The Isle of Smoking Peaks
An adventure for Conan the Roleplaying Game
By Leo LaDell
Overview
A hundred years ago Zohar the Accursed
plundered the ships and shores of Zingara, Argos
and Kush with a band of merciless corsairs whose
cruelty still haunts the dreams of their victims’ great-
grandchildren. Tales describe Zohar as a mighty sea
chanter who could bend wind, waves and men to his
will. For decades the reaver built a savage reputation
and vast treasure hoard before meeting a gruesome
end. Alone in a small sloop, Zohar drifted ashore at
a busy harbour and as the life ebbed from his grey,
diseased body, his hands maintained a desperate grasp
on a sailcloth-covered parcel. The bundle contained
maps and a diary written in a strange script. Few know
who found the corpse and tore the package from his
lifeless grip; its contents have been lost for many years.
With these faded pages, the Player Characters could
learn the true story of Zohar and perhaps find his
legendary hoard.
Requirements
This scenario is designed for low-level Player
Characters: three to five 2nd to 3rd-level PCs would be
an ideal group. The adventure can be upscaled for
a more powerful group with suggestions provided
throughout the scenario. The Games Master and
Players will need the Conan the Roleplaying Game book.
The Pirate Isles supplement would be a good resource
for the Games Master, but it is not required. The
scenario begins in Messantia, but the GM could
substitute any port city that borders the Western
Ocean. Kordava or a smaller Kushite port would suit
well. The Games Master may wish to use appropriate
supplemental resources (e.g., the Argos and Zingara
book) based on his choice.
Challenges
The Player Characters will need skill to
reach the Isle of Smoking Peaks alive, and once
there strength at arms may win them a fortune.
The adventure consists of three parts: finding and
deciphering Zohar’s diary and maps, sailing through
pirate-infested seas to the Isle and facing its current
occupants – a group of man-eating savages and their
holy beasts.
Opportunities and Twists
When the scenario begins, the Games Master
may choose whether to have the Player Characters
hear the legend of Zohar or have an NPC who
possesses the pirate’s papers employ the Player
Characters to make the trip to the Isle of Smoking
Peaks. In the former case, the characters will have the
opportunity to use social and deduction skills to find
the information they seek. An NPC with the diary and
maps will test the characters mettle before offering
them employment by staging an assault on the street.
More combative Player Characters will excel in this
case.
By deciphering Zohar’s writings, the characters
will learn that Zohar made the mistake of choosing
a lovely Kushite slave as his concubine. The woman
was a witch who bitterly resented her captivity on
the pirate’s island base. The curse she laid upon
Zohar and his reavers brought a plague to the Isle
and transformed some of its indigenous wildlife into
ferocious, grotesque beasts.
Once on the island the Player Characters
will contend with the savages and the traps they
routinely set for the Isle’s more mundane animals.
The characters will also face a supernatural threat:
seven horrid creatures have survived the curse that
decimated Zohar’s pirate base years ago. These
formidable tusked, club-tailed monstrosities will
challenge the courage and valour of even the most
fearsome warrior.
Beginning the Scenario
This adventure commences in a port city
bordering the Western Ocean. The Games Master may
choose any port that fits his campaign; for example, in
playtesting the Player Characters began in Messantia
following the events outlined in Hunting the Falcon
(Signs & Portents 75), so the scenario details will use
Messantian names and features. A Zingaran, Stygian
or Kushite port would also fit. The characters will
either hear the tale of Zohar or receive a visit from a
potential employer.
Learning the Legend. As the Player
Characters enjoy the rewards from their last adventure
by exploring the taverns, bathhouses or brothels of
the city, they overhear a conversation about Zohar the
Accursed. As several prosperous tradesmen relax, they
conduct a good-natured argument about the legend
of Zohar. The purchase of a a few cups of wine will
encourage the men to relate the story of a bold corsair
who roamed the Western Ocean a hundred years ago.
The Games Master can use the following table to
determine what information the characters discover.
The tradesmen are bickering about who originally
found Zohar’s body, so the table provides two entries
concerning this information. At the GM’s option, a
very poor ( <5) Gather Information check could mean
that the characters believe the false rumour instead of
the truth. If none of the Player Characters succeed
with Gather Information, the Games Master could
allow a Knowledge(rumours) check instead.
G.I. DC Rumour
10 Zohar’s reavers met a mysterious end, and the
pirate chief died alone as his small boat drifted
into the city’ harbour
15 Zohar was Shemitish
15 Zohar was no mere ruffian; he was a sea chanter
with considerable sorcerous abilities
20 An ex-slave dockworker named Kotri found
Zohar’s body and looted it. With the pirate’s
jewellery Kotri bought a tavern and renamed it
‘Fortune’. The Fortune tavern by the wharf is
owned by Kotri’s great-granddaughter Amala.
<5 (False) Kotri found Zohar’s body and kept a
great treasure secret until his death. The treasure
is buried with Kotri in an unmarked grave in the
city’s cemetery.
This information is likely to lead the characters to
the city’s dockside and the Fortune tavern. If they
fail to glean the information about Kotri from
their discussion with the tradesmen, the Player
Characters can make another attempt by asking sailors,
longshoremen or the less reputable denizens of the
city’s wharves about the tale of Zohar. This will offer
the characters another Gather Information check (DC
15 dockside) to learn of Kotri and the Fortune.
At the Fortune.
Many decades have passed since the Kushite
Kotri purchased a decrepit tavern with the spoils of
Zohar’s looted corpse. The ex-slave took great care in
renovating the decaying structure; his labour and the
dead pirate’s jewellery made the Fortune a prosperous
haven for sailors and travellers. Kotri’s great-
granddaughter Amala inherited the tavern ten years
ago, and because she shares Kotri’s belief that the
Fortune was a gift from the gods, she works hard to
preserve the business’ reputation and appearance. The
Fortune well-maintained cleanliness is incongruous
among the city’s dockside squalor, and its proprietor’s them; however, a savvy businessman does not trust
pride is evident in the simple but pleasing food, wide rumours, so a test has been arranged. As the Player
selection of ales and spirits and tidy – almost vermin- Characters emerge from their late-night revels in a
free – rooms. tavern, the merchant will approach the group and
Amala is a lean, 50-year-old Kushite woman introduce himself. He will mention a lucrative offer
with flawless chocolate-brown skin and the corded, of employment that would suit the characters’ well-
sinewy forearms of one who is accustomed to hard known talents. The merchant will tailor his pitch to the
work. The determined set of her jaw contrasts with group; if the PCs are drunken, swaggering barbarians,
bright, merry eyes, and though her strident, confident he will use bald flattery and the promise of riches. If
voice rings against the tavern walls, its tone is often the characters seem wily and cynical, the merchant will
playful. Amala has earned the respect of her salty, offer hints and veiled promises.
rough-hewn clientele; though her brightly-coloured As the Player Characters and the merchant
dresses and headscarves catch the sailors’ eyes, only stroll along the darkened street discussing details, a
the most brazen or drunken offer her unwelcome gang of toughs emerges from the shadows. The leader
attention – and soon regret it of the gang addresses the merchant by name and
If the Player Characters ask Amala about her hurls insults as the men attack. The merchant will cry
grandsire Kotri, she will speak of him with reverence. for aid from the PCs, promising a reward, and he will
Amala will gladly tell the story of how her ancestor attempt to use larger characters as cover. Though the
found the corpse and bought the tavern, and she attackers will ignore the merchant, the Games Master
seems quite comfortable with the notion of looting can use the stats for the Canny Merchant on pg. 355
the body; apparently she considers this perfectly of the Conan the Roleplaying Game book if necessary. Of
natural. In a small box in her bedroom behind the course the assailants’ leader, Nikolo the Survivor, was
tavern’s kitchen, Amala keeps the papers that her hired by the merchant to test the characters with this
great-grandfather found with the body. Both Kotri and attack. The GM should change Nikolo’s name to suit
Amala considered the strange writing and drawings on the setting if desired. Statistics for the attackers are
the vellum sheets meaningless and worthless, but they available in the Appendix.
