Titl

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 XEPHION
A survival-horror adventure

Credits
Adventure Design: Gerald Anthony Lane

Writing: Gerald Anthony Lane & Andrew Rivera

Illustrations: Gerald Lane

Additional Art: The British Library,
Wikimedia Commons

Playtesters: Shane Boissiere, Will Burris,

Uchenna Nwaogu

Inspirations: Alien, Shin Godzilla, Metroid,

Fallout, Resident Evil, Dark Souls,
The Waking of Willowby Hall

Content Warning: Mental illness, body horror,

paranoia, gaslighting, torture

XEPHION is an independent production of

Knighthouse Co. and is not affiliated with
Questing Beast LLC.

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 Five Years Ago... Overview Prince Patrik
After a prolonged illness, Princess Orla, Xephion is a survival-horror adventure for Prince Patrik is the central NPC of
daughter of King Olander IX of Ravensfold, fantasy RPGs set in the rotting ruins of a Xephion, acting alternately as guide, ally,
dies in her sleep at the age of 12. The heir castle and the dungeons below, designed for expositor, suspect, and foe. He can act as a
apparent, Prince Patrik, has been away players of 3rd-4th level. forward-moving force for the party, moti-
from the castle for months on a pilgrimage, vating them to push on with the promise
but contact has been lost. The King goes The adventure follows a quest to retrieve of more coin. He can reveal much about
mad with grief, turning on his advisors, an ancestral sword, followed by the eldritch the circumstances within the castle keep,
ordering inquisitions and executions. fallout of finding the weapon, wrapped though is less knowledgable about the un-
in a story of treachery and demise. The derground area as he’s never been there.
castle and dungeon sections loop into each
One Month Ago... other and many areas contain bits of story He should be portrayed as kind and
Nixdorf, the modest capital region of the which will help players piece together what benevolent, an act he keeps up in order to
Kingdom of Ravensfold, has fallen into happened there, how to defeat the present appear favorable to those whose help he
depression and disrepair after years of the threat, and the betrayal at the center of needs. In reality, he is spiteful and angry.
mad King Olander’s reign. everything, all while attempting to Under normal circumstances, he will be
An enemy force, sensing this weakness, stealthily avoid being destroyed by a attempting to deceive the players as to
swiftly breaches the walls of the already powerful unearthly being. his true nature. He is deceptive by omis-
turbulent Castle Nixdorf. Their siege sion about his murderous past, and feigns
weapons nearly demolish the castle but the There are two central figures in Xephion: sadness at the beseiged state of the castle.
King’s army is able to hold back the inva- Prince Patrik and the creature, Xephion. However his fear at the Xephion, as well as
sion. The sun rises the next morning on a ◤ Prince Patrik is the heir to the throne the traps and dangers in the castle below
sea of death in Nixdorf, placid in stalemate. of Ravensfold, who convinces the party are completely real. He knows nothing
to provide safe passage as he returns about the Xephion save for myths (Chapel, p.
home to the destroyed castle. He seems 12), and nothing about Aegryzard save for
At This Very Moment... shocked by the carnage and saddened its rumored existence. He is hardly a com-
A cloaked young man anxiously approaches by his losses. However, it should slowly batant, and will not willingly participate in
the party. In private, he identifies himself be revealed that Patrik is the cause of combat, even if wielding Aegyrzard.
as Prince Patrik of Ravensfold. Word of the much of this destruction. His poisoning
castle siege has reached him and he seeks of his own sister drove the kingdom Patrik resented his father’s lack of trust
to return to assess the state of his ancestral into chaos, and it was his hired that he could reign, and fled the castle seek-
home and ensure the safe retrieval of an sellswords who invaded. ing new lands, though not before poisoning
invaluable family heirloom. He promises a ◤ The Xephion is the mythical beast his sister. Assuming this would cause the
