{ "data": [ { "type": "section", "name": "Introduction", "page": 4, "id": "000", "entries": [ { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/000-dragon-delves-cover.webp" }, "width": 1701, "height": 2242 }, { "type": "section", "name": "Dragons in Dungeons", "page": 4, "id": "001", "entries": [ "Nothing is more quintessentially Dungeons & Dragons than gathering a group of heroes to face a mighty dragon in a mysterious dungeon. These classic elements link players across time and space, from the first adventurers who forayed into the gloom more than 50 years ago to players beginning their first adventure now.", "{@i Dragon Delves} is a celebration of this shared tradition. Each of the ten adventures in this book features a dragon in a lair. Designed for characters of levels 1 through 12, the adventures offer a range of challenges, from defeating evil dragons to working with good dragons, as well as navigating more complicated moral dilemmas. The dungeons where the dragons make their lairs range from cavern complexes to ruined cities and more.", "Where there are dragons in dungeons, there's always adventure!" ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Using This Book", "page": 4, "id": "002", "entries": [ "The adventures in an anthology such as {@i Dragon Delves} are versatile resources that can fill a variety of needs at your gaming table: as one-shot adventures, as \"filler episodes\" in an ongoing campaign, or as a series that forms a campaign, bringing characters from level 1 to a climactic conclusion at level 12.", "These adventures are designed to require minimal preparation (see {@area Running the Adventures|009|x} later in this introduction).", { "type": "entries", "name": "One-Shot Adventure", "page": 4, "id": "003", "entries": [ "Maybe you're normally a player in an ongoing campaign, but you want to try your hand at being the Dungeon Master. Maybe you're trying to pull a new group together, and you want to see how all the players get along before you start a whole campaign. Maybe your regular DM is sick or has a scheduling conflict, but everyone else is ready to play. Or maybe your group needs a break or a diversion from the ongoing campaign. In any of these cases, you can pick an adventure from this book and run it." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "In an Ongoing Campaign", "page": 4, "id": "004", "entries": [ "Maybe your players' characters know what they have to do to foil the evil boss's plans, but they're not quite high enough level to accomplish their goal. Or they've just hit a significant milestone in the campaign, and you want to give them a change of pace before they get immersed in the next act of the unfolding drama. Or they're traveling halfway around the world, and you're looking for something to keep the journey interesting\u2014a little adventure along the way. Or you're not prepared for the next adventure, and you need a diversion! In any of these cases, you can pick an adventure from this book to serve as a \"filler\" episode or side quest in the ongoing campaign.", { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/001-00-001.intro-splash.webp" }, "width": 850, "height": 2286 }, "When the characters are the appropriate level for the adventure you wish to run, simply narrate how the characters end up in the adventure's locale. Each adventure's beginning includes a simple setting description, such as \"a village with a nearby forest.\" Beyond these basic details, feel free to alter the adventure's location to match your campaign.", "But if you do have time to prepare, you can incorporate the adventure you're running into the themes and threats of your campaign. You can alter the names of people and places in the adventure to fit better into your world, link the adventure villains to organizations and events that are important in your campaign, and plant clues to the themes of your campaign in the dragon's treasure hoard." ] } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Creating a Campaign", "page": 4, "id": "005", "entries": [ "These adventures can be strung together as a complete dragon-themed campaign. Simply guide your players through the adventures in the order presented in this book and award story-based level advancement at each adventure's end, so their characters are the appropriate level for the next challenge they'll face. (No level advancement is necessary before the final adventure.) You can also use one of the following narrative frameworks to connect the adventures to one another.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Option 1: Mysterious Patron", "page": 4, "id": "006", "entries": [ "Have a friendly patron whose true identity is somewhat mysterious befriend the adventurers early in their careers and send them on each adventure in sequence. The patron might be a charismatic young monk, a kindly teacher, a diminutive scamp, or a scatter-brained elder, and might or might not be accompanied by seven golden canaries or dazzling yellow butterflies, which are actually ancient gold dragons in disguise\u2014the companions of the dragon god Bahamut, which is the patron's true identity.", "Perhaps foreseeing that they are destined to become mighty heroes, Bahamut takes the adventurers under his metaphorical wing and sends them on adventures to deal with draconic concerns, great and small, across the world. The patron might feign surprise when an adventure that doesn't at first seem to involve a dragon (such as \"{@adventure The Will of Orcus|DrDe-TWoO|1},\" chapter 3) turns out to revolve around one, but of course that's exactly the reason Bahamut sent the characters to investigate.", "You can use each adventure as written, with the characters' patron steering them in the general direction of the adventure hook without spoiling any surprises in the adventure ahead. Alternatively, the patron could let the characters in on the secret early on, telling them that dragons will be a particular focus of their adventures and altering some of the adventure hooks along the way." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Option 2: Brazen Egg", "page": 5, "id": "007", "entries": [ "Begin the campaign with the introductory encounter of chapter 10, \"{@adventure Dragons of the Sandstone City|DrDe-DotSC|1},\" ending with Eldemere entrusting the Brazen Egg to the characters. Eldemere's instructions are different, though: she explains that the egg must be \"steeped\" in the hoards of ten dragons, one of each chromatic and metallic kind, to activate its power. She also suggests that the egg will lead the characters toward suitable hoards. In fact, any character who sleeps within 15 feet of the egg has vivid dreams leading them toward the start of the next adventure.", "To draw power from a dragon's hoard, the egg must spend 8 hours in the midst of the treasure, covered with coins and surrounded by other items. However, as soon as the empowered egg is brought within Anthradusk's hoard chamber ({@adventure area H16|DrDe-DotSC|1|H16: Hoard} in chapter 10), it reaches its full potential and begins to crack open, as described in that adventure." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Option 3: Hoard Magic Items", "page": 5, "id": "008", "entries": [ "If you have {@book Fizban's Treasury of Dragons|FTD|4}, the hoard of magic items described in that book can provide an incentive for characters to seek out dragons of increasing power and different kinds. Add the following items to the rewards acquired in the first three adventures: a {@item Scaled Ornament|FTD} in \"{@adventure Death at Sunset|DrDe-DaS|1},\" a {@item Dragon Vessel|FTD} in \"{@adventure Baker's Doesn't|DrDe-BD|1},\" and a {@item Dragon's Wrath Weapon|FTD} and a {@item Dragon-Touched Focus|FTD} in \"{@adventure The Will of Orcus|DrDe-TWoO|1}.\" All four items are Slumbering when the characters first acquire them, but in later adventures, the items can be awakened by steeping them in dragons' hoards." ] } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Running the Adventures", "page": 6, "id": "009", "entries": [ "To run each of these adventures, you need the fifth edition core rulebooks: the {@book Player's Handbook|XPHB}, {@book Dungeon Master's Guide|XDMG}, and {@book Monster Manual|XMM}. Spells and equipment mentioned in the adventures are described in the {@book Player's Handbook|XPHB}. Magic items are detailed in the {@book Dungeon Master's Guide|XDMG}, and monsters appear in the {@book Monster Manual|XMM}.", "The table of contents summarizes the adventures in this anthology. Each adventure is designed for four to six characters of a particular level, but you can adjust for larger or smaller groups by changing the number of foes in an encounter and giving a small group additional resources, as explained in the {@book Dungeon Master's Guide|XDMG}. Each of the adventures can take place in any world you choose, as long as the location has the basic elements listed at the beginning of each adventure.