of the sapient birds who make their home in Eagles' Aerie can direct the characters to their leader, Parvaz. Currently, the albatross is at a meeting place called Watcher's Talon, deep in the forest. The most direct route to the site takes 2 hours. Unless a character succeeds on a DC 14 Wisdom (Survival) check, they follow a winding route that takes twice as long.

On reaching Watcher's Talon, the characters find a petrified, leafless tree. Here the giant albatross Parvaz holds court with a congress of winged creatures—sapient eagles, owls, pteranodons, winged lizards, and more.

Parvaz uses the giant eagle stat block, with the following changes:

• Parvaz is neutral.
• He has an Intelligence of 16 and a Charisma of 14.
• He speaks Common.

Talking with Parvaz

Parvaz is guarded and pragmatic. He seeks to create a Faunel on par with other gate-towns, where the residents trade and leverage their unique abilities.

During a conversation with the characters, Parvaz shares the following information:

• He knows nothing of Oka's death and doesn't particularly care.
• The Vile Hunt rarely bothers his followers.
• He knows where the Vile Hunt lairs, but he doesn't know why he should share that information.

A character who succeeds on a DC 18 Charisma (Persuasion) check can convince Parvaz to share the location of the Vile Hunt's camp. Otherwise, the characters need to make sharing this information worth Parvaz's while. Parvaz would be interested in the figurine of wondrous power (serpentine owl) Ophelia offered the characters. He's also willing to accept a gift at a later date, at which point he sends agents to see if the characters have anything he'd be interested in.

Once the characters have struck a deal with Parvaz, he shares the location of the Vile Hunt.

Pursuing the Vile Hunt

The Vile Hunt gnolls lurk in a clearing a half-day's travel from Camp Greenbriar. If the characters bring this information to Ebonclaw or Ophelia, the first leader they speak to offers the characters 2,000 gp worth of gemstones to participate in a raid. They also send friendly animals equal to the number of characters. Ebonclaw sends dire wolves, and Ophelia sends rhinoceroses.

Vile Hunt Camp

The Vile Hunt's camp is depicted on map 8.1. Read the following when the characters reach the camp:

Mick Mangehide, the gnoll fang of Yeenoghu who leads the Vile Hunt, camps here with four hunters (use the gnoll pack lord stat block). They attack as soon as they see any outsiders, and they fight to the death. One hunter stays near the cage at the rear of the camp. After 1 round, the hunter opens the cage and releases the panicked triceratops inside.

Contests

The people of Glorium delight in good-natured competitions. Treat these competitions as a series of three ability checks. If a character succeeds on two or more of the three ability checks, they win. If a character fails on two or more ability checks, their opponent wins. The Glorium Contests table lists several competitions along with a suggested DC and ability check to use in competitions against Glorium's residents, which you can use as inspiration for contests of your own.

Gate to Ysgard

The gate to Ysgard is a maelstrom a mile offshore. Characters directed to the gate can see it in the distance from Glorium's docks. Spells like fly or water walk can help characters reach the gate, but getting close enough to update their mimir is a damp, miserable experience that attracts the attention of whirlwyrms (see the "Whirlwyrm Attack" section).

Hiring a boat to sail to the portal is less treacherous. If the characters ask locals about hiring a boat or wander the docks, they'll meet Bkol Steelbane, captain of the Courier.

Courier

Bkol Steelbane (chaotic good, orc veteran) is a lanky sailor and one of two captains of the Courier. The other captain is the Courier itself, as the vessel is an amalgam of longship and joke-loving, sapient giant raven. The pair has been ferrying folks through the portal to Ysgard for years.

Passage to the Maelstrom

Bkol and the Courier have recently returned from Ysgard and are willing to sail to the portal. Bkol charges 100 gp for the ride, but he allows the characters free passage if one of them beats him in a sea-urchin-eating contest. This contest (see the "Contests" section) requires a participating character to succeed on at least two DC 17 Constitution ability checks. Even if a character loses, they earn Bkol's respect, and he reduces his price to 50 gp.

Once Bkol and the Courier are hired, they and their crew of eight rowers (chaotic good guards) are ready to leave at the characters' convenience.

Battle on the Courier

Map 9.1 depicts the Courier. The bird-boat has the following features:

• Crew. Bkol and the ship's rowers stay out of battle, trying to keep the ship on course.
• Movement. The Courier moves 40 feet away from any creature in the water each round. The whirlwyrms use all but 10 feet of their movement to keep pace with the ship.
• Wing Sails. The Courier's wings are difficult terrain. Any creature on a wing that takes 10 or more damage must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or fall into the water.

Once the whirlwyrms are defeated, a character can update the Mosaic Mimir with a report on Glorium.

Hero among Heroes

Read the following when the characters find Tyrza:

Tyrza Bonebreaker (chaotic good, human gladiator; detailed further in Sigil and the Outlands) is loud, powerful, and free with her feelings and praise. She's fond of Bkol, and listens as he encourages the characters to recount the whirlwyrm attack. When he's done reporting, Tyrza says the following:

Bkol leaves the choice up to the characters. If asked what's going on, Bkol explains that Glorium is a town full of glory seekers and that Tyrza rewards those who serve the gate-town. Bkol assures the characters it's worth their while if they offer aid.

