Dragons of Eberron

DRAGONS OF XEN'DRIK 1st—alarm, expeditious retreat, mage armor, magic missile, protection from Abilities Str 42, Dex 9, Con 28, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 12
good, ray of enfeeblement (+12 ranged touch), unseen servant SQ illiteracy, rock catching, trap sense +2
Feats Cleave, Hover, Improved Critical (greataxe), Improved
0—arcane mark, detect magic, mage hand, touch of fatigue (+11 melee
touch, DC 19) Overrun, Improved Sunder, Lightning Reflexes, Power
Attack, Weapon Focus (greataxe)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 20, Con —, Int 24, Wis 15, Cha 18 Skills Climb +30, Craft (leatherworking) +16, Hide –8,
SQ able to notice secret or concealed doors, alternate form, Intimidate +18, Jump +38, Listen +6, Spot +19, Survival
+12, Swim +16)
create spawn, gaseous form, summon familiar (none) Possessions +6 mithral full plate, +3 shocking burst greataxe, 2 +2
Feats AlertnessB, Combat ReflexesB, Craft RingB, DodgeB, returning javelins

Great Fortitude, Greater Spell Focus (necromancy)B, Breath Weapon (Su) 30-ft. cone, 1/day, 6d8 cold, Reflex
Improved InitiativeB, Lightning ReflexesB, Maximize DC 26 halves.
Spell, Mobility, Scribe ScrollB, Spell Focus (necromancy),
Weapon Finesse When not raging, Letho’s stats change as follows:
Skills Bluff +16, Concentration +21, Decipher Script +9, AC 30, touch 8, flat-footed 30
Diplomacy +12, Hide +13, Knowledge (arcana) +24, hp 255
Knowledge (history) +24, Listen +16, Move Silently +13, Fort +21, Will +8
Search +17, Sense Motive +10, Spellcraft +26 (+28 to learn Melee +3 shocking burst greataxe +34/+29/+24/+19 (3d6+21 plus 1d6
necromantic spells), Spot +16
Possessions +3 frost dagger, ring of protection +5, ring of counterspells electricity/19–20/×3 plus 2d10 electricity) and
(disintegrate), headband of intellect +4 bite +25 (1d8+7) or
Spellbook spells prepared plus 0, 1st, 2nd—all except Melee 2 claws +30 each (1d6+14) and
enchantment and illusion; 3rd—gentle repose, halt undead, ray of bite +25 (1d8+7)
exhaustion; 4th—animate dead; 5th—break enchantment, permanency, Ranged +2 returning javelins +19/+13 (1d8+16) or
symbol of sleep, symbol of pain; 6th—create undead, globe of invulner- Ranged rock +15 (2d6+14)
ability, symbol of fear; 7th—control undead, symbol of weakness Grp +35
Abilities Str 38, Con 24
Magic Strike (Ex) Dekaraz’s slam attack is treated as a Skills Climb +28, Jump +36, Swim +14
magic weapon for the purpose of overcoming damage Breath Weapon (Su) Reflex DC 24 half
reduction.

12. Battle Den of Letho: This enormous circular 13. Tomb of Thraalgrum: Letho ordered this
cave resembles a colossal arena. Letho tests his strength majestic tomb built, complete with an ornate sar-
against all manner of creatures here. Remorhazes, cophagus. He enjoys taunting his aged father with it,
smilodons, dire polar bears, and other beasts are his hoping to hasten the old giant into the cold embrace
usual fare, but at present a twelve-headed cryohydra is of death.
shackled here. Letho is happy to let the creature devour
PCs who breach his den. 14. Thraalgrum’s Library: Though large, this
cramped chamber is packed to bursting with mounds
LETHO CR 18 of ancient tomes and shards of old stone tablets. Baasra
spends much time here and has setup her own work area—
Male half-silver dragon frost giant barbarian 7 the corpse of a dragonmarked halfling lies stretched on
CE Large dragon a cruel flaying rack, and three patches of dragonmarked
Init –1; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Listen skin are pinned to the wall nearby. Thraalgrum’s and
Baasra’s quarters adjoin this area; they are encountered
+5, Spot +19 here unless they have responded to a threat elsewhere in
Languages Draconic the lair.

AC 28, touch 6, flat-footed 28; improved uncanny dodge THRAALGRUM CR 15
(–1 size, –1 Dex, +14 armor, +8 natural, –2 rage)
Male primordialSX frost giant (venerable) wizard 8/lore-
hp 305 (21 HD); DR 1/—
Immune cold, paralysis, sleep master 3
Fort +23, Ref +7, Will +10
Weakness vulnerability to fire NE Large giant (cold)

Speed 50 ft. (10 squares), fly 100 ft. (average); Hover Init +5; Senses low-light vision; Listen +3, Spot +20
Melee +3 shocking burst greataxe +36/+31/+26/+21 (3d6+27 plus 1d6
Languages Common, Draconic, Elven, Giant, Riedran,
electricity/19–20/×3 plus 2d10 electricity) and
bite +27 (1d8+8) or Risian, Terran
Melee 2 claws +32 each (1d6+16) and
bite +25 (1d8+8) AC 28, touch 11, flat-footed 26
Ranged +2 returning javelins +19/+13 (1d8+18) or (–1 size, +1 Dex, +6 armor, +11 natural, +1 dodge)
Ranged rock +15 (2d6+16)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft. hp 193 (25 HD)
Base Atk +17; Grp +37 Immune cold
Atk Options Cleave, Improved Overrun, Improved Sunder, Fort +17, Ref +9, Will +16
Power Attack, rage 2/day (12 rounds) Weakness vulnerability to fire
Special Actions breath weapon
Speed 40 ft. (8 squares)
Melee +2 flaming burst spell storing heavy mace +26/+21/+16/+11

