Can someone hack into my iphone
hacking: security in practice
2008.04.26 05:53 hacking: security in practice
A subreddit dedicated to hacking and hackers. Constructive collaboration and learning about exploits, industry standards, grey and white hat hacking, new hardware and software hacking technology, sharing ideas and suggestions for small business and personal security.
2016.04.13 22:39 no_turn_unstoned WELCOME TO THE_PACK
THIS IS THE PACK WE'RE FUCKEN BAD ASS AND WE MAKE BOMBASS MEMES!!!!! CUM CRANK YOU'RE HOG IN ARE DISCORD MFER https://discord.gg/3WqqfRM !!!!!!!!!
2011.04.23 22:33 glitch_art: dedicated to the art of databending
2024.06.02 15:20 ANGRY_CENT_MAIN A Night on Chemos
Luxurious silk caresses your skin, some of the finest silks in the Imperium, but even they cannot compete with the feeling of lips on your cheek
“Good morning my muse” the lips whisper into your ear, a light kiss follows. “Five more minutes please” you groan, receiving a laugh in response “Did I wear you out that much last night little muse?” Her laugh sounds like dozens of little bells
“Just not a morning person” you sit up, grateful for the cup of recaf she places in your hands, perfectly made. Taking the first sip you immediately perk up, opening your eyes you see her
He hair falls, framing her face, twin purple eyes gaze lovingly into yours. A beauty mark under her left eye, even just waking up she still looks perfect, though she's always perfect in your eyes
You lean in to give her a kiss, even her lips taste perfect, she laughs again as you break the kiss “I might have made your coffee too sweet, I can taste it”
“Can't help when I kiss the sweetest thing” your reply causes her to blush, red filling her cheeks as she ducks her head “stop dearest, you know I don't like false flattery”
“It's the truth love” placing your recaf down you lean in and pull her into a deep kiss. A few muffled noise of complaint as you plant multiple kisses over her face
“Stop please my Muse, or we'll never get out of bed” she laughs as you pull back and stare into her eyes “would that be such a bad thing?”
“As much as that would be nice, we do need to get ready for tonight, it's the big show” excitement in her voice. “It is your first show”
Laughing you turn and rise out of the covers, stretching fully you hear a small “eep” from behind you along with rustling sheets. Turning you see Fulgrim with her face buried in the covers
“You weren't like this last night” you tease as you pull the covers from her blushing face, “what's the matter? Don't like seeing your own handy work?”
“Shower time” she declares, rushing forward to pick you up over her shoulder as she heads to your bathroom. Brushing past the curtains that surround your bed she heads past dozens of statues and paintings of the two of you.
Heading into the bathroom she drops you on the marble flooring, reaching over to start the shower.
Cold water comes crashing down on you. Startling you away from the falling water with a yelp. “Not so full of yourself now are you?” She laughs turning the water up, stepping in to the warming rain, offering you a hand up
Taking her smooth hand you rise and begin to wash each other. Hands glide over each other as suds appear on both your body's. All too soon are you both clean
Letting the water come to a stop you both make your way out of the shower, before you can take another step a massive towel envelopes you.
Fulgrim laughs as she pats you dry, never letting you out of your fluffy prison. Looking up you see her smiling into your pillowed tomb, a blush as she realizes where you are looking
With a scoff she pulls the towel over your head, not before you see a quick blush and smile on her face. After wrestling the towel off your head you manage to see her standing there in a towel to match your own
She smiles as she points to a small platform “only the best for today my muse” she moves to place a tomato on her wrist, needles and thread already in place as she holds up two bolts of fabric
You step up on the plate, holding your arms our as she begins to lay fabric over you, not needing to measure knowing yours by heart
She plays around with many different styles and types of fabric. Given your late awaking and her insistence on making an even better set of clothes it's after lunch before you are startled out of your daze
“Ah ha” you hear, zoning in you see her face set in a grin of wild joy as she finds the style that suits you. Her hair is loose and a few strands are untucked from behind her ears, her face relaxes from a scrunch, a few wrinkles still visible
You smile sweetly at the love of your life as she does a little victory dance, laughing you press your lips together, knowing better then to move after she found what she was looking for.
A kiss answers your call as she pulls several bolts of fabric out. Siscors flashing with expert skill as she cuts the fabric to shape. Pinning it in place she takes several looks at you, swirling a finger around wanting you to turn
As you spin her laughter sounds out like bells, you swear no bells could ever sound as pure. “Alright alright, that's enough for now” her words are cut off by her growling stomach “and it seems we've worked through lunch, what do you say we take a break?” She asks already moving to help you out of your clothes
Getting you changed into a loose robe the two of you reenter your bedroom, a lavish tray of food left in there for the two of you. As you rush over you hear “ah, ah, ah” as the reaches over you to grab the tray, lifting it over her head
You turn, a pout on you face as she lowers some grapes into her mouth. She laughs through the grapes, an adorable sound as she looks at your pouting face. “Do you want some?” She teases as she leans down, still not on your level from her height. You turn your pout into a plead, eyes going wide as you look up into hers
“Aww” she coos as she pinches your cheek “I could just eat you up” she says before launching a vicious kissing attack on your face, only relenting when you fall onto the couch laughing
She sits next to you, placing your head on her lap as she lowers the same bunch of grapes into your mouth. As you lay there she alternates between feeding you and herself. Before you know it only crumbs are left on the plater
And herself, as she brushes crumbs off the two of you. “Come on my muse. I have to finish fitting your new clothes” she stands and turns to offer you her hand
Seemingly forgetting she's was only in a towel, one that you are left resting on. She realizes and strikes a pose “come on muse, just a little longer” she sways a bit, knowing your mind is already made
You just grind and take her hand back to the platform. Where her hands quickly sew you a full suit.
The deep purple matches her eyes, cloth draped over your shoulders. It comes together just above you waist, where it wraps around before heading back over your shoulders to trail behind you. Several gold and purple tassels are hung in the wraps to fall just above your ankle. You turn, swishing in the almost dress/toga combination to happy clapping
“I think you look great my muse, now let me get changed and we'll head out” she ducks behind a screen, her shadow visible through the thin material. You see her step up and into something, shimmying up her body, along with several other movements
She steps out in a purple dress. Fabric falling to the floor and clinging to her form. Her arms are covered in long deep purple gloves, coming up to past her elbows. Which stand bare, as does most of her back, the dress showing off her perfect figure
She laughs as she walks over to you, heels adding adding extra inches to the already vast height difference, as she places a finger on your chin and closing your mouth
“If you want a treat sugar, you just have to ask” she gives you a wink as she turns to lead the two of you out of the room, her hand naturally grabbing her new blade as she does
A sour taste takes over your mouth upon seeing it. “Darling, do you need to take your blade?” She jumps a little, hand falling to her waist as she realizes that she's wearing it
“Of course dear” she says almost automatically “it would not do for someone like me to not wear a weapon, even on Chemos” she says drawing her blade and looking at her reflection
A wave of nausea hits you as the blade is exposed to the air. You swear you see another figure in the reflection. “I think Fireblade would look better dear, you know that lovely glow would compliment your own”
She doesn't respond, still looking in the blade. You approach her without her noticing, she only moves when you place a hand on her arm. “I'll wear my own blade and we can match” you say as she jumps
Worry crosses her face “but your outfit isn't designed to hold a blade dear, id have to make a belt to fit it” she looks at you as she tilts her head “you are right about Fireblade though, I do love the glow that come from the sheath” she says rubbing her chin
She sets the Lear blade down, hand coming away from the blade trembling as she grabs Fireblade, dust falling away from it as she swings it into place on her hip.
She looks at you, hand on her hip, “come now muse, we have a long night ahead of us” she says with a grin “especially sense last night wasn't too much for you”
Check out my other works here
submitted by ANGRY_CENT_MAIN to PrimarchGFs [link] [comments]
“Good morning my muse” the lips whisper into your ear, a light kiss follows. “Five more minutes please” you groan, receiving a laugh in response “Did I wear you out that much last night little muse?” Her laugh sounds like dozens of little bells
“Just not a morning person” you sit up, grateful for the cup of recaf she places in your hands, perfectly made. Taking the first sip you immediately perk up, opening your eyes you see her
He hair falls, framing her face, twin purple eyes gaze lovingly into yours. A beauty mark under her left eye, even just waking up she still looks perfect, though she's always perfect in your eyes
You lean in to give her a kiss, even her lips taste perfect, she laughs again as you break the kiss “I might have made your coffee too sweet, I can taste it”
“Can't help when I kiss the sweetest thing” your reply causes her to blush, red filling her cheeks as she ducks her head “stop dearest, you know I don't like false flattery”
“It's the truth love” placing your recaf down you lean in and pull her into a deep kiss. A few muffled noise of complaint as you plant multiple kisses over her face
“Stop please my Muse, or we'll never get out of bed” she laughs as you pull back and stare into her eyes “would that be such a bad thing?”
“As much as that would be nice, we do need to get ready for tonight, it's the big show” excitement in her voice. “It is your first show”
Laughing you turn and rise out of the covers, stretching fully you hear a small “eep” from behind you along with rustling sheets. Turning you see Fulgrim with her face buried in the covers
“You weren't like this last night” you tease as you pull the covers from her blushing face, “what's the matter? Don't like seeing your own handy work?”
“Shower time” she declares, rushing forward to pick you up over her shoulder as she heads to your bathroom. Brushing past the curtains that surround your bed she heads past dozens of statues and paintings of the two of you.
Heading into the bathroom she drops you on the marble flooring, reaching over to start the shower.
Cold water comes crashing down on you. Startling you away from the falling water with a yelp. “Not so full of yourself now are you?” She laughs turning the water up, stepping in to the warming rain, offering you a hand up
Taking her smooth hand you rise and begin to wash each other. Hands glide over each other as suds appear on both your body's. All too soon are you both clean
Letting the water come to a stop you both make your way out of the shower, before you can take another step a massive towel envelopes you.
Fulgrim laughs as she pats you dry, never letting you out of your fluffy prison. Looking up you see her smiling into your pillowed tomb, a blush as she realizes where you are looking
With a scoff she pulls the towel over your head, not before you see a quick blush and smile on her face. After wrestling the towel off your head you manage to see her standing there in a towel to match your own
She smiles as she points to a small platform “only the best for today my muse” she moves to place a tomato on her wrist, needles and thread already in place as she holds up two bolts of fabric
You step up on the plate, holding your arms our as she begins to lay fabric over you, not needing to measure knowing yours by heart
She plays around with many different styles and types of fabric. Given your late awaking and her insistence on making an even better set of clothes it's after lunch before you are startled out of your daze
“Ah ha” you hear, zoning in you see her face set in a grin of wild joy as she finds the style that suits you. Her hair is loose and a few strands are untucked from behind her ears, her face relaxes from a scrunch, a few wrinkles still visible
You smile sweetly at the love of your life as she does a little victory dance, laughing you press your lips together, knowing better then to move after she found what she was looking for.
A kiss answers your call as she pulls several bolts of fabric out. Siscors flashing with expert skill as she cuts the fabric to shape. Pinning it in place she takes several looks at you, swirling a finger around wanting you to turn
As you spin her laughter sounds out like bells, you swear no bells could ever sound as pure. “Alright alright, that's enough for now” her words are cut off by her growling stomach “and it seems we've worked through lunch, what do you say we take a break?” She asks already moving to help you out of your clothes
Getting you changed into a loose robe the two of you reenter your bedroom, a lavish tray of food left in there for the two of you. As you rush over you hear “ah, ah, ah” as the reaches over you to grab the tray, lifting it over her head
You turn, a pout on you face as she lowers some grapes into her mouth. She laughs through the grapes, an adorable sound as she looks at your pouting face. “Do you want some?” She teases as she leans down, still not on your level from her height. You turn your pout into a plead, eyes going wide as you look up into hers
“Aww” she coos as she pinches your cheek “I could just eat you up” she says before launching a vicious kissing attack on your face, only relenting when you fall onto the couch laughing
She sits next to you, placing your head on her lap as she lowers the same bunch of grapes into your mouth. As you lay there she alternates between feeding you and herself. Before you know it only crumbs are left on the plater
And herself, as she brushes crumbs off the two of you. “Come on my muse. I have to finish fitting your new clothes” she stands and turns to offer you her hand
Seemingly forgetting she's was only in a towel, one that you are left resting on. She realizes and strikes a pose “come on muse, just a little longer” she sways a bit, knowing your mind is already made
You just grind and take her hand back to the platform. Where her hands quickly sew you a full suit.
The deep purple matches her eyes, cloth draped over your shoulders. It comes together just above you waist, where it wraps around before heading back over your shoulders to trail behind you. Several gold and purple tassels are hung in the wraps to fall just above your ankle. You turn, swishing in the almost dress/toga combination to happy clapping
“I think you look great my muse, now let me get changed and we'll head out” she ducks behind a screen, her shadow visible through the thin material. You see her step up and into something, shimmying up her body, along with several other movements
She steps out in a purple dress. Fabric falling to the floor and clinging to her form. Her arms are covered in long deep purple gloves, coming up to past her elbows. Which stand bare, as does most of her back, the dress showing off her perfect figure
She laughs as she walks over to you, heels adding adding extra inches to the already vast height difference, as she places a finger on your chin and closing your mouth
“If you want a treat sugar, you just have to ask” she gives you a wink as she turns to lead the two of you out of the room, her hand naturally grabbing her new blade as she does
A sour taste takes over your mouth upon seeing it. “Darling, do you need to take your blade?” She jumps a little, hand falling to her waist as she realizes that she's wearing it
“Of course dear” she says almost automatically “it would not do for someone like me to not wear a weapon, even on Chemos” she says drawing her blade and looking at her reflection
A wave of nausea hits you as the blade is exposed to the air. You swear you see another figure in the reflection. “I think Fireblade would look better dear, you know that lovely glow would compliment your own”
She doesn't respond, still looking in the blade. You approach her without her noticing, she only moves when you place a hand on her arm. “I'll wear my own blade and we can match” you say as she jumps
Worry crosses her face “but your outfit isn't designed to hold a blade dear, id have to make a belt to fit it” she looks at you as she tilts her head “you are right about Fireblade though, I do love the glow that come from the sheath” she says rubbing her chin
She sets the Lear blade down, hand coming away from the blade trembling as she grabs Fireblade, dust falling away from it as she swings it into place on her hip.
She looks at you, hand on her hip, “come now muse, we have a long night ahead of us” she says with a grin “especially sense last night wasn't too much for you”
Check out my other works here
2024.06.02 15:19 GotKilled185 She left me traumatised and doesn't care about me anymore while I still carry love even though its of no use
She confessed her feelings to me 5 months ago and we were in a relationship till may 30 last month
Her family are strict about career and stuff and they want her to focus on it and not be in a relationship at this age which is a valid concern from them. But she was in a relationship with me for 5 months where I was completely indulged in giving my 100% every day when it wasn't reciprocated to an equal level but it still had its charm. I always used to ensure her that whatever happens I'm with her and if it is needed I can move out for a while so that she can lay low if something bad happens ie. Her family catches or something. I told her I'll wait for her irrespective of anything. I trusted her so much when she said she'll do the same and we both will succeed and fight out together out of everything and be one. I trusted her with my life, was completely focused on her and my studies and used to make her essays, gifts, poems etc etc (it's a LDR so no physical presence). She also used to call sometimes risking her safety and that's how she got caught 2 times February when she got caught we later came together when she said she doesn't want relationship but loves me, I said am fine with it.
But this time may 30 she got caught again but this time her sister called and gave me life threats out of anger.
Previously 2 weeks ago my ex traumatised me out of anger when she said she doesn't trust me, she doesn't think she'll fall in love with me and she has lost her self respect and standards being with me.. This already has traumatised me(i still am) and she left after that but when she came back I took her back in trusting her thinking she'll change and she'll be better. I always had high hopes and trust in her.
So after her sister threatened me there was no contact between us for a day but next day I went and asked how she was doing she said she's fine and I asked whether I could wait for her and she said no.. Which made me go to an even deeper hole and I am yet to come back from it.. So today I asked her again how she's doing and I went to the temple for her to pray for her happiness and stuff She said she's happy and fine and told never to text her again because she can't disappoint her mom and sister..
. She brought me into relationship . Took everything from my heart and gave it to her . She laid out conditions from day 1 on how to love her and I obeyed with everything and was ready to accept it as it is . Was disrespected and she played with my feelings all these months . Left me traumatised alone . I took her back irrespective of everything and made sure she was happy even after she hurt me pretty badly and is soon to go visit psychiatrist . She drained me . Still I wanted her to be happy irrespective of whatever happened . Acted cold when all i wanted was her to stay happy . 0 regards for me . 0 cares for my emotions
Now how do I recover from all of these? How do I trust someone in my life after this? Where was i wrong?
TL;DR Ex left me traumatised and recent breakup after life threats and cold behavior to me.
submitted by GotKilled185 to BreakUps [link] [comments]
Her family are strict about career and stuff and they want her to focus on it and not be in a relationship at this age which is a valid concern from them. But she was in a relationship with me for 5 months where I was completely indulged in giving my 100% every day when it wasn't reciprocated to an equal level but it still had its charm. I always used to ensure her that whatever happens I'm with her and if it is needed I can move out for a while so that she can lay low if something bad happens ie. Her family catches or something. I told her I'll wait for her irrespective of anything. I trusted her so much when she said she'll do the same and we both will succeed and fight out together out of everything and be one. I trusted her with my life, was completely focused on her and my studies and used to make her essays, gifts, poems etc etc (it's a LDR so no physical presence). She also used to call sometimes risking her safety and that's how she got caught 2 times February when she got caught we later came together when she said she doesn't want relationship but loves me, I said am fine with it.
But this time may 30 she got caught again but this time her sister called and gave me life threats out of anger.
Previously 2 weeks ago my ex traumatised me out of anger when she said she doesn't trust me, she doesn't think she'll fall in love with me and she has lost her self respect and standards being with me.. This already has traumatised me(i still am) and she left after that but when she came back I took her back in trusting her thinking she'll change and she'll be better. I always had high hopes and trust in her.
So after her sister threatened me there was no contact between us for a day but next day I went and asked how she was doing she said she's fine and I asked whether I could wait for her and she said no.. Which made me go to an even deeper hole and I am yet to come back from it.. So today I asked her again how she's doing and I went to the temple for her to pray for her happiness and stuff She said she's happy and fine and told never to text her again because she can't disappoint her mom and sister..
. She brought me into relationship . Took everything from my heart and gave it to her . She laid out conditions from day 1 on how to love her and I obeyed with everything and was ready to accept it as it is . Was disrespected and she played with my feelings all these months . Left me traumatised alone . I took her back irrespective of everything and made sure she was happy even after she hurt me pretty badly and is soon to go visit psychiatrist . She drained me . Still I wanted her to be happy irrespective of whatever happened . Acted cold when all i wanted was her to stay happy . 0 regards for me . 0 cares for my emotions
Now how do I recover from all of these? How do I trust someone in my life after this? Where was i wrong?
TL;DR Ex left me traumatised and recent breakup after life threats and cold behavior to me.
2024.06.02 15:19 UrbanWild Seeking Advice
Hello all! I am on a wellness journey and have been spending each month working on one goal that I can possibly turn into a lifetime habit (previous goals include quitting smoking, walking 10,000 steps every day, and reading daily). I'm wanting to start yoga this month, but up to this point in my life (I'm 28) I have not done anything flexy since middle school. Ive purchased a basic mat and tried to follow some YouTube videos, but find myself super wobbly and feel like I'm missing something. Any advice for where to begin for someone with no athletic ability?
submitted by UrbanWild to yoga [link] [comments]
2024.06.02 15:18 Okay_Affect_6390 I feel very insecure about the direction I'm taking in my life
I had dreams about becoming famous and successfull overall and especially in making music since I have been 14. And I worked towards that goal while always being sort of depressed and not thinking I could make it. I worked really hard to make good music when I was in my early twenties but then suddendly stopped because I was learning for school and was also depressed because I always felt insecure about myself especially with girls, which made me less motivated overall to work toward my dream. And then after I got my A-levels from school so I could pursue a university degree in music production, I got rejected because I didn't pass the aptitude test. Different people said that it was okay to take one year off just so I can have a full year to learn for the next test, but that was when I already was 26 and I was afraid that that would mean I couldn't make it anymore in this way and that it would feel awkward being already 27 and studying music together with people who are younger than me. It demotivated me because my dream was to have a lot of fun with other people studying music and already being 27 at the beginning of the study didn't fit into what I imagined it as.
So I decided to study something else which was computer science, which I also was interested in since I was 14, but was never as passionate about as making music. So now I am thinking about having failed at living the life I've always wanted often times and it feels like I'm becoming this type of person who would later on maybe be succesfull financially, because of doing a well paid job, but thats all.
I had all these passions about music and actually creating great stuff and friends and other musicians and even 2 people working in the music industry gave me very honest compliments about something I made. One of my posts on instagram even got liked from a, at least years ago, quite popular producer who produced for someone of the most succesfull rap artists in Germany and that was when I was just 16, I believe. I dont mean to brag but that is where I felt really good and confident about myself.
Sometimes I even feel guilty for thinking that I want to be "special" and have a life that I feel passionate about. I think that is honestly also a reason why I didnt try harder sometimes to pursue music successfully, because I remember that when I made something really good, it also felt like I had to get over my fear of failure and personally not being able to do it. And when I overcame that it felt amazing.
I dont know why but now I'm often times wondering if that kind of energy I had, to face my fears and follow my passion is less now because I'm 27 and not very young anymore. I don't know what to do with my life. It feels like I'm avoiding thinking about it and taking this serious. I have to study everyday to have a chance at passing the exams for my study because they are very hard. It feels good sometimes to understand hard things but as I explained, it isn't the same as feeling so passionate about life. And I really could feel that way in the past. I dont want to lay in bed being old in 60 years and realize that I had such a great passion and talent and the only reason I didn't pursue it was fear of embarrassment or rejection, but also taking risks in life. If anyone knows how to find a way out of this or maybe has an advice I could take on how I could be more confident and open for taking chances at life, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you
submitted by Okay_Affect_6390 to offmychest [link] [comments]
So I decided to study something else which was computer science, which I also was interested in since I was 14, but was never as passionate about as making music. So now I am thinking about having failed at living the life I've always wanted often times and it feels like I'm becoming this type of person who would later on maybe be succesfull financially, because of doing a well paid job, but thats all.
I had all these passions about music and actually creating great stuff and friends and other musicians and even 2 people working in the music industry gave me very honest compliments about something I made. One of my posts on instagram even got liked from a, at least years ago, quite popular producer who produced for someone of the most succesfull rap artists in Germany and that was when I was just 16, I believe. I dont mean to brag but that is where I felt really good and confident about myself.
Sometimes I even feel guilty for thinking that I want to be "special" and have a life that I feel passionate about. I think that is honestly also a reason why I didnt try harder sometimes to pursue music successfully, because I remember that when I made something really good, it also felt like I had to get over my fear of failure and personally not being able to do it. And when I overcame that it felt amazing.
I dont know why but now I'm often times wondering if that kind of energy I had, to face my fears and follow my passion is less now because I'm 27 and not very young anymore. I don't know what to do with my life. It feels like I'm avoiding thinking about it and taking this serious. I have to study everyday to have a chance at passing the exams for my study because they are very hard. It feels good sometimes to understand hard things but as I explained, it isn't the same as feeling so passionate about life. And I really could feel that way in the past. I dont want to lay in bed being old in 60 years and realize that I had such a great passion and talent and the only reason I didn't pursue it was fear of embarrassment or rejection, but also taking risks in life. If anyone knows how to find a way out of this or maybe has an advice I could take on how I could be more confident and open for taking chances at life, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you
2024.06.02 15:18 ImM3llow 26 [M4F] USA / Anywhere / Online. Free Golden Retriever energy BF, let me love you❤️
Edit: DO NOT message me a simple hi or hello, with no information about you, Put some effort in to your message like i have, come on. Day+Attempt#201
Hello everyone, Thank you for taking the time to read, I know its long, I know - I know. But its worth the read, Trust me. I appreciate you immensely.
Here's a bit about me,
My name is Jay, I live on the East coast of the US. I'm looking for love - like everyone else on here.., but you may not believe or even be doubtful that I've never had a GF before with me being 26, but its true. I'm simply just not willing to "be with" just anyone and I'm very picky. I want us to be a match, more than just have similar things in common.
One thing I have always been told is that I'm a "Real Catch, I'd be extremely lucky to have someone like you" - WELL THEN TAKE ME. I'M FREE. LOL.
About me:
Physically -
~I'm a semi-tall guy, around 5'10.
~I'm thin but muscular.
~I have dirty blonde/ brown hair.
~Changing colored eyes.
~A voice nice enough to melt all your safeguards and get right into your heart and weak spots.
~I do not have any tattoos or piercings. Though I would like to get some eventually.
If you'd like to see a picture of me just ask and I'll show you - IF I may see you as well, I simply just don't want a picture of me out there for anyone to see.
-If there's anything else you'd like to know just ask.
Otherwise -
~I do have 3 pet bunnies I would be more than happy to show you, they are extremely cute.
~I'm a very honest and down to earth guy.
~I'm very patient and easy going.
~I'm very curious and inquisitive. I will try to ask everything I can to learn all about you haha.
~I'm Very VERY Kind & Caring, I will probably ask how you are feeling a bajillion times a day, simply out of care for you.
~I can get pretty clingy, and will always want your attention and to be talking with you. If i have someone im interested in i wont want to talk to anyone else🤷♂️
~I'm very trustworthy - you can confide in me, and entrust your deepest secrets and I wont tell a soul.
~I'm a HUGE hopeless romantic, im old fashioned and will always try to impress you.
- I'm, a BIG softie even though I may look a smol bit intimidating, but I'd do just about anything to see you smile or laugh. And yes.., I do mean anything.
~I'm a big goof - I will get up to some silly shenanigans ALL the time, I will crack dumb jokes and send you memes and tik toks just to make you happy, even if its from across the room I'd wait to see your reaction lol.
~I'm extremely loyal, and would never even think of cheating.
~I will cook for you, and clean up too, even around the house, I'm very self productive and don't ask for much. Just don't forget to kiss the cook.
~I'd also love to just cuddle up and watch a movie or read a book together, anything to get us closer. Id try to take you out on dates whenever possible haha. I have a million SUPER romantic date ideas I have but have never had anyone interested enough in me to take out. Here's your chance ;)
~I will always want to share stuff I find interesting with you, and try to share every moment of every day with you. I'm not looking for someone who can only talk for a small amount of time, I want someone who's willing to put in all the effort I put into them back into me, it goes both ways. If I'm "with" someone you are my TOP priority nobody and nothing else would be. You would be the only person I'd truly want to talk to, so rest assured I would NEVER cheat, even more so because no one is interested in me - Hence why I'm here hahaha.
I'm sure there is more to me than this snippet but I cant think of more at the moment haha, so get to know me and find out more about me.
Some of my interests are: Engineering- I'm a nerd. I admit it. I love being technical and hands on, I love building things. All kinds of things, from furniture, machinery, and reverse engineering anything I find. I love learning how things work and trying to improve things.
Music - I prefer music with a very fast pace, or with some very meaningful lyrics I can relate to. I love to sing along to music and songs that have a deep meaning behind it I can sympathize with makes it all the better. Some bands I like are: Bad Omens, Beartooth, Demon Hunter, MIW, I9K - The list goes on. I'm a bit of a metalhead unfortunately.
TV Shows & Movies - I love watching shows, and I'd love to stream some shows and have some E-dates with you, to get to know you, or if you are close to me, maybe we could do it in person. Some shows I like or more of the Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Comedy, Action, stuff like: National Treasure, Halo, BattleBots, Rick and Morty, AHS, Anything Marvel or DC, The Witcher, Wednesday, The Sandman, The Magicians, The Umbrella Academy, ETC.
Gaming - Yes yes I know, Basic guy likes basic stuff. But gaming has been a thing for me since forever. I know most of you wont care or want to hear that, but I'll leave out the specifics on this part unless you are interested in that, MEGA Bonus points if you are.
Here's a lists of Cons to dating me-
~I'm not Ryan Reynolds. Disappointing, I know.
~I will fight you on what goes on pizza lol.
~I'm not rich.., Yet.
~I can't pronounce Worcestershire.
~I'm slightly forgetful, but with good reasoning.
~(Not really a con but- some might disagree) I still have ALL of my firsts, Do with that what you will c:
~I've got an endless pile of love and affection and no one to give it to! What a dilemma! Help me fix it?
Other than that I'll save the rest for a bit more of getting to know each other.
Here's a bit of what I'm looking in you:
~Preferably someone with lots of free time, and loves to chit chat. I'm seriously not interested in getting 1 message a day. Though I understand people get busy, I personally am not willing to try to learn about you and form something with 7 responses a week. Effort gets reciprocated and I appreciate the time you put in me.
~Physically: -I’m not personally attracted to anyone who’s “curvy/ chubby”, I apologize. Not a shallow thing, I just dont have the attraction chemical in my brain for that, I’m sorry. -If you’re shorter than me, thats a plus to me. -I love dimples, if you have those when you smile, bonus points 😊 - I’m not sure what else to put.., but as for nsfw wise find out😂
~I'm a sucker for a different accent other than American, and if you have an Posh English accent you have already won my heart.
~I'm also only really looking for someone within the ages of 18-35. I don't want anyone old enough to be my mom lol.
~I'd prefer (But not a must) people NOT on the other side of the world, as other time zones SUCK. I don't expect to find anyone who also has never had a boyfriend either, but that would be a real plus. I also don't mind a LDR, but I don't want that forever. But it gives us time to get to know each other.
But as for attributes I'm looking for in you:
~Someone who is above all else very very Loyal and would never cheat.
~Someone who is Honest, and will tell me the truth over a little white lie.
~Someone who is Kind & Caring, who'd constantly check on me, and accept me for who I am & help me improve day to day.
~Someone who is trustworthy, and I can count on to keep my secrets safe, or even just help me remember things.., I do tend to be somewhat forgetful.
~Someone who is very Patient and wants to see me succeed and will help me do so, just like I would help you. Even if its small day to day things, I would appreciate your company ANY time.
~I want a partner who is Affectionate, can reciprocate, and loves to snuggle and talk about their day, and what their interests are, and what makes them happy.
~Someone who can admit they get clingy or overprotective is a bonus.
~A partner with good communication is key, if something wrong we have to be able to talk about it.
~A partner who likes to game with me or at least watch me play would be a plus but not a requirement.
~Someone with a good sense of humor and like to joke around, I am a big goof after all and I love to joke around. Sending memes is always appreciated and good to cheer people up too!
~I'd prefer someone with the same music taste, but not a requirement, Plus if you wouldn't mind if I send you love songs occasionally that's a bonus, or sending me some back haha.
~Being willing to voice call is a must, Texting forever is not the way to go. I have to know what your voice is like haha, later on we can video call if you are comfortable with that. I prefer chatting on Discord because Reddit messages of any kind I'm sure you know are unreliable and sucky in general. So please send me your discord if you have one :)
~I would LOVE to see picture of your pets if you have any. Bonus points if it includes your beautiful self haha.
I'm sure there is more I'm looking for but I cant think of it right now haha, I will have to edit this when I think of it.
Please tell me about you as an opener! I told you a good bit about me, now its your turn haha.
Tell me some things like -
~What's your name?
~Where are you from?
~How old are you?
~What are your hobbies / interests?
~What about my post interested you?
~Where is my TV Remote?!
~Selfie? Pet pics?
~Hit me with your best joke or meme :)
~What's your favorite candy?
I'd LOVE to get to know you, and see where things go.
But yeah, I know it was long I'm sorry haha. Send me a message and lets get to know each other! :)
submitted by ImM3llow to ForeverAloneDating [link] [comments]
Hello everyone, Thank you for taking the time to read, I know its long, I know - I know. But its worth the read, Trust me. I appreciate you immensely.
Here's a bit about me,
My name is Jay, I live on the East coast of the US. I'm looking for love - like everyone else on here.., but you may not believe or even be doubtful that I've never had a GF before with me being 26, but its true. I'm simply just not willing to "be with" just anyone and I'm very picky. I want us to be a match, more than just have similar things in common.
One thing I have always been told is that I'm a "Real Catch, I'd be extremely lucky to have someone like you" - WELL THEN TAKE ME. I'M FREE. LOL.
About me:
Physically -
~I'm a semi-tall guy, around 5'10.
~I'm thin but muscular.
~I have dirty blonde/ brown hair.
~Changing colored eyes.
~A voice nice enough to melt all your safeguards and get right into your heart and weak spots.
~I do not have any tattoos or piercings. Though I would like to get some eventually.
If you'd like to see a picture of me just ask and I'll show you - IF I may see you as well, I simply just don't want a picture of me out there for anyone to see.
-If there's anything else you'd like to know just ask.
Otherwise -
~I do have 3 pet bunnies I would be more than happy to show you, they are extremely cute.
~I'm a very honest and down to earth guy.
~I'm very patient and easy going.
~I'm very curious and inquisitive. I will try to ask everything I can to learn all about you haha.
~I'm Very VERY Kind & Caring, I will probably ask how you are feeling a bajillion times a day, simply out of care for you.
~I can get pretty clingy, and will always want your attention and to be talking with you. If i have someone im interested in i wont want to talk to anyone else🤷♂️
~I'm very trustworthy - you can confide in me, and entrust your deepest secrets and I wont tell a soul.
~I'm a HUGE hopeless romantic, im old fashioned and will always try to impress you.
- I'm, a BIG softie even though I may look a smol bit intimidating, but I'd do just about anything to see you smile or laugh. And yes.., I do mean anything.
~I'm a big goof - I will get up to some silly shenanigans ALL the time, I will crack dumb jokes and send you memes and tik toks just to make you happy, even if its from across the room I'd wait to see your reaction lol.
~I'm extremely loyal, and would never even think of cheating.
~I will cook for you, and clean up too, even around the house, I'm very self productive and don't ask for much. Just don't forget to kiss the cook.
~I'd also love to just cuddle up and watch a movie or read a book together, anything to get us closer. Id try to take you out on dates whenever possible haha. I have a million SUPER romantic date ideas I have but have never had anyone interested enough in me to take out. Here's your chance ;)
~I will always want to share stuff I find interesting with you, and try to share every moment of every day with you. I'm not looking for someone who can only talk for a small amount of time, I want someone who's willing to put in all the effort I put into them back into me, it goes both ways. If I'm "with" someone you are my TOP priority nobody and nothing else would be. You would be the only person I'd truly want to talk to, so rest assured I would NEVER cheat, even more so because no one is interested in me - Hence why I'm here hahaha.
I'm sure there is more to me than this snippet but I cant think of more at the moment haha, so get to know me and find out more about me.
Some of my interests are: Engineering- I'm a nerd. I admit it. I love being technical and hands on, I love building things. All kinds of things, from furniture, machinery, and reverse engineering anything I find. I love learning how things work and trying to improve things.