If the characters agree to go to Grakenok and find out what's happening, Bkol ferries them free of charge. Tyrza bids them a glorious adventure.

The Competition

The characters aren't the only heroes headed to Grakenok. These two rivals also step up and seek to find out what's happened at Grakenok:

• Sytri. A silent, masked woman wearing Doomguard armor, Sytri is a chaotic good Doomguard rot blade (see Morte's Planar Parade). She unfurls a carpet of flying measuring 3 feet by 5 feet and woven with the image of a flying demon skull.
• Tol Frostmane. Full of flattery and bravo, Tol is a towering equinal guardinal (see Morte's Planar Parade) with a neatly braided black mane and a loose poet's shirt. He sails a swift sailboat called the Allure.

Both heroes are respectful toward the characters but defend themselves if attacked.

Off to Adventure

Sytri and Tol want to be the first to find out what's happening in Grakenok, and Bkol encourages the characters to act swiftly to keep up with them. Sytri and Tol set off immediately, using their carpet of flying and ship, respectively. The characters can travel to Grakenok however they like. It would take their walking castle days to circle the bay and reach Grakenok, so Bkol offers them use of the Courier.

As with all places in the Outlands, the distance between Glorium and Grakenok varies. How long the journey takes is up to you, but so long as the characters don't pause for any amount of time longer than a short rest, they arrive in Grakenok at about the same time as their rivals. The events in the "Perils at Sea" section might also delay the characters or their rivals.

Lost Dingy

Characters who have a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 14 or higher see the following scene:

The sailor in the dingy is a human youngster in danger. Changing course to save the ship delays the characters' arrival in Grakenok (see the "Arriving in Grakenok" section).

The characters might be traveling close enough to Sytri or Tol that the other hero can hear them. A character who points out the floundering ship to the other hero and succeeds on a DC 16 Charisma (Persuasion) check convinces their rival to investigate the boat, delaying that hero's arrival in Grakenok.

The dingy is doomed, but its lone sailor is easily saved. This precocious human commoner calls himself Kai and is impressed by whoever rescued him. Kai might be either a young thrill seeker from Glorium or the Lemming Boy (see the "Glorium" section of Sigil and the Outlands).

If no one tries to save the dingy, both it and its occupant eventually fade from view and don't reappear.

Whirlwyrm Spotted

A giant splash reveals another whirlwyrm (use the giant crocodile stat block) swimming near the characters. If sailing characters want to sneak by the creature, they must succeed on a DC 10 group Dexterity (Stealth) check, or the monster notices them and attacks. If the characters engage the creature in combat, they're delayed in arriving at Grakenok (see the "Arriving in Grakenok" section).

A character who calls out to a nearby rival and succeeds on a DC 16 Charisma (Persuasion) check can convince the rival to fight the whirlwyrm, which delay's that hero's arrival in Grakenok.

Four-Way Battle

The characters, Sytri, and Tol all seek the glory of defeating the elder whirlwyrm. Track how much damage each character and the rival heroes deal to the monster every round. Instead of rolling damage, Sytri and Tol both deal 10 damage to the whirlwyrm on each of their turns. For every round by which a rival hero beats the characters to Grakenok (if any), that hero has already dealt 10 damage to the monster. If the characters beat Sytri or Tol to Grakenok, the rival heroes enter battle as soon as they arrive.

Sytri and Tol focus on the monster and ignore the characters unless the party attacks them first.

Attack on Rigus

"Do as I say, and you won't have any problems."

The sight of a walking castle closing on the gate-town puts all of Rigus on alert. Blaring horns precede every gate into town closing and patrols outside the gate-town converging into a small army in the walking castle's path. Moments later, a Harmonium captain (see Morte's Planar Parade) who imbibed a potion of flying approaches the walking castle. When the captain is close enough to be heard, read or paraphrase the following boxed text:

By pleading their case and succeeding on a DC 16 Charisma (Persuasion) check, a character can convince Shu they don't intend to attack Rigus. Shu's demand to remove the walking castle is nonnegotiable, though, and the distance he insists on is a day's travel away. The Castellan can drop the characters off, then move the castle without them.

Once the misunderstanding is clarified, Shu has the town's forces stand down, escorts the characters to the entrance to Rigus, and then departs.

Entering Rigus

Read or paraphrase the following description as the characters near the entrance to Rigus:

Ten lawful neutral knights guard the entrance to Rigus. The guards ask each character a few questions:

• Have you come to join the army of Rigus or proceed on to wars in Acheron?
• What is your business in Rigus?
• Do you have any weapons of interplanar destruction to declare?

If a character answers truthfully, or lies and succeeds on a DC 12 Charisma (Deception) check, the guards grant the character a gray badge that can be worn as a pin or medallion. A guard explains that the badge identifies the character as a visitor and must be worn at all times. Anyone found not wearing a gray badge is removed from town.