(2d6+12 plus 1d6 fire plus 1d10 fire) or

150

Melee 2 slams +23 each (1d4+7) Weakness vulnerability to fire DRAGONS OF XEN'DRIK
Ranged rock or chunk of ice +18/+13/+8/+3 (2d6+7)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft. Speed 40 ft. (8 squares), fly 80 ft. (average); Hover
Base Atk +16; Grp +27 Melee 2 claws +25 each (1d6+12) and
Atk Options Combat Expertise
Combat Gear wand of lightning bolt (30 charges), 2 potions of cure bite +20 (1d8+7)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft.
serious wounds Base Atk +14; Grp +27
Wizard Spells Prepared (CL 11th): Atk Options Empower Spell
Special Actions breath weapon
6th—acid fog, disintegrate (+17 ranged touch, DC 22) Combat Gear scroll of globe of invulnerability
5th—dominate person (DC 21), magic jar (DC 21), teleport Sorcerer Spells Known (CL 8th, 1d20+12 to overcome SR):
4th—charm monster (DC 20), phantasmal killer (DC 20), scrying,
4th (4/day)—polymorph
stoneskin 3rd (6/day)—dispel magic, lightning bolt (DC 19)
3rd—dispel magic (2), empowered ray of enfeeblement (+17 ranged 2nd (7/day)—invisibility, scorching ray (+22 ranged touch), see

touch), fireball (DC 19), protection from energ y invisibility
2nd—alter self, blindness/deafness (DC 18), detect thoughts (DC 18), 1st (8/day)—charm person (DC 17), comprehend languages, magic

mirror image, resist energ y (fire), shatter missile, protection from good, shield
1st—charm person (DC 17), comprehend languages, magic missile, 0 (6/day)—acid splash (+22 ranged touch), arcane mark, detect

obscuring mist, ray of enfeeblement (+17 ranged touch), shield magic, detect poison, ghost sound, mage hand, message, read magic
0—arcane mark, detect magic, ghost sound, read magic
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 15th): Abilities Str 28, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 21, Wis 18, Cha 23
At will—invisibility SQ rock catching, summon familiar (none)
Feats Brew Potion, Combat Casting, Craft Wondrous Item,
Abilities Str 24, Dex 12, Con 19, Int 22, Wis 16, Cha 14
SQ dodge trick, lore, magical knack, rock catching, summon Empower Spell, Greater Spell Penetration, Hover, Iron
Will, Spell Penetration
familiar (none), weapon trick Skills Appraise +5 (+7 alchemical), Bluff +22, Climb
Feats Brew Potion, Combat Expertise, Craft Wand, Craft +26, Concentration +21 (+25 casting defensively), Craft
(alchemy) +30, Decipher Script +17 (+19 scrolls), Diplo-
Wondrous Item, Empower Spell, Extend SpellB, Improved macy +18, Disguise +6 (+8 acting), Hide –3, Intimidate
Initiative, Iron Will, Scribe ScrollB, Skill Focus (history), +18, Jump +26, Knowledge (arcana) +21, Knowledge (his-
Weapon Focus (heavy mace) tory) +17, Listen +4, Sense Motive +16, Spellcraft +23, Spot
Skills Appraise +6, Climb +19, Concentration +18, Craft +21, Use Magic Device +9
(alchemy) +28, Decipher Script +10, Diplomacy +12, Possessions bracers of armor +6, amulet of mighty fists +3
Gather Information +12, Heal +9, Hide –3, Intimidate
+12, Jump +19, Knowledge (arcana) +31, Knowledge Breath Weapon (Su) 30-ft. cone, 1/day, damage 6d8 cold,
(history) +19, Knowledge (architecture and engineering) Reflex DC 22 half.
+16, Listen +3, Search +6 (+8 secret doors and similar
compartments), Spellcraft +18 (+20 decipher scrolls), Spot 15. Glacial Nexus: Glacial light shimmers
+20, Use Magic Device +17 (+21 scrolls) through a ceiling of one-way translucent ice in this
Possessions bracers of armor +6, +2 flaming burst spell storing heavy high-domed cavern of tremendous size. Sheer, slick
mace, amulet of natural armor +2, cloak of displacement, ring of walls weeping condensation ascend to several large
spell turning alcoves above, where Ketheptis takes her respite. Her
Spellbook spells prepared plus 0, 1st—all; 2nd—arcane lock, hoard is frozen hundreds of feet into the deep ice below
blur, see invisibility, spider climb, summon monster II; 3rd—halt this cavern. If threatened in her lair, Ketheptis brings
undead, hold person, heroism, tongues; 4th—scrying, greater invisibility; avalanches of ice down upon her foes from above with
5th—prying eyes her powerful tail. If anyone ascends to threaten her
in her elevated ice caves, she employs a wingstorm to
Magical Knack (Ex) Primordial giants use all spell-like buffet them against the walls or cast them down to the
abilities at +1 caster level. floor below.