handsome sum of coin in exchange for an which spawns from the heirloom sword kingdom to decay, he orchstrated the castle
escort to his pillaged home and the PCs’ Aegyrzard. This creature evolves seige years later.
protection. throughout the adventure into stronger
Prince Patrik of Ravensfold
forms as it sustains damage. It will
raise undead, breathe arcane flames, AC 16 HP 25 Lvl 5 Mov 40’ Morale 4
slice foes with its claws, and in later ◤ Sword Swipe: (1d6 damage) Does +1d6
phases fly and use its massive tail to fire damage if wielding Aegyrzard.
swipe and grapple. The Xephion’s main ◤ Shield Bash: (2d4 damage) Knocks back
aim is to destroy Aegyrzard’s wielder target 5’ and stuns them until the end of
and, in accordance with this goal, it is their next turn.
attracted to the sounds of clanging ◤ Secret Dagger: (1d6 damage) Creatures
metal. It will pursue the wielder, and that fail a CON save are poisoned, tak-
also try to kill any of their allies or oth- ing 1d4 damage every hour.
er aggressors. Dealing damage to it will ◤ Ring of Command: Twice per day,
eventually cause it to flee so it can grow Prince Patrik can cast the Command
stronger. It also becomes smarter as the Spell (Knave 2e Rulebook, pg. 22) using
adventure goes along, and may not fall this ring. His INT for this spell is 1.
for the same tricks twice. The magical ring looks innocuous.
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 The History of the Xephion Running the Xephion The Forms
Centuries ago, a horrible creature appeared Throughout the adventure, the Xephion ex- Form I - The Grub Form III - The Chrysalis
in the forests of Ravensfold. It brought periences a life cycle of five different stages. AC 15 HP 20 Lvl 5 Mov 60’ Morale 2 AC 15 HP 120 Lvl 7 Mov 0’ Morale N/A
about a great undeath, and burned down At each stage the creature transforms ◤ Flame Spit: (1d4 damage) ◤ Molten Gunk: (1d4 damage, range 40’)
the forests and villages with a strange physically, becomes stronger, and learns ◤ Tremor Stun: Creatures in a 10’ area Green lava spits from its cracking shell.
flame. They called the beast Xephion, different abilities. must save or are stunned for their next ◤ Emergent Explosion: (3d6 damage)
the unending nightmare. (Note: the Xephion can only use the abilities turn. Deals 1d6 less damage every 20 feet of
of whatever stage it is currently in.) ◤ Flame Aura: (1d4 damage) Lights distance away from the blast.
After a moon, a sword was found wreathed approaching foes ablaze with green
in the same flame, afloat along the river. A The Xephion’s natural armor is its metallic flame for a few seconds. After The Child has drained blood
peasant named Orla claimed the sword and body, retained throughout its life cycle. ◤ Raise Undead: (3x per day) Raises (or gotten a few attacks in) it will use that
mounted a force to face down the creature, As it gets stronger this metal protection 1d4 undead creatures in 200’ area, not to excrete a gooey substance, coating itself
eventually slaying the beast herself with gets more sparse as it gets more powerful. including the corpse mother. and attaching to a wall or ceiling. This
the burning blade. Dealing damage to the Xephion throughout hardens into a metallic shell, forming The
its life cycle causes it to eventually flee (see The Grub is a wet and writhing worm, dark Chrysalis, which protects the Xephion as
When the creature was felled upon the stat blocks for more information.) This gray and gasping for life, fleshy with a me- it transforms to its penultimate form. It is
glimmering steel, its body became gives the PCs time to lick their wounds, tallic sheen. Its birth causes local tremors completely inert but can defend itself by
consumed by the sword, which was after- explore, and prepare for the next encounter as it wriggles from the death wound of its shooting excretions out of its surface.
ward named Aegyrzard, the egg-sword. with the creature. During these moments corpse mother. It is fast moving and capa-
of reprieve, the Xephion is transforming ble of reanimating the dead as a defense Wants: To protect itself while incubating.
The victorious Orla was crowned ruler, into its next form. mechanism. It will only attack those who Once 15 minutes of in-game time has