The guards are humorless. Any character who tries to avoid the guards or who makes light of their questioning is subjected to an hour of thorough but frivolous questioning before being admitted.

Meeting Major Kalar

If the characters follow the guards' directions, they arrive at a field covered in simple command tents. It takes 15 minutes to find Major Kalar's white tent amid the bustle of officers and messengers. When the characters enter the tent, read the following:

Major Nirra Kalar (lawful neutral, hobgoblin gladiator) is busy and not eager to be interrupted. If the characters explain themselves, she listens. Use the following points to guide the conversation:

• The portal to Acheron is closed after a series of deadly attacks from the gate's far side.
• Assaults from Acheron are common, but these attacks have been highly effective and have caught Rigus's defenders off guard each time.
• Extra troops now defend the gate, but the attacks exploit every shift change and flawed positioning.
• Kalar fears a spy is in Rigus's midst.
• If the characters can prove they have any sort of martial aptitude, Kalar offers to hire them to seek out how the forces through the gate are getting intel on Rigus's defenses.

If the characters agree to help end the threat, the major promises them access to the gate to Acheron, 1,000 gp each, and their choice of equipment from the Rigus officer's armory (detailed in the "Conclusion"). Once Kalar and the characters come to an arrangement, she can escort them to the gate to Acheron when they're ready.

Rigus Forces

Rigus's forces are largely hobgoblin and human guards. Two commanders oversee these troops:

• Sergeant Gauller. A quick-to-smile, lawful neutral cambion, Gauller welcomes the characters' help but has no idea why foes from Acheron are attacking so aggressively. Gauller is wary of being targeted by the enemy and has a spellcaster in his service cast nondetection on him every 8 hours.
• Sergeant Luggik. Luggik looks like an armored human woman and behaves like a veteran solider. In fact, the real Luggik was replaced by a gray slaad (see the following section) that wears a ring of mind shielding. The slaad has blended in with Rigus's forces and learned much about the gate-town's defenses.

Kalar introduces the characters to both sergeants. While the soldiers are polite, they both have duties to perform and are watchful of the gate.

Invaders' Methods

The invading Acheron forces serve a warlord named Thalir Heartbane, a goblin warlord favored by the god Maglubiyet. Recently, an ettin servant of Thalir with heads named Zot and Sotu came into possession of a gray slaad's control gem (see the Monster Manual). The gray slaad uses its Shapechanger trait to pose as Sergeant Luggik. During assaults through the portal, the slaad uses telepathy to relate information to Zot and Sotu's agents, who then slip back through the portal. This helps the invaders prepare ever-deadlier attacks.

Before Battle

The characters can inspect the gate to Acheron or speak to any of the soldiers at the gate. Major Kalar won't let the characters attune the Mosaic Mimir to the portal, though, insisting they fulfill their deal with her first. There's little evidence to discover, but the soldiers reinforce the direness of their situation and convey their dread of the next attack. When the characters are done investigating, proceed with the following section.

Gate to Acheron Battlefield Features

The battlefield around the gate to Acheron has the following features:

• Barricades. Any Large or smaller creature that attempts to move over one of these barricades must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. If it fails, the creature doesn't cross the barricade, and its speed is 0 until the end of the turn.
• Difficult Terrain. The heaps of debris and the impact craters surrounding the Acheron projectiles are difficult terrain.

Gate to Acheron Battlefield Events

During this battle, roll on the Gate to Acheron Battlefield Events table each round on initiative count 0. Also consider rolling on the table if a character tries to leave the mapped battlefield.

Midbattle Deductions

During the battle, a character can spend an action to watch for something unusual. If they do, the character makes a DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check. If the check is successful, the character notices "Sergeant Luggik" stage fighting with a foe who clearly doesn't intend her harm. Unbeknownst to the character, the fake Luggik is using telepathy to relate information to this spy mid-battle.

If called out for this, the fake Luggik appears at the map's edge near a random character and stalls until the second wave of battle. If attacked or impeded, the gray slaad assumes its true form and tries to escape through the gate.

Second Wave

After the berserkers are defeated, the characters have 1 round to recover. If no character has already noticed Luggik's behavior, the character with the highest passive Wisdom (Perception) score notices Luggik's mock fighting, as noted above. At the end of this round, read the following description:

Three ettins emerge through the portal. Two use the stat blocks of normal ettins, but the third is Zot and Sotu, who are an ettin with an Armor Class of 16.

Any character who observes the gray gem and succeeds on a DC 16 Intelligence (Arcana) check recognizes it as a slaad control gem: a stone that gives the wearer control over a slaad. A second successful DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) check also allows a character to realize that some slaadi can change shape.

If Zot and Sotu are reduced to 20 or fewer hit points, they call for aid. If the fake Luggik hasn't reverted to its gray slaad form, she does so now and appears on the battlefield as noted above.

