DLK-20-01

DLK-20-01

Just as all hope was lost, the City of Arnum finds itself in a strange new land. The citizens rejoiced as the worst seemed to be over. Now however, a new evil rises and soon may destroy not just Arnum, but their new homeland as well.

Copyright: David L Kendig III
Published: Me
Printed: in Color
Credit: Very little
Text: Legible
Playtesters:

This is an introductory adventure in the lands of the Black Sun. Following in the traditions of Isekai Anime, the player characters start life in another land and through the dark sorceries of the Litch Queen are dragged into her domain.

PART 01: Read the following paragraphs aloud to your players.

“You find yourselves sitting solemnly in the tap room of the Fancy Dragon's Inn.
The band, who's lively beats from a fortnight ago had once filled you with joy, has since been replaced by what sounds little better than a funeral dirge.
Soft sobbing can be heard from the corner as you consume your beer preserved water ration. 

Only a couple of weeks ago the City of Arnum was alive with the celebratory sounds of citizens and foreigners alike as the Summer Solstice graced the lands.
Lord Janus of House Arn had, in his historically grandiose fashion, spared no expense in making the festivities of such a magnitude to draw crowds from across the region.

It seemed like a good idea at the time to perform what had effectively become the yearly pilgrimage to Arnum, despite the growing rumor of the specter of war on the frontier.
After all, Arnum was so deep inside the core of the Empire, who could believe that any ill-boding could threaten the city.

While you were enjoying the Solstice Festival, a mysterious barbarian warlord called Memnon laid siege to the ill prepared city.
The city has now been under constant bombardment, its once magnificent edifices now lay in ruins as those now trapped inside wait pensively for the final assault.

A Sargent from the City Watch enters the Fancy Dragon with some dire news, massive siege engines have been sighted in the distance and are quickly closing in on the city.
He begins to press the patrons into service as part of a rear guard for Memnon's imminent breach into the city...”

As the players gain control of their characters the DM will have to be prepared approach the following situation in an ad hoc manner. The City Watch is trying to press any able body they can find into service. The DM should try and prevent the players from getting into a fight with the City Watch but it is up to the players if they want to go with them or not.

If the players want to hide from the City Watch the DM should make it relatively easy to do so as their focus is on speed rather than efficiency. If the players end up attacking the City Watch the watch should be inclined to retreat

CITY GUARD CR 1/3
XP 135
Male human warrior 2
N Medium humanoid (human)
Init +4; Senses Perception +3

DEFENSE
AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15 (+5 armor)
Fort +3, Ref +0, Will +1

OFFENSE
Speed 20 ft.
Melee halberd +4 (1d10+1/×3) or sap +3 (1d6+1 nonlethal)
Ranged light crossbow +2 (1d8/19–20)

STATISTICS
Str 13, Dex 11, Con 10, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 11
Base Atk +2; CMB +3; CMD 13
Feats Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (halberd)
Skills: Intimidate +5, Perception +3
Languages: Common
NPC gear: masterwork scale mail, halberd, light crossbow with 20 bolts, sap, bullseye lantern, manacles, signal whistle, other treasure

NPC HP TRACKER Sargent □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Watch 01 □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Watch 02 □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Watch 03 □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Watch 04 □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Whether the players go with the City Watch or not they will likely be out on the streets or at some point. Where does not particularly matter but try to make it somewhere such as a market where a relatively open space is available to run the players first true combat encounter. Several Skeletons will shamble out from the shadows and attack the players.

If the players are with the City Watch, have the Skeletons ambush and outright kill the watch so it is a fight just between the PC’s and the Skeleton horde.

“The ground begins to shake violently around you. The already dark skies of evening twilight and of burning fires goes completely black.
The only light available to you during this strange upheaval is the ghostly blue of a strange fairy dust that begins to envelope everything around you.
A sound akin to breaking glass pierces your mind and becomes unbearably louder. The world goes black and you lose consciousness.

You awake to the warm embrace of a noon summer sun on your skin.
The damage to the city caused by the siege remains exactly as it was but wildlife can be seen and heard around you as if the city had been abandoned for years.”