The Curse of Dredfort
The once-thriving fortress of Dredfort lies in ruins, overrun by a malevolent force that has cursed the surrounding lands. The local king has sent numerous adventurers into the fortress to lift the curse, but none have returned. Now, a new group of brave adventurers must investigate the mysteries of Dredfort, uncovering ancient secrets, battling foul creatures, and possibly confronting the dark power responsible for the curse.
Character 1: Kara, Elven Ranger
Character Concept: Kara is an experienced ranger with unmatched archery skills, hailing from the forested lands beyond the kingdom. She is quiet, reserved, and prefers the company of nature. Her mission is to protect the wilds from the encroaching evil, and she is driven by a desire to stop the spread of Dredfort’s curse.
Stats: MA d10, PA d12, MS d8, PS d6
Attributes:
- Keen Senses (Trait): Gain advantage to detect hidden creatures or traps.
- Tough as Leather (Trait): Gain +1 to PS defense rolls due to training in harsh environments.
- Expert Marksman (Skill): Add skill bonus to PA when using ranged weapons.
- Swift Escape (Power): Spend two power points to move an additional 15 feet without using an action.
- Hunter’s Eye (Ability): Twice per day, reroll a failed attack roll against a target.
Equipment:
- Longbow: Deals 1d8 damage at 180 foot range.
- Cloak of Shadows: Grants advantage on stealth(PA) rolls.
Character 2: Grimnor, Dwarven Warrior
Character Concept: Grimnor is a grizzled dwarf from the mountain halls, wielding a massive warhammer and an even bigger temper. Having lost many of his kin to the curse of Dredfort, Grimnor seeks vengeance against the dark forces that dwell within. He is a stalwart defender and thrives in the thick of battle, always willing to sacrifice himself for his comrades.
Stats: MA d6, PA d8, MS d10, PS d12
Attributes:
- Stoneborn (Trait): Take half damage from falling or being knocked down due to innate dwarven resilience.
- Iron Will (Trait): Gain advantage on rolls to resist fear or mind-affecting attributes.
- Warhammer Mastery (Skill): Add skill bonus to PS when using a warhammer.
- Rage of the Mountain (Power): Spend 2 power points to gain advantage on your next attack roll and deal 1d6 additional damage. You suffer disadvantage on your next defense roll.
- Defender’s Stance (Ability): Twice per day, protect an adjacent ally, granting them +2 to their defense rolls for the round.
Equipment:
- Warhammer: Deals 1d12 damage.
- Dwarven Shield: Provides +2 to active defense rolls when used.
Character 3: Galen, Human Mage
Character Concept: Galen is a scholar of the arcane arts, hailing from the grand libraries of Aetheris. He wields magic with precision, using his knowledge to control the battlefield and protect his allies. Though physically weaker than his companions, Galen’s strength lies in his mastery of spells, which he casts through sheer force of will and years of study.
Stats: MA d12, PA d6, MS d10, PS d8
Attributes:
- Arcane Bolt (Skill): Add skill bonus to MA when casting this basic magical attack, dealing 1d6 damage.
- Shielding Ward (Trait): Add +1 to any defense roll due to a mastery of magical shielding.
- Flame Burst (Power): Spend two power points to conjures a burst of flames, dealing 2d8 damage to an enemy within 30 feet.
- Mystic Barrier (Power): Spend two power points to create a magical barrier that blocks non-magical attack to all within a 10 foot radius for one round.
- Illusory Decoy (Ability): Twice per day, create a convincing illusion of yourself or an ally that distracts enemies for one round, causing double disadvantage on any attack.
Equipment:
- Mage’s Staff: Increases power pool by 2. Recharges after a rest period.
- Tome of Forgotten Lore: Grants you advantage on knowledge or history-related rolls, reflecting a vast knowledge of ancient texts.
Campaign Start Example:
The adventurers arrive at the edge of the cursed Dredfort, where an unnatural fog clings to the air. Kara’s Keen Senses alert her to the presence of skeletal sentinels patrolling the outer walls, allowing the party to prepare an ambush. As the undead draw near, Grimnor charges into battle, his Warhammer Mastery unleashing devastating blows that shatter the cursed bones of their enemies.
With the sentinels defeated, the group approaches the fortress gates. Galen uses the Tome of Forgotten Lore to decipher arcane symbols on the walls and point the way. As more enemies appear, he casts a Mystic Barrier around himself and his allies while Kara draws her bow and Grimnor clutches the haft of his hammer, preparing to push deeper into the forbidding fortress.