The Adventurer's Guide to the Bible for 5E

d10 False Name Appearance Mannerisms Vice

1 Aemilia Young woman with a black plaster mask Moves gracefully and seductively, sunbathing, reading, and

painted to look like a cat’s face as though craving attention sleeping

2 Blandia Young woman in a purple toga and a Loud, boisterous laughter; loudly gambling and finger foods
mask covered in glittering gemstones smacks her lips while eating

3 Caelus Young man with muscular features, an Finds excuses to show off his phy- flirting with women... or

unadorned mask, and wandering eyes. sique as often as possible men... or both

4 Faustus Rotund, middle-aged man in a blue satin Often exaggerates; overuses the food, drink, and gambling

toga and matching mask word “incredible”

5 Lucretia Tall, thin woman with a mask and cloth- Speaks with a holier-than-thou wine and gossip

ing adorned with peacock feathers attitude

6 Proclus Grey-haired man with straight, white Long-winded stories and eccentric hashish and good humor

teeth that gleam beneath his mask gestures

7 Romulus Young man with black, predatory eyes Avoids conversations; watches food and women

and a wolf mask other guests from a distance

8 Sextus Man with a full face covering cast in gold Tells the same stories over and boasting of his world travels

to look like a human face over

9 Tiberius Jolly man wearing brightly colored tunic Always the first to speak; often being the center of attention

and mask makes toasts and announcements

10 Theofania A young woman with a small frame and Taps her feet or fingers restlessly opium

nervous, darting eyes when speaking to strangers

Secrets Abound secret has been rolled previously, or if it does not seem to
These passengers prefer to remain masked for a reason, fit the passenger’s personality, roll again.
and many of them harbor secrets from their past. Some of
these secrets are more deadly than others, but a general Chapter 1:
sense of mistrust hangs in the air of the Laimargia. Once
passengers start disappearing, the party will undoubtedly “All Aboard!”
begin trying to convince the passengers to work together
to uncover the identity of the disguised Captain Gula. The party may come to the Laimargia for a variety of
Because each guest hides a secret of their own, they will be
unwilling to submit to methods that might otherwise easily reasons. Perhaps they are following a lead they discovered
unmask the demon, such as a Zone of Truth spell or similar. in Seraphine’s office in Thebes, or maybe they have been
hired by a family member of one of Moloch’s past victims.
It is not important which passenger harbors which
secret. Whenever the party meets a passenger for the first Whatever the reason, as the party arrives at the docks in
time, roll on the table below to determine that passenger’s
secret, and make a note of it for future reference. If the Tarsus, the Laimargia is about to set sail.
Gaining Passage. In order to board the ship, the party
d6 Secret
must secure vouchers for passage on the Laimargia. If
1 I am secretly a Shadow Cultist in league with Moloch. If the the party has not already come by vouchers on their own,
party gets too close to the truth, I will attack. vouchers may be purchased at the dock for 50 gp each.
Additionally, as per the ship’s anonymity policy, all party
2 My carelessness once caused the accidental death of my best
friend. I bury my guilt with my vices. members must be wearing masks. Moloch takes dock
security very seriously, and has hired 2 Spartan Veterans
3 I was recently elected to the Roman senate. I believe Sicarii to make sure no one boards the ship who has not met these
assassins plan to kill me before I return to Rome.
requirements.
4 I am a highly respected religious leader in Tarsus, known for Setting Sail. Regardless of how the party gains entry to
my speeches about temperance and self-control.
the Laimargia, once they are on board, Moloch will signal
5 I work as a tax collector in Tarsus. My position has allowed his crew to begin rowing. His ambition is to get the party
me to steal thousands of gold from my fellow citizens. onto the open sea where he can toy with them, so he will

6 Sometimes my partying gets out of hand and I black out. I not even wait for all guests to board before he sets sail with
wonder if I am responsible for these disappearances?
the party.
Settling In. After Captain Gula’s initial welcome

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speech, the party can find their rooms and begin meeting Chapter 4:
the other passengers. For all appearances, this seems to be
a standard pleasure cruise. The party may even eventually “Storm at Sea”
let their guard down and enjoy themselves a little bit, if
they choose. The first 24 hours otherwise passes without By the third or fourth day of travel, it becomes obvious
incident and Moloch stealthily observes his guests. that something nefarious is going on. At this point Moloch
has, through Captain Gula, devoured between 4 and
Finding Moloch 6 guests. The absence of these guests, combined with
Keep in mind that Captain Gula’s creature type is warnings likely issued from the party, will be enough
“construct” rather than “fiend.” Thus, a Detect Evil and to begin convincing passengers to be on their guard. A
Good spell will reveal that the ship has been magically passenger can be convinced to listen to the party’s warnings
desecrated and that the lower deck is filled with Goat with a successful DC 16 Persuasion check. This check may
Demons, but this spell will not reveal the whereabouts of be made with advantage if the passenger can be presented
Moloch until he inhabits his true form. with evidence of what is going on.

Chapter 2: In the evening, storm clouds form on the horizon and the
Laimargia suddenly enters a fierce storm at sea. This storm
“Sheep’s Clothing” does not threaten the ship in any way, but will be enough to
force the passengers below deck. Forced into the smaller,
The second day continues much as the first, with cramped rooms below deck may be enough to make
passengers enjoying the endless banquet of food and passengers want to split up into different locations, giving
relaxing throughout the ship. As the evening wears on, Captain Gula another chance to corner victims.
Captain Gula will eventually isolate, kill, and devour one
of the passengers who wanders off alone. The identity of Chapter 5:
the first victim is up to you, as the GM. Captain Gula will
then assume the identity of his victim using his Disguise “Blood in the Water”
Self ability, and rejoin the other passengers. Using his new
identity, he will attempt to manipulate the passengers, If the party has not been able stop Moloch by the end
subtly encouraging them to wander off alone, or directly of the week, he will eventually confront them directly, in
inviting them to accompany him to a different room. a time and place of his choosing. He may even use the
identity of a previous victim to lure the party to a more
Chapter 3: convenient location in order to attack them.

“Bump in the Night” Combat with Moloch

During the night on the third day, Captain Gula will Moloch is currently inhabiting his simulacrum form,
devour two more guests as they retire to their sleeping Captain Gula which grants him certain special abilities.
quarters. By the following morning, any character with a The stat block for Captain Gula is on page 338.
passive perception of 14 or higher will notice that several
passengers are now missing. When Captain Gula is reduced to 0 hit points, the
simulacrum sloughs off into a pile of foul-smelling viscera
If asked, one or more of the passengers will reveal that and bile. This pile begins to coalesce and twitch as bones
they heard sounds of someone or something moving about crunch and realign and viscera bulges and reforms into
the ship at night. The other passengers will ignore this new shapes. Maintain initiative order, allowing the party
story, along with any other warnings from the party. The one “free” round of combat with which to heal or prepare
other passengers tend to be very self-centered, and have reactions.
secrets of their own that they would prefer not to reveal,
and will not cooperate in any efforts to root out the demon. At the beginning of Captain Gula’s next turn, the
toad-like face of Moloch’s true form is birthed from the
Captain Gula will continue his process of isolating disgusting mass and he lunges toward the nearest party
passengers, devouring them, and them assuming their member. Once Moloch inhabits his true form, he also gains
identities. However, he will continue to keep a close eye on access to the lair actions listed on page 338.
the party, and will not attack passengers who are under the
party’s protection or observation. Resolution and Reward

If the party succeeds in destroying Moloch, his body
melts away once more, this time for good. By searching
through the piles of viscera left over from Moloch’s

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demise, the party will find the Belt of Samson’s Strength, Chapter 6:
and a lockbox. The lockbox can be picked with thieves
tools (no check required), and inside the party will find “Bon Voyage”
2000 gp a handful of torn ticket vouchers for passage on
the Laimargia, and a few pieces of correspondence. Moloch Once Moloch has been defeated, the Goat Demons
has several letters that he exchanged with Naamah that are on the lower deck will disperse and flee the Laimargia,
addressed to the “Aphrodite’s Touch” brothel in Thebes, stranding the boat at sea. Presenting the party (and any
Egypt. In one of the letters from Naamah, she mentions survivors) with a new challenge. After a day of drifting
the demon Beelzebub in reference to the city of Babylon, listlessly on the now calm waters of the Great Sea, the
leading the party to deduce that this city is home to one of party will be able to make out land in the distance. The
the other archdemons. Laimargia will eventually drift into a small fishing port on
the northern coast of the island of Cyprus, where the party
Claiming the Laimargia and the surviving passengers can disembark and seek aid.

With Moloch destroyed, the party may choose to claim the The Laimargia will arrive in a small fishing village
Laimargia as their own ship. However, in order to successfully called Kyrenia that will welcome the survivors warmly,
operate the ship, the party will need to hire an experienced but cannot provide passage back to the mainland. To
crew. A crew can be hired in any port city to operate the book passage on another ship, or to hire a crew to sail the
Laimargia, at the cost of 50 gp per week. The party may even Laimargia, the party will need to seek out help in the larger
choose to continue running pleasure cruises to offset the cost port city of Citius, one day’s walk to the south. However,
of paying the crew, if they desire. The banquet tables and other the town elder of Kyrenia, a woman named Kassandra
amenities of the Laimargia are enchanted magic items that (LG Priest) will warn the party that traveling to Citius will
were commissioned in the construction of the ship, so they will require them to navigate the delicate political situation on
continue to function even after Moloch has been destroyed. the island. For more information about what happens next,
see “Kyrenia” in the Adventure Atlas on page 97.

Level Up

The party should gain a level at the conclusion of this encounter.

196

Tending to the Garden

Introduction The Garden: General Features
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon tower above every The only entrance to the garden on foot is by way of two
other structure in this city. The series of raised platforms massive stone staircases that lead up from the Canal Square
near the Marvel of Mankind. These stairs climb 75 feet into
that form this imposing ziggurat is hundreds of feet wide the air before emptying out into the first tier of the gardens.
at the base, and just as tall, with each tier filled with exotic In order to confront Beelzebub, the party must navigate
plants imported from all over the map. The archdemon through all three levels of the lower tiers searching for
Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies, has infested the top tier of the staircases, or else find another way up.
garden, and is infecting the surrounding area with his Aura
Abyssal Flies. Beelzebub has stationed Abyssal Flies
of Temptation. Any creature that travels within 1 mile of along the exterior walls of the ziggurat to serve as lookout.
the Gardens must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving The flies are not extremely observant, and if the party uses
throw or gain one level of exhaustion as they are overcome the foliage of the lower levels as cover, they will not be
with a desire to relax and have trouble focusing on their spotted by the lookouts. If, however, one of the characters
goals. The save must be repeated for every 24 hours spent attempts to climb the vertical stone walls or if the party
inside the radius. For the purpose of simplicity, ask the
party to make this saving throw when they first arrive in the approaches from the air using magic, the Abyssal Flies
city of Babylon. The party may choose to spend the night
in the city to recover from any gained levels of exhaustion, will notice them automatically and notify Beelzebub,
but the save must be repeated every 24 hours a creature who will order them to attack. Groups of the flies are
spends inside of the radius. spread throughout the perimeter of the gardens. Each
time the party leaves cover by flying or climbing (without
attempting to do so stealthily), they will be attacked by a

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group of 4d4 Abyssal flies. If the party remains in the open, passage on foot, although there is no clear pathway or
they will be attacked by another group of 4d4 flies for signage directing which way to go. It is up to the party to
every minute they spend in the open. The flies are large and decide how to proceed.
clumsy, and will not attempt to attack the party if they stay
under cover of trees or other dense foliage. 1A. Sinister Signs
The further into this wild forest the party moves, the
Climbing the Walls. Each tier of the Hanging Gardens more quiet and ominous it begins to feel. It is absolutely
rises 75 feet above the one before it. If a character wishes silent and the lack of noises from insects or small rodents is
to climb the outside of one of these stone walls to reach the disconcerting. If the party passes along the southern path of
next tier (instead of searching for the staircase), it requires the first tier they will spot the first sign of trouble.
a DC 17 Athletics check. If a character fails this check by
5 or more, they fall to the ground, taking 4d6 bludgeoning A decaying human body is noticeable, engulfed in the
damage. roots of a nearby tree and decomposed to the point that
little remains but bones. There is nothing of value on
Getting to Know the Plants. If a character attempts to this corpse, and a Medicine check will reveal no sign of
learn the motives of plants either through the use of a Speak struggle or violence in death. In fact, it appears that this
with Plants spell, a Detect Good and Evil spell or similar, unfortunate victim was simply lying down to take a rest
they will not find anything unusual. The plants in this under the shade of the tree and never woke up.
garden are not evil and, if anything, they are suffering the
same slothful effects as the people in the area. The plants 1B. Spies Above
may or may not be aware of Beelzebub’s presence, but can In a few sporadic places the forest opens into a small
at least communicate that something in the garden does not clearing with a view of the sky above. Through this
feel right. A plant can tell that this feeling emanates from clearing in the trees, the party can easily see a group of 4d4
the top tier of the gardens. Abyssal Flies buzzing lazily through the air and perched
on the walls that rise to the second tier. Most of the flies are
1. First Tier: The Forest Path searching the horizon for enemies approaching from the
air, but a few are circling the clearing and appear interested
The chatter of people lazily talking in the Canal in the party’s movement on the ground. The party can
Square fades away as the steps climb steadily higher, sneak through the clearing by sticking to the shadows and
eventually opening before you into a wild and beautiful succeeding in a group Stealth check (DC 11). If the party is
forest. Even at this first level, a feeling of intense relaxation spotted, the flies attack.
is palpable as the noise and activity of the world below is
washed away. A level plain of grass and trees stretches 1C. Ambush
in every direction, beckoning you to explore, wander, Upon reaching the far side of the ziggurat, the party
and meditate beneath the shade of large and twisting finally finds the staircase to the second tier. As they
sycamores. The natural beauty of these trees swaying approach the stairs to climb to the next level, they are
in the cool breeze coming from the Euphrates somehow ambushed by 3 Shedim, who have been informed of the
makes you feel both nostalgic and forgetful. Yet despite party’s presence by the Abyssal Flies, and are lying in wait
the beauty that surrounds you, there is something about for the party to arrive. A character who succeeds on a DC
16 Perception check will notice the Shedim before they
this forest that is foreboding. have a chance to strike.

Some of the flora here may be familiar to the party, 2. Second Tier: the Labyrinth
while others may seem totally alien. The plants have been
imported from all over the world, and the sheer variety of The second stone staircase seems to climb
species is overwhelming. Luscious fruits hang from heavily more easily than the first, and reveals an absolutely
laden branches of grape vines, date-palms, pomegranate, breathtaking view of the Euphrates river to the west.
plum, fig and tamarisk trees. Interspersed with these fruit- As the staircase rises above the 50-foot tall trees of the
bearing trees are cedar, cyprus, and juniper varieties that first tier, even the most beautiful palaces and temples of
King Nebuchadnezzar had imported directly from Teredon. Babylon fade into obscurity below you. Only halfway to
Other obscure corners of the gardens house willow, fir, and the top of the Hanging Gardens it already begins to feel
terebinth trees. All of these species combine and coexist like an ascent into the clouds. No sound can be heard
to form a forest that is as wild and unexpected as it is from the city below, and the silence is broken only by a
beautiful. gentle rustling as the tallest trees from the forest below

The first tier of the gardens is almost entirely shaded by sway in the breeze.
the dense leafy growth that towers 20 to 50 feet overhead.
The trunks of the trees are spread out enough to allow easy 199

As this staircase crests the top of the walls that rise 2C. The Fountain
to the second tier, a great labyrinth opens inward. The Another 20-foot square clearing opens, revealing a large
entirety of the second tier is occupied by an elaborate and and ornately carved stone fountain at its center. Four Goat
impeccably-groomed maze of hedges. A character who Demons are giggling as they carve graffiti into the side of
succeeds a DC 13 Insight or Nature check may stop and the fountain. Taken by surprise, the demons will attempt
wonder who has been taking such good care of gardens, to flee deeper into the maze instead of fighting. If the
especially since no gardeners have been seen tending to any party investigates what the demons were writing, they find
of the plants so far. written, in Hebrew,

The hedges that make up the walls of the maze are 3 to You came to search the garden but found
4 feet thick, 10 feet high, and impossible to see through. A The Gardener put you in the ground!
creature can force its way through one of the hedge walls
slowly and painfully, spending 15 feet of movement and 2D. Another Body
taking 1d6 piercing damage in order to make in through to The maze once again dead ends, and the party finds
the other side. another dead body. This body has been propped up into a
sitting position, and as the party arrives, a Goat Demon is
It is up to the GM to determine how the party goes hanging a sign that reads “Nap Time!” in Common around
about navigating the maze. If the players at the table the neck of the corpse. Cornered, the goat demon will
enjoy solving puzzles like these they may wish to explore attempt to flee by crashing through the hedge into another
the maze on their own. Alternatively, a character can path.
deduce the correct direction to move through the maze by
succeeding on a DC 14 Survival check. 2E. Shedim Guard
A large clearing opens to reveal the stairway to the third
2A. Lord Merodach tier of the gardens. At the base of these steps is another
The winding corridors of the maze eventually open into group of 3 Shedim, weapons at the ready. If any Goat
a small 20-foot square clearing with a wooden bench set Demons from Areas 2C or 2D were allowed to escape, they
along one length of the hedge wall. Lying comfortably on will have joined the Shedim here, and all demons will be
this bench is the form of a dead human body, covered head on alert and ready for combat. If the Shedim have not been
to toe in vines that protrude from the nearby hedges. By warned of the party’s presence, they patrol back and forth
clearing away the vines the party can easily identify that through this clearing, keeping an eye out for trouble from
this is the recently deceased corpse of Lord Merodach, a any direction.
high-ranking noble in the court of King Mithridates. Lord
Merodach was taking a walk in the garden when he became 3. Third Tier: The Clearing
suddenly very tired and laid down for a nap. He never woke
up. Merodach is clutching a leatherbound diary which The open air of the steps is refreshing after the
confirms for the party that something strange is happening. stifling closed-quarters of the labyrinth that disappears
The last few entries detail Merodach’s obsession with the below you as you climb. From this vantage point, it is
garden, and the last page ends with the entry: easy to admire the twists and turns of the hedges for
the work of art that they are, instead of the oppressive
“I think I am lost. I think something obstacle that they presented moments ago. The blue sky
might be wrong here. Something drew me stretches in all directions, and this third tier provides such
an unobstructed view of the horizon that it is easy to make
here. Something beautiful and evil. out the curvature of the earth where the blue of the sky
I hear it coming. I hear the Gardener.” touches the greens and browns of the earth. To the north,
the Euphrates snakes in wide arcs to a fro like a great
2B. Rotting Corpse serpent. To the west, the green banks of the Euphrates
The hedge walls close in and end here in a dead end. give way almost at once to the harsh rolling dunes of a
Slumped against one wall of the maze is a rotting human sandy wasteland. To the east, the city of Babylon lies in
corpse. Two Abyssal Flies are perched on the corpse, and a two-dimensional footprint below, as the lush forest of
attack immediately if they are disturbed. The corpse is Sumer rises in the distant horizon. And still higher: the
wearing a satchel, and if the party searches the satchel, they final tier of the Hanging Gardens awaits.
may roll once on the “Random Discoveries” table on page
130.