Sylvania Encounters

Gate to Arborea

The gate to Arborea lies in the woods near Sylvania, but it changes location randomly, rarely settling in a location for more than a day. Locals can explain the gate's wandering nature, but they can't locate it. The only beings who always know the gate's location are the ephemeral rulers of Sylvania: the Seven Spiritors. Usually the spiritors are busy overseeing festivities in town, but as luck would have it, one of them has need of the characters.

Meeting Kopoha

When the characters seek out Kopoha, they find her in the following scene:

Kopoha (chaotic good empyrean without a Maul attack) argues with an elf named Manalath (neutral good mage), who's respectfully preventing the empyrean from entering the Yearning Timbers. Inside is a rare, invite-only event being hosted by Rillifane Rallathil, an elf god of nature. Manalath apologizes and calmly repeats that Kopoha isn't on the guest list. As Kopoha grows more insistent, winds carrying the scent of a thunderstorm rise around the pair.

The argument continues until the characters intervene. Any interruption catches Kopoha off guard. She sizes up the characters and says, "I suppose you're not completely unworthy of my time. Why do you approach Kopoha?" Her demeanor is challenging but not hostile.

A character can talk Kopoha away from the Yearning Timbers through roleplaying or by succeeding on a DC 12 Charisma (Persuasion) check. Characters who flatter Kopoha have advantage on this check.

Once the characters convince Kopoha to leave the Yearning Timbers, they need someplace to take her; otherwise, she returns to arguing with Manalath.

Kopoha's Bad Day

Kopoha recently endured a crushing defeat by her bitterest rival, her sister Alethira. The two are always trying to outdo each other as they vie for their parents' approval. They are usually well matched, but this time Alethira humiliated Kopoha by beating her at cards and taking her maul as a prize. This defeat exacerbated the worries Kopoha harbors (see the following section). She's trying to bury her worries by recklessly celebrating in Sylvania.

Titanic Pain

In situations noted later in this chapter, Kopoha might share the following truths and a quandary about her life:

• Familial Expectations. Kopoha's parents expect her to become a god one day. They're constantly watching her and judging whether she's good enough for godhood. That's a lot to live up to! How do the characters think she can ever live up to the expectations of literal gods?
• Sibling Jealousy. Kopoha thinks her sister, Alethira, is amazing at everything. Kopoha respects her sister but feels she has to prove to her parents that she's just as worthy a daughter and future god. How do the characters think she can be a loving sister while proving she's just as amazing as Alethira?
• Divine Insecurity. Kopoha dreads becoming a god. She doesn't even know herself yet. What if she becomes a god of the sea? She hates seafood! Or what if she becomes god of something embarrassing, like smelly winds? It's a big deal for an immortal! What do the characters think she should be god of?

How characters react to these confessions affects how Kopoha's visit to Sylvania ends (see the "Closing Time" section).

Dryad Dance

In a clearing lit by energetic fireflies, a group of ten dryads sings and dances. The group welcomes anyone who comes in peace to enjoy the serenity of their trees. Kopoha eagerly participates, but her size makes her a menace to smaller dancers. While Kopoha is dancing, a character must keep those around the empyrean safe, perhaps by maneuvering her around the dance floor with a successful DC 14 (Acrobatics or Sleight of Hand) check.

If the characters fail at helping Kopoha dance safely, she accidentally knocks over some dryads or damages a tree. Embarrassed, the empyrean insists on leaving immediately.

If the characters succeed, Kopoha has a great time and dances for an hour. While taking a break, she shares one of the truths from the "Titanic Pain" section. Afterward, she's ready to move on to another celebration.

Pixie Parade

"This song's about me!"

The pixies of Goodberry Grove party hard, and their party is in full swing. Wine, juice, and fruit desserts flow along with music and laughter among the toadstools. If the characters enter the party, they're shrunk down to pixie size, while Kopoha becomes the size of a halfling. This delights the empyrean, and she tests her strength by picking up tiny mushroom structures or visiting forest animals. Kopoha's feats and boasting quickly irritate the pixies. A character can make this more entertaining by succeeding on a DC 12 Charisma (Performance) check or by otherwise casting Kopoha's efforts as charming.

If the characters fail to compensate for Kopoha's boasting, the pixies ask the characters and the empyrean to leave.

If the characters succeed, the pixies encourage Kopoha. She insists on taking a break after an hour. While doing so, she shares one of the truths from the "Titanic Pain" section. Afterward, Kopoha wants to move on to a new party.

Skull Bocce

Amid a field of memorials, a retired god of the dead and a retinue of skeletons and morbidly dressed competitors play a casual, good-natured game of bocce. The god (perhaps Jergal, an apathetic former god of death) invites Kopoha and the characters to play, but instead of normal balls, they're using the skulls of the group's skeletons. Kopoha is eager to play but is both bad at the game (which she's never played) and far too competitive for this group. She might also attempt to use the Mosaic Mimir as a ball—which doesn't harm it but might make some characters anxious. A character must succeed on a DC 14 Strength (Athletics) check or Charisma (Persuasion) check to help Kopoha either win or deal with her loss gracefully.