keep the papers as a souvenir. The merchant has instructed Nikolo to
Amala is shrewd, and if she senses the ambush the group, trading blows until someone drops.
characters’ interest in the papers (her Sense Motive Nikolo will then shout to his men that he hears the city
skill and other stats can be found in the Appendix), guards, and the attackers will flee. After the battle the
she will not give or loan them for nothing. Amala will visibly shaken merchant (a Bluff check can determine
loan the papers to the Player Characters for a month how convincing the merchant is) offers to host a
for 20 sp, but this will require substantial collateral: celebration of his survival at a favourite tavern by the
she will accept any item she judges to be worth at least docks. If the PCs accept the offer, he will take them to
200 sp. Because of the papers’ sentimental value, she the Fortune and complete his proposal. Otherwise he
will sell them for any offer greater than 150sp. Once will ask to meet the characters the next day.
the characters have the papers, continue to the Zohar’s At the Fortune the merchant will hire a
Papers section below. private room and show the Player Characters Zohar’s
papers. He will say that an anonymous wealthy
Heroes for Hire patron has hired him to outfit a mission to a small
The Games Master may consider chasing island southwest of the city to search for Zohar’s
rumours unsuitable for the Player Characters. In this pirate base. The patron owns a small sloop that is
case one of the city’s merchants has obtained a copy provisioned and prepared for the journey, and time
of Zohar’s papers and seeks to hire the characters to presses. The merchant explains that the island may
find the pirate’s island base. If the GM is basing the only be safely approached at certain times of year,
scenario in Messantia and wishes to continue using this and the opportunity to make the voyage will not last.
city with the Vengeance of the Golden Skull scenario from The patron has offered to finance the expedition in
the Messantia: City of Riches box set, the merchant could exchange for one half of any treasure that the Player
be Argentio, a character from that product. Otherwise Characters find on the island. Zohar’s papers include
the Games Master should choose a name for the two annotated maps and a sheet covered with strange
merchant which reflects the chosen port. symbols.
The merchant has heard of one or all of
the characters’ exploits and is interested in hiring
Zohar’s Papers Once the PCs have learned the first (and
Zohar’s two maps should allow the characters preferably also the second) piece of information, they
to find the Isle of Smoking Peaks if they can decipher can seek a vessel to make the voyage. If the merchant
the included notes. The maps’ annotations are written hired the characters, he will direct them to report to
in a peculiar private script devised by Zohar, but the Captain Klopas of the sloop Glaros at dockside. The
symbols draw on potentially familiar elements; they use Glaros is ready to sail. If the Player Characters will be
a combination of Shemitish and an archaic Zingaran making the trip without the support of the merchant,
pirate cant. The Decipher Script DC for the writing is they can hire the Glaros for the journey.
25, but certain bonuses apply. If the PCs have learned
that Zohar was Shemitish, they get +5 on their check. The Glaros
Any pirate characters from Zingara or Argos get +5 as This Argossean sloop has made many
well. If the characters discovered that Zohar was a sea voyages with the competent had of Captain Klopas
chanter, they receive a +3 bonus. These bonuses stack. at the helm. She is a quick, weatherly sea boat and
The Games Master can use the following table fulfils both her legal and occasional illicit functions
to determine what information the PCs divulge from well. Klopas has retired from active affiliation with
the maps and additional papers. If the characters are the Barachan pirates, but he is not above seizing an
working for the merchant, their employer has already occasional tempting opportunity. Statistics for the
learned the first two facts on the table. ship, captain and crew are provided in the Appendix.
The Glaros is provisioned for a month, and passage
D.S. check is: Information learned to the island will cost 100 sp/person. Once the ship
Made exactly Zohar called the island the ‘Isle has set sail, Captain Klopas will expect the characters
of Smoking Peaks’ because of its to stay out of the way – though passengers with
two active volcanoes. An additional ranks in Profession(sailor) may assist the crew if
volcano seems dormant. The island they wish. Such characters will find the first mate
lies approximately 350 miles SW of
Messantia in the Western Ocean. Seth humourless but fair, and he will treat those
who contribute usefully with respect. Klopas keeps
Exceeded by 1-2 The island may only be safely
approached from its west side, but a his distance from passengers, but he has an eye for
powerful current will crush ships or beautiful women and may offer clumsy flattery (or
boats approaching the only accessible more) to any who engage him.
cove against an array of massive white
stones in the bay. Zohar called these
the ‘teeth of the giants’. Four times a At Sea
year, seasonal flooding of the islands Barring calamity, the Glaros should make the
two rivers (which empty into the bay) trip to the island in 4 days, taking advantage of the
counteracts the current. During these steady westerlies which prevail in this region of the
2-3 week periods, boats can land on the
beach. Western Ocean. See the accompanying map for the
location of the island. Zohar’s symbols include an
Exceeded by 3-4 The additional papers are a log and a
transcription of a spell. Though another estimate of the distance (350 miles) from Messantia
bay on the island’s east side appears to the Isle. For low-level Player Characters, the GM
inviting, a perilous reef makes approach may wish to offer an uneventful journey. However, the
impossible. Game Master can provide a challenging journey with
Exceeded by 5+ Zohar’s log tells a bit about the island storms, pirates or monsters.
and his life there. He and his reavers
built a base on the ruins of ancient,
Storm. A fearsome storm races in from the
long-dead inhabitants. These giants west, buffeting the Glaros with gale-force winds and
left the remnants of mighty, white threatening mast, sails and spars. The black squall lasts
stone structures. Zohar brought a 3 hours, and each hour Captain Klopas must make a
Kushite woman to the island to be his DC 20 Profession(sailor) check to avoid damage to the
concubine, and soon after a deadly
plague struck the settlement. Only
ship. If he fails, roll a d6. On a 1-2, the mainsail splits
Zohar escaped. The spell is called and several key blocks are damaged. Repair will take
Wind’s Hated Son (see Zohar’s Base two days. With a roll of 3-4, the mainmast cracks and
location 1), and its transcription is must be fished. Repair requires one day after the storm
encoded. Zohar left the key among his abates. On a 5-6, the mainyard breaks loose and spears
belongings on the island.
through the deck. Roll a d4 to see how many crew or
characters on deck are threatened by the spar. Treat
the falling object as a+5 crushing attack (2d6/19-
20 x2/AP 4). Repairing the deck and mainyard will
require 2 days.
The storm also threatens to sweep the crew
or PCs overboard. For each person on deck when the
squall hits (20% of the crew in addition to any PCs)
roll 1d6. On a roll of 1, that person must make a DC
15 Reflex save or be washed overboard. Once the
storm has arrived, anyone foolish enough to remain on
deck without being secured to a lifeline must roll the
1d6 wave check once per hour.
Pirates. For the last several months the
brutal Captain Bapoto has been preying upon boats
in the waters South of Argos. Bapoto is a Southern
Islander who commands a sleek, fast-sailing galley
manned by merciless crew which delights in robbing
its crew of their lives and valuables. Bapoto’s ship
will bear down on the Glaros, and he and his men
will attempt to board. They will offer no quarter nor
ask for any. Statistics for Bapoto, his crew and the
galley are available in the Appendix. If the Pirate Isles
book is available, the section on ship combat (pp. 58-
68) is an excellent resource for resolving the battle.
Otherwise, the Games Master could use another
mass combat system or allow the Player Characters
to engage Captain Bapoto and several of his crew. If
the characters defeat the leader and several pirates,
the GM could rule that the Glaros emerged victorious
with perhaps 10%-40% (1d4 x 10%) crew losses.