and the sword became a royal heirloom. approach or harm it as it tries to flee. passed, The Chrysalis explodes giving birth
Knowledge of it soon fell to legend. Most Whenever the Xephion transforms, it heals to The Dun.
question the blade’s existence. Those who any damage done up to the HP of its new Wants: To hide and transform as fast as it
believe claim the beast lingers within the form. However, any damage dealt by Form IV - The Dun
can, re-awakening the dead to bide its time AC 14 HP 40 Lvl 8 Mov 60’/30’ flying
blade’s edge, cursing the kings and queens Aegyrzard to any of its forms is always in this stage.
of Orla’s line with tragedy and madness. subtracted from its new HP total. Morale 10
(Example: If Aegyrzard has dealt 12 Form II - The Child ◤ Flame Shot: (1d6 damage, range 60’)
Knowledge of Aegyrzard damage to the Xephion in its Dun stage, AC 15 HP 30 Lvl 6 Mov 40’ Morale 8 Shoots a small fireball out of its mouth.
Royal clerics have long studied the nature it can only heal up to 38 HP instead of the ◤ Tackle: (1d6 damage, range 60’) ◤ Tail Swipe: (1d6 damage, range 20’)
of the infamous flaming blade, which rests full 50 HP, when transforming into its Image ◤ Burning Bite: (1d6+1 damage) Fangs ◤ Claw Strike: (1d6 damage)
in the vaults beneath the castle, safe behind form.) dig into the target, burning them while ◤ Swooping Dive: (3d4 damage) Can
lock and hex. These learnings have been draining blood. only be used when flying, hits a target
passed exclusively from monarch to The Xephion, as well as Aegyrzard, deal ◤ Latch: Target must save or the Xephion who fails a DEX check with its massive
monarch. Though the sword’s true origin damage using a special kind of flame, grabs hold of the target with its tail. wings.
has never been discovered, a few things referred to as green flame. It has a sickly Unless removed, the next Burning Bite
about its nature were known: color and can only be doused using holy wa- automatically hits. The Dun is a matured form, now sleek and
◤ The beast is born after the sword has ter, oil, or earth. Still, the flame catches less quadrupedal with newly developed webbed
slain. The individual who dealt the quickly than fire, and burns low. Xephion The Child crawls on two small legs, and new wings on its back and steel-sharp talons
lethal blow is called the killing father, is immune to any burning effect, even from limbs appear to be slowly growing on its on its four limbs. Its tail has grown long
and the slain creature is called the Aegyrzard itself. body. Its featureless head is almost bird- into a formidable trunk with a whip-like
corpse mother. Pulling the sword like, with a beak that splays like a clam, re- end. It is distinctly more agile and cunning
from the wound births the Xephion, Finally, the Xephion’s purpose is to kill the vealing a worm with dripping, sharp fangs. than previous forms, and uses flight to its
and the corpse mother rapidly decays. wielder of Aegyrzard, its natural bane. It is almost playful as it attacks, as if it is advantage.
◤ The beast will change like an insect, Because of this, it is attracted to the sound learning. The Child will likely attack the
growing into different forms. It is often of clanging metal throughout the adven- characters wearing the most armor, now Wants: To kill the wielder of Aegyrzard.
attracted to the sword and its wielder. ture, thinking it is Aegyrzard being swung. hunting using the sound and smell of metal. The Dun is confident and precise, homing in
◤ The sword alone can kill the beast, If the Xephion hasn’t been seen by the PCs on whoever wields the sword. The first time
and any damage dealt by the sword is in a while you can use the sounds of metal Wants: To drink blood for its next transfor- it is slashed by Aegyrzard it will retreat to
lasting. When slain, the creature is ab- from traps, combat, etc. to naturally bring mation. It’s not yet a killing machine but it a spacious area in order to transform into
sorbed by the blade, awaiting rebirth. the Xephion back into the fray. needs to feed to get stronger. The Image.
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 The Forms (continued) Enemy Stat Blocks Enemy Stat Blocks (continued) and a spout of flame shoots down from the
