Greetings,

Here is an idea for an adventure I am hoping to run in the near future, I just wanted to get some tips and ideas to better the adventure. Its a long read, but in the end I would appreciate your assistance.


Glaurung’s Ire:

Synopsis:

Act 1.

At the behest of Cirran son of Cirdol –a prominent merchant within Dale, has obliged the characters to locate the whereabouts of a merchant caravan that was last headed towards the Southern realms of Rhovaion and Rohan beyond, by taking a Northern route around the expanse of Mirkwood. They carried a heavy iron wrought chest that was particularly very dear to him. In short in the midst of an ill fog, the caravan is discovered within the eve of Mirkwood, its passenger’s slaughtered and the remnants of the cargo and caravans shattered. Cirran’s chest is not to be found. Orkish involvement is easily ascertained.

The journey leads the characters into the Northern depths of Mirkwood. Amongst ruins of a long forgotten tower, the players are encountered by Orcs who engage in battle. It should be obvious to the characters as they fight that the Orcs are fatigued and wounded. The characters discern information from the Orcs, it is revealed that they did not attack the caravan (initially), but were ambushed by Men who HAD committed the deed. As they retreated into the depths of Mirkwood they returned to their camp -the ruined tower. It was there they realized their leader Sharku was missing and they fell into argument and fighting. Sharku eventually appeared some time later, emerging from a heavy fog, and he slew his own folk, until upon one he took a spoil of battle, a heavy iron wrought chest and retreated into the fog.

Returning to Dale to speak with Cirran about the unfortunate events, the characters learn that Ciran has left Dale under mysterious circumstances. After some investigation, the characters are approached by guards who inquire of Cirran and the characters involvement. After some discussion the guards infrom the characters that they are associates of Josur and invite them to speak with him. Josur, bed ridden and a bit crazed, was found dying within the Mirkwoods by the Wood Elves, and it was they who returned him safely to Dale.
Josur, a scholar, had come upon information regarding the Ered Mithrin and the fall of a Dwarven stronghold known as Shaturgathol. He relates that in his time he pursued the information, eager to learn of all that he could, and that eventually he journeyed into the desolate and nefarious mountains, seeking the fortress. The crazed Josur relates how disastrous his adventure was, and how he lost a very dear friend to him. In the end Josur reveals that the treasure within the chest is the key to discovering the passage to the entrance of Shaturgathol. He denies knowing how Cirran came to know of the key.

Act 2.

Coming upon information of the of Shaturgathol, the characters are imposed upon by Josur with the task of obtaining the key from the Orc Sharku. He bade them speak with the Wood Elves for information; considering they reign within the area Sharku was last seen or the Dwarves for more information on the exact of Shaturgathol. Either choice shall lead them to some triviality that the characters must confront, but it leads them to the discovery of an orc corpse within the cluster of a hilly range to the North-East of Mirkwood, some miles away from where the caravan was assaulted. The Orc’s remains, fresh from an attack, were shredded and not much remains of him, to note a knife is lodged in his back, although queer tracks of slithering creatures head off to some nearby caverns. Heading into the earth the characters discover Cirran being tormented by a couple of Wyrm-lings. After the Wyrm-lings are dispersed, Cirran is discovered unconscious, having been knocked during the battle, and clutching the key to his chest.

Cirran is returned to Dale, throughout his journey muttering the word “Ungash,” and there the characters speak to Josur who rewards them for returning his key to him and invites them to remain and enjoy his hospitality in their honor. In the morn a thick fog lingers over Dale and Josur is discovered dead. A thorough search results in the characters obtaining a map of antiquity, which leads to the gates of Shaturgathol. As well as the characters come upon the knowledge that Cirran was horrifically killed within the outskirts of Dale.

The characters journey to Shaturgathol and after many adventures, they finally reach the aged Gates of Shaturgathol, known as Shatur-u-zirak. Here they encounter Sharku, who here attempts to use the key to open the passage into Shaturgahol, yet is unsuccessful. In frustration Sharku advances on them. After the battle the characters obtain the key and with the map realize the means into proceeding past Shatur-u-zirak. Delving into the depths of the old dwarven fortress, the characters are assaulted by grim wraiths and possessed corpses, who linger within the ruins. After some adventures, they come upon the heart of Shaturgahol, and there, they are in the presence of a giant statue of a withering Uruloke, Fire-Drake, breathing stones flames in defiance and in fear. Set upon the brow of the statue is a stones, which illuminates with a inner ebbing flame. The character should realize at this time that, that is a statue of Glarung who was struck down by Turin, son of Hurin.

As they exit Shaturgathol, a great fog lingers upon the mountain. There the characters encounter Umgash, a large Drake (wingless dragon), and either through will or force he attempts to obtain Glarung’s Ire, the lighted stone that was upon the stone dragon. The characters barely survive the encounter, yet they lose the stone.

Act 3.

The characters can attempt to follow his trail, yet due to the broken earth and the tormenting weather, they will not be able to keep it long. The characters return to Dale and seek the aid of someone with wisdom as to what the map might reveal, Glarung’s Ire, or the drake Umgash. Coming upon information they learn of Umgash’s plot to consume the stone after a dark ritual said to incite Galrung’s flames, and the where Umgash is, within Gurihug, the desolation where dragon-kin go to die.

After adventures to reach Gurihug, the characters meet with Umgash, who reveals the capabilities to create flames. Umgash also reveals that Ciran and Josur were friends of old and that they had stumbled on Shaturgathol, there they discovered the fact that Glarung’s Ire, a stone said to have been wrought from the foul belly of the great dragon, was kept within. Umgash attacked the party and separated the two friends, and with a dragon-spell ruled over Cirran, and used him till the time they came upon the means to open the passage. Yet, ever after the encounter, Josur knew something was wrong with his friend and kept him at lengths. It wasn’t till the discovery of the key of Shaturgathol that Cirran appeared once more.
After a climactic battle and the subsequent smiting of Umgash, the characters are rewarded with the Glarung’s Stone and the subsequent journey to return the stone to Shaturgathol.

Very nice! I like it! In fact it could tie in somehow with the "Nameless Dwarf" story that Garbar was working on. If the dwarf in question belonged to this tower of Shaturgathol.


Before I comment further - so that i better understand some things:

1) In Act 2 - Ciran died horribly outside Dale - was this due to the drake?

2) In the end of Act 2, you mention that Sharku is confronted by the PCs at the gates of Shaturgathol while the orc is trying to use the key to gain access to the tower. How did Sharku get the key? Last I read - it was delivered by the PCs to Josur. Was it stolen by the orc in Josur's bed-chamber where he died?


Other than a couple of holes in the story, it looks like an awesome campaign arc.

Thanks for responding, SirKicley

I noticed some holes in the story as well (like who were the men that attacked the caravan in the first place and why aren't they resolved), yet with some aid I hope to cover all the details and inconsistencies.

1.) Yes Ungash kills Cirran. He isn't a dragon capable of fire breath, but can create mists and smoke. So for the purpose of suspense when an uncomfortable fog or mists lingers within the story consider that Ungash is nearby.

2.) The night of the festivities, as the players are content in their success, events unfold to overshadow their deeds. Josur is killed by Sharku (under the dragon-spell of Ungash), who claims the key and heads to Shaturgathol, whilst Cirran is called forth to the drake and he is disposed of not being required any longer.

I like this idea. Makes the heroes scared of fog.

Seems like a Fear test should be made under misty circumstances, possibly even a Corruption test.