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Introduction Using This Encounter
The easiest way to use this encounter is to attach it to
Kill the Messengers is a 1-hour DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® the end of “The Twisting Halls.” In that adventure, the
encounter intended for 4–6 characters of 2nd level. It heroes fight their way into a goblin lair to retrieve a box
serves as an entertaining dénouement to “The Twisting belonging to a dwarf merchant named Traevus. An evil
Halls,” an adventure in the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS necromancer named Malareth stole the box in order to
Fantasy Roleplaying Game box, but feel free to plunder it get at the human skull locked inside. The skull is a
for your home campaign! focus for necromantic rituals. More likely than not, the
This is the encounter written for the Celebrity D&D heroes will slay Malareth in the course of completing
Game event at Gen Con 2010, featuring R.A. Salvatore their quest. Assuming they survive, all that remains is
(creator of Drizzt Do’Urden), Ed Greenwood (creator of for them to deliver the box and its contents safely to
the FORGOTTEN REALMS® world), and Larry Elmore Traevus.
(fantasy illustrator extraordinaire) as players. Kill the Messengers takes place as the heroes leave the
In addition to the actual encounter, this booklet Twisting Halls dungeon. It assumes they have advanced
includes four pregenerated characters created using to 2nd level and have Traevus’s box in their custody.
the rules and guidelines in the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS During the celebrity game, D&D® miniatures were
Fantasy Roleplaying Game: a human cleric, a dwarf used to represent heroes and monsters because they’re
fighter, a halfling rogue, and an elf wizard. Permission easier for spectators to see, but feel free to substitute
is granted to photocopy these character sheets for hero and monster tokens from the Red Box as needed
home game use only. for your home game.
Page 1
Kill the Messengers When the characters see the Nynga and her
Encounter Level 3 (755 XP) retinue, read:
Undaunted by the rain, five orc skeletons use their rusty
Setup swords to poke the corpses of the slain goblins. Crouched
Nynga Murdergrave, tiefling necromancer (N) behind some nearby boulders are two cloaked figures: a rat-
Klyde, wererat (K) faced humanoid with a sword and a woman with horns
1 skeletal rider (R) protruding from her cowl. Farther back, in the mist, stands a
5 decrepit orc skeletons (S) skeletal horse and rider.
This encounter uses the “Monster Lair” portion of the Once Nynga becomes aware of the heroes, read the
foldout battle map in the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Fantasy following:
Roleplaying Game box. Fold the map so that only the A female voice rises above the rain. “You don’t work for
relevant area is showing. Malareth,” she says. “I take it you have the skull?”
The encounter is higher than the adventurers’ level
because it’s meant to be challenging. If the heroes are Nynga’s task is simple: Fetch the skull and deliver it
down healing surges or daily powers, you can hold the safely to her dark masters. Failure is not an option, lest
skeletal rider in reserve and put it in play only if they’re she end up worse off than her skeletal orc minions.
having too easy a time. The heroes can converse with the dark messengers,
attack them, or surrender the skull. Getting past the
Read the following to begin the encounter: dark messengers unseen is not an option.
You were sent on a quest by a dwarf merchant named Traevus If the heroes converse with Nynga, see “Roleplaying
to retrieve some stolen property of his—a strongbox taken by Nynga” below. If they attack, have both sides roll
goblin marauders. You tracked the goblins to their cave and initiative. If they offer Nynga the skull, she orders
slaughtered every last one of them, but deep within their lair Klyde to collect it. Once the skull is in her possession,
you found a secret dungeon complex. Therein you fought an she and her forces withdraw. If the heroes give up the
evil necromancer and recovered the merchant’s box, inside skull, they are unable to complete their quest.
which was a human skull. Creative players might try to convince Nynga that
As you leave the goblins’ lair, you hear the distant peal of they don’t have the skull, or they might surrender a
thunder and the fall of heavy rain. facsimile of the skull while keeping the real one
hidden. To fool Nynga, the heroes must each make a
Ask the players to decide which of their characters is Bluff check opposed by her Insight check; if half or
carrying the box, the skull, or both. Then have them more of them succeed, Nynga is fooled. A successful
each make a DC 13 Perception check. ruse is enough to give the heroes a head start, but
Nynga eventually realizes she’s been duped. The dark
If one or more of the characters succeed on the messengers catch up to the party by nightfall. The
check, read the following: battle plays out more or less the same, but use the
Approaching the entrance, you spot a number of hunched “Crossroads” portion of the battle map instead.
figures standing over the corpses of the goblins you massacred.