ceiling in front of the entryway. The flame
The Final Form - The Image Risen Corpse Well Snake is impossible to pass without incurring 2d6
AC 14 HP 40 Lvl 8 Mov 60’/40’ flying AC 12 HP 4 Lvl 1 Atk Bite (1d4) AC 14 HP 10 Lvl 5 Atk Fang (1d6) fire damage. Relighting the sconce’s flame
Morale 10 Mov 20’ Morale 12 NA 1d4 (2d4) Mov 20’ Morale 7 NA 1 (1d3) or hiding out of its sight can stop the flame.
◤ Cone of Flame: (2d8 damage, 60’ cone) Tries to grapple enemies or knock them Targets who fail a DEX check are
◤ Tail Smash: (1d8 damage, 30’ range) prone. Afraid of Aegyrzard. constricted for their next turn. They take T2. Weighted Portcullis Trap
◤ Meteor Crash: (3d6 damage) Can only 1d4 damage each turn until freed. On both sides of the Prison Corridor (20)
be used when flying, hits all targets Risen Nixdorf Guard
are an obvious floor switch. Pressing one
who fail a DEX check in a 30’ radius. AC 14 HP 5 Lvl 2 Atk Sword (1d6) Giant Webweaver alone will seemingly do nothing. Both
◤ Gaze: A target who fails a WIS check is Mov 20’ Morale 12 NA 1d4 AC 12 HP 14 Lvl 4 Atk Spiderbite (2d4) switches must be weighed down with an
stunned for their next turn. Sporting the green heraldry of Ravensfold. Mov 20’ Morale 10 NA 3 (1d4) object to keep a Portcullis from descending
Its rusted weapons and armor are loud, Bitten targets who fail a DEX check are from both sides of the hallway, trapping
The Xephion’s flesh takes on a bizarre, luring the Xephion. Afraid of Aegyrzard. spun into webbing, immobile until broken anything inside.
frightening form: a twisted by STR check or weapon attack. Greedy.
simulacrum of the corpse mother’s face ap- Risen Invader
As long as one switch is weighed down
pears across its breast. Its body has grown
even larger. Muscular and dragon-like,
AC 14 HP 5 Lvl 2 Atk Spear (1d6) or
Arrow (1d4, 30’) Mov 20’ Morale 12 NA 1d4
Treasures the trap will not spring. If a creature is
The PCs will encounter a number of unique trapped inside the hallway it can attempt
this creature is at the peak of its power. Its Clad in black and blue heraldry.
items in Castle Nixdorf, detailed here. to manipulate the switches through the
wings are even wider in span, now coated It has flammable wooden weapons and portcullis. The switches are 10’ away from
in fresh black feathers. The beak-like enclo- armor. Afraid of Aegyrzard. Angel’s Milk the portcullis gate.
sure guarding its true face is permanently A potion that heals 1d6 HP and acts as an T3. Crawling Swarm Trap
splayed open, revealing a wet, fang-lined Tigerwolf antidote for any poison.
throat which spouts flame angrily. This wood-paneled hallway has a large,
AC 13 HP 7 Lvl 3 Atk Chomp (1d6)
Angel’s Tears hidden pressure plate spanning its length.
Mov 40’ Morale 8 NA 1d4 (2d6)
Wants: To destroy Patrik specifically, Three switches are hidden in each door-
Skinny and hungry, looking for its next A slow-acting poison that deals 1d4 damage
whether or not he wields Aegyrzard. The frame of the hallway, any one of them can
meal. to an afflicted creature every hour.
Image is a dark reflection of the intentions disarm the pressure plate. If stepped on,
of its corpse mother, in this case King Risen Tigerwolf Amulet of Nixdorf slats in the ceiling open up, unleashing a
Olander, who wished to keep the usurper swarm of spiders from above.
AC 12 HP 4 Lvl 2 Atk Chomp (1d6) Charmed necklace that protects the wearer
away from the throne. Mov 30’ Morale 12 NA 1d4 (2d6) from being attacked or targeted by any
However, the spiders have already hatched,
Slower but still hungry. Castle Armor Construct.
If The Image succeeds in killing Patrik it’s only dropping egg shells and dust on the
Morale level becomes 3. It will no longer Monstrous Angelflower Prison Key players heads. Any player who investigates
be interested in attacking the PCs, instead AC 13 HP 20 Lvl 8 Atk Tentacles (1d6) Can unlock any door in the underground the trap sees spiderwebs in the workings of
opting to flee the castle. It may terrorize Mov 0’ Morale 8 NA 1 (1) Prison Block. the trap but nothing more. The spiders have
the surrounding lands, or venture to new Sprays poisonous spores in a 50’ radius moved to The King’s Spire (33).