200

The third tier is green with grass and occasional flowers, At the beginning of The Gardener’s next turn, the true
but little else. After passing through the dangers and obsta- form of Beelzebub erupts from the earth and lumbers into
cles of the lower tiers, this openness may feel foreboding, battle. Once Beelzebub inhabits his true form, he also gains
but there are no immediate threats visible. Two staircases access to the lair actions listed on page 332. Combat now
ascend from the third tier up to the top of the fourth and continues as usual.
final tier. If the party wishes to take a short rest here, they
may do so safely without risk of being attacked. Combat Tip

4. Fourth Tier: The Garden Beelzebub’s “Hurl” ability allows him to throw a creature
40 feet. If you use this ability strategically, you can throw a
After making such a long climb to reach this character over the edge of the top tier, landing them on the third
height, it is tempting to want to stop and take in the view. tier. This fall deals 7d6 damage, and the target must spend their
However, the summit of this ziggurat reveals an odd sight. next turn (movement and action) to return to the top tier.
The stairs open into a small garden scattered with smaller
shrubs and an assortment flowers that grow without any Resolution and Reward
clear pattern. Along the perimeter of this flower garden
are small decorative statues of gnome-like creatures that The party may discover that Beelzebub was wielding
Nebuchadnezzar had commissioned for this garden. In Goliath’s Greatsword, and if a character takes the time to
the center of this space, tending to the wildflowers, is the rummage through the destroyed flower bed where Beelze-
bub’s true form was resting, they will find 2d6 gems worth
figure of a man. 100 gp each. The party will also find leatherbound scroll
partially buried in topsoil. This scroll is mostly destroyed,
The Gardener. The man is crouched, tending to his but the piece that remains seems to be the end of an edict
flowers absentmindedly. As the party arrives he stands, from Lilith, the leader of the demons:
holding a massive scythe in one hand and turns to face
them. Beelzebub’s simulacrum is not surprised by the ...send Moloch,
party’s arrival, as he has been kept informed of their climb that the tides of the Sea may know Gluttony.
through the gardens by his Abyssal flies.
To Babylon I send Beelzebub,
“Welcome. I am the Gardener.” that the heights of the Gardens may know Sloth.

Combat with Beelzebub And lastly to Judea I send Legion,
that the depths of the earth may know Envy.
Beelzebub is currently inhabiting his simulacrum form, Each of you should stay in your appointed place and
The Gardener which allows Beelzebub certain special
abilities. The stat block for the Gardener is on page 332. search for he that would bring salvation.
The Gardener may engage the party briefly in conversation, We have work to be done, and thus you are sent.
but has no interest in making deals or striking bargains. The
demon has no intention of allowing the party to leave the -Lilith, Mother of Darkness”
gardens alive, and will attack as soon as he grows bored of
the conversation. Level Up

When the Gardener is reduced to 0 hit points, read the The party should gain a level at the conclusion of this encounter.
following text:

With this final blow, the wizened old frame of the
Gardener drops to his knees, and then begins to age
rapidly, flesh and bone decaying with violent speed, until
all that is left is a pile of dust and fresh earth in the midst
of the flower garden.

As you begin to relax and take a breath, the ground
beneath your feet suddenly lurches and begins to roil and
bulge. Something massive has been awakened, and is

making its way toward the surface.

Maintain initiative order, allowing the party one “free”
round of combat with which to heal or prepare reactions.

201

Welcome to Galilee

Galilee was built upon the ruined foundations of what local residence looting the ruins to find building materials
was once the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Conquered and for their own homes. Throughout the journey in Galilee,
destroyed by Babylon 500 years ago, Israel never returned
to its former glory. Instead, the meager refugees who visitors may notice odd pieces of these ruins being used
managed to return home rebuilt from what materials they
could find. Some elements of Galilee (a stone wall here, as walls, steps, or even doorstops in the smaller Galilean
an archway there) seem out of another time, as though
they belonged in a much grander city. With the exception cities.
of cities like Capernaum and Magdala that are sponsored
by the Roman empire, the majority of Galilee is what can 2. Capernaum
most easily be described as “slums.” People here are rough
around the edges, and most seek employment as builders or With a fishing industry to rival Cana’s, Capernaum
fishermen. Food and liquor are cheap and easy to find here, sits on the northern bank of the sea of Galilee. Many
although almost all meals in local taverns feature fish.
of the homes here are of much sturdier construction,
The poorest and worst of these slums is Nazareth, which
has unfortunately become the butt of many local jokes. partially because much of the city has recently undergone
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” is a popular
expression, usually used by other small towns (Cana in a renovation under the guidance of the Roman empire.
particular) to make themselves feel superior. Capernaum is home to many in the Roman nobility and
those loyal to the empire.
Visiting Galilee
2A. Matthew’s House
The cities and villages of Galilee are filled with locations
of famous miracles performed by Jesus. If the party has not A large house with a well-kept front porch sits on
yet encountered Jesus, many of these locations would be ideal the west corner of Capernaum. It is home to Matthew,
opportunities in insert Jesus into the story. See “Meeting Jesus” a young man who has earned quite a comfortable living
on page 210 for more information.
for himself as a tax collector for the Roman authorities.
However, don’t worry too much about “sticking to the
script.” Just because some of these encounters are the sites of This has earned him very few friends, since most who call
famous miracles doesn’t mean that Jesus has to show up in Capernaum home view his career choice as “selling out” to
your story. Let the party decide what to do on their own, and the oppressive government. However, Matthew considers
remind them that this is a fictional adventure through the Bible. that as long as someone is going to get rich working for
Just because they may encounter situations that are familiar the Romans, why shouldn’t it be him? His wealth has
from Bible stories does not mean that they should just sit and given him all he could have wanted earlier in life, but he
wait for Jesus to show up. can’t help feeling that there is something missing. He tries
his best to be hospitable, often inviting his neighbors and
1. Empire Highway
coworkers to his home to enjoy expensive food and drinks,
Most visitors to Galilee arrive by foot or wagon along but none of his house guests are truly friends to him. If
the Empire Highway. This wide dirt road connects the Via Matthew meets the party, he will certainly invite them over
Maris to the small Galilean cities to allow easy access for
imperial wagons that otherwise would struggle to navigate for dinner. Roleplay information for Matthew can be found
the hilly terrain around the Sea of Galilee. Visitors to the on page 214.
this region may notice the ruins of ancient fortresses from
the once thriving Kingdom of Israel. These fortresses and 2B. Jesus’s Apartment
palaces stand as odd relics of a time long forgotten, and
small footpaths in and around the ruins show evidence of A small apartment building in downtown Capernaum
belongs to Jesus of Nazareth. If the party somehow tracks
202 down his address, they will arrive to find that he is not at
home. If they find a way to enter the apartment anyway,
they will find very little in the way of earthly possessions.
Jesus’s bed has been slept in, but the blankets have been
neatly folded and placed at the foot of the bed. The closets

contain some spare clothes, but nothing of interest.

A small writing desk in one corner contains
correspondence between Jesus and two of the high priests
in Jerusalem, named Nicodemus and Gamaliel. The letters

203

reference conversations that happened many years ago, Legion will continue to pester the party through the
and it seems that Gamaliel was once a teacher of Jesus’s. possessed victim until they leave the synagogue grounds.
The letters contain mostly discussions on the topics of The possessed man uses Commoner stats. If reduced to
theology, but one letter in particular from Nicodemus warns 0 hit points or targeted by an Dispel Evil and Good spell
Jesus that trouble is brewing in the Sanhedrin, the religious or similar, Legion will be forced out of the man, who will
authority of the Jewish people. According to Nicodemus, thank the party and return home.
one of the elders, named Caiaphas, has been acting
strangely of late, and seems obsessed with bringing an end 2F. Peter’s House
to Jesus’s teachings. Nicodemus warns Jesus to stay out of
Jerusalem. Two brothers, Peter and Andrew, live together with their
wives in a beautiful split-level home that overlooks the
2C. Jairus’s House shimmering sea of Galilee. They have worked hard to make
their living, and a lifetime of fishing and laboring on the
An influential politician in Capernaum named Jairus docks has earned them a comfortable lifestyle. Their house
lives near the main street that connects the docks to the is larger than average, with a small front yard that opens to
markets in the northeast quarter of town. Jairus has a the sea, and a spacious courtyard in the back that is across
12-year-old daughter who has fallen extremely ill and the street from the synagogue.
is lying in bed at home. Jairus has heard that a preacher
named Jesus has been healing people in the area. If Jairus Both Peter and Andrew are men of action. Their hands
hears that the party is in town, he will immediately send for are calloused from years working as fishermen, and their
them and offer to pay them 300 gp if they can find Jesus language can be just as rough, and learned in the same
and convince him to come and heal his daughter. A DC 12 profession. They lack formal education, and dislike it
Medicine check will reveal that her disease is fatal. There is when people speak in metaphors that go over their heads.
nothing that can be done to save her life, short of a Greater In general, Peter and Andrew are known for resolving
Restoration spell or similar magic. conflicts with their fists rather than their words. Roleplay
information for Peter and Andrew can be found on page
2D. Seaside Inn 214.

This inn is used as temporary lodging for those If the party visits this home, they will find that Peter’s
traveling through Galilee along the Via Maris to the west. mother-in-law is currently staying in the guest room. She
The rooms here are very small and can be rented for 1 is very sick with a persistent fever and a DC 14 Medicine
sp per day. A large common area is available through the check will reveal that this disease is life-threatening, and
main doors, and is often used by traveling preachers who she will most likely die unless healed through the use of a
hold meetings here as they travel through the area. A large Lesser Restoration spell or similar.
skylight is open to the sky in the center of the common
room ceiling, and is sometimes used as overflow seating by 2G. The Docks
people who cannot enter the common space during large
gatherings. The Capernaum docks are busy with workers carrying
bushels of fish from the boats in to the town. About half
2E. Capernaum Synagogue of the day’s catch are taken to the markets in the northeast
quarter of town, and the other half are packaged and
This synagogue is of traditional Jewish construction, shipped immediately to the processing plant in Magdala.
which contrasts with some of the surrounding residential
homes which are of newer Roman architecture. If the If Peter and Andrew have already become followers of
party passes by the Synagogue in Capernaum, they may Jesus, the party may arrive at the docks to find that Peter’s
encounter a man possessed by the demon Legion. old fishing boat is for sale. The boat is used but is of sturdy
construction and in fair condition, and Peter is selling it for
The man is Legion’s only spy in the city of Capernaum, the unbelievably low price of 30 gp.
and Legion uses this victim as a puppet stationed outside
of the synagogue. Legion assumes that if the Messiah visits 3. Magdala
Capernaum, he will surely come to preach in the synagogue
at some point. Upon seeing the party, Legion cannot help Magdala may not be the largest town in Galilee, but it is
himself, and will approach to mock the party as they pass. probably the most politically influential. Magdala hosts the
only major fish processing plant in the region, which means
“You are the adventurers seeking the Messiah! I’ve this town earns a cut of all fishing that happens in most
heard of you. People say you are worthy, but I can smell of the surrounding ports. The Roman empire is especially
fond of Magdala, because the taxing of seafood moving
your sins from a block away.” through the area is not an insignificant amount of money.

204

Despite the advantageous financial position of Magdala, angry mop disperses, leaving Jesus and the woman alone
the buildings are of mostly simple stone construction. with the party.
The majority of people who live in Magdala work at the
processing plant, and prefer a simple life. 3D. Fish Processing Plant

3A. House of Mary Magdalene Over 60% of seafood caught in Nazareth, Capernaum,
and Cana arrives here in the Magdala processing plant. The
A house in the south west quarter of the city is home freshest fish is quickly packaged and sent to other cities in
to a woman named Mary. If she meets the party she may Canaan for sale before it spoils. The rest is preserved for
invite them to stay in the upper room of her home during longer storage through one of many processes, including
their time in Magdala. Mary lives alone, but seems to have smoking, salting, or pickling. A series of underground
quite a bit of money for a single woman in her position. If caves below the processing plant are used for preserving
asked about her wealth, Mary prefers not to talk about it. the meat, and the area around the plant constantly smells of
Roleplay information for Mary can be found on page 215. smoke and sea salt.

3B. Migdal Synagogue 3E. Gennesaret

This impressive square building is the place of worship The towns of Capernaum and Magdala are separated by
for the Jews living in Magdala. At the center of the open a large expanse of wildlands known as Gennesaret. A small
gathering space inside is a large stone platform upon which fishing village that is little more than a waypoint on the
rests the scrolls for the reading of the Torah. Into all sides Gennesaret Trail is known by the same name.
of the stone platform, including its top surface, are carved
images that call to mind fond memories of the grand temple If the party has not yet met Jesus, this is a location
in Jerusalem. The Jews of Magdala cannot make the 80- where the meeting could occur. Jesus is starting to gain
mile journey to Jerusalem for worship on the Sabbath, but some notoriety as a preacher and healer in Capernaum, and
they hold onto the memories of the past, engraved in this he enjoys traveling into the abandoned wilds of Gennesaret
large platform they call the “Magdala Stone.” to take some time for himself. If the party encounters
Jesus here, he is surrounded by a large gathering of people
3C. Main Square desperate to hear more of his message. They have followed
him out into this secluded hideaway, far from any local
A large open outdoor space is used for community markets and without any food, and they are hungry. A
gatherings. Although the city occupies an important young boy generously offers to share his lunch with the
position in the Roman infrastructure of the Judean region, group, but only has 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. The group
the square reflects the simplicity of the people who live and laughs at the boy, since there is no way that this is enough
work here. The buildings are mostly unadorned, and the food to share amongst the nearly 5,000 people present.
open space here is an unpaved, sandy clearing.
4. The Hot Springs
If the party is level 3 or higher, they arrive at the
main square as a woman is about to be stoned to death. One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Galilee are
An Angry Mob has gathered here at the main square and the hot springs. These hot springs are rumored to have
is attacking a woman they have accused of adultery. If the healing properties, and some notable miracles have been
party has not yet encountered Jesus of Nazareth, this is a recorded here by people who have bathed in the warm
good place for this encounter to occur. Allow the party to waters. The miraculous nature of these hot springs has
handle the situation on their own terms, either by trying to attracted the attention of the Roman empire, and a new
argue for the woman’s life (DC 16 Persuasion check) or by city is under construction here. King Herod of Jerusalem
entering combat on her behalf. If Jesus arrives in the midst is overseeing the building of this beautiful new city, which
of this encounter, he lays out the challenge that one who he has named “Tiberias” as an obvious attempt at flattering
is without sin be the first to throw a stone. He then begins the current Roman emperor, Tiberius Caesar Augustus.
to write the sins of the people present in the sandy ground Construction on Tiberias has been under way for some
of the main square. Unable to confront their own guilt, the time, and will likely be completed in the next few years.

Mary Magdalene? Bathing in the Hot Springs. If a creature submerges
itself in the Hot Springs, roll on the following table to
There is a popular legend that Mary (whose last name determine its effects.
means “of Magdala”) was the woman rescued in this encounter.
This is only a theory, as the Bible story does not identify this

woman. See page 215 for more on Mary Magdalene.

205

1d4 Hot Spring Effect 5B. Town Market

1 No Effect A series of open-air pavilions make up what is simply
2 No Effect referred to as “the market.” It is here that fishermen bring
3 You regain 2d6 hit points the catch of the day, and it is a popular shopping destination
4 You benefit from the effects of a Greater for people of even neighboring cities.

