About this book

"Some treasures are buried beneath the earth.

Others are found in the friends who choose to search for them."

This is the story of four young heroes who became caught up in the mystery of an ancient civilisation known only as Ethium.

The events in this book are based on our Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Every battle was fought, every difficult decision was made, and every ridiculous idea really happened around our gaming table.

Some conversations have been expanded and descriptions added so that the adventure reads like a fantasy novel, but the story remains faithful to the adventures of our heroes.

This manuscript is a living document. As the adventure continues, new chapters will be added and earlier chapters refined, until the campaign is complete.

Dramatis Personae

The Heroes

Thorn Axehand

A brave young half-orc fighter who rarely hesitates when danger appears. Armed with his trusty axe and an even stronger sense of loyalty, Thorn often finds himself leading the group into adventure.

Loki

Thorn's faithful guard dog. Fearless, loyal and blessed with an excellent nose, Loki has an uncanny habit of finding trouble — and occasionally saving the day.

Derek

A dependable dwarven cleric named after one of the greatest heroes from Stranger Things. Calm under pressure and always ready to protect his friends, Derek is the heart of the group.

Dave

A very young copper dragonborn wizard whose favourite spell launches magically propelled potatoes instead of glowing bolts of force. Despite his unusual style, his magic has saved the party more than once. When truly threatened, he can unleash the poisonous breath of his dragon ancestors.

Nibbles McPicklepants

A dragonborn rogue with quick hands, sharp eyes and an endless curiosity. Nibbles is always searching for hidden treasure, secret passages or his next upgrade. One day he hopes to own enough poison to coat every blade he carries.

Friends

Mara

A courier rescued from goblins while carrying a mysterious map to Fallcrest.

Sergeant Murgaddin

A veteran member of the Fallcrest town guard who quickly recognises that the companions are more than ordinary travellers.

Tobbs

The cheerful halfling apprentice of the legendary wizard Nimozaran.

Nimozaran

The greatest wizard in Fallcrest. He has not been seen outside his tower for many years.

Garnel Stoneblender

A brilliant gnome scholar and miner rescued from the Hammers in the Ethium ruins, whose knowledge of ancient dwarven stonework and Ethium crystal conduits helps the party unlock the Healing Pool.

Enemies

The Hammers

A violent street gang operating around Fallcrest.

Maelis Varn

A cold and calculating agent operating from Sunfall, who directs the Hammers cell to seize ancient Ethium maps.

The Gang of Four

A powerful criminal organisation based in Sunfall, the capital of Almenor.

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