BAASRA CR 19 16. Magma Vents: Ketheptis’s glacial lair clings
to a dormant volcano, and the rivers of magma flowing
Female half-silver dragon frost giant sorcerer 8 near the dragon’s domain vent searing gas high above at
NE Large dragon the mountain’s summit. Her abode is a stunning feat of
Init +1; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Listen architecture and nature: The entire stronghold is con-
structed so that by striking a specific point with her shock
+4, Spot +21 wave, Ketheptis can initiate a chain reaction of small
Languages Common, Draconic, Elven, Giant, Risian, quakes and cause an eruption. Thus, she can destroy her
entire lair (and anyone in it) at any time if she so wishes.
Terran, Mabran If her life is seriously threatened in her inner sanctum,
she does not hesitate triggering a fiery cataclysm to con-
AC 29, touch 10, flat-footed 28 sume her foes.
(–1 size, +1 Dex, +6 armor, +13 natural)

hp 211 (22 HD)
Immune cold, paralysis, sleep
Fort +17, Ref +8, Will +16

151

The tremendous Green Watcher locate worthy slaves. The jumpy denizens of the forsaken
hard at work continent either flee at his approach or savagely attack,
forcing him to reduce the insolent creatures to splotches
Zartarxis of acid-ruined flesh.

“The mistakes of our past must remain there. Your mission is one of great After a few decades of trying to make the best of his
import, Zartarxis. Uphold it with honor. The giants must never rise again. situation, Zartarxis succumbed to utter ennui. He has
We know you will stand vigilant.” since given sloth a new name. The green dragon rarely
leaves the comfort of his lair, forcing his minions to
—Bexraktosar, Golden Eye of Chronepsis bring him meals, freshen up the scented leaves of his den,
and occasionally even turn him on his hoard.
Deep in the fetid jungles between the eastern head of
the Hydra and the ruins of Bazek Mohl lies the domain The reclamation efforts of the Domains of Purity
of the Green Watcher. Since the fall of their empire, and the Scriveners of the Sky (SX 60) have made frighten-
the giants have struggled to rise from the ashes and ing advances on Zartarxis’s watch, to say nothing of the
regain their lost glory. The Eyes of Chronepsis have increase in giant relics garnered by Khorvairian expe-
no wish to see the dragons’ greatest folly once again ditions launched from Stormreach. In fact, Stormreach
grow mighty. This guardian keeps close eye on the itself sneaked up on Zartarxis. The green dragon doesn’t
giant rabble should the powerful Du’rashka Tul curse remember it being there when he took up his post, and
falter, and monitors the incursions of those who probe he was shocked when news of this teeming city and the
the forsaken continent’s ruins in search of artifacts of many explorers now surveying giant ruins pierced his
fell power. sleep-addled brain.

The post of the Green Watcher has passed from Zartarxis is not the only one shocked at the severity
dragon to dragon for thousands of years, usually from of his negligence. Several among the Eyes of Chronep-
old bloodlines of green dragons. Being chosen to take sis, upon learning of his lassitude, grew unsettled
up the mantle of the Watcher is a great honor to some; to and paid him a visit. Roused now by shame and fear
others, it is a tedious task of lonesome exile. Many have of the repercussions the Eyes promised if his torpor
shirked their duties in the past, but the current Watcher continues, Zartarxis has resumed his neglected duties.
is the laziest yet. The numbers of missing expeditions are on the rise
in recent months—all victims of the Green Watcher’s
Zartarxis quickly grew to despise his post. The rekindled purpose.
jungle environs are vermin-infested and uncomfort-
able. The dismal ruins of the giants remind him of his DESCRIPTION
race’s fallibility and emphasize his solitude. To make
matters worse, the dragon finds it nigh-impossible to Centuries of inactivity have left their mark on Zartarxis.
Years of gorging himself on meals delivered right to
his maw have fattened him to a state of obesity nearly
beyond belief. Zartarxis’s green scales stretch taut over
his girth, and stumpy limbs peek out from his plump
body. The dragon’s face droops, and his lidded eyes
are little more than slits, lending him an air of per-
petual sleepiness.

Zartarxis rarely bothers to clean his scales or even
order his minions to do so. Muck, leaves, and the
rotting remains of crushed enemies settle in hard-to-
reach places. In flight, his wings beat fiercely to keep
his girth aloft.

MINIONS

In the first few decades of his stay, Zartarxis managed
to subjugate a tribe of trolls who now worship him,
calling the dragon the Great Green God. The tribe’s
leader, the God’s Huntmaster, is a troll ranger (MM
247) named Maarg’jarth. The Huntmaster is a tower-
ing specimen with dark mottled skin, whose drooping
nose dangles far past his chin. Maarg’jarth is respon-
sible for capturing meals of appropriate size to satisfy
his master’s immense appetite. W hen he fails to do so
(which is often), Zartarxis eats one of Maarg’ jarth’s
limbs, then watches the troll writhe in anguish as he
painfully regenerates it.

A few decades back, Zartarxis gained a useful ser-
vant in Katress, a spirit naga. Katress has long ruled
over a clan of poison dusk lizardfolk, but her minions
were constantly harried by the trolls under Zartarxis’s
control. The spirit naga approached the Great Green

152

God and promised to take care of the daily upkeep of Prodding Zartarxis to action and provoking his fury DRAGONS OF XEN'DRIK
his domain, allowing him to sink even deeper into are practically the same thing, making this mission
slothfulness. Zartarxis happily agreed. Now Katress extremely dangerous.
flaunts her position as Speaker of the God, taking
great delight in bullying the trolls. Maarg’jarth wishes ZARTARXIS, THE GREAT GREEN GOD CR 13
nothing more than to slay the naga, but he dares not
incur Zartarxis’s wrath. Male adult green dragon
N Huge dragon
ALLIES AND ENEMIES Init –2; Senses blindsense 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., keen

