Pegataurs
Vengeance of Alphaks unfolds over five intricate chapters, serving as a direct sequel to module M1. In this continuation, Alphaks orchestrates a master plan, fanning the flames of hostility to ignite a devastating war between Thyatis and Alphatia within the realms of Norworld. The narrative, while tracing a seemingly direct invasion of Norworld, intricately weaves in side-plots and complexities that enrich the story’s tapestry.
In the opening salvo, titled Dawn of the Giants, the story plunges into immediate action as a player character’s dominion faces an audacious invasion. A ferocious mercenary band comprised of roughly 50 fire giants, supported by menacing creatures such as hellhounds and red dragons, launches an assault. The chapter meticulously outlines both their stronghold and a dramatic attack on a fortified village.
Within the confines of the second chapter, ominously titled Coiger’s Lair, the narrative twists towards a pursuit. Here, the PCs are tasked with hunting down the sinister and chaotic mastermind behind the giants, the evil 34th-level cleric known as Coiger de Mory. Hidden within his wilderness fortress, a dungeon laden with 17 distinct encounter areas awaits, filled with giants, meks, and both living and undead beholders. In an unexpected turn, Coiger denies having sent the giants and intriguingly extends an offer of military aid to the PCs.
In the third segment, titled Night of the Beetles, the narrative delves into a quartet of calamities that strike the PC domains, ranging from a sudden assassination to the appearance of an usurper, marauding raiders, and disruptive earthquakes. These earthquakes take on a life of their own within a detailed cave system, where monstrous 100-foot long earthquake beetles are spawned by a series of five monoliths. Unlocking these monoliths requires solving a collection of (relatively well-known) logic puzzles, all orchestrated by a cunning agent of Alphaks.
Chaos Returns unfolds the dramatic sequence of the actual invasion, complete with War Machine statistics. The action ignites when Baron Norlan of Qeodhar, allied with Alphatian forces, launches an assault on Norworld, only to betray them to the Thyatis forces, who then join the invasion. Meanwhile, the primary Alphatian forces strategically hold back, awaiting the liberation of a specific number of noble hostages before they enter the fray. The story teems with ambition and intrigue, as both Thyatis and Alphatia vie to exert control over Norworld, each seeking dominance and a chance to quash the independent spirit of the territory. In a twist of fate, there remains a slim chance that the PC forces might succeed in preserving the land’s sovereignty.
The Flying Castle, the next stage of the narrative, unveils the Alphatian’s ultimate weapon in their military campaign—a grand and awe-inspiring flying castle. This architectural marvel takes to the skies, providing a strategic advantage as it disrupts supply routes and conquers land-based defenses with ease. Within its walls, the castle is laid out in a detailed map, comprising 16 meticulously designed encounter areas. Its defenses are formidable, guarded by air elementals, pegataurs (centaur-like creatures with the features of elves and pegasuses), skilled human artillerists, fearsome manscorpions, a foreboding nightwalker, and a lich commander whose deadly presence makes him a prime target for the PCs.
M2 can be succinctly described as “a complex invasion of Norworld.” A notable flaw in both the Companion and Master adventure series is their reliance on the Norworld campaign setting, with an assumption that player and non-player character domains have been established and cultivated within it. However, in its published form, the absence of predefined domains, territories, or borders leaves the Dungeon Master without a default framework to position this action. This constraint makes running this adventure or others like it as a standalone “one-shot” experience nearly unfeasible, even though some progenerated player characters are provided.
Journey Beyond the Cosmos: Into the Maelstrom M1
Twilight Calling M3: Battle Against Alphaks the Dark
Five Coins, One Kingdom – The Battle Against Durhan M4
You can easily convert this to any Dungeons & Dragons edition with just a little imagination: Convert Old Dungeons and Dragons Adventures