If the characters fail, Kopoha throws a tantrum that annoys the god. The god insists Kopoha and the group leave, or their skulls will be used for the next game.

If the characters succeed, the game goes well, but eventually the god decides to move on. Kopoha takes a break and shares one of the truths from the "Titanic Pain" section. Afterward, she wants to move on to a new party.

"My guy, I get it. We've all got some afterlife or eternity or obliteration to get to, but right now, I'm on break. Now, watch this throw."

Widow's Henge

In a silent glade, a ring of standing stones surrounds a fallen menhir. The toppled rock is laden with an inviting but unattended feast. Any local or a character who succeeds on a DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana or History) check knows that this is Widow's Henge and that anyone who eats from the stone vanishes.

A character can dare Kopoha to eat a portion of the feast by succeeding on a DC 18 Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check. If a character knows the legends about Widow's Henge, this is abjectly not a good act and could affect the character's alignment. If Kopoha eats from the feast, she vanishes the next time she is out of the characters' sight and doesn't return. The same happens to any character who eats from the feast, but the character's incarnation reappears after an hour with no memory of what happened.

Other Celebrations

There are countless other celebrations around Sylvania. Use the events here and challenges like those outlined in the "Contests" section of chapter 9 to create more festivities and chances for Kopoha to confide in the characters.

Glitch Encounters

Good versus Evil

Two teams—the Noxious Stampede and the Righteous Hands—vie for a single soul in the Outlands. Both teams need players, but the characters can join only one. Alternatively, the characters can join neither and instead influence the game's outcome from afar.

Noxious Stampede

The Noxious Stampede consists of nine maelephants (see Morte's Planar Parade). Their star pitcher, who goes by "Snot Rocket," shoots stinking balls from its trunk like a cannon. The Fiends are sore losers and insufferable winners.

Righteous Hands

A team of Celestials, the Righteous Hands consist of eight hound archons (see Morte's Planar Parade) and their star player, a deva named Shariel whose flanged mace rings deeply when it connects with its target. The Righteous Hands are paragons of sportsmanship and honesty, rooting for each other and never disrespecting their opponents, no matter how low the Noxious Stampede stoops.

Spireball Rules

[image: Shariel, Star Player of the Righteous Hands]

Spireball takes place on a flat, triangular diamond surrounded by a ringed field. Three low pedestals at each of the triangle's points serve as bases. The last of these, where batters take their swings, is known as home plate. During the game, batters navigate these bases in order from home plate to first base, first base to second base, and second base back to home plate. The game has the following rules.

Setup

The offensive team rolls initiative to determine the batting order. Meanwhile, the defensive team designates a pitcher, who stands in the middle of the triangle facing home plate; all other participants on that team are fielders.

Batting

On their turn, each batter makes a DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check. On a successful check, the batter hits the ball with their implement and sends it flying into the field, and the batter attempts to move to first base. The defensive team can try to catch the ball (see the "Catching" section).

Each batter can attempt this check up to three times; after three failed checks, the batter strikes out and must stand down, and the next batter steps up to home plate.

Catching

If a batter hits the ball, the defensive team moves to catch it. One fielder of your choice must succeed on a DC 20 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. On a successful check, the batter is out and must stand down. On a failed check, the batter advances to first base, moving any other batters ahead of them forward by one base.

Scoring Points

Spireball has three bases corresponding to its three pedestals. Each time a batter returns from second base to home plate, their team scores 1 point.

The round ends when three batters are out, either by striking out or by having their ball caught, at which point the two teams switch places.

Play Ball!

Once the characters chose their team or decline, the game begins. The Righteous Hands are first to bat.

The game ends after each team has played offense and defense once. The outcome of the encounter hinges on the winning team and whether the characters assisted them.

Noxious Stampede Wins

If evil triumphs, members of the Noxious Stampede revel with Abyssal brags and celebratory gestures. If the characters joined this team or reveal they secretly assisted the maelephants from the sidelines, Snot Rocket produces a slimy eversmoking bottle and gives it to one of the characters.

Righteous Hands Win

If good prevails, the Righteous Hands celebrate and offer to shake hands with their opponents, who refuse the Celestials' gesture of goodwill. If the characters joined the Righteous Hands, Shariel gifts the characters with a prismatic chalice from Mount Celestia that functions as a gem of brightness.

If the characters reveal they helped the Righteous Hands from the sidelines in some way, Shariel still awards the chalice but shamefully notifies the modron umpire. The angel asks for a rematch in a year, adding "cheaters never truly win."

Tie Game

If the teams tie, the soul's fate is delayed for three hundred years. Both teams are visibly disappointed.

The Witch and the Wyrmling

This encounter occurs after the characters have the previous experience with Renesnuprah and visit another gate-town or two. The encounter begins while the characters are in their walking castle, and they hear a panicked cry from outside. When a character investigates, read or paraphrase the following:

The dragon is Renesnuprah, now a time dragon wyrmling (see Morte's Planar Parade) reduced to 10 hit points. The dragon quickly spots a character and begs to be hidden from the witch. If asked, the dragon refers to herself as Reenee.