Prior to the Eyes’ recent visit, Zartarxis’s enemies were senses; Listen +17, Spot +17
few. Even though he loathes other creatures, his slothful- Languages Common, Draconic, Giant
ness makes it difficult for him to pursue an active agenda Aura frightful presence (180 ft., DC 25)
of hate. A more perfect example of the age-old adage of
“let sleeping dragons lie” is hard to find. If any creature AC 25, touch 6, flat-footed 25
disturbs his rest, or worse, forces him to actually do his (–2 size, –2 Dex, +19 natural)
job by venturing into forbidden ruins and uncovering
artifacts, Zartarxis’s resultant rage knows no bounds. He hp 270 (20 HD); DR 5/magic
has learned to hate adventurers and explorers above all. Immune acid, paralysis, sleep
Aside from the disturbance these meddlesome creatures SR 21
visit upon his rest, he finds the very principle of spirited Fort +19, Ref +10, Will +14
exploration distasteful. Zartarxis exalts sloth and apathy
to an ideological supreme, and to him any creature that Speed 40 ft. (8 squares), fly 100 ft. (clumsy), swim 40 ft.
would willingly journey far and wide seeking “adventure” Melee bite +29 (3d8+10) and
is an abomination.
2 claws +23 each (2d6+5) and
Zartarxis’s recent wrath is often borne by the giants. 2 wings +23 each (1d8+5) and
Frustrated beyond measure by the Eyes of Chronepsis’s tail slap +23 (2d6+15)
reproach, the green dragon takes out his anger on the Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)
Domains of Purity and the Scriveners of the Sky, blam- Base Atk +20; Grp +38
ing his plight on them. The dragon takes pleasure in Atk Options Clinging Breath, Improved Overrun, Large
tearing apart any giant who wanders too close to his and in Charge, Maximize Breath, Power Attack, magic
domain. Most organized tribes of giants are now inti- strike
mately aware of the Green Watcher. Though staggered Special Actions breath weapon, crush 2d8+15 (DC 29)
at first by his sudden surge of activity, they now plot the Sorcerer Spells Known (CL 5th):
green dragon’s demise. 2nd (5/day)—invisibility, obscure object
1st (8/day)—charm person (DC 16), mage armor, shield, sleep
HOOKS
(DC 16)
Simply by braving the giant ruins, or any adventure loca- 0 (6/day)—detect magic, detect poison, mage hand, message, open/close,
tions detailed earlier in this chapter, the PCs could draw
the wrath of Zartarxis. Other possible hooks include: read magic
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th):
Relic Refuse: Several potent items of magical
might and important relics connected to the giants’ 3/day—suggestion (DC 18)
legacy are discarded in the refuse pit of Zartarxis’s
lair. PCs seeking a specific item could be forced to Abilities Str 30, Dex 6, Con 24, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 20
look for it there. SQ grossly obese, water breathing
Feats Clinging BreathDr, Improved Natural Attack (bite),
Food for the God: Maarg’ jarth knows well his
master’s hate of explorers and often brings them to Improved Overrun, Large and in ChargeDr, Maximize
the dragon alive, hoping this special treat will curry BreathDr, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (bite)
favor. The PCs are set upon by the trolls and dragged Skills Bluff +25, Concentration +14, Diplomacy +14, Dis-
back to the Green Watcher’s lair. They must devise an guise +5 (+7 acting), Hide –10, Intimidate +30, Jump +14,
escape plan before Zartarxis awakens and they become Knowledge (arcana) +11, Knowledge (history) +11, Knowl-
breakfast. edge (nature) +6, Listen +17, Move Silently +8, Search +10,
Sense Motive +20, Speak Language (Common), Spellcraft
Treat with the Dragon: An organization whose +13, Spot +17, Survival +2 (+4 in aboveground environ-
expeditions have lately been vanishing down Zartarx- ments or following tracks), Swim +24
is’s throat hires the party to parley with the Great Possessions ring of mind shielding, pale lavender ioun stone (12
Green God. The PCs must ascertain what appease- levels left).
ment he requires to cease the attacks. If they can’t reach
an agreement, they face the daunting task of slaying Magic Strike (Ex) Zartarxis’s natural attacks are treated as
the dragon. magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming damage
reduction.
Spies of the Eyes: PCs might be manipulated
into spying on the Green Watcher by agents of the Breath Weapon (Su) 50-ft. cone, once every 1d4 rounds,
Chamber, or even by the Eyes of Chronepsis. They are damage 12d6 acid, Reflex DC 27 half.
asked to monitor the Green Watcher’s performance of
his duties and subtly find ways to break his lethargy. Clinging Breath At Zartarxis’s option, creatures affected
by his breath weapon take half the original damage dealt
to them in the following round. Doing so adds 1 to the
number of rounds Zartarxis must wait before using his
breath weapon again. As a full-round action, affected
creatures can make a DC 27 Reflex save to scrape off the
clinging breath before taking damage.

153

DRAGONS OF XEN'DRIK Grossly Obese (Ex) Zartarxis’s corpulence inhibits custody, it has regressed to little more than a half-sunken
his flight (noted above). In addition, Zartarxis can ruin choked by vines and marsh gas.
employ only one wing and one claw attack against any
single Medium or smaller target in melee. Because Keyed Locations
of his tremendous girth, the dragon is considered
Gargantuan for the purpose of a bull rush, crush, or The following features correspond to numbered areas
overrun attack. on the map.