Restoration spell. Players who visit the market can easily find several
wine vendors selling Reedwine (although some of these
5. Cana merchants are selling cheap Roman wine that has simply
been mulled with spices to produce an inferior counterfeit
The small town of Cana is named for the Hebrew word product). If the players procure a bottle of true Reedwine,
for “reeds.” Built in a valley at the foot of Mt. Tabor, Cana they will find that it is the best wine they have ever tasted,
has prime access to the Sea of Galilee, but unfortunately and gain inspiration.
this comes with the drawback of pour drainage. Reed-filled
swamps surround the small town, the result of drainage 5C. Cana Synagogue
ditches that were dug during construction. These reeds,
which give the town its name, sing and whistle in the Cana’s simple clay and stone synagogue sits on the
mighty winds that sweep in, unannounced, from the heights main road through the small town. There is nothing
of Mt. Tabor or the breadth of the Sea of Galilee. particularly interesting or special about this structure, but
it sits as the spiritual and physical center of this town of
The main source of revenue for the citizens of Cana fishermen.
lies in their fish market, as almost all who live here are
fishermen who dock their boats on the coast only a short 5D. Celebration Hall
walk to the east. However, in the last few months Cana
has become known for an extremely rare and sought after Across the street from the synagogue is a large
vintage of wine known in northern Judea as “Reedwine.” open venue that is used for everything from weddings
Despite the growing interest in this rare wine that clearly to community politics. It was in a back room of this
originated in Cana, there are no local vineyards, and no one celebration hall that several large vessels of Reedwine were
seems to actually know the origin of the vintage. discovered after a wedding over this past summer. Many
fantastic rumors are circulating as to where this amazing
5A. The Fig Tree beverage came from, but the most believable is that it was
due to the forgetfulness of a traveling merchant.
A massive fig tree sits at the west edge of Cana, along
a road known as “The Crossing” that connects Cana to the 4E. Cana Docks
other major towns. Its massive branches spread shade over
cool sand and an assortment of rocks that are just the right The docks here are filled with people moving quickly
height to sit on. to bring in the day’s catch. Some fish are put into carts and
taken directly to the market for sale, but the majority of the
If the party passes by the fig tree they will encounter fish is packaged in crates to be shipped immediately to the
some of its frequent visitors. Three young men are processing plant in Magdala. The party may rent a fishing
engaged in a debate over whether or not the Leviathan vessel here for 1 gp per day’s use.
exists. They are reclined in the shade, taking a break from
the heat of the day. Although this argument seems heated, 6. Mt. Tabor
and they may even raise their voices or insult each other,
they are also smiling and clearly just arguing for fun. This small mountain rises out of the Galilean
These young men are: Bartholomew, Philip, and Matthias. countryside to the north of Nazareth. It was on this site that
For more information about these characters, see the the Israelites won an important military victory under the
information on pages 214 and 215. leadership of Deborah, the legendary Judge of Israel. If the
party makes the trek to the top of Mt. Tabor, they will find
If the party has not yet met Jesus, this is a location a small but ornately carved stone pedestal into which is
where the meeting could occur. While they are in the midst etched the Song of Deborah.
of their argument, Jesus arrives and asks if they want to
join him for dinner later that day. 7. Nazareth

The small fishing village of ill repute lies in the foothills
of Mt. Tabor. There is little reason for travelers to visit
Nazareth, and so those who make the journey through

206

the dusty region will find little in the way of welcome biological children who are, in order of birth: James, Joses,
or comfort. There is no inn and no formal marketplace. Gal, Jude, Simon, and Hannah. She was too young to
Residents of Nazareth are mostly laborers or fishermen, and remember Joseph’s marriage to Mary or the birth of Jesus.
so the small town relies more heavily on bartering than on As such, she has always viewed Mary as her true mother
and Jesus as a little brother. She has many fond memories
formal currency. Life is simple in Nazareth, and most who to share of Jesus, recalling his sense of humor and all the
pretend adventures they would go on as children playing
grow up in this town never leave. in the foothills of Mt. Tabor. Hannah is open with the party
and will immediately answer any questions they have to the
7A. Nazarene Synagogue best of her ability.

By far the nicest building is a large synagogue of stone James. James is the oldest of Joseph’s children
and clay construction. It is clear on closer inspection that and recalls clearly the mysterious details surrounding
the foundations for this building predate the Babylonian Mary’s pregnancy and the birth of Jesus. James was a
teenager when Mary became pregnant, and remembers
exile, and at one time may have been part of a palace or the embarrassment he felt when a rumor spread through
Nazareth that Mary had conceived the child outside of
larger estate. As Nazareth was rebuilt from the destruction her marriage with Joseph. James resented Mary for a long
time, thinking that she had been unfaithful to his father,
of northern kingdom, large pieces of stone from this ruin but after making the difficult journey to Bethlehem and
being visited by three Magi from Teredon, James began to
were carefully repurposed to create the simple but beautiful realize something was special about his new little brother.
James will become suspicious if the party asks too many
piece of architecture at the town’s center. questions, and may try to protect his family by withholding
If the party visits the Synagogue they will be allowed to information. He can be convinced to trust the party with
a successful DC 15 Persuasion check. If convinced to
enter the outer courtyard, but no further. They will be met speak, James will share that he believes Jesus is special,
there by Rabbi Avi (LG Priest), a short balding man with and perhaps even a prophet. He will also share the story
watery eyes. Rabbi Avi only speaks Aramaic and Hebrew, of the wedding that his family attended last summer in
but is friendly and will try to help the party however he Cana. During the reception the caterer ran out of wine, and
can, even if they do not speak the same language. If the
party asks about Jesus, Avi will become even more excited. Mary,
If any of the characters speak Aramaic or Hebrew, Avi will Mother of Jesus
tell them that he has known Jesus since he was a young
boy. He still remembers vividly the conversations he used 207
to have with the young Jesus, who would linger behind
after gatherings on the Sabbath to ask questions and engage
in debate. If none of the party shares a language with Avi,
he will attempt to direct them to speak with Mary in area

7B.

7B. Mary’s House

A modest brick house on the edge of town is home to a

woman in her late 30s or early 40s named Mary. Mary is

the widow of a carpenter in the region, whose name was
Joseph, who died in the past year. Mary also happens to be
the mother of Jesus.

If the party decides to visit Mary, she will invite them
in to join her for a meal and even offer to let them stay in
her spare room. Mary has two other guests at her house:
James and Hannah, whom she will introduce as her son
and daughter. Despite the fact that James and Hannah have
come to view Mary as their mother, they are actually the
biological children of Joseph and his first wife, who died
very young. They have no memory of their birth mother,
and were raised first by Joseph as a single father, and later
by Mary. Mary, James, and Hannah sit around the simple
wood table laughing and sharing stories. Although both
James and Hannah are adults, they frequently return to
visit Mary and keep her company. If the party questions
the family about Jesus, they may share the following
information.

Hannah. Hannah is the youngest of Joseph’s six

Jesus performed a miracle to produce more wine to keep through the crypts here in Galilee, but they must first deal
the party going. Hannah will smirk at this story and say with Legion’s security measures here.
“classic Jesus.” James does not know where Jesus is now,
but can advise the party to visit the workshop in area 7C. A powerful warrior named Barrak (Shadow Champion)
stands sentinel over the crypt entrance in Galilee. If the
Mary. Mary is the only person alive who knows the party approaches, Barrak will confront the party, not
full truth, but she will not share what she knows under any allowing them to enter. If they move closer, Barrak is
joined by 4 Goat Demons who come shrieking from their
circumstances. She will be polite to the party and even hiding places behind nearby tombstones. Barrak and the
help them track down Jesus if she can, but only through Goat Demons will fight to the death to guard the entrance
the use of a Detect Thoughts spell or similar can the party of the crypts, but will not leave their post. If the party
find out all of what she knows. Mary was young when an retreats, they will not be pursued.
Archangel named Gabriel appeared to her and asked if she
would be willing to become the mother of the Messiah. Barrak is currently possessed by Legion. If the
It was during this conversation when Mary learned that possession is ended through the use of Dispel Evil and
Jesus was not only to become the prophesied Messiah, but
that he was going to be the literal son of God as well. The Good or similar magic, or if Barrak drops to 0 hit points,
pregnancy was difficult, and the scandal in Nazareth left a herd of demonic swine erupt out of him and flee into
her with few friends, but Joseph chose to stand by her and the nearest body of water. If Barrak is freed from this
support her, even though he had doubted her story at times possession, he will be grateful to the party but cannot offer
too. In time Joseph learned the truth, as did a handful of any helpful information.
other people who Jesus met during his childhood. Mary
also holds a dark secret in the back of her mind that she 7E. Nazareth Docks
hopes is not true. It might be something about the look
in Jesus’s eyes when he speaks to her, or maybe little The docks here are simple but functional, providing
comments he has made from time to time. Maybe it is access to both the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan river.
Simple fishing boats can be rented here for 2 sp per day. If
just the intuition of a mother. Whatever the reason, Mary the party asks the manager of the docks about Jesus, they
is worried that Jesus is destined to die, and it is breaking can learn that Jesus purchased a refurbished fishing boat
her heart. Mary does not know where Jesus is, but she can several weeks ago and headed north. The word around
advise the party that he recently rented an apartment in the
city of Capernaum, on the opposite shore of the sea. town is that he is temporarily living in a rented apartment
in Capernaum.
7C. Jesus’s Workshop
8. Penuel
The simple shop is well-organized and well-used. Tools
On the eastern bank of the Jordan river, near where it
for masonry hang neatly on the walls and a small bench intersects with the crooked tributary known as Jabbuk, an
for woodworking sits in one corner. A DC 13 Investigation ominous mist hangs over a quiet marsh. In the center of this
check will reveal receipts and other documents that show marsh stands the outline of a shadowy figure who beckons
Jesus completed all of his recent orders (mostly furniture to the party wordlessly. The figure is that of an angel named
commissions and home repairs) and apparently stopped Barachiel (LG Angel Challenger). Barachiel stands poised
for combat, wearing armor that emits a soft glow in the
taking new orders in the last few months. The party
also finds a rental agreement with an address to a small mist that surrounds him, and carrying a sword that seems to
apartment building (area 2B) in Capernaum.
occasionally crackle with energy.
7D. The Galilean Crypts If the party approaches, Barachiel will bow his head

This open expanse of Galilean countryside is broken by and say “welcome to Penuel.” He will go on to explain
the burial grounds of the Galilean Crypts. Natural caverns that it was on this spot in the misty marshes of Penuel that
in the hillsides here provided a convenient place for a young man named Jacob earned his new name, Israel.
Barachiel will explain that he is a celestial being known as
interring the dead, and over time these natural caverns were a “Challenger.” He tests the might of young warriors who
fight in the name of the Most High, rewarding those strong
expanded by man-made tunnels that wind deep within the enough to defeat him, and showing the rest how much they

earth. Some of these tunnels are so expansive they connect have yet to learn.
with salt caves that reach all the way to the Dead Sea. Barachiel will politely offer to duel one member of

Unknown to the people of Nazareth, the demon named the party if they would like to volunteer. The competition
Legion has created a lair deep within these crypts and is
using his control over the people in the area to find and must be one-on-one, without interference from any other
destroy the one called “Messiah.” If the party wishes to member of the party. If the party is rude to Barachiel or
confront and destroy Legion, they can attempt to enter

208

cheats in the competition, Barachiel will vanish and never According to legend, this valley will be the location
reappear again. If a member of the party duels Barachiel of a final battle between good and evil at the end of time.
and is defeated, Barachiel will immediately use his Named for the valley in which it will occur, this conflict
Restorative Touch ability or Prayer of Healing spell to will be known as the battle of Armageddon.
restore hit points to the character. Barachiel will then tell
the party that they still have much to learn if they are to 10. Endor
challenge the forces of evil. He wishes them well and tells
them that they are welcome to come and duel him in the Anyone who makes the long trek through miles of
future, if they wish. He then remains in the mists of Penuel, scrubland and ancient ruins will find a mysterious sight.
patiently waiting to challenge a worthy champion. A single cottage stands out from a grove of cyprus trees
near a ravine in the region of Galilee known as Endor. This
If a character is able to reduce Barachiel to 0 hit points strange cottage is the home of the Witch of Endor, and she
in a fair fight, Barachiel will revert to the glory of his true is expecting the party. When they arrive, she will beckon
form: a mighty Archangel of the Most High. He will then them to join her in her cottage, where a table is set for
gift the worthy champion with a reward from the “Font the exact number of creatures in the party, plus the witch
of Blessings” on page 262, and may even bestow a new herself. She will be friendly and welcoming to the party,
name on the Champion, as is customary at the conclusion but a DC 16 Insight check will reveal that she has ulterior
of divine challenges. After blessing the party, Barachiel motives.
returns to the spiritual realm and will not return to Penuel
for 1d6 years. Although the Witch of Endor may try to strike any
number of bargains with the party during their visit, her
9. Megiddo main priority is in eliminating her competition in the
Crypts. If the party has not yet encountered the demon
Megiddo was once a strategic city in the Canaanite Legion, the Witch of Endor will certainly send the party
empire, and continued to be a thriving city later under the on a collision course with this demon, either directly
Kingdom of Israel. However, after it was devastated by the or through manipulation, whichever she believes will
invading Babylonian forces, the city was never rebuilt, and eliminate him fastest.
now stands as a desolate valley. This valley rarely receives
visitors, but on occasion, residents of Nazareth will use it as
a shortcut to avoid traveling through Samaritan territory.

209

“Who is this, that the wind
and the sea obey him?.”
-Mark 4:41

Meeting Jesus

Jesus is, of course, an pivotal character in this story. You Personality and Language
may notice that Jesus’s location has been left ambiguous
throughout these location descriptions. This is to provide From all accounts, Jesus was extremely easy-going
flexibility to you, the GM, so that you can introduce Jesus and fun to be around. He was well-spoken, but still used
when the moment feels right in your narrative. This section common slang terms when talking to his followers who
provides important information on how to roleplay Jesus were not as well-educated. He is even cited making jokes
and gives a variety of locations and encounters where the at times, and engaging in teasing with his close friends
party is likely to meet him. The most important goal of this and family. In summary: Jesus was a very normal person!
encounter is for Jesus to leave an impression with the party, The best way to emulate this at the table as the GM is to be
so that they feel a connection with him that will come into yourself. Be comfortable, and engage with your friends the
play later in the story. way you always do, because that is likely just how Jesus

Roleplaying Jesus Avoiding Jesus

It is likely that you feel a tremendous amount of For a variety of reasons, you may decide that you do not want to
pressure as the GM when you sit down to play the role allow the party to interact with Jesus. First, it is probably a good idea
of Jesus, the Son of God himself. Start by taking a deep to set this expectation with your players early. Players are intrinsically
breath! This actually won’t be as hard as it probably seems, curious, and most will want to hunt him down as soon as possible,
and this section will provide some useful advice for general even burning through powerful spells in order to do so. Second,
conversation as well as dealing with problems raised at the keep in mind that Jesus plays an important role in the climax of this
table by players. adventure. Having the party meet (and feel a need to protect) Jesus
is important to give his death narrative weight. If you plan to avoid
210 this encounter, consider how you will rework the “Way of the Cross”

encounter to give it the weight it deserves at the table.

would have talked to his friends. The players at your table Societal Problems
may be taken aback at Jesus’s casual demeanor, but that
is just because modern society has built up an inaccurate The morality in the first century was problematic at best, and
picture of Jesus as an impersonal and stuffy preacher. This religious leaders (in most major religions) proposed a law-based
may even be a good opportunity to talk to your group about morality, meaning that right and wrong were determined by the letter
why we have a flawed perception of how Jesus spoke and of the law. In other words, if you broke one of their laws, you were
acted (out of game, of course). a sinner. period. Additionally, most people believed that sickness,
poverty, and physical or mental disabilities were punishments from
Jesus grew up speaking Aramaic as a first language, and God for sin.
this is his language of preference. However, he also knows
Common, Hebrew, and Latin, and can cast Tongues on This moral viewpoint is flawed for many reasons, and presents
himself if need be. a big obstacle for Jesus’s message. Although it may seem normal to
us today, Jesus is presenting a radical message by suggesting that
Don’t Attempt to be too “Holy” religious leaders can be flawed, laws can be wrong, and that morality
should be determined by love instead of by the law.
The easiest mistake to make when playing the role of
Jesus is adopting a “holier than thou” attitude. The one Look for opportunities in your game to demonstrate how society’s
thing we learn about Jesus from reading stories about perspective is flawed, and how Jesus’s message is perceived as radical
him is that he fit in easily with the common people and and, to some, dangerous. This will help your players better understand
was liked by pretty much everyone who took the time to why those in power are so susceptible to Legion’s manipulations, and
get to know him. In particular, Jesus invited prostitutes,
adulterers, tax collectors and common criminals to just why there is a conspiracy to assassinate him.
hang out with him and share a meal. He wasn’t preaching at
them, and he didn’t judge them, he just loved them. faith one had as a child. One should always ask questions,
but one should also be prepared not to understand.
Questions about Morality or Law
Suggested Encounters
Almost certainly, at some point the players in your
group will attempt to challenge Jesus with questions about The party can meet Jesus anywhere, at any time, but
right and wrong. Do not let them push your buttons or the locations where a meeting is most likely to occur have
draw you into an argument, the answer is always love. For been indicated in the Adventure Atlas section. Once the
Jesus, it does not matter what the law says or what other party encounters Jesus, it is up to them what to do next.
circumstances surround an issue. The correct thing to do They may decide to continue on their quest to eradicate
the demons, or they may choose to remain with Jesus and
is always the most loving thing to do. Prostitution isn’t follow him, either as a disciple or merely as a protector. For
wrong because it is illegal; it is wrong because it lacks love. more information on Jesus’s disciples, see the following
Murder isn’t wrong because it is illegal; it is wrong because pages for more information. If the party does not show
it lacks love. Furthermore, the purpose of morality is not to interest in doing anything but following Jesus, you can
always move the plot forward by skipping to the “Way of
determine who to condemn, it is to determine how to best the Cross” encounter at any time.

uplift and support one another. Jesus and Combat
Jesus’s message (and, by extension, the Bible) is
For a myriad of reasons, it is best to avoid putting Jesus
deliberately ambiguous about specific issues because in combat scenarios. The majority of Jesus’s ministry
issues shift and change with time. Thus, any question about revolves around social encounters that tend not to be
action-packed. However, this is a fantasy game, and
sexuality, war, immigration, politics, etc. is the wrong unpredictable things can happen at the table. It is best to be
prepared for how you will handle Jesus if and when combat
question. The only relevant question is whether you are erupts in his presence.

treating others with love, and only the person acting (and Biblical Combat Encounters?