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Preparation", "page": 6, "id": "00a", "entries": [ "Every adventure in this book begins with a page that helps you prepare and run the adventure. It includes the following elements:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Key Plot Points", "entry": "A summary of the key elements in the adventure's story" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Preparation", "entry": "Steps to get yourself ready to run the adventure, including a list of all the stat blocks from the {@book Monster Manual|XMM} you might need" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Key NPCs", "entry": "A table summarizing key nonplayer characters in the adventure\u2014their names, roles, stat blocks, and locations\u2014to help you keep track of them during play" } ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Player Assistance", "page": 6, "id": "00b", "entries": [ "As described in the {@book Dungeon Master's Guide|XDMG}, you can streamline your role as Dungeon Master by delegating certain tasks to the other players, especially if this is your first time behind the DM's screen. Before play begins, work with the other players to divide any or all of the following tasks among them:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Initiative Tracker", "entry": "In combat, one player tracks Initiative for the characters and monsters." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Monster Wranglers", "entry": "Whenever the characters enter combat with Hostile monsters, one or two players run these monsters using the stat blocks in the {@book Monster Manual|XMM}. (Two players can share this role.)" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Rules Consultant", "entry": "One player references rules in the {@book Player's Handbook|XPHB} or other books as needed." } ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Adventures for One Character", "page": 6, "id": "00c", "entries": [ "While the {@book Dungeon Master's Guide|XDMG} explains how to adjust adventures for different party sizes, three of the adventures (indicated in the table of contents) are particularly well-suited for play with a single adventurer. Each of these adventures includes instructions for ensuring the character faces an appropriate challenge.", "Central to those instructions is the {@reward Blessing of the Lone Champion|DrDe}, a supernatural gift that bolsters the solo character's abilities.", { "type": "statblock", "name": "Blessing of the Lone Champion", "page": 6, "source": "DrDe", "tag": "reward" }, "The blessing lasts for the duration of the adventure." ] }, { "type": "inset", "name": "A Draconic History", "page": 6, "id": "00e", "entries": [ "In addition to ten adventures, this book includes special sections that feature art of each dragon variety, drawing from almost the whole 50-year history of Dungeons & Dragons, from the 1977 Monster Manual to the one published in 2025. The appearance of all ten dragon types has evolved significantly over the past fifty years, but close examination of these images reveals points of continuity as well, from the blue dragon's nose horn to the silver dragon's crest.", "Artist Todd Lockwood spearheaded a thorough revision of all ten dragon types for the release of D&D's third edition in 2000, basing his designs on the anatomy of real-world animals and certain points of continuity with earlier designs. With a few variations, those designs set the standard for D&D's dragons for over 20 years.", "In preparation for the release of the {@book Monster Manual|XMM} (2025), art director Josh Herman led a comprehensive refresh of all the dragon looks as D&D began its second half-century. With the goal of ensuring each dragon's distinct identity\u2014its personality, preferred habitat, and combat style\u2014shines through in its look, this redesign showcases visually what's unique about each type of dragon.", "In the same way, this book highlights how an adventure featuring one kind of dragon can feel distinct from all the others." ] } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Adventures", "entries": [ { "type": "list", "columns": 2, "items": [ "{@adventure Death at Sunset (Level 1)|DrDe-DaS|1}", "{@adventure Baker's Doesn't (Level 3)|DrDe-BD|1}", "{@adventure The Will of Orcus (Level 4)|DrDe-TWoO|1}", "{@adventure For Whom the Void Calls (Level 5)|DrDe-FWtVC|1}", "{@adventure The Dragon of Najkir (Level 7)|DrDe-TDoN|1}", "{@adventure The Forbidden Vale (Level 9)|DrDe-TFV|1}", "{@adventure Before the Storm (Level 10)|DrDe-BtS|1}", "{@adventure Shivering Death (Level 11)|DrDe-SD|1}", "{@adventure A Copper for a Song (Level 12)|DrDe-ACfaS|1}", "{@adventure Dragons of the Sandstone City (Level 12)|DrDe-DotSC|1}" ] } ], "id": "00d" } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Shivering Death", "page": 145, "id": "2f1", "entries": [ { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ "{@i {@b An adventure for Level 11 characters.}}", "{@i This adventure is designed to fill one or two sessions of play.}", "{@i It might start in any rural community near hills or mountains.}" ] }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/145-08-001.chapter-eight-splash.webp" }, "credit": "Ed Kwong", "width": 1700, "height": 2186 }, { "type": "section", "name": "Key Plot Points", "page": 145, "id": "2f2", "entries": [ "The following information is key to the adventure's story:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Heat Breaker", "entry": "The remains of the giant Elakdras bear the record of a magical ritual necessary to end a deadly heat wave." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Challidax's Trophies", "entry": "Elakdras's frozen remains are in the lair of Challidax, a powerful white dragon also known as Shivering Death." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Frosty Relations", "entry": "Frost giant siblings Ralvald and Aerstigga also seek Elakdras's remains, but they've had a falling-out in Challidax's lair, splitting their followers into rival factions." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Into the Ice Caves", "entry": "The adventurers enter the frosty cave complex where the dragon lairs. There they run afoul of the feuding frost giants and other denizens as they try to retrieve the magical ritual." } ] } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Preparation", "page": 145, "id": "2f3", "entries": [ "Before running the adventure, prepare as follows:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Step 1", "entry": "Read the \"{@area Adventure Background|2f4|x}\" section." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Step 2", "entry": "Review \"{@area Frost Giant Factions|2f9|x}\" and the Key NPCs table to learn about individuals the characters will interact with during the adventure." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Step 3", "entry": "Bookmark the pages in the {@book Dungeon Master's Guide|XDMG} or on D&D Beyond detailing the {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG} and the environmental effects of {@hazard extreme cold|XDMG}." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Step 4", "entry": "Bookmark the following stat blocks in the {@book Monster Manual|XMM} or on D&D Beyond:" } ] }, { "type": "list", "columns": 2, "items": [ "{@creature Frost Giant|XMM}", "{@creature Ghost|XMM}", "{@creature Ice Mephit|XMM|Mephit, Ice}", "{@creature Priest|XMM}", "{@creature Young Remorhaz|XMM|Remorhaz, Young}", "{@creature Shield Guardian|XMM}", "{@creature Troll|XMM}", "{@creature Adult White Dragon|XMM|White Dragon, Adult}", "{@creature Winter Wolf|XMM}", "{@creature Wyvern|XMM}", "{@b Animals}:", { "type": "list", "items": [ "{@creature Mammoth|XMM}", "{@creature Rhinoceros|XMM}" ] } ] }, { "type": "table", "caption": "Key NPCs", "page": 145, "colLabels": [ "Name", "Role", "Stat Block", "Location" ], "colStyles": [ "col-3-5", "col-3-5", "col-2-5", "col-2-5" ], "rows": [ [ "Aerstigga", "Giant seeking to ally with Challidax", "{@creature Frost Giant|XMM}", "{@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}" ], [ "Ardrandal and Forstrorri", "Giants loyal to Ralvald", "{@creature Frost Giant|XMM} (Neutral)", "{@adventure D4|DrDe-SD|1|D4: Giant Camp}" ], [ "Challidax (a.k.a. Shivering Death)", "Primary antagonist", "{@creature Adult White Dragon|XMM}", "{@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}" ], [ "Elakdras", "Dead frost giant druid", "\u2014", "{@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}" ], [ "Enstavva", "{@condition Petrified|XPHB} frost giant", "{@creature Frost Giant|XMM} (Neutral)", "{@adventure D8|DrDe-SD|1|D8: Icicle Cave}" ], [ "Finkleton", "Dead halfling adventurer", "\u2014", "{@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}" ], [ "Gelida", "Trapped lair denizen", "{@creature Ice Mephit|XMM}", "{@adventure D9|DrDe-SD|1|D9: Concealed Cleft}" ], [ "Grahlista", "Human quest giver", "{@creature Priest|XMM} (Medium, Neutral Good)", "\"{@area Beginning the Adventure|2f5|x}\"" ], [ "Grimvel and Luskegga", "Giants loyal to Aerstigga", "{@creature Frost Giant|XMM}", "{@adventure D10|DrDe-SD|1|D10: Frozen River}" ], [ "Heldalf", "Mammoth keeper loyal to Ralvald", "{@creature Frost Giant|XMM} (Neutral)", "{@adventure D3|DrDe-SD|1|D3: Animal Pen}" ], [ "Luskar", "Giant loyal to Aerstigga", "{@creature Frost Giant|XMM} (Neutral)", "{@adventure D14|DrDe-SD|1|D14: Giant Quarters}" ], [ "Ralvald", "Giant seeking inter Elakdras's remains", "{@creature Frost Giant|XMM} (Lawful Neutral)", "{@adventure D5|DrDe-SD|1|D5: Ralvald's Retreat}" ], [ "Shabblejaw", "Aerstigga's wolf handler", "{@creature Troll|XMM}", "{@adventure D11|DrDe-SD|1|D11: Wolf Ledge}" ] ] } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Adventure Background", "page": 146, "id": "2f4", "entries": [ "A deadly heat wave bakes an unprepared pastoral land. Crops have failed, rivers have run dry, and prospects are grim. While the reason for the unprecedented heat is unclear, the sage Grahlista has uncovered a possible solution. The sage invites the characters to meet at her home to receive her proposal." ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Beginning the Adventure", "page": 146, "id": "2f5", "entries": [ "The adventure begins at Grahlista's dwelling. Grahlista is a human sage (Medium, Neutral Good {@creature Priest|XMM}) and is cordial but Indifferent toward the adventurers she has invited into her home.", "Read or paraphrase the following aloud to begin the adventure:", { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 146, "id": "2f6", "entries": [ "The heat is impossible to ignore. Across the land, crops have withered, streams have turned to dust, and the locals swelter even in the shade. There's never been a season like this before, and if something's not done, few will remain to experience any season after.The gray-haired sage Grahlista fans herself as she recounts the heat wave's dire effects. \"There's no end in sight,\" she says. \"But I might have a solution.\"Grahlista pats a tome bound in frosty blue. \"Long ago, the frost giant Elakdras tried to freeze this land into a dominion of everlasting ice. He developed a spell of primal cold and tattooed the ritual on his body. Then he sought to ally with the white dragon Challidax\u2014whom the giants call Shivering Death\u2014and win the wyrm's aid in conquering the region. Elakdras never emerged from Shivering Death's lair.\" But Challidax is known to turn her foes into frozen trophies. Elakdras's body\u2014and his ritual\u2014might be preserved in the dragon's lair. Go to Challidax's lair, search for Elakdras's body, and make a copy of the ritual. In return, I'll pay you each 700 Gold Pieces. And should you find the ritual, I'll throw in a magic item from my own adventuring days. What do you say?\"" ] }, "The magic item Grahlista offers is a pair of {@item Boots of the Winterlands|XDMG}. If the characters negotiate for a better reward, Grahlista agrees to give them the boots before they leave but refuses to budge on the amount of gold she offers.", "If the characters agree to aid Grahlista, she shares the following information:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Challidax's Lair", "entry": "The dragon's lair is an extensive network of icy caves two days' journey from Grahlista's home. The terrain around the lair is supernaturally cold, regardless of the season." }, { "type": "item", "name": "A Cruel Dragon", "entry": "Challidax is a cruel and vain white dragon who has terrorized the region for decades. She often freezes foes into gruesome tableaux to commemorate her victories over them." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Safe House", "entry": "Tucked in the crevice between hills, an abandoned cabin stands a half-mile from Challidax's lair. This could serve as a place to rest and prepare to enter the lair." } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Traveling to the Lair", "page": 146, "id": "2f7", "entries": [ "The journey to Challidax's lair proves uneventful. Light flakes fall in the hills that Challidax claims as her territory, encrusting the rocky ground with ice and snow. The change in temperature from the sweltering lands nearby is profound but not a relief.", "On the second day of travel, the characters enter the cold and fog-shrouded area shaped by the magic of Challidax's lair (as described in the {@book Monster Manual|XMM}). The safe house that Grahlista mentioned lies in this area. Characters who seek it find it easily. It contains evidence of past cooking fires and is a safe place to camp.", "When the characters seek out Challidax's lair, they find it with 1 hour of searching near the safe house." ] } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Shivering Death's Lair", "page": 146, "id": "2f8", "entries": [ { "type": "gallery", "images": [ { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/146-map-08.01-shivering-deaths-lair-dm.webp" }, "imageType": "map", "title": "Map 8.1: Shivering Deaths Lair", "credit": "Mike Schley", "width": 3165, "height": 4096, "id": "41a", "grid": { "type": "square", "size": 138, "offsetX": -6, "offsetY": -4, "scale": 4 }, "mapRegions": [ { "area": "33e", "points": [ [ 689, 1136 ], [ 613, 1161 ], [ 468, 1166 ], [ 449, 1165 ], [ 434, 1190 ], [ 404, 1208 ], [ 364, 1218 ], [ 354, 1193 ], [ 344, 1152 ], [ 324, 1137 ], [ 331, 1086 ], [ 366, 1055 ], [ 385, 1037 ], [ 375, 996 ], [ 384, 955 ], [ 370, 902 ], [ 362, 864 ], [ 364, 814 ], [ 377, 765 ], [ 392, 698 ], [ 401, 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"id": "41a" }, "grid": { "type": "square", "size": 138, "offsetX": -6, "offsetY": -4, "scale": 4 } } ] }, "Challidax has inhabited a network of caverns for more than a century. The dragon doesn't make regular visits to all the caves in her lair, so other creatures sometimes sneak in and inhabit them. Challidax eventually destroys these interlopers, but it could be weeks or months before she notices or responds.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Frost Giant Factions", "page": 146, "id": "2f9", "entries": [ "The characters aren't the only ones interested in the frozen corpse. A group of frost giants, led by Elakdras's descendants, recently arrived in Challidax's lair. They hope the heat wave has weakened the dragon enough that they can slay her and recover their honored ancestor's corpse to lay it to rest respectfully. The temptation of Challidax's hoard is further motivation. However, the giants have recently split into two factions, as described below.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Ralvald's Giants", "page": 148, "id": "2fa", "entries": [ "Ralvald was the giants' leader but was recently betrayed by his sister, Aerstigga, who seeks to ally with the dragon to elevate her power. Aerstigga ambushed Ralvald shortly after the group reached the lair, gravely wounding her brother, then moved deeper into the lair with her followers. Three giants remained with Ralvald, stanching his wounds and saving his life.", "Ralvald and his loyal giants occupy the southeastern caverns of the lair (areas {@adventure D3|DrDe-SD|1|D3: Animal Pen}\u2013{@adventure D5|DrDe-SD|1|D5: Ralvald's Retreat}). As the despondent Ralvald nurses his wounds, he considers how to deal with his sister's treachery. Ralvald is willing to talk to the characters and might cooperate with them to defeat the dragon and recover his ancestor's corpse." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Aerstigga's Giants", "page": 148, "id": "2fb", "entries": [ "Aerstigga has been negotiating with Challidax in the dragon's trophy cave (area {@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}). Aerstigga has offered wealth in addition to her loyalty. She has a {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG} that occasionally produces gems and has given the dragon the treasure she had already accumulated. Challidax's greed exceeds Aerstigga's gem supply, however. Aerstigga hides the {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG}'s existence from the dragon, and she experiments with the erratic wand away from Challidax's notice to try to make even more gems. The characters might encounter the strange results in several areas.", "Aerstigga won't parley with the characters, as she wants to show strength in front of Challidax. Aerstigga's followers occupy the west-central portions of the lair (areas {@adventure D10|DrDe-SD|1|D10: Frozen River}, {@adventure D11|DrDe-SD|1|D11: Wolf Ledge}, and {@adventure D14|DrDe-SD|1|D14: Giant Quarters})." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Lair Features", "page": 148, "id": "2fc", "entries": [ "Unless otherwise specified, Challidax's lair has the following features.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Ceilings", "page": 148, "id": "2fd", "entries": [ "Ceilings throughout the lair are 25 feet high in passages and 35 feet high in caves." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Extreme Cold", "page": 148, "id": "2fe", "entries": [ "All areas in the lair are subject to {@hazard extreme cold|XDMG} (see the {@book Dungeon Master's Guide|XDMG})." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Freezing River", "page": 148, "id": "2ff", "entries": [ "A subterranean river flows through several areas in Challidax's lair ({@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}, {@adventure D11|DrDe-SD|1|D11: Wolf Ledge}, {@adventure D10|DrDe-SD|1|D10: Frozen River}, and {@adventure D5|DrDe-SD|1|D5: Ralvald's Retreat}) before cascading over two cliffs and pooling in area {@dice D6}. The river's origin and outflow are underground. The river is 15 feet deep and filled with fat, white fish that many inhabitants of the lair eat.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Breathing", "page": 148, "id": "300", "entries": [ "The river passes underground between areas. A creature that can't breathe water has to hold its breath while passing between areas via the river. The water is iced over in area {@adventure D10|DrDe-SD|1|D10: Frozen River}; see that area for details." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Frigid Water", "page": 148, "id": "301", "entries": [ "The river is considered {@hazard frigid water|XDMG} (see the {@book Dungeon Master's Guide|XDMG})." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Moving in the River", "page": 148, "id": "302", "entries": [ "Swimming in the river requires a successful {@dc 10} Strength ({@skill Athletics|XPHB}) check. The current pushes Large or smaller creatures swimming in it 10 feet farther along its flow at the end of the creature's turn." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Light", "page": 148, "id": "303", "entries": [ "Ice throughout the lair reflects even the smallest light, providing {@variantrule Dim Light|XPHB} throughout. Areas with campfires are bathed in {@variantrule Bright Light|XPHB}." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Lair Locations", "page": 148, "id": "304", "entries": [ "The following locations are keyed to {@adventure Map: Shivering Deaths Lair|DrDe-SD|1|Map: Shivering Deaths Lair}.", { "type": "entries", "name": "D1: Lair Entrance", "page": 148, "id": "305", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 148, "id": "306", "entries": [ "A wide cleft in an icy cliffside marks the entrance to Shivering Death's lair. Frozen bones protrude from snowdrifts outside the cavern entrance." ] }, "The bones are from recently killed animals and human travelers. The bones show gouge marks from teeth the size of daggers. As a {@action Search|XPHB} action, a character can examine the area and make a {@dc 15} Wisdom ({@skill Survival|XPHB}) check. On a success, the character notices days-old, partially concealed boot prints in the snow. These prints are several feet in length and were clearly made by giants, though which type is unclear.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Wyvern Roost", "page": 148, "id": "307", "entries": [ "Four {@creature Wyvern|XMM|Wyverns} dwell on an icy ledge 80 feet above the lair entrance. The ledge blends in from below but is easily noticed from above. These draconic creatures have adapted well to the frigid environment, with white scales and Resistance to Cold damage.", "When the characters arrive, {@dice 1d3} of the wyverns are out hunting. Those that remain in the roost are Indifferent and fight only if the characters make a lot of noise nearby or ascend to the wyverns' roost. If the characters get in a fight here, the hunting wyverns return to the roost and join the fight on Initiative count 0 of the second round (losing ties)." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D2: Remorhaz Trophy", "page": 149, "id": "308", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 149, "id": "309", "entries": [ "The cave splits into two passages on either side of a huge centipede-like monster frozen in a block of ice. Although the beast is positioned within the icy block as though rearing up to strike, severe wounds indicate that it died before being frozen." ] }, "This dead remorhaz is one of Challidax's trophies. It crept into the lair via the underground river, but the dragon caught and vanquished it in the foggy cave (area {@adventure D6|DrDe-SD|1|D6: Foggy Cave}). Challidax relished posing the corpse in the lair entry to scare intruders. If thawed, the dead creature is harmless." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D3: Animal Pen", "page": 149, "id": "30a", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 149, "id": "30b", "entries": [ "A sour smell of old hay and dung fills this cavern. A shaggy mammoth stands placidly in the room chewing on a mound of reeds." ] }, "Not visible until the characters approach the beast, a Neutral {@creature Frost Giant|XMM} named Heldalf sits on a stool behind the {@creature Mammoth|XMM}, combing out the pack animal's tangled fur. Heldalf is Indifferent to the characters and loyal to Ralvald; he feels committed to staying here until Ralvald decides on a course of action. If the characters are aggressive or indicate support of Aerstigga, Heldalf directs his animal companion into battle and fights at its side. Heldalf and his mammoth flee if either of them is reduced to 30 Hit Points or fewer.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Talking with Heldalf", "page": 149, "id": "30c", "entries": [ "If the characters want to converse and know Giant, Heldalf proves chatty. He shares the following information in conversation:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Giants' Arrival", "entry": "A group of frost giants followed their leader, Ralvald, to the dragon's lair to recover the body of Ralvald's ancestor, a powerful druid called Elakdras." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Sibling Betrayal", "entry": "Once in the caves, Ralvald's sister, Aerstigga, betrayed him. She wounded him and vowed to serve Shivering Death. Aerstigga hinted that she had some means to buy her way into the dragon's good graces. The other giants split their loyalties: half of them followed the treacherous Aerstigga, while the other half remained true to Ralvald." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Ralvald's Location", "entry": "Ralvald is contemplating what to do next in a cave to the north. Heldalf thinks the characters, as newcomers, might be of use to Ralvald and suggests they take the narrow northeast passage to meet with him." } ] }, "If the characters don't fight Heldalf but can't converse with him, the giant motions for them to move on, pointing toward the narrow passage to the northeast.", { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/148-08-002.white-dragon-with-mammoth-skull.webp" }, "credit": "Ed Kwong", "width": 850, "height": 2363 } ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D4: Giant Camp", "page": 150, "id": "30d", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 150, "id": "30e", "entries": [ "Heaps of frost-covered furs surround a large cooking fire in this wide alcove. Two hulking, blue-skinned giants tend to the fire and tidy the campsite." ] }, "There is sufficient bedding for four frost giants here.", "Two Neutral {@creature Frost Giant|XMM|Frost Giants}, Ardrandal and Forstrorri, recount stories of long-dead heroes while they maintain the camp here. Both are loyal to Ralvald but grow impatient with his lack of action. They are Indifferent to the characters but leap into battle if threatened.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Talking with the Giants", "page": 150, "id": "30f", "entries": [ "The giants are willing to talk with peaceable characters who know Giant. They relate the same information as Heldalf, but add that they wish Ralvald would give up his impossible quest to defeat Challidax." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D5: Ralvald's Retreat", "page": 150, "id": "310", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 150, "id": "311", "entries": [ "A wide river crosses this cavern, flowing from the west down a passage to the east. The noise of falling water echoes from the eastern passage. A frost giant sits on an icy boulder on the north side of the room, his right hand to his forehead in a pose of evident sorrow." ] }, "The dejected giant is Ralvald, a Lawful Neutral {@creature Frost Giant|XMM} who knows Common as well as Giant. The giant has become so wrapped up in his own troubles that he doesn't notice the characters until they make themselves known to him. Ralvald is Indifferent to the characters and would rather talk than fight.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Talking with Ralvald", "page": 150, "id": "312", "entries": [ "Ralvald treats the characters with respect, assuming only brave adventurers would venture into a dragon's lair. Ralvald provides the same information as Heldalf (area {@adventure D3|DrDe-SD|1|D3: Animal Pen}), plus the following points:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Aerstigga's Plan", "entry": "Ralvald considers his sister's plan to win the dragon's favor a bad one. He doesn't think Challidax will honor any pledges of fealty from Aerstigga, even if Aerstigga tries to buy off the dragon with treasure. He thinks it might be possible to drive a wedge between Aerstigga and the dragon, leaving his sister no option but to flee. Ralvald believes that if she flees, she'll ultimately regret betraying him and make amends." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Potential Ally", "entry": "Ralvald noticed a giant named Enstavva hiding in the icicle-filled cave to the north. Ralvald has always been impressed with Enstavva's wisdom, so he assumes Enstavva has decided to remain neutral in the current conflict. Ralvald doesn't want to pressure her, so he hasn't yet confronted her. (Ralvald doesn't realize Enstavva has been turned to stone, as described in area {@adventure D8|DrDe-SD|1|D8: Icicle Cave}.)" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Ralvald's Goals", "entry": "Ralvald is eager for aid and wants the dragon dead. He would prefer that his sister survive, but he understands that her choices might have serious consequences." } ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Advice for Ralvald", "page": 150, "id": "313", "entries": [ "Ralvald is in dire need of advice. He takes the counsel of any characters who seem genuinely invested in his plight. The characters might discuss these options with him:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Depart the Lair", "entry": "If the characters tell Ralvald he should simply leave with his loyal giants, he sighs and agrees. Within 10 minutes, Ralvald departs with the giants in the animal pen and campsite (areas {@adventure D3|DrDe-SD|1|D3: Animal Pen} and {@adventure D4|DrDe-SD|1|D4: Giant Camp})." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Fight the Dragon", "entry": "As an {@action Influence|XPHB} action, a character can ask Ralvald to help the characters fight Challidax. The character makes a {@dc 16} Charisma ({@skill Persuasion|XPHB}) check. On a success, Ralvald agrees to join the characters in battle against Challidax. On a failure, Ralvald wishes the characters luck but remains in dejected contemplation here. Even if Ralvald agrees to ally with the characters, his frost giant allies in areas {@adventure D3|DrDe-SD|1|D3: Animal Pen} and {@adventure D4|DrDe-SD|1|D4: Giant Camp} refuse to confront the dragon." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Share the Ritual", "entry": "If the characters admit they're after the ritual tattooed on Elakdras's body, Ralvald offers a solution. Ralvald doesn't want the ritual; he wants the body, so he can lay it to rest respectfully. He'll permit them to copy the ritual before he takes the remains." } ] } ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D6: Foggy Cave", "page": 150, "id": "314", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 150, "id": "315", "entries": [ "The subterranean river here plunges in two twenty-foot waterfalls. Icy fog fills the cavern." ] }, "The cave and the passageway are both {@variantrule Heavily Obscured|XPHB} by frigid fog. A strong wind (like that created by {@spell Gust of Wind|XPHB}) disperses the fog, but it returns after 1 minute, spreading from the churning water toppling down the cliffs.", "A character must succeed on a {@dc 15} Strength ({@skill Athletics|XPHB}) check to climb up or down the slippery cliffs. On a failure, the character slips and falls 20 feet.", "When the characters reach the cave at the bottom of the cliffs, read or paraphrase the following description:", { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 151, "id": "316", "entries": [ "Eerie light suffuses the frigid fog with an orange glow. The sound of clicking and scraping, as of scales on stone, echoes through the fog over the noise of falling water." ] }, "Three {@b Young Remorhazes} lurk here\u2014offspring of the adult remorhaz that Challidax killed and put on display near the lair's entry (area {@adventure D2|DrDe-SD|1|D2: Remorhaz Trophy}). The dragon didn't notice the remorhaz eggs, which have now hatched. The remorhazes are Hostile and hungry.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Illusory Wall", "page": 151, "id": "317", "entries": [ "A passage on the western wall, 10 feet above the floor, is hidden behind an illusion of an icy wall. A character who takes a {@action Search|XPHB} action and makes a {@dc 16} Wisdom ({@skill Perception|XPHB}) check notices the concealed passage on a success. This check is made with Disadvantage while fog is present in this room. Gelida (area {@adventure D9|DrDe-SD|1|D9: Concealed Cleft}) can tell the characters exactly where to find the illusion; those who have discussed the hidden passage with her automatically find it." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Treasure", "page": 151, "id": "318", "entries": [ "Shredded scraps of armor and a bloodstained Backpack are the only remains of an explorer who made it this far into the lair. The Backpack contains an emerald-encrusted {@item Shortsword|XPHB} worth 80 GP, 100 feet of Rope, and a {@item Potion of Growth|XDMG}." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D7: Hidden Camp", "page": 151, "id": "319", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 151, "id": "31a", "entries": [ "Ice encrusts this cavern and has crept over what remains of a long-abandoned campsite. A bedroll, a backpack, and cooking implements\u2014all sized for a user around four feet tall\u2014lie encased in ice." ] }, "Years ago, a halfling spellcaster named Deena Finkleton attempted to plunder Challidax's hoard, but she was caught and became one of the dragon's frozen trophies (see area {@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}).", { "type": "entries", "name": "Frozen Gear", "page": 151, "id": "31b", "entries": [ "The Bedroll, Backpack, and cooking implements are Finkleton's remaining equipment and are all encased in ice. The ice encasing them is a Small object with AC 13; HP 10; and Immunity to Cold, Poison, and Psychic damage." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Treasure", "page": 151, "id": "31c", "entries": [ "If they free the Backpack from the ice, the characters can open it, revealing a frozen bottle of Ink, a Pouch containing 62 GP, a Waterskin full of frozen water, a winter coat, and three {@item Potion of Healing|XDMG|Potions of Healing}.", "The cooking implements\u2014an Iron Pot, a ladle, and a small knife\u2014are well made but unremarkable.", "Should the characters free the Bedroll from the ice and search it, within they find a control amulet for a {@creature Shield Guardian|XMM}. The guardian it controls is in the south alcove of the trophy cave (area {@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}). A character who takes a Study action and makes a successful {@dc 16} Intelligence ({@skill Arcana|XPHB}) check knows basic information about this guardian:", { "type": "list", "items": [ "It follows the orders of whoever wears its amulet.", "The amulet's wearer can command the bound guardian to cast the {@spell Fireball|XPHB} spell stored within the Construct." ] } ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D8: Icicle Cave", "page": 151, "id": "31d", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 151, "id": "31e", "entries": [ "Rows of thick icicles\u2014some long enough to connect the icy floor and ceiling\u2014hang in this room like glittering curtains. A path of broken icicles on the ground winds from one exit to the other. A life-size statue of a frost giant woman bearing a look of surprise stands near the southeast exit." ] }, "Characters can move around the icicles or break through them, but the entire area is {@variantrule Difficult Terrain|XPHB}. The statue amid the icicles is a Neutral {@creature Frost Giant|XMM}, Enstavva, with the {@condition Petrified|XPHB} condition.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Releasing Enstavva", "page": 151, "id": "31f", "entries": [ "If the characters end Enstavva's {@condition Petrified|XPHB} condition, she is pensive and Friendly toward anyone who frees her. Enstavva knows Common, Dwarvish, and Giant. She is curious about what brings the characters to the lair and prefers to talk rather than fight.", "Enstavva shares the same information as Heldalf in the animal pen (area {@adventure D3|DrDe-SD|1|D3: Animal Pen}), as well as the following details:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Aerstigga and the Wand", "entry": "Aerstigga is trying to win Challidax's favor using gems she's secretly creating with an erratic magic item called a {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG}. If the dragon knew Aerstigga possessed such a magic item, Enstavva believes Challidax would slay her and take it." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Neutrality", "entry": "Enstavva refused to take sides in the rivalry between Aerstigga and Ralvald, believing it would lead them all to doom." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Petrification", "entry": "Aerstigga followed Enstavva here and turned her to stone using the {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG}." } ] }, "Given the opportunity, Enstavva rejoins Ralvald, either in his retreat (area {@adventure D5|DrDe-SD|1|D5: Ralvald's Retreat}) or by leaving the lair if the giant leader has already departed." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Secret Cleft", "page": 152, "id": "320", "entries": [ "A low, narrow crack to the northeast leads to a cleft (area {@adventure D9|DrDe-SD|1|D9: Concealed Cleft}) partially hidden by the ice. Any character who has a Passive {@skill Perception|XPHB} of 16+ notices the cleft once the character gets within 5 feet of it." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D9: Concealed Cleft", "page": 152, "id": "321", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 152, "id": "322", "entries": [ "The cleft opens into a side cavern that bends to the north. A small, winged creature made of ice lounges in an open metal box that's half filled with crumbled ice." ] }, "The {@creature Ice Mephit|XMM} relaxing here is named Gelida, who knows Common and Primordial. The lair's most tenacious trespasser, she has avoided the dragon for decades.", "Gelida spends a lot of time in her \"ice bath\" and seems surprised when strangers arrive. Indifferent to the characters, she initially pretends to be embarrassed but cackles if any of them seem apologetic or surprised to catch her \"bathing.\" A mean-spirited prankster, Gelida has no wish to fight; she simply hides behind the metal box if the characters start combat.", "Gelida recognizes an opportunity in the characters' arrival. The mephit shares the following information in conversation:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Gelida's Beginnings", "entry": "Gelida has been here for years. She arrived with her conjurer, a halfling spellcaster named Deena Finkleton who came in hopes of stealing the dragon's treasure. Gelida was left here to count the coins her conjurer pilfered, but the halfling never returned." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Hiding from the Dragon", "entry": "Gelida wants nothing to do with the dragon. Challidax doesn't know Gelida is here, and the mephit likes it that way." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Lair Layout", "entry": "Gelida knows the lair's overall layout except for the crystal room (area {@adventure D12|DrDe-SD|1|D12: Crystal Room}), which she doesn't know exists." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Magic Devices", "entry": "Finkleton had several magic devices, including this box, to which Gelida is bound, and a {@creature Shield Guardian|XMM}. Gelida can't leave the box for more than a few minutes before being magically drawn back into it." } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Gelida's Favor", "page": 152, "id": "323", "entries": [ "Gelida wants to leave the lair before Challidax finds and destroys her. Moreover, the mephit is done serving other creatures. She wants freedom from the magic that binds her to the box, or barring that, she wants the autonomy to go where she pleases.", "Gelida hopes to convince the characters to give her control of the {@creature Shield Guardian|XMM} in the trophy cave (area {@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}). Once Gelida has a good rapport with the characters, she reveals that her conjurer controlled the guardian with a magic amulet. The guardian and Finkleton are now frozen trophies in area {@dice D16}, but Gelida knows Finkleton didn't have the guardian's magic amulet when he was frozen.", "Gelida tells the characters the amulet's location (area {@adventure D7|DrDe-SD|1|D7: Hidden Camp}) and even lets them use the Construct to fight Challidax. But before they leave the lair, Gelida wants the amulet so she can use the guardian to carry her box out of the caves and wherever else the mephit pleases. If the characters agree to her terms, she tells them about the illusory wall in the foggy cave (area {@adventure D6|DrDe-SD|1|D6: Foggy Cave}). Gelida knows the guardian's amulet lies hidden in the bedroll in area {@dice D7} but can't retrieve it herself due to her binding (see \"The Box\").", "In the event the characters already have the guardian's amulet, Gelida simply slumps angrily in her box, muttering about disrespectful thieves." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "The Box", "page": 152, "id": "324", "entries": [ "The metal box weighs 150 pounds and has an additional 50 pounds of ice inside it. If the mephit hasn't touched the box for 1 minute, she is magically compelled to return and touch it as swiftly as she can. The binding can be broken by {@spell Dispel Magic|XPHB} cast as a level 6+ spell on the box or by a {@spell Wish|XPHB} or similar magic. The box weighs too much for Gelida to move by herself." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Treasure", "page": 152, "id": "325", "entries": [ "There are 310 SP in the bottom of Gelida's box." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D10: Frozen River", "page": 152, "id": "326", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 152, "id": "327", "entries": [ "This chamber is covered in icy patches, including one span that stretches from the west to the east wall. Two frost giants sit on stools to the north, smashing a large chunk of ice into smaller pieces." ] }, "The two {@creature Frost Giant|XMM|Frost Giants}, Grimvel and Luskegga, are busily destroying the frozen body of an owlbear, which Challidax placed here as a trophy long ago. No one else knows about their casual destruction of the dragon's statue. Both giants are Neutral Evil, loyal to Aerstigga, and openly Hostile; they fight to the death in combat, as they won't entertain the thought that smaller creatures might beat them.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Thin Ice", "page": 152, "id": "328", "entries": [ "The icy patch across the room is a thin crust over the frozen river that flows to Ralvald's retreat (area {@dice D5}; see \"Lair Features\"). A creature with a Passive {@skill Perception|XPHB} of 15+ realizes the perilous nature of the ice.", "Each 10-foot square of ice is a Large object with AC 13; HP 10; and Immunity to Cold, Poison, and Psychic damage. Placing more than 100 pounds on a 10-foot square of ice immediately destroys that section; creatures and objects on that section of ice fall into the river." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Giants' Ruse", "page": 153, "id": "329", "entries": [ "The giants know about the river and try to trick intruders that come from the south. They throw pieces of the broken ice statue from across the river and seek to goad intruders into combat. They guffaw if anyone falls into the river." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Interrogating the Giants", "page": 153, "id": "32a", "entries": [ "Grimvel and Luskegga are unlikely to talk to the characters without first being overcome in a fight. If someone who knows Giant captures or interrogates them, they share the same information as Heldalf (see area {@adventure D3|DrDe-SD|1|D3: Animal Pen}), as well as the following points:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Aerstigga's Followers", "entry": "Grimvel and Luskegga follow the frost giant Aerstigga." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Dragon Ally?", "entry": "Aerstigga has met with Shivering Death. The giant said she'd buy the dragon's favor with lots of gems and the giants' pledge of service." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Secret Wand", "entry": "Aerstigga has a magic wand that makes gems, but only sometimes\u2014it creates strange effects more often, like turning creatures to stone. Aerstigga has been using her wand to make more gems but never where the dragon can observe her. She doesn't want the dragon to know about the wand." } ] } ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D11: Wolf Ledge", "page": 153, "id": "32b", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 153, "id": "32c", "entries": [ "Chunks of ice bob down the river that crosses this cavern. To the river's north rises a wide stone ledge where massive, white-furred wolves prowl. With each breath, the unnaturally large canines exhale clouds of frost into the frigid air." ] }, "Four {@creature Winter Wolf|XMM|Winter Wolves} skulk here along with their handler, a {@creature Troll|XMM} named Shabblejaw wearing heavy furs. The wolves keep watch from the ledge, but Shabblejaw remains out of sight near an open secret door leading to the crystal room (area {@adventure D12|DrDe-SD|1|D12: Crystal Room}).", "These creatures are loyal to Aerstigga, who commanded them to stay here until she needs them. They are Hostile toward intruders. If the party defeats all the wolves, Shabblejaw retreats to area {@adventure D12|DrDe-SD|1|D12: Crystal Room} and closes the secret door behind him.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Ledge", "page": 154, "id": "32d", "entries": [ "The ledge bears five mats of brown, dead grasses where Shabblejaw and the winter wolves sleep. The ledge's slope is {@variantrule Difficult Terrain|XPHB}." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "River", "page": 154, "id": "32e", "entries": [ "The river flows toward area {@adventure D10|DrDe-SD|1|D10: Frozen River} to the east (see \"{@area Lair Features|2fc|x}\")." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Secret Door", "page": 154, "id": "32f", "entries": [ "A section of the northeast wall on the ledge is depressed a few feet. Inspection reveals the wall has a secret door currently standing ajar. When the door is shut, it is hidden ({@dc 18} to find). A creature that saw Shabblejaw disappear through the door has Advantage on a check to find it." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Treasure", "page": 154, "id": "330", "entries": [ "Shabblejaw has a small satchel holding six crystals, each the size of a human thumbnail. These are pieces of the healing crystal in area {@adventure D12|DrDe-SD|1|D12: Crystal Room} that the troll kept for himself. Each bears healing magic, acting as a berry created by the {@spell Goodberry|XPHB} spell. The crystals lose their magic in 12 hours.", { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/149-08-003.winter-wolves-and-troll.webp" }, "credit": "Ed Kwong", "width": 1700, "height": 1252 } ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D12: Crystal Room", "page": 154, "id": "331", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 154, "id": "332", "entries": [ "A crystal the size of a barrel hangs from the ceiling in this room, emitting a calm, blue glow. This room is as cold as the rest of the lair, but the chill air here feels clean and comforting rather than numbing. A precarious tripod of scrap wood reaches twenty feet high, still fifteen feet below the crystal." ] }, "Challidax discovered the magical healing crystal here many years ago and hid it behind a secret door. Shabblejaw (area {@adventure D11|DrDe-SD|1|D11: Wolf Ledge}) found it accidentally and seeks a way to cut the crystal down to earn Aerstigga's favor. He's been using scraps of wood to create a makeshift ladder to reach the crystal. The troll has managed to break off a few tiny pieces that he keeps in the satchel he carries with him.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Healing Crystal", "page": 154, "id": "333", "entries": [ "The crystal is a natural, magical growth hanging from the ceiling, which is 40 feet above the floor. The crystal sheds {@variantrule Dim Light|XPHB} in a 15-foot radius. A creature that touches the crystal receives a surge of positive energy and regains 70 Hit Points. The crystal grants this healing three times each day, regaining all uses at the next dawn. The light fades from the crystal after it has expended its healing energy for the day." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Rickety Tripod", "page": 154, "id": "334", "entries": [ "Shabblejaw's tripod is 20 feet tall. A creature must succeed on a {@dc 14} Strength ({@skill Athletics|XPHB}) check to climb the tripod. On a failure, the creature falls 20 feet." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D13: Experimentation Room", "page": 154, "id": "335", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 154, "id": "336", "entries": [ "Several passages with natural stairs lead out of this cavern. The floor is covered in bright green grass and dozens of dead butterflies. The sharp smell of ozone hangs in the air; it's strongest near scorch marks along the walls." ] }, "This chamber is currently empty, but it contains several after effects of Aerstigga's reckless use of her {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG}, such as the out-of-place grass and the charring from past {@spell Lightning Bolt|XPHB} spells.", "If the characters are particularly noisy here, Luskar the {@creature Frost Giant|XMM} and his pet {@creature Rhinoceros|XMM} come to investigate from their quarters (area {@adventure D14|DrDe-SD|1|D14: Giant Quarters}), ready for a fight." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D14: Giant Quarters", "page": 154, "id": "337", "entries": [ "If Luskar and his rhinoceros are encountered in area {@adventure D13|DrDe-SD|1|D13: Experimentation Room} instead of here, omit them from the following boxed text when describing this area:", { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 154, "id": "338", "entries": [ "Tattered furs line the floor of this cavern. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, turned partially away from the entrance, is a frost giant covered in small green leaves that sprout from his skin. Beside him, a shaggy rhinoceros calmly grazes on these leaves. Several enormous cloaks and helms hang on hooks pounded into the frozen stone walls." ] }, "Although there's enough room for several frost giants to rest here, only one is present. Luskar (Neutral {@creature Frost Giant|XMM}) sprouted greenery when Aerstigga used her {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG} nearby. The wand also conjured the {@creature Rhinoceros|XMM}; Luskar has named the beast Grom and is training it to fight alongside him.", "Luskar isn't expecting intruders. If the characters make themselves known, he proves Hostile, grabbing his weapons and commanding his pet into battle with him. Luskar isn't as fanatical as the others who follow Aerstigga; he surrenders and calls off his pet if he or the rhino is Bloodied.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Talking with Luskar", "page": 154, "id": "339", "entries": [ "If defeated or otherwise coerced into talking, Luskar shares the same information as Grimvel and Luskegga (see area {@adventure D10|DrDe-SD|1|D10: Frozen River}). Luskar then wants to leave the lair, preferably with his pet." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D15: Frozen Corpses", "page": 155, "id": "33a", "entries": [ { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 155, "id": "33b", "entries": [ "Most of this cave is filled with ice. Five human corpses are dimly visible, each frozen deep within an icy pillar. Each corpse has a weapon raised and wears a look of rage. A campfire flickers on the ground between the frozen figures, somehow burning on the bare cave floor." ] }, "Challidax ambushed five would-be dragon slayers here, freezing them to death before they could do more than raise their weapons. Their restless spirits linger here as five {@creature Ghost|XMM|Ghosts}. The spirits are Chaotic Neutral. They emerge from their frozen corpses if the pillars entombing them are touched or damaged.", "The spirits are Hostile toward other creatures and can't rest until Challidax is slain. If a ghost possesses a creature, that creature heads directly to the trophy cave (area {@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave}) and tries to slay the dragon.", "As an {@action Influence|XPHB} action, a character can try to calm the spirits and make a {@dc 16} Charisma ({@skill Persuasion|XPHB}) check. On a success, the ghosts stand down and explain their hatred for Challidax.", "The ghosts can leave this chamber only while possessing another creature. If the possession ends, the ghost reappears in area {@adventure D15|DrDe-SD|1|D15: Frozen Corpses}.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Flame", "page": 155, "id": "33c", "entries": [ "The flame at the room's center is a heatless, illusory manifestation of the spirits' hatred. If the spirits are put to rest, the flame vanishes." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Treasure", "page": 155, "id": "33d", "entries": [ "Each of the five icy pillars is a Large object with AC 13; HP 30; and {@variantrule Immunity|XPHB} to Cold, Poison, and Psychic damage. Breaking them releases the corpses within. Two of the bodies possess silver armbands worth 300 GP each, and another holds a {@item Berserker Axe|XDMG}. The bodies' other gear is worthless." ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "D16: Trophy Cave", "page": 155, "id": "33e", "entries": [ { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/150-08-003.shield-guardian-body-language.webp" }, "credit": "Ed Kwong", "width": 1700, "height": 1251 }, { "type": "insetReadaloud", "page": 155, "id": "33f", "entries": [ "A river churning with ice chunks flows at the west end of this enormous cavern, running amid heaps of coins covering the frozen stone floor. Around the cavern's perimeter yawn four broad alcoves, each plugged with a block of ice entombing a frozen creature.\"Worthless glass!\" comes a voice like a splitting glacier. At the room's center, a towering white dragon lets a rain of colored gems drop from between its claws. \"Your offerings are as vain as your promises to serve!\"A frost giant with a mighty axe scowls as she watches the gems scatter." ] }, "Challidax, an {@creature Adult White Dragon|XMM}, is bargaining with the {@creature Frost Giant|XMM} Aerstigga. The pair are having a contentious discussion about how Aerstigga and the giants who serve her could prove useful to the white dragon. Should they notice intruders, though, both are Hostile, and Challidax commands Aerstigga to prove her worth. The giant rushes to engage interlopers and won't surrender or flee while Challidax is present.", { "type": "entries", "name": "Aerstigga", "page": 155, "id": "340", "entries": [ "Aerstigga knows Common and Giant, and she carries a {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG}, although she won't display or use it in Challidax's presence." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Challidax", "page": 155, "id": "341", "entries": [ "Challidax hangs back to evaluate both Aerstigga and the invaders. The dragon doesn't join the fray until she herself takes damage or Aerstigga is defeated, though it's possible for the characters to turn Challidax against her giant ally (see \"Challidax's Rage\" below). Once engaged in combat, Challidax is ruthless; she doesn't care if she harms Aerstigga in her attempts to defeat the characters.", "If Challidax is reduced to fewer than 100 Hit Points, she dives into the frozen river. She makes her way to the healing crystal in the crystal room (area {@adventure D12|DrDe-SD|1|D12: Crystal Room}), then tries to ambush the characters elsewhere in her lair." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Challidax's Rage", "page": 155, "id": "342", "entries": [ "Aerstigga and her giants have not been good guests in Challidax's lair. A character can take an Influence action and present evidence that Aerstigga and her followers have despoiled the lair or lied to the dragon. The following evidence captures Challidax's attention:", { "type": "list", "items": [ "Part of the frozen owlbear the giants broke in area {@adventure D10|DrDe-SD|1|D10: Frozen River}", "Pieces of the broken healing crystal from area {@adventure D11|DrDe-SD|1|D11: Wolf Ledge}", "The {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG} Aerstigga has been hiding or evidence of its use, such as grass pulled from area {@adventure D13|DrDe-SD|1|D13: Experimentation Room} or the {@creature Rhinoceros|XMM} from area {@adventure D14|DrDe-SD|1|D14: Giant Quarters}" ] }, "If the characters present at least two pieces of evidence to Challidax, she turns on Aerstigga. Once Aerstigga is defeated, the dragon allows the characters to depart her lair as thanks before leaving to hunt the other giants and their allies in her lair.", "Should Challidax find that the characters have pilfered any of her trophies or treasures, she revokes her mercy and hunts them down to take revenge." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "River", "page": 155, "id": "343", "entries": [ "The river running through this room flows south to the chamber with the ledge (area {@adventure D11|DrDe-SD|1|D11: Wolf Ledge}; see \"{@area Lair Features|2fc|x}\")." ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Trophies", "page": 155, "id": "344", "entries": [ "The alcoves here each contain a creature Challidax defeated and froze in ice. The creatures within are visible, but the ice around each is a Huge object with AC 13; HP 50; and {@variantrule Immunity|XPHB} to Cold, Poison, and Psychic damage. The trophies are as follows:", { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Northeast Alcove", "entry": "This alcove contains the heavily scarred corpse of an abominable yeti. The yeti's left eye is a diamond worth 4,000 GP." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Northwest Alcove", "entry": "This alcove contains the corpse of an enormous chimera in a ferocious pose." }, { "type": "item", "name": "South Alcove", "entry": "This alcove contains the corpse of a halfling frozen to a Large, knight-like statue. If freed, the statue animates, revealing itself to be a {@creature Shield Guardian|XMM} with a {@spell Fireball|XPHB} spell (level 4 version) stored. Unless it receives other commands from someone bearing the magic amulet it's bonded to (see area {@adventure D7|DrDe-SD|1|D7: Hidden Camp}), the guardian fights the closest creature as it continues trying to protect its former controller, the halfling Deena Finkleton." }, { "type": "item", "name": "Southwest Alcove", "entry": "This alcove contains the frozen corpse of the frost giant druid Elakdras. Once it's removed from the ice, the magical tattoos on the body are plainly visible. With 10 minutes of work, any character can copy the tattooed symbols using any appropriate recording implements, such as {@item Ink|XPHB}, an {@item Ink Pen|XPHB}, and a sheet of {@item Parchment|XPHB}." } ] } ] }, { "type": "entries", "name": "Treasure", "page": 156, "id": "345", "entries": [ "Challidax's hoard includes the following treasure:", { "type": "list", "items": [ "100 PP, 12,000 SP, and 200,000 CP (total value of 4,200 GP)", "295 small gems in total (worth 1 GP each)", "Platinum torc (worth 250 GP)", "Two silver chalices (worth 120 GP each)", "{@item Bead of Force|XDMG}", "Aerstigga keeps her {@item Wand of Wonder|XDMG} concealed within her clothing, where Challidax can't observe it. If she doesn't pull it out during the fight, anyone searching her body discovers it." ] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Conclusion", "page": 156, "id": "346", "entries": [ "Once the characters recover the ritual from Elakdras's corpse, they can return to Grahlista and attempt to break the oppressive heat wave. The frost giant's ritual requires at least four participants, takes a full day to perform, and consumes 1,000 GP of rare moss and crystals. Grahlista covers the cost of materials and leads the ritual, though she asks willing characters to participate.", "Soon after the ritual's completion, a welcome rain begins falling, and the heat wave breaks. The locals are overjoyed and host a celebration for the characters. Within a few days, the region's weather returns to normal, thanks to the characters' daring.", { "type": "entries", "name": "A Remarkable Reward", "page": 157, "id": "347", "entries": [ "If Challidax was slain during the adventure, the region around the dragon's lair rapidly thaws. Grahlista and an accomplished blacksmith named Tafarge make the characters an offer: if the characters give the pair all the coins from Challidax's lair (to disperse among the locals), the dragon's body, and three months, Grahlista and Tafarge promise to make the party a remarkable reward. The two won't say what or push the matter, but if the characters agree, hold up their end of the bargain, and return after three months, the pair give the party a {@item Frost Brand|XDMG} with Shivering Death's visage sculpted into the pommel. The magic weapon is a type of weapon used by a party member of your choice.", { "type": "inset", "name": "Foreshadowed Flames", "page": 157, "id": "348", "entries": [ "The origins of the heat wave in this adventure remain purposely vague. The scorching weather could be a natural occurrence, but more sinister forces could play a part. If you want to link the heat wave to other threats, add evidence to the trophy cave (area {@adventure D16|DrDe-SD|1|D16: Trophy Cave})." ] }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/151-08-004.white-dragon-in-flight.webp" }, "credit": "Ed Kwong", "width": 850, "height": 1023 } ] } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "History of White Dragons", "page": 139, "id": "349", "entries": [ "{@font AUSSIR DARASTRIX|languages/XPHB/Draconic/Iokharik-v2.woff2}", { "type": "insetReadaloud", "id": "34a", "entries": [ "A single horn supporting a crest behind the head is the consistent, defining characteristic of the white dragon through the years\u2014combined with a snarling appearance attesting to its ferocity." ] }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/152-08-006.white-dragon-destroys-ship.webp" }, "title": "Dragons of Ice (1985)", "credit": "Larry Elmore", "width": 879, "height": 850 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/153-08-007.white-dragon-1993.webp" }, "title": "Monstrous Manual (1993)", "credit": "Mark A. Nelson", "width": 832, "height": 1006 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/154-08-008.white-dragon-1977.webp" }, "title": "Monster Manual (1977)", "credit": "David C. Sutherland", "width": 684, "height": 852 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/155-08-009.white-dragon-draconomicon.webp" }, "title": "Draconomicon (2003)", "credit": "Richard Sardinha", "width": 1320, "height": 1874 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/156-08-010.white-dragon-mtg.webp" }, "title": "Adventures in the Forgotten Realms (2021)", "credit": "Simon Dominic", "width": 744, "height": 1040 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/157-08-011.white-dragon-anatomy.webp" }, "title": "Draconomicon (2003)", "credit": "Todd Lockwood", "width": 850, "height": 403 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/158-08-012.white-dragon-2014.webp" }, "title": "Monster Manual (2014)", "credit": "Lars Grant-West", "width": 850, "height": 473 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/159-08-013.white-dragon-2008.webp" }, "title": "Monster Manual (2008)", "credit": "Lars Grant-West", "width": 1700, "height": 1169 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/160-08-014.white-dragon-2023.webp" }, "title": "Concept Art (2023)", "credit": "Alexander Ostrowski", "width": 1837, "height": 1700 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/161-08-016.white-dragon-2025.webp" }, "title": "Monster Manual (2025)", "credit": "Vance Kovacs", "width": 1700, "height": 1100 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/162-08-015.white-dragon-wips.webp" }, "title": "Concept Art (2023)", "credit": "John Grello", "width": 1700, "height": 387 } ] } ] }, { "type": "section", "name": "Credits", "page": 2, "id": "40b", "entries": [ { "type": "list", "style": "list-hang-notitle", "columns": 2, "items": [ { "type": "item", "name": "Lead Designers:", "entry": "Amanda Hamon, James Wyatt" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Designers:", "entry": "Justice Ramin Arman, Makenzie De Armas, Anthony Joyce-Rivera, Renee Knipe, Ron Lundeen, Christopher Perkins, Patrick Renie, Erin Roberts, F. Wesley Schneider, Carl Sibley, Jason Tondro, Steve Townshend" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Rules Developers:", "entry": "Makenzie De Armas (lead), Jeremy Crawford, Ron Lundeen" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Editors:", "entry": "Judy Bauer (lead), Emma Candon, Sadie Lowry, Hannah Rose, Sue Weinlein, Hans Ziegler" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Art Directors:", "entry": "Matt Cole (lead), Fury Galluzzi, Josh Herman, Kate Irwin, Emi Tanji" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Graphic Designers:", "entry": "Matt Cole, Paolo Vacala" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Cover Illustrators:", "entry": "Justine Jones, Greg Staples" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Interior Illustrators:", "entry": "Tom Babbey, Daren Bader, Clyde Caldwell, Chippy, Simon Dominic, Jeff Easley, Luke Eidenschink, Larry Elmore, Jason A. Engle, Lars Grant-West, John Grello, Johan Grenier, Justine Jones, Andrew Kolb, Vance Kovacs, Andrey Kuzinskiy, Ed Kwong, Todd Lockwood, Antonio José Manzanedo, Dominik Mayer, Caio Monteiro, Martin Mottet, Jodie Muir, Mark A. Nelson, Alexander Ostrowski, Keith Parkinson, Anna Podedworna, Steve Prescott, Chris Rallis, Joshua Raphael, Richard Sardinha, Chris Seaman, Rudy Siswanto, Craig J Spearing, Ron Spencer, Leroy Steinmann, Zack Stella, Matt Stewart, Matt Stikker, David C. Sutherland, Autumn Rain Turkel, Paolo Vacala, Svetlin Velinov, Raoul Vitale, Jabari Weathers, Campbell White" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Cartographers:", "entry": "Francesca Baerald, Jared Blando, CoupleOfKooks, Andrew Kolb, Dyson Logos, Damien Mammoliti, Mike Schley, Paolo Vacala" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Consultants:", "entry": "Shawn Banerjee, Eytan Bernstein, Daniel Delgado, Sameer Joseph" }, { "type": "item", "name": "Producers:", "entry": "Rob Hawkey (lead), Bill Benham, Siera Bruggeman, Vanessa Hoskins" } ] }, "{@i This book is dedicated to Christopher Perkins for his decades of contributions to Dungeons & Dragons.}", { "type": "gallery", "images": [ { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/199-11-001.title-splash.webp" }, "credit": "Alexander Ostrowski", "width": 850, "height": 963 } ] }, { "type": "gallery", "images": [ { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/200-11-002.traditional-cover.webp" }, "title": "On the Cover: Three brave adventurers face the unknown dangers presented by the five kinds of chromatic dragons in this dramatic poster image by Greg Staples.", "width": 850, "height": 951 }, { "type": "image", "href": { "type": "internal", "path": "adventure/DrDe/201-11-003.alt-cover.webp" }, "title": "On the Alt-Cover: Justine Jones presents a psychedelic scene of dragon-filled dreams.", "width": 850, "height": 951 } ] } ] } ] }