Large and in Charge When Zartarxis makes an attack of 1. Hall of Judgment: This enormous marble
opportunity against an opponent moving inside his edifice ornamented with traces of mithral and silver
threatened area, he can force the opponent back to the bears the visages of the Sovereigns, gazing northwest
5-foot space it was in before it provoked the attack. Make toward the faraway shores of Argonnessen. Here, the
an opposed Strength check; Zartarxis gains a +4 bonus dragon overlords of old Xen’drik passed judgment
for each size category larger than his opponent he is and took council with the mightiest of titans. During
and a +1 bonus for every 5 points of damage he dealt on Zartarxis’s reign, the hall sank into the marsh. Now
the attack. the Sovereigns’ snouts are immersed in the suck-
ing bog, and the silver spire atop the hall juts out of
Maximize Breath If Zartarxis uses his breath weapon as a the marsh at a skewed angle. The interior walls were
full-round action, the damage is maximized (72 points), once draped with several massive tapestries of exqui-
but doing so adds 3 to the number of rounds he must wait site quality. Now the draperies are little more than
before using his breath weapon again. damp, rotten cloth. When the Eyes paid Zartarxis
their unscheduled visit, the first sign of the Green
SANCTUM OF THE WATCHER Watcher’s negligence was the discouraging sight of the
half-submerged Hall of Judgment.
Deep in the jungle, a crystal river slices through a damp
patch of mist-shrouded bog. The Green Watcher waits 2. Watcher’s Eye: This enormous obsidian tower
within. Long ago, this sanctum served as the seat of power ascends high into the firmament like a black blade
for dragon patrons of the giants, whence mighty wyrms piercing the cloudline. It was used by past Green
dispensed justice and kept a watchful eye over their Watchers to survey the ever-changing wilds of Xen’drik
vassals. The sanctuary fell into ruin after the dragons’ and to spot signs of developing civilization across the
departure, but it was restored to its former glory years land. Until recently, the only inhabitants for the past
later by the first Green Watcher and was well cared for century have been birds, their passing noted by the
until Zartarxis’s arrival. Under the Great Green God’s large quantity of spattered droppings. A pair of mated

wyverns recently moved in, their nest of dried tall- 6. Troll Fens: These reeking bogs are home to the DRAGONS OF XEN'DRIK
grass sprouting from the observation windows at the Great Green God’s faithful tribe. Over forty trolls lurk
pinnacle. The wyverns jealously guard their clutch of among the fetid swamp land.
three eggs.
7. Lizardfolk Mudbarrows: Bulbous mounds of
3. Heads of the Hydra: These many tributaries of slick mud are the homes of lizardfolk loyal to Katress.
the eastern branch of the Hydra account for the area’s Within are a series of cramped warrens, where thirty
marshy terrain. Several large grottoes clawed from their poison dusk lizardfolk and their four war chiefs reside
banks are home to some twenty scrags (MM 248), all loyal (MM3 97 or DMG 115). Occasionally a few lizardfolk dis-
worshipers of the Great Green God. The aquatic trolls appear into the hungry jaws of the nearby trolls; the next
patrol these rivers, capturing or killing creatures foolish day a family of trolls appears floating downriver, bloated
enough to violate Zartarxis’s domain. with poison. Hostilities often escalate until Katress
and Maarg’jarth are forced to step in. The enmity
4. Naga’s Waterfall: The largest tributary of the between the trolls and lizardfolk might be exploited by
Hydra plunges over a rocky outcropping here, becom- canny PCs seeking entry to (or escape from) the Green
ing a curtain of cascading water. Behind the waterfall Watcher’s domain.
is a small cavern that Katress calls home. Within she
stores her meager hoard, appropriated from tribute 8. Refuse Pit: The denizens of the sanctum dis-
meant for Zartarxis: a sapphire-studded golden idol card their waste in this large crater filled with murky
of a scorpion (600 gp), six jade bracelets (worn as body bog water. Zartarxis carelessly lobbed several notable
ornaments by the naga, worth 50 gp each), a silver hair relics of precataclysm giant civilization into this filth-
ornament carved in the shape of a crane (100 gp), and ridden pool.
bat-winged bracers of greater archery (she just likes the way
they look). 9. Mud Marsh: On occasion, Zartarxis enjoys a nice
bath in this huge expanse of cool mud. He demands his
5. Red Meadow: Gore-spattered leaves and crim- subjects keep it free of debris and filth at all times, just
son earth decorate this grim stretch of riverbank. Here, in case the urge to settle in strikes him.
Maarg’jarth prepares his kills for Zartarxis’s maw. The
dragon can’t be bothered to crunch bones anymore and 10. The Sanctum Sanctorum: At the center of
forces the trolls to fillet his meals. The river runs red this domed pool of crystal-clear water (painstakingly
downstream of this meadow, and the stench of carrion kept clean by troll and lizardfolk worshipers) sits an
wafts on the air. Enormous chunks of meat hang from enormous pile of scented leaves. Here lies Zartarxis. The
thick vines; their dripping blood leaves the entire area obese menace passes months without bothering to shift
slick. Anyone moving at full speed or engaging in combat his girth. He demands his minions turn him on occa-
must succeed on a DC 25 Balance check each round or sion (and more than one lizardfolk has been crushed in
fall prone in a puddle of entrails and gore. Clouds of the process). A small semicircular dais of stone extends
flies, murders of crows, and the occasional dire vulture along the surface of the pool near the entrance; worship-
vie for the least tender scraps of meat. At the edge of the ers (or those foolish enough to request an audience) pay
meadow, trolls work day and night grinding bones into their respects here. Several discolored splotches stain
fine white powder. This chalky bone dust, mixed with this marble dais, grim reminders of those who incurred
special herbs gathered from the forest, is enjoyed as snuff Zartarxis’s displeasure and were reduced to puddles by
by Zartarxis. his caustic breath.