God) knows the answer to that question. If you are interested in reading how Jesus normally responds when
he rolls initiative, read the following biblical combat encounters:
Questions about Theology or Philosophy
Luke 22:50, Matthew 21:12, Mark 5:1, Luke 4:28.
Jesus was not interested in deep theological questions. If
the party asks anything like “what is heaven like,” “what
happens when you die,” or “why does evil exist,” Jesus will
simply shake his head and laugh. They have entirely missed
the point, Jesus will explain. What is important is love
and faith, and neither of those things require knowledge
of the heavenly world. In fact, the more one tries to grasp
the movements of heaven, the more one loses the power of

211

Stats for Jesus? Omniscience

No stat block has been included for Jesus in this As God Incarnate, Jesus had an innate understanding
adventure, as his character presents both a physical and of the world and its people. However, there are also times
when Jesus displays anxiety, fear, and a lack of knowledge
metaphysical enigma. On one hand, he is the simple son just like the rest of us (Mt. 26:39, Mt. 24:36, Lk. 2:52). It
is impossible to know what it was like to be Jesus, but for
of a woman in the slums of Nazareth. On the other hand, the purposes of playing him as an NPC in this adventure,
assume that he has access to spells such as Detect Thoughts
he is also the eternal Word of God incarnate. Many aspects or Commune, but that he uses them sparingly. As God,
of his nature defy explanation, let alone quantification, Jesus has the ability to know whatever he wants, but he also
and it would thus be irresponsible to try and constrain this has the desire to have a true human experience and accept
character to the limitations of a stat block. However, there things as they come.
are also clear things that Jesus does (and does not) do, and
so the following sections will provide useful advice and Casting Spells on Jesus

features for how to run the character at the table. Jesus is immune to any spell or magical effect that requires the
target to make an Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma saving throw.
Rolling Ability Checks Additionally, any attempt to read Jesus’s thoughts, discern his
alignment or creature type, or reveal his location causes the caster
In terms of his physical abilities, Jesus seems to have to become overwhelmed as the mystery and paradox of the entire
been fairly average. If Jesus needs to make a physical universe fill its consciousness. The creature is Stunned for the next
ability check, using Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution, hour. While Stunned in this way, a creature is Incapacitated, is
you can use the Commoner stat block. However, Jesus also unaware of its surroundings, cannot move, and can only speak by
displayed otherworldly levels of wisdom and emotional
babbling incoherently about life, the universe, and everything.
intelligence. If Jesus needs to make an Intelligence,
Wisdom, or Charisma check, you should either give him
a significant bonus to his roll, or else just assume that he

automatically succeeds these rolls.

Casting Spells

Throughout the Bible, Jesus performs many miracles,
and most can easily be converted into the language of 5E
spells that already exist. As the Son of God, Jesus is an
innate (Charisma-based) spellcaster.

Spellcasting Stats. No spellcasting bonus or spell
save DC has been included in this module; you can either
assume that all of his spells are successful, or you can

create your own stats for his spellcasting if you feel they

are necessary for your game.

Spells. Although you do not need to feel limited by it,
the following list shows spells that reflect miracles from the
Bible, and thus are available for him to use. Jesus does not
use Spell Slots, and does not require material components.

Cantrips: 5th level:
Guidance (Jn. 21:6) Commune (Mt. 26:36)

Light (Mt. 17:2) Dispel Evil... (Mt. 17:18)
1st level:
Greater Restoration (Mt. 9:5)
Cure Wounds (Lk. 9:11)
Paraclete (Mk. 1:10)
Detect Magic (Mk. 5:30) 6th level:

Healing Word (Mt. 8:8) Mass Suggestion (Lk. 4:29)
2nd level: 7th level:

Detect Thoughts (Mt. 9:4) Regenerate (Lk. 22:51)

Zone of Truth (Jn. 4:16) Resurrection (Jn. 11:43)
3rd level:
Transubstantiation (Jn. 2:7)
Create Food... (Mk. 6:41) 8th level:

Mass Healing Word (Lk. 6:19) Control Weather (Mk. 4:39)

Revivify (Lk. 8:54) Earthquake (Mt. 27:51)
9th level:
Water Walk (Mt. 14:25)
4th level: Pentecost (Act. 2:1)

Blight (Lk. 8:54) Wish (Mt. 17:20)

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Avoiding Combat Embracing Destiny

Don’t worry about spell saves, combat mechanics, or Jesus is going to die. For more on how his death affects
even turn order; if you don’t want a combat to happen, the adventure mechanically, see the “True Atonement”
it doesn’t need to happen. Luke 4:29 shows that Jesus box below. The great mistake made by the Magi was their
has a feature that allows him to exit a combat encounter
mysteriously and non-violently, no matter how determined assumption that Jesus needed to be protected. In actuality,
his enemies are. If (or maybe, when) combat is initiated the single most important part of Jesus’s mission is to die,
in Jesus’s presence, read the boxed text and follow the and to die by human hands.
instructions below.
In the narrative of the Gospel, this happens because he
A wave of energy ripples out from Jesus as he is betrayed by one of his followers (Judas), and handed
utters the words, “my time has not yet come.” over to the High Priest of the Sanhedrin (Caiaphas) who
leverages his connections with the Roman proconsul
[pretend to roll saving throws for enemies]
(Pontius Pilate) to bring about a brutal execution. Ideally,
You feel your fingers involuntarily relax on your weapon, these things still play out this way at the table...but...
and you notice that those around you do the same.
Wordlessly, Jesus begins to walk through the midst of This is a roleplaying game, and in games like this you
his assailants, who stand motionless as though frozen
in time. After walking a few yards away, Jesus turns to must be prepared for the unexpected. If your players feel
look back at you, and you realize you have a choice. You exceptionally driven to alter history, either by protecting
can stay and continue as you are, or you can give up
Jesus at all costs or by playing a role in bringing about his
everything and follow him. death themselves, don’t panic. Remember, this is just a

If the players choose to stay, allow Jesus to leave game, and not everything has to happen the way it does in
the area before the characters are able to move and take
actions. If one or more players choose to follow him, you the Bible. If the players make choices that inadvertently
may even add that they must drop certain items from their (or intentionally) bring about Jesus’s death, great! In that
inventory in order to follow him. This then changes the case, they just replace the role of “Judas” in the narrative. If
encounter from combat to a reflection on what the character the party is obsessed with protecting Jesus from all danger,
is willing to sacrifice. Is following Jesus worth losing great! That will just lead to a cool story moment when they
this magic item? Either way, the combat has ended, and
hopefully in a way that still makes the player feel like they finally fail. Jesus is also aware that he eventually needs
have choice and agency in the narrative. to die, and can prevent the party from defending him too

vigorously in the same way that he normally avoids combat

(see “Avoiding Combat” above).
And don’t be afraid to get creative. Jesus does not need

to be crucified; as long as he is killed by a conscious choice
made by a human being, the prophecy can be fulfilled, and
True Atonement (see box below) achieved.

True Atonement

Sin and Sacrifice. Throughout history, humanity has felt a component (blood) is infinite, the duration, range, and level of
need to sacrifice something, usually an animal, in order to atone the effect also become infinite and eternal. The True Atonement
for sin. The greater the sacrifice, the greater its capacity to heal of Jesus’s death dispels all sin: past, present, and future.
sin. This sacrifice must always be offered by a mortal, because
only a mortal can make atonement for the sins of mortals. Regional Effects. All spells that require human sin as a
material component (such as Weave Sin or Aura of Temptation)
In this module, these rituals are reflected in the spells lesser
atonement and greater atonement where the item sacrificed is are instantly dispelled. Any simulacra that are still in existence
part of the material component of the spell.
on the Material plane are also destroyed, regardless of
True Atonement. As a mortal himself, Jesus is able to
perform a similar ritual on behalf of the world. When he location. This means that any Archdemons that have not yet

willingly allows himself to die, he offers his own blood as the been eliminated by the party are revealed in their true forms,
material component in the casting of his final spell. However, wherever they are. This is the final nail in the coffin for the
the sacrifice he is offering is not merely a lamb or goat (as the Fellowship of the Beast. Without the ability to use simulacra
Israelites offered in ages past). Jesus’s blood is the blood of God,
and God is an infinitely perfect being. Thus, this final spell cast to hide themselves, it is only a matter of time before they are
by Jesus at the moment of his death should more accurately be
banished from the material plane.
called True Atonement in 5E mechanics. Since the material Lilith’s Last Stand. Once Jesus dies, the party should move

on to the final encounter at the “Catacombs of Kadesh.” Lilith is
aware that the war is over, but will still try to kill as many of her

enemies as she can before she is destroyed.

213

The Disciples John

Wherever you find Jesus, you are likely to find his hi, my name is John. i’m young and attractive and
followers not far away. In the early years of his ministry, oh yeah, my best friend is god.
Jesus may still be in the process of recruiting them, but this
is a cast of characters that you may choose to include in Quirks: I am prone to day-dreaming, and sometimes lose focus if
your adventure, if you wish. The traits and characteristics things become to boring.
included herein are based on the glimpses of them we have
in the Bible, but some creative liberties have been taken to Bonds: Jesus is my best friend. I would do anything for him.
round them out as characters. Ideals: Justice. I like to see good people rewarded and bad people
punished, and it bothers me when it doesn’t happen immediately.
The profiles here represent who these people are at the Flaws: People say I can be a little elitist and judgmental, but that’s
time of the adventure, not who they will grow to become. just because I’m right and everyone else is wrong.
Many of these characters have flawed (or even corrupt)
backstories, but all were called by Jesus because they also Andrew
have unique strengths. It is in recognizing their strengths
that these people will eventually become the famed everyone wants to follow Jesus these days,
“Apostles.” Despite their quirks and flaws, these characters but i was here before anyone knew him.
will each play a pivotal role in establishing Christianity as a
religion, and almost all will be killed in the process. Unless Quirks: I am a man of few words. My brother, Peter, was always
otherwise specified, these characters use Commoner, the loud one, and I just naturally became the quiet one.
Noble, or Guard stat blocks, as appropriate.
Bonds: I am excited to hear more about what Jesus has to say. My
Peter brother and I are eager to follow him.

Jesus said a sword wouldn’t stop destiny Ideals: I never had a chance to have an education as a child in
... so i brought two swords. Capernaum; I am eager to learn from those around me.

Quirks: I have a gruff way of speaking that uses more than enough Flaws: Sometimes I feel the need to prove myself. I may be the
colorful and inventive curse words. My nose is crooked from multiple quiet one, but I always take a dare.
tavern brawls, and I have no problem calling people out if I think
they’re looking for a fight. Philip

Bonds: Andrew is my brother and my best friend. Also, don’t tell Jesus says the kingdom of god is coming “soon,” but he
him I told you this, but we’re pretty much Jesus’s bodyguards. Jesus also said that yesterday, so what does “soon” mean?
is super smart, but not very careful - and people are out to get him.
Quirks: I am quick to interject into conversations to correct
Ideals: Talk is cheap. At the end of the day the only people who grammar or factual inaccuracies.
matter are the people who will stand by your side when things get
tough. Bonds: Travel. I have learned all I can in Galilee; there is a whole
world of knowledge out there.
Flaws: I often act without thinking things through. Also,
sometimes Jesus tells these long stories and I have no idea what he’s Ideals: I love to help people. When I see someone lost or confused,
talking about. I am the first to ask if they need something.

James (son of Zebedee) Flaws: I am extremely logical. Jokes, innuendo, and sarcasm go
right over my head, as do most of Jesus’s parables.
Jesus gave me a nickname. it doesn’t mean i’m the
“best” or anything, i Just thought you should know. Bartholomew

Quirks: I tend to finish people’s sentences for them. It’s not that I can anything good come out of nazareth?
think I’m smarter, or anything (even though I probably am) I just don’t
want to waste my time waiting for them to finish when I know what Quirks: I fidget with my beard constantly.
they’re going to say. Bonds: Scripture. I always carry copies of the Torah and Nevi’im
with me, and I read them when I get confused.
Bonds: I don’t know why Jesus always leaves Peter in charge. The Ideals: Honesty. People should always speak the truth, no matter
guy can’t even read! My brother John and I are the obvious choices, the consequences.
and it’s only a matter of time before we’re promoted. Flaws: I can be very stuck in my ways and find it hard to accept new
ideas, especially if they are different from what the scriptures say.
Ideals: Once you’ve crossed me, you can expect to be on my bad
side forever. Matthew

Flaws: My parents always spoiled my brother, John, and I, so it’s peter says numbers are for nerds. we’ll see who he
hard dealing with people who don’t let me have my way. I want the turns to when rome comes for his taxes.

best and I’m not ashamed to admit it! Quirks: I can do advanced arithmetic in my head, and I always
jump on the chance to prove it.

Bonds: I carry a ledger with me that I never let others see. Inside
are the names of people I wronged during my career as a tax collector.
I will not sleep easy until the ledger has been balanced.

Ideals: Fairness. I pay my debts.
Flaws: I made some powerful people very angry when I left my
position in the empire. A corrupt Roman Noble is out for my blood.

214

Thomas Simon the Zealot
others before myself
let’s go die with him.
Quirks: I carry myself with perfect posture. Those with combat
Quirks: Silence makes me uncomfortable. I try to fill any silence training will notice that my feet are always planted as though preparing
with whistling, humming, or telling bad jokes. for an attack.

Bonds: I miss my twin sister. She thinks I am a little crazy for Bonds: I watched Roman soldiers kill my family because I wasn’t
joining this group of misfits, but she hasn’t met Jesus yet, either. I strong enough to stop them. I will be strong enough next time.
would be willing to pay a group of adventurers my life savings (450
gp) to escort her safely here from Tarsus to meet Jesus in person. Ideals: If you don’t protect the vulnerable, you don’t deserve
protection when you are vulnerable.
Ideals: Loyalty. Being a follower of Jesus means being prepared to
follow him into danger. I’m ready for that. Flaws: I am a Zealot freedom fighter (use Sicarius stats). It is my
training and my life. I get confused when Jesus says things like “turn
Flaws: Sometimes I can be skeptical of other people’s experiences.
It’s not that I distrust them; I just like to see things for myself. the other cheek” because that’s not how I was trained.

Susanna Matthias

if we each do our part, we can do anything. i’m Just along for the ride.

Quirks: I am very shy and soft-spoken. Quirks: At the end of the day I love getting some of the disciples
Bonds: My mother died of an illness a few years ago. I hope I can together to check out a local tavern or festival. Work hard, play hard!
be there for others the way that my friends were there for me.
Ideals: Generosity. If everyone gave a little of what they had, we Bonds: Experiences! There is nothing left for me in Galilee. I’d
wouldn’t have any problems. rather travel the world with my new friends.
Flaws: Sometimes I forget that I have needs, too.
Ideals: I’ll try anything once.
Thaddeus Flaws: I am having a great time traveling with Jesus, but I don’t
really think I’m “Apostle” material. People like Peter and Judas are
this Jesus guy is crazy, but in a good way i think. the real heroes. They never say or do the wrong thing, and I’m just not
that smart or brave.
Quirks: I ask a lot of clarifying questions, but I also have a terrible
memory, so I may ask the same questions multiple times. James (son of Alphaeus)

Bonds: I am in love with Susanna. She travels everywhere with us, Jesus has forgiven me for my past.
but I haven’t yet worked up the courage to talk to her. i hope that’s enough for you, too.

Ideals: If you don’t ask questions, you never learn anything! You Quirks: I rarely speak up in public settings. I often glance over my
should never be embarrassed to ask. shoulder and always keep an eye out for danger.

Flaws: I am very talkative and friendly, but I am also terrible at Bonds: Jesus accepted me for who I am, and there are not many
keeping secrets. who would do that. I will follow him anywhere.

Joanna Ideals: Anonymity. You don’t need to be in the spotlight to be a
good person. I like to do good works from the shadows.
people tell me that i should know my place.
well, my place is right here, where i’m standing. Flaws: I am a Sicarius. Or, at least, I was before I met Jesus. The
leader of the Sicarii, Barabbas, did not take it well when I left, and I
Quirks: I am always impeccably dressed. am convinced that one day the Sicarii will catch up with me.
Bonds: I am a follower of Jesus, and that alone has lost me most of
my “high class” friends among the nobility of Jerusalem. Judas Iscariot
Ideals: If you don’t stand up for your convictions, then they aren’t
your convictions. Judas eventually betrays Jesus and indirectly brings about his
Flaws: My Husband is Chuza, who is a high-ranking steward in the death. This adventure heavily implies that Judas is under the Induce
court of King Herod of Jerusalem. I am worried that my connection Envy spell from Legion’s Cursed Silver Pieces. However there are
puts Jesus and his followers in danger. plenty of other ways to interpret Judas’s actions. Some see Judas
as downright greedy and deceitful from the start; some see him as
Veronica confused or manipulated by the authorities; some scholars even
suggest that Judas believed he was helping Jesus fulfill the prophecy
how can i make your day better?
Quirks: I like to watch people. The way they talk, the way they by betraying him. How you decide to play Judas is up to you!
smile, the way they eat. Everyone is so different!
Bonds: I was a slave once, and I know what it’s like to be abused Mary Magdalene
and to suffer. I can’t stand seeing the suffering of others.
Ideals: I’m usually the first to notice if someone is having a bad There is a popular belief that she was either a prostitute or a
day, so I’m also usually the first to try and cheer them up! sexually promiscuous woman. Some have even suggested a romantic
Flaws: I’m not good at dealing with sadness, and I just prefer for relationship between Jesus and Mary. There is no biblical evidence
everyone to be happy! I forget that it’s okay to be sad sometimes too. to support either of these viewpoints, and based on the sources we
have discovered so far, it actually seems more likely that Mary was a
wealthy and well-respected elder in the city of Magdala who used her
money and influence to support Jesus’s mission. Either way, it is up to
you. Portray Mary however you feel would be the most fun, and make

the best story, for your group.

215

“Let the little children come to me, and do
not stop them; for it is to such as these that

the kingdom of heaven belongs.”

Matthew 19:14

216

“Fairy tales do not tell children dragons exist.
Children already know that dragons exist.

Fairy tales tell children that dragons can be killed.”

