They Met at a Tavern 22: Breaking and Entering the Crypt of King Solimas (plus mini-review)

 

• Seana: Tarl, human Fighter
• Chris: Roult, human Basilisk Warrior
• Callista: Erol, elf Priest
• Dan: Budris, human Bard
• Wayne: Pharan, human Sea Wolf
• Roger: Drom, dwarf Desert Rider

So the band decided which way to go - west into the hinerlands, or east across the water to hock the magic orb. Barrows are always a fun attraction. And our high-rolling priest is back. Necromancer Solace knew of a clump of them about a day away, and provided a map. Budris sought out some lore, finding that some barrows were known to contain "interesting" fungus.

Drom got his camel out of the stable, and led the rest of the boot leather band westward. Eward, mute stablehand, was excited to have been able to care for, and pet, a camel. 

Humping across the grasslands, a herd of loose horses were spotted. Some scouting, and it was found that they were domestic, likely escaped. Some herding and horse-handling attempts later, and everyone had a ride, although Budris and Roult needed quite a bit of help, as their horsemanship was pitiful. 

Onward, and camping. The party awoke to find themselves among several burrows (not barrows, nor burros). Chris (as player) recalled another unfortunate camping experience... Several giant soldier ants emerged, but chose to simply block the burrow entrances as the party immediately decamped. 

Good morning!

Ok. Barrows.

I have a handful of barrow maps, with associated random tables. But I also had "The Crypt of King Solimas" burning a hole in my adventures folder. So be it.

The party found a barrow with a bronze-coated slab, rather than the boring old stone. Must be important... 

The Lair of the Pale Toads

Last week, we were introduced to the Pale Toads. To expand on our new friends, they needed a lair, and a bit of a story as to why they have suddenly appeared along the edge of civilization, curious and adventuresome. 

AI Trigger Warning.

The Toads tire of lingering in their dim places, and, curious about those who explore their lands, seek to reach out and make contact. But in that vein, they need a leader to inspire them, and teachers to prepare them to interact with the outlanders.

Fortunately, our little community within the lair has both, and the Toads are ready to seek new lands and new allies. The old Queen seeks a greater calling and legacy for her folk. The priests commune with and teach of the great toad who brought them up. And instructors teach worthy toads the arts they will need to survive in the greater world and the rough language of the foreigners so that they may communicate.

This "adventure" is written more as a settlement or village, with its personalities and resources, than a "lair" to be murderhoboed. YMMV. 

The map was provided by Jean-Claude ''Raznag'' Tremblay. I've used one of his maps before, and have several more in the files awaiting the correct inspiration.

Anyway, welcome to the Lair of the Pale Toads. Try the swamp-beer.

Update: Got called out for the AI art, so I'll address it here, rather than getting into multiple discussions elsewhere. Yes, the Toad images are AI. I happened to find them whimsical and inspiring enough as prompts to write up a couple of posts worth of content. Because I write for fun, after all. This isn't a commercial or professional endeavor. I don't have delusions of adequacy when it comes to my writing. I just put it out there to keep my brain active, and perhaps someone will use a piece of mine at their table one day. And much of what I write here (eleven years of posts, 100+ adventures or scenarios, plus myriad other content) is found inspiration: A good map-space, a piece of history, a photo of an artefact, a scene in a book. But the writing is mine. 

Ironically, I didn't even "create" the Toads' art, but lifted it from Pale Toad's YouTube posts.  

Will I use AI art in the future? Likely not. It doesn't fit the esthetic of my writing and imagined game-space. And AI is considered anathema in plenty of creative spaces. Anyway, I'd rather hunt down an appropriate bit of Hannes Bok or piece of medieval marginalia to illustrate my little adventures or scenarios. The images I use on my posts are attributed to their sources, and anything that I do put up on DTRPG or similar is typically illustrated by either public domain art or purchased art from human creators. 

So, if for some reason this is the first time you've stumbled on my blog, I apologize if AI is your first impression. Feel free to peruse the nearly 650 posts that aren't AI content.

"Brother Odom's Crypt" - An Encounter Area From Our Campaign

Last session, our band of miscreants came upon a tomb inhabited by an undead knight of an old order. They have encountered such undead warriors before, so delved in to see if they could recruit said knight to their cause. The knight, although handicapped, was willing to join. However, the party found that his soldiers had been corrupted by other organisms, and a fight was had. 

So sharing a slightly revised version of the quick encounter area that I sketched up for the party. 

As clearly shown...

The original map was drawn by prolific creator u/Raznag. I have a handful of his pieces, and this is the first one that got scribbled on. So we have a small, linear crypt with a mushroom-filled cavern. Perfect for a resting crusader and his corrupted colleagues.

Original map here

I made a quick "finished" dungeon from the session map. Elements of the scenario (deity, relic, and faction) are obviously from our campaign, but could be adjusted for your play. The "fungal wraiths" are co-opted from my "Banshee's Tower" adventure, which two of the players have helped to clear. Enjoy.

Welcome to Brother Odom's Crypt