horizons, potentially becoming a greater when at half HP. Creatures that fail a CON Master Key T4. Warden’s Scales Trap
threat in a future adventure. save are poisoned, taking 1d4 damage Can unlock any door in Castle Nixdorf and If a creature attempts to lockpick or force
every hour. Vulnerable creatures that fail a
Killing the Xephion DEX save drop into its pit and can be bitten
its dungeon. the door into the Warden’s Barracks (24) a
platform rises from the ground, a balance
The Xephion can only be dealt its death
blow by Aegyrzard. If any other weapon
(2d6) by giant fangs. Traps scale and small knife at its center. One bowl
The PCs will encounter a variety of traps in of the scale is weighed down with a cup
brings it to 0 HP, its body will lie motionless Castle Armor Construct of water. The other is empty. Hundreds of
the castle’s dungeons, detailed here.
and unbreathing, as if dead, until it is alone. AC 18 HP 20 Lvl 7 Atk Hammer (1d8) spikes emerge from the ceiling and begin
It will then recover in its current form to Mov 20’ Morale 12 NA 2 T1. Flickering Eye Trap descending.
10HP. It can replenish further if left Attacks any creature with a weapon drawn An eye-shaped sconce with a firelit iris at
unattended for long enough. on the level it is guarding. Downward the end of the Main Hallway (17) faces the The players will have two minutes to weigh
hammer attacks smash the ground. Ignores bottom of the staircase. Any creature that down the empty bowl of the scale with a
Once properly killed, it is disintegrated and any creature wearing an Amulet of Nixdorf. takes a step into the hallway is “seen” by cup of anything or take 3d6 damage before
absorbed into Aegyrzard’s blade, dormant Loud, armor attracts the Xephion. the sconce. The flame magically snuffs the trap resets.
until it tastes death again.
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 Castle Nixdorf, Keep A1/2/3. Main Spire (Stairs) 5. Throne Room
This spire leads through to every level of The doors to the throne room are tied shut
the castle, including underground. with rope within the great hall. Rustling
◤ The first floor entrance (A1) is can be heard within.
collapsed, inaccessible due to rubble. ◤ As the party enters, they spot a bloody-
2. Kitchen mouthed tigerwolf (pg. 8), feeding on
one of the many soldier’s corpses. It
The room is filled with tons of rubble from
immediately tries to flee.
the collapsed rooms above. A door to a
◤ Most of the corpses here are still armed.
flattened pantry and a barely functioning
◤ An ornate throne commands the
oven protrude from the mess inside. Two
cavernous room. Two thrown short
cabinets on the wall are damaged.
spears are wedged into it.
◤ Inside the cabinets: sprigs of thyme,
◤ At the foot of the throne lies the corpse
knife, small bottle of oil, tablecloth.
of the castle’s mage, their body and
◤ Tucked under the jar of thyme is a
surroundings deformed by magic.
recipe for Angel’s Milk (p. 9)
◤ Xephion: When the Xephion is born in
◤ Angel’s Milk Recipe: crushed angelflow-
the King’s Vault (16), 2d6 corpses in this
er seeds, water or milk, thyme
room and the adjoining rooms (6, 7) are
3. Barracks resurrected and continue their battle,
A room full of beds, completely ransacked. attacking any entering creatures.
◤ An overturned mattress has a slit cut 6. Private Meeting Room
into it, with a small pouch wedged
All the ornate furniture in this room is
inside containing 24 gold pieces and
overturned, including the emptied wine
small note, which reads:
rack. Shattered glass and a broken statue
“Honored is the sentry who allows pas-
litters the floor.
sage for the true king. Jahnr, you shall be
◤ With some searching, a recent, un-
a lord in my new kingdom.”
sealed letter of resignation from the
◤ Also contains: shovel, pitchfork, and
castle’s chamberlain can be found.
shabby cloak.
◤ The Chamberlain’s Letter: “Dearest
4. Armory King Olander, I have never questioned my
Only rusted or damaged weapons and loyalty to my station, to the kingdom, or
armor remain in this pillaged storeroom. to the crown. I wish only for peace, and
◤ Buried among strewn stuff is a logbook I cannot continue serving where I am no
detailing monthly inventory of every longer heeded. I tender my resignation