G.K. Chesterton

217

Welcome to Jerusalem

Cursed Silver Pieces and outer gates are searching carts and larger bags and
packs, as though they are looking for contraband or other
The demon named Legion is hard at work in the politics of items being smuggled into or out of the city. It is unclear
Jerusalem, using Cursed Silver Pieces to manipulate leaders in the what they are looking for, and the party should have no
city. Silver pieces are by far the most common form of currency in the trouble entering or exiting the city as long as they are not
city, and coming into contact with them is unavoidable. While the city, carrying any ancient Israelite artifacts.
there is a 25% chance that a character will receive cursed silver pieces
each time that money changes hands. For more information about the 1. The Lower City

effects of these cursed silver pieces, see page 258. Travelers who approach Jerusalem from the East or
South will likely enter by way of the Lower City. So named
General Overview because of its lowly position in the dusty valley at the base
of the Temple Mount, the Lower City is a vast maze-work
Founded by King David over 1000 ago, the sprawling of narrow streets and cramped dwellings. The people who
city of Jerusalem is home to the holiest location in all of reside in the Lower City tend to be artisans and laborers,
Judaism: the Temple Mount. According to legend, it was including smiths, carpenters, weavers, dyers, bakers, and
on this very hilltop that Abraham was prepared to sacrifice masons.
his own son, Isaac, to demonstrate his faith in God. When
King David settled here, he began construction on a great The streets zig-zag nonsensically, making it difficult for
temple in the same spot. The original temple has since been visitors to get their bearings. Animal and human foot traffic
through these narrow streets seems to never stop (except on
destroyed and rebuilt, but the legacy of this holy place the Sabbath, when the city can be found unusually still).
remains. Even the infrastructure of David’s original city
plan still exists here under its new name: the Akra Citadel. The lower city also features the “Serpent’s Pool.” This
large pool of fresh water is fed by an underground tunnel
As the ancestral home of the Jewish people, this city that carries water in from an underground spring called
is steeped in the religion and culture of the Jews, but that Gihon. For more on this spring, see area 19.
does not mean that one will not find a smattering of other
cultural influences as one tours Jerusalem. Babylonian As the party enters the Lower City, they may see a
food, art, and even some architecture is apparent in the cloaked man sitting on the side of the road begging for
money. The man’s name is Bartimaeus (NG Commoner),
newer parts of the city -- a souvenir from the time the and he has been blind all his life. Many here in Jerusalem
Jewish people spent in captivity there. This is not to believe that Bartimaeus was born blind as punishment for
mention the less-than-subtle touch of Roman empire. the sins of his parents, so few have taken pity on him. If the
party stops to speak to Bartimaeus, allow them to discuss
As Jerusalem is currently under the thumb of the what to do. Only Greater Restoration or similar magic can
Roman empire to the west, the city is occupied by a very heal his condition.

large Roman military presence, most of which resides in If the party has not yet met Jesus of Nazareth, this
Antonia’s Fortress in Northern district. Western influence is a location where their first meeting could occur. When
is also apparent in structures like the Hippodrome, which Jesus passes through the Lower City, he will stop and talk
mimics the style of the Roman Circus, as well as Herod’s with Bartimaeus briefly before healing him. This may
Theatre, which is distinctly Greek in design. lead to further political drama, as some of the priests in
the area will view this miracle as an offense
The primary language in the Lower City of Jerusalem is against God (since Bartimaeus
Aramaic, and the well-educated citizens in the Upper City was supposedly born blind
also speak Hebrew and Common. The Roman forces speak as a punishment for the sin).
Latin, and officers or nobles (like Pontius Pilate) also speak For more information this
Common. perspective, see the sidebar on
page 211.
Roman Security

Each of the outer gates of the city are guarded by a
group of 8 Roman Legionaries and 2 Roman Centurions.
Likewise, each of the inner gates that separate different
parts of the city have Roman checkpoints overseen by 4
Roman Legionaries. These checkpoints at both the inner

218

219

2. The Akra Citadel where most of the expensive goods are sold.

The imposing structures that stand along the eastern wall 5. The Temple Mount
of the Lower City are rooted in the history of Jerusalem,
dating back to its founding by King David in 1000 BC. A great staircase of white marble carries those willing
Many of the ancient fortress structures are beginning to
to make the trek to the very top of the Temple Mount. The
crumble, and most are used only for occasional celebratory
top of the staircase opens into a massive open-air courtyard
gatherings. Very few still serve as residential homes.
that surrounds the walled structure that houses the temple
The citadel is constructed of large stones hewn from itself. The top of the temple mount provides a 360 degree
view of the Judean countryside. To the east the Mount of
valley in which it sits, and the structures are large, Olives rises almost as tall, partially obscuring views of the
blocky, and unadorned. Inside the structures can be found
cavernous chambers that at one time housed military neighboring villages of Bethany and Bethlehem. To the
barracks and family residences. If the party chooses to
explore the Akra, they may discover that the lower levels of west, the Via Maris stretches endlessly to the north and

some of the buildings connect to a network of underground south, and the blue waters of the Great Sea sparkle in the
distance. Only adherents to Judaism are allowed to enter
tunnels used in ancient times during war. For a map of the the walls of the fortress-like structure that houses the grand

subterranean tunnels, see area 19. temple, but even from the outside the temple of gold and

3. The Hippodrome white marble is marvelous to behold.

This structure mimics the architecture and purpose of a At the south end of the outer courtyard, at the top of
Roman Circus. Visitors to the Hippodrome can experience
chariot races, athletic competitions, and various other the grand staircase is an awning that shades a series of
games of Greek and Roman influence. Much of what goes
on at the Hippodrome is seen as immoral by the people staircases that descend into underground tunnels. These
who live around it, but it is a welcome diversion for the
tunnels eventually open out onto a pair of bridges that span
occupying Roman Legionaries, and is equally enjoyed by across to the Upper City, so that the wealthy and nobility
even some of the Jewish populace, including King Herod. can cross to the Temple Mount without having to walk
through the Lower City.
If the party would like to visit or compete in any of the
games here at the Hippodrome, refer to the “Tournament of If the party chooses to investigate further, they will find
Champions” encounter on page 144. that the staircases descend even further into subterranean
service tunnels. During the building projects of King Herod
4. The Lower Market over 10 years ago, the Temple Mount was expanded,

If travelers are able to navigate the winding streets of the and a network of underground tunnels still exist below
Lower City, they will eventually begin to smell the scents
of cooked meats and exotic spices. An avenue to the north the Temple Mount that allowed the laborers access to the
of the Hippodrome opens into a colorful array of storefronts
selling goods imported from all over the world. The Lower foundations of the new expansion. For a full map of the
subterranean tunnels below Jerusalem, see area 19.
Market is the beating heart of trade on the Via Maris, and
here customers can purchase spices from India, incense 6. Veronica’s House
from Sheba, smoked fish from Magdala, figs from Bethany,
silk from China, salted meats from Bethlehem, mulled wine One of Jesus’s followers, Veronica, lives in a small,
from Rome, and a variety of beers and meads from east one-bedroom, stone dwelling here in the southern district
of the lower city. She doesn’t have much to offer, but she
Africa, all in one place! will gladly do whatever she can for those in need. For
It is also possible to sample some goods from local roleplaying information for Veronica, see page 215.

artisans, including simple crafts, handmade clothing, and 7. The Essene Quarter

other trinkets. Some items that the party may be interested An enigmatic faction of Judaism known as the
“Essenes” inhabit the southern portion of the Upper City.
in are listed below. Although technically a sect of Judaism, the Essenes
maintain their own unique beliefs and traditions. For the
Cost Item Essenes, the collection and preservation of history is as
important as any ritual or religious practice. The Essene
75 gp Amulet of Priestly Blessing quarter is home to several libraries and places of higher

80 gp Dust of Disappearance learning. Any character who spends a day researching in
this part of the city may roll on the “Research” table on
page 131.

100 gp Potion of Healing

If the party is interested in items of a higher quality If the party is at least level 7, then an Essene woman
and price point, they will be directed to the Upper Market,

220

named Rivka will seek them out as they pass through the and representative of Rome in this region is named Pontius
Pilate (LN Noble).
Essene Quarter. The party will encounter her passing by
carrying a jug of water. She will stumble and pretend to Pilate lives unhappily here in the Praetorium with his wife,
Claudia, as he spends most of his days dealing with social
spill some her water next to the party, but this is actually unrest in the city. Frequently this means dealing with the
demands of Caiaphas, who often shows up at the Praetorium
a ruse to get close enough to the party to pass them a with theories of conspiracy and other gossip. Pilate does not
trust Caiaphas, but also fears the power that Caiaphas wields
message. She will give a member of the party a small piece as the religious leader in a very religious city.

of parchment upon which is written the address of a house Find Someone For Me. If the party makes themselves
known to Roman officials, Pilate may summon them to
nearby. If the party meets Rivka at this address, run the appear in the Praetorium. Pilate has been hearing a lot of bad
“Protectors of the Ark” encounter in the box on the next things about a radical preacher named Jesus in the region of
page. Galilee. Pilate will inform them that the high priest, Caiaphas
seems to think that this preacher is amassing an army and
8. Rivka’s House is planning to attack Rome soon. However, Pilate does not
trust Caiaphas and asks the party to do some investigating
A middle-aged Essene woman named Rivka (LG Noble) for him. Pilate will agree to pay the party 400 gp if they
lives here. If the party meets her, she will certainly offer would locate the man called Jesus of Nazareth and bring
them a place to stay, free of charge. Her home has a large back information about him so that Pilate can make up his
gathering space on the second floor that she is happy to use own mind. In particular, Pilate wants to know the following
when hosting guests. This large gather space, which Rivka information:

refers to affectionately as “the Upper Room,” has a large an • How many followers does Jesus have?
beautifully constructed dining table surrounded by cushions • How many weapons have they stockpiled?

for reclining in. The table can seat 12 to 15 guests easily. Proconsul
Adjoining the Upper Room is a series of small sleeping Pontius Pilate
chambers, just in case her guests want to spend the night.

9. Caiaphas’s House

Caiaphas (LE Priest), the high priest of the Sanhedrin and
one of the most influential leaders in Jerusalem, has lost his
mind to the control of Legion. Instead of focusing on his role
as spiritual leader to the people of Jerusalem, Caiaphas has
found himself spending his days obsessing over the teacher

called Jesus of Nazareth. Caiaphas has grown steadily more
envious of Jesus’s fame as a preacher, and is plotting to have
Jesus assassinated.

Caiaphas is always accompanied by 4 Temple Guards
(use Guard stats), who stand sentry outside of his home
in shifts. If the party encounters Caiaphas, he will avoid
speaking to them, but if they continue to bother him, he will

look for an excuse to gift them with a small pouch of silver

pieces. These are Cursed Silver Pieces, and Legion would
be happy to attempt to take control of the mind of one of the

members of the party.

If the party somehow gains entry to Caiaphas’s home,
they will find correspondence and other documentation of
Caiaphas’s plot to kill a man named Jesus of Nazareth. They
will also find that the basement of Caiaphas’s house has been
outfitted with a makeshift prison cell, as though Caiaphas is
planning to keep someone held against their will in his own

basement.

10. The Praetorium

This impressive fortress was designed and built by King

Herod to be his own headquarters as the King of Judea.
However, when Jerusalem fell to Roman control the fortress
was renamed “the Praetorium” and became used as the
residence of the Roman proconsul. The current proconsul

221

Protectors of the Ark

A Call for Aid. The party arrives at the mysterious Resolution and Reward. If the party accepts the
address here in the Essene Quarter to meet Rivka (LG mission, they are led into the back room where they
Priest), who hurriedly explains the situation. The most encounter the Ark of the Covenant for the first time. Read
powerful and sacred artifact known to humankind, the more about how this artifact affects them on page 259. It is
Ark of the Covenant, is hidden in this house in the up to the party to decide how to transport the Ark, or where
back room. Before the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem to hide it. If they can safely reach Sheba with the Ark and
hundreds of years ago, the chief priests hid the ark here present Makeda with the sealed note from King Solomon
in the Essene quarter for safekeeping. Centuries passed she will gladly pay them 2,500 gp. She will then summon
and eventually the temple was rebuilt. However, before Menilek and a cohort of Zin’tori to smuggle the artifact
the Essenes could return the Ark to its proper place on the back to Africa to be held until the day it can be safely
Temple Mount, the Roman Empire had seized control of returned to Jerusalem.
Jerusalem. The Romans are slowly tightening their grip
on the city, and they seem to be systematically looting The Fellowship of the Beast is actively searching for
and destroying important pieces of Jewish history.
the Ark to destroy it, and with each day that passes, the
The Mission. Rivka does not believe that the Ark
is safe here in Jerusalem. She has heard from an ally Fellowship becomes more desperate. To give the party a
that the party can be trusted, and so she is asking for
sense of urgency, the party should encounter increasingly
their help. Rivka wishes the party to transport the Ark
dangerous enemies searching to obtain the ark, until they
with haste to Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, in the city finally reach Ma’rib. Whenever you would normally roll
for a random encounter, instead use the encounters on the
of Ma’rib. Along with the ark, Rivka will send a sealed following chart. Events should unfold in sequential order,
with increasing difficulty.
piece of parchment addressed to Queen Makeda. They are
told not to open the parchment, but if they do they find If any of these encounters results in a TPK (total party
written, in Hebrew: “my lady, remember your oath” and knockout), the party will be left alive, but when they
an ancient royal seal. These words represent a binding awaken, they find that the Ark has been lost forever.
promise between Makeda and the Jewish people. For
more on this, and Queen Makeda’s motivations, see the Event Encounter

sidebar on page 310. 1 4 overly curious Commoners
2 5 Roman Legionaries and 1 Roman Centurion
Rivka does not have any money herself, but will gift 3
the party with a legendary item, the Rod of Aaron, under 4 8 Shadow Cultists and 4 Dire Wolves
the condition that they defend the Ark with their lives. 5 2 Roman Centurions and 1 Mage
She also promises that Queen Makeda can offer payment 6 3 hired Spartan Mercenaries
once the Ark arrives safely in Ma’rib. 7
8 A Shadow Champion riding a Zenido
Helpful advice. Rivka offers the following 9 25 Roman Legionaries
information:
3 Shedim commanding 4 Corrupted T’ifiri
• The Romans (or others) may pursue the Ark if Abaddon

word gets out through their network of spies.
• If they can make it as far as Jericho, the party can

seek refuge with a trusted ally named Ariella, who

can provide shelter and guidance.

• The fastest way to Sheba is by taking the Via Maris

to the Spice Road, however, this route is also the

most heavily patrolled by the Romans.

222

• Where is their hideout? Herod’s Resort is secretly a follower of Jesus, and may be
willingly to help the party, if they need it. Her husband,
• When and how do they plan to attack Rome? Chuza, is a senior advisor to Herod, and he may be willing
If the party agrees to this, he will pay them 200 gp now, to use his political connections to help the party out while
and 200gp when they have returned with the answers to his
questions. they are in the city, if the party is on good terms with

11. Gamaliel’s House Joanna. For roleplay information for Joanna, see page 215.

An older man with kind eyes, a balding head, and a 13. Nicodemus’s House

great white beard lives in this house near the eastern wall of A close friend and confidant of Gamaliel, Nicodemus
the Upper City. Since his wife died and his son moved on (LG Priest) also serves as priest on the Sanhedrin.
to a life of his own, Gamaliel (NG Priest) spends his days Nicodemus has been corresponding with Jesus of Nazareth
here alone, researching the ancient writings of Moses and for some time, and is actively encouraging Jesus to stay
away from Jerusalem. Nicodemus suspects that some
the commentaries of other scholars. Gamaliel is a high- members of the Sanhedrin are plotting against Jesus, and
he is worried that if Jesus comes to Jerusalem they may put
ranking priest of the Sanhedrin, and next in line to become their plans into action.
High Priest after Caiaphas.
14. Upper Market
Gamaliel appreciates his title and recognition of his
life’s work, but his heart is in teaching. He loves spending Wealthy travelers who enter the gates of Jerusalem from
time in the local synagogue with his young pupils the Via Maris will be greeted by several large octagonal

discussing the stories of the prophets and laughing at a Market pavilions. These pavilions allow vendors to display
good joke. Gamaliel still fondly remembers the day 20
years ago that a young boy named Jesus ran away from his their higher-end wares to discerning customers while being
parents to come to the temple and argue with him about
the scriptures. Even since that day, Gamaliel and Jesus shaded from the glare of the sun. The Upper Market is an
have stayed in touch, writing letters back and forth. Over ideal place to find masterwork items from a broad spectrum
the last 20 years, Jesus would continue to come and visit of artisans. If the party spends time perusing the Upper
Jerusalem to learn from, debate with, or just share a meal Market, they may find some of the following items.
with Gamaliel.
Cost Item
12. King Herod’s Luxury Resort
500 gp Joshua’s Trumpet
Often, when Rome conquers a nation and a King loses 550 gp Bracers of Defense

his power, the King will respond with force and attempt 600 gp Mace of the Exorcist
to cling to power. King Herod (CN Noble) did not have
this reaction. In many ways, Herod was relieved to lose 850 gp Censor of Atonement
this power, because it meant he could focus on enjoying
15. Antonia’s Fortress
himself, rather than always being distracted by his kingly
responsibilities. Although he has been officially stripped Undoubtedly the most fortified structure in the city,
of the title “king,” Herod has chosen to continue calling Antonia’s Fortress was originally designed to protect sacred
himself King Herod because he believes it sounds nicer
than “tetrarch,” which is his official designation under artifacts from the Temple Mount in between religious
the Roman empire. Plus, this title makes him sound gatherings. However, after the occupation of Rome, the
fortress has been converted into a military barracks. At
more important than his brother, Philip (the tetrarch of any given time, there are hundreds of Roman Legionaries
Damascus), with whom he is always in competition. Thus, staying in the fortress.
“King” Herod spends his days lounging in his luxury resort
surrounded by all manner of amusements. When he does 16. The Commerce Quarter

leave the resort, it is only to attend shows at the Theatre This northern district of the Upper City was only
or games at the Hippodrome. Even though he still wields completed a few decades ago, and all of the buildings here
some measure of political power under Roman rule, Herod
takes little interest in his people, preferring to allow Pontius look pristine. Since most of the residential neighborhoods
had already been established, this “Commerce Quarter”
Pilate to make most of the decisions on matters of state. is mostly home to merchants and travelers who frequent
It is unlikely that the party would be able to receive
the Silk Road. One of these impressive dwellings is also
an audience with King Herod, and if they attempt to visit
his palace he will turn them away with his royal guard (5 used as an informal gathering space for members of the
Roman Centurions). influential merchant guild known as “the Society.” If the
party is on good terms with the Society, they may be able to
A woman named Joanna who lives in residence at
seek refuge here, and maybe even ask for political favors in

the city.

