Module S4 alternate "For the Players" section

[Scott Casper]

Hi all,

So far, my effort to run "Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth" as a chat-based
campaign is going well, with the PCs reaching the Gnome Vale at the
end of the third session. The following is an elaboration on the
half-page "For the Players" section.

It was somewhat disappointing, not being invited to the castle of
Margrave Larrangin. Instead, the expeditionary party was asked to
meet in secret with four ritters � or knights � serving the Margrave,
at the Inn of the Dancing Donkey in the Town of Thornward. In a
secured back room, they all met for the first time.

The four ritters were all young, no more than 30 years old to a man,
and one of them was a woman. They wore light armor of good quality
and ceremonial function, though they also appeared hardened by combat
and not some foppish court dandies. �Some introductions are likely in
order,� one of the ritters said. �My name is David, this is Thomas,
Gowin, and Esther. But you are probably more interested in knowing
each other, though some of you may already know of each other by
reputation. If I may be so bold, allow me to start with Meg the
Marvel, late of the distant Kingdom of Ahlissa. She is said to be one
of the most powerful illusionists to come from those lands, where many
are now trained. Also from those same lands, Markvar Mooriv, the
master monk. Long since thought retired, this old veteran has seen
fit to return and grace you with his experience. And from the
neighboring City-State of Irongate has come Brion the Bold, rumored to
be the most courageous paladin to ever hail from that region. From
north of them has come Tormey the Old, late of the Kingdom of Nyrond
and, as I understand, known as a legendary peacekeeper there. And
lastly, from closer to home, we have Isaac of Furyondy who, we
understand, is almost single-handedly responsible for returning the
pagan faith of the druids to that kingdom.�

�Now, as to our business at hand,� Ritter Thomas continued. �Due to
certain�political considerations, the Margrave cannot currently launch
a full-scale expeditionary force into the Yatils. But he also feels
that a smaller, more experienced group may succeed were greater
numbers have already failed. What�s more�� and here Thomas paused and
motioned to Ritter Gowin. Gowin, in turn, moved to double check the
door to the room for anyone listening at it. �What�s more, we may
have intelligence our rivals lack.�

�There already was one effort to find the Lost Caverns made 16 years
ago that was thought successful. This previous expedition had
uncovered a cave complex inhabited by monsters and yielding some
treasure, but we now believe this could not have been the fabled Lost
Caverns of Tsojcanth. Whether the caves were set up long ago by
Iggwilv as decoys or coincidentally became inhabited later, we can do
no more than guess. But we do believe that the true caves must lie
somewhere north of the false ones.�

�It is vital that, if Iggwilv�s legendary treasures do exist,� Ritter
Esther said, �that they not fall into the hands of his enemies. Your
goal must be to find the treasure before anyone else does. Here is
what we can offer you,� Ritter Esther said. �Hardy mountain horses to
use as steeds. They wait for you even now at the stables at the edge
of town, with saddlebags loaded with one waterskin and two weeks of
iron rations. Guides to lead you into the Yatil Mountains and the
region where we believe the Lost Caverns to be. And this map,� she
said, producing a map from a scrollcase. �The map from the previous
expedition, marking the location of the false caves and some other
places to try looking. Further, we will continue to try and recruit
new members for your party, with skills that may compliment yours. We
will set them on behind you in the hope that they may catch up and, if
they do find you, give the following password phrase: Daoud�s
Wonderous Lanthorn.�

�And here is where we discuss what we expect from you,� Ritter David
continued, �for Daoud�s Wonderous Lanthorn is the prize the Margrave
seeks the most, the richest treasure said to be found in the Lost
Caverns. On your return, the Margrave will expect compensation for
the horses, 15% of all money found on your journey, the Wonderous
Lanthorn, and any other items of magic found within sight of it. Any
excess treasure beyond these conditions will be yours to keep and
divide amongst you to your own wishes.�

�Lastly, some advice,� Ritter Thomas said. �Leave at once. Tell no
one you meet that you seek the Lost Caverns. We leave it to you and
the circumstances you find yourselves in to come up with an
appropriate cover story. Do not return to Bissel empty-handed. If
you absolutely find yourself needing further supplies or magical
healing, we urge you not to head west into the Lands of Ket or the
City of Falwur and by all means avoid the Bramblewood Forest. We do
not even trust the druids there to support you in your quest. If you
must leave the mountains, follow the Falls of the Mists into Veluna.
You should find whatever supplies you need in the City of Triplegate
and Veluna is politically neutral to us. Good luck, and may the gods
protect you.�

Scott "-enkainen" Casper

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