C astle Nixdorf is a four-story keep

located on the top edge of a sloped plateau.
fester between toppled tables and fallen
rubble, stripped of all their weapons and
armor. Heraldry and basic clothing remain.
weapon within the castle walls, going
back many decades. On older pages, an
ink smear spanning the top line seems
henceforth. - Sir Gormun”
◤ Also contains: quill & inkwell, mir-
ror-shined platter, bottle of rare
It has recently been damaged in an attack to redact the mention of one weapon. wine, 3 candles and 2 bottles of oil.
Half of the corpses are Nixdorf Guards. The
by seige weaponry, though the surrounding Newer pages seem not to contain men-
other half are Invaders who entered the 7. Cleric’s Quarters
walls appear intact, as if entered peacefully. tion of the weapon at all.
castle during the siege. As the party enters, The door has been beaten down and more
On approach from the front, a huge hole in ◤ Also contains: 2 helms, and 1 falchion.
crows fly from their carrion and land in dead soldiers and invaders are piled inside.
its eastern face exposes its multiple floors. the cracked crossbeams of the upper castle B1/2/3. Garderobes This was once the living quarters of the
The grass is overgrown, littered with white areas, watching curiously. Lockable doors seal in the putrid stench king’s magical holy advisor.
angelfowers which have grown like a weed. ◤ A golden chandelier hangs from the coming from these lavatories. ◤ A lantern sits on a small desk next to a
The front door is bashed in. center of the ceiling, long snuffed out. ◤ The seats can be lifted and lead straight bookshelf. It needs oil.
1. Great Hall ◤ Xephion: When the Xephion is born in down into a disgusting pit with an ◤ Also contains: 1d6 healing potion.
The eastern side of the sundered hall is the King’s Vault (16), 3d6 corpses in this opening that leads out to the southwest
exposed to the outside. Heraldic banners of room are resurrected and mindlessly of the castle exterior. The higher the A secret passage down to the Crypt (p.14),
Ravensfold decorate the walls. There are continue their battle, attacking any level, the worse the drop (1d4 for every located behind a moving bookshelf, is
dozens of stinking corpses here which creatures that enter the room. level above the first floor.) propped open by a few soldiers’ corpses.
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 8. Solar ◤ Low on the wall, a loose brick hides a ◤ anymore. That is the only time Father ◤ embellishments of the mirror’s frame.
A once-cozy lounge area, now home to a hole in the wall. Behind is a torn recipe and Patrik resemble each other; when ◤ An Amulet of Nixdorf (p. 9) is locked
single sleeping tigerwolf (p. 8), curled on for Angel’s Tears (pg. 9) and the skele- they are looking at me, eyes glimmering, inside the armoire, underneath piles of
the couch. ton of a bird. The prince will ask, then wishing I was far from there. royal vestments.
◤ A large intricate rug hides cracks in demand to have the page if he sees a ◤ I’m sorrowful. I have forgotten to write. ◤ Also contains: a lush blanket, pillows,
the floor. Enough damage or weight party member take it, offering gold or The handmaiden says it is part of my ill- fine clothing.
can cause this area to collapse. treasure from the castle. ness. I will go mad if I am forced to drink 14. King’s Study
◤ A Castle Armor Construct (p. 8), an ◤ Angel’s Tears Recipe: ashes of anymore of this milk. Father is so This study’s walls are covered with
imposing living armor warrior stands angelflower’s petals, ground crow’s beak, unhappy seeing me in this way. Still, he paranoid scrawlings and etchings.
guard outside of the chapel. It attacks chamber lye (urine), human hair tells me I am strong. Daily I wake to him This room might’ve once been a place of
anyone with weapons drawn who aren’t ◤ Also contains: 1d4 falchions, 1d4 wailing at my bedside, wetfaced. With peaceful solitude. but stands now as a
carrying an Amulet of Nixdorf (p. 9). pieces of guard armor, a 50’ rope, 2 Patrik gone, who now will lead our (the testament of the king’s descent into
9. Chapel blankets. last entry ends here, the pen leaving a madness. Bookshelves, desks, a lounge
11. Orla’s Quarters dancing trail) chair and writing table can be found in this
Compared to the rest of the castle, this
beautiful room almost feels out of place. This rose-colored room appears perfectly 12. Treasury Room room, all covered in pages with deranged,
A stained glass window depicting a green preserved, save for a thin layer of dust The castle’s administrator, Chamberlain half finished writings.
sword illuminates an altar at the end of the across it all. A stark contrast to Patrik’s Gormun, used to handle the operation of ◤ Some of the king’s writing concerns:
room’s central aisle. The podium contains Quarters (10), the King’s love for the late the castle and crown from this room. It how he can’t trust anyone in the castle,
an Amulet of Nixdorf (pg. 9) and a jug of princess is made clear. contained important items, supplies and how his enemies have turned Patrik
holy water. Outside is an open balcony. ◤ Patrik will be uncomfortable and coin. The room features a marble floor and against him, that without his daughter
likely stay outside, not lingering in here. shiny golden walls. A few desks and chairs he is lost, and that he will burn his