The characters might also choose to flee if the battle
is turning against the Argosseans, as the Glaros
possesses one ship’s boat. The PCs could attempt
to remove the boat from its position in front of the
mainmast and launch it over the side. Sailing a 14ft.,
single-masted, four-oared boat a hundreds of miles in
the open ocean would provide an epic challenge.
Monsters. In addition to the numerous sharks
which plague the waters of the Western Ocean near
Argos, grizzled sea dogs speak of horrid sea monsters
which no mere fish could rival. The Games Master
could include an attack by such a dread creature to
threaten the Glaros’ journey. An attack by the fabled
poisonous squid would test the mettle of low to mid-
level characters. These vile beasts typically prey upon
large sea mammals, but when their usual prey is scarce,
the delicious, wriggling contents of sea-going vessels
provide an adequate substitute. Statistics for the squid
are provided in the Appendix.
High-level characters may find a diverting
challenge in the form of a Water Elemental. When
Zohar fled the Isle of Smoking Peaks long ago, he
summoned an elemental to protect him and guide
his small sloop to a safe harbour. The creature still
occasionally returns from its distant realm to the ocean
near the Isle, and the residual sorcerous energies of
its former master’s personal effects (maps and papers)
aboard the Glaros have attracted it. The elemental
will attack the ship in an attempt to recover the items,
laying waste to any barrier to reach them. If one of
the PCs casts all of the papers into the sea, the water
elemental will take them and depart. Statistics for the
monster can be found on pg. 383 of the Conan the
Roleplaying Game book.
At the Isle
The map of the Isle of Smoking Peaks shows
its three volcanoes. Only the northernmost volcano
appears to be active. Zohar’s notes indicate that in
his day the centre volcano also released a steady
fountain of smoke. The island measures roughly 19
miles north-south by 10 miles east-west at the widest
point. From a distance the characters will see a lush
jungle pieced by three majestic cones. A strong, steady
current comes from the west, and a westerly breeze
blows across the ocean’s surface near the island as well.
Repeated surges of pyroclastic flow from the island’s
volcanoes have allowed for few accessible points along
the coast. Only an inlet on the west side (number 1
below) and a small bay on the east side (number 3
below) feature sandy beaches; the rest of the coastline
consists of steep cliffs rising from jagged rocks at the
water’s edge and topped with dense foliage. Attempts
to approach these cliffs in any seagoing vessel are
futile and will yield nothing more than a watery grave
and a grisly banquet for the myriad gulls which ride the
currents above the island.
The Isle is currently inhabited by a host of
mundane creatures (e.g., rainforest birds, small reptiles,
primates and insects) and three special types: tapirs,
monster tapirs, and human savages. The normal tapirs
accompanied a long-dead group of giants to the island
many centuries ago as a food supply. They could
provide the same function for the Player Characters.
The island is also home to seven monster tapirs. These
beasts are a result of the curse laid upon Zohar by his
Kushite concubine, and they are far more dangerous
than their docile cousins. Three of the seven monsters
are included in the island key below, but the other four
may be encountered randomly on the island. See the
Encounters section. The current human population
consists of a group of cannibals who were stranded
on the island eighty years ago. A huge Argossean
galleon, packed to the gunwales with Darfari slaves,
was blown out to sea in a storm and wrecked on the
shore of the isle. Only the slaves survived. Soon after
they arrived, the savages split into two groups: one
that worshipped the monster tapirs as ‘holy ones’, and
one which considered them profane. Battle resulted,
and though the former group celebrated its success
with their opponents’ flesh, their joy was tempered by
the realisation that they might never again taste the
traditional fruits of victory. Now the cannibals rely on
the normal tapirs for sustenance, but they dream of a
day when more men visit the island.
Encounters. The island currently hosts
seven holy beasts and 52 savages (18 adult men, 16
women and 18 children). The Games Master should
consider any cannibals or holy beasts encountered
to be part of this total. If the PCs are high-level, the
number of islanders in total and for each encounter
and location can be increased. Some of each can
be encountered randomly on the island, but others
are included in specific locations as detailed below.
Whenever the Player Characters are not in one of the
island’s numbered locations, use the following table for
encounters.
Day
D100 roll Encounter
(once/4 hours)
1-50 Nothing
51-65 Lone tapir foraging (see Appendix for
stats)
66-75 2d4 youngsters exploring. They will
attempt to flee if threatened but will
otherwise attempt to follow curiously
76-85 Hunting party. 1d4 adult men in search
of prey will attack.
86-95 Holy Beast and handlers. The creature
and two savages will attack.
96-100 Lone holy beast. The animal has
escaped its handlers and is roaming the
jungle paths. The aggressive creature
will attack.
Night
D100 roll (once for Encounter
the entire night)
1-80 Nothing
81-90 Lone tapir. The creature fled a hunting
party and is heading back to its den.
91-95 Lone holy beast. The animal has
escaped its handlers and is roaming the
jungle paths. The aggressive creature
will attack.
96-100 1d4 lost children. A game of hide-and-
seek has left these little ones separated
from the group. They will follow and
cling to non-threatening characters.
Each hour they remain with the PCs,
there is a 50% chance (1-3 on a d6)
that 1d4 adult male savages will arrive
searching for the children. The adults
will be violent and suspicious – attack is
most likely. The GM may wish to allow
a masterful Intimidate or Diplomacy
check (e.g., DC 25) to prevent battle.
Time and Distance.
Travelling on the island’s riverside paths is relatively
easy – most are well-used with few obstacles. Per
the Conan the Roleplaying Game book, pp. 214-216, the
Games Master should allow ¾ normal movement
rates on the paths and ¼ normal rates otherwise. For
example, a character with a speed of 30 ft. could walk
2.25 miles per hour on the paths, and .75 mph off-
path. Hustling could provide a quicker speed, while
searching or tracking would slow the PCs down. The
following chart provides approximate distances and
sample travel times for the keyed locations on the
island. These figures assume that the characters use the
riverside paths where available.
Trip Distance Travel time walking with 30 ft. Speed
1 to 2 5 mi. 2 hours, 15 min.
1 to 4 6.5 mi. 3 hours
2 to 4 7.5 mi. 3 hours, 30 min.
3 to 4 5 mi. 6 hours (briefly on-path)
3 to 2 5 mi. 6 hours, 45 min
Island Key
1. The Western Inlet. The narrow mouth of
this inlet runs from west to east and ends
in an inviting beach framed by verdant
jungle. However, because of the strong
current and offshore breeze, hazards await
approaching boats. Dozens of huge, white
stone objects protrude from the water of
the bay. While most protrude just a few
feet above the bay’s surface, some tower
a dozen feet over the water. They are
widely-spaced several hundred yards from
shore, but a dense pattern emerges close
to the beach. Mighty breakers threaten
to dash boats against the stones, and for
most of the year, only a successful DC 30
Profession(sailor) check will allow a boat to
reach the beach safely. On a failed check,
roll 1d6. If the roll is 1-3, the boat capsizes
and washes ashore with moderate damage,
requiring 2 days for repair. Passengers must
make a DC 25 Swim check to reach the
shore without colliding with a stone. The
collision is a +10 crushing attack (1d8/x2/
AP 6). The unfortunate swimmer will then
sink unless another DC 25 Swim check
succeeds or he manages to hold onto
the stone. Retaining a hold on the stone
requires a successful DC 20 Strength check
each minute.
If the 1d6 roll is 4-6, the boat slams against
a stone and is splintered. All passengers
drop into the water and must attempt to
swim as noted above. If the Games Master
needs to provide an additional challenge
(for example, if the PCs are a group of
particularly expert swimmers and/or
sailors) several sharks could be lurking in
the bay. Statistics for the green sabre shark
are provided in the Appendix.