The witch is Trikante, a neutral evil archmage on a broom of flying. Her mirrored goggles prevent others from seeing her eyes. She demands the characters give back her property. If asked, she shares the following details:

• She is Trikante, one of the greatest magical researchers the planes have ever known.
• She's conducting magical experiments that are surely beyond the characters' understanding.
• She purchased a time dragon for good money in the gate-town of Ribcage. The time dragon escaped, and she wants it back.

Reenee doesn't elaborate, but the wyrmling knows Trikante has dire plans for her.

If the characters don't stop Trikante, the mage easily recaptures Reenee and departs. If the characters intervene, she laughs but entertains trade offers. If the characters offer Trikante anything, she removes her goggles to get a better look. The character with the highest passive Wisdom (Perception) score notices her eyes are silver pools. Trikante will accept any magic item of legendary rarity in trade, such as a talisman of the sphere. If she's given such an item, she leaves Reenee alone and departs.

If the characters attack Trikante, she is a formidable foe. She fights until she's allowed to reclaim the wyrmling or she's reduced to 50 or fewer hit points, at which point she flees on her broom.

Wyrm Reception

If Trikante is dealt with, Reenee thanks the characters and says the following:

Reenee was kidnapped and wants to get home, but she can't tell the characters more. A character who succeeds on a DC 18 Intelligence (Arcana) check knows that time dragons dwell in the Mausoleum of Chronepsis—lair of a god-like dragon with unique insights into draconic fate. Characters can also learn this by spending an hour researching in the walking castle's library. If the characters share this information with Reenee, she asks them to take her to the mausoleum when they can. She doesn't rush the characters, so include the wyrmling in the adventure for as long as the characters like.

The Mausoleum

This event occurs when the characters near the Mausoleum of Chronepsis while the time dragon Reenee is with them. As soon as the mausoleum is within sight, read the following description:

As soon as the mausoleum is in sight, Reenee asks the characters to stop the walking castle. She knows the dragons are territorial, and she doesn't want to provoke them by bringing the castle closer. If the characters treated Reenee well, she thanks each character personally and gifts the group one of her scales. She then flaps off.

Scales of Time

If Reenee leaves the characters one of her scales, as the characters are departing the Mausoleum of Chronepsis, read the following:

The dragon is Renesnuprah as an ancient time dragon (see Morte's Planar Parade). She departs before the characters can act. The scale Reenee left begins to glow as it transforms into the following charm (a type of supernatural gift detailed in the Dungeon Master's Guide).

• Time of the Dragon

Lizardfolk Competitors

The twelve lizardfolk are friendly Celestial petitioners (detailed in Morte's Planar Parade). They are led by the largest of their number: the colorfully frilled Sesspech. She introduces herself and eagerly shares the following information:

• She and her companions have just completed a jog around the Outlands and are on their way back to the realm of their god, Semuanya.
• Semuanya is a deity of survival, athleticism, and physical prowess widely revered by lizardfolk.
• The lizardfolk are tired from their years-long jog and would appreciate a lift to Semuanya's Bog.
• The lizardfolk can't offer much, but they're certain their fellows in Semuanya's realm will welcome and reward the characters.

If the characters refuse, the lizardfolk understand and take it as a sign from their deity to push themselves toward greater gains. If the characters agree, the lizardfolk are appreciative. They board the walking castle and take to sunning themselves and doing light stretches on the terrace. The lizardfolk are polite passengers, full of encouragement, lifestyle advice, and enthusiasm for varied athletic pursuits.

"What's my secret? Well, I died, but then I started working out and seeing serious gains!"

Reaching Semuanya's Bog

The lizardfolk can travel with the characters for as long as you like. When the group finally reaches Semuanya's Bog, read the following text:

Sesspech thanks the characters for bringing her group home and invites them to relax in Semuanya's Bog. If the characters decline, she thanks them again, and she and her companions depart. If you so choose, the lizardfolk might appear later when the characters need aid.

If the characters enter Semuanya's Bog with Sesspech, they're welcomed as guests. They can rest here for as long as they want, and followers of Semuanya can cast cure wounds, greater restoration, or reincarnate if the characters ask.

If the characters ask to meet Semuanya, a lizardfolk tells them that the deity comes and goes unpredictably, but that Semuanya often appears to those who accomplish some great physical feat.

[image: Athletic petitioners train and compete in the swampy realm of the lizardfolk deity, Semuanya]

Contests in Semuanya's Bog

Life is good but not easy in Semuanya's Bog. The spirits of lizardfolk champions engage in endless competition here. If the characters wish to join them, they're welcomed. Run any of the competitions from the Semuanya's Bog Contests table as detailed in the "Contests" section of chapter 9.

Meeting Semuanya

If the characters win three or more competitions, a manifestation of the god Semuanya appears. This manifestation of Semuanya is a muscular, 8-foot-tall lizardfolk. They have no game statistics and vanish if attacked.

