Adventure Overview
In "The Eye of Despair," the adventurers must infiltrate the lair of Xalathar the Malevolent, a powerful beholder who has been terrorizing the region. Xalathar has allied with various lesser creatures to defend his domain, creating a complex and perilous dungeon filled with traps, puzzles, and deadly foes. The adventurers must navigate this labyrinth, overcome Xalathar’s minions, and
Adventure Title: The Eye of Despair
Adventure Overview
In "The Eye of Despair," adventurers must infiltrate the lair of Xalathar the Malevolent, a powerful beholder who has been terrorizing the region. Xalathar has allied with various lesser creatures to defend his domain, creating a complex and perilous dungeon filled with traps, puzzles, and deadly foes. The adventurers must navigate this labyrinth, overcome Xalathar’s minions, and ultimately face the beholder in a climactic battle.
Adventure Hook
The town of Eldrath has been plagued by strange disappearances and sightings of monstrous creatures. Desperate for help, the town's mayor, Elara Windrunner, calls upon the adventurers to investigate. The party learns that Xalathar, a notorious beholder, has established a lair in the nearby abandoned mines, using his minions to abduct townsfolk for sinister purposes.
Key Locations and Encounters
1. The Abandoned Mines Entrance
As the adventurers approach the mines, they encounter a group of goblins patrolling the entrance. These goblins are Xalathar's scouts, tasked with keeping intruders at bay.
- Goblins (6): Armed with shortbows and scimitars.
- Tactics: The goblins will try to ambush the party, using the rocky terrain for cover.
2. The Trapped Tunnel
Inside the mines, the adventurers find a long tunnel filled with traps set by Xalathar's kobold servants. The tunnel is dark and filled with hidden pitfalls, tripwires, and dart traps.
- Kobold Trapmasters (4): Hiding in the shadows, ready to spring additional traps.
- Puzzle: The party must carefully navigate the tunnel, disarming traps as they go. A successful Perception or Investigation check (DC 15) will help spot traps, while a successful Thieves' Tools check (DC 13) can disarm them.
3. The Underground Lake
Beyond the tunnel, the adventurers reach an underground lake. The water is murky, and a rickety wooden bridge spans the lake, leading to the next area. However, lurking beneath the surface are several aggressive giant toads.
- Giant Toads (3): These creatures will attempt to pull adventurers into the water.
- Tactics: The toads will use their Sticky Tongue attack to grab and pull characters off the bridge.
4. The Fungus Forest
Crossing the lake, the adventurers enter a cavern filled with bioluminescent fungi. This area is inhabited by myconids and darkmantles, creating a dangerous yet enchanting environment.
- Myconid Adults (4) and Myconid Sovereign (1): They try to protect their territory from intruders.
- Darkmantles (3): These creatures will drop from the ceiling, attempting to smother the adventurers.
- Tactics: The myconids will use their Rapport Spores to communicate and coordinate attacks, while the darkmantles will rely on their Darkness Aura to create confusion.
5. The Beholder's Chamber
At the heart of the lair, the adventurers find Xalathar’s chamber, a vast cavern with a central dais surrounded by treasure piles and bones. Xalathar hovers above, his many eyes glaring malevolently.
- Xalathar the Malevolent (Beholder): The final boss, using his eye rays to devastating effect.
- Minions: Xalathar is accompanied by two ogres and four goblin archers.
- Tactics: Xalathar will use his Anti-Magic Cone strategically, aiming to neutralize the party’s spellcasters. The ogres will act as brute enforcers, while the goblin archers provide ranged support.
Conclusion
Upon defeating Xalathar, the adventurers can claim his hoard of treasure, including magical items, gold, and precious gems. They also find evidence of his plans and a list of other potential targets, providing hooks for future adventures. The townsfolk of Eldrath celebrate the party's victory, and Mayor Elara rewards them handsomely for their bravery.
Rewards
- Gold and Gems: Worth a total of 2,000 GP.
- Magical Items: Choose three from the following list: Wand of Fireballs, Cloak of Protection, Ring of Spell Storing, Boots of Elvenkind.
- Experience Points: Award experience for each encounter, plus a bonus for completing the adventure.
"The Eye of Despair" is an adventure designed to challenge and thrill players, combining strategic combat, intricate traps, and a climactic battle with one of D&D’s most iconic monsters. Prepare your wits and your weapons, and may your adventurers emerge victorious from the depths of Xalathar’s lair!