Four times a year the current subsides,
and the foaming waves flatten. At such
times one can see the root-like base of the
stones through the still water, and the bay
resembles the open maw of some great
shark or reptile. Close inspection (a DC 10
Spot check within 30 feet) will reveal signs
of shaping and carving – these stones are
not a natural phenomenon.
The island has quarterly rainy seasons
which cause its two lakes and rivers to
flood. As the conjoined waterway reaches
the beach, the increased flow into the bay
counteracts the westerly current, rendering
the ‘teeth’ nearly harmless for a period
of two weeks. At these times a successful
DC 15 Profession(sailor) check will allow
boats to land on the beach. Failed checks
will do minor damage to a boat and result
in only a 1 in 10 (1 on a d10) chance of
the vessel capsizing. At no time can a ship-
sized vessel safely approach to closer than
100 yards from shore. When the river is
swollen, swimmers can easily avoid the
stones (DC 10 Swim), but sharks may
threaten those who attempt it.
If the PCs have arrived aboard
the Glaros, Captain Klopas (or his
replacement if necessary) will offer to
land the characters on the beach with the
ship’s boat, which can carry 10 passengers
(including the four oarsmen). Klopas
knows that the bay’s calm period will
not last, so he will not leave the Glaros
anchored in the area for more than a
week. A hefty bribe (> 200 sp) might
convince the captain to allow the ship’s
boat to attempt a landing during the rough
seasons, but nothing would convince him
to personally join the suicide mission; he
would order his crew to undertake the task.
Once on the beach, the Player
Characters will notice a racing river
emerging from the jungle at the northern
end of the ½-mile strand. Near the ocean
the sounds of waves, the river and gulls
is steady. Oppressive heat is a constant
companion on the beach despite the
breeze, and heavily-armoured characters
will find the furnace-like conditions under
the jungle canopy nearly unbearable. A
narrow track runs along the south side
 of the river. A DC 15 Survival check for
those with the Track feat will reveal the
presence of animal spoor – apparently
from a herbivore. In fact this path is used
both by the island’s tapirs and a group of
headhunting savages, but evidence of the
latter has been washed away by the recent
rains. Throughout the island there are
paths along the rivers with occasional small
tapir paths leading off into the jungle. PCs
would be wise to use these, as travelling
directly through the greenery would be
confusing, slow and arduous.
2. The Broken Statue. Centuries before
pirates, cannibals or Player Characters
made their way to the Isle, a race of giants
arrived and built huge structures of white
stone. These mysterious settlers are long
gone, but the ruins of their effort remain.
In this clearing by the northern lake a huge
statue once stood. Using a lost process for
bleaching the island’s brown volcanic rock
white, the ancients fashioned a likeness of
one of their chiefs facing the lake. Now
only two massive humanoid feet remain on
the statue’s pedestal; the rest lies in half-
buried pieces around the clearing.
The island’s cannibal inhabitants
consider this spot sacred, and during the
sacred animal. Statistics for the creatures
daytime they often bring holy beasts to the
and savages are provided in the Appendix.
clearing. When the Player Characters arrive
If the Player Characters uncover
at the statue, the GM should roll a d100
most of the partially-buried statue, they
for encounters. A roll of 1-50 means that
can determine how the sculpture appeared
one holy beast with 2 human handlers are
when complete (see illustration). This will
2d100 feet away. A d8 roll can determine
take 4 successful DC 15 Strength checks,
direction: 1=N, 2=NE, 3=E, etc. If the
with each check representing 30 minutes
group is located to the northwest of the
of digging, pulling and straining in the
statue, they will be in the lake bathing with
withering heat. The statue measured 20’
the creature. An encounter roll of 51-75
tall – a chilling image if life-sized. The
means that two such beast/human groups
crocodilian snout is buried deep and
are present (roll separately for each group’s
an additional DC 15 Strength check is
position). On a roll of 76-100, no one
required to extricate it. This will reveal the
present. If the characters stay in this area,
colossus’ two great emerald eyes. The fist-
the Games Master should use the d100
sized gems suffered a bit from the statue’s
encounter roll again for every two hours of
destruction, but each would still fetch
daylight.
2000 sp. Removing the gems from the
No more than 6 total holy beasts
crumbling stone requires no check.
will be encountered here regardless of how
3. The Bay of Reefs. This placid bay on the
long the characters remain. Any holy beasts
eastern side of the Isle appears to offer
will attack as soon as they catch the PCs’
easy access to the shore. Its waters and
strange scent (a Spot check modified by
wide, sandy beach are sheltered from the
distance). The cannibals will attack on sight
strong western winds and current by the
and will fight to the death to protect the
island, and no tumbling breakers threaten.
However, a jagged reef makes landing here
nearly impossible. The reef forms a natural
sea wall across the entire mouth of the
bay only a few feet beneath the surface of
the sea. Only a light proa, outrigger canoe
or similar boat with a draft of less than 2
feet could cross the reef without leaving
its splintered keel and hapless occupants
strewn across the coral’s wicked surface.
The numerous reef sharks which browse
among the reef ’s teeming sealife will
respond quickly if a boat comes to grief.
Detecting the reef in daylight requires a
DC 15 Spot check at a range of 500 feet.
At the GM’s option, characters who fail
a DC 10 Profession(sailor) check will
notice only eddies and strange currents
above the submerged coral and will not
understand the cause. A new Spot check
can be attempted every 100 feet, with the
DC decreasing by 2 for each increment.
At 50 feet, the Spot DC is 5, and even PCs
without ranks in Profession(sailor) who
make the Spot check will see submerged
coral occasionally exposed by wave action.
Any boat with a draft greater than 2
feet (which would include any standard
oared ship’s boat) which attempts to
cross the reef automatically fails; the
boat’s bottom is splintered and the vessel
will sink in 2d6 rounds. For every two
passengers who frantically bail, the time is
increased by 2 rounds – this may give other
boats time to assist. Once in the water
the characters can opt to cling to the reef,
but this will subject them to one ‘attack’
by the coral’s cruel surface each minute:
+5 piercing (1d4/x2/AP 2). The reef
sharks will show no interest in uninjured
swimmers, but if any character in the water
is wounded, 1d4 sharks will attack in 2d4
rounds. If these sharks succeed in drawing
blood, 2 more will join the fray every 3
rounds until the total reaches a frenzied 20.
Obviously the Player Characters should try
to leave the water as quickly as possible.
Statistics for the grey reef shark are
available in the Appendix.
A lighter boat can cross the reef with
a successful DC 20 Profession(sailor)
check. If the characters manage to reach
the shore (either by swimming or in a
light boat) they will find a broad beach of
light golden sand. The atmosphere here
is forge-hot and heavy, with little or no
breeze and plenty of noisy insects. No
paths enter the jungle here, so PCs who
wish to explore from this starting point
will have to cut their way through the trees
and undergrowth. This exhausting labour
offers only ¼ normal movement rates, and
hustling is not possible.
4. The Camp. Zohar established his camp
on the ruins left by the islands former
giant inhabitants. The base sits in a 250’
by 150’ clearing on the northern shoulder
of the Isle’s southernmost, long-dormant
volcano, with excellent access to fresh
water from the nearby river and lake. The
giants left little but broken, white-stone
walls, but much of the pirate settlement is
still intact. A path from the riverside leads
to the northeast corner of the camp. For a
detailed description, see the Zohar’s Base
section below.
Zohar’s Base
The reavers who once inhabited the camp
are long dead, and the settlement is now home to the
Isle’s surviving tribe of cannibals. Unless the Player
Characters’ ship arrived at night (or succeeded in
landing a boat on the eastern shore) the savages will
know that strangers are on the island. Although the
islanders are not expert tacticians, their chief will have
arranged for defence: sharpened stakes coated with
curare poison have been placed in the undergrowth
at the base of several trees, and a watch has been set.