Semuanya is bombastic. They think they're amazing and that everyone in their realm is also amazing—this includes the characters. Semuanya compliments the characters on their victories and rewards them with a trophy made of eternally blooming flowers and a small green dragon skull. The trophy functions as an alchemy jug, but in addition to the liquids it can normally produce, it can create up to half a gallon of effervescent spring water. However, it can't produce beer, mayonnaise, or wine.

If the characters question Semuanya, the lizardfolk deity claims to know nothing of any disruptions in the Outlands or conflicts beyond the recent competitions in their bog. Soon after, Semuanya grows bored and departs to judge some fantastic competition elsewhere on the planes.

Unwelcome to Dendradis

When the characters approach Dendradis, read or paraphrase the following text:

Two ferrumach rilmani (see Morte's Planar Parade) guard the entrance to Dendradis. They're indifferent to the characters but refuse to let non-rilmani enter without a rilmani escort. They turn hostile should anyone try to infiltrate the town. The ferrumachs share the name of the town, but they know nothing of R04M. The rilmani don't comment on the mysterious body their city is sealing back into the Spire. Feel free to develop or ignore this mystery as you please.

"Rilmani abet good, evil, law, and chaos to maintain their vision of equilibrium, no matter the cost. What does that mean? It means I'd rather deal with demons. At least with them I know what to expect!"

Ascetelis

Before the characters depart or the situation with the ferrumachs grows too tense, a third rilmani arrives from inside. Read or paraphrase the following text:

[image: Dendradis, a Rilmani Community in the Spire]

This is Ascetelis, a cuprilach rilmani (see Morte's Planar Parade). In her hand is a scroll bearing the name of each character along with a brief and unflattering but accurate description. The final line reads, "R04M. Modron. Mismatched."

Ascetelis is friendly, and she comes across as easy to impress, with a welcoming, folksy charm. She quickly explains she was just coming to look for the characters. She asks if R04M is with them and gives an "aw-shucks" snap of her fingers when it's clear the modron isn't.

If asked why she's looking for the characters, Ascetelis explains her superiors have deemed the modron R04M a threat to multiversal balance. She hopes to find the modron and return it to Dendradis so her leaders can determine what to do with it. She's also been given the characters' names, as the rilmani know the characters have been inquiring about the modron and might know its whereabouts.

If the characters share that they've heard R04M is in the area, Ascetelis is clearly surprised, and she says the following:

Ascetelis then asks if the characters will join her in searching for R04M. She doesn't know where to go next but offers to escort the characters into Dendradis so they can ask around and see if anyone has seen the modron.

Ascetelis's Goals

Ascetelis, like most cuprilachs, is a spy and assassin. She doesn't tell the characters about her role, that the scroll she's holding is a hit list, or that she's been ordered to slay R04M and the characters for being threats to multiversal balance. She legitimately doesn't know where R04M is and wants to tag along with the characters until they find the modron. Then she plans to manufacture their collective doom.

Until then, Ascetelis is cheery and eager to help her new, temporary friends.

Tracking R04M

Hunting R04M might lead the characters into Dendradis or to explore the Spire on their own terms. Ascetelis either joins or follows the characters.

Rumors in Dendradis

With Ascetelis as an escort, the characters can enter Dendradis and ask residents what they know about R04M.

Inside, Dendradis is a labyrinth of beautiful crystals and base metals inhabited entirely by rilmani. So long as Ascetelis is with the characters, the local rilmani ignore them. Rilmani who find an unattended character rush to alert the authorities, who send four ferrumach rilmani (see Morte's Planar Parade) to evict the trespasser with as little violence as possible.

Steps along the Spire

Characters who spend a day searching the region around Dendradis for signs of R04M can make a DC 20 Wisdom (Survival) check. If they succeed, they find the tracks of a lone monodrone leading into a narrow cave. The cave runs for nearly a mile, then opens into the Desert of Rust (see the following section). The characters can't be certain these are R04M's tracks—particularly if they're not sure what type of modron R04M is—but it's the best lead they find.

Spire Interior Features

The tunnels in the Spire have the following features:

• Antimagic Pockets. The Spire is protected by invisible, drifting pockets of antimagic. Anytime a creature casts a spell, there is a 10 percent chance it triggers an antimagic field spell, centered on the caster and lasting for 5 minutes.
• Darkness. The interior of the Spire is dark. Area descriptions assume the characters have a light source or other means of seeing in the dark.
• Preternatural Silence. The Spire's interior is still and silent. Sound travels half as far as it would under normal circumstances. Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing are made with disadvantage.

Desert of Rust

This miles-wide cavern within the Spire is covered in flakes of rust and, in some rare cases, fragments of eroded blades. Every few moments, a harmless metal scrap falls from above and clinks against the cavern floor. The cavern has no ceiling—it rises endlessly into the infinite hollow of the Spire's interior.

Ascetelis can tell the characters that rilmani artisans occasionally scavenge useful materials from the cave, but most of the detritus from above is worthless.

Characters find evidence of R04M's passage after searching for 5 hours or by searching for 1 hour and succeeding on a DC 14 Wisdom (Survival) check. This path leads up an incline toward a series of tunnels.