223

17. Pool of Bethesda access to fresh water in the event of a military siege, a King
named Hezekiah constructed a long and narrow tunnel
Just outside the city walls to the northeast, a beautiful to connect the flowing waters of the spring with a pool
pool is open to the public. A colonnade surrounds the pool in Jerusalem’s lower city. This tunnel is less than 3 feet
entrance and provides shade to those waiting to swim in the wide, and a medium creature can only fit by squeezing and
water. The water here is said to occasionally have healing moving at half speed. A series of irrigation shafts divert
properties. According to legend, an angel will appear from the water from Hezekiah’s tunnel out into the fields of the
time to time to stir up the water in the pool and give it Kidron Gardens. The long and cramped passage eventually
the ability to heal ailments. As a result of this legend, the
colonnade is filled with sick and physically disabled people, intersects with the Akra sub-basement as it passes into the
hoping for a miracle. Once per day, there is a 10% chance
that entering the water in the Pool of Bethesda will mimic city.
the effects of the Greater Restoration spell. Akra Sub-Basement. The lower levels of some of the

If the party has not yet met Jesus, this is a location ancient structures in the Akra house ancient stone stairways
where they may encounter him. Some of the disabled
people here at the Pool of Bethesda are unable to move that descend down and connect to this network of tunnels.
themselves to the water to receive its healing benefits. A passage to southeast connects with Hezekiah’s tunnel; to
As Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, he first stops at the pool to the northeast, it connects with the Canaanite tunnels; to the
heal those who are unable to move themselves. For more west, a winding passage connects with the sewer tunnels
information on the party’s encounter with Jesus, refer to the below the Hippodrome (see page 147).
“Meeting Jesus” section on page 210.
Temple Mount Foundations. The white marble steps
18. Pilate’s Aqueduct below the Temple mount lead down to the service shafts
below the temple mount. When King Herod ordered the
The most ambitious building project of Pontius Pilate expansion of the Temple Mount, effectively doubling its
since he has taken position as proconsul has been the size, massive foundation pillars needed to be installed to
building of a Roman-style aqueduct to supply Jerusalem
with running water. Previous to this installment, the people support the weight of the temple above.
of Jerusalem relied on wells fed from natural underground Ruins of Solomon’s Temple. Although most of the
springs. Pilate’s aqueduct proposed to bring running water
to Jerusalem for the first time; however, this building ruins of the first temple were cleared away during the
project was greatly protested by the Jews because Pilate construction of Herod’s temple, a hidden cavern in the
used gold taken from the temple treasury to pay the high Canaanite tunnel system holds remnants of the once
cost of construction. glorious temple of Solomon. Among the massive stones

19. Subterranean Tunnels that once formed the temple’s colonnade, a relic from the
past lies hidden and forgotten. A DC 18 Investigation check
The Kidron Gardens in the valley outside the eastern will reveal a small, polished stone of white marble lying
walls provide a fair amount of food for the city. The beneath the rubble. This stone is the Urim, a legendary
gardens are fed by the Gihon Spring, a natural water item from Israel’s history. This cavern is also guarded by
source that bubbles up in a cavern deep underground. A two Dybbuks who have been attracted here by the innate
hidden passage covered by a heavy stone at the northern magic of the Urim.
edge of the gardens leads to a vertical shaft that descends
downward into the earth. At the base of this vertical Sicarii Hideout. One of the side tunnels opens into
shaft is the Gihon spring itself, housed in a white marble an underground chamber furnished with some discarded
archway that provides strength to the cavern and beauty to
the otherwise dark and damp space. An inscription on the furniture. Another passage leads further into a network
domed roof of the arch above the spring reads, in Hebrew,
“in this spring the prophet Nathan and high priest Zadok of tunnels that serves as an underground hideout for the
did anoint Solomon, King of Israel.” Sicarii. If the party stumbles upon this hideout, 4 Sicarii
assassins will immediately confront the party. If the party
The Gihon spring chamber connects to a larger network can convince them not to attack, the Sicarii will bring the
of tunnels that runs beneath the city of Jerusalem. All of
these tunnels are shrouded in total darkness. party further in to meet with their leader, Barabbas. For

Hezekiah’s Tunnel. In order to strengthen the city’s more information on how this encounter might develop, see
page 126.

Caverns of Salt and Silver. One of these winding
passages eventually connects with a massive salt cave
beneath the Dead Sea to the east. If the party ventures into
this cave, run the Caverns of Salt and Silver encounter on
page 226.

20. Gehenna

The barren wasteland of Gehenna was once a place

224

where children were ritually sacrificed to a demon body would be placed. Once wrapped in burial linens and
posing as a false god. After David established the city of embalmed with myrrh, the kokhim would be sealed. A
Jerusalem, Gehenna became a dumping ground where heavy stone is used to seal burial shafts of this kind. The
inhabitants of Jerusalem and travelers along the Via Maris stone is far too heavy to be moved by one person as it
would discard garbage and unwanted items. The dark requires a DC 40 Athletics check. If a group of characters
attempt to roll the stone, each character may make their
history of this place, combined with purpose it now serves, own Athletics check, adding the roll to the group’s total.

makes this a place that few will willingly spend much time 22. Golgotha

visiting. A small hilltop to the northeast of the city would add to
the natural beauty of the Jerusalem skyline, were it not for
21. Tomb of the Arimathean the grisly sight at its peak. When Rome took control in this
region, the hilltop was repurposed from a scenic overlook
A man named Joseph of Arimathea (NG Priest) recently into a place of brutal executions. Roman practice was to
purchased a cave here in the burial grounds outside of the crucify criminals and rebels in prominent public locations
as a deterrent to other would-be law-breakers. Thus,
city gates to make arrangements for his own eventual death. this hilltop overlooking the road to Emmaus was named
Golgotha, which means “place of the skull.”
This burial cave is of standard construction for priests and
wealthy merchants in Jerusalem. Hewn from the natural
rocky escarpment outside the city walls, these burial shafts,
known as “kokhim” were ideal for interring the dead.

The interior of the kokhim is about 5 feet wide and
extends 20 feet into the rock. Recessed into the deepest
part of the of the kokhim is a small shelf onto which the

225

Caverns of Salt and Silver

General Overview “Messiah.” But this tactic was slow and time-consuming.
Soon, his arcane studies led him to develop the Cursed
Water flows continuously form the Jordan river into the Silver Pieces, which both sped up the process and also
Dead Sea, which has no outlet. The water in the Dead sea hastened Legion’s growing insanity. Each new silver piece
eventually evaporates, leaving the salt content behind. As that he creates requires him to fracture his consciousness
such, the Dead sea is the saltiest body of water in the world
and cannot sustain life in its murky depths, hence its name. into smaller and smaller pieces in order to maintain

The region of rocky cliffs that surround the dead sea concentration on the hundreds of coins currently in
have high salt content as well. Underground cave structures circulation in Judea. Even the collective consciousness of a
made entirely of salt stretch for miles beneath the Judean swarm of fiendish swine was not enough to keep the voices
countryside. Formed from deposits of salt crystals, the cave in his head at bay, and Legion has descended into madness
floors, walls and ceiling are made of pure salt, left behind with the effort of bending the will of so many people
by the receding waters of the Dead Sea. Because of erosion, moving throughout the world above.
receding waters, and wind damage, the underground
This insanity soon became apparent even to the human
caverns of salt are continually expanding over time,
cultists who were assisting him, and one by one they
creating what is now the largest network of salt caves in the
began abandoning Legion. Now the archdemon of envy,
world.
The tunnels in this structure average about 8 feet in is accompanied only by those few cultists who share his

height and width. Unless otherwise noted, these caverns are insanity.
completely unlit.
1. Salt
Background
The party may arrive in the caverns of salt from a
When the archdemon of envy, Legion, Collector of number of different directions, but the first thing they will
Souls, first came to Canaan hundreds of years ago, he set notice as they draw closer to Legion’s lair is a change in the
about using his Dominate Person ability to infiltrate and texture of the walls and floors of the subterranean tunnels.
manipulate local politicians in search of the prophesied A successful DC 14 Nature check will reveal that the entire
cave structure here is made of salt, and characters familiar

226

227

with the area may even be able to deduce that these are salt the glyphs is reduced to 0 hit points, at which point the
deposits from the Dead Sea. elementals have fulfilled their orders and will flee through
the underwater crevice and out into the Dead Sea.
Stalagmites and Stalactites protrude from the floors and
ceilings in this space, and every now and then squeals from 4. Swine Herds

the pigs in area 4 echo in the distance, although the party The source of the squealing soon becomes apparent as
the party eventually discovers herds of swine that pace
cannot identify the sounds for what they are. to and fro in small alcoves spread throughout the caverns
of salt. These swine appear at first glance to be just like
2. Sentry Golems ordinary animals, but a closer inspection reveals something
sinister. The pigs’ eyes glow blood red in the darkness of
A large cavern opens up ahead, roughly 30 feet wide and the chamber, and a Detect Evil and Good spell reveals
that these pigs are fiends (demons). Furthermore, the party
just as tall. At the south end of the cavern, a tunnel appears may notice the unsettling detail that many of the pigs are
wearing wooden signs, hung from around their necks with
to lead further in, but the passage is entirely blocked by 3 a length of rotting cord. On each of these signs is scrawled
Golems (Sentry) that stand shoulder-to-shoulder staring writing in Hebrew. A character that can read Hebrew
out into the cavern. will recognize that each sign bears a name, and they can
identify “Barrak,” “Caiaphas,” “Septimus,” and “Judas,”
The golems were created by Legion as a replacement for among many others. These signs were once a form of
record-keeping that allowed Legion to keep track of which
the Shadow cultists who abandoned their posts here in the swine was concentrating on which spell. From the decaying
caverns. These golems were instructed by Legion to “allow state of the signs (and the cavern in general), it is clear that
none to enter,” which they follow to the letter. However, Legion abandoned any form of organization long ago.
although the golems will stare intently at any creatures they
These hundreds of demonic swine are, in fact, Legion’s
catch sight of, they will not attack or move from their post, True Form. Thousands of years of searching for the
Messiah through the use of the cursed silver pieces has
as they were not instructed to attack intruders, only to keep fractured Legion’s mind, and although his simulacrum
anyone from entering. If the party attacks the golems first, still presents itself as a single entity, the truth of what he is
or if a creature attempts to pass by the them into the tunnel manifests itself in the ever-growing number of swine that
beyond, the golems will engage and will fight until they are fill the caverns here.
destroyed.
Each swine is concentrating on a spell, and the
3. Flooded Chamber collective of Legion’s consciousness currently resides in
his simulacrum in area 5. As such, these swine are only
The tunnel ahead slopes downward and is filled with vaguely aware of their surroundings and will not react to
water almost to the ceiling. The saltiness of the water the party’s arrival or respond to any form of interaction. If
leaves no doubt that this is an inlet from the Dead Sea attacked, the swine behave as ordinary swine would, and
to the east, and if a character swims to the bottom of the simply attempt to flee. If they party attacks or kills some
chamber ahead, they can confirm that a large fissure in the or all of the swine in one of these chambers, the damage
cave wall opens to the depths of the Dead Sea beyond. dealt by the party is taken by Legion’s True Form. Each
individual pig is a small creature with an AC of 12 and 4 hit
The party will have to swim to navigate the cavern points. There are a total of 4d6 pigs in each of these areas.
ahead, which is mostly flooded with dark, salty water. The
party can either dive below the surface and swim the 100- 5. The Laboratory

foot length of the cavern to the other side, or navigate the A large chamber with a 50-foot tall, domed ceiling
5 feet of open air pocket along the ceiling of the cavern, opens before the party. Unlike the rest of these underground
which will require them to squeeze between stalactites in tunnels, Legion’s Laboratory is lit by dim light from the
torches placed along the walls. As the party approaches,
order to pass. they overhear Legion muttering and cackling to himself,
Water Elementals. Halfway through the cavern, before he turns to address them:

Legion has placed two 5th-level Glyph of Warding spells “Welcome to my collection, Mortals.
on opposite walls of the chamber. These glyphs may be We are Legion.”
noticed with a successful DC 17 Investigation check if a
character is checking for traps or danger. The glyphs can be

dispelled if a character casts Dispel Magic and succeeds on
a DC 15 Arcana check.

The glyphs are set to trigger if a creature comes within
50 feet of them. If triggered, the glyphs each activate a
stored Conjure Elemental spell, and each simultaneously
release a Water Elemental into the cavern. These two
elementals are friendly to Legion and hostile to the creature
that triggered the glyph. The elementals will fight until
they are destroyed, or until the creature that triggered

228

Roleplaying Legion Combat Tips

Despite the fact that his simulacrum gives the outward “The Collector” and Legion’s True Form will use opposite
appearance that he is a single entity, his mannerisms and way tactics in battle. The Collector simulacrum is most effective
of speaking betray the multitude of different personalities that at dealing damage from a distance, and will use his “We are
lie beneath the surface. Legion always uses a plural pronoun to Legion” ability to avoid being pinned down. Once his true form
refer to himself (“we,” “us,” “our”), and speaks in an array of is revealed, the combat drastically changes, since the swarm of
different voices with different characteristics and, sometimes, swine needs to share a space with its enemies to be effective.
different languages. When speaking to the party, Legion will
drift in and out of different languages, volumes, and tones, Resolution and Reward
speaking softly and seductively one moment before abruptly
screaming violent threats the next. Legion will also talk to If the party successfully defeats Legion, they will
himself as often as he talks to the party. discover 1000 sp piled in his lair. Amongst the remains of
Legion’s simulacrum, they find the Circlet of Solomon’s
Legion’s Offer. Legion has recently learned the true Wisdom. If the party searches Legion’s library, they will
identity of Jesus of Nazareth, and is obsessed with find an assortment of books related to crafting cursed items
finding him. If the party allows Legion to speak, he will and performing dark rituals. They will also find Legion’s
offer them a deal. If they agree to locate Jesus of Nazareth notes, which are recorded in a multitude of languages,
and deliver his location to Legion, he will reward them and are mostly indecipherable. Legion’s laboratory also
with a legendary magic item from Israel’s past known as contains his spellbook, which contains the following spells:
the Circlet of Solomon’s Wisdom. Legion is currently
attuned to this magic item, and the benefits that it grants are 1st level: shield, detect magic, thunderwave
reflected in his stat block. 2nd level: blur, ray of enfeeblement, darkvision
3rd level: fly, glyph of warding, lightning bolt
Combat with Legion 4th level: confusion, ice storm, wall of fire
5th level: create golem, dominate person, wall of force
Legion is currently inhabiting his simulacrum form, The
Collector which allows him certain special abilities. The Only one section of Legion’s notes is clear, and lays
stat block for the Collector is on page 341. When the Col- out a partial plan of attack. According to his notes, Legion
lector is reduced to 0 hit points, read the following text: not only gained influence over the high priest of the
Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, but has recently gained control
With this final blow, the form of this simulacrum of one of the Messiah’s own followers. In an unsent letter
spills onto the ground, turning into a pile of silver pieces. to another demon named “Lilith” (who appears to be his
Lights flicker and fade as a cacophony of thousands of superior), Legion cites the name of the Messiah as “Jesus
laughing voices fill the chamber and penetrate your mind. of Nazareth.”
As quickly as they started, the voices fade, and there is a
moment deep, echoing silence in the chamber before the Based on what the party can make out from his
squealing starts. scrawlings, it appears that Legion is planning to use his
assets in the city of Jerusalem to have Jesus arrested and
The sounds of galloping hooves, gnashing teeth, and executed on false charges. This plan appears to have
squealing rage descends on this cavern from 4 directions already been set in motion. The party will need to act
as a legion of demonic swine make their way in your fast if they wish to intercept Jesus before he is arrested in
Jerusalem. If the party acts on this information, run the
direction. “Way of the Cross” encounter on the next page.

Maintain initiative order, allowing the party one “free” Level Up
round of combat with which to heal or prepare reactions.
At the beginning of The Collector’s next turn, the demonic The party should gain a level at the conclusion of this encounter.
swine stampede into the chamber. Legion’s True Form
is a gargantuan swarm made up of small creatures. The
swarm occupies a 20-foot by 20-foot space and can squeeze
through any space large enough for a small creature. Once
Legion inhabits his true form, he also gains access to the
lair actions listed on page 341. Combat now continues as
usual.

229

Way of the Cross

Preparing For the Encounter 10. However, if the party seems to lack a sense of urgency
or has already dealt with the rest of the Fellowship of the
It is important for historical, narrative, and mechanical reasons
that the party does not attempt to kill Judas, save Jesus, or in any Beast, this encounter can begin at any time that feels right
other way impede the progress of destined events here. As such, make after the “Meeting Jesus” event.
sure to arrange this encounter in such a way that the players are calm
and focused. Take your time with the introduction and make sure the The Dinner Party
party understands what is at stake before moving on to the action
in Gethsemane. Do not proceed to the action in this encounter until The encounter begins with the party receiving a
you are sure the party is in the right mindset and understands that mysterious invitation to a dinner party in Jerusalem with
Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had met during a previous
something important is about to happen. encounter. It is up to you, the GM, when and how they
receive this invitation, and how they make the journey to
Preparing for the Encounter Jerusalem. If they are nearby, or headed in the direction
of Jerusalem, it may come in the form of a messenger on
The Way of the Cross encounter is, in some ways, the climax foot. On the other hand, if they are hundreds of miles away
of the campaign, as Lilith’s fate is ultimately sealed with Jesus’s without any form of speedy travel, Jesus may deliver the
death. The Way of the Cross initiates the final sequence of message through the use of a Sending spell and may even
events for this campaign, and can happen at any time at
the discretion of the GM. As this encounter leads directly arrange their travel through the sudden appearance of a
into the final showdown at Kadesh, it is recommended to Magi (likely Caspar or Wu Mei) who casts Teleportation
begin this encounter only once the party has completed Circle. It is up to the GM to decide how this interaction
their outstanding side quests, and advanced to levels 9 or looks and feels, based on the party’s previous interactions

230

with Jesus. succeed on 7 checks before failing 3. Play out all 10 rounds
When the party arrives at the appointed address in of the encounter for narrative purposes, even if the party
succeeds or fails before it is over.
Jerusalem (the “Upper Room” in area 8 on page 221) they
find Jesus and his followers gathered for a celebration of To succeed in this Skill Challenge, the party must succeed on
the “Passover,” a major holiday in Judaism that celebrates 7 checks before failing 3.
the eve of the day the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt.
They arrive late to the celebration, just as dinner is ending, Successes Failures
and any character with a passive perception of 16 or higher
will notice one of Jesus’ followers, named Judas, slip out Start
through the back door as though he is trying not to be
noticed. When they show up, Jesus invites them to join his The encounter begins with a level 6 Sleep spell being
friends for a walk in the Garden of Gethsemane. cast on the area from an unseen source. This spell can put

“Keep Watch With Me” 15d8 hit points worth of creatures to sleep. Peter, James,
and John instantly fall asleep and subtract 12 from that
The group heads out toward Bethany, where most of total. If the remaining total is greater than the current hit
Jesus’ followers meander around the Mount of Olives points of the character with the fewest hit points (ignoring
or stroll through the nearby fig trees. However, it is
immediately clear that something is bothering Jesus. Jesus Jesus), that character is also put to sleep. An Active Player
invites the party and three of his followers (Peter, James, may use their action to shake a single character awake.
and John) to join him in a secluded section of the garden of
Gethsemane. Jesus warns the party that evil is approaching Round 1:
and asks them to keep watch while he prays. Peter, James,
and John appear worried at this and look to the party for Magical darkness begins to close in on this section of
guidance. Notify the party that a “Skill Challenge” is about
to begin, and allow them to take the lead in preparing for Gethsemane. Strange skittering and laughing can be heard
the encounter. Peter, James, and John will follow whatever
instructions they are given. in the darkness. The darkness begins to close in on the

Running the Encounter praying Jesus, threatening to shake his concentration. The
Active Player must make an Intimidation check (to force
This encounter is called a “Skill Challenge.” It will the darkness to retreat) or a Performance check (to sing or
progress in rounds just like combat, but unlike combat, play an instrument to aid in Jesus’ concentration). DC 17.
only one player is allowed to act during each round. During
each round, a new problem will be introduced that needs Round 2:

to be dealt with. There is no initiative order, and any Jesus’s brow is soaked in sweat and his voice trembles
player can volunteer to be the “Active Player” and address as he turns to the party and says “please, come and pray
the problem. During each round, describe the problem, with me.” The Active Player must join Jesus in prayer and
announce which skills must be used to solve it, and allow either make a Religion check (to recite an old psalm from
memory) or an Insight check (to read Jesus’s face and
the party to decide who should take on the challenge as the decide what words would most comfort him). DC 17.