The Games Master should consider the trees nearest
locations 2, 3, 4 and 10 to be trapped. Any characters
who step in the same square as one of these trees
must make a DC 20 Spot check. If the check fails, the
PC is subject to 2 ‘attacks’ by the stakes as a primitive
knife: +5 piercing (1d4/x2/AP - ). Parry defence does
not apply against this attack, and DR will only protect
characters with armour on the bottom of their feet.
If the victim takes any damage he must make a DC 17
Fortitude save to resist curare poisoning. Curare does
1d12 Dex damage, with another 1d12 Dex possible
after 10 minutes. The cannibals have become expert at
cleansing their prey of poison before devouring them.
Chief M’goba has encouraged his warriors
to keep a sharp lookout for the intruders, for it has
been long since the tribe has properly feasted. At least
two warriors will be wandering through the camp
throughout the night, and during the daytime most of
the islanders are present. The Games Master should
assume that the chief, 12 warriors, 14 women and 16
children are in the camp when the PCs arrive. When
the cannibals spot the characters, the women and
children will flee into the jungle south of the camp
awaiting the outcome, and the warriors and chief will
attack. Stats for the islanders (including chief M’goba)
are available in the Appendix. One of the warriors
will release the holy beast housed in location 6, and
the others will advance, using cover if threatened
with arrows or other missiles. The savages will fight
as long as the chief survives, but if he falls they will
flee if 8 warriors are also killed or incapacitated. If
the PCs are victorious, the women, children and any
warrior survivors will not return to the camp while the
characters are the island. A key to the camp follows.
1. Walls. These white stone walls once towered
30’ above the camp, but now their crumbling
remains rise no higher than 10’ through most
of their length. The fissured volcanic rock
is easy to climb: a DC 10 Climbing check
will allow a character to reach the top in one
round.
2. Zohar’s Cabin. This structure was fashioned
from jungle trees and sailcloth and served as
Zohar’ home on the island. The canvas roof
disintegrated long ago, but the walls are mostly
intact. The exterior is festooned with skulls
from the dead pirates and rival cannibals.
Inside an ivory footstool (worth 200 sp) sits
on the floor next to a pallet made from large
leaves. Atop the stool is a small carved wooden
bowl containing a dark, sticky substance: six
doses of curare. Chief M’goba resides here
now - little knowing what treasures lie buried
under decades of unchecked plant growth in
the cabin’s southeast corner. Though Zohar’s
pirate followers slept in hammocks, their
leader reclined in luxury on a large bed that
his men laboriously carried from a ship’s boat.
After the sea chanter left the island the bed
became an excellent anchor for a variety of
jungle creepers and other foliage, and it is
now hidden beneath several feet of growth.
The Player Characters can cut or dig their
way through the foliage with 15 minutes of
sweating effort. Years of soaking and drying
have ruined the bed, but the stout chest that
lies beneath isn’t difficult to find (DC 10
Search) through the rotting timbers.
The chest’s metal fittings are
thoroughly rusted, but its varnished wood has
withstood the years well. With his wits addled
by plague, Zohar failed to lock the chest, so
the PCs will have to do nothing more than
drag it from the tangle of vegetation to open
it. It contains the following (with value where
appropriate): a leather parchment case with a
roll of vellum; a jewel-hilted, curved Akbitanan
dagger (300 sp); a small box full of black
pearls (2000 sp); 2 large, plain gold chains (500
sp each); a soft leather pouch with 200 gold
Stygian coins (2000 sp); an ivory box full of
faceted rubies (4000 sp); a miniature purple-
plumed golden helm (500 sp) and 2 violet silk
women’s robes (300 sp each). The vellum is
covered with Shemitish writing. This the key
to Zohar’s code, and it will allow a scholar
who knows Shemitish and makes a DC 10
Decipher Script check to learn the spell Wind’s
Hated Son from Zohar’s papers. A Zingaran
(optionally Argossean or Aquilonian as well)
PC who makes a DC 10 Knowledge(local)
check will recognize the miniature golden helm
as coming from Zingara. The royal symbols
that it bears suggest that it came from the toy
of some princeling or wealthy noble.
3. Spirit Room. Two large, sealed kegs of rum
stand in this dilapidated shack, and another
sits broken on the floor between two headless
skeletons. The skeletons’ clothing has mostly
rotted away, but some leather and metal fittings
endure. The headless skeleton of the spirit
room guard lies across the doorway with a
rusted cutlass still in its fleshless hand and a
chipped dagger protruding from its ribs. The
cannibals avoid this structure.
4. Kitchen. This overgrown building is nearly
inaccessible due to the dense web of foliage
Wind’s Hated Son
(Curses sorcery style, from Pirate Isles)
PP Cost: 4
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 5 minutes
Range: Magic Link
Target: One target
Duration: One month
Saving Throw: Will negates
Prerequisites: Magic attack bonus > +3, lesser illfortune
Magic Attack Roll: Sets DC for the target’s saving throw
This curse causes all wind to die around the target character.
No wind blows within a one mile radius, excepting those winds
caused by magical effects or supernatural creatures. Any ship
the target is on is automatically bestilled and must be rowed to
whatever destination it wishes to reach. Many sailors will kill a
person with this curse, believing that it is a precursor to even
more dangerous effects.
 Zohar’s Base
covering the entryway. Those who trouble
to cut their way in will discover a crumbling
hearth and a pile of worthless rusted iron,
wooden and clay pots and bowls.
5. New Huts. These huts were built by the
cannibals and all are fashioned from jungle
trees and leaves. Their design is primitive, but
they provide excellent shelter during the rainy
season due to cleverly-fashioned waterproof
roofs and flexible wall materials. The
northernmost hut was recently damaged by a
lightning-struck tree. The islanders consider
this an ill omen and will not enter or repair this
hut.
6. Holy One. This hut houses one of the island’s
‘holy beasts’ and features stronger walls than
most of the camp’s dwellings. The hut’s door
has an exterior bar to keep the animal secure,
and if intruders approach, it will only require a
move action from a warrior to open the door.
7. Fire pit. Both the pirates and savages have
used this fire pit. The pit is full of hot coals
throughout the day, and from an hour before
sundown until an hour after dawn a fire blazes
away. The heat from the coals or flames
combines with the ambient warmth to create
a truly sweltering atmosphere near the pit.
Stones culled from the ancient’s ruined walls
surround the fire and serve as seating. During
a battle chief M’goba may pick up one of the
largest stones (250 lbs) and hoist it above his
head to intimidate his enemies. He may also
choose to ‘tenderise’ a fallen opponent with
the stone.
8. Giant Seat. This massive stone bench sits atop
the western wall of the ruins and provides
a striking view of the ocean and the island’s
shore. The western inlet is easily visible from
here. The bench’s carved reptilian arms and
feet have been worn down by centuries of
wind and weather battering the promontory,
but the resemblance to the statue at location
2 on the Isle map is readily apparent. Clever
characters (DC 15 Int roll) will deduce from
the height and width of the bench seat that the
20’ ft.-tall statue was life-sized!
9. Forge and Smokehouse. At their leader’s
command, Zohar’s pirates carried the
equipment necessary for basic forging
and weapon repair at the island base. This
uncovered structure houses a clay-brick forge
and thoroughly rusted anvil. A hand-operated
bellows sits discarded next to the crumbling
forge. The cannibals do not use the equipment,
and they have also ignored a small shack here
which served as a smokehouse. Inside the
smokehouse are rusted steel hooks from which
hang the desiccated remains of decades-old
meat.