Music - I prefer music with a very fast pace, or with some very meaningful lyrics I can relate to. I love to sing along to music and songs that have a deep meaning behind it I can sympathize with makes it all the better. Some bands I like are: Bad Omens, Beartooth, Demon Hunter, MIW, I9K - The list goes on. I'm a bit of a metalhead unfortunately.
TV Shows & Movies - I love watching shows, and I'd love to stream some shows and have some E-dates with you, to get to know you, or if you are close to me, maybe we could do it in person. Some shows I like or more of the Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Comedy, Action, stuff like: National Treasure, Halo, BattleBots, Rick and Morty, AHS, Anything Marvel or DC, The Witcher, Wednesday, The Sandman, The Magicians, The Umbrella Academy, ETC.
Gaming - Yes yes I know, Basic guy likes basic stuff. But gaming has been a thing for me since forever. I know most of you wont care or want to hear that, but I'll leave out the specifics on this part unless you are interested in that, MEGA Bonus points if you are.
Here's a lists of Cons to dating me-
~I'm not Ryan Reynolds. Disappointing, I know.
~I will fight you on what goes on pizza lol.
~I'm not rich.., Yet.
~I can't pronounce Worcestershire.
~I'm slightly forgetful, but with good reasoning.
~(Not really a con but- some might disagree) I still have ALL of my firsts, Do with that what you will c:
~I've got an endless pile of love and affection and no one to give it to! What a dilemma! Help me fix it?
Other than that I'll save the rest for a bit more of getting to know each other.
Here's a bit of what I'm looking in you:
~Preferably someone with lots of free time, and loves to chit chat. I'm seriously not interested in getting 1 message a day. Though I understand people get busy, I personally am not willing to try to learn about you and form something with 7 responses a week. Effort gets reciprocated and I appreciate the time you put in me.
~Physically: -I’m not personally attracted to anyone who’s “curvy/ chubby”, I apologize. Not a shallow thing, I just dont have the attraction chemical in my brain for that, I’m sorry. -If you’re shorter than me, thats a plus to me. -I love dimples, if you have those when you smile, bonus points 😊 - I’m not sure what else to put.., but as for nsfw wise find out😂
~I'm a sucker for a different accent other than American, and if you have an Posh English accent you have already won my heart.
~I'm also only really looking for someone within the ages of 18-35. I don't want anyone old enough to be my mom lol.
~I'd prefer (But not a must) people NOT on the other side of the world, as other time zones SUCK. I don't expect to find anyone who also has never had a boyfriend either, but that would be a real plus. I also don't mind a LDR, but I don't want that forever. But it gives us time to get to know each other.
But as for attributes I'm looking for in you:
~Someone who is above all else very very Loyal and would never cheat.
~Someone who is Honest, and will tell me the truth over a little white lie.
~Someone who is Kind & Caring, who'd constantly check on me, and accept me for who I am & help me improve day to day.
~Someone who is trustworthy, and I can count on to keep my secrets safe, or even just help me remember things.., I do tend to be somewhat forgetful.
~Someone who is very Patient and wants to see me succeed and will help me do so, just like I would help you. Even if its small day to day things, I would appreciate your company ANY time.
~I want a partner who is Affectionate, can reciprocate, and loves to snuggle and talk about their day, and what their interests are, and what makes them happy.
~Someone who can admit they get clingy or overprotective is a bonus.
~A partner with good communication is key, if something wrong we have to be able to talk about it.
~A partner who likes to game with me or at least watch me play would be a plus but not a requirement.
~Someone with a good sense of humor and like to joke around, I am a big goof after all and I love to joke around. Sending memes is always appreciated and good to cheer people up too!
~I'd prefer someone with the same music taste, but not a requirement, Plus if you wouldn't mind if I send you love songs occasionally that's a bonus, or sending me some back haha.
~Being willing to voice call is a must, Texting forever is not the way to go. I have to know what your voice is like haha, later on we can video call if you are comfortable with that. I prefer chatting on Discord because Reddit messages of any kind I'm sure you know are unreliable and sucky in general. So please send me your discord if you have one :)
~I would LOVE to see picture of your pets if you have any. Bonus points if it includes your beautiful self haha.
I'm sure there is more I'm looking for but I cant think of it right now haha, I will have to edit this when I think of it.
Please tell me about you as an opener! I told you a good bit about me, now its your turn haha.
Tell me some things like -
~What's your name?
~Where are you from?
~How old are you?
~What are your hobbies / interests?
~What about my post interested you?
~Where is my TV Remote?!
~Selfie? Pet pics?
~Hit me with your best joke or meme :)
~What's your favorite candy?
I'd LOVE to get to know you, and see where things go.
But yeah, I know it was long I'm sorry haha. Send me a message and lets get to know each other! :)
2024.06.02 15:18 Writteninsanity [OT] The Prompt:Everybody in the world has a superpower that compliments their soulmates superpower. You have the most useless power ever, when one day... Is now a full novel!
Everybody in the world has a superpower that compliments their soulmates superpower. When together, both their powers increase in strength exponentially. You have the most useless power ever, when one day......
Hi, I'm Writteninsanity. 8 years ago I started my writing career with this prompt. It is now available on Amazon as a full novel!
TLDR: Amazon: COM / CA / UK / AUS
Title is also available internationally.
The night Toby Vander met his soulmate, he became the most wanted, and perhaps the most powerful, man on the planet.
Everyone has a superpower, enhanced and changed when around their soulmate. Most never meet theirs, but when Toby met Emma, his power leapt from enhanced perception to stopping time.
Now, Toby finds himself at the center of a violent struggle. Surrounded by powerful agents from the Department of Power Regulation and rebels from the fearsome Red, Toby must discover the truth behind his power and his new place in the world.
Alongside him is Zoe McCourtney, a city-shaking telepath torn between her obligation to the DPR and keeping her best friend Emma together with her soulmate.
Can Toby and Emma survive this? Can they stay together?
Can the world handle a time-stopper?
I follow the author on Jacksonwrites, so I've read snippets of Splitting Seconds before, but it was great to see how much more polished the finished product is! It's a fun premise with a lot of charm, with interesting characters and some really thoughtful worldbuilding. Would highly recommend you pick this up, as well as Evergreen, another novella by the author. Would highly recommend, take the time to pick this up, it's absolutely worth a second look.
That said, staying cheery about the hand I’d been dealt was difficult. Enhanced perception was useful for a lot of things, from party tricks to always reading the fine print, but next to flight? Next to teleportation?
I’d gotten hung up on movement powers because I’d taken the bus to the bar, and the only superpower buses had was being late.
I was specifically at the bar for the sake of a blind date set up by my best friend; Todd was about two times my size and could throw a car across the street. His powers did nothing to help me with his current obsession with my dating life, but here we were. I supposed it was a fair obsession. I hadn’t been trying.
It honestly made sense that Todd had been keenly aware of romance since he’d met his soul mate. See, a strange thing with powers was that when you were around your soulmate, they were inexplicably stronger. Todd had met Soo-jung when she’d been on vacation in Crescent three years ago. They’d been inseparable since, and he’d been able to throw a car down three blocks instead of across the street.
Or so he claimed. Nobody was eager to volunteer their car for a demonstration, or anything else heavy and expensive, for that matter.
For my part, I hadn’t spent a lot of time guessing what would happen if I met my soulmate. It was a common train of thought for some, but I never found that it stopped at any fun stations. Instead, I indulged Todd’s meddling because he was my friend and bad dates at least made good stories.
“Gimme a sec, I’ll grab us another round,” Todd announced as he pushed out from our table. “Emma said she’s going to be here soon.”
“You bought the last one.”
“Yeah, now you can buy two in a row once Emma gets here and look generous. Think about it, man.”
“Sure,” I answered, but Todd was already walking away from the table and toward the bar.
Soo-jung leaned in. “You know he’s trying, right?”
“I know, maybe a little too much.”
“You don’t hear the half of it.”
“Oh, good.”
“I had to tell him to calm down when it came to buttering you up to Emma,” Soo-jung explained as she took a sip from her drink. “Sometimes I wonder about him.”
“I’m surprised he says anything nice about me.”
“He’d never say it to your face.” She watched Todd at the bar instead of looking at me during our conversation.
“Does that mean you’ll do it for him?”
“He trusts me to keep his secrets.”
“How about I suggest things and read your reaction?” I asked.
Soo-jung frowned in response before she pointedly rolled her eyes. She knew that reading reactions was one of my party tricks. If you couldn’t be powerful, you could at least read a room.
“Okay, fine. What do you know about Emma?”
“Her last name’s Tavish.”
“That’s it?”
“She works with Todd.”
“I knew that. He kept telling me she was a co-worker.”
“Todd thinks she’s cute.”
“He told you that?”
“No, but he has high standards for you.”
“That’s all the detail you have?”
“Todd’s not allowed to talk about work at hom- Hey, honey.”
Todd was back at the table holding all three pints in one arm; he passed one to each of us despite Soo being less than halfway finished with her current drink. Once he’d finished distributing, he turned to Soo-jung and asked her a question in broken Korean.
He’d been trying to learn, and he was still struggling. Not that I knew the language.
“Yes,” Soo-jung responded in English, “we were talking about Emma; no Korean around Toby. It’s rude.”
“I thought you wanted me to practice?”
“You can practice at home.”
“So we were talking about Emma,” Todd jumped back to the previous topic instead of discussing his inconsistent study of Korean. “Awesome woman, perfect for you, man.”
“What makes you say that?” I asked.
“Oh, she sucks too.”
“Ah, thanks.”
“He means powers-wise,” Soo-jung stepped in.
“So you do know something about her,” I pointed out.
“Something? I’ve been telling Soo everything since we got in the car to come here.” Just as Todd finished, he flinched. Soo had kicked him under the table. “But it wasn’t much, really.”
“What do I get to know?”
“I don’t want to taint your expectations.” He pushed his empty glass away, swapping it with the new one. “But can I be serious for a second?”
I considered it. “Sure.”
“She’s like my boss’, boss’ boss. So best behavior.”
“Wait. Seriously?” I leaned in. Todd worked for the CPRU, which meant that she had to be a heavy hitter if she was high-ranked in the city’s power regulation department. “She’s—”
“Not quite.” He backpedaled. “We share a building. She’s straight DPR.”
I blinked twice at that. “Way to set me up to fail.”
“You should believe in yourself,” Soo cut in.
“Todd, I w—”
“And she’s here.” Todd had turned his attention away from me and toward his phone. “Hope you’re ready to meet your soulmate.”
“Honey, don’t set that expectation.”
The bar’s front door opened, and I was the only one who could hear it over the atmosphere. I glanced over, and there she was.
She was stunning by any definition, but especially mine. Maybe it was a strange way to describe someone, but she looked beautifully meticulous, from brunette hair to olive skin, to her light blue jacket; everything was in place, and everything about her was gorgeous. Assuming that was Emma, I owed Todd big time.
“Okay, that can’t be her, right?” I asked Todd. After a second, without a response, I checked to see if he was waving at her, but he was stock still, a stupid grin plastered over his face. “Todd?”
Holy shit. The DPR had some crazy people on their roster, but this- I waved a hand in front of Todd’s face and snapped my fingers, then caught the sound of a single cautious heel clicking against the floor.
I stood up from the table and looked back at the door. She’d taken one step into the bar but had gotten caught in the same shock I had. “Emma?” I asked.
She snapped her attention to me -god, her eyes were- but she just looked confused.
“Toby,” I explained, “I’m Todd’s friend.” I motioned over to Todd’s still body and took the first steps to say hello. “This is really impressive. I didn’t think this was possible. It’s cool to meet someone wh—”
“I’m not doing this,” she said. “This is impossible. How are yo—”
“Trust me, this isn’t in my…” We stared at each other for a moment. Somehow, time stopped more than it already was.
“Holy shit.” We both said it at once.
“So this isn’t you?” she asked. Her eyes were still meandering around the frozen bar instead of staying in the conversation with me.
“No, it’s not.” I walked along her gaze and ended up against the bar counter, “did Todd tell you what my power was?”
“He just told me you wouldn’t mind having me around,” Emma answered, which somehow just brought up more questions.
“Enhanced perception.” I grabbed a drink off of the bar to see if I could; As soon as I touched it, it seemed to animate back to life. “What do you mean, ‘mind having you around’?”
“I dampen powers,” she explained, a little quieter than anything else she’d said, “make them weaker, hard to use. The technical definition is long and wordy so…” She sighed as she watched me slosh the beer around. “It’s a lot of trouble, really.”
“Probably good for work,” I offered.
“Pretty much the whole reason I have my job, but Callum wouldn’t admit that.” She approached, but there wasn’t an open seat near where I was standing, nor could we ask for someone to move. “Callum is—”
“Callum Rehsman, head of the D.P.R for the past six years,” I stepped in, “sorry, comes with the perception thing.”
“Honestly, I’m just glad I don’t have to explain it.” Emma took to leaning against the bar instead of walking over to a seat. She undid the top button of her shirt, which was probably too high for a date, anyway. “Emma Terish. Ring any bells up there?”
“No.”
“And you’re?”
“Toby Vander.” I put down the beer to offer my hand, and it froze as soon as I let go. We both paid attention to that instead of the potential formal hello.
“So this isn’t you.” Emma reached for the glass and picked it up; once she did, it animated just like it had with me. “And it isn’t me…”
I swallowed nothing. We’d both said holy shit for a reason, but it felt impossible to admit it. Wasn’t there supposed to be a—Well, something? Anything?
Then again, we were stopping time, and what else could you ask for?
“Do you want a drink, Toby?” Emma asked. She vaulted herself over the bar with a frankly shocking amount of grace for someone in a pantsuit.
“Uh, sure.”
“I’d ask what you were drinking, but we might have limited options.” She was considering her new vantage point from behind the counter.
I took the opportunity to grab the drink I’d left behind on the table. “I’ll use the one I had.” I tapped Todd’s hand for posterity, and nothing happened to him. “Any idea what this might—”
“No idea,” she answered without letting me finish, “but my job involves dealing with unknown powers, so…” She tried to use the soda-gun and swore when it didn’t work. “You learn to roll with it until people cooperate.”
“You still think I’m doing this?”
“I know it’s not me, and there aren’t many options here with us,” she said as she ducked behind the bar and came back up with a lemonade cooler, “but I came here for a date, and I plan to have one. Been a long week.”
I returned to the bar, finding a seat now that she was on the other side. “I just need to establish that this isn’t me. I’m not trying to—”
“If it isn’t you and it’s not me stopping time around us, then someone is giving us a very private venue for our first date.”
“Isn’t that nice?”
“It really is.” She took a sip of her drink, then pulled it away before she had time to swallow. “Shit. Do you have cash?”
“I’ll cover you.” She frowned at that; clearly she wasn’t satisfied with someone else paying for everything. “Plus, you’re serving me tonight. So…” That seemed to be enough plausible deniability to satisfy her. “Cheers?”
“Cheers.”
Throughout drink one, we were casting nervous glances around the paused bar; by drink five, we were laughing, just the two of us. Hours dripped by with the free beer… or they didn’t… It was hard to tell.
Emma added her sixth can to her pyramid and composed herself. “Okay, okay, okay. One second.” She took a deep breath. “This has been so much fun, but I told Todd I’d tell him when I got here so” — she needed another second to find her verbal footing — “can you stop this now?”
“Stop what?” I was halfway through a sip.
“This is the coolest power I’ve seen but—”
“It’s not me, I promise.” my insistence ended up sounding more like a drunk debate. The drunk part was accurate.
“So your power really is enhanced perception.”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Okay. You’re not lying.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Because that’s lame and—” She stopped herself. “Shit, sorry.”
“I am so used to it.”
“You wouldn’t say that drunk if you could stop time is my point.” She almost ducked down to grab another drink but thought better of it. “So, that makes us…”
We’d reached this impasse several times in the last hours. I scanned her. The lines on her face. The size of her irises. She was worried. Apprehensive.
So I said it first.
“We’re soul mates.”
She looked down and to the left, considering instead of answering.
“Why else would one of us display a power we’d never seen before? Unless you’re right and someone was stopping time for everyone but me and—”
“And the woman who’s immune to powers,” she cut in. “Maybe we are soul mates, but turn it off.”
“It’s not—”
“Toby, please.”
“I don’t—” I stopped short and instead tried even though I didn’t know how. My perception was passive. I didn’t get to choose whether I used it. Was there supposed to be a switch somewhere inside my head? Was I...
How long had it been at this point? Six, seven hours? We’d planned to meet pretty late and it would almost be light out by now. She was right. We had to get—
“I don’t know how,” I admitted, “if it’s me.”
Emma opened her mouth to say something, then reconsidered. Her perfectly manicured nails were digging into the vinyl of the bar top.
“Okay. It’s been lovely, but if you getting here started this then,” I said as I stood up, “maybe I just need to leave, and that will turn it off so we can figure out what’s going on.” I took the first steps toward the door.
“That’s a good plan.” She nodded along with what she was saying, like she was convincing herself, “I’ll reach out to you. It was an excellent date.”
“Let Todd know for me,” I added as I reached the door; a second later, I stepped into the chilled early-fall air. The door didn’t shut behind me, so I kept walking until I would have been out of eyesight.
Then I stopped.
Should I have turned around? What were the chances that she was my soul mate? What was I leaving behind if I didn’t see her again? It was a dumb thought, but the idea of walking away started gnawing at me.
But what choice did I have? In front of me, a couple was frozen in the middle of a quiet conversation on the way to the bar. Soul mates only affected one another when they were close by. I took a few more steps and started to sprint.
I was three blocks away when the world stuttered around me. My vision blurred, and the moonlight was shattered by the sun. I stumbled, almost crashing into a woman dressed like she was on her way to brunch.
Shit. I’d left my jacket at the bar, but—
I checked my watch; 8:06 AM.
Hope your enjoyed!
submitted by Writteninsanity to WritingPrompts [link] [comments]
Hi, I'm Writteninsanity. 8 years ago I started my writing career with this prompt. It is now available on Amazon as a full novel!
TLDR: Amazon: COM / CA / UK / AUS
Title is also available internationally.
The night Toby Vander met his soulmate, he became the most wanted, and perhaps the most powerful, man on the planet.
Everyone has a superpower, enhanced and changed when around their soulmate. Most never meet theirs, but when Toby met Emma, his power leapt from enhanced perception to stopping time.
Now, Toby finds himself at the center of a violent struggle. Surrounded by powerful agents from the Department of Power Regulation and rebels from the fearsome Red, Toby must discover the truth behind his power and his new place in the world.
Alongside him is Zoe McCourtney, a city-shaking telepath torn between her obligation to the DPR and keeping her best friend Emma together with her soulmate.
Can Toby and Emma survive this? Can they stay together?
Can the world handle a time-stopper?
Reviews!
This book is a great read! Well written with good pacing and dynamic characters. The twists and turns of the book caught me by surprise and just made it impossible to put it down. Fans of urban fantasy and superhero stories will love this unique take on superhero dynamics and powers. Give it a try!I follow the author on Jacksonwrites, so I've read snippets of Splitting Seconds before, but it was great to see how much more polished the finished product is! It's a fun premise with a lot of charm, with interesting characters and some really thoughtful worldbuilding. Would highly recommend you pick this up, as well as Evergreen, another novella by the author. Would highly recommend, take the time to pick this up, it's absolutely worth a second look.
Chapter One: Blind Dates:
It candidly sucked being surrounded by constant reminders that you’d lost the genetic lottery. Sure, it was easier than some people thought to get around the world without powers; it wasn’t like the government expected everyone to be a speedster or to be able to fly. Hell, a hundred years ago, nobody even had powers. The infrastructure was there. Life went on.That said, staying cheery about the hand I’d been dealt was difficult. Enhanced perception was useful for a lot of things, from party tricks to always reading the fine print, but next to flight? Next to teleportation?
I’d gotten hung up on movement powers because I’d taken the bus to the bar, and the only superpower buses had was being late.
I was specifically at the bar for the sake of a blind date set up by my best friend; Todd was about two times my size and could throw a car across the street. His powers did nothing to help me with his current obsession with my dating life, but here we were. I supposed it was a fair obsession. I hadn’t been trying.
It honestly made sense that Todd had been keenly aware of romance since he’d met his soul mate. See, a strange thing with powers was that when you were around your soulmate, they were inexplicably stronger. Todd had met Soo-jung when she’d been on vacation in Crescent three years ago. They’d been inseparable since, and he’d been able to throw a car down three blocks instead of across the street.
Or so he claimed. Nobody was eager to volunteer their car for a demonstration, or anything else heavy and expensive, for that matter.
For my part, I hadn’t spent a lot of time guessing what would happen if I met my soulmate. It was a common train of thought for some, but I never found that it stopped at any fun stations. Instead, I indulged Todd’s meddling because he was my friend and bad dates at least made good stories.
“Gimme a sec, I’ll grab us another round,” Todd announced as he pushed out from our table. “Emma said she’s going to be here soon.”
“You bought the last one.”
“Yeah, now you can buy two in a row once Emma gets here and look generous. Think about it, man.”
“Sure,” I answered, but Todd was already walking away from the table and toward the bar.
Soo-jung leaned in. “You know he’s trying, right?”
“I know, maybe a little too much.”
“You don’t hear the half of it.”
“Oh, good.”
“I had to tell him to calm down when it came to buttering you up to Emma,” Soo-jung explained as she took a sip from her drink. “Sometimes I wonder about him.”
“I’m surprised he says anything nice about me.”
“He’d never say it to your face.” She watched Todd at the bar instead of looking at me during our conversation.
“Does that mean you’ll do it for him?”
“He trusts me to keep his secrets.”
“How about I suggest things and read your reaction?” I asked.
Soo-jung frowned in response before she pointedly rolled her eyes. She knew that reading reactions was one of my party tricks. If you couldn’t be powerful, you could at least read a room.
“Okay, fine. What do you know about Emma?”
“Her last name’s Tavish.”
“That’s it?”
“She works with Todd.”
“I knew that. He kept telling me she was a co-worker.”
“Todd thinks she’s cute.”
“He told you that?”
“No, but he has high standards for you.”
“That’s all the detail you have?”
“Todd’s not allowed to talk about work at hom- Hey, honey.”
Todd was back at the table holding all three pints in one arm; he passed one to each of us despite Soo being less than halfway finished with her current drink. Once he’d finished distributing, he turned to Soo-jung and asked her a question in broken Korean.
He’d been trying to learn, and he was still struggling. Not that I knew the language.
“Yes,” Soo-jung responded in English, “we were talking about Emma; no Korean around Toby. It’s rude.”
“I thought you wanted me to practice?”
“You can practice at home.”
“So we were talking about Emma,” Todd jumped back to the previous topic instead of discussing his inconsistent study of Korean. “Awesome woman, perfect for you, man.”
“What makes you say that?” I asked.
“Oh, she sucks too.”
“Ah, thanks.”
“He means powers-wise,” Soo-jung stepped in.
“So you do know something about her,” I pointed out.
“Something? I’ve been telling Soo everything since we got in the car to come here.” Just as Todd finished, he flinched. Soo had kicked him under the table. “But it wasn’t much, really.”
“What do I get to know?”
“I don’t want to taint your expectations.” He pushed his empty glass away, swapping it with the new one. “But can I be serious for a second?”
I considered it. “Sure.”
“She’s like my boss’, boss’ boss. So best behavior.”
“Wait. Seriously?” I leaned in. Todd worked for the CPRU, which meant that she had to be a heavy hitter if she was high-ranked in the city’s power regulation department. “She’s—”
“Not quite.” He backpedaled. “We share a building. She’s straight DPR.”
I blinked twice at that. “Way to set me up to fail.”
“You should believe in yourself,” Soo cut in.
“Todd, I w—”
“And she’s here.” Todd had turned his attention away from me and toward his phone. “Hope you’re ready to meet your soulmate.”
“Honey, don’t set that expectation.”
The bar’s front door opened, and I was the only one who could hear it over the atmosphere. I glanced over, and there she was.
She was stunning by any definition, but especially mine. Maybe it was a strange way to describe someone, but she looked beautifully meticulous, from brunette hair to olive skin, to her light blue jacket; everything was in place, and everything about her was gorgeous. Assuming that was Emma, I owed Todd big time.
“Okay, that can’t be her, right?” I asked Todd. After a second, without a response, I checked to see if he was waving at her, but he was stock still, a stupid grin plastered over his face. “Todd?”
Holy shit. The DPR had some crazy people on their roster, but this- I waved a hand in front of Todd’s face and snapped my fingers, then caught the sound of a single cautious heel clicking against the floor.
I stood up from the table and looked back at the door. She’d taken one step into the bar but had gotten caught in the same shock I had. “Emma?” I asked.
She snapped her attention to me -god, her eyes were- but she just looked confused.
“Toby,” I explained, “I’m Todd’s friend.” I motioned over to Todd’s still body and took the first steps to say hello. “This is really impressive. I didn’t think this was possible. It’s cool to meet someone wh—”
“I’m not doing this,” she said. “This is impossible. How are yo—”
“Trust me, this isn’t in my…” We stared at each other for a moment. Somehow, time stopped more than it already was.
“Holy shit.” We both said it at once.
“So this isn’t you?” she asked. Her eyes were still meandering around the frozen bar instead of staying in the conversation with me.
“No, it’s not.” I walked along her gaze and ended up against the bar counter, “did Todd tell you what my power was?”
“He just told me you wouldn’t mind having me around,” Emma answered, which somehow just brought up more questions.
“Enhanced perception.” I grabbed a drink off of the bar to see if I could; As soon as I touched it, it seemed to animate back to life. “What do you mean, ‘mind having you around’?”
“I dampen powers,” she explained, a little quieter than anything else she’d said, “make them weaker, hard to use. The technical definition is long and wordy so…” She sighed as she watched me slosh the beer around. “It’s a lot of trouble, really.”
“Probably good for work,” I offered.
“Pretty much the whole reason I have my job, but Callum wouldn’t admit that.” She approached, but there wasn’t an open seat near where I was standing, nor could we ask for someone to move. “Callum is—”
“Callum Rehsman, head of the D.P.R for the past six years,” I stepped in, “sorry, comes with the perception thing.”
“Honestly, I’m just glad I don’t have to explain it.” Emma took to leaning against the bar instead of walking over to a seat. She undid the top button of her shirt, which was probably too high for a date, anyway. “Emma Terish. Ring any bells up there?”
“No.”
“And you’re?”
“Toby Vander.” I put down the beer to offer my hand, and it froze as soon as I let go. We both paid attention to that instead of the potential formal hello.
“So this isn’t you.” Emma reached for the glass and picked it up; once she did, it animated just like it had with me. “And it isn’t me…”
I swallowed nothing. We’d both said holy shit for a reason, but it felt impossible to admit it. Wasn’t there supposed to be a—Well, something? Anything?
Then again, we were stopping time, and what else could you ask for?
“Do you want a drink, Toby?” Emma asked. She vaulted herself over the bar with a frankly shocking amount of grace for someone in a pantsuit.
“Uh, sure.”
“I’d ask what you were drinking, but we might have limited options.” She was considering her new vantage point from behind the counter.
I took the opportunity to grab the drink I’d left behind on the table. “I’ll use the one I had.” I tapped Todd’s hand for posterity, and nothing happened to him. “Any idea what this might—”
“No idea,” she answered without letting me finish, “but my job involves dealing with unknown powers, so…” She tried to use the soda-gun and swore when it didn’t work. “You learn to roll with it until people cooperate.”
“You still think I’m doing this?”
“I know it’s not me, and there aren’t many options here with us,” she said as she ducked behind the bar and came back up with a lemonade cooler, “but I came here for a date, and I plan to have one. Been a long week.”
I returned to the bar, finding a seat now that she was on the other side. “I just need to establish that this isn’t me. I’m not trying to—”
“If it isn’t you and it’s not me stopping time around us, then someone is giving us a very private venue for our first date.”
“Isn’t that nice?”
“It really is.” She took a sip of her drink, then pulled it away before she had time to swallow. “Shit. Do you have cash?”
“I’ll cover you.” She frowned at that; clearly she wasn’t satisfied with someone else paying for everything. “Plus, you’re serving me tonight. So…” That seemed to be enough plausible deniability to satisfy her. “Cheers?”
“Cheers.”
Throughout drink one, we were casting nervous glances around the paused bar; by drink five, we were laughing, just the two of us. Hours dripped by with the free beer… or they didn’t… It was hard to tell.
Emma added her sixth can to her pyramid and composed herself. “Okay, okay, okay. One second.” She took a deep breath. “This has been so much fun, but I told Todd I’d tell him when I got here so” — she needed another second to find her verbal footing — “can you stop this now?”
“Stop what?” I was halfway through a sip.
“This is the coolest power I’ve seen but—”
“It’s not me, I promise.” my insistence ended up sounding more like a drunk debate. The drunk part was accurate.
“So your power really is enhanced perception.”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Okay. You’re not lying.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Because that’s lame and—” She stopped herself. “Shit, sorry.”
“I am so used to it.”
“You wouldn’t say that drunk if you could stop time is my point.” She almost ducked down to grab another drink but thought better of it. “So, that makes us…”
We’d reached this impasse several times in the last hours. I scanned her. The lines on her face. The size of her irises. She was worried. Apprehensive.
So I said it first.
“We’re soul mates.”
She looked down and to the left, considering instead of answering.
“Why else would one of us display a power we’d never seen before? Unless you’re right and someone was stopping time for everyone but me and—”
“And the woman who’s immune to powers,” she cut in. “Maybe we are soul mates, but turn it off.”
“It’s not—”
“Toby, please.”
“I don’t—” I stopped short and instead tried even though I didn’t know how. My perception was passive. I didn’t get to choose whether I used it. Was there supposed to be a switch somewhere inside my head? Was I...
How long had it been at this point? Six, seven hours? We’d planned to meet pretty late and it would almost be light out by now. She was right. We had to get—
“I don’t know how,” I admitted, “if it’s me.”
Emma opened her mouth to say something, then reconsidered. Her perfectly manicured nails were digging into the vinyl of the bar top.
“Okay. It’s been lovely, but if you getting here started this then,” I said as I stood up, “maybe I just need to leave, and that will turn it off so we can figure out what’s going on.” I took the first steps toward the door.
“That’s a good plan.” She nodded along with what she was saying, like she was convincing herself, “I’ll reach out to you. It was an excellent date.”
“Let Todd know for me,” I added as I reached the door; a second later, I stepped into the chilled early-fall air. The door didn’t shut behind me, so I kept walking until I would have been out of eyesight.
Then I stopped.
Should I have turned around? What were the chances that she was my soul mate? What was I leaving behind if I didn’t see her again? It was a dumb thought, but the idea of walking away started gnawing at me.
But what choice did I have? In front of me, a couple was frozen in the middle of a quiet conversation on the way to the bar. Soul mates only affected one another when they were close by. I took a few more steps and started to sprint.
I was three blocks away when the world stuttered around me. My vision blurred, and the moonlight was shattered by the sun. I stumbled, almost crashing into a woman dressed like she was on her way to brunch.
Shit. I’d left my jacket at the bar, but—
I checked my watch; 8:06 AM.
Hope your enjoyed!
2024.06.02 15:18 Okay_Affect_6390 I feel very insecure about the direction I am taking in my life
I had dreams about becoming famous and successfull overall and especially in making music since I have been 14. And I worked towards that goal while always being sort of depressed and not thinking I could make it. I worked really hard to make good music when I was in my early twenties but then suddendly stopped because I was learning for school and was also depressed because I always felt insecure about myself especially with girls, which made me less motivated overall to work toward my dream. And then after I got my A-levels from school so I could pursue a university degree in music production, I got rejected because I didn't pass the aptitude test. Different people said that it was okay to take one year off just so I can have a full year to learn for the next test, but that was when I already was 26 and I was afraid that that would mean I couldn't make it anymore in this way and that it would feel awkward being already 27 and studying music together with people who are younger than me. It demotivated me because my dream was to have a lot of fun with other people studying music and already being 27 at the beginning of the study didn't fit into what I imagined it as.
So I decided to study something else which was computer science, which I also was interested in since I was 14, but was never as passionate about as making music. So now I am thinking about having failed at living the life I've always wanted often times and it feels like I'm becoming this type of person who would later on maybe be succesfull financially, because of doing a well paid job, but thats all.
I had all these passions about music and actually creating great stuff and friends and other musicians and even 2 people working in the music industry gave me very honest compliments about something I made. One of my posts on instagram even got liked from a, at least years ago, quite popular producer who produced for someone of the most succesfull rap artists in Germany and that was when I was just 16, I believe. I dont mean to brag but that is where I felt really good and confident about myself.
Sometimes I even feel guilty for thinking that I want to be "special" and have a life that I feel passionate about. I think that is honestly also a reason why I didnt try harder sometimes to pursue music successfully, because I remember that when I made something really good, it also felt like I had to get over my fear of failure and personally not being able to do it. And when I overcame that it felt amazing.
I dont know why but now I'm often times wondering if that kind of energy I had, to face my fears and follow my passion is less now because I'm 27 and not very young anymore. I don't know what to do with my life. It feels like I'm avoiding thinking about it and taking this serious. I have to study everyday to have a chance at passing the exams for my study because they are very hard. It feels good sometimes to understand hard things but as I explained, it isn't the same as feeling so passionate about life. And I really could feel that way in the past. I dont want to lay in bed being old in 60 years and realize that I had such a great passion and talent and the only reason I didn't pursue it was fear of embarrassment or rejection, but also taking risks in life. If anyone knows how to find a way out of this or maybe has an advice I could take on how I could be more confident and open for taking chances at life, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you
submitted by Okay_Affect_6390 to Healthygamergg [link] [comments]
So I decided to study something else which was computer science, which I also was interested in since I was 14, but was never as passionate about as making music. So now I am thinking about having failed at living the life I've always wanted often times and it feels like I'm becoming this type of person who would later on maybe be succesfull financially, because of doing a well paid job, but thats all.
I had all these passions about music and actually creating great stuff and friends and other musicians and even 2 people working in the music industry gave me very honest compliments about something I made. One of my posts on instagram even got liked from a, at least years ago, quite popular producer who produced for someone of the most succesfull rap artists in Germany and that was when I was just 16, I believe. I dont mean to brag but that is where I felt really good and confident about myself.
Sometimes I even feel guilty for thinking that I want to be "special" and have a life that I feel passionate about. I think that is honestly also a reason why I didnt try harder sometimes to pursue music successfully, because I remember that when I made something really good, it also felt like I had to get over my fear of failure and personally not being able to do it. And when I overcame that it felt amazing.