On the walls, a massive looping mural de- ◤ A made bed and hair-filled brush, and shelves are strewn about covered in enemies in green flame.
picts the founding of the kingdom, and the make it seem almost as if someone still random papers. In the back is a sealed area ◤ A book on top of the writing table con-
life cycle of Xephion. lives here, but a molding cup of pinkish that hides a vault of chests and a roost for tains detailed notes about Aegyrzard
◤ The wall to the left of the entrance milk on the nightstand stinks up the crows that once carried messages for the and The Xephion. Information about
depicts a black worm-like creature on room, betraying the reality. castle. how the sword works (Knowledge of
a tree branch, and a castle far in the ◤ Inside the drawer of the vanity is an ◤ 200 gold coins are piled on one of the Aegyrzard, p. 6) and the life stages of
distance being built. Amulet of Nixdorf (pg. 9). desks as if they were being counted. the creature (The Forms p. 7-8, sum-
◤ The wall across from the entrance ◤ Also contains: a lush blanket, pillows, ◤ A locked steel door protects 10 chests, marized) is made perfectly clear to
shows a wingless bird-like creature fine clothing, and a stuffed doll of a six have been opened. The other four characters who take 10 minutes to read
crawling from the left side of the wall crow. The aforementioned hairbrush chests are locked and contain 2d100 through them. Any information they
into a chrysalis on the right side of contains enough hair for the Angel’s gold in each as well as one random might not know from other sources can
the wall. The window with the grown Tears recipe. item from the Treasures table be filled in here.
sword sits at the center of the wall. (Knave 2e Rulebook, p. 42). ◤ A closed door leads to the King’s Spire
◤ The wall to the right of the entrance A diary sits on the vanity. If unclasped, ◤ This room’s walls glimmer from the (33) which can be taken down to the
shows a warrior woman battling a larg- three entries catch the eye: outside, which may draw an Secret Spire Hall (32). The door is dif-
er, four-legged beast flying in the sky ◤ I presented Patrik with the crown of observer’s attention. ficult to open; a sticky, silvery thread-
with webbed wings. flowers yesterday. As I’ve told you, it took 13. King’s Chambers like substance appears to leak past the
◤ The main entrance wall depicts a mas- me a whole week to make. When I gave doorframe.
A giant canopy bed draped with green and
sive draconic-like horror being struck him the gift, he made fun. A guard joined
white silk sits in the back wall of this spa-
down by the warrior, now crowned, him and said something clever and Patrik
cious bedroom. A dressing screen, armoire,
half of its body turning to smoke that is only laughed. I could only write to tell you
writing desk and fireplace decorate the
being sucked into the blade. today, as I spent the whole of yesterday
area. Most notably, a giant gilded mirror is
crying in bed with Birdie. I will not tell
10. Patrik’s Quarters installed in the wall next to the king’s bed.
Father; I hide my tears from him because
Formerly royal quarters, this room has ◤ Two tigerwolves (p. 8) are sleeping in
he always calls me strong. Why doesn’t
been lovelessly converted to a secondary the remains of the bed.
Patrik see me with such favor?
barracks. Disregard for Patrik is palpable ◤ The mirror is a secret door that opens
◤ Patrik and Father fight to no end. I can
here; no sign exists that he once called this into a hidden staircase that leads up
hear them bickering and bellowing wher-
area his bedroom. to the King’s Study (14). The door is
ever I am within the walls. Their hatred
◤ Patrik is offended at the room’s state. opened by a switch hidden in the gold
rings through stone. I don’t interfere
12 13
Castle Nixdorf, Underground ◤ and 20’ of chain. The cabinet is locked
and contains a bottle of Angel’s Milk
24. Warden’s Barracks
The sadistic warden of Castle Nixdorf’s
(p. 9) and the key that unlocks the dungeon kept tools of torture, extortion
torture devices. and interrogation in this room. A cot with
19. Closet a lonely pillow is the only semblance of
This closet contains mundane cleaning humanity in an otherwise foreboding room
items, a 10’ pole and a healing potion. The of torment.
door has a functioning lock but is open. ◤ A weapon rack sits holding a falchion
20. Prison Block and two-handed morningstar in the
This area houses 8 prison cells that hold corner of the room.
1d6 undead who are still locked inside for ◤ A cabinet holds a key to the cells in the
their crimes before the siege. They reach Prison Block (20) and to the iron maid-
through the bars at the party and shake the en in the Room of Agony (30).
bars making loud, metal noise. ◤ A lockbox under the cot holds 50’ of
21. Prison Corridor rope and a spellbook of Speak With
Stepping on the floor switch in front of the Dead (Knave 2e rulebook, p. 24).
door from the Prison Cells (20) or in front D3. Staircase
of the staircase from the Main Spire (A0) Staircase that leads up to the Dark Hallway
triggers the Prison Trap (p. 9). The trap be- (25).
ing armed or disarmed makes a loud metal 25. Dark Hallway
clanging noise. An empty, tight hallway that is slightly
22. The Maw damp with an awful smell. At the very end
A rickety bridge stretches over a wide an Oubliette (26) is installed into the floor.

