A Ser Killian Adventure
Welcome to the Storm Lord's Wrath
I previously mentioned that I planned to continue the adventures of my solo fantasy character, Ser Killian, and his party of adventurers. I purchased Storm Lord's Wrath from D&D Beyond. Now I am set to start the adventure.
Note that I will not play by the book. I am using my Micro Dungeon solo fantasy adventure rules. You can find a brief description of Micro Dungeon (formerly Pocket Dungeon) here.
Similarly, I am not running the dungeon per the published adventure. I am embellishing it greatly to fit into the Micro Dungeon framework.
Spoiler Alert! Nevertheless, there are elements that I borrow from the published adventure. Some may be spoilers, so you may want to skip this post if you plan to play the module.
Background
After Killian and his party defeated the white dragon, peace and prosperity reigned in Neverwinter. Killian and Winston finish building a church in Phandalin. Meanwhile, the town of Leilon rebuilds after a catastrophe.
One day, Killian had some business to attend to in Leilon. He sets out for the town with his comrades, Haiden his squire, Martin his cleric and confessor, and Nashad the man-at-arms.
They decide to stop and rest for the night at the Wayside Inn.
A Rude Awakening
Our heroes are resting comfortably, when screams of terror awaken them. Grabbing their weapons, they exit their second-floor room to investigate.
Making their way through the hallway to the stairs, they pass a grisly scene - patrons of the inn torn apart by some diabolical agent. Suddenly, a zombie jumps them, biting Killian. More zombies attack. The party makes quick work of them. Martin heals Killian, ensuring that he does not turn into a zombie himself.
On the stairs, some wraiths block their way. Our heroes' swords pass harmlessly through the incorporeal forms. Martin blesses the party's weapons. Then they make short work of the wraiths.
They reach the ground floor. In the corner, the innkeeper huddles in terror as some wights approach him.
Our heroes rush to attack. One wight jumps Killian, slashing and gouging him. Killian steps back, blood running in rivulets. Nashad and Haiden step forward, shielding their commander. Martin calls upon Daeus to heal Killian. With a mighty swing, Nashad chops two wights in half while Haiden finishes the last one.
Leading the innkeeper, they race for the front door. But a fire has broken out, blocking the entrance.
"This way!" yells the innkeeper, as he leads them to a back exit. They escape.
Our heroes then circle the inn, looking for more undead. In front, they spy a lone figure in black robes. He is casting lightning bolts at the inn, smashing planks and starting more fires.
Killian calls him to stop. But he laughs and launches a lightning bolt at Killian. It hits and knocks him to his feet. Our heroes charge. The figure then chants an incantation. Zombies appear and block the party. Killian and Haiden dodge and rush the necromancer. Their swords bite into his flesh. More chanting and more zombies attack. Nashad and Martin take wounds. Zombies press Killian back. But Haiden breaks free, attacking the necromancer. The villian retreats, right into Nashad's path. Nashad swings his great sword. The necromancer's head flies off. Suddenly, the remaining zombies collapse. It was the will of the necromancer that animated them. Without him, they return to death.
Aftermath
Our heroes help rescue the survivors from the burning building, then tend to people's wounds.
In the morning, some leave for Neverwinter or Phandalin. Others decide to accompany Killian to Leilon.
NOTES
When I read this adventure, I was concerned it would be too easy. So I amped it up a bit. I certainly challenged our heroes. You can see the damage here.
Note that I made another change. I hate the level drain of some undead. In my rules, their chilling touch just does additional damage, which a cleric can heal. They are still dangerous, as Killian can attest.