I dont know why but now I'm often times wondering if that kind of energy I had, to face my fears and follow my passion is less now because I'm 27 and not very young anymore. I don't know what to do with my life. It feels like I'm avoiding thinking about it and taking this serious. I have to study everyday to have a chance at passing the exams for my study because they are very hard. It feels good sometimes to understand hard things but as I explained, it isn't the same as feeling so passionate about life. And I really could feel that way in the past. I dont want to lay in bed being old in 60 years and realize that I had such a great passion and talent and the only reason I didn't pursue it was fear of embarrassment or rejection, but also taking risks in life. If anyone knows how to find a way out of this or maybe has an advice I could take on how I could be more confident and open for taking chances at life, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you
2024.06.02 15:18 Im_TheCum_of_Titania @Everyone - Welcome, And . . .
Welcome to the community to everyone new.
. . .
I hope you go through this community and try to gain as much not as possible but if you also want to be someone that wants a post, Go ahead.
👍🏻
I only have a small request.
Link : https://entoman-created-by-the-tallgreys.tumblr.com/?source=share
that you please check out my Tumblr, I'm I'm created my Tumblr a long time ago to think in the human race had an inkling of intelligence that human beings I would treat them like a police report and if I gave them the dollars they would go forth and try to help me find my people and give the 👽 a middle finger.
that didn't what happened anyone that read my stuff despite I was being completely honest thought they were reading mental illness, to make matters worse anyone that read my stuff quickly got off my blog I got let's just say people got fucking nasty with me but I didn't I didn't give up hoping that there was intelligent people out there somewhere that would take me seriously.
This post is really more me welcoming you all but I still wanted to give my blog a shout out.
my blog is unintentionally radical extremely taboo and tell some of the deepest truths about Fairyland.
Fairyland is Hive world. Fairyland is an insectoid Queendom. <- ♀️
I talk a lot about our homework and what life is like and how it led up to the grave and how it led up to us being necromance out of spirit realm forced captured by 🛸🛸🛸
forced into the highway agenda and then forced on Earth with this long ass agenda we've all been obeying and we've been programmed to know and obey every single day of Our lives. 🧚🏻♀️/🧚🏻♂️
How it's connected with the elite what's going on in the world. how there is an end time war with the aliens that lead to the total eradication of the human race that they're 👽👽👽 able to pull it off.
You Get the Gist.
so long story short, I don't know all the details I just know milestones and I just have a lot of insider information.
you really have to go to the blog to know more I was going to give a Discord link, but I'm not allowed to do that in the main post because then ready will throw my pose into the spam section and I can approve it all I want but ready won't let me approve reapprove it so I have to put a Discord link to my Discord in the comment section.
EITHER WAY
Welcome and I hope you learned something.
submitted by Im_TheCum_of_Titania to AlienTopic [link] [comments]
. . .
I hope you go through this community and try to gain as much not as possible but if you also want to be someone that wants a post, Go ahead.
👍🏻
I only have a small request.
Link : https://entoman-created-by-the-tallgreys.tumblr.com/?source=share
that you please check out my Tumblr, I'm I'm created my Tumblr a long time ago to think in the human race had an inkling of intelligence that human beings I would treat them like a police report and if I gave them the dollars they would go forth and try to help me find my people and give the 👽 a middle finger.
that didn't what happened anyone that read my stuff despite I was being completely honest thought they were reading mental illness, to make matters worse anyone that read my stuff quickly got off my blog I got let's just say people got fucking nasty with me but I didn't I didn't give up hoping that there was intelligent people out there somewhere that would take me seriously.
This post is really more me welcoming you all but I still wanted to give my blog a shout out.
my blog is unintentionally radical extremely taboo and tell some of the deepest truths about Fairyland.
Fairyland is Hive world. Fairyland is an insectoid Queendom. <- ♀️
I talk a lot about our homework and what life is like and how it led up to the grave and how it led up to us being necromance out of spirit realm forced captured by 🛸🛸🛸
forced into the highway agenda and then forced on Earth with this long ass agenda we've all been obeying and we've been programmed to know and obey every single day of Our lives. 🧚🏻♀️/🧚🏻♂️
How it's connected with the elite what's going on in the world. how there is an end time war with the aliens that lead to the total eradication of the human race that they're 👽👽👽 able to pull it off.
You Get the Gist.
so long story short, I don't know all the details I just know milestones and I just have a lot of insider information.
you really have to go to the blog to know more I was going to give a Discord link, but I'm not allowed to do that in the main post because then ready will throw my pose into the spam section and I can approve it all I want but ready won't let me approve reapprove it so I have to put a Discord link to my Discord in the comment section.
EITHER WAY
Welcome and I hope you learned something.
2024.06.02 15:15 Pyro979 Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
[PWYW] Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
Upon entering a seemingly innocuous tavern, players quickly realize it’s not the refuge they expected. The innkeeper and his ‘daughter,’ the serving girl, are not what they seem. Beneath their facades lie malevolent beings with a taste for their guests. Facing both mental and physical trials, the players must outwit these monsters before they become the evening’s special.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
Monster encounter, balance for your party:
To make things more difficult for the players, you can also add an additional MEDIUM CON saving throw against the fog's effects, with the players taking LIGHT poison damage on failure. Altering the number of monsters is another effective method for adjusting the challenge level. Additionally, if you're looking to incorporate different types of monsters, don't hesitate to use homebrew or reflavored monsters.
If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Armor Class :: 18 (natural armor) Hit Points :: 3 MEDIUM hits Speed :: 20 ft (can move only in darkness)
Damage Immunities :: poison, psychic Condition Immunities :: blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Senses :: Blindsight 60 ft. Languages :: None
Antimagic Susceptibility. The statue is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the statue must succeed on a CON saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute. : False Appearance. While the statue remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal statue. : Dark Step. The statue can only move in darkness. It moves silently. It may not take the dash action. All attacks automatically hit.
Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Initiative :: At initiative order 20, use one of the lair action options
Scalding Water: Boiling water erupts from pots in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Slippery Floors: The floor becomes slick with oil and grease. For the next round, any creature moving across the floor must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw or fall prone. You can avoid this by moving at half speed, but you must declare this before moving. : Whirling Blades: Blades whirl in a line 50 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Flour Explosion: A cloud of flour ignites in a 30-foot radius centered on a point within the lair. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Speed :: 30 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: fire, acid, poison, necrotic Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Terrifying Unmasking. When the mask comes off, each creature within sight must make a WIS or CHA saving throw against an EASY DC. On a failed save, the creature becomes frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. : Magic Resistance. Red Mask has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. :
She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Speed :: 50 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: necrotic, piercing, bludgeoning, slashing Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Voracious Perception. Once The Hunger has tasted the flesh of a creature, it can track the creature by smell, effectively gaining blindsight with a range 30 feet for that creature. : Wall Crawler. With spider-like agility, The Hunger adheres to terrain, crawling along walls and ceilings to approach its victims. : Fleet-footed The Hunger's rapid movements give it a speed of 50 feet, and enemies trying to make opportunity attacks do so with a disadvantage.
Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
submitted by Pyro979 to DungeonMasters [link] [comments]
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
- 10 nightmares for your PCs
- 10 horrifying rooms
- An epic showdown with an action-oriented final boss "Red Mask" as well as his companion "The Hunger".
- Instructions for scaling the adventure.
- Helpful DM tips that will make prep and running a breeze
- 3 battle maps created in Inkarnate
- Custom Monster stat blocks and tokens
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mask_(Tragedy_comedy)_(2768529820).jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dunwich_Horror_-_Wilbur_Whateley%27s_twin_by_Reuben_C._Dodd.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Potions_Classroom_(47307949392).jpg
- https://www.deviantart.com/abandonedfalcon/art/Meet-me-at-the-bar-888760727
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati_-_Spring_Grove_Cemetery_%26_Arboretum_-_Weeping_Angel_statue.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fortezza_Verrucole_Archeopark_interno.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_state_peniteniary,_13_(14107969638).jpg
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/shando_/9875265043/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diegopianarosa/16339757676/
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghost_reveries_-_Flickr_-_kr428.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n04pg006_Tell_Your_Fortune.png
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n4pg075_At_the_End_of_the_Corridor.png
Previous Work:
- The Library - Level 3 one-shot (Easy for New DMs and New Players to learn)
- Project: Fragmentation (Rogue-like, PWYW)
What other DM's have said:
- Tossed this lil adventure in our D&D world and the players had a blast with all the twists and turns. As a DM I enjoyed the fact that it was well written and easy to run, I didn't have to flip through a lot of mess to run it like I've had to do on some other adventures. Highly recommended. -Jason T via DMsGuild
- Incorporated this last night into our campaign and had a blast. Biggest hits were the dream sequences, the library lore, bar potions, and the dynamic of having a family of commoners to protect. Players were also impressed with the lair and villain actions. I would recommend this to other DMs as it was easy to prep for, fairly simple to run, and the party had fun! -Ty R via DMsGuild
- I gave my party trauma and trust issues with this one! It was great time! Chibi_Disaster
Preview
Adding what I could fit into this post - had to cut some info to fit into the limit:NPCs
- Redd Traskin - At first glance: The welcoming face behind the bar, always ready with a drink and a story about his culinary adventures. Lurking beneath is a creature known as Red Mask: a malevolent being who ensnares victims with harrowing dreams, rendering them helpless before he claims and cooks them.
- Nara Traskin - On the surface a seemingly aloof barmaid, introduced as Redd's "daughter", with a penchant for keeping to herself and often notably reserved. But beneath that exterior she is The Hunger, a fearsome entity with a singular, overpowering mission: to satiate her eternal appetite.
- (Optional) Other guests - a young couple with a child
- Brent Haskill (26) - Husband of the young couple, blacksmith, friendly, introverted
- Raida Haskill (25) - Wife of the young couple, leatherworker, gregarious, warm
- Breeni Haskill (7) - Daughter
Scaling the Adventure
Effect & Trap Damage
| Level | Light Damage | Medium Damage | Serious Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1d4+1 (3) | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d10+2 (7) |
| 2 | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d8+3 (7) | 2d6+3 (10) |
| 3 | 1d8+2 (6) | 2d6+3 (10) | 2d8+4 (13) |
| 4 | 1d10+2 (7) | 2d8+3 (12) | 3d6+5 (16) |
| 5 | 1d10+3 (8) | 2d10+3 (14) | 3d8+5 (19) |
| 6 | 2d6+3 (10) | 3d6+4 (17) | 4d6+6 (20) |
| 7 | 2d6+4 (11) | 3d8+4 (18) | 4d8+6 (24) |
| 8 | 2d8+4 (13) | 3d10+4 (20) | 5d6+7 (27) |
| 9 | 2d10+4 (15) | 4d6+5 (19) | 5d8+7 (31) |
| 10 | 3d6+5 (16) | 4d8+5 (23) | 6d8+8 (35) |
DCs
| Level | Easy | Medium | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 10 | 14 | 18 |
| 4-6 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 7-10 | 14 | 18 | 22 |
The Inn at the Cross Roads
At the crossroads, a quaint inn catches your eye. Its simple two-story structure, with walls of weathered wood and a stone base, exudes a rustic charm. A single horse is tethered to a wagon nearby, hinting at the presence of other travelers.A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
DM Notes
For a one-shot adventure, consider giving the one-shot a different name than "Red Mask Inn" to serve as a red herring. Whether you're running a campaign or a one-shot, you can utilize the classic trope of the characters either meeting at the inn or using it as a place to rest and gather information.Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Inside the inn
As you push open the creaky door of the Red Mask Inn, you're greeted by the comforting warmth of a crackling fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty stew. The inn's interior is cozy, with wooden beams and a few round tables scattered across the room.Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
Going to bed
Each room costs 3 sp per night. If your players are cautious, they may decide to set a watch. Ask for the watch order. For the first person on watch: if they ate or drank at the inn, they must make a CON saving throw against the HARD DC ___. Failure results in them falling asleep during their watch.After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Dreadful Reveries
Party members who fall asleep will experience nightmares. You can create unique nightmares (plumb your player's back stories or campaign events for ideas) or use the provided list for inspiration. Each dream culminates in a save attempt, allowing players to choose between a WIS, INT, or CHA saving throw, depending on their character's mental strengths. End each nightmare description with "Roll a mental save using your preferred stat." If they fail to wake up, they suffer LIGHT, or MEDIUM if they fail the check by more than 5, non-lethal psychic damage. If they roll a Natural 1 on their save, they gain one level of exhaustion. Either way on a failed save they slip into another dream. The initial save DC is set at HARD and should decrease by one level for each subsequent attempt. It is recommended to do not more than 3 nightmares. If another character is attempting to wake them or if they have abilities that aid in resisting mental effects, they may make the save with advantage.Nightmares
- It's night. You are running through the woods. Brambles and thorns rip at your skin. Something is chasing you, and it's gaining. You hear it coming closer and closer. You stumble, fall, and it's on your back, ready to strike…
- You are on a ledge of a narrow cliff. The wind howls, and the rain buffets you. Lightning briefly illuminates the world, revealing jagged rocks hundreds of feet below. Your foot slips, your fingers lose their grip. You begin to fall…
- [Not for characters with water breathing] You are underwater. Seaweed tangles around your legs and feet as you try to orient yourself. There is no up, no down. Your lungs burn, and when you can no longer hold your breath, brackish, dirty water rushes down your throat…
- You are in a coffin. You don't know how long you've been here. You push up on the lid but the weight of the dirt above renders your effort futile. Your fingers bleed as you scratch through the wood, trying to reach the freshly dug earth. The air grows heavier, and you feel yourself slipping away…
- The stars above are beautiful. You try to keep fear at bay, hoping your ship will return. But deep down, you know they won't find you in the vast, uncaring ocean. As you hear a splash to your right, you turn to glimpse a notched fin that was heading in your direction submerge under the water...
- The reflection in the mirror isn't you. You chant this mantra, yet the creature in the glass tilts its head mockingly and whispers, “No, not you. Not yet!” Its gnarled hands creep forward, attempting to breach the barrier of the silvered glass...
- The cave-in is a minor setback. You've found an exit after an hour. A set of hand-holds lead up towards the surface. In your haste, you squeeze through a narrow ledge. Suddenly, you're stuck, the pressure on your chest blurring your vision and clouding your mind, fresh air just out of reach…
- You walk through city streets, unnoticed by the teeming crowd. A growing sense of wrongness intensifies as the figures turn toward you. You only have a moment to dread as you see their faceless heads, when they all then converge on you as one…
- After leaving the warm tent, the cold seemed bearable. But a stinging wind and swirling snow soon disorient you. It feels warmer; you shed layers, mistaking deadly cold for heat. You stumble into the soft snow, deciding to rest, just for a minute…
- It's twilight in the woods. A dead tree in a clearing, covered in birds, crows or ravens, hard to tell. More cawing, flapping wings, and suddenly, the birds take flight, sharp beaks and claws going for your eyes…
Players Awaken
Once all the players awaken, they will likely attempt to figure out their situation. Should they look out the window, they will see the outside world; however, this view is merely an illusion. Efforts to break through walls, floors, and ceilings will prove futile. Furthermore, utilizing teleportation magic, such as dimension door and plane shift, appears ineffective, except for local effects like misty step or dimension door to a visible location.Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Rooms
Upon entering, the PCs have a series of rooms you will guide them through. You can either craft your own rooms or use those included in this adventure. Players might attempt to take a Short Rest in some rooms, and it's up to you whether to allow it or not. You want the PCs battered, but not spent for the final confrontation. If you choose to deny them the rest, narrate psychic pressure to move out of the room - leading to psychic damage on refusal.The Library
As the party steps into a dimly lit room, they're surrounded by towering bookshelves. The books around them seem to be whispering secrets of forbidden knowledge. Each player needs to make a MEDIUM WIS saving throw to avoid taking MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage from the eldritch knowledge trying to worm into their brain, with the damage halved if they succeed. Those players naturally drawn to knowledge, like Wizards and Bards, will find this more challenging and must make the throw at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, those less inclined towards books, like Barbarians or Fighters, will have advantage. It's up to you as the DM to decide these advantages and disadvantages based on your characters' proclivities.DM Notes
- Use this section as a chance to weave in some of your world's lore. It's a perfect opportunity for players to uncover hidden aspects of your campaign's universe.
- While the books in this room can be physically taken, to avoid players hoarding countless volumes, consider describing how some books disintegrate into ash as soon as they're opened.
The Memory Gallery
In this sparsely furnished room, the walls are adorned with striking paintings of landscapes, ranging from mountain vistas to sunsets over the ocean, and serene forest clearings. As the PCs explore these paintings, focus on one PC and bring a distressing memory from their backstory to life, using the painting they are viewing as the backdrop. This scene then animates before the players. The PC at the center of this memory is faced with a HARD WIS saving throw, with the risk of taking SERIOUS non-lethal psychic damage upon failure, or half the damage if they succeed. Meanwhile, other PCs witnessing this scene must make an EASY WIS save to avoid LIGHT non-lethal psychic damage, suffering no damage on a successful save. Breeni’s past interactions with the affected PC could play a role here. Breeni may hug the PC, granting them advantage on their saving throw.The Mirror Chamber
In the mirror chamber, walls lined with ornate, grimy mirrors reflect distorted and grotesque images of the adventurers. The air is thick, filled with the unsettling scent of iron and decay. Suddenly, their reflections lunge out of the glass, materializing into tangible, malevolent doppelgängers that attack, forcing the party to confront twisted versions of themselves.Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
The Dining Hall
The long wooden table is laden with rotting food: fruit covered in mold, meat moving with maggots, and bread so stale it looks fossilized, all set among goblets filled with a murky, clotting liquid that might have once been wine. Nearby, a platter holds what appears to be a human hand, its skin cooked to a crisp and its fingernails garnished with sprigs of wilted herbs. The foul stench of decay and spoiled meat permeates the room, mingling with the unsettling, almost palpable aura of dread. Players must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw. On a failure, gain the poisoned condition, lasting for 1d4 rooms.The Hospital Room
Several linen-covered beds on the far side of the room are splattered with dried blood. Bone saws with jagged teeth and other cruel implements are neatly arranged on a side table, gleaming ominously in the torchlight. Drawers with various medical supplies are left half-closed. Several vials labeled as "Healing Potions" sit on a nearby shelf. A MEDIUM Arcana or Medicine check will determine these are actually poison (1d4+1 poison damage). The party may choose to remain here and use some of the supplies to heal up - can be used as a Short Rest opportunity.The Bathroom
A decrepit wooden bathtub sits in the corner, filled with a stagnant, dark liquid that occasionally bubbles as if something lurks beneath the surface. Next to the bathtub, a stone toilet fixture stands as if hewn directly from the chamber's walls, its bowl filled with an unidentifiable, viscous substance that seems to churn of its own accord. Faint, grotesque sketches are etched into the stone around the toilet, depicting unsettling scenes that make you question the sanity of previous occupants. Blood spatters mar the cracked tiles, leading to a cracked tarnished mirror that reflects a distorted image of anyone who dares to look.If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
The Greenhouse
The greenhouse is a labyrinth of overgrown, twisted plants, their leaves unnaturally dark and thorns menacingly sharp. A misty, almost phosphorescent fog hangs low, casting a sickly green glow over everything, and making it hard to see what lurks in the corners. Amongst the flora, the party can spot several cages containing withered remains of animals and, disturbingly, a few humanoid shapes — all twisted in expressions of agony, as if the plants themselves had consumed them.Monster encounter, balance for your party:
| Level Range | Monster |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Twig Blight (MM 32) |
| Needle Blight (MM 32) | |
| Vine Blight (MM 32) | |
| 4-6 | Shambling Mound (MM 270) |
| Wood Woad (VGtM 198) | |
| Yellow Musk Creeper (TftYP 248) | |
| Animated Tree (VGtM 207) | |
| Assassin Vine (MM 22) | |
| 7-10 | Corpse Flower (MToF 127) |
| Tree Blight (CoS 230) |
The Bar
The barroom is dimly lit by tarnished chandeliers that cast ghostly flickers across worn wooden floorboards. A long, decaying bar counter dominates one side of the room. Its surface is stained and pockmarked, lined with bottles containing strange, discolored liquids. The stools around the bar are unsteady, emitting ominous creaks under the slightest pressure. Notably, one stool bears an unsettling stain, reminiscent of dried blood.If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
| # | Name | Liquid Description | Effect Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reckless Fury | A swirling red potion with fiery sparks. | [Primary Melee Classes] Every melee attack is treated as reckless (attack is rolled with Advantage, but any attack against the player is rolled with Advantage as well until their turn). | |
| 2 | Luck be a lady tonight | A two-layered liquid, gold over silver. | Grants inspiration to the player, and GM gets to force disadvantage at a time of their choosing. | |
| 3 | Unstable Teleport | A misty, shifting blue and gray potion. | Gain the ability to cast the Misty Step spell at will. Roll 1d20 for uncertain destination, appearing in a location of DM's choice on 1-10. | |
| 4 | Size Shift | A violet fluid with bubbles. | Changes creature size from Medium to Small. No effect on Small creatures. | |
| 5 | Spell Rejuvenation | A glowing, pulsating emerald drink. | [Primary Spellcaster Classes] Restores one highest level spent spell slot but causes causes one level of exhaustion. | |
| 6 | Speed Surge | A quicksilver potion with streaks of lightning. | Doubles speed but causes jitteriness, disadvantage on Dexterity checks and saves. | |
| 7 | Painful Retaliation | A dark crimson liquid with a thorny vine motif. | As a bonus action you can choose to harm a creature at will, causing MEDIUM psychic damage, but take half the damage yourself. | |
| 8 | Statue Defense | A solid gray potion with flecks of stone. | As a reaction to taking damage, you can choose to become an invulnerable statue to negate the triggering damage. You are invulnerable and petrified until the end of your next turn. | |
| 9 | Charge of the Bull | A red potion with a swirling vortex. | Gain a powerful charge attack: If you can move at least 10ft in a straight line, you can make an attack. If the attack hits, it is treated as a critical hit, and the target is knocked prone. If the attack misses, the player takes MEDIUM bludgeoning damage, is knocked prone, and lands 10 feet past the target. | |
| 10 | Clumsy Might | A creamy potion with bubbles. | Advantage on Strength checks and saves but disadvantage on Dexterity-based tasks. |
The Stalking Statues
The room is a vast, dimly-lit chamber with four stone statues positioned in various states of distress; their faces contorted in silent screams or buried in their hands as if weeping. The flickering light from a dying chandelier dances across their features, casting ominous shadows that seem to move. Describe the chandelier as flickering in and out. In the darkness, the statues seem to move closer and closer.You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Stalking Statues
Medium Construct, neutral evil| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 1 (-5) | 3 (-4) | 1 (-5) |
Actions
Multiattack. The statue makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM bludgeoning damage. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM piercing damage. : Grapple. Roll Contested Athletics vs Atheltics or Acrobatics. The statue rolls with Advantage. Reach 5ft., one target. MEDIUM escape DC to break free.Final Confrontation
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone: : You walk through the door to find yourself in a vast, open kitchen. The air is heavy with the scent of pots boiling over low flames, their contents a mystery. Shadows flicker and stretch across the walls, animated by the dim firelight.Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Monstrous Hosts
Redd Traskin, also known as Red Mask, and Nara Traskin, known as The Hunger, have hidden their monstrous nature for years by disguising themselves as the friendly innkeepers of the Red Mask Inn. They lure travelers with warmth and hospitality, only to ensnare them in a nightmarish trap. Through their powers of perception and emotion manipulation, they torment their victims in an alternate dimension, relishing the fear and suffering they create. All the while, they maintain their facade as ordinary innkeepers, continuing their sinister feast on unsuspecting guests.Lair Actions
DM Notes
HP: The HP listed in the stat blocks are simply a guideline. Balance to your party, making sure that the combat lasts some time, but doesn't drag on too long. : Villain Actions: Red Mask utilizes villain actions. This is an action he can take at any point after a PCs action, but limited to one per round.Red Mask
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
I think not! (3/day) As a reaction, Red Mask can choose to succeed on a failed check. However, this requires mental fortitude, so he takes MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage to do so.Actions
Multiattack. The Red Mask makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Misty Step. Red Mask can cast Misty Step at will as a bonus action. : Butcher’s Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target.| APL | to hit bonus | damage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM |
Villain Actions
How's My Cooking? Any creature that ate food in the tavern must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw or be incapacitated with retching as rotten, maggoty food comes back up. The effect lasts until the end of the affected creature's turn. : Time to Eat! Nara can move up to her speed towards a target and make a bite attack as part of the same action. : See What Awaits You! Red Mask unleashes a wave of mental horror, showing the victims horrific images of previous guests being butchered and eaten. Each creature within sight must succeed on an EASY WIS saving throw or take MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage.Tactics
The Hunger prefers hit-and-run tactics, targeting the least armored or most injured characters. If the characters try to focus fire on Red Mask, narrate The Hunger turning it's attention to the Haskill family.She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Nara, The Hunger
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
Bloodthirsty Pursuit. If a creature within 30 feet of The Hunger uses a teleportation ability or spell to escape, The Hunger can use its reaction to immediately teleport to a space adjacent to the escaping creature.Actions
Multiattack. The The Hunger makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 10ft., one target. If target not armored, or on a critical hit, add bleed damage for 1d3 rounds. This damage does not stack on multiple hits, instead use the highest rolled value for damage and rounds rolled. This effect can only be removed by magical healing. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target. On a successful hit, deal damage as normal, and The Hunger regenerates half of the damage dealt as hit points.| APL | to hit bonus | damage | bleed from claws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT | 1d2 |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM | 1d4 |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM | 1d6 |
The Collapse
With the death of its hosts, the reality of this pocket dimension begins to unravel. This is a perfect time to deploy a Skill Challenge. Choose any of the following room descriptions, and let the players decide which skills they want to employ to navigate through the room. The focus here is on the Rule of Cool.Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
DM Notes
Here you should aim to instill a sense of urgency and desperation. Monitor your players closely. As they approach their limits, consider making that room the final challenge. Remember, they don't need to complete every room you've planned.Time to Run
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone:As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
Conclusion
As you burst through the door, you're back in the long corridor you first encountered as you woke up. At the far end, you glimpse the outside world. You sprint towards freedom as the corridor crumbles behind you, the destruction nipping at your heels. In a desperate leap at the last possible moment, you escape... and the sudden tranquility of the night envelops you. The quiet, so starkly contrasted with the preceding chaos, strikes you with its intensity. Surrounded by the serene sounds of the forest, the peace feels almost otherworldly, a surreal end to your harrowing journey.You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
Loot
Tucked away behind the inn, the adventurers might notice something peculiar about the compost heap — it seems to occasionally sparkle with the glint of metal and the shimmer of gemstones. Upon closer inspection and a bit of rummaging, they'll discover that this isn't just any old pile of refuse; it's a resting place for treasures that once belonged to the inn's unfortunate previous visitors.You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
2024.06.02 15:14 Pyro979 Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
[PWYW] Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
Upon entering a seemingly innocuous tavern, players quickly realize it’s not the refuge they expected. The innkeeper and his ‘daughter,’ the serving girl, are not what they seem. Beneath their facades lie malevolent beings with a taste for their guests. Facing both mental and physical trials, the players must outwit these monsters before they become the evening’s special.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
Monster encounter, balance for your party:
To make things more difficult for the players, you can also add an additional MEDIUM CON saving throw against the fog's effects, with the players taking LIGHT poison damage on failure. Altering the number of monsters is another effective method for adjusting the challenge level. Additionally, if you're looking to incorporate different types of monsters, don't hesitate to use homebrew or reflavored monsters.
If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Armor Class :: 18 (natural armor) Hit Points :: 3 MEDIUM hits Speed :: 20 ft (can move only in darkness)
Damage Immunities :: poison, psychic Condition Immunities :: blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Senses :: Blindsight 60 ft. Languages :: None
Antimagic Susceptibility. The statue is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the statue must succeed on a CON saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute. : False Appearance. While the statue remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal statue. : Dark Step. The statue can only move in darkness. It moves silently. It may not take the dash action. All attacks automatically hit.
Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Initiative :: At initiative order 20, use one of the lair action options
Scalding Water: Boiling water erupts from pots in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Slippery Floors: The floor becomes slick with oil and grease. For the next round, any creature moving across the floor must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw or fall prone. You can avoid this by moving at half speed, but you must declare this before moving. : Whirling Blades: Blades whirl in a line 50 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Flour Explosion: A cloud of flour ignites in a 30-foot radius centered on a point within the lair. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Speed :: 30 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: fire, acid, poison, necrotic Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Terrifying Unmasking. When the mask comes off, each creature within sight must make a WIS or CHA saving throw against an EASY DC. On a failed save, the creature becomes frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. : Magic Resistance. Red Mask has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. :
She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Speed :: 50 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: necrotic, piercing, bludgeoning, slashing Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Voracious Perception. Once The Hunger has tasted the flesh of a creature, it can track the creature by smell, effectively gaining blindsight with a range 30 feet for that creature. : Wall Crawler. With spider-like agility, The Hunger adheres to terrain, crawling along walls and ceilings to approach its victims. : Fleet-footed The Hunger's rapid movements give it a speed of 50 feet, and enemies trying to make opportunity attacks do so with a disadvantage.
Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
submitted by Pyro979 to DMToolkit [link] [comments]
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
- 10 nightmares for your PCs
- 10 horrifying rooms
- An epic showdown with an action-oriented final boss "Red Mask" as well as his companion "The Hunger".
- Instructions for scaling the adventure.
- Helpful DM tips that will make prep and running a breeze
- 3 battle maps created in Inkarnate
- Custom Monster stat blocks and tokens
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mask_(Tragedy_comedy)_(2768529820).jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dunwich_Horror_-_Wilbur_Whateley%27s_twin_by_Reuben_C._Dodd.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Potions_Classroom_(47307949392).jpg
- https://www.deviantart.com/abandonedfalcon/art/Meet-me-at-the-bar-888760727
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati_-_Spring_Grove_Cemetery_%26_Arboretum_-_Weeping_Angel_statue.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fortezza_Verrucole_Archeopark_interno.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_state_peniteniary,_13_(14107969638).jpg
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/shando_/9875265043/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diegopianarosa/16339757676/
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghost_reveries_-_Flickr_-_kr428.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n04pg006_Tell_Your_Fortune.png
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n4pg075_At_the_End_of_the_Corridor.png
Previous Work:
- The Library - Level 3 one-shot (Easy for New DMs and New Players to learn)
- Project: Fragmentation (Rogue-like, PWYW)
What other DM's have said:
- Tossed this lil adventure in our D&D world and the players had a blast with all the twists and turns. As a DM I enjoyed the fact that it was well written and easy to run, I didn't have to flip through a lot of mess to run it like I've had to do on some other adventures. Highly recommended. -Jason T via DMsGuild
- Incorporated this last night into our campaign and had a blast. Biggest hits were the dream sequences, the library lore, bar potions, and the dynamic of having a family of commoners to protect. Players were also impressed with the lair and villain actions. I would recommend this to other DMs as it was easy to prep for, fairly simple to run, and the party had fun! -Ty R via DMsGuild
- I gave my party trauma and trust issues with this one! It was great time! Chibi_Disaster
Preview
Adding what I could fit into this post - had to cut some info to fit into the limit:NPCs
- Redd Traskin - At first glance: The welcoming face behind the bar, always ready with a drink and a story about his culinary adventures. Lurking beneath is a creature known as Red Mask: a malevolent being who ensnares victims with harrowing dreams, rendering them helpless before he claims and cooks them.
- Nara Traskin - On the surface a seemingly aloof barmaid, introduced as Redd's "daughter", with a penchant for keeping to herself and often notably reserved. But beneath that exterior she is The Hunger, a fearsome entity with a singular, overpowering mission: to satiate her eternal appetite.
- (Optional) Other guests - a young couple with a child
- Brent Haskill (26) - Husband of the young couple, blacksmith, friendly, introverted
- Raida Haskill (25) - Wife of the young couple, leatherworker, gregarious, warm
- Breeni Haskill (7) - Daughter
Scaling the Adventure
Effect & Trap Damage
| Level | Light Damage | Medium Damage | Serious Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1d4+1 (3) | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d10+2 (7) |
| 2 | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d8+3 (7) | 2d6+3 (10) |
| 3 | 1d8+2 (6) | 2d6+3 (10) | 2d8+4 (13) |
| 4 | 1d10+2 (7) | 2d8+3 (12) | 3d6+5 (16) |
| 5 | 1d10+3 (8) | 2d10+3 (14) | 3d8+5 (19) |
| 6 | 2d6+3 (10) | 3d6+4 (17) | 4d6+6 (20) |
| 7 | 2d6+4 (11) | 3d8+4 (18) | 4d8+6 (24) |
| 8 | 2d8+4 (13) | 3d10+4 (20) | 5d6+7 (27) |
| 9 | 2d10+4 (15) | 4d6+5 (19) | 5d8+7 (31) |
| 10 | 3d6+5 (16) | 4d8+5 (23) | 6d8+8 (35) |
DCs
| Level | Easy | Medium | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 10 | 14 | 18 |
| 4-6 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 7-10 | 14 | 18 | 22 |
The Inn at the Cross Roads
At the crossroads, a quaint inn catches your eye. Its simple two-story structure, with walls of weathered wood and a stone base, exudes a rustic charm. A single horse is tethered to a wagon nearby, hinting at the presence of other travelers.A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
DM Notes
For a one-shot adventure, consider giving the one-shot a different name than "Red Mask Inn" to serve as a red herring. Whether you're running a campaign or a one-shot, you can utilize the classic trope of the characters either meeting at the inn or using it as a place to rest and gather information.Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Inside the inn
As you push open the creaky door of the Red Mask Inn, you're greeted by the comforting warmth of a crackling fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty stew. The inn's interior is cozy, with wooden beams and a few round tables scattered across the room.Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
Going to bed
Each room costs 3 sp per night. If your players are cautious, they may decide to set a watch. Ask for the watch order. For the first person on watch: if they ate or drank at the inn, they must make a CON saving throw against the HARD DC ___. Failure results in them falling asleep during their watch.After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Dreadful Reveries
Party members who fall asleep will experience nightmares. You can create unique nightmares (plumb your player's back stories or campaign events for ideas) or use the provided list for inspiration. Each dream culminates in a save attempt, allowing players to choose between a WIS, INT, or CHA saving throw, depending on their character's mental strengths. End each nightmare description with "Roll a mental save using your preferred stat." If they fail to wake up, they suffer LIGHT, or MEDIUM if they fail the check by more than 5, non-lethal psychic damage. If they roll a Natural 1 on their save, they gain one level of exhaustion. Either way on a failed save they slip into another dream. The initial save DC is set at HARD and should decrease by one level for each subsequent attempt. It is recommended to do not more than 3 nightmares. If another character is attempting to wake them or if they have abilities that aid in resisting mental effects, they may make the save with advantage.Nightmares
- It's night. You are running through the woods. Brambles and thorns rip at your skin. Something is chasing you, and it's gaining. You hear it coming closer and closer. You stumble, fall, and it's on your back, ready to strike…
- You are on a ledge of a narrow cliff. The wind howls, and the rain buffets you. Lightning briefly illuminates the world, revealing jagged rocks hundreds of feet below. Your foot slips, your fingers lose their grip. You begin to fall…
- [Not for characters with water breathing] You are underwater. Seaweed tangles around your legs and feet as you try to orient yourself. There is no up, no down. Your lungs burn, and when you can no longer hold your breath, brackish, dirty water rushes down your throat…
- You are in a coffin. You don't know how long you've been here. You push up on the lid but the weight of the dirt above renders your effort futile. Your fingers bleed as you scratch through the wood, trying to reach the freshly dug earth. The air grows heavier, and you feel yourself slipping away…
- The stars above are beautiful. You try to keep fear at bay, hoping your ship will return. But deep down, you know they won't find you in the vast, uncaring ocean. As you hear a splash to your right, you turn to glimpse a notched fin that was heading in your direction submerge under the water...