Memory from Elsewhere

As the characters ascend the Spire, they witness mysterious sights. These scenes aren't dangerous, but you can elaborate on them as you please. Roll on or choose a result from the Sights within the Spire table to break up the characters' climb.

The Whisker

This 200-foot-long, 5-foot-wide bridge connects the characters' path with tunnels ahead. A character who inspects the metallic bridge sees it is covered in fine metal growths. Characters can tell that the bridge is natural, and although it can bear the characters' weight, it is fragile.

Tomb of the Frog

On entering this area, the character with the highest passive Wisdom (Perception) score hears heavy breathing. Those who investigate see the following:

This cavern is roughly circular and hundreds of feet across, and it has a 30-foot-high ceiling. A tunnel on the opposite wall exits the chamber and leads higher into the Spire.

The giant has features suggestive of a human mixed with a fantastically ugly toad. He uses the fomorian stat block. The creature is in a deep despair and is indifferent to the characters. Creatures that don't disturb him can walk past him unimpeded.

If one or more characters make themselves known to the giant, he turns his head and addresses them:

If one or more characters say yes, the giant invites them to sit with him. If no characters say yes, he goes back to staring.

Characters who speak with the giant get lethargic responses but can eventually learn that he believes he's a god whose followers forgot him, and now even he has forgotten who he is. The giant has no hope of regaining his memory or powers—if he ever had any.

The Scholar

This baernaloth is an evil being that calls itself the Scholar. It is curious about the characters and seeks to expose them to its corruptive ideas. Should a character converse with it, the Scholar speaks cryptically while sharing the following information:

• It saw a modron climb past its crag recently. It wouldn't suggest following it, though—the darkness above is hungry.
• The Scholar seeks truths of the multiverse, both this one and those that came before.
• It believes that when the time comes, it will be able to change the multiverse to suit its vision of profane perfection.
• The Scholar will share a secret no mortal was meant to know with one interested character (see the "Secrets of Eternity" section below).

If the characters ignore the baernaloth, leave its cave, or refuse its offers, it lets them go.

If the Scholar is attacked, it fights to defend itself. The cave isn't considered the baernaloth's lair, so it can't take lair actions here. If the Scholar is defeated, characters who search the cavern find a cleft surrounded by foul, bleeding runes. Inside is the Book of Vile Darkness.

Secrets of Eternity

If a character agrees to let the Scholar share a forbidden secret, the baernaloth requests that the character come close and let it whisper in their ear. The baernaloth then speaks in a language the character doesn't know but somehow understands. If the character lets the Scholar speak for a full minute, the character's mind is flooded with terrible knowledge. The character can't process the entirety of that knowledge, but what they can articulate is summarized by a secret from the Impossible Knowledge table or another mystery of your creation. The veracity and implications of these secrets are up to you.

The Scholar shares its secret with only one character. That character gains the following charm (a type of supernatural gift detailed in the Dungeon Master's Guide).

• Eyes of the Impossible

R04M, Sigil's Most Wanted

R04M is a neutral good monodrone with an Intelligence of 8. He speaks Common and Modron. R04M is earnest, naive, and desperate to leave the Spire. He shares the following details once out of peril:

• His name is R04M.
• He says he fled Sigil because "a fancy fox fiend was trying to disassemble him."
• This fox fiend is holding modrons hostage in a secret prison. The modrons are doing things that are bad for the planes (he can't expound—it's just bad).
• He escaped this secret prison but was captured and taken to a fancy place. He used a platinum casino chip he found and escaped through a portal behind a big wheel. He still has this chip.
• R04M traveled through Sigil and the Outlands to hide but also to follow the path of the last Great Modron March, hoping to complete the march he started long ago and learn how the trapped modrons are disrupting the planes.
• R04M can tell the characters are affected by the disruption the fox fiend's modrons are causing.
• The modron doesn't know where to go, but he'd like to leave the Spire. He won't go to Sigil, where he's afraid the fox fiend will get him.

R04M's story contradicts what Shemeshka told the party, and he has never been her accountant. The easiest way to reconcile these discrepancies is to confront Shemeshka (see the following chapter). The modron gives the characters the platinum casino chip he used to escape Fortune's Wheel (see area F12 on map 3.1).

Escaping the Spire

Once they've conversed with R04M, the characters can leave the Spire however they like. On their way out, Ascetelis attempts to ambush and kill the characters and then R04M. She attacks whenever is most opportune, perhaps when the group again crosses the Whisker (detailed in this chapter).

While attacking the characters, Ascetelis makes it clear that this is just a job and that her betrayal is nothing personal. The glitches affecting the characters make them threats to the planes, and the rilmani have decided the characters' deaths are the surest way to end their menace.

After contending with Ascetelis, the characters aren't readmitted to Dendradis. However, R04M can show them a tunnel that connects the Desert of Rust with the exterior of the Spire. The characters can also find this tunnel after 1 hour of searching for an exit from the Desert of Rust. This chapter ends when the characters leave the Spire. Each character gains a level on escaping.