One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.” -Hunter S. Thompson


Sunday, May 28, 2017

Hommlet: Deathcaps & Druid Groves

In the Temple of Elemental Evil Gygax wrote “If [the heroes] need more seasoning before continuing to the greater challenges, you may – and should – design and develop other adventures in the area”. Thus, this entry in my series on Ultimate Greyhawk. Much like how comics and movies will reboot a franchise with a new take on an old concept, this is my personal re-imagining of the Greyhawk Campaign Setting beginning with the venerable town of Hommlet. 

The following location is numbered based on how it appears on the map of the village of Hommlet found in T1-4: The Temple of Elemental Evil. You can see the rest of the entries in the Ultimate Greyhawk sidebar of the blog.

What mysteries await in Jaroo's Grove?

24. The Druid's Grove

Jaroo Ashstaff is an agent of the Gnarly Wood Druid Circle. Jaroo lives in town for two main purposes. First and foremost, he seeks to protect the townsfolk from the depredations of the land and provide spiritual guidance of the Oerth-Mother. Second he acts as a spy for his Druid Circle, reporting back all he hears about the goings on in the area and in particular about the Temple. He lives in the grove with his huge black bear companion, Mikmak. Everyone who comes to the grove must make an offering (a couple of gold pieces) which Jaroo uses to provide for any needy villagers.

Adventure Seed: Scouting Mission

Jaroo may ask the characters to investigate a variety of things for him. This could be a mission to the Moathouse or the Temple itself.

Adventure Seed: Against the Twilight Druid Circle

A faction of rival druids, known as the Twilight Druid Circle has been plotting in the area. These Druids make their lair in an enchanted underground forest. It was in this otherworldly local that their leader discovered a unique Tree Blight (Curse of Strad, p. 230). Now these Evil Druids plot against the surface, spreading the diseased plants monstrosities known as Blights (MM 31). This seed was inspired by the Sunless Citadel adventure. You can find the 5th edition version in Tales from the Yawning portal and would make a great introductory adventure. Replace the patron Kerowyn Hucrele with the Silvercrown Family.

Adventure Seed: The Deathcap Epidemic

Some kind of disease is spreading across the land and infecting animals and people alike. It manifests as a small mushroom like growth. The growth is black and red mottled in colour and is painful when removed from the body. It slowly drives the infected creature mad. What is the source of this foul plague? Servants of Zuggttmoy or something else even more foul?

Adventure Seed: The Druid Gates

All around the Flanaess standing stones can be found. These sites are often used for religious ceremonies, but a secret purpose exists. The Ur-Flan used these stones as gates to travel from place to place rapidly. Additionally, they could be used to summon entities from beyond. Sometimes when the stars align they open all by themselves…

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