The closest shape looks like the animated skeleton of an orc. Roleplaying Nynga
Getting the strongbox back to Traevus might be harder than Here are some questions the heroes might ask Nynga
you thought! Murdergrave, along with her answers.
Who are you? “Nynga Murdergrave. This is Klyde, my
If no one in the adventuring party spots the villains henchman.”
outside, place the heroes’ tokens or miniatures near the Whom do your serve? “Orcus, demon prince of
cave entrance instead of the back of the cave, and have undeath! Maybe you’ve heard of him.”
both sides roll initiative. Why do you want the skull? “The skull holds a small
If one or more heroes succeed on the Perception measure of necromantic power, but when combined
check, the villains outside don’t notice them with others like it, its power is formidable.”
immediately, affording the characters an opportunity to What do you intend to do with the skull? “I am
conduct some stealthy reconnaissance. Characters can merely a messenger. What my masters intend to do with
move about the caves unseen with a successful Stealth the skull is their business and none of your concern—yet.”
check (opposed by the nearest enemy’s Perception Have you ever danced with the devil under the pale
check). The heroes gain a +2 bonus to their checks moonlight? “Your questions tire me. Klyde! Slay these
because the caves contain plenty of shadows. imbeciles!”
Characters who can get to the mouth of a cave
without being detected can see all of the villains.
Page 2
Nynga Murdergrave, Necromancer (N) Level 3 Controller Effect: The wererat alters its physical form to appear as a rat, a
Medium natural, tiefling XP 150 unique human, or a hybrid creature. The form lasts until it uses
HP 42; Bloodied 21 Initiative +2 change shape again or until it drops to 0 hit points (whereupon it
AC 17, Fortitude 13, Reflex 16, Will 15 Perception +6 assumes human form). The creature retains its statistics in its new
Speed 6 Low-light vision form. Its clothing, armor, and possessions do not change.
Resist 6 fire Skills Bluff +6, Stealth +10
TRAITS Str 10 (+1) Dex 18 (+5) Wis 12 (+2)
Con 15 (+3) Int 13 (+2) Cha 11 (+1)
O Aura of Dread ✦ Aura 1
Alignment evil Languages Common
Enemies in the aura take a –2 penalty on attack rolls.
Equipment short sword
STANDARD ACTIONS
m Staff (necrotic, weapon) ✦ At-Will
Skeletal Rider (R) Level 3 Elite Soldier
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +8 vs. AC (+9 if the target is
Large natural animate (undead) XP 300
bloodied)
HP 94; Bloodied 47 Initiative +6
Hit: 1d8 + 2 damage plus 5 necrotic damage.
AC 19, Fortitude 16, Reflex 15, Will 14 Perception +3
R Grasp of the Earthen Grave (necrotic) ✦ At-Will
Speed 8 Darkvision
Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature standing on the ground); +7 vs. Immune disease, poison; Resist 10 necrotic; Vulnerable 5 radiant
Reflex (+8 if the target is bloodied) TRAITS
Hit: The target is immobilized (save ends). Brittle
Failed Saving Throw: The target takes 1d6 + 3 necrotic damage. Whenever the skeletal rider is knocked prone, it takes 5 damage.
TRIGGERED ACTIONS STANDARD ACTIONS
Arise! ✦ At-Will
m Hooves ✦ At-Will
Trigger: An allied undead minion within 5 squares of Nynga drops to
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +7 vs. AC
0 hit points. The undead minion cannot be higher level than Nynga.
Hit: 1d8 + 6 damage, and the target falls prone. If the target is
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The undead minion rises to its feet at the
already prone, it takes 5 extra damage.
start of its next turn (as a free action) with 1 hit point.
Infernal Wrath (fire) ✦ Encounter M Death’s Charge ✦ At-Will
Trigger: An enemy within 10 squares of Nynga hits her. Effect: The skeletal rider charges and makes the following attack
Effect (Free Action): The triggering enemy takes 1d6 + 5 fire damage. instead of a basic attack.
Skills Arcana +10, Bluff +11, Insight +6, Stealth +9 Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +8 vs. AC
Str 12 (+2) Dex 13 (+2) Wis 11 (+1) Hit: 1d10 + 7 damage, and the target falls prone and is dazed (save
Con 10 (+1) Int 18 (+5) Cha 16 (+4) ends).
Alignment evil Languages Common MOVE ACTIONS
Equipment staff M Ride-By Attack ✦ Recharge 5 6
Effect: The skeletal rider moves its speed and can make the following
Klyde, Wererat (W) Level 3 Skirmisher attack at any point during its move.