- The reflection in the mirror isn't you. You chant this mantra, yet the creature in the glass tilts its head mockingly and whispers, “No, not you. Not yet!” Its gnarled hands creep forward, attempting to breach the barrier of the silvered glass...
- The cave-in is a minor setback. You've found an exit after an hour. A set of hand-holds lead up towards the surface. In your haste, you squeeze through a narrow ledge. Suddenly, you're stuck, the pressure on your chest blurring your vision and clouding your mind, fresh air just out of reach…
- You walk through city streets, unnoticed by the teeming crowd. A growing sense of wrongness intensifies as the figures turn toward you. You only have a moment to dread as you see their faceless heads, when they all then converge on you as one…
- After leaving the warm tent, the cold seemed bearable. But a stinging wind and swirling snow soon disorient you. It feels warmer; you shed layers, mistaking deadly cold for heat. You stumble into the soft snow, deciding to rest, just for a minute…
- It's twilight in the woods. A dead tree in a clearing, covered in birds, crows or ravens, hard to tell. More cawing, flapping wings, and suddenly, the birds take flight, sharp beaks and claws going for your eyes…
Players Awaken
Once all the players awaken, they will likely attempt to figure out their situation. Should they look out the window, they will see the outside world; however, this view is merely an illusion. Efforts to break through walls, floors, and ceilings will prove futile. Furthermore, utilizing teleportation magic, such as dimension door and plane shift, appears ineffective, except for local effects like misty step or dimension door to a visible location.Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Rooms
Upon entering, the PCs have a series of rooms you will guide them through. You can either craft your own rooms or use those included in this adventure. Players might attempt to take a Short Rest in some rooms, and it's up to you whether to allow it or not. You want the PCs battered, but not spent for the final confrontation. If you choose to deny them the rest, narrate psychic pressure to move out of the room - leading to psychic damage on refusal.The Library
As the party steps into a dimly lit room, they're surrounded by towering bookshelves. The books around them seem to be whispering secrets of forbidden knowledge. Each player needs to make a MEDIUM WIS saving throw to avoid taking MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage from the eldritch knowledge trying to worm into their brain, with the damage halved if they succeed. Those players naturally drawn to knowledge, like Wizards and Bards, will find this more challenging and must make the throw at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, those less inclined towards books, like Barbarians or Fighters, will have advantage. It's up to you as the DM to decide these advantages and disadvantages based on your characters' proclivities.DM Notes
- Use this section as a chance to weave in some of your world's lore. It's a perfect opportunity for players to uncover hidden aspects of your campaign's universe.
- While the books in this room can be physically taken, to avoid players hoarding countless volumes, consider describing how some books disintegrate into ash as soon as they're opened.
The Memory Gallery
In this sparsely furnished room, the walls are adorned with striking paintings of landscapes, ranging from mountain vistas to sunsets over the ocean, and serene forest clearings. As the PCs explore these paintings, focus on one PC and bring a distressing memory from their backstory to life, using the painting they are viewing as the backdrop. This scene then animates before the players. The PC at the center of this memory is faced with a HARD WIS saving throw, with the risk of taking SERIOUS non-lethal psychic damage upon failure, or half the damage if they succeed. Meanwhile, other PCs witnessing this scene must make an EASY WIS save to avoid LIGHT non-lethal psychic damage, suffering no damage on a successful save. Breeni’s past interactions with the affected PC could play a role here. Breeni may hug the PC, granting them advantage on their saving throw.The Mirror Chamber
In the mirror chamber, walls lined with ornate, grimy mirrors reflect distorted and grotesque images of the adventurers. The air is thick, filled with the unsettling scent of iron and decay. Suddenly, their reflections lunge out of the glass, materializing into tangible, malevolent doppelgängers that attack, forcing the party to confront twisted versions of themselves.Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
The Dining Hall
The long wooden table is laden with rotting food: fruit covered in mold, meat moving with maggots, and bread so stale it looks fossilized, all set among goblets filled with a murky, clotting liquid that might have once been wine. Nearby, a platter holds what appears to be a human hand, its skin cooked to a crisp and its fingernails garnished with sprigs of wilted herbs. The foul stench of decay and spoiled meat permeates the room, mingling with the unsettling, almost palpable aura of dread. Players must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw. On a failure, gain the poisoned condition, lasting for 1d4 rooms.The Hospital Room
Several linen-covered beds on the far side of the room are splattered with dried blood. Bone saws with jagged teeth and other cruel implements are neatly arranged on a side table, gleaming ominously in the torchlight. Drawers with various medical supplies are left half-closed. Several vials labeled as "Healing Potions" sit on a nearby shelf. A MEDIUM Arcana or Medicine check will determine these are actually poison (1d4+1 poison damage). The party may choose to remain here and use some of the supplies to heal up - can be used as a Short Rest opportunity.The Bathroom
A decrepit wooden bathtub sits in the corner, filled with a stagnant, dark liquid that occasionally bubbles as if something lurks beneath the surface. Next to the bathtub, a stone toilet fixture stands as if hewn directly from the chamber's walls, its bowl filled with an unidentifiable, viscous substance that seems to churn of its own accord. Faint, grotesque sketches are etched into the stone around the toilet, depicting unsettling scenes that make you question the sanity of previous occupants. Blood spatters mar the cracked tiles, leading to a cracked tarnished mirror that reflects a distorted image of anyone who dares to look.If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
The Greenhouse
The greenhouse is a labyrinth of overgrown, twisted plants, their leaves unnaturally dark and thorns menacingly sharp. A misty, almost phosphorescent fog hangs low, casting a sickly green glow over everything, and making it hard to see what lurks in the corners. Amongst the flora, the party can spot several cages containing withered remains of animals and, disturbingly, a few humanoid shapes — all twisted in expressions of agony, as if the plants themselves had consumed them.Monster encounter, balance for your party:
| Level Range | Monster |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Twig Blight (MM 32) |
| Needle Blight (MM 32) | |
| Vine Blight (MM 32) | |
| 4-6 | Shambling Mound (MM 270) |
| Wood Woad (VGtM 198) | |
| Yellow Musk Creeper (TftYP 248) | |
| Animated Tree (VGtM 207) | |
| Assassin Vine (MM 22) | |
| 7-10 | Corpse Flower (MToF 127) |
| Tree Blight (CoS 230) |
The Bar
The barroom is dimly lit by tarnished chandeliers that cast ghostly flickers across worn wooden floorboards. A long, decaying bar counter dominates one side of the room. Its surface is stained and pockmarked, lined with bottles containing strange, discolored liquids. The stools around the bar are unsteady, emitting ominous creaks under the slightest pressure. Notably, one stool bears an unsettling stain, reminiscent of dried blood.If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
| # | Name | Liquid Description | Effect Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reckless Fury | A swirling red potion with fiery sparks. | [Primary Melee Classes] Every melee attack is treated as reckless (attack is rolled with Advantage, but any attack against the player is rolled with Advantage as well until their turn). | |
| 2 | Luck be a lady tonight | A two-layered liquid, gold over silver. | Grants inspiration to the player, and GM gets to force disadvantage at a time of their choosing. | |
| 3 | Unstable Teleport | A misty, shifting blue and gray potion. | Gain the ability to cast the Misty Step spell at will. Roll 1d20 for uncertain destination, appearing in a location of DM's choice on 1-10. | |
| 4 | Size Shift | A violet fluid with bubbles. | Changes creature size from Medium to Small. No effect on Small creatures. | |
| 5 | Spell Rejuvenation | A glowing, pulsating emerald drink. | [Primary Spellcaster Classes] Restores one highest level spent spell slot but causes causes one level of exhaustion. | |
| 6 | Speed Surge | A quicksilver potion with streaks of lightning. | Doubles speed but causes jitteriness, disadvantage on Dexterity checks and saves. | |
| 7 | Painful Retaliation | A dark crimson liquid with a thorny vine motif. | As a bonus action you can choose to harm a creature at will, causing MEDIUM psychic damage, but take half the damage yourself. | |
| 8 | Statue Defense | A solid gray potion with flecks of stone. | As a reaction to taking damage, you can choose to become an invulnerable statue to negate the triggering damage. You are invulnerable and petrified until the end of your next turn. | |
| 9 | Charge of the Bull | A red potion with a swirling vortex. | Gain a powerful charge attack: If you can move at least 10ft in a straight line, you can make an attack. If the attack hits, it is treated as a critical hit, and the target is knocked prone. If the attack misses, the player takes MEDIUM bludgeoning damage, is knocked prone, and lands 10 feet past the target. | |
| 10 | Clumsy Might | A creamy potion with bubbles. | Advantage on Strength checks and saves but disadvantage on Dexterity-based tasks. |
The Stalking Statues
The room is a vast, dimly-lit chamber with four stone statues positioned in various states of distress; their faces contorted in silent screams or buried in their hands as if weeping. The flickering light from a dying chandelier dances across their features, casting ominous shadows that seem to move. Describe the chandelier as flickering in and out. In the darkness, the statues seem to move closer and closer.You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Stalking Statues
Medium Construct, neutral evil| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 1 (-5) | 3 (-4) | 1 (-5) |
Actions
Multiattack. The statue makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM bludgeoning damage. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM piercing damage. : Grapple. Roll Contested Athletics vs Atheltics or Acrobatics. The statue rolls with Advantage. Reach 5ft., one target. MEDIUM escape DC to break free.Final Confrontation
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone: : You walk through the door to find yourself in a vast, open kitchen. The air is heavy with the scent of pots boiling over low flames, their contents a mystery. Shadows flicker and stretch across the walls, animated by the dim firelight.Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Monstrous Hosts
Redd Traskin, also known as Red Mask, and Nara Traskin, known as The Hunger, have hidden their monstrous nature for years by disguising themselves as the friendly innkeepers of the Red Mask Inn. They lure travelers with warmth and hospitality, only to ensnare them in a nightmarish trap. Through their powers of perception and emotion manipulation, they torment their victims in an alternate dimension, relishing the fear and suffering they create. All the while, they maintain their facade as ordinary innkeepers, continuing their sinister feast on unsuspecting guests.Lair Actions
DM Notes
HP: The HP listed in the stat blocks are simply a guideline. Balance to your party, making sure that the combat lasts some time, but doesn't drag on too long. : Villain Actions: Red Mask utilizes villain actions. This is an action he can take at any point after a PCs action, but limited to one per round.Red Mask
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
I think not! (3/day) As a reaction, Red Mask can choose to succeed on a failed check. However, this requires mental fortitude, so he takes MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage to do so.Actions
Multiattack. The Red Mask makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Misty Step. Red Mask can cast Misty Step at will as a bonus action. : Butcher’s Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target.| APL | to hit bonus | damage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM |
Villain Actions
How's My Cooking? Any creature that ate food in the tavern must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw or be incapacitated with retching as rotten, maggoty food comes back up. The effect lasts until the end of the affected creature's turn. : Time to Eat! Nara can move up to her speed towards a target and make a bite attack as part of the same action. : See What Awaits You! Red Mask unleashes a wave of mental horror, showing the victims horrific images of previous guests being butchered and eaten. Each creature within sight must succeed on an EASY WIS saving throw or take MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage.Tactics
The Hunger prefers hit-and-run tactics, targeting the least armored or most injured characters. If the characters try to focus fire on Red Mask, narrate The Hunger turning it's attention to the Haskill family.She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Nara, The Hunger
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
Bloodthirsty Pursuit. If a creature within 30 feet of The Hunger uses a teleportation ability or spell to escape, The Hunger can use its reaction to immediately teleport to a space adjacent to the escaping creature.Actions
Multiattack. The The Hunger makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 10ft., one target. If target not armored, or on a critical hit, add bleed damage for 1d3 rounds. This damage does not stack on multiple hits, instead use the highest rolled value for damage and rounds rolled. This effect can only be removed by magical healing. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target. On a successful hit, deal damage as normal, and The Hunger regenerates half of the damage dealt as hit points.| APL | to hit bonus | damage | bleed from claws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT | 1d2 |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM | 1d4 |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM | 1d6 |
The Collapse
With the death of its hosts, the reality of this pocket dimension begins to unravel. This is a perfect time to deploy a Skill Challenge. Choose any of the following room descriptions, and let the players decide which skills they want to employ to navigate through the room. The focus here is on the Rule of Cool.Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
DM Notes
Here you should aim to instill a sense of urgency and desperation. Monitor your players closely. As they approach their limits, consider making that room the final challenge. Remember, they don't need to complete every room you've planned.Time to Run
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone:As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
Conclusion
As you burst through the door, you're back in the long corridor you first encountered as you woke up. At the far end, you glimpse the outside world. You sprint towards freedom as the corridor crumbles behind you, the destruction nipping at your heels. In a desperate leap at the last possible moment, you escape... and the sudden tranquility of the night envelops you. The quiet, so starkly contrasted with the preceding chaos, strikes you with its intensity. Surrounded by the serene sounds of the forest, the peace feels almost otherworldly, a surreal end to your harrowing journey.You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
Loot
Tucked away behind the inn, the adventurers might notice something peculiar about the compost heap — it seems to occasionally sparkle with the glint of metal and the shimmer of gemstones. Upon closer inspection and a bit of rummaging, they'll discover that this isn't just any old pile of refuse; it's a resting place for treasures that once belonged to the inn's unfortunate previous visitors.You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
2024.06.02 15:14 Okay_Affect_6390 I feel very insecure about the direction I'm taking in my life
I had dreams about becoming famous and successfull overall and especially in making music since I have been 14. And I worked towards that goal while always being sort of depressed and not thinking I could make it. I worked really hard to make good music when I was in my early twenties but then suddendly stopped because I was learning for school and was also depressed because I always felt insecure about myself especially with girls, which made me less motivated overall to work toward my dream. And then after I got my A-levels from school so I could pursue a university degree in music production, I got rejected because I didn't pass the aptitude test. Different people said that it was okay to take one year off just so I can have a full year to learn for the next test, but that was when I already was 26 and I was afraid that that would mean I couldn't make it anymore in this way and that it would feel awkward being already 27 and studying music together with people who are younger than me. It demotivated me because my dream was to have a lot of fun with other people studying music and already being 27 at the beginning of the study didn't fit into what I imagined it as.
So I decided to study something else which was computer science, which I also was interested in since I was 14, but was never as passionate about as making music. So now I am thinking about having failed at living the life I've always wanted often times and it feels like I'm becoming this type of person who would later on maybe be succesfull financially, because of doing a well paid job, but thats all.
I had all these passions about music and actually creating great stuff and friends and other musicians and even 2 people working in the music industry gave me very honest compliments about something I made. One of my posts on instagram even got liked from a, at least years ago, quite popular producer who produced for someone of the most succesfull rap artists in Germany and that was when I was just 16, I believe. I dont mean to brag but that is where I felt really good and confident about myself.
Sometimes I even feel guilty for thinking that I want to be "special" and have a life that I feel passionate about. I think that is honestly also a reason why I didnt try harder sometimes to pursue music successfully, because I remember that when I made something really good, it also felt like I had to get over my fear of failure and personally not being able to do it. And when I overcame that it felt amazing.
I dont know why but now I'm often times wondering if that kind of energy I had, to face my fears and follow my passion is less now because I'm 27 and not very young anymore. I don't know what to do with my life. It feels like I'm avoiding thinking about it and taking this serious. I have to study everyday to have a chance at passing the exams for my study because they are very hard. It feels good sometimes to understand hard things but as I explained, it isn't the same as feeling so passionate about life. And I really could feel that way in the past. I dont want to lay in bed being old in 60 years and realize that I had such a great passion and talent and the only reason I didn't pursue it was fear of embarrassment or rejection, but also taking risks in life. If anyone knows how to find a way out of this or maybe has an advice I could take on how I could be more confident and open for taking chances at life, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you
submitted by Okay_Affect_6390 to findapath [link] [comments]
So I decided to study something else which was computer science, which I also was interested in since I was 14, but was never as passionate about as making music. So now I am thinking about having failed at living the life I've always wanted often times and it feels like I'm becoming this type of person who would later on maybe be succesfull financially, because of doing a well paid job, but thats all.
I had all these passions about music and actually creating great stuff and friends and other musicians and even 2 people working in the music industry gave me very honest compliments about something I made. One of my posts on instagram even got liked from a, at least years ago, quite popular producer who produced for someone of the most succesfull rap artists in Germany and that was when I was just 16, I believe. I dont mean to brag but that is where I felt really good and confident about myself.
Sometimes I even feel guilty for thinking that I want to be "special" and have a life that I feel passionate about. I think that is honestly also a reason why I didnt try harder sometimes to pursue music successfully, because I remember that when I made something really good, it also felt like I had to get over my fear of failure and personally not being able to do it. And when I overcame that it felt amazing.
I dont know why but now I'm often times wondering if that kind of energy I had, to face my fears and follow my passion is less now because I'm 27 and not very young anymore. I don't know what to do with my life. It feels like I'm avoiding thinking about it and taking this serious. I have to study everyday to have a chance at passing the exams for my study because they are very hard. It feels good sometimes to understand hard things but as I explained, it isn't the same as feeling so passionate about life. And I really could feel that way in the past. I dont want to lay in bed being old in 60 years and realize that I had such a great passion and talent and the only reason I didn't pursue it was fear of embarrassment or rejection, but also taking risks in life. If anyone knows how to find a way out of this or maybe has an advice I could take on how I could be more confident and open for taking chances at life, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you
2024.06.02 15:14 MacoCouple AITA for abidding by my(25F) BF(27M) and I's "contract" and refusing to budge even if it meant the end of the relationship?
Hello everyone,
This might be a lengthy story as a background to this is necessary. This is also my side/POV of the events, so bear that in mind and thanks for reading in advance. This is a serious post, and I am not joking or making up things. If you won't be nice enough to offer help/opinion/support, please just ignore the post instead of leaving hateful comments. It might sound like a joke to you, but it's causing someone else a headache on how to defuse the situation.
Thanks <3
******** So some background and context: ********
So my bf and I met and started dating 5 years ago as freshmen in college. During the first months of getting to know each other, I came to meet his younger sister, 18 at that time, let's call her Y, and his friend, 20M, when he invited them to a party my sorority was hosting. It is safe to say, she didn't like me. I was fine with that at that time since he and I weren't a thing yet and she didn't even know me enough to hate me, so I treated her with the basic human respect. I hosted her in my room that night and made her and I breakfast and lunch before my bf took her home. A month after that, my bf and I started dating and we decided to go out. Y tagged along on the date, brought their other sibling (16F), and basically linked arms with my bf the whole "date," leaving me with the younger sibling. I voiced my concern to my first-time bf later, and he apologized, saying he didn't know it was "an intimate" date, so he just accepted them coming when they said they wanted to.
Fast forward to Spring, Covid hit, and we had to go LDR. During those discord calls we had at night, by each passing day, the times Y would barge into the room at 11PM without knocking increased. She'd downplay it by waving, then chatting with my bf for 30min or asking him to come do the simplest of things for her... At midnight... while she's well aware him and I are having our intimate time of the day, after bf informed her he's spending time with me... It became so unbearable that I had to ask my bf to either install a lock on his door or it's better to end it because the disrespect he was allowing was too much.
The second year of college, she went to France to study. I thought that maybe she would focus on her Med studies and forget about me and loosen up her obsession with her brother, but little did I know that would only make it worse. In our Uni, we were allowed to either go for a semester, a year, or two to study somewhere else. The moment bf became aware of her leaving, he applied for the semester leave to join her, while he and I agreed during freshman year that the best course of action for us is to finish college in 3 years and start work ASAP. Despite that, I helped him get his documents in order, spoke to some teachers I was close to, and helped financially as well. What I didn't know during that time, is that Y spread rumors about me and my "commoner origins" and how unsophisticated I was for her brother and he deserves better than a h** as she asked around my town, and that is what came up when my name was mentioned (which is absolutely not true, and my bf was my first relationship ever at the age of 20). My dumb of a bf believed her without even asking me about it and was planning to ghost me and break up with me the moment he landed in France too. And that was what exactly happened. I spent 15 days doubting my self-worth and my self-esteem hit rock bottom. My bestie (25M today) didn't like that and he tried to mediate between us and he got him to apologize a month later. But the damage to me was already done, and I was emotionally manipulated into believing I was the bad guy, so like a dumbass, I gave it a second go. During the time they both were in France, Y would constantly come up to him, while video chatting with me, and kiss him on the cheek, or pat his head. She would sometimes tell him to turn off all light in the room and make no sounds as she wants to sleep at 8 PM. It was too much, and she no longer hid her hostility towards me.
In the third year, I applied for a two-year Master's Degree and got accepted into a prestigious engineering school in France too. We moved in together, and things were okay for the first few weeks until I started noticing things (as in objects) that indicated different information than what I was told while LDR. When confronted, and after a few hours of retaliation, bf finally gave in and confessed to lying to me for the 8 months we were apart. All those times he said he was sleeping early, he was actually at parties with her because she didn't want to go alone. When he promised he'd go to Disneyland Paris with me for the first time, he lied as he already had gone with her. He traveled Europe with her instead of waiting 4 weeks for me to come to France (it was a promised plan we made). The truths just kept coming to the point where he admitted that the hostility Y has towards me is a result of him telling her about our private and intimate matters, but only my reactions and my deeds, with zero mention of why I reacted and what he did, basically making me the villain.
Some of you guys would think that these are petty things and that I should let them go. It is true that those "things" are petty, but the meaning behind them isn't. The way I saw and see it even now is that I was deceived, lied to, and manipulated. I was also far from being a priority for a couple that's been together for 3 years at the time.
In the fourth year, we were back at the LDR despite my objection due to the trauma of him ghosting me happening again. The only reason I gave in was him promising me an apology from Y as he was sure she was a good person at heart and would recognize her wrongdoings. Surprise surprise, she wasn't. Y yet again manipulated her way out of an apology, telling my bf she would absolutely apologize to me if that was what he wanted, but she would also tell me about how he goes to parties behind my back and that he just doesn't want to reply and answer my calls and other things that aren't even close to being true. Basically coercing him into forgetting about her apologizing.
I threw my first ever tantrum and told him past this point, it's been already 2 years of her being an ignorant lil disrespectful of a b-word, and the only reason I still didn't pay her back for all the rumors and slander is out of love for my bf, that he needs to make a decision to either cut her off until she apologizes, or to let me go instead of feeding me hopeless and empty promises of being on my team while deceiving me, as this is a waste of my youth.
******** a lengthy background but necessary... ********
Now, during this past March, we were attending a Cosplay Event and had a blast. We went home together with my bestie. While we were eating, we were talking about our friends and how they are managing their lives and such, and a couple was brought up that had trust issues, probably worse than what my bf and I have. My bf then proudly stated that we don't have the kind of trust issues they had and that he is so happy about that (opposed genders, cheating, inappropriate conduct, etc...). I said jokingly that being delulu isn't the solulu and that we do have as big of trust issues as they do if not even worse, and I asked him if he solved the issue of his sister's disrespect to us as a couple and me as an individual, he stayed silent. I asked again if he had made up his mind concerning this issue as it took longer than it should. He stayed silent again. I asked, "So did you block her at least?" He said no.
I told him as calmly as I could that it is so hypocritical of him to say we don't have trust issues while he still fails to show necessary trust in the relationship, that it is shameful of him to play with me and my time because he can't make up his mind and that instead of being a man about it and admitting he can't punish Oh-little-angel-sister for her conduct and siding with me as he keeps claiming "we are a team," he is wasting my time, pushing this issue to the back of his head, just wanting to sweep it under the rug hoping I won't notice or that time will make it alright. I told him the more time he's wasting, the harder it is for me to forgive her and him specifically. I can't control what she feels or says, but Y's behavior is his responsibility, and I shouldn't be a target of her hatred. He failed to control his family and prevent complete strangers to me's harm coming my way that if not for him, I wouldn't have to deal with, that alone is proof he isn't trustworthy.
He silently walked to the balcony and stayed there for 30 min. When he came in, he started crying, saying I am bullying him and that I have no right to yell at him and tell him what to do concerning his family matters. Bestie then interrupted and told him he was sitting with us, and not even for a second was I disrespectful or raised my voice and that I was right in saying what I did. He then asked bf if he even had any intentions of cutting Y off. He said no. I told bf then that this relationship has no solid base to it as it was built on lies and deception and that I'm done, that he can sleep somewhere else until he finds his own place and that I don't wish to speak of this or to him anymore.
The bestie stayed talking to him. After 30 min, he came to me saying he wanted to talk. I kept rejecting until he said that he is willing to write an agreement with me where we agree on expectations and a time frame, with the end result being either I get an apology or he's siding with me.
The two months period of time ended on 12th May. Shocked but not surprised, he asked me to give him 10 more days to talk to Y as she had a jaw surgery and is unable to speak for now, and he used that time to mend things with other family members that wronged me. I granted the 10 days as I was flying to see my family anyway. When I came back, I asked about the outcome, and he stated he did speak to her but didn't finish saying what he wanted to say and asked me for 2 extra days, and he'd take full responsibility for the days he made me wait. I brought it up again after that period of time, and he said, on the 25th May, that it saddens him that it came to this but "what should be done will be done." I left it at that and never asked again.
Yesterday we were gaming, and notifications kept popping on his phone. I said, "I hope that's not your sister and her shenanigans again but no, since you blocked her, it can't be." I looked at him, smiling, and he was quiet. I stopped playing and asked him again if he blocked her, to which he responded, "No, I talk to her still about money that I send my father." The fact that we were both tipsy to drunk didn't help, and I lost my cool and told him he is a disgrace to what a man is for deceiving me after I yet again trusted him with this. That I should've blocked her number and deleted it along with everything by my own hands. I told him this is definitely not worth what I put into this relationship, and I deserve so much better than this, taking into account what I've done for him. That if this is what romantic love is, I'm better alone like I was before him, with my cat and parents since at least they won't deceive me and use me for their own good. He kept looking at me like I'm accusing him of something he didn't do, and he kept repeating that I'm looking for trouble now and that "contract" isn't something we should have as a couple and we should be more flexible, and he started guilt-tripping me saying, "how can I live with myself after asking him to 'abandon' a family member," and kept going. I kept yelling at him that an agreement is an agreement regardless of what he's accusing me of being and that if he doesn't abide by it, we are done as I don't wish to spend the rest of my life with someone who isn't sure about wanting to be with me and isn't ready to pay the price to do so.
He pulled up his phone and proceeded to block her and showed me that he did it, saying he'll only unblock her to talk about the money. I called BS on that as he used to send money to his dad's friends before, and it was all fine, and now Y is suddenly the key to money transfer? I demanded his phone, saying that it's been already a week since cutting her was scheduled, and I demanded an explanation of why he didn't do it and why he didn't consult me with the money thingy, especially because Y is involved as well as the trust in this relationship, that if he's saying the truth, he should have no issue handing his phone over. As I walked to the table where his phone was at (we have the same passwords to everything and we use 1 account for Meta, for those who would say that he has a right to privacy. There is a difference between privacy and hiding secrets), he sprinted across the room and hid it behind him, saying, "no you won't look at it as I have decided I won't let you meddle with my family matters anymore." To say I was baffled is an understatement. I told him he has until tomorrow (today) to give a valid reason why I should believe anything he says concerning this matter and if he doesn't, he'd better be ready to deal with the consequences.
When I said y'all, what I've done for him, beyond the "turning a blind eye on his behavior" thing, I spent hours and hours talking to him and understanding him and why he says and does what he does, as it turns out the ways of the family he grew up in are so weird, if not abnormal, even for a religious person. How he was raised to deal with people and feel is just too much. No wonder Y turned out the way she did. I also supported him financially while he was going through school while I was a student myself (I'm now a graduated engineer with 2 masters). I provided the emotional support as well as a place for him. I helped him with the paperwork multiple times and considered him a priority over myself (a huge mistake, I know).
I'm in a tough spot now as we are living together off of his income while I'm supposed to go back to school for another master's. I do odd jobs, but they are nowhere near enough to support myself. He promised he'll take care of me financially as I did to him, and he'd always do no matter what (he's keeping that promise at least), but my pride won't allow me to keep accepting money from my manipulative and disrespectful ex. I am considering dropping out of the master's program and going back home, but I am not ready to spend my time with my parents depressed about my wasted 5 years...
I thought I would post this in true off my chest, but I really want to know... Am I being stubborn for not letting the issue of his disrespectful sister go? I feel like him allowing her to live her life after such behavior with no consequence is establishing that it's okay for her to disrespect me and he is okay with her disrespecting us, as well as feeling like he's protecting her feelings and neglecting mine. I know I'm a toxic empath and I am in therapy for various reasons. I shouldn't doubt that he is in the wrong for this but i don't know how to navigate this anymore...
Please be kind...
submitted by MacoCouple to AITAH [link] [comments]
This might be a lengthy story as a background to this is necessary. This is also my side/POV of the events, so bear that in mind and thanks for reading in advance. This is a serious post, and I am not joking or making up things. If you won't be nice enough to offer help/opinion/support, please just ignore the post instead of leaving hateful comments. It might sound like a joke to you, but it's causing someone else a headache on how to defuse the situation.
Thanks <3
******** So some background and context: ********
So my bf and I met and started dating 5 years ago as freshmen in college. During the first months of getting to know each other, I came to meet his younger sister, 18 at that time, let's call her Y, and his friend, 20M, when he invited them to a party my sorority was hosting. It is safe to say, she didn't like me. I was fine with that at that time since he and I weren't a thing yet and she didn't even know me enough to hate me, so I treated her with the basic human respect. I hosted her in my room that night and made her and I breakfast and lunch before my bf took her home. A month after that, my bf and I started dating and we decided to go out. Y tagged along on the date, brought their other sibling (16F), and basically linked arms with my bf the whole "date," leaving me with the younger sibling. I voiced my concern to my first-time bf later, and he apologized, saying he didn't know it was "an intimate" date, so he just accepted them coming when they said they wanted to.
Fast forward to Spring, Covid hit, and we had to go LDR. During those discord calls we had at night, by each passing day, the times Y would barge into the room at 11PM without knocking increased. She'd downplay it by waving, then chatting with my bf for 30min or asking him to come do the simplest of things for her... At midnight... while she's well aware him and I are having our intimate time of the day, after bf informed her he's spending time with me... It became so unbearable that I had to ask my bf to either install a lock on his door or it's better to end it because the disrespect he was allowing was too much.
The second year of college, she went to France to study. I thought that maybe she would focus on her Med studies and forget about me and loosen up her obsession with her brother, but little did I know that would only make it worse. In our Uni, we were allowed to either go for a semester, a year, or two to study somewhere else. The moment bf became aware of her leaving, he applied for the semester leave to join her, while he and I agreed during freshman year that the best course of action for us is to finish college in 3 years and start work ASAP. Despite that, I helped him get his documents in order, spoke to some teachers I was close to, and helped financially as well. What I didn't know during that time, is that Y spread rumors about me and my "commoner origins" and how unsophisticated I was for her brother and he deserves better than a h** as she asked around my town, and that is what came up when my name was mentioned (which is absolutely not true, and my bf was my first relationship ever at the age of 20). My dumb of a bf believed her without even asking me about it and was planning to ghost me and break up with me the moment he landed in France too. And that was what exactly happened. I spent 15 days doubting my self-worth and my self-esteem hit rock bottom. My bestie (25M today) didn't like that and he tried to mediate between us and he got him to apologize a month later. But the damage to me was already done, and I was emotionally manipulated into believing I was the bad guy, so like a dumbass, I gave it a second go. During the time they both were in France, Y would constantly come up to him, while video chatting with me, and kiss him on the cheek, or pat his head. She would sometimes tell him to turn off all light in the room and make no sounds as she wants to sleep at 8 PM. It was too much, and she no longer hid her hostility towards me.
In the third year, I applied for a two-year Master's Degree and got accepted into a prestigious engineering school in France too. We moved in together, and things were okay for the first few weeks until I started noticing things (as in objects) that indicated different information than what I was told while LDR. When confronted, and after a few hours of retaliation, bf finally gave in and confessed to lying to me for the 8 months we were apart. All those times he said he was sleeping early, he was actually at parties with her because she didn't want to go alone. When he promised he'd go to Disneyland Paris with me for the first time, he lied as he already had gone with her. He traveled Europe with her instead of waiting 4 weeks for me to come to France (it was a promised plan we made). The truths just kept coming to the point where he admitted that the hostility Y has towards me is a result of him telling her about our private and intimate matters, but only my reactions and my deeds, with zero mention of why I reacted and what he did, basically making me the villain.
Some of you guys would think that these are petty things and that I should let them go. It is true that those "things" are petty, but the meaning behind them isn't. The way I saw and see it even now is that I was deceived, lied to, and manipulated. I was also far from being a priority for a couple that's been together for 3 years at the time.
In the fourth year, we were back at the LDR despite my objection due to the trauma of him ghosting me happening again. The only reason I gave in was him promising me an apology from Y as he was sure she was a good person at heart and would recognize her wrongdoings. Surprise surprise, she wasn't. Y yet again manipulated her way out of an apology, telling my bf she would absolutely apologize to me if that was what he wanted, but she would also tell me about how he goes to parties behind my back and that he just doesn't want to reply and answer my calls and other things that aren't even close to being true. Basically coercing him into forgetting about her apologizing.
I threw my first ever tantrum and told him past this point, it's been already 2 years of her being an ignorant lil disrespectful of a b-word, and the only reason I still didn't pay her back for all the rumors and slander is out of love for my bf, that he needs to make a decision to either cut her off until she apologizes, or to let me go instead of feeding me hopeless and empty promises of being on my team while deceiving me, as this is a waste of my youth.
******** a lengthy background but necessary... ********
Now, during this past March, we were attending a Cosplay Event and had a blast. We went home together with my bestie. While we were eating, we were talking about our friends and how they are managing their lives and such, and a couple was brought up that had trust issues, probably worse than what my bf and I have. My bf then proudly stated that we don't have the kind of trust issues they had and that he is so happy about that (opposed genders, cheating, inappropriate conduct, etc...). I said jokingly that being delulu isn't the solulu and that we do have as big of trust issues as they do if not even worse, and I asked him if he solved the issue of his sister's disrespect to us as a couple and me as an individual, he stayed silent. I asked again if he had made up his mind concerning this issue as it took longer than it should. He stayed silent again. I asked, "So did you block her at least?" He said no.