B elow the castle is a dank underground

network of tunnels and rooms. On the ◤ Once the blade is drawn The Grub (The
circular pit (50’ diameter, 50’ deep) at the
heart of this room. A giant, carnivorous
angelflower (Monstrous Angelflower pg.
26. Oubliette
A metal oubliette resides at the end of
this hallway, the surrounding wall damp
upper levels is a crypt and an attached Xephion’s first stage) falls out of the 8) dwells at the bottom of the maw, its and the sounds of water echo from below.
vault which acts as the king’s panic room. King’s wound and onto the floor. Simul- tentacle-like vines reaching out of the hole, Occasionally, prisoners were thrown into
Below is the dungeon, containing jail cells, taneously, a tremor shakes throughout covered in angelflower leaves. Before the the bottom of this hole as punishment.
torture areas, and warden’s chambers. It is the castle causing the Staircase (D1) siege the Warden of the dungeon would Overtime they each helped carve out a tun-
protected from prisoner escapes by a series to cave in, making it impossible to dispose of bodies by feeding them to the nel that leads to the bottom of a Well (27)
of traps. Like the castle keep above, it’s all re-enter. plant. Now, it restlessly hungers, reaching outside in the castle grounds.
been left unattended since the seige. ◤ The Grub resurrects d4 corpses in the out at any life that enters the room hoping ◤ The grate is removable but it is in-
D1. Staircase Artifact Room (16) before disappearing for its next meal. credibly heavy and groans with metal
The staircase that leads from the Cleric’s deeper into the dungeons, resurrecting If the Xephion falls into this pit the an- noise.
Quarters (7) down to the Crypt (15). any undead found throughout the map. gelflower is repulsed at the taste of the ◤ A breeze can be felt here and heard
15. The Crypt D2. Staircase beast’s metallic body and attempts to from below, thanks to the tunnel that
Stone Sarcophagi stand in the room and Staircase that leads down into the dungeon. restrain or remove it. The Xephion wins any has been dug at the base of the pit.
are slated into the walls. Corpses of Nixdorf At the foot of the stairs Flickering Eye Trap struggle with the plant with an uninter- ◤ Inside the tunnel between the pit and
Guards and Invaders rot on the floor, with (p. 9) is triggered. rupted passage of time deemed fit by the the well dwells a Well Snake (pg. 9).
some piled against the doors leading to the 17. Main Hallway GM. 27. Well
Artifact Room (16). This dark hallway leads in four directions. 23. Foyer The well built right outside the exterior of
16. King’s Vault 18. Torture Chamber The dried bloodstains in this hallway the castle was made for easy water access
The rotting corpse of King Olander IX sits 1d4 Risen Undead moan and wail, trapped are covered with a thin layer of dust. but has since been mostly dried up. It ex-
on a stone bench on the back wall of this in the torture devices they were in before Two locked doors in this area lead to the tends down 60’ into the ground, its bucket
room. Aegyrzard, Blade of Birth protrudes the castle was sieged. These torture devices Warden’s Barracks (24) and a staircase to and crank are still attached and blow in the
hilt-first out of a black gash in his chest, its feature metal parts which clang loudly as an Oubliette (26). Tampering with the lock wind at the top of the structure.
steel buried shallow in the wall behind him. the victims mindlessly cry out at the PCs. into the Warden’s Barracks triggers War- ◤ The well can be climbed with enough
The blade can be removed with ease and ◤ An alcove in the east of the room den’s Scales Trap (p. 9). rope or relevant gear. The bucket can
Patrik will do everything in his power to contains a chair, tool shelf and cabinet. also be used to lower a creature down
make sure he draws it first. The tool shelf holds a crowbar, dagger or up using the crank.
14 15
 28. Back Hallway Gormun’s robes contain a Master Key (p. 9)
A featureless hallway with a door on each that can open any locked door in the adven-
side with functioning locks. ture. This can only be obtained by opening
the iron maiden.
29. Forked Back Hallway Opening the iron maiden makes a loud,
A hallway with three paths each ending creaking metal noise.
with a door. Each door has a functioning
lock. 31. Maiden’s Hall
30. Room of Agony This hallway triggers the Crawling Swarm
This room exists for the complete torment Trap (p. 9) if any of the PCs move toward
of a single, unfortunate enemy of the late the door in front of the Secret Spire Hall
King’s paranoia. The otherwise featureless (32) from the doors leading from the Room
chamber houses an ornate, magical Iron of Agony (30) or the door from the Main
Maiden, locked but with a small sliding door Hallway (17).
to observe the head of whoever is trapped
inside. 32. Secret Spire Hall
◤ The iron maiden contains Chamberlain Before the siege this hall was only accessi-
Gormun, who tried to resign before the ble by King Olander.
castle was sieged. This is his punish-
ment. The magic of the iron maiden 33. The King’s Spire
keeps him alive. If it is opened, he will A spire that secretly leads between the
die. King’s Study and the dungeon level. The
Gormun cannot see, as his eyes have been staircase has been partially destroyed
removed. He is screaming, in pain, frantic making it difficult to traverse.
and almost incoherent. If prodded he can ◤ Three Giant Webweavers (p. 9) have
tell party: made their home here, living off
◤ King Olander went insane after daugh- wandering Tigerwolves and crows that
ter died and son left. have flown in through the damaged
◤ The king suspected and jailed every-
one and executed some.
◤ Asks the party if they can sway the
King in his favor (he doesn’t know of
the invasion).

16