From the Shadows (Ravenloft module RQ3) 1560763566

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L By Bruce Nesmith ADVANCED DUNGEONS G DRAGONS, ADGD, GREYHAWK, WORLD OF GREYHAWK, and RAVENLOFT are registered trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. The TSR logo is a trademark owned by TSR, Inc. "1992 TSR, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. All TSR characters, character names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. Random House and its affiliate companies have worldwide distribution rights in the book trade for English language products of TSR, Inc. Distributed to the toy and hobby trade by regional distributors. Distributed to the book and hobby trade in the United Kingdom by TSR, Ltd. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written consent of TSR, Inc. ISBN 1-56076-356-6

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Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Shadowy Beginnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Bodyandsoul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 TwistedSchemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 CastleAvernus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 55 Culmination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BookofFiranZal’Honan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Player Handouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Castle Ravenloft Record Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Credits Design: Bruce Nesmith Editing: Anne Brown Cover Art: Clyde Caldwell Black and White Art: Robert Klasnich Typography: Gaye OKeefe Cartography: Dave Sutherland Production: Paul Hanchette

A I.

he foreboding mists of Ravenloft open their clammy, sinister arms to the unwary traveler. Though you try to escape their cold embrace, it is not possible. The demiplane of dread plays its own game by its own rules. Strahd Von Zarooich, first lord of Ravenloft, spins his plots in distant Barouia. Nearer at hand, his nemesis Azalin the lich does L,nruWZ. tw deadly spiders, trapped within theu own webs, hey dance around one anothec waiting to deliue the poisoned bite. This adventur is for four to six characters of 9th to 12th level. Magical weapons will be vital to their success. From the Sha ows serves a dual role. First and foremost, it is an adventure. Secondly, it holds a complet description of Castle Avernus, the home of Az lin the archlich and ruler of Darkon. Even a ter the adventure has been enjoyed, this pr duct can serve as an accessory detailing Azalin s castle and revealing many important facet of his existence. The DM shou d be certain to read this entire adventure befoqe beginning play. The DM might also wish to rev ew the entries on Darkon and Azalin from the R A V E N L O V boxed set, the Headless Horse an entry from the Darklords sourcebook. an the passages describing Hyskosa's prop ecy of the Grand Conjunction in the adventur Touch ofDeath. This adventu e is the first of two linked adventures. Th sequel is entitled Roots of Evil. From the Shad ws supplies an optional ending to allow it to b played by itself. Although it is not necessary t follow it with Roots of Evil, we recommend yo1 do so.

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foar 8r Horror Checks Fear and horror checks are always optional. If one is called for,it is recommended that the DM allow the players a few moments to decide upon a reaction. If a character's reaction shows good role-playing of fear andlor horror, then the DM might allow that character to skip the check. If a character acts nonchalant or cavalier in the face of horror, then apply the check. Any player who does a good job of role-playing may be able to play the entire adventure without making fear or horror checks. He will remain in control of his character as long as his character acts appropriately. If the player does not do a good job of role-playing, then the dice will make decisions for him. He must make fear and horror checks and may suffer the consequences for them. It is possible that he will lose control of his character (failed fear or horror checks) for short periods of time.

'or this Adu few things the DM should prepare. Several handouts are included at the back of this booklet. Copies of the Castle Ravenloft Record Sheet should be made, and the DM may wish to photocopy the map on the inside cover. For the encounters within Castle Ravenloft, the DM will need to have several low level characters ready. The DM can have the players roll up these characters at the beginning of the adventure if desired; this will not harm the adventure. Two characters, one of 2nd level and one of 3rd level, should be prepared for each player in the group. They must all be human, but can be of any character class. The characters' classes need not match the class of the PC. For example, a player with a priest character at the beginning of the adventure might play a fighter for the later encounter. None of these characters needs to be comolete. Thev will be used onlv for a short time'before dvino horriblv. The details of each