155

DRAGONS OF XEN'DRIK ADVENTURES they face a bloodthirsty Terina bent on sacrificing Larmok
on the altar of blood.
IN XEN’DRIK
Suggested Encounters: Terina is an aberrant dragon-
The following adventures could be found on the conti- marked sorcerer or blood magus (CAr 26).
nent of Xen’drik.
3. Sibling Rivalry: With Larmok’s sacrifice averted,
Lost Scion the PCs believe the worst is behind them, but Kitan
ir’Tharashk wants his older brother to stay missing. He
Any Level dispatches operatives to eliminate Larmok and the PCs
When the son of a powerful member of House Tharashk before they return.
secretly leaves his family’s enclave to brave the dangers
of Xen’drik’s interior, it is up to the PCs to return him Suggested Encounters: Kitan’s agents include NPCs with
home safely. Larmok ir’Tharashk is not on a joyride appropriate levels and classes drawn from the DMG,
through the jungle, however. Plagued by strange dreams, bounty hunters (DMG2 163), or any of the rival adventur-
the young half-orc heads for the Oasis of Blood, urged ers detailed in Secrets of Xen’drik.
on by his secret tryst with an aberrant-marked elf beauty
named Terina. Larmok’s dreams are manufactured by REWARDS
Terina, who plans to sacrifice her lover on the altar of blood
and gain unthinkable power. The murderous elf plans If Larmok is returned to Stormreach unharmed, the PCs
to rise high in the assassin House Tarkanan (Sh 154), earn a valuable ally in House Tharashk. Larmok might
then avenge the slaughter of her family during the War see to it that the party is rewarded with dragonshards
of the Mark. or magic items. He could also grant them special writs
allowing them to demand protection and care from
HOOKS any members of House Tharashk in Stormreach or the
Xen’drik interior.
Here are a couple of suggestions for involving the PCs.
Finders Lost: Larmok is first in line for his family’s Tooth of the Dragon

seat in Stormreach, and the eldest of his siblings, named Any Level
Kitan, is happy he f led. Larmok’s youngest brother, Two gold dragon brothers bear a tragic tale. Jarldraz
Mekrin, realizing that Kitan is sending Finders Guild was devoted to the Chamber’s purpose, but his sibling
teams on wild-goose chases, secretly hires the PCs to Karzrov is a sinister double agent in the employ of
bring his brother back. the Chamber’s secret enemy—Zenobaal. The brothers
shared the love of another member of the Chamber, a
Aberrant Lady: One of the PCs or an associate of beautiful silver dragon named Vatriss. Karzrov’s heart
theirs has crossed paths with Terina before, and now turned black with jealous rage, and he sent his brother
they hunt her for other crimes committed in the name Jarldraz on a mission to Xen’drik, taking measures to
of House Tarkanan (Sh 154). ensure the young dragon met his demise there. Jarldraz’s
tragic death pushed Vatriss into Karzrov’s embrace (as he
SITES planned), but soon the duplicitous gold dragon intends
to betray his silver consort and her beloved Chamber just
The Oasis of Blood (page 142) is ideal for this adventure. as he did his brother. Dragons do not die easily, though,
and when Jarldraz perished, his spirit lingered on in one
ADVENTURE of his teeth.

The party must track down Larmok. If they inter- HOOKS
rogate his servants, they learn of his secret love affair
with Terina, as well as the pair’s f light to the Oasis of One of the following might be used to introduce the PCs
Blood. The party must venture into the dread desert of to the adventure.
Menechtarun and brave the swirling crimson sands sur-
rounding the oasis. Finally, when they reach the White Chamber’s Agents: The PCs are hired by Vatriss or
Ziggurat, they must avert Larmok’s sacrifice and capture another member of the Chamber to recover Jarldraz’s
or slay Terina. remains so that his spirit might rest easy.

1. Into the Desert: After interrogating Larmok’s Dreams of the Dragon: One of the PCs who bears
personal servant, a sniveling half-orc named Gulbreg, a dragonmark, or some other connection to dragon-
the PCs journey to Menechtarun and brave its fierce kind, experiences strange dreams in which a gold dragon
denizens on the long road to the Oasis of Blood. cries out for vengeance. In her dreams, she sees flashes
of the dragon’s death, and she is drawn to investigate
Suggested Encounters: The Sandstorm supplement provides his demise.
a number of encounters appropriate to any party level.
Otherwise, consider using a band of gnoll slavers or jann SITES
accompanied by a pack of howlers or dust mephits, as well
as their efreeti master and his lamia consort. If the party is low-level, Jarldraz could be the skel-
eton detailed in the Dragon’s Demise section of the
2. Blood Sacrifice: The PCs reach the swirling Abandoned Orrery (page 138). For a higher-level
sands around the oasis and must navigate the perilous party, Karzrov dispatched his brother to the Oasis of
storm and the undead who lurk there. When they arrive, Blood (page 142) or Darkfire Crater (page 138) on a
doomed mission. Karzrov’s agents might seek either to
destroy Jarldraz’ tooth in the superheated magma of the