Medium natural humanoid (shapechanger) XP 150 Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +7 vs. AC
HP 37; Bloodied 18 Initiative +7 Hit: 1d10 + 10 damage, and the target is marked until the end of
AC 17, Fortitude 14, Reflex 13, Will 12 Perception +7 the skeletal rider’s next turn.
Speed 6, climb 4 (rat or hybrid form only) Low-light vision MINOR ACTIONS
TRAITS Mark of Nerath ✦ At-Will (1/round)
Regeneration Effect: An enemy within 5 squares of the skeletal rider is marked
The wererat regains 5 hit points whenever it starts it turn and has at (save ends).
least 1 hit point. If the wererat takes damage from a silvered Str 18 (+5) Dex 17 (+4) Wis 14 (+3)
weapon, its regeneration does not function on its next turn. Con 15 (+3) Int 5 (–2) Cha 5 (–2)
STANDARD ACTIONS Alignment unaligned Languages —
Equipment longspear, light shield
m Short Sword (weapon) ✦ At-Will
Requirement: The wererat must be in human or hybrid form.
5 Decrepit Orc Skeletons (S) Level 2 Minion Brute
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +8 vs. AC
Hit: 1d6 + 6 damage (or 2d6 + 6 if the wererat has combat Medium natural animate (undead) XP 31 each
advantage against the target). HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. Initiative +3
m Bite ✦ At-Will AC 14, Fortitude 14, Reflex 13, Will 11 Perception +3
Speed 6 Darkvision
Requirement: The wererat must be in rat or hybrid form.
Immune disease, poison; Resist 10 necrotic
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +8 vs. AC
STANDARD ACTIONS
Hit: 1d4 + 6 damage, and if the wererat has combat advantage
against the target, the target takes ongoing 5 damage (save ends). m Dead Man’s Sword (weapon) ✦ At-WIll
MOVE ACTIONS Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +7 vs. AC
Rat Scurry ✦ At-Will Hit: 6 damage, or 9 damage if the target has one or more of the
Requirement: The wererat must be in rat form. skeleton’s allies adjacent to it.
Effect: The wererat shifts its speed. Str 17 (+4) Dex 15 (+3) Wis 11 (+1)
MINOR ACTIONS Con 13 (+2) Int 3 (–3) Cha 3 (–3)
Change Shape (polymorph) ✦ At-Will Alignment unaligned Languages —
Equipment rusted sword
Page 3
Tactics Features of the Area
Nynga takes cover behind the boulders and uses grasp Illumination: Bright light.
of the earthen grave to root enemies to the spot. She tries Heavy Rain: Creatures standing outside the caves
to stay within 5 squares of her minions so that when gain concealment against enemies more than 5 squares
one of them drops to 0 hit points, she can use arise! She away from them.
uses infernal wrath on the first enemy to wound her. Blocked Tunnel: A large boulder seals off the
Klyde prefers to remain in hybrid form. He tries to northern exit, but gaps allow a nimble character to
flank enemies and reap the benefits of combat squeeze through with a DC 10 Acrobatics check.
advantage. Boulders: The boulders outside are 10 feet high and
The skeletal rider and its mount are considered one provide cover. Climbing over them requires a DC 10
creature. When it drops to 0 hit points, both rider and Athletics check. The boulders provide cover.
mount collapse into a heap of bones. The rider cannot Bushes: The bushes create difficult terrain.
be dismounted. Its goal is to draw fire from the other Creek: The creek is shallow and considered normal
dark messengers using ride-by attack and mark of Nerath. terrain. The wider section is deeper and treated as
The orc skeletons deal more damage when they difficult terrain.
cluster around a common enemy. An orc skeleton will
stupidly provoke an opportunity attack running away Ending the Encounter
from one enemy in order to deal more damage to If the heroes defeat the dark messengers, they can
another. When a minion falls in battle, do not remove search the bodies. Nynga carries three 100-gp pearls
its token or miniature from the map. As soon as she is and a bag of holding (for carrying the skull), and Klyde
able, Nynga scurries out of hiding and restores the has a pouch containing 90 gp. After looting the dead,
minion using arise! The heroes do not gain extra XP for the heroes can continue on their way, return the skull
killing the same minion over and over. to Traevus, and collect their quest reward.
Page 4
Character Name
10 Dexterity Modifier +1
Check 12 Fortitude You worship Kord, the god of
Dexterity measures coordination, agility, and balance. Fortitude measures your toughness and resilience.
storms and battle.
Acrobatics Trained Misc. +1
Check
14 Intelligence Modifier +3
Check
15 Will
Will measures your strength of will, self-discipline, and devotion.
