Wanted to try something different here with this one shot. This is one of four one shots featuring a returning character Galentine Ba’Roche, an enchanting young half elf of an androgynous nature, in each one. Mainly kept Galentine Ba’Rouche an enigmatic figure for Dungeon Masters so they can decide between how they wish to RP the npc (Male, Female, Adrogynous). However the character is played is the right way really. Each mission is a one shot but will span over the careers of the PCs involved. The breakdown will be every five levels.
https://ddb.ac/characters/58524986/CLGF8Q
A wealthy noble, who is a major patron to the guild, is in need of the party to escort them on a hunt of a dangerous aberration. The party will team up with this hunter and provide them “support” (more like protection) as they go about this mission. This mission turns from hunt to uncovering cultist misbehavior dungeon crawl with the appearance of an undead visitor.
This is a mission for level 5 PCs
Six W’s
Who are the enemies in this One Shot?
Allip, Skeleton, Greater Zombie, Star spawn mangler, Star spawn Grue, Otyugh, Juvenile Mimic
What has happened to cause the PCs to fight?
The PCs are placed on retainer to assist a wealthy noble in a hunt for a dangerous aberration. When they meet the noble is a young half elf bard who greets the party with eloquence and respect always. After polite banter the party is handed their stipend of 3,000 gp per PC to buy what they need for the hunt. They are to meet Galentine at their residence of Constance Keep, located outside of Hily’s Bank, in two days. If they ask what they are hunting Galentine will say it is a dangerous aberration and more information will be revealed in two days time. From there the party has the two days to prepare.
Where is this encounter happening?
This is happening in the small duchy of Ba’Rayne. The city of Hily’s Bank is the guild chapter where the party meets Galentine Ba’Rouche. Constance Keep is where they will get the information on the hunt as well as the first encounter. The Forsaken Sepulcher of Annihilation is where the party will be for the remainder of the mission. It is a cave structure used by an unknown cult that has fallen into disuse for sometime now. It is two days away from Hily’s Bank deep in a wooded ravine at the base of a mountain range.
When did this happen?
The Forsaken Sepulcher of Annihilation has been in disuse for well over a decade. The hunt was put together over a month before Galentine meets with the party.
Why are the PCs here?
The PCs are chosen due in part to how prominent they have begun to show in the guild. Though there are stronger members of the guild, this group has a dynamic that fits well with this mission.
How will the PCs deal with this problem?
Once the PC’s meet with Galentine at Constance Manor, they will be made aware of what they are hunting. The creature is Star Spawn brought into the world by the now destroyed cult. The Cult were know associates of far realm denizens but were destroyed following a great upheaval in their ranks. As Galentine avails this information to the PCs in the study an Allip will appear from a small spot in the wall and the PCs will have their first encounter. After the encounter, a map of the the cult’s cavern will be found from behind the wall where the Allip appeared (DC 15 Perception). The Allip was able to impart some of its knowledge to Galentine during the fight and now Galentine has more of a personal stake in clearing this sepulcher of the evil within. Galentine knew where the sepulcher was but no idea as of the layout of it until now.
(If the Dm wants they can add a random encounter as the PCs travel to the Forsaken Sepulcher of Annihilation.)
The party will then travel to the the Forsaken Sepulcher of Annihilation where they will be greeted by the welcoming committee at the front part of the cave. The commotion will alert the Star Spawn of active combatants and will begin to light sconces located in the cave to allow dim light in the cave while stealthily observing the PCs party. Once the party gets to the big room is where the Star Spawn encounter will happen.
During the fighting Galentine will get visions of treasure and rubbish in a darkened back portion of the sepulcher. Once the party finishes their fight, Galentine will make the PCs aware of this and the party can choose whether to press forward or leave. Galentine has a scroll of Leomund’s Tiny Hut should they wish and rest up before they attempt the fight.
From there the party can choose to face the final encounter or not.
NPCs of Note
Duke/Duchess(?) Galentine Ba’Roche- the noble in charge of the Duchy of Ba’Rayne. Galentine is always eloquent, respectful and rarely crass when it comes to dealing with others. Having to represent the Ba’Roche family is a heavy burden yet, Galentine does so to the best of their ability.
Guild Attendant Lucile- A young female hafling who happens to be working at the guild hall the day the party comes in. Lucile will be the first point of contact with the party and will make Galentine aware of their presence once she has talked to them.
Rombus- Former leader of this destroyed sect of the cult. A lover of excess, he was often found using the funds of the cult to further enhance his creature comforts.
Maps
Hily’s Bank
Constance Keep
Forsaken Sepulcher of Annihilation
Encounters & Treasure
Allip your mind
https://www.dndbeyond.com/encounters/87da330d-bbe2-4c40-9909-11f0719a8e98
Welcoming Committee Tomb Edition
https://www.dndbeyond.com/encounters/eb077333-a0bb-43f4-99f5-f345dcfb1c88
Star Spawn Mangles
https://www.dndbeyond.com/encounters/bbacaf29-8c7f-40e9-8118-8305756705f0
Diamond in the Ruffage (optional fight)
https://www.dndbeyond.com/encounters/90005e76-a5e3-409d-9a77-00166c24f61a
Epilogue
With the successful hunt completed more questions than answers will plague Galentine with need for further research. Galentine will travel back with the PCs and host a feast in their honor. They will receive the other half of their pay (3000 gp per PC) and the scene will end with a well earned rest.
Shout outs to https://donjon.bin.sh/5e/dungeon/ and https://watabou.itch.io/medieval-fantasy-city-generator for being amazing resources in creating this one shot adventure!