156

Devil’s Cauldron (high-level; page 139), or hide it in REWARDS DRAGONS OF XEN'DRIK
the Dragons’ Boneyard (lower-level; page 140).
If the PCs save the spirit of Jarldraz and slay or expose
ADVENTURE his evil brother, they earn Vatriss’s (and the Chamber’s)
favor. Jarldraz vows to serve them as a powerful magic
The PCs must first brave the alleys of Stormreach to dagger for the rest of their days. He might also bequeath
find Karzrov’s agent, a scurrilous wererat named a hefty portion of his hoard to the party in gratitude for
Yulo, who sent Jarldraz on a fool’s errand. After avenging his death. The party could also earn the enmity
interrogating Yulo, the party heads into Xen’drik’s of Zenobaal, setting up the mighty dragon as a dangerous
interior and locates Jarldraz. Once they find the gold nemesis for future adventures.
dragon’s remains and discover his tooth (now an intel-
ligent magic dagger), agents of Karzrov catch up with Edge of
them, steal the tooth, and make for Darkfire Crater
(where they intend to destroy it in the Devil’s Cauldron) DEVOURING DARKNESS
or the Dragons’ Boneyard (to lose it among the remains
of hundreds of dragons). The PCs must retrieve the Mid-Level or High-Level
tooth and defeat Karzrov’s minions, eventually even When dragon and giant stood side by side against fiend-
facing the gold dragon himself. ish threats, powerful artifacts were entrusted to the
titan lords of Xen’drik. After the cataclysm, the dragons
1. Sewers of Stormreach: The PCs track Yulo to turned their back on giantkind and reclaimed these
the shadowed alleys of the fish market quarter. The gifts so that they would never fall into the wrong hands.
wererat flees into the sewers, and a desperate chase All but one—a mighty obsidian longsword named Ebony’s
through the muck ensues. Edge. The Edge tasted the blood of thousands of demons
and devils, and more than a few rakshasa overlords in its
The PCs interrogate the wily wererat to learn where time. Before the cataclysm, the blade was sundered. With
Jarldraz went. If they are particularly persuasive, they its power undone, the dragons never bothered to claim
learn that Yulo was under orders to mislead the gold it after the giant empire fell.
dragon, though the wererat does not know who paid him
to do so. One of the artifact’s two pieces, a jagged short sword
called Blackshard, recently came into the possession of an
Suggested Encounters: Carrion crawlers, chokers, and a evil warlock named Sarakel Darkeye the Fiend-Wearer.
foul-tempered chuul infest the sewers, along with swarms Sarakel plans to reforge the broken blade in the fires
of rats under Yulo’s command. Yulo could be a member of Devil’s Cauldron, and with this dread artifact in his
of the Bilge Rats (SX 19) or have allied himself with a grasp, bring doom wherever he treads.
group of sahuagin raiders. He might work for skum
agents of Xoriat who scout the sewers as a possible HOOKS
invasion point.
One of the following might be used to entice the PCs
2. Jarldraz’s Grave: The PCs’ journey to the place into this adventure.
where Jarldraz met his end is fraught with the usual
perils of Xen’drik’s savage countryside. On reach- Revenge on Darkeye: Blackshard belonged to a
ing the site, the party must face the challenges and patron or friend of the party. Sarakel broke into that
obstacles within. person’s estate and slew him before absconding with the
short sword.
Suggested Encounters: The PCs encounter drow, giants,
dinosaurs, or other vicious monsters on the way to the Loremaster’s Dread: One of the PCs or a contact
adventure site. Secrets of Xen’drik details many encounters. has recovered an ancient tablet or tome detailing the
dreaded Ebony’s Edge, and learns that one of its two pieces
3. Toothnapped!: Agents of the evil gold dragon has been claimed by Sarakel. The tablet or tome speaks
have been shadowing the PCs. They snatch the tooth of certain doom if the artifact is reforged.
from the party and rush off to destroy it. Either the
minions’ abilities allow them to steal Jarldraz’s tooth, or SITES
they simply abscond with it before the PCs arrive, leaving
a group to ambush the party (no loose ends). Interroga- The Darkfire Crater (page 138) is perfect for this adven-
tion of captured foes reveals where the thieves intend to ture. For an campaign that is larger in scope, begin by
dispose of the tooth. having the PCs travel to another site to learn the location
of the remaining piece of Ebony’s Edge.
Suggested Encounters: Karzrov’s minions include NPCs
with appropriate levels and classes drawn from the DMG ADVENTURE
or any of the rival adventurers, yuan-ti, or drow parties
detailed in Secrets of Xen’drik. Before they can find Sarakel, the party must learn
the location of the broken blade. The lore of Ebony’s
4. Final Showdown: The PCs rush to the next Edge does not bode well for the party, revealing that
adventure location (Darkfire Crater or the Boneyard) the blade was sundered while embedded in the back
in hot pursuit of Karzrov’s thieves. When they arrive, of a great tiger-fiend named Cyl-Maaldrake during a
the PCs attempt to recover the tooth. Karzrov himself titanic battle. The party then heads to Darkfire Crater
appears if his minions fail, seeking to end his brother to face Cyl-Maaldrake and retrieve the other half of
once and for all, and to eliminate the PCs before they the blade. If they arrive too late, Darkeye has already
spread word of his evil plans. made a terrible compact with the fiend, promising
to free him in exchange for the blade buried in his
Suggested Encounters: Select an appropriate age for
Karzrov, who can have class levels or be joined by min-
ions to create a more dynamic final battle.

157

152) or others with a vested inter-
est in seeing Ebony’s Edge destroyed,
in an all-out assault on the Crater.
Another approach is to infiltrate
Darkfire and its many dangers to
face Sarakel and the tiger-fiend and
destroy the artifact.