I told him as calmly as I could that it is so hypocritical of him to say we don't have trust issues while he still fails to show necessary trust in the relationship, that it is shameful of him to play with me and my time because he can't make up his mind and that instead of being a man about it and admitting he can't punish Oh-little-angel-sister for her conduct and siding with me as he keeps claiming "we are a team," he is wasting my time, pushing this issue to the back of his head, just wanting to sweep it under the rug hoping I won't notice or that time will make it alright. I told him the more time he's wasting, the harder it is for me to forgive her and him specifically. I can't control what she feels or says, but Y's behavior is his responsibility, and I shouldn't be a target of her hatred. He failed to control his family and prevent complete strangers to me's harm coming my way that if not for him, I wouldn't have to deal with, that alone is proof he isn't trustworthy.
He silently walked to the balcony and stayed there for 30 min. When he came in, he started crying, saying I am bullying him and that I have no right to yell at him and tell him what to do concerning his family matters. Bestie then interrupted and told him he was sitting with us, and not even for a second was I disrespectful or raised my voice and that I was right in saying what I did. He then asked bf if he even had any intentions of cutting Y off. He said no. I told bf then that this relationship has no solid base to it as it was built on lies and deception and that I'm done, that he can sleep somewhere else until he finds his own place and that I don't wish to speak of this or to him anymore.
The bestie stayed talking to him. After 30 min, he came to me saying he wanted to talk. I kept rejecting until he said that he is willing to write an agreement with me where we agree on expectations and a time frame, with the end result being either I get an apology or he's siding with me.
The two months period of time ended on 12th May. Shocked but not surprised, he asked me to give him 10 more days to talk to Y as she had a jaw surgery and is unable to speak for now, and he used that time to mend things with other family members that wronged me. I granted the 10 days as I was flying to see my family anyway. When I came back, I asked about the outcome, and he stated he did speak to her but didn't finish saying what he wanted to say and asked me for 2 extra days, and he'd take full responsibility for the days he made me wait. I brought it up again after that period of time, and he said, on the 25th May, that it saddens him that it came to this but "what should be done will be done." I left it at that and never asked again.
Yesterday we were gaming, and notifications kept popping on his phone. I said, "I hope that's not your sister and her shenanigans again but no, since you blocked her, it can't be." I looked at him, smiling, and he was quiet. I stopped playing and asked him again if he blocked her, to which he responded, "No, I talk to her still about money that I send my father." The fact that we were both tipsy to drunk didn't help, and I lost my cool and told him he is a disgrace to what a man is for deceiving me after I yet again trusted him with this. That I should've blocked her number and deleted it along with everything by my own hands. I told him this is definitely not worth what I put into this relationship, and I deserve so much better than this, taking into account what I've done for him. That if this is what romantic love is, I'm better alone like I was before him, with my cat and parents since at least they won't deceive me and use me for their own good. He kept looking at me like I'm accusing him of something he didn't do, and he kept repeating that I'm looking for trouble now and that "contract" isn't something we should have as a couple and we should be more flexible, and he started guilt-tripping me saying, "how can I live with myself after asking him to 'abandon' a family member," and kept going. I kept yelling at him that an agreement is an agreement regardless of what he's accusing me of being and that if he doesn't abide by it, we are done as I don't wish to spend the rest of my life with someone who isn't sure about wanting to be with me and isn't ready to pay the price to do so.
He pulled up his phone and proceeded to block her and showed me that he did it, saying he'll only unblock her to talk about the money. I called BS on that as he used to send money to his dad's friends before, and it was all fine, and now Y is suddenly the key to money transfer? I demanded his phone, saying that it's been already a week since cutting her was scheduled, and I demanded an explanation of why he didn't do it and why he didn't consult me with the money thingy, especially because Y is involved as well as the trust in this relationship, that if he's saying the truth, he should have no issue handing his phone over. As I walked to the table where his phone was at (we have the same passwords to everything and we use 1 account for Meta, for those who would say that he has a right to privacy. There is a difference between privacy and hiding secrets), he sprinted across the room and hid it behind him, saying, "no you won't look at it as I have decided I won't let you meddle with my family matters anymore." To say I was baffled is an understatement. I told him he has until tomorrow (today) to give a valid reason why I should believe anything he says concerning this matter and if he doesn't, he'd better be ready to deal with the consequences.
When I said y'all, what I've done for him, beyond the "turning a blind eye on his behavior" thing, I spent hours and hours talking to him and understanding him and why he says and does what he does, as it turns out the ways of the family he grew up in are so weird, if not abnormal, even for a religious person. How he was raised to deal with people and feel is just too much. No wonder Y turned out the way she did. I also supported him financially while he was going through school while I was a student myself (I'm now a graduated engineer with 2 masters). I provided the emotional support as well as a place for him. I helped him with the paperwork multiple times and considered him a priority over myself (a huge mistake, I know).
I'm in a tough spot now as we are living together off of his income while I'm supposed to go back to school for another master's. I do odd jobs, but they are nowhere near enough to support myself. He promised he'll take care of me financially as I did to him, and he'd always do no matter what (he's keeping that promise at least), but my pride won't allow me to keep accepting money from my manipulative and disrespectful ex. I am considering dropping out of the master's program and going back home, but I am not ready to spend my time with my parents depressed about my wasted 5 years...
I thought I would post this in true off my chest, but I really want to know... Am I being stubborn for not letting the issue of his disrespectful sister go? I feel like him allowing her to live her life after such behavior with no consequence is establishing that it's okay for her to disrespect me and he is okay with her disrespecting us, as well as feeling like he's protecting her feelings and neglecting mine. I know I'm a toxic empath and I am in therapy for various reasons. I shouldn't doubt that he is in the wrong for this but i don't know how to navigate this anymore...
Please be kind...
2024.06.02 15:14 Pyro979 Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
[PWYW] Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
Upon entering a seemingly innocuous tavern, players quickly realize it’s not the refuge they expected. The innkeeper and his ‘daughter,’ the serving girl, are not what they seem. Beneath their facades lie malevolent beings with a taste for their guests. Facing both mental and physical trials, the players must outwit these monsters before they become the evening’s special.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
Monster encounter, balance for your party:
To make things more difficult for the players, you can also add an additional MEDIUM CON saving throw against the fog's effects, with the players taking LIGHT poison damage on failure. Altering the number of monsters is another effective method for adjusting the challenge level. Additionally, if you're looking to incorporate different types of monsters, don't hesitate to use homebrew or reflavored monsters.
If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Armor Class :: 18 (natural armor) Hit Points :: 3 MEDIUM hits Speed :: 20 ft (can move only in darkness)
Damage Immunities :: poison, psychic Condition Immunities :: blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Senses :: Blindsight 60 ft. Languages :: None
Antimagic Susceptibility. The statue is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the statue must succeed on a CON saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute. : False Appearance. While the statue remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal statue. : Dark Step. The statue can only move in darkness. It moves silently. It may not take the dash action. All attacks automatically hit.
Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Initiative :: At initiative order 20, use one of the lair action options
Scalding Water: Boiling water erupts from pots in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Slippery Floors: The floor becomes slick with oil and grease. For the next round, any creature moving across the floor must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw or fall prone. You can avoid this by moving at half speed, but you must declare this before moving. : Whirling Blades: Blades whirl in a line 50 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Flour Explosion: A cloud of flour ignites in a 30-foot radius centered on a point within the lair. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Speed :: 30 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: fire, acid, poison, necrotic Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Terrifying Unmasking. When the mask comes off, each creature within sight must make a WIS or CHA saving throw against an EASY DC. On a failed save, the creature becomes frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. : Magic Resistance. Red Mask has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. :
She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Speed :: 50 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: necrotic, piercing, bludgeoning, slashing Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Voracious Perception. Once The Hunger has tasted the flesh of a creature, it can track the creature by smell, effectively gaining blindsight with a range 30 feet for that creature. : Wall Crawler. With spider-like agility, The Hunger adheres to terrain, crawling along walls and ceilings to approach its victims. : Fleet-footed The Hunger's rapid movements give it a speed of 50 feet, and enemies trying to make opportunity attacks do so with a disadvantage.
Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
submitted by Pyro979 to DungeonsAndDragons [link] [comments]
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
- 10 nightmares for your PCs
- 10 horrifying rooms
- An epic showdown with an action-oriented final boss "Red Mask" as well as his companion "The Hunger".
- Instructions for scaling the adventure.
- Helpful DM tips that will make prep and running a breeze
- 3 battle maps created in Inkarnate
- Custom Monster stat blocks and tokens
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mask_(Tragedy_comedy)_(2768529820).jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dunwich_Horror_-_Wilbur_Whateley%27s_twin_by_Reuben_C._Dodd.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Potions_Classroom_(47307949392).jpg
- https://www.deviantart.com/abandonedfalcon/art/Meet-me-at-the-bar-888760727
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati_-_Spring_Grove_Cemetery_%26_Arboretum_-_Weeping_Angel_statue.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fortezza_Verrucole_Archeopark_interno.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_state_peniteniary,_13_(14107969638).jpg
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/shando_/9875265043/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diegopianarosa/16339757676/
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghost_reveries_-_Flickr_-_kr428.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n04pg006_Tell_Your_Fortune.png
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n4pg075_At_the_End_of_the_Corridor.png
Previous Work:
- The Library - Level 3 one-shot (Easy for New DMs and New Players to learn)
- Project: Fragmentation (Rogue-like, PWYW)
What other DM's have said:
- Tossed this lil adventure in our D&D world and the players had a blast with all the twists and turns. As a DM I enjoyed the fact that it was well written and easy to run, I didn't have to flip through a lot of mess to run it like I've had to do on some other adventures. Highly recommended. -Jason T via DMsGuild
- Incorporated this last night into our campaign and had a blast. Biggest hits were the dream sequences, the library lore, bar potions, and the dynamic of having a family of commoners to protect. Players were also impressed with the lair and villain actions. I would recommend this to other DMs as it was easy to prep for, fairly simple to run, and the party had fun! -Ty R via DMsGuild
- I gave my party trauma and trust issues with this one! It was great time! Chibi_Disaster
Preview
Adding what I could fit into this post - had to cut some info to fit into the limit:NPCs
- Redd Traskin - At first glance: The welcoming face behind the bar, always ready with a drink and a story about his culinary adventures. Lurking beneath is a creature known as Red Mask: a malevolent being who ensnares victims with harrowing dreams, rendering them helpless before he claims and cooks them.
- Nara Traskin - On the surface a seemingly aloof barmaid, introduced as Redd's "daughter", with a penchant for keeping to herself and often notably reserved. But beneath that exterior she is The Hunger, a fearsome entity with a singular, overpowering mission: to satiate her eternal appetite.
- (Optional) Other guests - a young couple with a child
- Brent Haskill (26) - Husband of the young couple, blacksmith, friendly, introverted
- Raida Haskill (25) - Wife of the young couple, leatherworker, gregarious, warm
- Breeni Haskill (7) - Daughter
Scaling the Adventure
Effect & Trap Damage
| Level | Light Damage | Medium Damage | Serious Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1d4+1 (3) | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d10+2 (7) |
| 2 | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d8+3 (7) | 2d6+3 (10) |
| 3 | 1d8+2 (6) | 2d6+3 (10) | 2d8+4 (13) |
| 4 | 1d10+2 (7) | 2d8+3 (12) | 3d6+5 (16) |
| 5 | 1d10+3 (8) | 2d10+3 (14) | 3d8+5 (19) |
| 6 | 2d6+3 (10) | 3d6+4 (17) | 4d6+6 (20) |
| 7 | 2d6+4 (11) | 3d8+4 (18) | 4d8+6 (24) |
| 8 | 2d8+4 (13) | 3d10+4 (20) | 5d6+7 (27) |
| 9 | 2d10+4 (15) | 4d6+5 (19) | 5d8+7 (31) |
| 10 | 3d6+5 (16) | 4d8+5 (23) | 6d8+8 (35) |
DCs
| Level | Easy | Medium | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 10 | 14 | 18 |
| 4-6 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 7-10 | 14 | 18 | 22 |
The Inn at the Cross Roads
At the crossroads, a quaint inn catches your eye. Its simple two-story structure, with walls of weathered wood and a stone base, exudes a rustic charm. A single horse is tethered to a wagon nearby, hinting at the presence of other travelers.A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
DM Notes
For a one-shot adventure, consider giving the one-shot a different name than "Red Mask Inn" to serve as a red herring. Whether you're running a campaign or a one-shot, you can utilize the classic trope of the characters either meeting at the inn or using it as a place to rest and gather information.Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Inside the inn
As you push open the creaky door of the Red Mask Inn, you're greeted by the comforting warmth of a crackling fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty stew. The inn's interior is cozy, with wooden beams and a few round tables scattered across the room.Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
Going to bed
Each room costs 3 sp per night. If your players are cautious, they may decide to set a watch. Ask for the watch order. For the first person on watch: if they ate or drank at the inn, they must make a CON saving throw against the HARD DC ___. Failure results in them falling asleep during their watch.After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Dreadful Reveries
Party members who fall asleep will experience nightmares. You can create unique nightmares (plumb your player's back stories or campaign events for ideas) or use the provided list for inspiration. Each dream culminates in a save attempt, allowing players to choose between a WIS, INT, or CHA saving throw, depending on their character's mental strengths. End each nightmare description with "Roll a mental save using your preferred stat." If they fail to wake up, they suffer LIGHT, or MEDIUM if they fail the check by more than 5, non-lethal psychic damage. If they roll a Natural 1 on their save, they gain one level of exhaustion. Either way on a failed save they slip into another dream. The initial save DC is set at HARD and should decrease by one level for each subsequent attempt. It is recommended to do not more than 3 nightmares. If another character is attempting to wake them or if they have abilities that aid in resisting mental effects, they may make the save with advantage.Nightmares
- It's night. You are running through the woods. Brambles and thorns rip at your skin. Something is chasing you, and it's gaining. You hear it coming closer and closer. You stumble, fall, and it's on your back, ready to strike…
- You are on a ledge of a narrow cliff. The wind howls, and the rain buffets you. Lightning briefly illuminates the world, revealing jagged rocks hundreds of feet below. Your foot slips, your fingers lose their grip. You begin to fall…
- [Not for characters with water breathing] You are underwater. Seaweed tangles around your legs and feet as you try to orient yourself. There is no up, no down. Your lungs burn, and when you can no longer hold your breath, brackish, dirty water rushes down your throat…
- You are in a coffin. You don't know how long you've been here. You push up on the lid but the weight of the dirt above renders your effort futile. Your fingers bleed as you scratch through the wood, trying to reach the freshly dug earth. The air grows heavier, and you feel yourself slipping away…
- The stars above are beautiful. You try to keep fear at bay, hoping your ship will return. But deep down, you know they won't find you in the vast, uncaring ocean. As you hear a splash to your right, you turn to glimpse a notched fin that was heading in your direction submerge under the water...
- The reflection in the mirror isn't you. You chant this mantra, yet the creature in the glass tilts its head mockingly and whispers, “No, not you. Not yet!” Its gnarled hands creep forward, attempting to breach the barrier of the silvered glass...
- The cave-in is a minor setback. You've found an exit after an hour. A set of hand-holds lead up towards the surface. In your haste, you squeeze through a narrow ledge. Suddenly, you're stuck, the pressure on your chest blurring your vision and clouding your mind, fresh air just out of reach…
- You walk through city streets, unnoticed by the teeming crowd. A growing sense of wrongness intensifies as the figures turn toward you. You only have a moment to dread as you see their faceless heads, when they all then converge on you as one…
- After leaving the warm tent, the cold seemed bearable. But a stinging wind and swirling snow soon disorient you. It feels warmer; you shed layers, mistaking deadly cold for heat. You stumble into the soft snow, deciding to rest, just for a minute…
- It's twilight in the woods. A dead tree in a clearing, covered in birds, crows or ravens, hard to tell. More cawing, flapping wings, and suddenly, the birds take flight, sharp beaks and claws going for your eyes…
Players Awaken
Once all the players awaken, they will likely attempt to figure out their situation. Should they look out the window, they will see the outside world; however, this view is merely an illusion. Efforts to break through walls, floors, and ceilings will prove futile. Furthermore, utilizing teleportation magic, such as dimension door and plane shift, appears ineffective, except for local effects like misty step or dimension door to a visible location.Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Rooms
Upon entering, the PCs have a series of rooms you will guide them through. You can either craft your own rooms or use those included in this adventure. Players might attempt to take a Short Rest in some rooms, and it's up to you whether to allow it or not. You want the PCs battered, but not spent for the final confrontation. If you choose to deny them the rest, narrate psychic pressure to move out of the room - leading to psychic damage on refusal.The Library
As the party steps into a dimly lit room, they're surrounded by towering bookshelves. The books around them seem to be whispering secrets of forbidden knowledge. Each player needs to make a MEDIUM WIS saving throw to avoid taking MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage from the eldritch knowledge trying to worm into their brain, with the damage halved if they succeed. Those players naturally drawn to knowledge, like Wizards and Bards, will find this more challenging and must make the throw at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, those less inclined towards books, like Barbarians or Fighters, will have advantage. It's up to you as the DM to decide these advantages and disadvantages based on your characters' proclivities.DM Notes
- Use this section as a chance to weave in some of your world's lore. It's a perfect opportunity for players to uncover hidden aspects of your campaign's universe.
- While the books in this room can be physically taken, to avoid players hoarding countless volumes, consider describing how some books disintegrate into ash as soon as they're opened.
The Memory Gallery
In this sparsely furnished room, the walls are adorned with striking paintings of landscapes, ranging from mountain vistas to sunsets over the ocean, and serene forest clearings. As the PCs explore these paintings, focus on one PC and bring a distressing memory from their backstory to life, using the painting they are viewing as the backdrop. This scene then animates before the players. The PC at the center of this memory is faced with a HARD WIS saving throw, with the risk of taking SERIOUS non-lethal psychic damage upon failure, or half the damage if they succeed. Meanwhile, other PCs witnessing this scene must make an EASY WIS save to avoid LIGHT non-lethal psychic damage, suffering no damage on a successful save. Breeni’s past interactions with the affected PC could play a role here. Breeni may hug the PC, granting them advantage on their saving throw.The Mirror Chamber
In the mirror chamber, walls lined with ornate, grimy mirrors reflect distorted and grotesque images of the adventurers. The air is thick, filled with the unsettling scent of iron and decay. Suddenly, their reflections lunge out of the glass, materializing into tangible, malevolent doppelgängers that attack, forcing the party to confront twisted versions of themselves.Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
The Dining Hall
The long wooden table is laden with rotting food: fruit covered in mold, meat moving with maggots, and bread so stale it looks fossilized, all set among goblets filled with a murky, clotting liquid that might have once been wine. Nearby, a platter holds what appears to be a human hand, its skin cooked to a crisp and its fingernails garnished with sprigs of wilted herbs. The foul stench of decay and spoiled meat permeates the room, mingling with the unsettling, almost palpable aura of dread. Players must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw. On a failure, gain the poisoned condition, lasting for 1d4 rooms.The Hospital Room
Several linen-covered beds on the far side of the room are splattered with dried blood. Bone saws with jagged teeth and other cruel implements are neatly arranged on a side table, gleaming ominously in the torchlight. Drawers with various medical supplies are left half-closed. Several vials labeled as "Healing Potions" sit on a nearby shelf. A MEDIUM Arcana or Medicine check will determine these are actually poison (1d4+1 poison damage). The party may choose to remain here and use some of the supplies to heal up - can be used as a Short Rest opportunity.The Bathroom
A decrepit wooden bathtub sits in the corner, filled with a stagnant, dark liquid that occasionally bubbles as if something lurks beneath the surface. Next to the bathtub, a stone toilet fixture stands as if hewn directly from the chamber's walls, its bowl filled with an unidentifiable, viscous substance that seems to churn of its own accord. Faint, grotesque sketches are etched into the stone around the toilet, depicting unsettling scenes that make you question the sanity of previous occupants. Blood spatters mar the cracked tiles, leading to a cracked tarnished mirror that reflects a distorted image of anyone who dares to look.If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
The Greenhouse
The greenhouse is a labyrinth of overgrown, twisted plants, their leaves unnaturally dark and thorns menacingly sharp. A misty, almost phosphorescent fog hangs low, casting a sickly green glow over everything, and making it hard to see what lurks in the corners. Amongst the flora, the party can spot several cages containing withered remains of animals and, disturbingly, a few humanoid shapes — all twisted in expressions of agony, as if the plants themselves had consumed them.Monster encounter, balance for your party:
| Level Range | Monster |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Twig Blight (MM 32) |
| Needle Blight (MM 32) | |
| Vine Blight (MM 32) | |
| 4-6 | Shambling Mound (MM 270) |
| Wood Woad (VGtM 198) | |
| Yellow Musk Creeper (TftYP 248) | |
| Animated Tree (VGtM 207) | |
| Assassin Vine (MM 22) | |
| 7-10 | Corpse Flower (MToF 127) |
| Tree Blight (CoS 230) |
The Bar
The barroom is dimly lit by tarnished chandeliers that cast ghostly flickers across worn wooden floorboards. A long, decaying bar counter dominates one side of the room. Its surface is stained and pockmarked, lined with bottles containing strange, discolored liquids. The stools around the bar are unsteady, emitting ominous creaks under the slightest pressure. Notably, one stool bears an unsettling stain, reminiscent of dried blood.If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
| # | Name | Liquid Description | Effect Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reckless Fury | A swirling red potion with fiery sparks. | [Primary Melee Classes] Every melee attack is treated as reckless (attack is rolled with Advantage, but any attack against the player is rolled with Advantage as well until their turn). | |
| 2 | Luck be a lady tonight | A two-layered liquid, gold over silver. | Grants inspiration to the player, and GM gets to force disadvantage at a time of their choosing. | |
| 3 | Unstable Teleport | A misty, shifting blue and gray potion. | Gain the ability to cast the Misty Step spell at will. Roll 1d20 for uncertain destination, appearing in a location of DM's choice on 1-10. | |
| 4 | Size Shift | A violet fluid with bubbles. | Changes creature size from Medium to Small. No effect on Small creatures. | |
| 5 | Spell Rejuvenation | A glowing, pulsating emerald drink. | [Primary Spellcaster Classes] Restores one highest level spent spell slot but causes causes one level of exhaustion. | |
| 6 | Speed Surge | A quicksilver potion with streaks of lightning. | Doubles speed but causes jitteriness, disadvantage on Dexterity checks and saves. | |
| 7 | Painful Retaliation | A dark crimson liquid with a thorny vine motif. | As a bonus action you can choose to harm a creature at will, causing MEDIUM psychic damage, but take half the damage yourself. | |
| 8 | Statue Defense | A solid gray potion with flecks of stone. | As a reaction to taking damage, you can choose to become an invulnerable statue to negate the triggering damage. You are invulnerable and petrified until the end of your next turn. | |
| 9 | Charge of the Bull | A red potion with a swirling vortex. | Gain a powerful charge attack: If you can move at least 10ft in a straight line, you can make an attack. If the attack hits, it is treated as a critical hit, and the target is knocked prone. If the attack misses, the player takes MEDIUM bludgeoning damage, is knocked prone, and lands 10 feet past the target. | |
| 10 | Clumsy Might | A creamy potion with bubbles. | Advantage on Strength checks and saves but disadvantage on Dexterity-based tasks. |
The Stalking Statues
The room is a vast, dimly-lit chamber with four stone statues positioned in various states of distress; their faces contorted in silent screams or buried in their hands as if weeping. The flickering light from a dying chandelier dances across their features, casting ominous shadows that seem to move. Describe the chandelier as flickering in and out. In the darkness, the statues seem to move closer and closer.You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Stalking Statues
Medium Construct, neutral evil| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 1 (-5) | 3 (-4) | 1 (-5) |
Actions
Multiattack. The statue makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM bludgeoning damage. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM piercing damage. : Grapple. Roll Contested Athletics vs Atheltics or Acrobatics. The statue rolls with Advantage. Reach 5ft., one target. MEDIUM escape DC to break free.Final Confrontation
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone: : You walk through the door to find yourself in a vast, open kitchen. The air is heavy with the scent of pots boiling over low flames, their contents a mystery. Shadows flicker and stretch across the walls, animated by the dim firelight.Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Monstrous Hosts
Redd Traskin, also known as Red Mask, and Nara Traskin, known as The Hunger, have hidden their monstrous nature for years by disguising themselves as the friendly innkeepers of the Red Mask Inn. They lure travelers with warmth and hospitality, only to ensnare them in a nightmarish trap. Through their powers of perception and emotion manipulation, they torment their victims in an alternate dimension, relishing the fear and suffering they create. All the while, they maintain their facade as ordinary innkeepers, continuing their sinister feast on unsuspecting guests.Lair Actions
DM Notes
HP: The HP listed in the stat blocks are simply a guideline. Balance to your party, making sure that the combat lasts some time, but doesn't drag on too long. : Villain Actions: Red Mask utilizes villain actions. This is an action he can take at any point after a PCs action, but limited to one per round.Red Mask
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
I think not! (3/day) As a reaction, Red Mask can choose to succeed on a failed check. However, this requires mental fortitude, so he takes MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage to do so.Actions
Multiattack. The Red Mask makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Misty Step. Red Mask can cast Misty Step at will as a bonus action. : Butcher’s Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target.| APL | to hit bonus | damage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM |
Villain Actions
How's My Cooking? Any creature that ate food in the tavern must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw or be incapacitated with retching as rotten, maggoty food comes back up. The effect lasts until the end of the affected creature's turn. : Time to Eat! Nara can move up to her speed towards a target and make a bite attack as part of the same action. : See What Awaits You! Red Mask unleashes a wave of mental horror, showing the victims horrific images of previous guests being butchered and eaten. Each creature within sight must succeed on an EASY WIS saving throw or take MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage.Tactics
The Hunger prefers hit-and-run tactics, targeting the least armored or most injured characters. If the characters try to focus fire on Red Mask, narrate The Hunger turning it's attention to the Haskill family.She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Nara, The Hunger
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
Bloodthirsty Pursuit. If a creature within 30 feet of The Hunger uses a teleportation ability or spell to escape, The Hunger can use its reaction to immediately teleport to a space adjacent to the escaping creature.Actions
Multiattack. The The Hunger makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 10ft., one target. If target not armored, or on a critical hit, add bleed damage for 1d3 rounds. This damage does not stack on multiple hits, instead use the highest rolled value for damage and rounds rolled. This effect can only be removed by magical healing. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target. On a successful hit, deal damage as normal, and The Hunger regenerates half of the damage dealt as hit points.| APL | to hit bonus | damage | bleed from claws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT | 1d2 |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM | 1d4 |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM | 1d6 |
The Collapse
With the death of its hosts, the reality of this pocket dimension begins to unravel. This is a perfect time to deploy a Skill Challenge. Choose any of the following room descriptions, and let the players decide which skills they want to employ to navigate through the room. The focus here is on the Rule of Cool.Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
DM Notes
Here you should aim to instill a sense of urgency and desperation. Monitor your players closely. As they approach their limits, consider making that room the final challenge. Remember, they don't need to complete every room you've planned.Time to Run
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone:As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
Conclusion
As you burst through the door, you're back in the long corridor you first encountered as you woke up. At the far end, you glimpse the outside world. You sprint towards freedom as the corridor crumbles behind you, the destruction nipping at your heels. In a desperate leap at the last possible moment, you escape... and the sudden tranquility of the night envelops you. The quiet, so starkly contrasted with the preceding chaos, strikes you with its intensity. Surrounded by the serene sounds of the forest, the peace feels almost otherworldly, a surreal end to your harrowing journey.You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
Loot
Tucked away behind the inn, the adventurers might notice something peculiar about the compost heap — it seems to occasionally sparkle with the glint of metal and the shimmer of gemstones. Upon closer inspection and a bit of rummaging, they'll discover that this isn't just any old pile of refuse; it's a resting place for treasures that once belonged to the inn's unfortunate previous visitors.You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
2024.06.02 15:13 Pyro979 Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
[PWYW] Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
Upon entering a seemingly innocuous tavern, players quickly realize it’s not the refuge they expected. The innkeeper and his ‘daughter,’ the serving girl, are not what they seem. Beneath their facades lie malevolent beings with a taste for their guests. Facing both mental and physical trials, the players must outwit these monsters before they become the evening’s special.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
Monster encounter, balance for your party:
To make things more difficult for the players, you can also add an additional MEDIUM CON saving throw against the fog's effects, with the players taking LIGHT poison damage on failure. Altering the number of monsters is another effective method for adjusting the challenge level. Additionally, if you're looking to incorporate different types of monsters, don't hesitate to use homebrew or reflavored monsters.
If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Armor Class :: 18 (natural armor) Hit Points :: 3 MEDIUM hits Speed :: 20 ft (can move only in darkness)
Damage Immunities :: poison, psychic Condition Immunities :: blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Senses :: Blindsight 60 ft. Languages :: None
Antimagic Susceptibility. The statue is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the statue must succeed on a CON saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute. : False Appearance. While the statue remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal statue. : Dark Step. The statue can only move in darkness. It moves silently. It may not take the dash action. All attacks automatically hit.
Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Initiative :: At initiative order 20, use one of the lair action options
Scalding Water: Boiling water erupts from pots in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Slippery Floors: The floor becomes slick with oil and grease. For the next round, any creature moving across the floor must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw or fall prone. You can avoid this by moving at half speed, but you must declare this before moving. : Whirling Blades: Blades whirl in a line 50 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Flour Explosion: A cloud of flour ignites in a 30-foot radius centered on a point within the lair. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Speed :: 30 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: fire, acid, poison, necrotic Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Terrifying Unmasking. When the mask comes off, each creature within sight must make a WIS or CHA saving throw against an EASY DC. On a failed save, the creature becomes frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. : Magic Resistance. Red Mask has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. :
She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Speed :: 50 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: necrotic, piercing, bludgeoning, slashing Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Voracious Perception. Once The Hunger has tasted the flesh of a creature, it can track the creature by smell, effectively gaining blindsight with a range 30 feet for that creature. : Wall Crawler. With spider-like agility, The Hunger adheres to terrain, crawling along walls and ceilings to approach its victims. : Fleet-footed The Hunger's rapid movements give it a speed of 50 feet, and enemies trying to make opportunity attacks do so with a disadvantage.
Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
submitted by Pyro979 to DnD5e [link] [comments]
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
- 10 nightmares for your PCs
- 10 horrifying rooms
- An epic showdown with an action-oriented final boss "Red Mask" as well as his companion "The Hunger".
- Instructions for scaling the adventure.
- Helpful DM tips that will make prep and running a breeze
- 3 battle maps created in Inkarnate
- Custom Monster stat blocks and tokens
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mask_(Tragedy_comedy)_(2768529820).jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dunwich_Horror_-_Wilbur_Whateley%27s_twin_by_Reuben_C._Dodd.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Potions_Classroom_(47307949392).jpg
- https://www.deviantart.com/abandonedfalcon/art/Meet-me-at-the-bar-888760727
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati_-_Spring_Grove_Cemetery_%26_Arboretum_-_Weeping_Angel_statue.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fortezza_Verrucole_Archeopark_interno.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_state_peniteniary,_13_(14107969638).jpg
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/shando_/9875265043/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diegopianarosa/16339757676/
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghost_reveries_-_Flickr_-_kr428.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n04pg006_Tell_Your_Fortune.png
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n4pg075_At_the_End_of_the_Corridor.png
Previous Work:
- The Library - Level 3 one-shot (Easy for New DMs and New Players to learn)
- Project: Fragmentation (Rogue-like, PWYW)
What other DM's have said:
- Tossed this lil adventure in our D&D world and the players had a blast with all the twists and turns. As a DM I enjoyed the fact that it was well written and easy to run, I didn't have to flip through a lot of mess to run it like I've had to do on some other adventures. Highly recommended. -Jason T via DMsGuild
- Incorporated this last night into our campaign and had a blast. Biggest hits were the dream sequences, the library lore, bar potions, and the dynamic of having a family of commoners to protect. Players were also impressed with the lair and villain actions. I would recommend this to other DMs as it was easy to prep for, fairly simple to run, and the party had fun! -Ty R via DMsGuild
- I gave my party trauma and trust issues with this one! It was great time! Chibi_Disaster
Preview
Adding what I could fit into this post - had to cut some info to fit into the limit:NPCs
- Redd Traskin - At first glance: The welcoming face behind the bar, always ready with a drink and a story about his culinary adventures. Lurking beneath is a creature known as Red Mask: a malevolent being who ensnares victims with harrowing dreams, rendering them helpless before he claims and cooks them.
- Nara Traskin - On the surface a seemingly aloof barmaid, introduced as Redd's "daughter", with a penchant for keeping to herself and often notably reserved. But beneath that exterior she is The Hunger, a fearsome entity with a singular, overpowering mission: to satiate her eternal appetite.