Intelligence describes how well you learn and reason.
Religion x Trained
Misc. +8
Check
+5 Attack Bonus implement
Weapon / Power varies
Damage
When you attack, roll a d20 and add your attack bonus. Compare
18 Wisdom Modifier +5
Check the result to the monster’s defense to see if you hit. If you do hit,
Wisdom measures common sense, self-discipline, and empathy. roll damage.
Insight x Trained
Misc. +10
Check
unconscious. Your bloodied value is half of your hit points
(rounded down).
Permission is granted to photocopy this character sheet for home game use only. TM & ©2010 Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Character Name
13 Dexterity Modifier +2
Check 17 Fortitude
Dexterity measures coordination, agility, and balance. Fortitude measures your toughness and resilience.
Acrobatics Trained Misc. +2
Check
10 Intelligence Modifier +1
Check
12 Will
Will measures your strength of will, self-discipline, and devotion.
Intelligence describes how well you learn and reason.
Religion x Trained
Misc. +1
Check
Attack Bonus Weapon / Power Damage
12 Wisdom Modifier +2
Check
When you attack, roll a d20 and add your attack bonus. Compare
the result to the monster’s defense to see if you hit. If you do hit,
Wisdom measures common sense, self-discipline, and empathy. roll damage.
Dungeoneering Trained +2
Misc. +4
Check
40 Hit Points Bloodied 20
Heal Trained Misc. +2
Check Your hit points measure the damage you can take before falling
unconscious. Your bloodied value is half of your hit points
Insight Trained Misc. +2
Check (rounded down).
Intimidate x Trained
Misc. +6
Check
Permission is granted to photocopy this character sheet for home game use only. TM & ©2010 Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Character Name
18 Dexterity Modifier +5
Check 13 Fortitude
Dexterity measures coordination, agility, and balance. Fortitude measures your toughness and resilience.
Acrobatics x Trained
+2
Misc. +12
Check
Stealth x Trained
Misc. +10
Check
15 Reflex
Thievery x Trained
+2
Misc. +12
Check
Reflex measures your ability to deflect or dodge attacks.
12 Intelligence Modifier +2
Check
13 Will
Will measures your strength of will, self-discipline, and devotion.
Intelligence describes how well you learn and reason.
Bluff x Trained
Misc. +6
Check Current Hit Points
Diplomacy Trained Misc. +1
Check
Streetwise x Trained
Misc. +6
Check
Temporary Hit Points Surges Used
Permission is granted to photocopy this character sheet for home game use only. TM & ©2010 Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Character Name
15 Dexterity Modifier +3
Check 12 Fortitude
Dexterity measures coordination, agility, and balance. Fortitude measures your toughness and resilience.
Acrobatics Trained +2
Misc. +5
Check
Stealth Trained +2
Misc. +5
Check
15 Reflex
Reflex measures your ability to deflect or dodge attacks.
Thievery Trained +2
Misc. +5
Check
18 Intelligence Modifier +5
Check
13 Will
Will measures your strength of will, self-discipline, and devotion.
Intelligence describes how well you learn and reason.
Arcana x Trained
Misc. +10
Check
+6 Attack Bonus spell
Weapon / Power varies
Damage
History x Trained
Misc. +10
Check
Religion Trained +2
Misc. +7
Check auto Attack Bonus magic
Weaponmissile
/ Power 6Damage
force
When you attack, roll a d20 and add your attack bonus. Compare
10 Wisdom Modifier +1
Check the result to the monster’s defense to see if you hit. If you do hit,
Wisdom measures common sense, self-discipline, and empathy. roll damage.
x Trained
Dungeoneering Misc. +6
Check
26 Hit Points Bloodied 13
Heal Trained +2
Misc. +3
Check Your hit points measure the damage you can take before falling
unconscious. Your bloodied value is half of your hit points
Insight Trained +2
Misc. +3
Check (rounded down).
Nature Trained +4
Misc. +5
Check Healing Surge Value 6
Perception Trained +4
Misc. +5
Check Surges Per Day 7
When you spend a healing surge, you regain hit points equal to
14 Charisma Modifier +3
Check your healing surge value, which is one-quarter of your hit points
(rounded down).
Charisma measures force of personality and leadership.
Bluff Trained +2
Misc. +5
Check Current Hit Points
Diplomacy x Trained
Misc. +8
Check
Intimidate Trained +2
Misc. +5
Check
Streetwise Trained +2
Misc. +5
Check
Temporary Hit Points Surges Used
Permission is granted to photocopy this character sheet for home game use only. TM & ©2010 Wizards of the Coast LLC.