Suggested Encounters: Include nasty
foes from the Fiendish Codex series if
you have these books. Sarakel is
particularly dangerous as a warlock/
acolyte of the skinCM or a wizard/
thaumaturgist. If reforged in Devil’s
Cauldron, Ebony’s Edge is a challenge
in itself. The blade now possesses a
fiendish ego that corrupts those who
seek its destruction.

REWARDS

Destroying Ebony’s Edge earns the
gratitude of powerful draconic
patrons and proves the party’s
worthiness. The dragons might
even entrust the PCs with powerful
magic weapons (up to 150,000 gp
value) or even minor artifacts, as
they once did the giants.

Weather

THE STORM

Mid-Level or High-Level

Long has Stormreach survived in the

shadow of the wild continent. Over

the years, it has repelled attacks by

sahuagin, drow, and giants. But

when a blue dragon named Xarkon

The tiger-fiend Cyl-Maaldrake and Sarakel Darkeye strike an JZ turns his gaze toward the city, only
unholy compact over the pieces of the fell longsword Ebony’s Edge the PCs stand in the way.

The reason for Xarkon’s sudden

interest is linked to a group of

unscrupulous treasure-hunters who

back. Then the PCs must face Sarakel, potentially absconded with his ancestor’s battle helm from the Hoard

armed with Ebony’s Edge, as well as Cyl-Maaldrake and Memoriam in the Dragons’ Boneyard. The treasure-

his loyal servitors. hunters, transformed into piles of gems and gold, have

1. Lost Edge: If they have access to it, powerful since been stolen by a tribe of drow.

divination magic reveals the location of the other piece

HOOKSof the Edge. To make the hunt for this information more

interesting, dragons might have obscured all knowledge The following suggestions could begin the adventure.

concerning precataclysm artifacts with epic magic, and In the Path of Destruction: If the PCs live in

the only way to track down this lore is to consult the council Stormreach or have business interests, friends, or col-

of skulls (page 141) or find a lost tablet in the Underblood leagues there, they might wish to protect the city.

Tunnels of the Oasis of Blood (page 144). Missing Adventurers: One of the treasure-hunters

Suggested Encounters: Sarakel could send fiendish agents was a friend or associate of the PCs and hinted at a great

against the PCs if he learns they are out to foil his plan. adventure involving the helm of a long-dead mighty blue

Any number of demons, devils, or rakshasas might harry dragon. The group did not return, and now the PCs are

the party’s travel or ambush the PCs onsite. tracking it down.

2. Assault on Darkfire: The PCs rush to Darkfire

SITESCrater, where they face Sarakel (and if Sarakel’s agents

slowed them, also the liberated Cyl-Maaldrake and his The Dragons’ Boneyard (page 140) is the ideal site for

hellish servitors). The PCs could organize the Dark- this adventure.

watcher drow, and possibly even recruit Zartarxis (page

158

When adventurers desecrate his ancestor’s grave,
the mighty Xarkon takes out his anger on the city of Stormreach

JZ

ADVENTURE Suggested Encounters: Xarkon’s advance force includes
flights of manticores, an assault force of ogres, and a
The PCs must weather the initial assault on Stormreach tunneling team of trained ankhegs. The assault is spear-
and learn the motivations behind Xarkon’s attack. Then headed by an elite unit of bluespawn godslayers (MM4
they must race to find the blue dragon’s ancestral war 140) and a half-dragon hill giant.
helm and return it to the Hoard Memoriam in the Bone-
yard to appease Xarkon and deflect his attack. 3. Helm Hunt: The PCs learn from captured foes,
or perhaps by parleying with the mighty Xarkon himself,
1. The Rising Storm: Scouts and tribal allies that he seeks his ancestor’s helm and will raze the city to
report a powerful blue dragon on the rampage, scorch- the ground unless it is returned to its rightful place in the
ing a lightning trail directly toward Stormreach. The Dragons’ Boneyard. The party must find the helm first;
city is thrown into chaos, and the party’s first task is in doing so, it runs afoul of a tribe of drow who took it
organizing the defense. Various factions butt heads, from the dead treasure-hunters.
including dragonmarked houses and local militia,
and the party must exercise diplomacy to see that all Suggested Encounters: A plethora of drow foes can be
sides work together. Cowards and opportunists seek found in Secrets of Xen’drik or Monster Manual IV. The drow
to spread panic or exploit the situation—the PCs must are afflicted with the curse of the Hoard Memoriam
crack down or even discreetly eliminate a few trouble- (page 141); the PCs become cursed as well once the
makers whose self-interest exceeds their devotion to helm is secured.
making the city safe.
4. Into the Boneyard: The PCs must return the
Suggested Encounters: Roleplaying challenges abound as helm to the Hoard Memoriam before they succumb to its
the PCs seek to unite the city. The party could come to curse, and before Stormreach falls to Xarkon’s devastat-
blows with mobs of panicked citizens. Agents who seek ing attacks.
to turn this dire situation to their advantage might even
send minions to eliminate the pesky PCs in their way. REWARDS

2. Siege: Xarkon’s advance forces assault the city. If they succeed, the PCs earn the gratitude of Stormreach
The dragon is not foolish enough to engage its defense and might receive hefty rewards from various city factions
forces too soon, letting his minions weaken Storm- for their heroics. In addition, Xarkon is grateful to have
reach first. The party must repel invaders and keep the his family heirloom restored to its rightful resting place
city secure. and might aid the PCs in the future out of respect.

159