- (Optional) Other guests - a young couple with a child
- Brent Haskill (26) - Husband of the young couple, blacksmith, friendly, introverted
- Raida Haskill (25) - Wife of the young couple, leatherworker, gregarious, warm
- Breeni Haskill (7) - Daughter
Scaling the Adventure
Effect & Trap Damage
| Level | Light Damage | Medium Damage | Serious Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1d4+1 (3) | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d10+2 (7) |
| 2 | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d8+3 (7) | 2d6+3 (10) |
| 3 | 1d8+2 (6) | 2d6+3 (10) | 2d8+4 (13) |
| 4 | 1d10+2 (7) | 2d8+3 (12) | 3d6+5 (16) |
| 5 | 1d10+3 (8) | 2d10+3 (14) | 3d8+5 (19) |
| 6 | 2d6+3 (10) | 3d6+4 (17) | 4d6+6 (20) |
| 7 | 2d6+4 (11) | 3d8+4 (18) | 4d8+6 (24) |
| 8 | 2d8+4 (13) | 3d10+4 (20) | 5d6+7 (27) |
| 9 | 2d10+4 (15) | 4d6+5 (19) | 5d8+7 (31) |
| 10 | 3d6+5 (16) | 4d8+5 (23) | 6d8+8 (35) |
DCs
| Level | Easy | Medium | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 10 | 14 | 18 |
| 4-6 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 7-10 | 14 | 18 | 22 |
The Inn at the Cross Roads
At the crossroads, a quaint inn catches your eye. Its simple two-story structure, with walls of weathered wood and a stone base, exudes a rustic charm. A single horse is tethered to a wagon nearby, hinting at the presence of other travelers.A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
DM Notes
For a one-shot adventure, consider giving the one-shot a different name than "Red Mask Inn" to serve as a red herring. Whether you're running a campaign or a one-shot, you can utilize the classic trope of the characters either meeting at the inn or using it as a place to rest and gather information.Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Inside the inn
As you push open the creaky door of the Red Mask Inn, you're greeted by the comforting warmth of a crackling fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty stew. The inn's interior is cozy, with wooden beams and a few round tables scattered across the room.Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
Going to bed
Each room costs 3 sp per night. If your players are cautious, they may decide to set a watch. Ask for the watch order. For the first person on watch: if they ate or drank at the inn, they must make a CON saving throw against the HARD DC ___. Failure results in them falling asleep during their watch.After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Dreadful Reveries
Party members who fall asleep will experience nightmares. You can create unique nightmares (plumb your player's back stories or campaign events for ideas) or use the provided list for inspiration. Each dream culminates in a save attempt, allowing players to choose between a WIS, INT, or CHA saving throw, depending on their character's mental strengths. End each nightmare description with "Roll a mental save using your preferred stat." If they fail to wake up, they suffer LIGHT, or MEDIUM if they fail the check by more than 5, non-lethal psychic damage. If they roll a Natural 1 on their save, they gain one level of exhaustion. Either way on a failed save they slip into another dream. The initial save DC is set at HARD and should decrease by one level for each subsequent attempt. It is recommended to do not more than 3 nightmares. If another character is attempting to wake them or if they have abilities that aid in resisting mental effects, they may make the save with advantage.Nightmares
- It's night. You are running through the woods. Brambles and thorns rip at your skin. Something is chasing you, and it's gaining. You hear it coming closer and closer. You stumble, fall, and it's on your back, ready to strike…
- You are on a ledge of a narrow cliff. The wind howls, and the rain buffets you. Lightning briefly illuminates the world, revealing jagged rocks hundreds of feet below. Your foot slips, your fingers lose their grip. You begin to fall…
- [Not for characters with water breathing] You are underwater. Seaweed tangles around your legs and feet as you try to orient yourself. There is no up, no down. Your lungs burn, and when you can no longer hold your breath, brackish, dirty water rushes down your throat…
- You are in a coffin. You don't know how long you've been here. You push up on the lid but the weight of the dirt above renders your effort futile. Your fingers bleed as you scratch through the wood, trying to reach the freshly dug earth. The air grows heavier, and you feel yourself slipping away…
- The stars above are beautiful. You try to keep fear at bay, hoping your ship will return. But deep down, you know they won't find you in the vast, uncaring ocean. As you hear a splash to your right, you turn to glimpse a notched fin that was heading in your direction submerge under the water...
- The reflection in the mirror isn't you. You chant this mantra, yet the creature in the glass tilts its head mockingly and whispers, “No, not you. Not yet!” Its gnarled hands creep forward, attempting to breach the barrier of the silvered glass...
- The cave-in is a minor setback. You've found an exit after an hour. A set of hand-holds lead up towards the surface. In your haste, you squeeze through a narrow ledge. Suddenly, you're stuck, the pressure on your chest blurring your vision and clouding your mind, fresh air just out of reach…
- You walk through city streets, unnoticed by the teeming crowd. A growing sense of wrongness intensifies as the figures turn toward you. You only have a moment to dread as you see their faceless heads, when they all then converge on you as one…
- After leaving the warm tent, the cold seemed bearable. But a stinging wind and swirling snow soon disorient you. It feels warmer; you shed layers, mistaking deadly cold for heat. You stumble into the soft snow, deciding to rest, just for a minute…
- It's twilight in the woods. A dead tree in a clearing, covered in birds, crows or ravens, hard to tell. More cawing, flapping wings, and suddenly, the birds take flight, sharp beaks and claws going for your eyes…
Players Awaken
Once all the players awaken, they will likely attempt to figure out their situation. Should they look out the window, they will see the outside world; however, this view is merely an illusion. Efforts to break through walls, floors, and ceilings will prove futile. Furthermore, utilizing teleportation magic, such as dimension door and plane shift, appears ineffective, except for local effects like misty step or dimension door to a visible location.Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Rooms
Upon entering, the PCs have a series of rooms you will guide them through. You can either craft your own rooms or use those included in this adventure. Players might attempt to take a Short Rest in some rooms, and it's up to you whether to allow it or not. You want the PCs battered, but not spent for the final confrontation. If you choose to deny them the rest, narrate psychic pressure to move out of the room - leading to psychic damage on refusal.The Library
As the party steps into a dimly lit room, they're surrounded by towering bookshelves. The books around them seem to be whispering secrets of forbidden knowledge. Each player needs to make a MEDIUM WIS saving throw to avoid taking MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage from the eldritch knowledge trying to worm into their brain, with the damage halved if they succeed. Those players naturally drawn to knowledge, like Wizards and Bards, will find this more challenging and must make the throw at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, those less inclined towards books, like Barbarians or Fighters, will have advantage. It's up to you as the DM to decide these advantages and disadvantages based on your characters' proclivities.DM Notes
- Use this section as a chance to weave in some of your world's lore. It's a perfect opportunity for players to uncover hidden aspects of your campaign's universe.
- While the books in this room can be physically taken, to avoid players hoarding countless volumes, consider describing how some books disintegrate into ash as soon as they're opened.
The Memory Gallery
In this sparsely furnished room, the walls are adorned with striking paintings of landscapes, ranging from mountain vistas to sunsets over the ocean, and serene forest clearings. As the PCs explore these paintings, focus on one PC and bring a distressing memory from their backstory to life, using the painting they are viewing as the backdrop. This scene then animates before the players. The PC at the center of this memory is faced with a HARD WIS saving throw, with the risk of taking SERIOUS non-lethal psychic damage upon failure, or half the damage if they succeed. Meanwhile, other PCs witnessing this scene must make an EASY WIS save to avoid LIGHT non-lethal psychic damage, suffering no damage on a successful save. Breeni’s past interactions with the affected PC could play a role here. Breeni may hug the PC, granting them advantage on their saving throw.The Mirror Chamber
In the mirror chamber, walls lined with ornate, grimy mirrors reflect distorted and grotesque images of the adventurers. The air is thick, filled with the unsettling scent of iron and decay. Suddenly, their reflections lunge out of the glass, materializing into tangible, malevolent doppelgängers that attack, forcing the party to confront twisted versions of themselves.Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
The Dining Hall
The long wooden table is laden with rotting food: fruit covered in mold, meat moving with maggots, and bread so stale it looks fossilized, all set among goblets filled with a murky, clotting liquid that might have once been wine. Nearby, a platter holds what appears to be a human hand, its skin cooked to a crisp and its fingernails garnished with sprigs of wilted herbs. The foul stench of decay and spoiled meat permeates the room, mingling with the unsettling, almost palpable aura of dread. Players must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw. On a failure, gain the poisoned condition, lasting for 1d4 rooms.The Hospital Room
Several linen-covered beds on the far side of the room are splattered with dried blood. Bone saws with jagged teeth and other cruel implements are neatly arranged on a side table, gleaming ominously in the torchlight. Drawers with various medical supplies are left half-closed. Several vials labeled as "Healing Potions" sit on a nearby shelf. A MEDIUM Arcana or Medicine check will determine these are actually poison (1d4+1 poison damage). The party may choose to remain here and use some of the supplies to heal up - can be used as a Short Rest opportunity.The Bathroom
A decrepit wooden bathtub sits in the corner, filled with a stagnant, dark liquid that occasionally bubbles as if something lurks beneath the surface. Next to the bathtub, a stone toilet fixture stands as if hewn directly from the chamber's walls, its bowl filled with an unidentifiable, viscous substance that seems to churn of its own accord. Faint, grotesque sketches are etched into the stone around the toilet, depicting unsettling scenes that make you question the sanity of previous occupants. Blood spatters mar the cracked tiles, leading to a cracked tarnished mirror that reflects a distorted image of anyone who dares to look.If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
The Greenhouse
The greenhouse is a labyrinth of overgrown, twisted plants, their leaves unnaturally dark and thorns menacingly sharp. A misty, almost phosphorescent fog hangs low, casting a sickly green glow over everything, and making it hard to see what lurks in the corners. Amongst the flora, the party can spot several cages containing withered remains of animals and, disturbingly, a few humanoid shapes — all twisted in expressions of agony, as if the plants themselves had consumed them.Monster encounter, balance for your party:
| Level Range | Monster |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Twig Blight (MM 32) |
| Needle Blight (MM 32) | |
| Vine Blight (MM 32) | |
| 4-6 | Shambling Mound (MM 270) |
| Wood Woad (VGtM 198) | |
| Yellow Musk Creeper (TftYP 248) | |
| Animated Tree (VGtM 207) | |
| Assassin Vine (MM 22) | |
| 7-10 | Corpse Flower (MToF 127) |
| Tree Blight (CoS 230) |
The Bar
The barroom is dimly lit by tarnished chandeliers that cast ghostly flickers across worn wooden floorboards. A long, decaying bar counter dominates one side of the room. Its surface is stained and pockmarked, lined with bottles containing strange, discolored liquids. The stools around the bar are unsteady, emitting ominous creaks under the slightest pressure. Notably, one stool bears an unsettling stain, reminiscent of dried blood.If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
| # | Name | Liquid Description | Effect Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reckless Fury | A swirling red potion with fiery sparks. | [Primary Melee Classes] Every melee attack is treated as reckless (attack is rolled with Advantage, but any attack against the player is rolled with Advantage as well until their turn). | |
| 2 | Luck be a lady tonight | A two-layered liquid, gold over silver. | Grants inspiration to the player, and GM gets to force disadvantage at a time of their choosing. | |
| 3 | Unstable Teleport | A misty, shifting blue and gray potion. | Gain the ability to cast the Misty Step spell at will. Roll 1d20 for uncertain destination, appearing in a location of DM's choice on 1-10. | |
| 4 | Size Shift | A violet fluid with bubbles. | Changes creature size from Medium to Small. No effect on Small creatures. | |
| 5 | Spell Rejuvenation | A glowing, pulsating emerald drink. | [Primary Spellcaster Classes] Restores one highest level spent spell slot but causes causes one level of exhaustion. | |
| 6 | Speed Surge | A quicksilver potion with streaks of lightning. | Doubles speed but causes jitteriness, disadvantage on Dexterity checks and saves. | |
| 7 | Painful Retaliation | A dark crimson liquid with a thorny vine motif. | As a bonus action you can choose to harm a creature at will, causing MEDIUM psychic damage, but take half the damage yourself. | |
| 8 | Statue Defense | A solid gray potion with flecks of stone. | As a reaction to taking damage, you can choose to become an invulnerable statue to negate the triggering damage. You are invulnerable and petrified until the end of your next turn. | |
| 9 | Charge of the Bull | A red potion with a swirling vortex. | Gain a powerful charge attack: If you can move at least 10ft in a straight line, you can make an attack. If the attack hits, it is treated as a critical hit, and the target is knocked prone. If the attack misses, the player takes MEDIUM bludgeoning damage, is knocked prone, and lands 10 feet past the target. | |
| 10 | Clumsy Might | A creamy potion with bubbles. | Advantage on Strength checks and saves but disadvantage on Dexterity-based tasks. |
The Stalking Statues
The room is a vast, dimly-lit chamber with four stone statues positioned in various states of distress; their faces contorted in silent screams or buried in their hands as if weeping. The flickering light from a dying chandelier dances across their features, casting ominous shadows that seem to move. Describe the chandelier as flickering in and out. In the darkness, the statues seem to move closer and closer.You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Stalking Statues
Medium Construct, neutral evil| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 1 (-5) | 3 (-4) | 1 (-5) |
Actions
Multiattack. The statue makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM bludgeoning damage. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM piercing damage. : Grapple. Roll Contested Athletics vs Atheltics or Acrobatics. The statue rolls with Advantage. Reach 5ft., one target. MEDIUM escape DC to break free.Final Confrontation
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone: : You walk through the door to find yourself in a vast, open kitchen. The air is heavy with the scent of pots boiling over low flames, their contents a mystery. Shadows flicker and stretch across the walls, animated by the dim firelight.Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Monstrous Hosts
Redd Traskin, also known as Red Mask, and Nara Traskin, known as The Hunger, have hidden their monstrous nature for years by disguising themselves as the friendly innkeepers of the Red Mask Inn. They lure travelers with warmth and hospitality, only to ensnare them in a nightmarish trap. Through their powers of perception and emotion manipulation, they torment their victims in an alternate dimension, relishing the fear and suffering they create. All the while, they maintain their facade as ordinary innkeepers, continuing their sinister feast on unsuspecting guests.Lair Actions
DM Notes
HP: The HP listed in the stat blocks are simply a guideline. Balance to your party, making sure that the combat lasts some time, but doesn't drag on too long. : Villain Actions: Red Mask utilizes villain actions. This is an action he can take at any point after a PCs action, but limited to one per round.Red Mask
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
I think not! (3/day) As a reaction, Red Mask can choose to succeed on a failed check. However, this requires mental fortitude, so he takes MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage to do so.Actions
Multiattack. The Red Mask makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Misty Step. Red Mask can cast Misty Step at will as a bonus action. : Butcher’s Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target.| APL | to hit bonus | damage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM |
Villain Actions
How's My Cooking? Any creature that ate food in the tavern must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw or be incapacitated with retching as rotten, maggoty food comes back up. The effect lasts until the end of the affected creature's turn. : Time to Eat! Nara can move up to her speed towards a target and make a bite attack as part of the same action. : See What Awaits You! Red Mask unleashes a wave of mental horror, showing the victims horrific images of previous guests being butchered and eaten. Each creature within sight must succeed on an EASY WIS saving throw or take MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage.Tactics
The Hunger prefers hit-and-run tactics, targeting the least armored or most injured characters. If the characters try to focus fire on Red Mask, narrate The Hunger turning it's attention to the Haskill family.She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Nara, The Hunger
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
Bloodthirsty Pursuit. If a creature within 30 feet of The Hunger uses a teleportation ability or spell to escape, The Hunger can use its reaction to immediately teleport to a space adjacent to the escaping creature.Actions
Multiattack. The The Hunger makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 10ft., one target. If target not armored, or on a critical hit, add bleed damage for 1d3 rounds. This damage does not stack on multiple hits, instead use the highest rolled value for damage and rounds rolled. This effect can only be removed by magical healing. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target. On a successful hit, deal damage as normal, and The Hunger regenerates half of the damage dealt as hit points.| APL | to hit bonus | damage | bleed from claws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT | 1d2 |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM | 1d4 |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM | 1d6 |
The Collapse
With the death of its hosts, the reality of this pocket dimension begins to unravel. This is a perfect time to deploy a Skill Challenge. Choose any of the following room descriptions, and let the players decide which skills they want to employ to navigate through the room. The focus here is on the Rule of Cool.Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
DM Notes
Here you should aim to instill a sense of urgency and desperation. Monitor your players closely. As they approach their limits, consider making that room the final challenge. Remember, they don't need to complete every room you've planned.Time to Run
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone:As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
Conclusion
As you burst through the door, you're back in the long corridor you first encountered as you woke up. At the far end, you glimpse the outside world. You sprint towards freedom as the corridor crumbles behind you, the destruction nipping at your heels. In a desperate leap at the last possible moment, you escape... and the sudden tranquility of the night envelops you. The quiet, so starkly contrasted with the preceding chaos, strikes you with its intensity. Surrounded by the serene sounds of the forest, the peace feels almost otherworldly, a surreal end to your harrowing journey.You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
Loot
Tucked away behind the inn, the adventurers might notice something peculiar about the compost heap — it seems to occasionally sparkle with the glint of metal and the shimmer of gemstones. Upon closer inspection and a bit of rummaging, they'll discover that this isn't just any old pile of refuse; it's a resting place for treasures that once belonged to the inn's unfortunate previous visitors.You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
2024.06.02 15:13 AlternativeAthlete99 Coworkers Comments
I’m going on FMLA for the duration of my IVF cycle (doctor gave 20 days to start, with possibility to extend, and then again told my employer i’d need similar time off for transfer). My clinic is out of town, which is the primary reason I was given more than intermittent FMLA. Anyways, I haven’t been super open about why i’m taking FMLA, but before we switched to our current clinic, I ran into a coworker in the waiting room at my last clinic. She asked me if my FMLA was IVF related, since she has previously seen me at my previous clinic, cause some of our other appointments overlapped, and we ran into each other in the clinic waiting room. Anyways, someone overheard and she said “You’re doing IVF? How can you afford IVF on your salary? You’re what, 25 of 26? I know you can’t have a savings at that age.” It was the rudest, most insensitive comment I could have heard. Who asks about your finances at work in regards to medical treatment? I was really taken back by this comment, like I get IVF is financially draining, but to assume I shouldn’t be able to afford it and to question my finances based on my salary, which she doesn’t even know because we work in different departments, so it’s not like she would even know what I get paid, because we do different things and probably have different salaries. We also get infertility benefits from work, which makes her comment even more outlandish to me. I really don’t want to her to ask anymore questions when I get back from leave, so how would you handle a coworker like this in the future? Because she is already starting gossip about me saying “I can’t believe she can afford that, she’s so young she probably doesn’t even need it,” and I had to ask her to stop. I’m just worried i’m going to come back to a bunch of questions about how my cycle went, when i purposefully tried to keep my personal life separate from work, and the only person besides HR that knew it was for IVF was the individual who saw me regularly at my previous clinic, and she has been super sweet to me so i’m not mad she asked, just frustrated about this other coworker who now thinks she’s entitled to talk about my finances and need for IVF with their coworkers in the office.
submitted by AlternativeAthlete99 to IVF [link] [comments]
2024.06.02 15:11 Ornery_Tension Maybe it's time to check Max's Phone - A Theory
I don't know what MacLeod's plan is with Gav and Sabrina for myself I hope it's closer to this than both of them just being gone. Is it possible the walls are thin enough for Sabrina to hear the commotion in Lauren's flat if true I believe Sabrina would not hesitate to start investigating this herself and if that was the case could she have also been a victim of Joels? Hopefully they are both alive but unfortunately hidden somewhere very well.
Now Sabrina does show up in March to break up with Max so in order for this theory to be true I think it goes back to what Bobby did on the day she disappeared. Bobby engages the lock on her flat door which maybe meant Joel not being able to get back inside. At some point later Joel tries going into the flat again and Sabrina sees him making Joel have to take her.
This could mean Joel has Sabrina's phone as well and is the one who has been texting Max all along. And in Joels mind Max getting a text from Sabrina telling him to go tell Ds Swain about the Ovidz account wouldn't matter to Joel because there's a good chance he has nothing to do with that and possibly didn't even know Lauren was on it,so in Joels mind this would lead the investigation into a new path that doesn't involve himself . So for myself I would rather it be this and maybe we'll find out one of the last texts from Sabrina's phone was that "I'm visiting a relative or friend" and Max won't think anything of it. At least not until Gav figures out his sister never showed up to where she said she was going. At this point I would rather have a concerned Gav look to Ryan for help and explain to him that if they find Sabrina then they can find Lauren also.
Gav and Sabrina missing in this Lauren storyline makes little sense since it was basically them to who boosted Lauren's confidence. She starts to change after hanging out with them more and makes sure not to contact Joel again once Gav tells her that he can't be anything romantic for her but he could be her friend. Here is someone like Ryan who towers over Lauren who wants to be her friend and maybe just like with Ryan she feels a little safer. We know this might be true because she starts to tell Joel she doesn't need him anymore and she has friends and she removes the necklace. In my opinion a really well done scene was Lauren's birthday party. Max and Sabrina bring over what they can afford which includes a cake (a true staple of a birthday party not just any day but a Happy Cake Day). They laugh and play operation and get on Max for not being able to hold his liquer and at the end you have the feeling Lauren feels warmer and safer than she's ever been and that's the power of friends.
I don't understand why this new girl is brought in utilize her friends Ryan and Gav check, Max phone to see if the texts from Sabrina seem off that it can't be her texting like with Roy. Bring Lauren and Sabrina home safe and let Ryan and Gav rip Joel apart and than what's left of him gets sent to prison.
I also put in another post that the initial phone conversation in October was about Joel paying for an abortion after sexually assaulting her. On February 21st Lauren tells Joel that she'll tell everyone about what he did to her and that is what sets Joel off to make the sick decision to attack her.
Hopefully Lauren is okay and Sabrina too if my theory is correct and both can return safely.
submitted by Ornery_Tension to coronationstreet [link] [comments]
Now Sabrina does show up in March to break up with Max so in order for this theory to be true I think it goes back to what Bobby did on the day she disappeared. Bobby engages the lock on her flat door which maybe meant Joel not being able to get back inside. At some point later Joel tries going into the flat again and Sabrina sees him making Joel have to take her.
This could mean Joel has Sabrina's phone as well and is the one who has been texting Max all along. And in Joels mind Max getting a text from Sabrina telling him to go tell Ds Swain about the Ovidz account wouldn't matter to Joel because there's a good chance he has nothing to do with that and possibly didn't even know Lauren was on it,so in Joels mind this would lead the investigation into a new path that doesn't involve himself . So for myself I would rather it be this and maybe we'll find out one of the last texts from Sabrina's phone was that "I'm visiting a relative or friend" and Max won't think anything of it. At least not until Gav figures out his sister never showed up to where she said she was going. At this point I would rather have a concerned Gav look to Ryan for help and explain to him that if they find Sabrina then they can find Lauren also.
Gav and Sabrina missing in this Lauren storyline makes little sense since it was basically them to who boosted Lauren's confidence. She starts to change after hanging out with them more and makes sure not to contact Joel again once Gav tells her that he can't be anything romantic for her but he could be her friend. Here is someone like Ryan who towers over Lauren who wants to be her friend and maybe just like with Ryan she feels a little safer. We know this might be true because she starts to tell Joel she doesn't need him anymore and she has friends and she removes the necklace. In my opinion a really well done scene was Lauren's birthday party. Max and Sabrina bring over what they can afford which includes a cake (a true staple of a birthday party not just any day but a Happy Cake Day). They laugh and play operation and get on Max for not being able to hold his liquer and at the end you have the feeling Lauren feels warmer and safer than she's ever been and that's the power of friends.
I don't understand why this new girl is brought in utilize her friends Ryan and Gav check, Max phone to see if the texts from Sabrina seem off that it can't be her texting like with Roy. Bring Lauren and Sabrina home safe and let Ryan and Gav rip Joel apart and than what's left of him gets sent to prison.
I also put in another post that the initial phone conversation in October was about Joel paying for an abortion after sexually assaulting her. On February 21st Lauren tells Joel that she'll tell everyone about what he did to her and that is what sets Joel off to make the sick decision to attack her.
Hopefully Lauren is okay and Sabrina too if my theory is correct and both can return safely.
2024.06.02 15:11 Pyro979 Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
[PWYW] Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
Upon entering a seemingly innocuous tavern, players quickly realize it’s not the refuge they expected. The innkeeper and his ‘daughter,’ the serving girl, are not what they seem. Beneath their facades lie malevolent beings with a taste for their guests. Facing both mental and physical trials, the players must outwit these monsters before they become the evening’s special.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
Monster encounter, balance for your party:
To make things more difficult for the players, you can also add an additional MEDIUM CON saving throw against the fog's effects, with the players taking LIGHT poison damage on failure. Altering the number of monsters is another effective method for adjusting the challenge level. Additionally, if you're looking to incorporate different types of monsters, don't hesitate to use homebrew or reflavored monsters.
If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Armor Class :: 18 (natural armor) Hit Points :: 3 MEDIUM hits Speed :: 20 ft (can move only in darkness)
Damage Immunities :: poison, psychic Condition Immunities :: blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Senses :: Blindsight 60 ft. Languages :: None
Antimagic Susceptibility. The statue is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the statue must succeed on a CON saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute. : False Appearance. While the statue remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal statue. : Dark Step. The statue can only move in darkness. It moves silently. It may not take the dash action. All attacks automatically hit.
Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Initiative :: At initiative order 20, use one of the lair action options
Scalding Water: Boiling water erupts from pots in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Slippery Floors: The floor becomes slick with oil and grease. For the next round, any creature moving across the floor must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw or fall prone. You can avoid this by moving at half speed, but you must declare this before moving. : Whirling Blades: Blades whirl in a line 50 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Flour Explosion: A cloud of flour ignites in a 30-foot radius centered on a point within the lair. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Speed :: 30 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: fire, acid, poison, necrotic Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Terrifying Unmasking. When the mask comes off, each creature within sight must make a WIS or CHA saving throw against an EASY DC. On a failed save, the creature becomes frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. : Magic Resistance. Red Mask has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. :
She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Speed :: 50 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: necrotic, piercing, bludgeoning, slashing Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Voracious Perception. Once The Hunger has tasted the flesh of a creature, it can track the creature by smell, effectively gaining blindsight with a range 30 feet for that creature. : Wall Crawler. With spider-like agility, The Hunger adheres to terrain, crawling along walls and ceilings to approach its victims. : Fleet-footed The Hunger's rapid movements give it a speed of 50 feet, and enemies trying to make opportunity attacks do so with a disadvantage.
Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
submitted by Pyro979 to DMAcademy [link] [comments]
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
- 10 nightmares for your PCs
- 10 horrifying rooms
- An epic showdown with an action-oriented final boss "Red Mask" as well as his companion "The Hunger".
- Instructions for scaling the adventure.
- Helpful DM tips that will make prep and running a breeze
- 3 battle maps created in Inkarnate
- Custom Monster stat blocks and tokens
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mask_(Tragedy_comedy)_(2768529820).jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dunwich_Horror_-_Wilbur_Whateley%27s_twin_by_Reuben_C._Dodd.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Potions_Classroom_(47307949392).jpg
- https://www.deviantart.com/abandonedfalcon/art/Meet-me-at-the-bar-888760727
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati_-_Spring_Grove_Cemetery_%26_Arboretum_-_Weeping_Angel_statue.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fortezza_Verrucole_Archeopark_interno.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_state_peniteniary,_13_(14107969638).jpg
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/shando_/9875265043/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diegopianarosa/16339757676/
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghost_reveries_-_Flickr_-_kr428.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n04pg006_Tell_Your_Fortune.png
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n4pg075_At_the_End_of_the_Corridor.png
Previous Work:
- The Library - Level 3 one-shot (Easy for New DMs and New Players to learn)
- Project: Fragmentation (Rogue-like, PWYW)
What other DM's have said:
- Tossed this lil adventure in our D&D world and the players had a blast with all the twists and turns. As a DM I enjoyed the fact that it was well written and easy to run, I didn't have to flip through a lot of mess to run it like I've had to do on some other adventures. Highly recommended. -Jason T via DMsGuild
- Incorporated this last night into our campaign and had a blast. Biggest hits were the dream sequences, the library lore, bar potions, and the dynamic of having a family of commoners to protect. Players were also impressed with the lair and villain actions. I would recommend this to other DMs as it was easy to prep for, fairly simple to run, and the party had fun! -Ty R via DMsGuild
- I gave my party trauma and trust issues with this one! It was great time! Chibi_Disaster
Preview
Adding what I could fit into this post - had to cut some info to fit into the limit:NPCs
- Redd Traskin - At first glance: The welcoming face behind the bar, always ready with a drink and a story about his culinary adventures. Lurking beneath is a creature known as Red Mask: a malevolent being who ensnares victims with harrowing dreams, rendering them helpless before he claims and cooks them.
- Nara Traskin - On the surface a seemingly aloof barmaid, introduced as Redd's "daughter", with a penchant for keeping to herself and often notably reserved. But beneath that exterior she is The Hunger, a fearsome entity with a singular, overpowering mission: to satiate her eternal appetite.
- (Optional) Other guests - a young couple with a child
- Brent Haskill (26) - Husband of the young couple, blacksmith, friendly, introverted
- Raida Haskill (25) - Wife of the young couple, leatherworker, gregarious, warm
- Breeni Haskill (7) - Daughter
Scaling the Adventure
Effect & Trap Damage
| Level | Light Damage | Medium Damage | Serious Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1d4+1 (3) | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d10+2 (7) |
| 2 | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d8+3 (7) | 2d6+3 (10) |
| 3 | 1d8+2 (6) | 2d6+3 (10) | 2d8+4 (13) |
| 4 | 1d10+2 (7) | 2d8+3 (12) | 3d6+5 (16) |
| 5 | 1d10+3 (8) | 2d10+3 (14) | 3d8+5 (19) |
| 6 | 2d6+3 (10) | 3d6+4 (17) | 4d6+6 (20) |
| 7 | 2d6+4 (11) | 3d8+4 (18) | 4d8+6 (24) |
| 8 | 2d8+4 (13) | 3d10+4 (20) | 5d6+7 (27) |
| 9 | 2d10+4 (15) | 4d6+5 (19) | 5d8+7 (31) |
| 10 | 3d6+5 (16) | 4d8+5 (23) | 6d8+8 (35) |
DCs
| Level | Easy | Medium | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 10 | 14 | 18 |
| 4-6 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 7-10 | 14 | 18 | 22 |
The Inn at the Cross Roads
At the crossroads, a quaint inn catches your eye. Its simple two-story structure, with walls of weathered wood and a stone base, exudes a rustic charm. A single horse is tethered to a wagon nearby, hinting at the presence of other travelers.A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
DM Notes
For a one-shot adventure, consider giving the one-shot a different name than "Red Mask Inn" to serve as a red herring. Whether you're running a campaign or a one-shot, you can utilize the classic trope of the characters either meeting at the inn or using it as a place to rest and gather information.Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Inside the inn
As you push open the creaky door of the Red Mask Inn, you're greeted by the comforting warmth of a crackling fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty stew. The inn's interior is cozy, with wooden beams and a few round tables scattered across the room.Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
Going to bed
Each room costs 3 sp per night. If your players are cautious, they may decide to set a watch. Ask for the watch order. For the first person on watch: if they ate or drank at the inn, they must make a CON saving throw against the HARD DC ___. Failure results in them falling asleep during their watch.After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Dreadful Reveries
Party members who fall asleep will experience nightmares. You can create unique nightmares (plumb your player's back stories or campaign events for ideas) or use the provided list for inspiration. Each dream culminates in a save attempt, allowing players to choose between a WIS, INT, or CHA saving throw, depending on their character's mental strengths. End each nightmare description with "Roll a mental save using your preferred stat." If they fail to wake up, they suffer LIGHT, or MEDIUM if they fail the check by more than 5, non-lethal psychic damage. If they roll a Natural 1 on their save, they gain one level of exhaustion. Either way on a failed save they slip into another dream. The initial save DC is set at HARD and should decrease by one level for each subsequent attempt. It is recommended to do not more than 3 nightmares. If another character is attempting to wake them or if they have abilities that aid in resisting mental effects, they may make the save with advantage.Nightmares
- It's night. You are running through the woods. Brambles and thorns rip at your skin. Something is chasing you, and it's gaining. You hear it coming closer and closer. You stumble, fall, and it's on your back, ready to strike…
- You are on a ledge of a narrow cliff. The wind howls, and the rain buffets you. Lightning briefly illuminates the world, revealing jagged rocks hundreds of feet below. Your foot slips, your fingers lose their grip. You begin to fall…
- [Not for characters with water breathing] You are underwater. Seaweed tangles around your legs and feet as you try to orient yourself. There is no up, no down. Your lungs burn, and when you can no longer hold your breath, brackish, dirty water rushes down your throat…
- You are in a coffin. You don't know how long you've been here. You push up on the lid but the weight of the dirt above renders your effort futile. Your fingers bleed as you scratch through the wood, trying to reach the freshly dug earth. The air grows heavier, and you feel yourself slipping away…
- The stars above are beautiful. You try to keep fear at bay, hoping your ship will return. But deep down, you know they won't find you in the vast, uncaring ocean. As you hear a splash to your right, you turn to glimpse a notched fin that was heading in your direction submerge under the water...
- The reflection in the mirror isn't you. You chant this mantra, yet the creature in the glass tilts its head mockingly and whispers, “No, not you. Not yet!” Its gnarled hands creep forward, attempting to breach the barrier of the silvered glass...
- The cave-in is a minor setback. You've found an exit after an hour. A set of hand-holds lead up towards the surface. In your haste, you squeeze through a narrow ledge. Suddenly, you're stuck, the pressure on your chest blurring your vision and clouding your mind, fresh air just out of reach…
- You walk through city streets, unnoticed by the teeming crowd. A growing sense of wrongness intensifies as the figures turn toward you. You only have a moment to dread as you see their faceless heads, when they all then converge on you as one…
- After leaving the warm tent, the cold seemed bearable. But a stinging wind and swirling snow soon disorient you. It feels warmer; you shed layers, mistaking deadly cold for heat. You stumble into the soft snow, deciding to rest, just for a minute…
- It's twilight in the woods. A dead tree in a clearing, covered in birds, crows or ravens, hard to tell. More cawing, flapping wings, and suddenly, the birds take flight, sharp beaks and claws going for your eyes…
Players Awaken
Once all the players awaken, they will likely attempt to figure out their situation. Should they look out the window, they will see the outside world; however, this view is merely an illusion. Efforts to break through walls, floors, and ceilings will prove futile. Furthermore, utilizing teleportation magic, such as dimension door and plane shift, appears ineffective, except for local effects like misty step or dimension door to a visible location.Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Rooms
Upon entering, the PCs have a series of rooms you will guide them through. You can either craft your own rooms or use those included in this adventure. Players might attempt to take a Short Rest in some rooms, and it's up to you whether to allow it or not. You want the PCs battered, but not spent for the final confrontation. If you choose to deny them the rest, narrate psychic pressure to move out of the room - leading to psychic damage on refusal.The Library
As the party steps into a dimly lit room, they're surrounded by towering bookshelves. The books around them seem to be whispering secrets of forbidden knowledge. Each player needs to make a MEDIUM WIS saving throw to avoid taking MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage from the eldritch knowledge trying to worm into their brain, with the damage halved if they succeed. Those players naturally drawn to knowledge, like Wizards and Bards, will find this more challenging and must make the throw at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, those less inclined towards books, like Barbarians or Fighters, will have advantage. It's up to you as the DM to decide these advantages and disadvantages based on your characters' proclivities.DM Notes
- Use this section as a chance to weave in some of your world's lore. It's a perfect opportunity for players to uncover hidden aspects of your campaign's universe.
- While the books in this room can be physically taken, to avoid players hoarding countless volumes, consider describing how some books disintegrate into ash as soon as they're opened.