10. Berth Deck. Like many competent sea Leaving the Island
captains, Zohar understood the sailor’s As long as the Player Characters leave the Isle
tendency towards superstition and tradition. while the rivers are still in their flood cycle, they will
He therefore commanded his men to build have little trouble (DC 10 Profession (sailor) check)
a replica of his galleon’s berth deck for their launching a boat from the western inlet. Otherwise,
lodgings. Although the exterior walls of this leaving will require phenomenal luck or a creative
large building appear little different than the strategy. The Games Master can use the guidelines
other jungle-log huts, the interior features given in Island Key location 1 to determine what
wooden plank floors (now rotting) and two dangers to navigation might threaten the PCs’ attempt
dozen posts to which hammocks were once to leave. The return voyage will be uneventful unless
fixed. The cannibals now use this structure for the GM wishes to present further challenges. If a
their main shelter, and the sailcloth roof has merchant hired the characters, he or she will likely
been replaced with an effective leaf covering. honour the terms of their agreement, as reputation is
The hammocks are long gone – leaf pallets on a valuable asset. However, the Games Master should
the floor serve as bedding. feel free to include a double-cross if the trip to the Isle
11. Path. This path was once wide enough for seemed too easy.
its giant creators, but the jungle has reclaimed
much of its width – the pirates (and later
savages) could only travel single-file on the
trail. It leads from the camp to the path that
follows accompanies the nearby river on its
course from the lake to the seaside. If the
cannibals are aware of the Player Characters’
arrival on the island, a scout is perched in a
tree near the camp boundary 75% (1-3 on a
d4) of the time.
12. Midden. The pirates established a refuse pile
30’ southeast of the edge of the camp in a
small clearing. Because of the near-constant
westerly winds, the midden’s aroma seldom
disturbed the base’s inhabitants. Although
the mound has been covered over by jungle
growth (DC 15 Spot check to notice it within
20 ft.), it was still exposed when the cannibals
arrived. They do not use the midden for
its original purpose, but they did cast a few
taboo items onto the pile: whale teeth with
scrimshaw engraving. Though the savages
have little discomfort with bone and corpses
in general, they found these items in the
possession of dead men who obviously
suffered from some calamity. If the PCs dig
through the midden (which is now no more
odorous than well-matured compost), each
DC 10 Search check will uncover one of the
scrimshaw teeth. There are 13 teeth, and each
would bring 50 sp from a collector.
Appendix: Cast of Characters
Amala, owner of the Fortune inn Messantian Thug Leader – Nikolo Zosimos “the
6th level Kushite Commoner survivor”
Hit Dice: 6d4+12 (29 hp) DR - 1st level Argossean soldier / 3rd level Argossean thief
Initiative: +3 Hit Dice: 1d10+3d8+12 (36 hp) DR 5
Speed: 30 ft. Initiative: +6
Parry defence: 13 Speed: 30 ft.
Dodge defence: 14 Parry defence: 14
Base attack: +3 Dodge defence: 13
Melee: Stiletto +4 (finesse) (1d4/x4/AP 1) Base attack: +3
Ranged: – Melee: Short Sword +5 (1d8+2/19-20x2/AP 3), Axe +5
Special Qualities: Argossean qualities (raised in (1d8+1/x3/AP3)
Messantia), illiterate Ranged: –
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +4 Special Qualities: Argossean qualities, sneak attack (2d6/
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 11, Wis 14, Cha 12 2d8) (short sword)
Skills: Balance +3, Gather Information +3 Knowledge Saves: Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +1
(local) +2, Listen +12, Profession (innkeeper) + 6, Abilities: Str 15, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 14
Profession (sailor) +4, Sense Motive +10, Spot +4, Use Skills: Appraise +2, Balance +6, Bluff +3 Disable Device
Rope +3 +1, Escape Artist +9, Hide +7, Intimidate +9, Knowledge
Feats: Carouser, Alertness, Negotiator, Skill Focus (Sense (local) +6, Move Silently +4, Open Lock +3, Profession
Motive), Sleep Mastery, Bonus - Skill Focus (Listen) (sailor) +2, Spot +1, Use Rope +4
Reputation: 8 Feats: Combat Expertise, Eyes of the Cat, Two Weapon
Combat, Parry, Diehard
Amala is a clever innkeeper and cheerful host. She will Reputation: 6
attempt to negotiate if threatened with violence, but if
pressed whe will draw a stiletto from beneath her clothing. Nikolo has survived many a beating, and his hardiness has
Possessions: stiletto, clothing and sandals, 30 sp. compensated somewhat for his poor luck. He wields his
short sword an axe simultaneously and like his men, he will
not kill an incapacitated foe. Possessions: mail shirt, short
Messantian Thugs (hired for the staged attack) sword, axe, 28 s.p., tunic & hose, linen belt pouch, soft
1st level Argossean commoner / 1st level Argossean thief leather boots
Hit Dice: 1d4+1d8+4 (13 hp) DR 3
Initiative: +4
Speed: 30 ft. Captain Klopas – captain of the Glaros
Parry defence: 12 5th level Argossean pirate
Dodge defence: 13 Hit Dice: 5d8+5 (30 hp) DR 7 (breastplate + steel cap)
Base attack: +0 Initiative: +10
Melee: Club +1 (1d8+2/x2/AP 2) Speed: 25 ft.
Ranged: – Parry defence: 15
Special Qualities: Argossean qualities, sneak attack (1d6/ Dodge defence: 13
1d8) Base attack: +3
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +0 Melee: Cutlass+6 (1d10+4/19-20x2/AP 4)
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8 Ranged: –
Skills: Appraise +1, Balance +8, Gather Information +2, Special Qualities: Argossean qualities, sneak attack (1d6/
Handle Animal +1, Hide +4, Knowledge (local) +3, Listen 1d8) (cutlass), ferocious attack, seamanship +1, pirate code,
+2, Open Lock +4, Profession (farmer) +2, Spot +2, to sail a road of blood and slaughter
Survival +2, Use Rope +4 Saves: Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +2
Feats: Combat reflexes Abilities: Str 15, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 12
Reputation: 1 Skills: Appraise +2, Balance +14, Bluff +3 Gather
Information +5, Intimidate +6, Knowledge (local) +4,
These hired toughs employ the simple tactic of battering Profession (sailor) +11, Spot +11, Use Rope +14
their victims into unconsciousness with clubs. They will not Feats: Sneak Subdual, Mobility, Uncanny Dodge,
kill a helpless foe, as they are do not wish to risk the penalty Argossean Dreamer, Weapon Focus (cutlass), Improved
for murder. Possessions: quilted jerkin, club, 3 s.p., tunic & Initiative, Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Parry, Two-weapon
hose, linen belt pouch, sandals combat
Reputation: 6
Though still a young man of 28, Klopas commands the
respect of his sailors and handles the Glaros well. Note
that the Argossean Dreamer feat comes from the Pirate
Isles book; if this is unavailable, substitute Skill Focus
(Profession (sailor)). Possessions: breastplate, steel cap,
cutlass, gold pendant worth 150 sp, 80 sp in a box in his
cabin.
Argossean Sailors – crew of the Glaros
2nd level Argossean pirate
Hit Dice: 2d8+2 (11 hp) DR 6 (breastplate)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 25 ft.
Parry defence: 12
Dodge defence: 13
Base attack: +1
Melee: Cutlass+3 (1d10+1/19-20x2/AP 3)
Ranged: –
Special Qualities: Argossean qualities, sneak attack (1d6/
1d8) (cutlass), ferocious attack, seamanship +1, pirate code,
to sail a road of blood and slaughter
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +0
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8
Skills: Balance +8, Climb +5, Knowledge (geography) +4,
Profession (sailor) +6, Spot +4, Use Rope +8
Feats: Argossean Dreamer, Weapon Focus (cutlass), Two-
weapon combat
Reputation: 1
The crewmen of the Glaros are generally a spirited,
competent group. They are glad to use their seamanship
and cutlasses to increase their fortunes. If the Pirate Isles
book is unavailable, substitute Skill Focus(Profession(sailor)
) for Argossean Dreamer. Possessions: breastplate, cutlass,
15 sp.