Active Player for that round. The Active player may then Round 3:

use their movement, action, and bonus action as usual, 6 Night Spirits flit in silently from the darkness and
claw at Jesus’s head and neck, using their Dark Insight
along with any other class abilities or features, but usually feature to extract his worst fears. The Night Spirits attempt
each round will come down to one, final, ability check
that either succeeds or fails. The party is successful if they to retreat into the darkness to bring this information to their

Ability Check Bonuses master. The Active Player has one round to attempt to kill

Certain conditions and actions that the Active Player takes on their all 6 Night Spirits before they escape. If even one Night
turn may influence their final ability check roll for the round. Spirit is left alive at the end of the round and escapes, mark
• If the player interacts with the environment or uses a tool in a
one failure. If all of them are killed, mark one success.
creative way, they may add 1d4 to their roll.
• If the player spends a 1/Short Rest feature, or casts a spell of 3rd Round 4:

level or lower, they gain advantage on the roll. Illusory snakes begin to slither in from the creeping
• If the player uses a 1/Long Rest feature, casts a spell of 4th level darkness. The Active Player must make an Arcana check

or higher, or demonstrates significant growth as a character, they (to recognize the illusion) or an Animal Handling check
automatically succeed on their roll. (to recognize the snakes’ abnormal behavior). DC 18. On
• Peter, James, and John can each add +1 to the roll, if awake.
a failure, the party does not recognize that the snakes are

illusions, and they call out a warning to Jesus, shaking his
concentration.

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Round 5: The Active Player must make a Religion check or an
Intimidation check (to kneel down and join Jesus in prayer
An attractive young man wearing all black appears in as a sign of faith). DC 18.
front of Jesus. This man is an illusory form of Satan. His
illusory form cannot be dispelled or physically interacted Round 9:
with, and is immune to all damage. Satan laughs derisively
and says, Satan spits in Jesus’s face.

“What’s the matter, chosen one? Your own “Now that I have your attention...”
followers can’t even stay awake to pray with you?”
He will then approach each player character in turn,
He then casts another level 6 Sleep spell on the area, calling them out by name, and listing their weaknesses,
putting 15d8 hit points worth of creatures to sleep as at the shortcomings, and sins. Use real examples of things the
start of the encounter. If Peter, James, or John are awake, characters have said and done during the campaign: bad
they will instantly fall back asleep, again subtracting 12 hit decisions, times they’ve failed, or personality flaws that
points from spell’s potency. they are self-conscious about. The Active Player must make
a Perception check (to notice that a group of people are
“Abandon hope. It is only a matter of time before approaching Gethsemane) or an Insight check (to realize
even the strongest among you bows to me.” that Satan is stalling for time). DC 19.

Satan then targets the Active Player with a telekineses Round 10:
spell to force them to bow. The Active Player must make an
Athletics check (to resist the spell) or an Acrobatics check Satan again casts a level 6 Sleep spell on the area,
(to evade the spell). DC 19. putting 15d8 hit points worth of creatures to sleep.
Suddenly the footsteps of a group of armed guards draw
Round 6: close to Gethsemane. Satan looks casually toward the
source of the sound and sighs.
Satan leans in to whisper in Jesus’s ear.
“Well, I suppose that’s my cue to leave.
“Do you know what true pain feels like? I’ll see you all again VERY soon.”
To have your skin flayed while your mother watches?
To see your followers lose faith as you die... slowly? Satan vanishes and the magical darkness fades as
You have no idea how much I’m going to enjoy this.” Gethsemane returns to normal. The Active Player must
make a Nature check or a Stealth check (to find a way to
The Active Player must make a Persuasion check (to conceal the party’s location to buy some extra time). DC
speak words of encouragement to Jesus) or a Deception 16.
check (to insult Satan and draw his attention). DC 18. This
check must be made with disadvantage if any Night Spirits Resolving the Encounter
escaped during round 3.
If the party failed 3 checks before succeeding on 7,
Round 7: then the encounter is a failure. Jesus’s energy has been
completely drained and he collapses to the ground. Skip
Satan grins and snaps his fingers. Jesus doubles over and ahead to “The Betrayal” on the next page and continue the
begins to sweat drops of blood as he visibly grows weaker. adventure from there.
The Active Player must make a Medicine check (to think
of a way to end this effect) or a Sleight of Hand check (to If the party succeeded on 7 checks before failing 3, then
gently wipe the blood from his face without getting it in his the encounter was a success! Thanks to the party’s efforts,
eyes). DC 17. Jesus was able to conserve his strength and focus on his
prayer. He now has time for some brief parting words
Round 8: before he is arrested. Continue below with the “Sword of
the Spirit” before moving on to “The Betrayal.”
Satan steps closer to the party to size them up.
The Sword of the Spirit
“Who do you think you are? You were almost
defeated by Naamah - the weakest of my children, Jesus breaths a sigh of relief as the darkness recedes.
by the way - but you think you can face the combined He slowly rises to his feet and takes note of Peter, James,
strength of Lilith AND Abaddon? Please. I would love and John, who are still asleep, but gestures to the party
front row seats to that massacre, if I wasn’t busy peeling not to wake them up yet. The sounds of the footsteps draw
the flesh from your ‘messiah’ while he’s still alive.” closer to the party, and it is clear that Jesus knows they only
have a few moments. He will move closer to the party and

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deliver one last piece of advice. • Hoping to appease Caiaphas’s wrath, Pilate orders
Jesus to be tortured by the soldiers at Antonia’s
“It is true that Lilith wields great power, but pride Fortress (Area 15).
will be her downfall. Just remember, the Word of God
is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged • Pilate’s wife, Claudia will beg Pilate not to kill Jesus,
but by then Caiaphas has organized an Angry Mob to
sword.” gather outside his house.

As he speaks these words, one of the characters notices • Hoping to divert their attention, Pontius Pilate
their pack grow slightly heavier. If they investigate later, promises to release one prisoner, offering the choices
they will find that the Sword of the Spirit has magically of either Jesus or Barabbas, a known killer and leader
appeared in their inventory. of the Sicarii, whom the players may have previously
met. Although many innocent people are known to
The Betrayal have died at the hands of Barabbas, the Angry Mob
will demand his release (following the instructions of
Before anything else can happen, a group of 16 armed Caiaphas).
Guards led by Caiaphas (NE Priest) and Judas (CE
Sicarius) arrive on the scene. Judas will approach and kiss • Jesus is forced to carry his cross from Antonia’s
Jesus on the cheek (a signal to Caiaphas to arrest him). Fortress (Area 15), to Golgotha (Area 22). A bystander
At this point Peter, James, and John will wake up (if not named Simon will also be forced to help him when he
already awake). Peter will strike a guard named Malchus begins to lose his strength. Jesus is crucified around
(NG guard), cutting off his ear. the third hour (9:00 AM).

Roll initiative and begin combat. When it is Jesus’s turn, • Jesus dies at the ninth hour (3:00 PM). At this point,
he will use mass suggestion to instantly stop the combat by almost all of his followers have abandoned him and
“suggesting” to everyone present (including the party) that run off to hide. Only his mother, John (the apostle),
it is better have faith that everything is going to work out. and Mary Magdalene stay with him until the end.
He will also use regeneration to heal Malchus’s ear. Jesus
will then allow himself to be arrested, and will look to Content Sensitivity
Peter, James, and John and say,
The events of the crucifixion are gruesome. For some groups, it
“Love each other the way that I have loved you. may be a great experience to roleplay the whole process, and some
This is the most important message you can pass on to players may even want to stay close to Jesus for moral support. For
those who would follow me. What comes next will not be others, they may want to watch from the distant Mount of Olives and
easy, but I have chosen each of you for a reason, and I not hear descriptions of Jesus’s brutal death. Do what makes your
will be with you, always.
players comfortable.
Then, Jesus will turn to the party and say,
It is Finished.
“What my disciples carry in their hearts is more
important than you can possibly imagine, but they cannot At the ninth hour, the party hears Jesus’s voice whisper,
succeed until the head of the serpent is removed. You as though right next to them, “it is finished.” A wave of
know what needs to be done, but you cannot do it alone. divine energy pulses out from Golgotha, and any magic
I will send you help. Wait on the Mount of Olives, and at associated with sin is immediately destroyed or dispelled.

the ninth hour, look to the west. As the party looks to the west, there is a sudden flash
of light as a teleportation circle opens next to them, and
The Way of the Cross several of their allies step out to join them. By divine
providence, Jesus has arranged that the party be joined by
It is up to the party what to do next. Jesus has given some allies from earlier in the story before they enter into
them explicit instructions to wait for help to arrive on the the final battle against evil. For more information about
Mount of Olives, but if they follow him, the following who these allies are, refer to the beginning of “Catacombs
events take place, in this order. of Kadesh” on the next page.

• He is taken to Caiaphas’s private basement prison Level Up
cell (Jerusalem Area 9) where he is held until the
following morning. The party should reach level 10 at the conclusion of this encounter.

• At first light, Caiaphas will demand that Jesus be Immediately begin the “Catacombs of Kadesh”
executed, first from Pontius Pilate (Area 10) and then encounter on the next page.
“King” Herod (Area 12).
233

Catacombs of Kadesh

Introduction Caspar and his companions will be saddened to hear
of Jesus’s death, of course, but they can also explain the
The journey into the depths of Kadesh represents the mechanics of “True Atonement” from page 213 if the party
final conflict of this campaign. The final confrontation with has any doubts about why Jesus had to die. Caspar will
Lilith is a deadly encounter, and even if the party is at full urge them to prepare for battle and will give them the Boots
strength they are not likely to succeed without help. This of the Gospel, if they do not already have them. Caspar
was foreseen by the Magi, who have sent word to allies to can even give the party a small stone taken from a location
join the party in the fight against Lilith and Abaddon. One
of the allies who shows up at the Mount of Olives is Caspar nearby the Catacombs, to ensure that their casting of the
(Magi Seeker), who has finally left his tower in Cyprus to teleport spell is a success.
come and aid in the conflict. Caspar is joined by one or two
other allies, depending on the current size of the party. As Balancing the Encounter
Caspar arrives, he hurriedly says the following:
The number of other allies that arrive with Caspar to
“I don’t know how he did it, but the Messiah must join in the final battle depends on the party’s current size.
have found a way to weaken Lilith’s defenses! A few The final battle is balanced assuming that the party has 6
moments ago, I was able to isolate Lilith and Abaddon’s or 7 members. If the party has fewer members than this,
location to an underground crypt in the middle of the then choose a number of additional NPCs from the list on
desert. Their magic is fueled by sin, and according to the page 138 that will bring the party’s total to 6 or 7. These
stars a major event has taken place that has severely characters arrive with Caspar, and are fully rested and
weakened them. It won’t be long before they escape, so ready for combat. The NPCs you choose to join the party
should not be chosen randomly, and should be characters
now is our best chance to strike.”
with whom the party has a good relationship. Additionally,

give some thought to why these NPCs, in particular, have

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taken up the call to fight evil. It is also a good idea to keep some time earlier.
these characters’ motivations in mind, and make sure that
defeating Lilith is something that aligns with their personal Over time, the catacombs faded from memory until
goals.
they were utterly forgotten by any who once knew they
Keeping Track of NPCs
existed. Finding this vast network of underground tunnels
In order to keep things moving at the table, it may be a good idea to
make copies of the stat blocks of these allies and hand them out to abandoned, Lilith set up her headquarters here where
players in your group. Players may enjoy the chance to control the she could coordinate her efforts to locate and destroy the
actions of their favorite NPCs, and it takes some of the pressure off of Messiah. Once word reached her that the adventuring

the GM for the final encounter. party was actively hunting and destroying demons, she

The Journey summoned Abaddon to prepare defenses for their arrival.

Once everyone is prepared, the character wearing the After realizing that her plan to thwart the Messiah had
Boots of the Gospel should transport the party and their backfired, Lilith has redoubled her preparations for the
allies to the catacombs. Caspar is useless in combat, and arrival of the party. Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross completed
will volunteer to stay behind and attempt to find more allies the ritual of atonement, destroying the demons’ connection
to send in to help. As the party arrives in Kadesh, read the to the physical world. If Lilith and Abaddon are destroyed
box below. now, they can never return to the physical world, and Lilith

You lurch to a sudden stop as your feet touch down knows this. As such, they are preparing to do whatever it
into the blistering sands of Zin. Sand swirls around you
in all directions as a windstorm briefly flares up and then takes to cling to the physical world.
dies down. As your vision clears, you find yourself in a
desolate expanse of desert, with the only discernible 1. The Guarded Entrance
feature being a rocky outcropping that rises from the
dunes a few hundred yards to the east. As the party draws within sight of the Catacombs, they
can see the entrance is guarded by a Zenido that is flanked
Welcome to Kadesh on either side by humanoid warriors in full plate armor.
Each warrior is wearing jet black armor that seems to
Background writhe as wisps of smoke dissipate from its surface into the
air around it. These warriors use the Shadow Champion
Shortly after the Israelites escaped from slavery in Egypt stat block, with the following changes. They each have 95
over 1000 years ago, the Pharaoh, Ramses II, engaged in hit points, and have the following feature added to their stat
open warfare with the Hittite Empire, led by their king,
Muwatalli II. A turning point in this war happened at the block.
Battle of Kadesh. Eventually the Egyptians and Hittites
signed a peace treaty, but not before thousands of Egyptian Death Knell: When the champion dies, a burst of shadowy essence
and Hittite soldiers fell in the desert sands as the battle explodes outward. Each creature within 10 feet of it must make a DC
raged on. Having fallen too far from their homeland to be 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 3d6 necrotic damage on a failed
returned home, the bodies of the fallen were interred in a save, or half as much on a success. A creature’s hit point maximum is
series of tunnels under the desert sands of the Wilderness of reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken.
Zin.
The Zenido and the 2 warriors are currently unaware of
After many decades lost in the desert, the Israelites, the party’s presence. If they become aware of the party’s
led by Moses, accidentally discovered these catacombs, presence, the Zenido will take to the skies and begin using
and buried many of their own dead here. Moses himself its Breath Weapon. The two Shadow Champions may also
was allowed to see the promised land from the peak of advance to join in the combat, but are also careful not to
Mt. Nebo, but died before he could enter it. As he was
dying, Moses asked that his body be buried with his people leave the entrance to the catacombs unguarded.
who died in their wanderings through Zin. His successor,
Joshua, returned his body to the Catacombs of Kadesh to be 2. The Entrance Tunnel
buried near his sister, Miriam, who also died in the desert
A natural fissure in the rocky crags winds inward as the
tunnel slopes down deeper into the earth. Dim light extends
30 feet into the tunnel, and the passage beyond is shrouded

in total darkness. A character who does not have darkvision

must use a light source, such as a torch, from this point

forward.
The walls inside are rough-hewn stone, and the floor

here is covered in a light dusting of sand that has blown in
from the entrance tunnels. Rocks litter the floors where the
natural structure has begun to crumble with age.

3. The Embalming Chamber

These rooms were built by the Egyptians to expedite

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236

the process of embalming the dead who were buried here. Statue of Ramses AC: 13
Stone tables lay ready to receive new corpses, and the HP: 100
workbench is covered in jars that once contained oils and Huge Construct Speed: 25 ft.,
incense used for embalming.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4. The Mezzanine
+5 -2 +4 -5 -2 -5
A balcony wraps around the perimeter of the interior
ceremonial chamber. The balcony is 20 feet off the ground, Damage Immunities: poison, psychic, bludgeoning, piercing,
and the ceiling the chamber is a total of 50 feet tall. Four
staircases around the perimeter of the room lead down to and slashing from nonmagical weapons.
the floor of the chamber below. The Mezzanine is in dim
light from the torches on the wall below. Damage Vulnerabilities: thunder.
Condition Immunities: charmed, exhaustion, frightened, para-
5. The Burial Chambers
lyzed, petrified, poisoned.
A 15-foot wide hallway extends for 135 feet end
to end. Along one wall a series of alcoves are dug into Senses: Blindsight 60 (blind beyond this range)
the stone wall. The alcoves are filled with makeshift Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
sarcophagi that contain the bodies of ancient people of
the past. Stone carvings at one time marked the names of FEATURES
those buried here, but have long since worn to the point
of being unreadable. Along the opposite wall is a series of Immutable Form: Ramses is immune to any spell or effect that
mosaic murals that depict the Battle of Kadesh, in which
the Egyptians and Hittites clashed in vicious chariot battles would alter its form.
across the sands of Zin. A character who can read ancient
Egyptian can learn about the history of these catacombs Magic Resistance: Ramses has advantage on saving throws
from the murals here. The burial chambers are sealed
at each end by a wooden door. In one of these alcoves, against spells and other magical effects.
crouching invisibly next to the sarcophagi, are 4 Night
Spirits. The night spirits will attempt to extract the deepest Magic Weapons: Ramses’s weapon attacks are magical.
fears and desires from any characters that pass by using
their “Dark Insight” feature. The night spirits will not attack ACTIONS
the party, but will instead retreat to relay their information
to Lilith in area 17. Multiattack: Ramses makes two slam attacks.