The Memory Gallery
In this sparsely furnished room, the walls are adorned with striking paintings of landscapes, ranging from mountain vistas to sunsets over the ocean, and serene forest clearings. As the PCs explore these paintings, focus on one PC and bring a distressing memory from their backstory to life, using the painting they are viewing as the backdrop. This scene then animates before the players. The PC at the center of this memory is faced with a HARD WIS saving throw, with the risk of taking SERIOUS non-lethal psychic damage upon failure, or half the damage if they succeed. Meanwhile, other PCs witnessing this scene must make an EASY WIS save to avoid LIGHT non-lethal psychic damage, suffering no damage on a successful save. Breeni’s past interactions with the affected PC could play a role here. Breeni may hug the PC, granting them advantage on their saving throw.The Mirror Chamber
In the mirror chamber, walls lined with ornate, grimy mirrors reflect distorted and grotesque images of the adventurers. The air is thick, filled with the unsettling scent of iron and decay. Suddenly, their reflections lunge out of the glass, materializing into tangible, malevolent doppelgängers that attack, forcing the party to confront twisted versions of themselves.Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
The Dining Hall
The long wooden table is laden with rotting food: fruit covered in mold, meat moving with maggots, and bread so stale it looks fossilized, all set among goblets filled with a murky, clotting liquid that might have once been wine. Nearby, a platter holds what appears to be a human hand, its skin cooked to a crisp and its fingernails garnished with sprigs of wilted herbs. The foul stench of decay and spoiled meat permeates the room, mingling with the unsettling, almost palpable aura of dread. Players must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw. On a failure, gain the poisoned condition, lasting for 1d4 rooms.The Hospital Room
Several linen-covered beds on the far side of the room are splattered with dried blood. Bone saws with jagged teeth and other cruel implements are neatly arranged on a side table, gleaming ominously in the torchlight. Drawers with various medical supplies are left half-closed. Several vials labeled as "Healing Potions" sit on a nearby shelf. A MEDIUM Arcana or Medicine check will determine these are actually poison (1d4+1 poison damage). The party may choose to remain here and use some of the supplies to heal up - can be used as a Short Rest opportunity.The Bathroom
A decrepit wooden bathtub sits in the corner, filled with a stagnant, dark liquid that occasionally bubbles as if something lurks beneath the surface. Next to the bathtub, a stone toilet fixture stands as if hewn directly from the chamber's walls, its bowl filled with an unidentifiable, viscous substance that seems to churn of its own accord. Faint, grotesque sketches are etched into the stone around the toilet, depicting unsettling scenes that make you question the sanity of previous occupants. Blood spatters mar the cracked tiles, leading to a cracked tarnished mirror that reflects a distorted image of anyone who dares to look.If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
The Greenhouse
The greenhouse is a labyrinth of overgrown, twisted plants, their leaves unnaturally dark and thorns menacingly sharp. A misty, almost phosphorescent fog hangs low, casting a sickly green glow over everything, and making it hard to see what lurks in the corners. Amongst the flora, the party can spot several cages containing withered remains of animals and, disturbingly, a few humanoid shapes — all twisted in expressions of agony, as if the plants themselves had consumed them.Monster encounter, balance for your party:
| Level Range | Monster |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Twig Blight (MM 32) |
| Needle Blight (MM 32) | |
| Vine Blight (MM 32) | |
| 4-6 | Shambling Mound (MM 270) |
| Wood Woad (VGtM 198) | |
| Yellow Musk Creeper (TftYP 248) | |
| Animated Tree (VGtM 207) | |
| Assassin Vine (MM 22) | |
| 7-10 | Corpse Flower (MToF 127) |
| Tree Blight (CoS 230) |
The Bar
The barroom is dimly lit by tarnished chandeliers that cast ghostly flickers across worn wooden floorboards. A long, decaying bar counter dominates one side of the room. Its surface is stained and pockmarked, lined with bottles containing strange, discolored liquids. The stools around the bar are unsteady, emitting ominous creaks under the slightest pressure. Notably, one stool bears an unsettling stain, reminiscent of dried blood.If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
| # | Name | Liquid Description | Effect Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reckless Fury | A swirling red potion with fiery sparks. | [Primary Melee Classes] Every melee attack is treated as reckless (attack is rolled with Advantage, but any attack against the player is rolled with Advantage as well until their turn). | |
| 2 | Luck be a lady tonight | A two-layered liquid, gold over silver. | Grants inspiration to the player, and GM gets to force disadvantage at a time of their choosing. | |
| 3 | Unstable Teleport | A misty, shifting blue and gray potion. | Gain the ability to cast the Misty Step spell at will. Roll 1d20 for uncertain destination, appearing in a location of DM's choice on 1-10. | |
| 4 | Size Shift | A violet fluid with bubbles. | Changes creature size from Medium to Small. No effect on Small creatures. | |
| 5 | Spell Rejuvenation | A glowing, pulsating emerald drink. | [Primary Spellcaster Classes] Restores one highest level spent spell slot but causes causes one level of exhaustion. | |
| 6 | Speed Surge | A quicksilver potion with streaks of lightning. | Doubles speed but causes jitteriness, disadvantage on Dexterity checks and saves. | |
| 7 | Painful Retaliation | A dark crimson liquid with a thorny vine motif. | As a bonus action you can choose to harm a creature at will, causing MEDIUM psychic damage, but take half the damage yourself. | |
| 8 | Statue Defense | A solid gray potion with flecks of stone. | As a reaction to taking damage, you can choose to become an invulnerable statue to negate the triggering damage. You are invulnerable and petrified until the end of your next turn. | |
| 9 | Charge of the Bull | A red potion with a swirling vortex. | Gain a powerful charge attack: If you can move at least 10ft in a straight line, you can make an attack. If the attack hits, it is treated as a critical hit, and the target is knocked prone. If the attack misses, the player takes MEDIUM bludgeoning damage, is knocked prone, and lands 10 feet past the target. | |
| 10 | Clumsy Might | A creamy potion with bubbles. | Advantage on Strength checks and saves but disadvantage on Dexterity-based tasks. |
The Stalking Statues
The room is a vast, dimly-lit chamber with four stone statues positioned in various states of distress; their faces contorted in silent screams or buried in their hands as if weeping. The flickering light from a dying chandelier dances across their features, casting ominous shadows that seem to move. Describe the chandelier as flickering in and out. In the darkness, the statues seem to move closer and closer.You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Stalking Statues
Medium Construct, neutral evil| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 1 (-5) | 3 (-4) | 1 (-5) |
Actions
Multiattack. The statue makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM bludgeoning damage. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM piercing damage. : Grapple. Roll Contested Athletics vs Atheltics or Acrobatics. The statue rolls with Advantage. Reach 5ft., one target. MEDIUM escape DC to break free.Final Confrontation
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone: : You walk through the door to find yourself in a vast, open kitchen. The air is heavy with the scent of pots boiling over low flames, their contents a mystery. Shadows flicker and stretch across the walls, animated by the dim firelight.Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Monstrous Hosts
Redd Traskin, also known as Red Mask, and Nara Traskin, known as The Hunger, have hidden their monstrous nature for years by disguising themselves as the friendly innkeepers of the Red Mask Inn. They lure travelers with warmth and hospitality, only to ensnare them in a nightmarish trap. Through their powers of perception and emotion manipulation, they torment their victims in an alternate dimension, relishing the fear and suffering they create. All the while, they maintain their facade as ordinary innkeepers, continuing their sinister feast on unsuspecting guests.Lair Actions
DM Notes
HP: The HP listed in the stat blocks are simply a guideline. Balance to your party, making sure that the combat lasts some time, but doesn't drag on too long. : Villain Actions: Red Mask utilizes villain actions. This is an action he can take at any point after a PCs action, but limited to one per round.Red Mask
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
I think not! (3/day) As a reaction, Red Mask can choose to succeed on a failed check. However, this requires mental fortitude, so he takes MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage to do so.Actions
Multiattack. The Red Mask makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Misty Step. Red Mask can cast Misty Step at will as a bonus action. : Butcher’s Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target.| APL | to hit bonus | damage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM |
Villain Actions
How's My Cooking? Any creature that ate food in the tavern must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw or be incapacitated with retching as rotten, maggoty food comes back up. The effect lasts until the end of the affected creature's turn. : Time to Eat! Nara can move up to her speed towards a target and make a bite attack as part of the same action. : See What Awaits You! Red Mask unleashes a wave of mental horror, showing the victims horrific images of previous guests being butchered and eaten. Each creature within sight must succeed on an EASY WIS saving throw or take MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage.Tactics
The Hunger prefers hit-and-run tactics, targeting the least armored or most injured characters. If the characters try to focus fire on Red Mask, narrate The Hunger turning it's attention to the Haskill family.She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Nara, The Hunger
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
Bloodthirsty Pursuit. If a creature within 30 feet of The Hunger uses a teleportation ability or spell to escape, The Hunger can use its reaction to immediately teleport to a space adjacent to the escaping creature.Actions
Multiattack. The The Hunger makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 10ft., one target. If target not armored, or on a critical hit, add bleed damage for 1d3 rounds. This damage does not stack on multiple hits, instead use the highest rolled value for damage and rounds rolled. This effect can only be removed by magical healing. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target. On a successful hit, deal damage as normal, and The Hunger regenerates half of the damage dealt as hit points.| APL | to hit bonus | damage | bleed from claws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT | 1d2 |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM | 1d4 |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM | 1d6 |
The Collapse
With the death of its hosts, the reality of this pocket dimension begins to unravel. This is a perfect time to deploy a Skill Challenge. Choose any of the following room descriptions, and let the players decide which skills they want to employ to navigate through the room. The focus here is on the Rule of Cool.Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
DM Notes
Here you should aim to instill a sense of urgency and desperation. Monitor your players closely. As they approach their limits, consider making that room the final challenge. Remember, they don't need to complete every room you've planned.Time to Run
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone:As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
Conclusion
As you burst through the door, you're back in the long corridor you first encountered as you woke up. At the far end, you glimpse the outside world. You sprint towards freedom as the corridor crumbles behind you, the destruction nipping at your heels. In a desperate leap at the last possible moment, you escape... and the sudden tranquility of the night envelops you. The quiet, so starkly contrasted with the preceding chaos, strikes you with its intensity. Surrounded by the serene sounds of the forest, the peace feels almost otherworldly, a surreal end to your harrowing journey.You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
Loot
Tucked away behind the inn, the adventurers might notice something peculiar about the compost heap — it seems to occasionally sparkle with the glint of metal and the shimmer of gemstones. Upon closer inspection and a bit of rummaging, they'll discover that this isn't just any old pile of refuse; it's a resting place for treasures that once belonged to the inn's unfortunate previous visitors.You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
2024.06.02 15:10 Hobbyist92 Insurance claim question
I'm hoping someone here may be able to answer a question for me. My girlfriends Hyundai got broken into and they attempted to steal it (shocker, I know) and we filed a claim. The initial claim estimate was VERY low, like strangely $40 less than our deductible low using used parts, $50 shop rate etc. I had it sent to the dealership and the estimate was almost triple the adjusters and a supplementwas added. On the estimate from the dealership, they also identified that the steering wheel has 2-3 inches of play in either direction indicating possible steering column damage and that if this wasn't corrected by the other repairs, there would be an additional diagnostic fee+ repairs. My question is this: The value of these cars tanked when they started stealing them and it's an older model. If they do find that the column needs replaced and it pushes me into "total loss" range, what happens? The dealership will have done this work and expect to be paid, our deductible is $1000, should I expect to get a check for whatever the value of the car is minus all repairs completed to that point? Do I have a leg to stand on to fight it? I'm of the mind that ALL diagnostic should be done BEFORE repairs so we know if it will be repairable under the policy or not rather than getting a $500 check....
I appreciate any insight that you can offer.
submitted by Hobbyist92 to Insurance [link] [comments]
I appreciate any insight that you can offer.
2024.06.02 15:10 Pyro979 Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
[PWYW] Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
Upon entering a seemingly innocuous tavern, players quickly realize it’s not the refuge they expected. The innkeeper and his ‘daughter,’ the serving girl, are not what they seem. Beneath their facades lie malevolent beings with a taste for their guests. Facing both mental and physical trials, the players must outwit these monsters before they become the evening’s special.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
Monster encounter, balance for your party:
To make things more difficult for the players, you can also add an additional MEDIUM CON saving throw against the fog's effects, with the players taking LIGHT poison damage on failure. Altering the number of monsters is another effective method for adjusting the challenge level. Additionally, if you're looking to incorporate different types of monsters, don't hesitate to use homebrew or reflavored monsters.
If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Armor Class :: 18 (natural armor) Hit Points :: 3 MEDIUM hits Speed :: 20 ft (can move only in darkness)
Damage Immunities :: poison, psychic Condition Immunities :: blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Senses :: Blindsight 60 ft. Languages :: None
Antimagic Susceptibility. The statue is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the statue must succeed on a CON saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute. : False Appearance. While the statue remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal statue. : Dark Step. The statue can only move in darkness. It moves silently. It may not take the dash action. All attacks automatically hit.
Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Initiative :: At initiative order 20, use one of the lair action options
Scalding Water: Boiling water erupts from pots in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Slippery Floors: The floor becomes slick with oil and grease. For the next round, any creature moving across the floor must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw or fall prone. You can avoid this by moving at half speed, but you must declare this before moving. : Whirling Blades: Blades whirl in a line 50 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Flour Explosion: A cloud of flour ignites in a 30-foot radius centered on a point within the lair. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Speed :: 30 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: fire, acid, poison, necrotic Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Terrifying Unmasking. When the mask comes off, each creature within sight must make a WIS or CHA saving throw against an EASY DC. On a failed save, the creature becomes frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. : Magic Resistance. Red Mask has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. :
She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Speed :: 50 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: necrotic, piercing, bludgeoning, slashing Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Voracious Perception. Once The Hunger has tasted the flesh of a creature, it can track the creature by smell, effectively gaining blindsight with a range 30 feet for that creature. : Wall Crawler. With spider-like agility, The Hunger adheres to terrain, crawling along walls and ceilings to approach its victims. : Fleet-footed The Hunger's rapid movements give it a speed of 50 feet, and enemies trying to make opportunity attacks do so with a disadvantage.
Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
submitted by Pyro979 to DnDHomebrew [link] [comments]
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
- 10 nightmares for your PCs
- 10 horrifying rooms
- An epic showdown with an action-oriented final boss "Red Mask" as well as his companion "The Hunger".
- Instructions for scaling the adventure.
- Helpful DM tips that will make prep and running a breeze
- 3 battle maps created in Inkarnate
- Custom Monster stat blocks and tokens
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mask_(Tragedy_comedy)_(2768529820).jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dunwich_Horror_-_Wilbur_Whateley%27s_twin_by_Reuben_C._Dodd.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Potions_Classroom_(47307949392).jpg
- https://www.deviantart.com/abandonedfalcon/art/Meet-me-at-the-bar-888760727
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati_-_Spring_Grove_Cemetery_%26_Arboretum_-_Weeping_Angel_statue.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fortezza_Verrucole_Archeopark_interno.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_state_peniteniary,_13_(14107969638).jpg
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/shando_/9875265043/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diegopianarosa/16339757676/
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghost_reveries_-_Flickr_-_kr428.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n04pg006_Tell_Your_Fortune.png
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n4pg075_At_the_End_of_the_Corridor.png
Previous Work:
- The Library - Level 3 one-shot (Easy for New DMs and New Players to learn)
- Project: Fragmentation (Rogue-like, PWYW)
What other DM's have said:
- Tossed this lil adventure in our D&D world and the players had a blast with all the twists and turns. As a DM I enjoyed the fact that it was well written and easy to run, I didn't have to flip through a lot of mess to run it like I've had to do on some other adventures. Highly recommended. -Jason T via DMsGuild
- Incorporated this last night into our campaign and had a blast. Biggest hits were the dream sequences, the library lore, bar potions, and the dynamic of having a family of commoners to protect. Players were also impressed with the lair and villain actions. I would recommend this to other DMs as it was easy to prep for, fairly simple to run, and the party had fun! -Ty R via DMsGuild
- I gave my party trauma and trust issues with this one! It was great time! Chibi_Disaster
Preview
Adding what I could fit into this post - had to cut some info to fit into the limit:NPCs
- Redd Traskin - At first glance: The welcoming face behind the bar, always ready with a drink and a story about his culinary adventures. Lurking beneath is a creature known as Red Mask: a malevolent being who ensnares victims with harrowing dreams, rendering them helpless before he claims and cooks them.
- Nara Traskin - On the surface a seemingly aloof barmaid, introduced as Redd's "daughter", with a penchant for keeping to herself and often notably reserved. But beneath that exterior she is The Hunger, a fearsome entity with a singular, overpowering mission: to satiate her eternal appetite.
- (Optional) Other guests - a young couple with a child
- Brent Haskill (26) - Husband of the young couple, blacksmith, friendly, introverted
- Raida Haskill (25) - Wife of the young couple, leatherworker, gregarious, warm
- Breeni Haskill (7) - Daughter
Scaling the Adventure
Effect & Trap Damage
| Level | Light Damage | Medium Damage | Serious Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1d4+1 (3) | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d10+2 (7) |
| 2 | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d8+3 (7) | 2d6+3 (10) |
| 3 | 1d8+2 (6) | 2d6+3 (10) | 2d8+4 (13) |
| 4 | 1d10+2 (7) | 2d8+3 (12) | 3d6+5 (16) |
| 5 | 1d10+3 (8) | 2d10+3 (14) | 3d8+5 (19) |
| 6 | 2d6+3 (10) | 3d6+4 (17) | 4d6+6 (20) |
| 7 | 2d6+4 (11) | 3d8+4 (18) | 4d8+6 (24) |
| 8 | 2d8+4 (13) | 3d10+4 (20) | 5d6+7 (27) |
| 9 | 2d10+4 (15) | 4d6+5 (19) | 5d8+7 (31) |
| 10 | 3d6+5 (16) | 4d8+5 (23) | 6d8+8 (35) |
DCs
| Level | Easy | Medium | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 10 | 14 | 18 |
| 4-6 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 7-10 | 14 | 18 | 22 |
The Inn at the Cross Roads
At the crossroads, a quaint inn catches your eye. Its simple two-story structure, with walls of weathered wood and a stone base, exudes a rustic charm. A single horse is tethered to a wagon nearby, hinting at the presence of other travelers.A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
DM Notes
For a one-shot adventure, consider giving the one-shot a different name than "Red Mask Inn" to serve as a red herring. Whether you're running a campaign or a one-shot, you can utilize the classic trope of the characters either meeting at the inn or using it as a place to rest and gather information.Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Inside the inn
As you push open the creaky door of the Red Mask Inn, you're greeted by the comforting warmth of a crackling fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty stew. The inn's interior is cozy, with wooden beams and a few round tables scattered across the room.Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
Going to bed
Each room costs 3 sp per night. If your players are cautious, they may decide to set a watch. Ask for the watch order. For the first person on watch: if they ate or drank at the inn, they must make a CON saving throw against the HARD DC ___. Failure results in them falling asleep during their watch.After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Dreadful Reveries
Party members who fall asleep will experience nightmares. You can create unique nightmares (plumb your player's back stories or campaign events for ideas) or use the provided list for inspiration. Each dream culminates in a save attempt, allowing players to choose between a WIS, INT, or CHA saving throw, depending on their character's mental strengths. End each nightmare description with "Roll a mental save using your preferred stat." If they fail to wake up, they suffer LIGHT, or MEDIUM if they fail the check by more than 5, non-lethal psychic damage. If they roll a Natural 1 on their save, they gain one level of exhaustion. Either way on a failed save they slip into another dream. The initial save DC is set at HARD and should decrease by one level for each subsequent attempt. It is recommended to do not more than 3 nightmares. If another character is attempting to wake them or if they have abilities that aid in resisting mental effects, they may make the save with advantage.Nightmares
- It's night. You are running through the woods. Brambles and thorns rip at your skin. Something is chasing you, and it's gaining. You hear it coming closer and closer. You stumble, fall, and it's on your back, ready to strike…
- You are on a ledge of a narrow cliff. The wind howls, and the rain buffets you. Lightning briefly illuminates the world, revealing jagged rocks hundreds of feet below. Your foot slips, your fingers lose their grip. You begin to fall…
- [Not for characters with water breathing] You are underwater. Seaweed tangles around your legs and feet as you try to orient yourself. There is no up, no down. Your lungs burn, and when you can no longer hold your breath, brackish, dirty water rushes down your throat…
- You are in a coffin. You don't know how long you've been here. You push up on the lid but the weight of the dirt above renders your effort futile. Your fingers bleed as you scratch through the wood, trying to reach the freshly dug earth. The air grows heavier, and you feel yourself slipping away…
- The stars above are beautiful. You try to keep fear at bay, hoping your ship will return. But deep down, you know they won't find you in the vast, uncaring ocean. As you hear a splash to your right, you turn to glimpse a notched fin that was heading in your direction submerge under the water...
- The reflection in the mirror isn't you. You chant this mantra, yet the creature in the glass tilts its head mockingly and whispers, “No, not you. Not yet!” Its gnarled hands creep forward, attempting to breach the barrier of the silvered glass...
- The cave-in is a minor setback. You've found an exit after an hour. A set of hand-holds lead up towards the surface. In your haste, you squeeze through a narrow ledge. Suddenly, you're stuck, the pressure on your chest blurring your vision and clouding your mind, fresh air just out of reach…
- You walk through city streets, unnoticed by the teeming crowd. A growing sense of wrongness intensifies as the figures turn toward you. You only have a moment to dread as you see their faceless heads, when they all then converge on you as one…
- After leaving the warm tent, the cold seemed bearable. But a stinging wind and swirling snow soon disorient you. It feels warmer; you shed layers, mistaking deadly cold for heat. You stumble into the soft snow, deciding to rest, just for a minute…
- It's twilight in the woods. A dead tree in a clearing, covered in birds, crows or ravens, hard to tell. More cawing, flapping wings, and suddenly, the birds take flight, sharp beaks and claws going for your eyes…
Players Awaken
Once all the players awaken, they will likely attempt to figure out their situation. Should they look out the window, they will see the outside world; however, this view is merely an illusion. Efforts to break through walls, floors, and ceilings will prove futile. Furthermore, utilizing teleportation magic, such as dimension door and plane shift, appears ineffective, except for local effects like misty step or dimension door to a visible location.Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Rooms
Upon entering, the PCs have a series of rooms you will guide them through. You can either craft your own rooms or use those included in this adventure. Players might attempt to take a Short Rest in some rooms, and it's up to you whether to allow it or not. You want the PCs battered, but not spent for the final confrontation. If you choose to deny them the rest, narrate psychic pressure to move out of the room - leading to psychic damage on refusal.The Library
As the party steps into a dimly lit room, they're surrounded by towering bookshelves. The books around them seem to be whispering secrets of forbidden knowledge. Each player needs to make a MEDIUM WIS saving throw to avoid taking MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage from the eldritch knowledge trying to worm into their brain, with the damage halved if they succeed. Those players naturally drawn to knowledge, like Wizards and Bards, will find this more challenging and must make the throw at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, those less inclined towards books, like Barbarians or Fighters, will have advantage. It's up to you as the DM to decide these advantages and disadvantages based on your characters' proclivities.DM Notes
- Use this section as a chance to weave in some of your world's lore. It's a perfect opportunity for players to uncover hidden aspects of your campaign's universe.
- While the books in this room can be physically taken, to avoid players hoarding countless volumes, consider describing how some books disintegrate into ash as soon as they're opened.
The Memory Gallery
In this sparsely furnished room, the walls are adorned with striking paintings of landscapes, ranging from mountain vistas to sunsets over the ocean, and serene forest clearings. As the PCs explore these paintings, focus on one PC and bring a distressing memory from their backstory to life, using the painting they are viewing as the backdrop. This scene then animates before the players. The PC at the center of this memory is faced with a HARD WIS saving throw, with the risk of taking SERIOUS non-lethal psychic damage upon failure, or half the damage if they succeed. Meanwhile, other PCs witnessing this scene must make an EASY WIS save to avoid LIGHT non-lethal psychic damage, suffering no damage on a successful save. Breeni’s past interactions with the affected PC could play a role here. Breeni may hug the PC, granting them advantage on their saving throw.The Mirror Chamber
In the mirror chamber, walls lined with ornate, grimy mirrors reflect distorted and grotesque images of the adventurers. The air is thick, filled with the unsettling scent of iron and decay. Suddenly, their reflections lunge out of the glass, materializing into tangible, malevolent doppelgängers that attack, forcing the party to confront twisted versions of themselves.Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
The Dining Hall
The long wooden table is laden with rotting food: fruit covered in mold, meat moving with maggots, and bread so stale it looks fossilized, all set among goblets filled with a murky, clotting liquid that might have once been wine. Nearby, a platter holds what appears to be a human hand, its skin cooked to a crisp and its fingernails garnished with sprigs of wilted herbs. The foul stench of decay and spoiled meat permeates the room, mingling with the unsettling, almost palpable aura of dread. Players must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw. On a failure, gain the poisoned condition, lasting for 1d4 rooms.The Hospital Room
Several linen-covered beds on the far side of the room are splattered with dried blood. Bone saws with jagged teeth and other cruel implements are neatly arranged on a side table, gleaming ominously in the torchlight. Drawers with various medical supplies are left half-closed. Several vials labeled as "Healing Potions" sit on a nearby shelf. A MEDIUM Arcana or Medicine check will determine these are actually poison (1d4+1 poison damage). The party may choose to remain here and use some of the supplies to heal up - can be used as a Short Rest opportunity.The Bathroom
A decrepit wooden bathtub sits in the corner, filled with a stagnant, dark liquid that occasionally bubbles as if something lurks beneath the surface. Next to the bathtub, a stone toilet fixture stands as if hewn directly from the chamber's walls, its bowl filled with an unidentifiable, viscous substance that seems to churn of its own accord. Faint, grotesque sketches are etched into the stone around the toilet, depicting unsettling scenes that make you question the sanity of previous occupants. Blood spatters mar the cracked tiles, leading to a cracked tarnished mirror that reflects a distorted image of anyone who dares to look.If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
The Greenhouse
The greenhouse is a labyrinth of overgrown, twisted plants, their leaves unnaturally dark and thorns menacingly sharp. A misty, almost phosphorescent fog hangs low, casting a sickly green glow over everything, and making it hard to see what lurks in the corners. Amongst the flora, the party can spot several cages containing withered remains of animals and, disturbingly, a few humanoid shapes — all twisted in expressions of agony, as if the plants themselves had consumed them.Monster encounter, balance for your party:
| Level Range | Monster |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Twig Blight (MM 32) |
| Needle Blight (MM 32) | |
| Vine Blight (MM 32) | |
| 4-6 | Shambling Mound (MM 270) |
| Wood Woad (VGtM 198) | |
| Yellow Musk Creeper (TftYP 248) | |
| Animated Tree (VGtM 207) | |
| Assassin Vine (MM 22) | |
| 7-10 | Corpse Flower (MToF 127) |
| Tree Blight (CoS 230) |
The Bar
The barroom is dimly lit by tarnished chandeliers that cast ghostly flickers across worn wooden floorboards. A long, decaying bar counter dominates one side of the room. Its surface is stained and pockmarked, lined with bottles containing strange, discolored liquids. The stools around the bar are unsteady, emitting ominous creaks under the slightest pressure. Notably, one stool bears an unsettling stain, reminiscent of dried blood.If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
| # | Name | Liquid Description | Effect Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reckless Fury | A swirling red potion with fiery sparks. | [Primary Melee Classes] Every melee attack is treated as reckless (attack is rolled with Advantage, but any attack against the player is rolled with Advantage as well until their turn). | |
| 2 | Luck be a lady tonight | A two-layered liquid, gold over silver. | Grants inspiration to the player, and GM gets to force disadvantage at a time of their choosing. | |
| 3 | Unstable Teleport | A misty, shifting blue and gray potion. | Gain the ability to cast the Misty Step spell at will. Roll 1d20 for uncertain destination, appearing in a location of DM's choice on 1-10. | |
| 4 | Size Shift | A violet fluid with bubbles. | Changes creature size from Medium to Small. No effect on Small creatures. | |
| 5 | Spell Rejuvenation | A glowing, pulsating emerald drink. | [Primary Spellcaster Classes] Restores one highest level spent spell slot but causes causes one level of exhaustion. | |
| 6 | Speed Surge | A quicksilver potion with streaks of lightning. | Doubles speed but causes jitteriness, disadvantage on Dexterity checks and saves. | |
| 7 | Painful Retaliation | A dark crimson liquid with a thorny vine motif. | As a bonus action you can choose to harm a creature at will, causing MEDIUM psychic damage, but take half the damage yourself. | |
| 8 | Statue Defense | A solid gray potion with flecks of stone. | As a reaction to taking damage, you can choose to become an invulnerable statue to negate the triggering damage. You are invulnerable and petrified until the end of your next turn. | |
| 9 | Charge of the Bull | A red potion with a swirling vortex. | Gain a powerful charge attack: If you can move at least 10ft in a straight line, you can make an attack. If the attack hits, it is treated as a critical hit, and the target is knocked prone. If the attack misses, the player takes MEDIUM bludgeoning damage, is knocked prone, and lands 10 feet past the target. | |
| 10 | Clumsy Might | A creamy potion with bubbles. | Advantage on Strength checks and saves but disadvantage on Dexterity-based tasks. |
The Stalking Statues
The room is a vast, dimly-lit chamber with four stone statues positioned in various states of distress; their faces contorted in silent screams or buried in their hands as if weeping. The flickering light from a dying chandelier dances across their features, casting ominous shadows that seem to move. Describe the chandelier as flickering in and out. In the darkness, the statues seem to move closer and closer.You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Stalking Statues
Medium Construct, neutral evil| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 1 (-5) | 3 (-4) | 1 (-5) |
Actions
Multiattack. The statue makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM bludgeoning damage. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM piercing damage. : Grapple. Roll Contested Athletics vs Atheltics or Acrobatics. The statue rolls with Advantage. Reach 5ft., one target. MEDIUM escape DC to break free.Final Confrontation
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone: : You walk through the door to find yourself in a vast, open kitchen. The air is heavy with the scent of pots boiling over low flames, their contents a mystery. Shadows flicker and stretch across the walls, animated by the dim firelight.Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Monstrous Hosts
Redd Traskin, also known as Red Mask, and Nara Traskin, known as The Hunger, have hidden their monstrous nature for years by disguising themselves as the friendly innkeepers of the Red Mask Inn. They lure travelers with warmth and hospitality, only to ensnare them in a nightmarish trap. Through their powers of perception and emotion manipulation, they torment their victims in an alternate dimension, relishing the fear and suffering they create. All the while, they maintain their facade as ordinary innkeepers, continuing their sinister feast on unsuspecting guests.Lair Actions
DM Notes
HP: The HP listed in the stat blocks are simply a guideline. Balance to your party, making sure that the combat lasts some time, but doesn't drag on too long. : Villain Actions: Red Mask utilizes villain actions. This is an action he can take at any point after a PCs action, but limited to one per round.Red Mask
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
I think not! (3/day) As a reaction, Red Mask can choose to succeed on a failed check. However, this requires mental fortitude, so he takes MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage to do so.Actions
Multiattack. The Red Mask makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Misty Step. Red Mask can cast Misty Step at will as a bonus action. : Butcher’s Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target.| APL | to hit bonus | damage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM |
Villain Actions
How's My Cooking? Any creature that ate food in the tavern must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw or be incapacitated with retching as rotten, maggoty food comes back up. The effect lasts until the end of the affected creature's turn. : Time to Eat! Nara can move up to her speed towards a target and make a bite attack as part of the same action. : See What Awaits You! Red Mask unleashes a wave of mental horror, showing the victims horrific images of previous guests being butchered and eaten. Each creature within sight must succeed on an EASY WIS saving throw or take MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage.Tactics
The Hunger prefers hit-and-run tactics, targeting the least armored or most injured characters. If the characters try to focus fire on Red Mask, narrate The Hunger turning it's attention to the Haskill family.She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Nara, The Hunger
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
Bloodthirsty Pursuit. If a creature within 30 feet of The Hunger uses a teleportation ability or spell to escape, The Hunger can use its reaction to immediately teleport to a space adjacent to the escaping creature.Actions
Multiattack. The The Hunger makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 10ft., one target. If target not armored, or on a critical hit, add bleed damage for 1d3 rounds. This damage does not stack on multiple hits, instead use the highest rolled value for damage and rounds rolled. This effect can only be removed by magical healing. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target. On a successful hit, deal damage as normal, and The Hunger regenerates half of the damage dealt as hit points.| APL | to hit bonus | damage | bleed from claws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT | 1d2 |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM | 1d4 |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM | 1d6 |
The Collapse
With the death of its hosts, the reality of this pocket dimension begins to unravel. This is a perfect time to deploy a Skill Challenge. Choose any of the following room descriptions, and let the players decide which skills they want to employ to navigate through the room. The focus here is on the Rule of Cool.Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
DM Notes
Here you should aim to instill a sense of urgency and desperation. Monitor your players closely. As they approach their limits, consider making that room the final challenge. Remember, they don't need to complete every room you've planned.Time to Run
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone:As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
Conclusion
As you burst through the door, you're back in the long corridor you first encountered as you woke up. At the far end, you glimpse the outside world. You sprint towards freedom as the corridor crumbles behind you, the destruction nipping at your heels. In a desperate leap at the last possible moment, you escape... and the sudden tranquility of the night envelops you. The quiet, so starkly contrasted with the preceding chaos, strikes you with its intensity. Surrounded by the serene sounds of the forest, the peace feels almost otherworldly, a surreal end to your harrowing journey.You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
Loot
Tucked away behind the inn, the adventurers might notice something peculiar about the compost heap — it seems to occasionally sparkle with the glint of metal and the shimmer of gemstones. Upon closer inspection and a bit of rummaging, they'll discover that this isn't just any old pile of refuse; it's a resting place for treasures that once belonged to the inn's unfortunate previous visitors.You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
2024.06.02 15:09 Pyro979 Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
[PWYW] Red Mask Inn: a scalable horror one-shot (levels 1-10)
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
Upon entering a seemingly innocuous tavern, players quickly realize it’s not the refuge they expected. The innkeeper and his ‘daughter,’ the serving girl, are not what they seem. Beneath their facades lie malevolent beings with a taste for their guests. Facing both mental and physical trials, the players must outwit these monsters before they become the evening’s special.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
Monster encounter, balance for your party:
To make things more difficult for the players, you can also add an additional MEDIUM CON saving throw against the fog's effects, with the players taking LIGHT poison damage on failure. Altering the number of monsters is another effective method for adjusting the challenge level. Additionally, if you're looking to incorporate different types of monsters, don't hesitate to use homebrew or reflavored monsters.
If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Armor Class :: 18 (natural armor) Hit Points :: 3 MEDIUM hits Speed :: 20 ft (can move only in darkness)
Damage Immunities :: poison, psychic Condition Immunities :: blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Senses :: Blindsight 60 ft. Languages :: None
Antimagic Susceptibility. The statue is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the statue must succeed on a CON saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute. : False Appearance. While the statue remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal statue. : Dark Step. The statue can only move in darkness. It moves silently. It may not take the dash action. All attacks automatically hit.
Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Initiative :: At initiative order 20, use one of the lair action options
Scalding Water: Boiling water erupts from pots in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Slippery Floors: The floor becomes slick with oil and grease. For the next round, any creature moving across the floor must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw or fall prone. You can avoid this by moving at half speed, but you must declare this before moving. : Whirling Blades: Blades whirl in a line 50 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. : Flour Explosion: A cloud of flour ignites in a 30-foot radius centered on a point within the lair. Each creature in that area must make a MEDIUM DEX saving throw, taking MEDIUM fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Speed :: 30 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: fire, acid, poison, necrotic Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Terrifying Unmasking. When the mask comes off, each creature within sight must make a WIS or CHA saving throw against an EASY DC. On a failed save, the creature becomes frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. : Magic Resistance. Red Mask has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. :
She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Speed :: 50 ft
Condition Immunities :: frightened, charmed Damage Resistances :: necrotic, piercing, bludgeoning, slashing Senses :: darkvision 60 ft. Languages :: Common, Deep Speech
Voracious Perception. Once The Hunger has tasted the flesh of a creature, it can track the creature by smell, effectively gaining blindsight with a range 30 feet for that creature. : Wall Crawler. With spider-like agility, The Hunger adheres to terrain, crawling along walls and ceilings to approach its victims. : Fleet-footed The Hunger's rapid movements give it a speed of 50 feet, and enemies trying to make opportunity attacks do so with a disadvantage.
Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
submitted by Pyro979 to DungeonMasters [link] [comments]
This is my favorite thing I've written so far. My players who play-tested the adventure had a blast so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.
The players will start their ordeal facing terrifying nightmares. Upon awakening, they must navigate a series of horror-themed rooms intended to weaken them before the ultimate showdown with the “hosts.” Victory over them will not be the end, as they must then escape the crumbling pocket dimension in which they’re trapped.
This module can serve as a standalone one-shot adventure or seamlessly integrate into an ongoing campaign. It’s adaptable to any location or setting and offers scalability for various levels. While the default tone leans toward the darker side, feel free to adjust it to suit your campaign’s ambiance.
This adventure may last between 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the extent to which you utilize the module’s content and your players’ decisions.
Includes:
- 10 nightmares for your PCs
- 10 horrifying rooms
- An epic showdown with an action-oriented final boss "Red Mask" as well as his companion "The Hunger".
- Instructions for scaling the adventure.
- Helpful DM tips that will make prep and running a breeze
- 3 battle maps created in Inkarnate
- Custom Monster stat blocks and tokens
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mask_(Tragedy_comedy)_(2768529820).jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Dunwich_Horror_-_Wilbur_Whateley%27s_twin_by_Reuben_C._Dodd.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Potions_Classroom_(47307949392).jpg
- https://www.deviantart.com/abandonedfalcon/art/Meet-me-at-the-bar-888760727
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati_-_Spring_Grove_Cemetery_%26_Arboretum_-_Weeping_Angel_statue.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fortezza_Verrucole_Archeopark_interno.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_state_peniteniary,_13_(14107969638).jpg
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/shando_/9875265043/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diegopianarosa/16339757676/
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghost_reveries_-_Flickr_-_kr428.jpg
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n04pg006_Tell_Your_Fortune.png
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WeirdTalesv42n4pg075_At_the_End_of_the_Corridor.png
Previous Work:
- The Library - Level 3 one-shot (Easy for New DMs and New Players to learn)
- Project: Fragmentation (Rogue-like, PWYW)
What other DM's have said:
- Tossed this lil adventure in our D&D world and the players had a blast with all the twists and turns. As a DM I enjoyed the fact that it was well written and easy to run, I didn't have to flip through a lot of mess to run it like I've had to do on some other adventures. Highly recommended. -Jason T via DMsGuild
- Incorporated this last night into our campaign and had a blast. Biggest hits were the dream sequences, the library lore, bar potions, and the dynamic of having a family of commoners to protect. Players were also impressed with the lair and villain actions. I would recommend this to other DMs as it was easy to prep for, fairly simple to run, and the party had fun! -Ty R via DMsGuild
- I gave my party trauma and trust issues with this one! It was great time! Chibi_Disaster
Preview
Adding what I could fit into this post - had to cut some info to fit into the limit:NPCs
- Redd Traskin - At first glance: The welcoming face behind the bar, always ready with a drink and a story about his culinary adventures. Lurking beneath is a creature known as Red Mask: a malevolent being who ensnares victims with harrowing dreams, rendering them helpless before he claims and cooks them.
- Nara Traskin - On the surface a seemingly aloof barmaid, introduced as Redd's "daughter", with a penchant for keeping to herself and often notably reserved. But beneath that exterior she is The Hunger, a fearsome entity with a singular, overpowering mission: to satiate her eternal appetite.
- (Optional) Other guests - a young couple with a child
- Brent Haskill (26) - Husband of the young couple, blacksmith, friendly, introverted
- Raida Haskill (25) - Wife of the young couple, leatherworker, gregarious, warm
- Breeni Haskill (7) - Daughter
Scaling the Adventure
Effect & Trap Damage
| Level | Light Damage | Medium Damage | Serious Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1d4+1 (3) | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d10+2 (7) |
| 2 | 1d6+2 (5) | 1d8+3 (7) | 2d6+3 (10) |
| 3 | 1d8+2 (6) | 2d6+3 (10) | 2d8+4 (13) |
| 4 | 1d10+2 (7) | 2d8+3 (12) | 3d6+5 (16) |
| 5 | 1d10+3 (8) | 2d10+3 (14) | 3d8+5 (19) |
| 6 | 2d6+3 (10) | 3d6+4 (17) | 4d6+6 (20) |
| 7 | 2d6+4 (11) | 3d8+4 (18) | 4d8+6 (24) |
| 8 | 2d8+4 (13) | 3d10+4 (20) | 5d6+7 (27) |
| 9 | 2d10+4 (15) | 4d6+5 (19) | 5d8+7 (31) |
| 10 | 3d6+5 (16) | 4d8+5 (23) | 6d8+8 (35) |
DCs
| Level | Easy | Medium | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 10 | 14 | 18 |
| 4-6 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 7-10 | 14 | 18 | 22 |
The Inn at the Cross Roads
At the crossroads, a quaint inn catches your eye. Its simple two-story structure, with walls of weathered wood and a stone base, exudes a rustic charm. A single horse is tethered to a wagon nearby, hinting at the presence of other travelers.A wooden sign, hand-carved and swinging in the evening breeze, reads "Red Mask Inn" in neatly scrolled letters. Below the name are two theatrical masks, the smiling Comedy and crying Tragedy.
DM Notes
For a one-shot adventure, consider giving the one-shot a different name than "Red Mask Inn" to serve as a red herring. Whether you're running a campaign or a one-shot, you can utilize the classic trope of the characters either meeting at the inn or using it as a place to rest and gather information.Describe the inn as an unassuming, typical roadside establishment, creating an atmosphere of a routine stop for travelers. In a campaign, it's ideal to introduce this inn after the group has already faced some encounters in the days before. This timing helps to set the stage for what follows, making the inn seem like a normal, much-needed, resting point in their journey.
Inside the inn
As you push open the creaky door of the Red Mask Inn, you're greeted by the comforting warmth of a crackling fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty stew. The inn's interior is cozy, with wooden beams and a few round tables scattered across the room.Behind the bar stands Redd Traskin, the owner and bartender of the inn. He's a robust man with a warm smile, busy polishing glasses but always ready to strike up a conversation. As you approach, he greets you with a jovial voice, "Welcome, travelers! You must be famished. Our stew today is particularly good, made with fresh herbs from the garden!"
Moving between the tables with a tray in hand is Nara, Redd’s daughter. She seems to be in her own world, efficiently serving patrons but with a distant look in her eyes. If players attempt to interact with her, she responds politely but briefly, maintaining a professional distance.
Seated at a corner table is a young couple with their child. The man, Brent Haskill, has the sturdy build of a blacksmith, while his wife, Raida, radiates warmth and friendliness. Their daughter, Breeni, is a bundle of energy, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looks around the inn. Breeni seems particularly interested in the adventurers, especially if there's a female-presenting member or someone who looks like a seasoned adventurer in the group. This presents a great opportunity for roleplaying and helps to engage the players with these NPCs.
Going to bed
Each room costs 3 sp per night. If your players are cautious, they may decide to set a watch. Ask for the watch order. For the first person on watch: if they ate or drank at the inn, they must make a CON saving throw against the HARD DC ___. Failure results in them falling asleep during their watch.After some time if a player is not asleep because they (1) did not eat or drink at the inn, (2) succeeded on their Constitution saving throw, or (3) are immune to magical sleep (e.g. due to a feature like Fey Ancestry), they notice something peculiar. The lights in the tavern, if any were lit, suddenly dim, and the normal nighttime sounds from outside the tavern abruptly stop.
This player may try to help wake up the other players as they have their nightmares (see next section). This gives the players advantage on their saving throws.
Dreadful Reveries
Party members who fall asleep will experience nightmares. You can create unique nightmares (plumb your player's back stories or campaign events for ideas) or use the provided list for inspiration. Each dream culminates in a save attempt, allowing players to choose between a WIS, INT, or CHA saving throw, depending on their character's mental strengths. End each nightmare description with "Roll a mental save using your preferred stat." If they fail to wake up, they suffer LIGHT, or MEDIUM if they fail the check by more than 5, non-lethal psychic damage. If they roll a Natural 1 on their save, they gain one level of exhaustion. Either way on a failed save they slip into another dream. The initial save DC is set at HARD and should decrease by one level for each subsequent attempt. It is recommended to do not more than 3 nightmares. If another character is attempting to wake them or if they have abilities that aid in resisting mental effects, they may make the save with advantage.Nightmares
- It's night. You are running through the woods. Brambles and thorns rip at your skin. Something is chasing you, and it's gaining. You hear it coming closer and closer. You stumble, fall, and it's on your back, ready to strike…
- You are on a ledge of a narrow cliff. The wind howls, and the rain buffets you. Lightning briefly illuminates the world, revealing jagged rocks hundreds of feet below. Your foot slips, your fingers lose their grip. You begin to fall…
- [Not for characters with water breathing] You are underwater. Seaweed tangles around your legs and feet as you try to orient yourself. There is no up, no down. Your lungs burn, and when you can no longer hold your breath, brackish, dirty water rushes down your throat…
- You are in a coffin. You don't know how long you've been here. You push up on the lid but the weight of the dirt above renders your effort futile. Your fingers bleed as you scratch through the wood, trying to reach the freshly dug earth. The air grows heavier, and you feel yourself slipping away…
- The stars above are beautiful. You try to keep fear at bay, hoping your ship will return. But deep down, you know they won't find you in the vast, uncaring ocean. As you hear a splash to your right, you turn to glimpse a notched fin that was heading in your direction submerge under the water...
- The reflection in the mirror isn't you. You chant this mantra, yet the creature in the glass tilts its head mockingly and whispers, “No, not you. Not yet!” Its gnarled hands creep forward, attempting to breach the barrier of the silvered glass...
- The cave-in is a minor setback. You've found an exit after an hour. A set of hand-holds lead up towards the surface. In your haste, you squeeze through a narrow ledge. Suddenly, you're stuck, the pressure on your chest blurring your vision and clouding your mind, fresh air just out of reach…
- You walk through city streets, unnoticed by the teeming crowd. A growing sense of wrongness intensifies as the figures turn toward you. You only have a moment to dread as you see their faceless heads, when they all then converge on you as one…
- After leaving the warm tent, the cold seemed bearable. But a stinging wind and swirling snow soon disorient you. It feels warmer; you shed layers, mistaking deadly cold for heat. You stumble into the soft snow, deciding to rest, just for a minute…
- It's twilight in the woods. A dead tree in a clearing, covered in birds, crows or ravens, hard to tell. More cawing, flapping wings, and suddenly, the birds take flight, sharp beaks and claws going for your eyes…
Players Awaken
Once all the players awaken, they will likely attempt to figure out their situation. Should they look out the window, they will see the outside world; however, this view is merely an illusion. Efforts to break through walls, floors, and ceilings will prove futile. Furthermore, utilizing teleportation magic, such as dimension door and plane shift, appears ineffective, except for local effects like misty step or dimension door to a visible location.Upon opening the door, the players will discover themselves in a long corridor, extending hundreds of feet. The only doors in this corridor are those leading to the PCs' rooms, the room of a young couple, and a black door at the far end of the hallway. Horrified moans and screams emanate from the young couple’s room. If the players choose to intervene and break in, they will find the couple and their daughter inside, all of whom are also experiencing nightmares and can be awakened by the players.
As the PCs make their way down the hallway, they come across a collection of strikingly realistic portraits. Each one captures a different being - humans, dragonborn, gnomes, and more - from a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and races. The subjects are dressed in everything from opulent clothes to plain rags, and some are even armored, weapons in hand. But there's one unsettling similarity across all these portraits: every face is frozen in an expression of sheer terror.
At the end of the hallway, they find the black door, which is unlocked.
Rooms
Upon entering, the PCs have a series of rooms you will guide them through. You can either craft your own rooms or use those included in this adventure. Players might attempt to take a Short Rest in some rooms, and it's up to you whether to allow it or not. You want the PCs battered, but not spent for the final confrontation. If you choose to deny them the rest, narrate psychic pressure to move out of the room - leading to psychic damage on refusal.The Library
As the party steps into a dimly lit room, they're surrounded by towering bookshelves. The books around them seem to be whispering secrets of forbidden knowledge. Each player needs to make a MEDIUM WIS saving throw to avoid taking MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage from the eldritch knowledge trying to worm into their brain, with the damage halved if they succeed. Those players naturally drawn to knowledge, like Wizards and Bards, will find this more challenging and must make the throw at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, those less inclined towards books, like Barbarians or Fighters, will have advantage. It's up to you as the DM to decide these advantages and disadvantages based on your characters' proclivities.DM Notes
- Use this section as a chance to weave in some of your world's lore. It's a perfect opportunity for players to uncover hidden aspects of your campaign's universe.
- While the books in this room can be physically taken, to avoid players hoarding countless volumes, consider describing how some books disintegrate into ash as soon as they're opened.
The Memory Gallery
In this sparsely furnished room, the walls are adorned with striking paintings of landscapes, ranging from mountain vistas to sunsets over the ocean, and serene forest clearings. As the PCs explore these paintings, focus on one PC and bring a distressing memory from their backstory to life, using the painting they are viewing as the backdrop. This scene then animates before the players. The PC at the center of this memory is faced with a HARD WIS saving throw, with the risk of taking SERIOUS non-lethal psychic damage upon failure, or half the damage if they succeed. Meanwhile, other PCs witnessing this scene must make an EASY WIS save to avoid LIGHT non-lethal psychic damage, suffering no damage on a successful save. Breeni’s past interactions with the affected PC could play a role here. Breeni may hug the PC, granting them advantage on their saving throw.The Mirror Chamber
In the mirror chamber, walls lined with ornate, grimy mirrors reflect distorted and grotesque images of the adventurers. The air is thick, filled with the unsettling scent of iron and decay. Suddenly, their reflections lunge out of the glass, materializing into tangible, malevolent doppelgängers that attack, forcing the party to confront twisted versions of themselves.Choose a character's favorite or iconic attack or spell and use it against each player. A single hit on the mirror version or the mirror itself is enough to destroy it.
The Dining Hall
The long wooden table is laden with rotting food: fruit covered in mold, meat moving with maggots, and bread so stale it looks fossilized, all set among goblets filled with a murky, clotting liquid that might have once been wine. Nearby, a platter holds what appears to be a human hand, its skin cooked to a crisp and its fingernails garnished with sprigs of wilted herbs. The foul stench of decay and spoiled meat permeates the room, mingling with the unsettling, almost palpable aura of dread. Players must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw. On a failure, gain the poisoned condition, lasting for 1d4 rooms.The Hospital Room
Several linen-covered beds on the far side of the room are splattered with dried blood. Bone saws with jagged teeth and other cruel implements are neatly arranged on a side table, gleaming ominously in the torchlight. Drawers with various medical supplies are left half-closed. Several vials labeled as "Healing Potions" sit on a nearby shelf. A MEDIUM Arcana or Medicine check will determine these are actually poison (1d4+1 poison damage). The party may choose to remain here and use some of the supplies to heal up - can be used as a Short Rest opportunity.The Bathroom
A decrepit wooden bathtub sits in the corner, filled with a stagnant, dark liquid that occasionally bubbles as if something lurks beneath the surface. Next to the bathtub, a stone toilet fixture stands as if hewn directly from the chamber's walls, its bowl filled with an unidentifiable, viscous substance that seems to churn of its own accord. Faint, grotesque sketches are etched into the stone around the toilet, depicting unsettling scenes that make you question the sanity of previous occupants. Blood spatters mar the cracked tiles, leading to a cracked tarnished mirror that reflects a distorted image of anyone who dares to look.If anyone gets within 5 ft of the bathtub, tentacles will try to grapple them (MEDIUM Escape DC). The tentacles will also deal MEDIUM amount of bludgeoning damage on a successful grapple. Any damage to the tentacles (AC 12) will release the PC.
The Greenhouse
The greenhouse is a labyrinth of overgrown, twisted plants, their leaves unnaturally dark and thorns menacingly sharp. A misty, almost phosphorescent fog hangs low, casting a sickly green glow over everything, and making it hard to see what lurks in the corners. Amongst the flora, the party can spot several cages containing withered remains of animals and, disturbingly, a few humanoid shapes — all twisted in expressions of agony, as if the plants themselves had consumed them.Monster encounter, balance for your party:
| Level Range | Monster |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Twig Blight (MM 32) |
| Needle Blight (MM 32) | |
| Vine Blight (MM 32) | |
| 4-6 | Shambling Mound (MM 270) |
| Wood Woad (VGtM 198) | |
| Yellow Musk Creeper (TftYP 248) | |
| Animated Tree (VGtM 207) | |
| Assassin Vine (MM 22) | |
| 7-10 | Corpse Flower (MToF 127) |
| Tree Blight (CoS 230) |
The Bar
The barroom is dimly lit by tarnished chandeliers that cast ghostly flickers across worn wooden floorboards. A long, decaying bar counter dominates one side of the room. Its surface is stained and pockmarked, lined with bottles containing strange, discolored liquids. The stools around the bar are unsteady, emitting ominous creaks under the slightest pressure. Notably, one stool bears an unsettling stain, reminiscent of dried blood.If players choose to consume any of the bottles, roll on the table below to determine the effects. Generally, it's not recommended to allow more than one potion per player (drinking more than one results in vomiting). If an effect doesn't apply to a character, or another player already drank the potion rolled, roll again. The effects last until the end of the adventure. A MEDIUM DC Alchemist Tools, Herbalist Kit or Arcana Check will reveal the properties of the potions. An EASY DC check may reveal partial properties.
| # | Name | Liquid Description | Effect Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reckless Fury | A swirling red potion with fiery sparks. | [Primary Melee Classes] Every melee attack is treated as reckless (attack is rolled with Advantage, but any attack against the player is rolled with Advantage as well until their turn). | |
| 2 | Luck be a lady tonight | A two-layered liquid, gold over silver. | Grants inspiration to the player, and GM gets to force disadvantage at a time of their choosing. | |
| 3 | Unstable Teleport | A misty, shifting blue and gray potion. | Gain the ability to cast the Misty Step spell at will. Roll 1d20 for uncertain destination, appearing in a location of DM's choice on 1-10. | |
| 4 | Size Shift | A violet fluid with bubbles. | Changes creature size from Medium to Small. No effect on Small creatures. | |
| 5 | Spell Rejuvenation | A glowing, pulsating emerald drink. | [Primary Spellcaster Classes] Restores one highest level spent spell slot but causes causes one level of exhaustion. | |
| 6 | Speed Surge | A quicksilver potion with streaks of lightning. | Doubles speed but causes jitteriness, disadvantage on Dexterity checks and saves. | |
| 7 | Painful Retaliation | A dark crimson liquid with a thorny vine motif. | As a bonus action you can choose to harm a creature at will, causing MEDIUM psychic damage, but take half the damage yourself. | |
| 8 | Statue Defense | A solid gray potion with flecks of stone. | As a reaction to taking damage, you can choose to become an invulnerable statue to negate the triggering damage. You are invulnerable and petrified until the end of your next turn. | |
| 9 | Charge of the Bull | A red potion with a swirling vortex. | Gain a powerful charge attack: If you can move at least 10ft in a straight line, you can make an attack. If the attack hits, it is treated as a critical hit, and the target is knocked prone. If the attack misses, the player takes MEDIUM bludgeoning damage, is knocked prone, and lands 10 feet past the target. | |
| 10 | Clumsy Might | A creamy potion with bubbles. | Advantage on Strength checks and saves but disadvantage on Dexterity-based tasks. |
The Stalking Statues
The room is a vast, dimly-lit chamber with four stone statues positioned in various states of distress; their faces contorted in silent screams or buried in their hands as if weeping. The flickering light from a dying chandelier dances across their features, casting ominous shadows that seem to move. Describe the chandelier as flickering in and out. In the darkness, the statues seem to move closer and closer.You can treat this room narratively to unsettle the players, or turn it into an encounter. For an encounter, roll initiative (the statues always act at the end of the initiative order, and only on rounds when the lights are out). Every other round, either cover the map if playing in person, switch to a blank map on a VTT, or, if using theater of the mind, simply narrate the lights going out. The statues can only move in darkness, which is magical. Some players may have the ability to see through magical darkness. In such cases, the movement of the statues is visible to those players. Players who cannot see in the darkness can move but must declare their directions and distances. The door at the end of the room is unlocked when all statues are destroyed or by using the Knock spell.
Stalking Statues
Medium Construct, neutral evil| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 1 (-5) | 3 (-4) | 1 (-5) |
Actions
Multiattack. The statue makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM bludgeoning damage. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: automatically hits, reach 5ft., one target. Hit MEDIUM piercing damage. : Grapple. Roll Contested Athletics vs Atheltics or Acrobatics. The statue rolls with Advantage. Reach 5ft., one target. MEDIUM escape DC to break free.Final Confrontation
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone: : You walk through the door to find yourself in a vast, open kitchen. The air is heavy with the scent of pots boiling over low flames, their contents a mystery. Shadows flicker and stretch across the walls, animated by the dim firelight.Above, cured meats hang from hooks, swaying slightly in the draft. The countertops are littered with a variety of sinister-looking knives and butchery tools, their edges catching the light with an ominous glint.
At the center of this daunting scene stand Redd and Nara. Redd greets you with a malicious smile. “Now that you’ve been properly tenderized, it’s time for the main course!” he says. In a chilling display, he reaches for his face and peels it away as if it were a mask, revealing the ghastly sight of raw muscles, pulsing veins, and exposed nerves.
Next to him, Nara stands with an unsettling calm. Her hands begin to unnaturally stretch and contort, transforming into deadly claws. As she grins, her mouth widens unnervingly, unveiling a row of sharp, predatory teeth.
Monstrous Hosts
Redd Traskin, also known as Red Mask, and Nara Traskin, known as The Hunger, have hidden their monstrous nature for years by disguising themselves as the friendly innkeepers of the Red Mask Inn. They lure travelers with warmth and hospitality, only to ensnare them in a nightmarish trap. Through their powers of perception and emotion manipulation, they torment their victims in an alternate dimension, relishing the fear and suffering they create. All the while, they maintain their facade as ordinary innkeepers, continuing their sinister feast on unsuspecting guests.Lair Actions
DM Notes
HP: The HP listed in the stat blocks are simply a guideline. Balance to your party, making sure that the combat lasts some time, but doesn't drag on too long. : Villain Actions: Red Mask utilizes villain actions. This is an action he can take at any point after a PCs action, but limited to one per round.Red Mask
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
I think not! (3/day) As a reaction, Red Mask can choose to succeed on a failed check. However, this requires mental fortitude, so he takes MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage to do so.Actions
Multiattack. The Red Mask makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Misty Step. Red Mask can cast Misty Step at will as a bonus action. : Butcher’s Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target.| APL | to hit bonus | damage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM |
Villain Actions
How's My Cooking? Any creature that ate food in the tavern must make a MEDIUM CON saving throw or be incapacitated with retching as rotten, maggoty food comes back up. The effect lasts until the end of the affected creature's turn. : Time to Eat! Nara can move up to her speed towards a target and make a bite attack as part of the same action. : See What Awaits You! Red Mask unleashes a wave of mental horror, showing the victims horrific images of previous guests being butchered and eaten. Each creature within sight must succeed on an EASY WIS saving throw or take MEDIUM non-lethal psychic damage.Tactics
The Hunger prefers hit-and-run tactics, targeting the least armored or most injured characters. If the characters try to focus fire on Red Mask, narrate The Hunger turning it's attention to the Haskill family.She will try to Bite as at least one of her attacks to keep regenerating hit points.
Nara, The Hunger
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil| APL | AC | HP |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 14 | 30±10 |
| 4-6 | 16 | 60±10 |
| 7-10 | 18 | 90±10 |
| APL | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
| 4-6 | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
| 7-10 | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Reactions
Bloodthirsty Pursuit. If a creature within 30 feet of The Hunger uses a teleportation ability or spell to escape, The Hunger can use its reaction to immediately teleport to a space adjacent to the escaping creature.Actions
Multiattack. The The Hunger makes two melee attacks if the APL is 4+, and three melee attacks if the APL is 7+. : Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 10ft., one target. If target not armored, or on a critical hit, add bleed damage for 1d3 rounds. This damage does not stack on multiple hits, instead use the highest rolled value for damage and rounds rolled. This effect can only be removed by magical healing. : Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: reach 5ft., one target. On a successful hit, deal damage as normal, and The Hunger regenerates half of the damage dealt as hit points.| APL | to hit bonus | damage | bleed from claws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | +4 | LIGHT | 1d2 |
| 4-6 | +6 | MEDIUM | 1d4 |
| 7-10 | +8 | MEDIUM | 1d6 |
The Collapse
With the death of its hosts, the reality of this pocket dimension begins to unravel. This is a perfect time to deploy a Skill Challenge. Choose any of the following room descriptions, and let the players decide which skills they want to employ to navigate through the room. The focus here is on the Rule of Cool.Ideally, these should be rooms the party have already encountered, but you can also introduce new rooms they haven't seen yet. The players can to select any Skill for their roll, as long as it fits the narrative context. Set the DC based on what they're attempting to achieve and its level of feasibility. Spells and other actions taken by the players should also have an impact, provided they logically align with the situation at hand.
Achieving one or two successful outcomes should be sufficient to pass through a room. In case of failure, introduce a complication, such as a character sustaining an injury, acquiring a level of exhaustion, or suffering a temporary condition like being frightened, poisoned, or even blinded. In such scenarios, other party members may need to assist the affected player.
DM Notes
Here you should aim to instill a sense of urgency and desperation. Monitor your players closely. As they approach their limits, consider making that room the final challenge. Remember, they don't need to complete every room you've planned.Time to Run
Suggested flavor text - read in your own voice / tone:As you land the final blow, a momentary stillness ensues, briefly allowing you to reflect on your victory. But there's no time for celebration. A low hum begins to resonate through the space, growing louder with each passing second. Around you, the walls and ceiling start to crack and splinter. Suddenly, a wall in front of you collapses, revealing one of the rooms you passed through earlier. Behind you, the ceiling is collapsing. The way forward is through...
[Note, I had to cut the descriptions of rooms on the way back to fit into char limit - see PDF]
Conclusion
As you burst through the door, you're back in the long corridor you first encountered as you woke up. At the far end, you glimpse the outside world. You sprint towards freedom as the corridor crumbles behind you, the destruction nipping at your heels. In a desperate leap at the last possible moment, you escape... and the sudden tranquility of the night envelops you. The quiet, so starkly contrasted with the preceding chaos, strikes you with its intensity. Surrounded by the serene sounds of the forest, the peace feels almost otherworldly, a surreal end to your harrowing journey.You stand at a crossroads, where an old structure looms, clearly long abandoned. It leans precariously, a silhouette against the night sky. Moonlight filters through its collapsed roof, casting ghostly shadows across the crumbling walls. The scene, bathed in a silver glow, is both haunting and strangely serene.
Loot
Tucked away behind the inn, the adventurers might notice something peculiar about the compost heap — it seems to occasionally sparkle with the glint of metal and the shimmer of gemstones. Upon closer inspection and a bit of rummaging, they'll discover that this isn't just any old pile of refuse; it's a resting place for treasures that once belonged to the inn's unfortunate previous visitors.You can use the rules for Treasure Hoard Tables from DMG p133 to see what the players can find.
2024.06.02 15:09 justAnyAvailableName Anyone else feels like they've been branded for life?
I 26M was born in have been out for the past 8-9 years. My permanent residence is still with my family who are PIMIs, but I travel all the time and often live on my own for up to 6-8 months before going back home. Growing up my relationship with my parents was terrible but now I'd consider us a great family if they ever got out, they respect me and save very rare occasions when we start talking about religion we are good friends.
Still, it feels like there's something in me people always pick up on. What I want the most in life right now is to find an SO and be in a relationship, or find a good group of friends so I can move out permanently. Not even waiting until I can move and live together with someone, I'm just hoping during one of my trips I'll find a reason to stay.
I don't feel like a superstar but my self esteem is ok if slightly below average, I take very good care of myself and I love doing it, I have an education, I work a good job and get paid very well, I have niche interests and not a lot of life experience but I've been all over the world and I can hold nice conversations but those never even turn into friendships, let alone relationships. Feels like the thought that I'm even an option doesn't even cross people's minds.
Dating apps are almost hilarious to me, I can spend hours swiping every day and get zero matches, even if I'm using multiple apps and with premium plans out of desperation, so I've given up on them. Again, my photos don't look straight out of a magazine but they're fine and show quite a few of my trips. Not good enough to get 800 matches in a day but definitely not bad enough to get 0 matches in a month.
I've had someone tell me "I don't know what it is but there's something about you that makes me not want you", and even my therapist just throws her hands in the air and says "MAYBE IT'S YOUR ENERGY". She's a good therapist otherwise but this happened one too many times and I don't want to see her anymore, I've been considering searching for a new one.
I don't know what to do anymore, feels like I'm taking every advice people usually give: try new things, pickup hobbies, be a regular at some public place, step outside your comfort zone and put yourself in social situations, talk to people and show that you care about them. Nothing works, and it just feels like there's an invisible brand on my forehead I'll never get rid of and that makes it so people don't want to get close to me.
I have a lot of things I enjoy doing, I have things I look forward to and big plans for the future but I can't stand being so fucking lonely all the time.
Just a rant tbh, but if you have advice that's not "YOUR ENERGY" or "GET A HOBBY AND YOU'LL BE MARRIED IN 2 DAYS" or if you feel the same, I'm all ears.
submitted by justAnyAvailableName to exjw [link] [comments]
Still, it feels like there's something in me people always pick up on. What I want the most in life right now is to find an SO and be in a relationship, or find a good group of friends so I can move out permanently. Not even waiting until I can move and live together with someone, I'm just hoping during one of my trips I'll find a reason to stay.
I don't feel like a superstar but my self esteem is ok if slightly below average, I take very good care of myself and I love doing it, I have an education, I work a good job and get paid very well, I have niche interests and not a lot of life experience but I've been all over the world and I can hold nice conversations but those never even turn into friendships, let alone relationships. Feels like the thought that I'm even an option doesn't even cross people's minds.
Dating apps are almost hilarious to me, I can spend hours swiping every day and get zero matches, even if I'm using multiple apps and with premium plans out of desperation, so I've given up on them. Again, my photos don't look straight out of a magazine but they're fine and show quite a few of my trips. Not good enough to get 800 matches in a day but definitely not bad enough to get 0 matches in a month.
I've had someone tell me "I don't know what it is but there's something about you that makes me not want you", and even my therapist just throws her hands in the air and says "MAYBE IT'S YOUR ENERGY". She's a good therapist otherwise but this happened one too many times and I don't want to see her anymore, I've been considering searching for a new one.
I don't know what to do anymore, feels like I'm taking every advice people usually give: try new things, pickup hobbies, be a regular at some public place, step outside your comfort zone and put yourself in social situations, talk to people and show that you care about them. Nothing works, and it just feels like there's an invisible brand on my forehead I'll never get rid of and that makes it so people don't want to get close to me.
I have a lot of things I enjoy doing, I have things I look forward to and big plans for the future but I can't stand being so fucking lonely all the time.
Just a rant tbh, but if you have advice that's not "YOUR ENERGY" or "GET A HOBBY AND YOU'LL BE MARRIED IN 2 DAYS" or if you feel the same, I'm all ears.
2024.06.02 15:09 Tarzan-of-Chernobyl Lifetime best friends? Get ova here! :D
The fate has led you here. Sit down by the campfire and rest. We got Starbucks coffee or whatever the cool kids drink these days.
Thank you for stopping by! Are you looking for the best friendship you ever had. "Best friendship?" You might think. "I ain't insane lmaooo".
Someone who will always be your shoulder to cry on whatever it is? Your personal 24/7 hype person who will make you wake up to the craziest memes, cursed images, messages, fun facts, cringe stories, boring facts and conspiracy theories? Someone who will watch movies with you, anime, tv shows, play dumb games, or perhaps start new MMORPG that we will invest into together? Someone who will discuss fashion with you, exchange gym/workout videos and pics, or just discuss deep meanings behind life, books and other media? Someone you could tell all your secrets and deepest desires without fear of being judged? Do not look any further... for I am not that person. I AM KIDDING, yes that's me I am absolutely that person. I am here to invest my full free time into you!
Do I sound like Skyrim NPC to you? Good. Here are my stats:
Comment Christiano Penaldo if you came this far
Alright now I gotta dip, my cat is mooing
See ya
Sincerely,
Tarzan of Chernobyl
submitted by Tarzan-of-Chernobyl to MakeNewFriendsHere [link] [comments]
Thank you for stopping by! Are you looking for the best friendship you ever had. "Best friendship?" You might think. "I ain't insane lmaooo".
Someone who will always be your shoulder to cry on whatever it is? Your personal 24/7 hype person who will make you wake up to the craziest memes, cursed images, messages, fun facts, cringe stories, boring facts and conspiracy theories? Someone who will watch movies with you, anime, tv shows, play dumb games, or perhaps start new MMORPG that we will invest into together? Someone who will discuss fashion with you, exchange gym/workout videos and pics, or just discuss deep meanings behind life, books and other media? Someone you could tell all your secrets and deepest desires without fear of being judged? Do not look any further... for I am not that person. I AM KIDDING, yes that's me I am absolutely that person. I am here to invest my full free time into you!
Do I sound like Skyrim NPC to you? Good. Here are my stats:
- Based in Europe
- Interested in other languages and cultures (If yo DM me your country I will tell you everything I know about the politics, language, history, culture and heritage)
- Big fan of rock and metal
- I consume Greek and Roman philosophy books like drug addict steroids
- Owns a pet
- used to model
- Student in early 20s
- Saw a guy shave his beard once in 5 years and his dog shit himself on the spot
- banan👍
Comment Christiano Penaldo if you came this far
Alright now I gotta dip, my cat is mooing
See ya
Sincerely,
Tarzan of Chernobyl