The Glaros Medium Argossean Sloop
Dimensions: 80 ft. long x 20 ft.wide
Crew: 8/24
Hardness/HP: 5/200
Speed (Rowed): 0
Speed (Sail): 4
Tactical Movement: 3
Modifiers: +1 to boarding actions, -1 to resist boarding,
+2 overland movement, +1 movement point during closing.
Max Cargo: 2
Components: Argossean rigging, boarding deck, ½ cargo
hold, ½ passenger rooms
The statistics for this sloop are presented in the format
used in the Pirate Isles book, but if that resource is not
available, the GM can use this information to compare the
Argossean ship to the pirate galley below.
Captain Bapoto
5th level Southern Islander pirate
Hit Dice: 5d8+15 (41 hp) DR -
Initiative: +6
Speed: 30 ft.
Parry defence: 20 (with large shield)
Dodge defence: 16
Base attack: +3
Melee: hunting spear +8 (1d8+3/x2/AP 4)
Ranged: hunting spear +7 (1d8+3/x2/AP 4)
Special Qualities: southern islander qualities, sneak attack
(1d6/1d8) (hunting spear), ferocious attack, seamanship +1,
pirate code, to sail a road of blood and slaughter
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +2
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Balance +6, Knowledge (local) +1, Perform(dance)
+4, Profession (sailor) +7, Spot +7, Swim +8, Survival +3,
Use Rope +4
Feats: Sneak Subdual, Mobility, Uncanny Dodge, Weapon
Focus (hunting spear), Parry, Power Attack, Cleave
Reputation: 6
Bapoto is a tall, powerful southern islander whose brutal
authority is never questioned by his merciless crew. He has
not yet given a name to the raiding galley he won with a
devastating thrust of his hunting spear through the former
captain’s torso. Bapoto and his men will not surrender.
Possessions: large shield, 2 hunting spears, feathered
headdress, and a piece of amber on a cord around his neck
worth 40 sp.
Captain Bapoto’s Pirates
2nd level Southern Islander pirate
Hit Dice: 2d8+2 (13 hp) DR -
Initiative: +4
Speed: 30 ft.
Parry Defence: 18 (with large shield)
Dodge Defence: 13, 17 vs. ranged
Base Attack: +1
Melee: hunting spear +5 (1d8+2/x2/AP 3)
Ranged: hunting spear +4 (1d8+2/x2/AP 3)
Special Qualities: southern islander qualities, ferocious
attack, seamanship +1, pirate code, to sail a road of blood
and slaughter
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +4, Will –1
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 8
Skills: Balance +6, Perform (dance) +6, Profession (sailor)
+4, Survival +3, Swim +5, Use Rope +5
Feats: Parry, Weapon Focus (hunting spear)
These pirates delight in leaping aboard an enemy deck to
wreak bloody havoc. Each of the 30 will abandon their oars
and throw a hunting spear before boarding, relying on their
large hide shields to protect their unarmoured flesh from
their victims’ attacks. Possessions: 2 Hunting spears, large
shield, loincloth.
 The squid’s sensitive tentacles can detect when its prey has
Captain Bapoto’s Medium Galley ceased struggling, so the squid will not begin dragging its
Dimensions: 100 ft. long x 20 ft.wide prey until poison has done its work.
Crew: 4/30 Attackers can attack the tentacles of a poisonous
Hardness/HP: 6/200 squid with a normal sunder attack, although a ‘spare’
Speed (Rowed): 3 (4 when closing on an enemy) tentacle will make an attack of opportunity as normal if any
Speed (Sail): 2 are available. Each tentacle has 8 hit points and a DR of 3.
Tactical Movement: 4 Attacks directed against a tentacle wrapped around a victim
Modifiers: -2 to resist boarding, +1 movement point can be safely made at -4 to hit. If a tentacle is severed, the
during closing. part that is wrapped around a target relaxes. The squid
Max Cargo: 2 takes 4 hit points damage for each severed tentacle and if
Components: 2 banks of oars, 2 cargo holds, drummer the squid loses three or more tentacles it will retreat. Lost
tentacles regenerate fully in 5 days.
The statistics for this galley are presented in the format Poison: The poisonous squid’s hard, sharp tentacle spines
used in the Pirate Isles book, but if that resource is not have evolved to pierce the tough hides of large sea lions,
available, the GM can use this information to compare the whales and other formidable creatures of the deep, so
galley to the Argossean ship above they are quite capable of penetrating armour. Although its
poison must be able to immobilise prey much larger than
humans, the squid can usually inject a large quantity of the
Poisonous Squid venom through several tentacles at once, so the poison is
Huge Animal not as toxic as that of some smaller creatures. Each time a
Climate/Terrain: Aquatic victim takes damage from a tentacle, he must make a DC
Organization: Solitary 15 Fortitude save or suffer 1d3 Dex damage and paralysis
Initiative: +11 for 2d6 rounds. The venom is fast-acting, so no additional
Senses: Listen +3, Spot +3, low-light vision saves are required for a given injection.
Languages: – Improved Grab: To use this ability the squid must hit an
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– opponent with a tentacle attack. A kraken can use improved
Dodge Defence: 15 grab on creatures up to and including Gargantuan in size.
Hit Points: 70 (8 HD); DR 3 Ink Cloud: The poisonous squid can emit a large
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +4 underwater cloud of jet-black fluid that resembles ink 20
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– feet wide and 20 feet long once per minute as a free action.
Speed: 30 ft. The cloud provides total concealment for anyone within or
Space: 15 ft.; Reach: 20 ft. on the other side of the cloud.
Melee: 10 tentacles +12 (1d4+4, AP 6) and bite +13 Jet: As a full-round action a squid can force water through
(2d6+4, AP 8) its body at a remarkable rate, sending it scooting straight
Base Atk +7; Grp +18 backwards for 200 feet. This action and movement provoke
Special Attacks: Poison, Improved Grab attacks of opportunity as normal. A poisonous squid can
Sorcery Knowledge: – make as many overrun attacks as part of a jet as it likes.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Skills: Poisonous squid have colour–changing skin that
Abilities: Str 19, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2 gives them a +4 bonus to Hide checks. They also have a +8
Special Qualities: Ink Cloud, Jet racial bonus on any Swim check. They can always choose to
Feats: Alertness, Diehard, Endurance, Multiattack, take 10 on a Swim check, and can perform the run action
Toughness (2) while swimming. Poisonous squid gain Multiattack as a
Skills: Hide –4, Survival +1, Swim +14 bonus feat.

The dreaded poisonous squid of the Western Ocean is

not quite as massive or strong as the legendary kraken, but Green Sabre Shark
its deadly poison is at least as effective as brute strength. Large Animal
In this squid the small hooks that help its cousins cling Climate/Terrain: Aquatic
to prey have evolved into dagger-like spines which the Organization: Solitary, school (2–5)
beast uses to inject a paralysing venom. It can then drag Initiative: +7
its helpless victim to its fearsome beak to be devoured at Sensory Traits: Listen +4, Spot +4, aquasense 90 ft., keen
leisure. Because its normal prey are large sea mammals, the scent 180 ft.
squid can only attack two separate targets in a give round. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Typically it will use 4 tentacles to cling to a ship, leaving the Dodge Defence: 15
remaining six available for prey. Once two of its tentacles Hit Points: 44 (8 HD); DR 4
have seized a given medium-sized target, the squid will not Saves: Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +3
have room to wrap another appendage around the victim.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Speed: Swim 50 ft.