6. The Ceremonial Chamber Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit:

This massive subterranean chamber is 120 feet wide 18 (2d12 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
and 150 feet long, with a 50-foot ceiling. Torches along
the wall shed dim light throughout the space, casting harsh the chamber. If he does this, he can animate up to 5 of the
shadows against the ancient statues of legendary Egyptian statues in the room (or 6, if he casts it at 6th level). Each
warriors set along the walls in this space. Egyptian Warrior Statue uses the following stat block.
Unlike the statue of Ramses, animating these additional
7. Statue of Ramses
statues requires Abaddon’s concentration.
At the far end of the chamber stands a 25-foot tall
statue of Ramses II. At the foot of this statue is the figure Warrior Statue AC: 13 CHA
of Abaddon (Corporeal) wrapped in a dark cloak and HP: 40
hovering several feet above the ground. Abaddon is waiting Medium Construct Speed: 30 ft., -5
for the party to arrive and will attack them on sight.
Abaddon also has a trick up his sleeve. Over the last few STR DEX CON INT WIS
months, Abaddon has been conducting rituals to infuse a
spark of life into the 25-foot-tall statue of Ramses. This +1 +1 +4 -5 -2
symbol of slavery for the Hebrew people is now a construct
that uses the following stat block. ACTIONS

Additionally, Abaddon may choose to cast animate Khopesh: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
objects on the statues of Egyptian warriors that surround
Hit: 8 (2d6 + 1) slashing damage.

Abaddon will fight the party until reduced to 0 hit
points. When Abaddon reaches 0 hit points, his cloaked

form scatters to reveal that he is actually made up of a
swarm of tiny fiendish locusts with scorpion-like stingers.
The swarm begins chanting as they retreat.

“ABADDON! ABADDON! ABADDON!”

The swarm of locusts will use their full movement and
Dash action to escape through the drainage grates next
to the doors in area 10 to access the lower levels of the
catacombs. Any damage dealt to Abaddon’s swarm at this
point is counted against Abaddon (Swarm).

Once both Abaddon (Corporeal) and the Statue of
Ramses have been eliminated, the seductive female voice

237

of Lilith echoes up through the drainage grates from the this locking mechanism with a successful DC 22 Sleight
caverns below. of Hand check. Alternatively, the door can be unlocked by
inserting and twisting the signet ring that can be found in
“Well done, followers of the light. You have fought area 9. Each door is a large object with an AC of 5, 150 hit
bravely and so I offer you this final choice. Leave now, points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage.
and you will not be slaughtered like pigs. Your ‘messiah’
begged for death before he finally died, and your death 11. Antechamber

will be even slower.” A six-sided antechamber lies beyond the ceremonial
doors. The walls are covered in this chamber, floor to
If the party stayed close to Jesus as he was dying, they ceiling, with Egyptian murals depicting the Battle of
will know that this is a lie. Either way, a DC 14 Insight Kadesh, the burial of both Hittite and Egyptian soldiers
check will reveal a nervousness in Lilith’s voice, and if the in these catacombs, and the signing of the peace treaty
check succeeds by 5 or more, the party can recognize that between the two nations. A small portion of one of the
Lilith has realized that organizing Jesus’s death was a fatal murals even depicts the Israelites arrival at the catacombs,
mistake, and that she has been outwitted by God’s plan. and seems to imply that somewhere in this underground
structure is the final resting place of Moses himself.
8. Israelite Memorial
12. Cultist Ritual Chamber
The sounds of water lapping against stone echo in this
large chamber. The walls of this chamber are made of This chamber once played an important role in the
smooth stone, into which hundreds, maybe thousands, of burial ceremonies of the ancient Egyptians. It has since
names are etched. A closer inspection reveals that these been desecrated and repurposed for Lilith’s dark designs.
are the names of Israelites who died in the desert trek to
freedom. Among these are the names of some legendary A heavy door blocks the party from entering. The
heroes, including Moses, Miriam, and Aaron, but most are lock on the door may be picked with thieves’ tools and a
names of those whose stories have never been told. At the successful DC 14 Sleight of Hand check. The door is a
center of the chamber is a 15-foot circular pool. A plaque medium object with an AC of 5 and 30 hit points.
on the edge of the pool explains, in Hebrew, that this water
serves as a reminder of the waters of the Red Sea that the A Golem (Sentry) is just inside the doors, and is under
Israelites passed through to reach freedom. orders to attack the party as soon as they enter. The room is
also filled with 6 Shadow Cultists and one of Lilith’s chief
This chamber is intended as a memorial to the fallen mages (CE Mage). These cultists appear to be in the midst
Israelite people, many of whom are interred here in these of a summoning ritual, and will fight to the death to defend
catacombs, and to the faithfulness of God. The chamber is the ritual chamber.
considered Holy Ground, and a creature who spends time
here benefits from the effects detailed on page 262. The center of the space is dominated by a large
summoning circle, which reveals how Lilith and the rest
9. Tomb of the Fallen General of the Fellowship of the Beast are able to travel around
the map so quickly. A bowl of what appears to be human
This burial chamber contains a single stone blood and a sacrificial altar stand against the east wall of
sarcophagus. Although the aged markings are partially the chamber, revealing that much of Lilith’s magic has been
faded, it seems clear that this is the burial place of a fueled by the sacrifice of human victims. Dark markings
highly respected general from ancient Egypt, who was in infernal are scrawled across the surface of the altar and
killed during the battle of Kadesh. A small alcove in the walls. If a character examines the circle, altar, or ritual to
stone wall of this room contains a handful of objects that see what the cultists had been doing in this room, read the
presumably once belonged to the fallen general. The alcove boxed text below.
contains 3 gems valued at 100 gp each, a gold chalice
worth 500 gp of Egyptian design, a small octagonal signet You suddenly feel your consciousness connect to
ring worth 20 gp, and a Khopesh of Conquest. the magic of this ritual, and you can tell that the cultists
were about to open a portal to summon an unknown dark
10. Ceremonial Doors creature into this chamber. You also realize that your
connection to this magic would allow you to complete the
Two massive stone doors block the party from ritual yourself, if you choose. By speaking the name of a
venturing farther into the Catacombs. The doors are locked creature with which you are familiar, you can conclude
by a strange device of Egyptian construction. An octagonal
hole at the center of the locking mechanism seems to be the ritual and summon a creature through this portal.
the means of unlocking it, but this mechanism is unlike any
modern design. A character with thieves tools can unlock If a member of the party speaks the name (a title or
pseudonym does not work) to conclude the ritual, the

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named creature is drawn through a portal and appears in the 13. Descending Passage
nearest unoccupied space to the teleportation circle. If the
party names an Archangel (such as Raphael or Barachiel), The walls further in contain even more Egyptian murals
the summoned celestial takes on the form of an Angel depicting the various conquests of Ramses II. A massive
Guardian, rather than its true form, when it enters the spiral staircase hewn into the bedrock leads to the lower
material plane.
catacombs. The sounds of hundreds of buzzing voices
If the party takes advantage of this ritual, they may gain
an additional ally in the final confrontation with Lilith. can be heard echoing up from deep within the catacombs
This extra ally would be extremely helpful in the upcoming below, still chanting “Abaddon, Abaddon.”
encounter, but is not necessary for the party to succeed.
14. The Lower Catacombs
Abaddon and Player Death
Hewn out of the rock below, the lower level of the
If one of the player characters was killed by Abaddon in the previous catacombs is rough and unfinished, a stark contrast to the
encounter, this ritual summoning circle is a great way to introduce a beautiful Egyptian architecture of the floor above. The
new character. Allow the player whose character was killed to create Egyptians began the downward expansion here long ago,
a brand new character. This new character can then join the party by but ultimately abandoned the project when an earthquake
way of the cultist ritual. When the party attacks and interrupts the
cultists ritual, something goes wrong. Instead of summoning a greater shook the region.
demon, the ritual concludes by summoning a random adventurer! The
new player character can now introduce themselves without having to The base of the spiral staircase empties out into an
invent a reason for showing up in the middle of the desert.
empty cavern. The walls and ceiling are rough hewn stone,
and dark in color. The floors are a mix of sand and rock,
littered with debris from the earthquake and a millennium

of disuse. The winding tunnels of the lower catacombs are

10 feet wide on average, and about 10 feet tall. The tunnels

in this level are in total darkness. Only one passage leads

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further into the lower catacombs, proceeding more or less using the hostage in area 20 as leverage. She will also taunt
in a straight line. the party, asking how they expect to face the two most

15. Explosive Runes powerful archdemons when, in the past, they have barely
been able to defeat one at a time. If the party shows signs
After about 100 feet, the tunnel winds sharply to the that they are preparing to attack, she will initiate combat by
right. Here at this bend in the path, Lilith has left a trap to flying to area 21 and pulling the lever. For the purposes of
snare any would-be intruders. A Glyph of Warding spell has combat, assume that Abaddon’s swarm occupies a 30-foot
been placed on the cave wall as the party comes around the
bend. A character can spot this trap with a successful DC 17 sphere and moves together.
Perception check. If a creature other than Lilith or Abaddon
passes within 5 feet of the glyph, it erupts with magical 18. Stone Staircase
energy. The explosion spreads around corners in a 20-foot
sphere, centered on the rune. Each creature in the aura A staircase carved into the stone walls of Lilith’s lair
must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 5d8 fire
damage on a failure, and half as much on a success. leads upward to a height of 30 feet where it joins the

16. Ascending Passage catwalk that encircles the room.

A tunnel branches up and to the right. A crude staircase 19. Simulacra Ritual
carved into the rock ascends steeply, eventually opening out
onto the upper catwalk that overlooks area 17. The catwalk A dark altar stained with the blood of human sacrifices
is 30 feet above the floor of area 17.
sits at the far end of the space. Partially encircling the
17. Lilith’s Lair
altar are 5 tables. This is where Lilith performs the ritual
All tunnels eventually open out into a 120-foot wide
underground chamber with 60-foot tall ceilings. Unlike magic to weave the fabric of human sin into simulacra
the rest of the tunnels here, this chamber is filled with the
soft glow of torchlight from sconces set into the walls. for the Fellowship of the beast. If the party has succeeded
This chamber shows clear signs of ancient Egyptian
construction. A 30-foot high catwalk is carved into the in killing or banishing any of the other demons before
stone walls and wraps around the perimeter of the room.
The beginnings of some stone structures are present as reaching this encounter, they will see the simulacra of those
well, but have long ago begun to crumble into disrepair.
Present, too, are the markings of the ancient earthquake. slain demons being slowly reformed here on these tables.
Several large chasms are opened in the floor of the
chamber. Seeing the coalescing forms of Seraphine, the Collector,

Light. The central cavern of Lilith’s Lair is lit by dim Captain Gula, the Gardener, or the Buried Queen (or
light.
perhaps all five) should convey to the party the importance
Ceilings. The ceilings in this space are 60 feet tall.
Chasms. The chasms left by the earthquake are 5 feet of this encounter.
wide and 20 feet deep. A creature that falls into a chasm
takes 2d6 bludgeoning damage from the fall and must use Lilith was in the process of
its action to make a DC 14 Athletics check to be able to
climb out. reconstructing the simulacra of the
Floor. The floor in the main chamber is loose sand. The
floor of the catwalk is carved stone (bedrock). other Archdemons in an attempt to

Lilith stands perched on the ramparts of the crumbling reconnect them to the material plane.
structure at the center of the room. Her Sword of the
Guardian is drawn and crackles with lightning. Abaddon However, Jesus’s death interrupted
has joined Lilith here as well, and the walls and ceiling of
the space crawl with tiny, fiendish locusts, their stingers this process and badly damaged
poised for attack.
what is left of the simulacra forms.
Lilith is aware that the party poses a real threat to her
plans, and so will attempt to threaten or bargain with them, Although they are decaying rapidly

without human sin to feed on, the

simulacra twitch and convulse as Mammon’s
though trying to return to life. Corrupted
Simulacrum

20. The Hostage

Lilith has been hard at work

for several days preparing

for the party’s arrival. Using

her network of teleportation

circles and her knowledge

of the party’s movements,

she has abducted a hostage

using the portal in area 12 to

use as leverage during this

encounter. This hostage can

be any NPC that the party

has encountered throughout

the adventure, but it should

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be a character with whom the party has formed a significant Lilith: Hellspawn
relationship. A trusted advisor, a family member, or a
romantic interest could all be viable options. Lilith has When Lilith is reduced to 0 hit points, the party
been keeping a close eye on the party since they began suddenly hears a voice that is familiar to anyone who was
disrupting her plans, and so she will choose to capture the in the garden of Gethsemane with Jesus. The liquid voice
NPC who will have the greatest emotional impact on the of Satan resounds throughout the chamber as though it is
players. coming from everywhere all at once.

The hostage is held in a cage 30 feet in the air suspended “Lilith, is that the best you can do? You disappoint
by a chain. The cage dangles over a deep pit that is me, dear daughter. Now pick yourself up and show our
shrouded in total darkness, but sounds of hissing echo up new friends what the fury of a woman scorned looks like!”
from its depths. The chain is connected to a mechanism
that can raise and lower the cage, and the mechanism is Lilith’s body sheds its wings and contorts with the
controlled by the lever in area 21. sickening sound of breaking bones as her body transforms
into Lilith (Hellspawn). Combat then continues as normal.
The pit below is 30 feet deep and is filled with Saraph
Serpents. The serpents cannot leave the pit, so they only Resolution and Reward
pose a danger to creatures who reach the bottom of the pit.
If the cage holding the hostage reaches the bottom of the If Jesus of Nazareth has been crucified and thus
pit, the serpents can slither between the bars to attack the completed the ritual for True Atonement, then Lilith’s death
hostage. The serpents will also attack any other creature is permanent and the Fellowship of the Beast can never
that reaches the bottom of the pit. be brought back into the physical world. The Simulacra in
area 19 will cease coalescing with Lilith’s death, and their
21. The Lever physical forms will scatter to ash on the ritual tables.

The catwalk slightly widens into a platform that If the party searches Lilith’s lair, they can find 5,000 gp,
overlooks the pit of serpents in area 20. A lever in the wall two items from the Random Discoveries table on page 130,
works a mechanism in the ceiling that raises and lowers and one item from the Font of Blessings table on page 262.
the cage. If the lever is pulled down by a creature, the cage
begins to lower at the start of that creature’s next turn. Epilogue
The cage moves at a speed of 20 feet per round. If nothing
impedes the movement of the cage, it will vanish into the The death of Lilith brings the story of this module to an
darkness of the pit after two rounds, and will reach the end. However, the party will likely have side quests of their
bottom of the pit after three rounds. own that they feel compelled to complete. Additionally,
there may be other members of the Fellowship to hunt
22. Raised Platform down and destroy, treasures to seek, and new cities to
explore. This is the end of the adventure, but how your
Once used as a lookout by the foreman of the Egyptian party chooses to end their stories is now up to them.
construction team, this raised platform is carved from stone
and stands 30 feet off of the ground. The only methods of
reaching this platform are by a wooden ladder at its base or
by using the catwalk to circle the perimeter of the cave.

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Expanded Spell Lists

BARD SPELLS Summon Angel 4th Level 5th Level

1st Level 7th Level Bind With Water Tehom

Every Knee Shall Bend Transubstantiation 5th Level Walk in Shadow
Magnificat
9th Level Walk in Shadow WIZARD SPELLS
5th Level Paraclete
Ascension
Cenacle Pentecost SORCERER SPELLS 3rd Level
Covenant Summon Cherub
Paraclete Induce Envy
Unum in Christo DRUID SPELLS
3rd Level Induce gluttony
6th Level 1st Level Induce Greed
Deluge Induce Lust
A Glass Darkly Manna and Quail Induce Envy Induce Pride
Annunciation Induce Gluttony Induce Sloth
Visitation 3rd Level Induce Greed Induce Wrath
Mark of Cain Induce Lust
Deluge Induce Pride 4th Level
9th Level Torrent of Water
Induce Sloth Pillar of Fire
Ascension 4th Level
Pentecost Induce Wrath 5th Level
Bind with Water
CLERIC SPELLS Pillar of Fire 4th Level Create Golem

1st Level 5th Level Bind with Water Unum in Christo

Do Unto Others Paraclete Pillar of Fire Walk in Shadow
Every Knee Shall Bend Tehom
Magnificat Walk in Shadow 5th Level 6th Level
Manna and Quail
6th Level Tehom A Glass Darkly
2nd Level
Pillar of Cloud Walk in Shadow Mark of Cain
Lesser Atonement
Turn the Other Cheek 7th Level 6th Level Pillar of Cloud
Summon Angel
3rd Level Hail and Fire Visitation Visitation

Scapegoat PALADIN SPELLS 7th Level 7th Level

4th Level 1st Level Hail and Fire Transubstantiation

Pillar of Fire Do Unto Others Transubstantiation 8th Level
Every Knee Shall Bend
5th Level Magnificat 8th Level Weave Sin

Cenacle 5th Level Weave Sin
Covenant
Create Golem Covenant 9th Level
Greater Atonement Paraclete
Paraclete Ascension
Unum in Christo RANGER SPELLS
Aura of Temptation
6th Level 1st Level
WARLOCK SPELLS
A Glass Darkly Magnificat
Annunciation Manna and Quail 3rd Level
Pillar of Cloud
3rd Level Induce Envy
Induce Gluttony
Scapegoat Induce Greed
Torrent of Water Induce Lust
Induce Pride
Induce Sloth
Induce Wrath

243