Space: 10 ft.; Reach: 5 ft.
Melee: Bite +8 (1d8+5, AP 6)
Base Atk +6; Grp +12
Special Attacks: Blood Frenzy, Chew, Improved Grab
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Special Qualities: Aquasense, Keen Scent
Feats: Alertness, Great Fortitude
Skills: Hide +2, Jump +5, Swim +11
The green sabre shark is a large, often solitary warm-
water shark common in the Western Ocean. Though not
as quick or agile as some other species, the green sabre
has particularly tough skin and a fearsome bite. The teeth
that gave the fish its name can make short work of most
defences.
Grey Reef Shark
Medium Animal
Climate/Terrain: Aquatic
Organization: Solitary, school (2–5), pack (6-24)
Initiative: +8
Sensory Traits: Listen +4, Spot +4, aquasense 90 ft., keen
scent 180 ft.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Dodge Defence: 18
Hit Points: 28 (5 HD); DR 2
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +2
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Speed: Swim 65 ft.
Space: 10 ft.; Reach: 5 ft.
Melee: Bite +8 (1d6+2, AP 3)
Base Atk +4; Grp +8
Special Attacks: Blood Frenzy, Chew, Improved Grab
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Special Qualities: Aquasense, Keen Scent
Feats: Alertness, Dodge, Great Fortitude
Skills: Hide +6, Jump +4, Swim +10
The grey reef shark is a small species which normally
confines its hunting to shallow waters and such humble
prey as diminutive fish and cephalopods. However, if it
scents warm blood the ‘grey reefer’ will turn its frenzied
attention to larger prey.
Common to both shark species:
Aquasense: A shark can detect anything in or on the water
within 90 feet of it.
Blood Frenzy: A shark that can smell an injured creature
within 90 feet of its position will be subject to this special
rule. It gains a +2 bonus to all hit and damage rolls, but a
–2 penalty to its defence. This state lasts for one minute.
Chew: A shark can inflict bite damage on all victims held in
its maw as a free action once per round.
Improved Grab: To use this ability, the shark must hit with
its bite attack.
Keen Scent: A shark’s sense of smell is so honed
underwater that it can automatically notice creatures by
scent up to 180 feet away, but can smell blood in the water
up to a mile away.
Skills: A shark has a +8 racial bonus on Swim checks. It
can always take 10 on a Swim check even when rushed
or threatened, and can perform the run action while
swimming.
Tapir
Medium Animal
Climate/Terrain: Sub-tropical and tropical forest
Organization: Solitary
Initiative: +2
Sensory Traits: Listen +4, Spot +4, scent
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Dodge Defence: 12
Hit Points: 22 (3 HD); DR 3
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +4
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Speed: 30 ft., Swim 20 ft.
Space: 10 ft.; Reach: 5 ft.
Melee: Bite (1d6+2, AP 2)
Base Atk +2; Grp +6
Special Attacks: -
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Special Qualities: Hold breath
Feats: Alertness
Skills: Hide +4, Move Silently +1, Swim +12
Tapirs are solitary mammals with a short fur and prehensile
snouts. Despite their somewhat porcine appearance, they
are related to rhinocerouses and horses. These unassuming
herbivores love water and are excellent swimmers – they
are also known to submerge and walk along the bottom of
waterways. Their usual defence is to employ a surprising
burst of speed, crashing through dense undergrowth to
escape, but they can deliver a nasty bite if cornered.
Hold Breath: A tapir can hold its breath for a number of
rounds equal to four times its Constitution score before it
risks drowning.
Holy Beast
stationary, the beast attempts to grip opponents with its
Large Animal
trunk. If this succeeds, the monster will use its tusks to
Initiative: +3
gore its victim. The gore attack is made with +4 to hit if
Sensory Traits: Listen +4, Spot +1, low-light vision, scent
the opponent is gripped by the creature’s trunk. As it fight
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
the holy beast swings its head and tail from side to side.
Dodge Defence: 12
This allows it to make one tail club attack per round (in
Hit Points: 60 (8 HD); DR 4
addition to gore or grapple) on any enemy who is flanking
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +3
the beast. The holy beast will not flee from combat.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Speed: 30 ft., Swim 20 ft.
Hold Breath: The holy beast can hold its breath for a
Space: 10 ft.; Reach: 5 ft.
number of rounds equal to four times its Constitution
Melee: Gore +6 (1d10+5/x2/AP 5) or Tail Club +6
score before it risks drowning.
(1d8+5/x2/AP 8)
Base Atk +5; Grp +10
Special Attacks: -
Chief M’goba
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
5th level Darfari barbarian
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 3, Wis 10, Cha 2
Hit Dice: 5d10+10 (45 hp) DR -
Special Qualities: Hold breath
Initiative: +4
Feats: Endurance, Improved Overrun, Improved Grapple
Speed: 30 ft.
Skills: Swim +10
Parry defence: 14
Dodge defence: 13
This 10’-long abomination was created by the curse of
Base attack: +5
Zohar’s concubine. Its original tapir form has been altered:
Melee: war club +12 (2d6+4/x2/AP 8)
the tiny tail has grown into a massive, spiked club; the
Ranged: club (primitive) +6 (1d8+4/x2/AP -)
upper front teeth have elongated and sharpened into
Special Qualities: southern black kingdom (darfari)
formidable tusks; and the prehensile snout has extended to
qualities, trap sense +1, bite sword, crimson mist, fearless,
become a short trunk. These seven unfortunate creatures
uncanny dodge
have also gained increased intelligence and a much longer
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +1
lifespan. The monsters are aggressive and will attack any
Abilities: Str 19, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 9, Wis 11, Cha 10
stranger – only through long, patient effort (with many
Skills: Climb +10, Listen +2, Intimidate +6,
ghastly injuries) have the cannibals gained some control
Knowledge(local) +1, Survival +6, Spot +8
over the beasts.
Feats: 5 Track, Two Weapon Combat, Endurance, Mobility,
Power Attack, Weapon Focus (War Club), Diehard, Cleave
Combat: On sighting an enemy, the holy beast will charge
Reputation: 5
and attempt overrun its enemy. If the overrun is successful,
the beast can make a tail club attack as a free action. Once
M’goba is a huge man with chocolate-brown skin, heavy
limbs and a wild nest of hair tangled with mud and sticks.
With his tribe he is good-natured and slow to anger, but
he will rouse to a violent frenzy of action in the presence
of strangers. His war club and those of his warriors have
been fashioned from select, hard branches of jungle trees
and are studded with lovingly-chosen river stones. The
chief usually carries a smaller, primitive throwing club for
a first strike before wading in with his mighty two-handed
weapon. M’goba also likes to intimidate opponents with
bestial shouts and feats of strength – this also heartens his
tribesmen. Possessions: war club, throwing club, loincloth.

Cannibals (including holy beasts’ handlers)

For the Isle’s savages use the statistics for the Savage
Cannibal on pg. 353 of the Conan the Roleplaying Game book,
with the following changes:
Dodge Defence is 12 and Parry Defence is 13 (no large
shields)
Melee: war club +8 (2d6+2/x2/AP 6)
Ranged: club (primitive) +4 (1d8+2/x2/AP -)
Base attack: +3
Feats: remove Fighting-Madness and add Weapon Focus
(war club)
Skills: remove Move Silently +4 and add Climb +8
Possessions: remove shield and spears, add war club

These warriors brandish great war clubs and carry a smaller

club for throwing as battle begins. Against and inferior
opponent they may attempt to bring their filed teeth to
bear (see the Darfai’s Bite feature on pg. 34 of the Conan
the Roleplaying Game book). Cannibals accompanying a holy
beast will not flee.