"In the great peaceful theocracy of Veluna, lies a small town named Shandalanar.

A land who has known peace almost from its simple beginnings. This resurrected old miners town sports fertile soil and a peace loving people. hen one of the farmers sons is arrested for stealing drinks at the local tavern its big news. !nfortunately for the people of Shandalanar things are about to get much more grim. All "ried #ut #ur story takes place in Shandalanar a small town nestled within one of the few valleys that cross through the $ortmil %ountains. It has long been a way stop for travelers and adventurers seeking to rest aching limbs and drown painful memories with in her borders. This town originated as a mining town its distance from a now abandoned silver mine made it a prime location. If not for its fertile soil Shandalanar would have folded. As of late Shandalanar has been cursed with a disease which cannot be cured or so it would seem. Individuals with the disease slowly waste into dehydrated corpses. The tradition of burying their dead has been curtailed as some of the recently laid to rest have risen again. It appears decapitation ends their life though most people in Shandalanar refuse to kill their brethren. %any hope soon that &empton or maybe even help from %itrik will soon come and the dead will rest again, unlikely due to the harsh winter snows that make travel near impossible.

Any one approaching the borders of Shandalanar will see signs warning them of the illness. 'owever anyone entering the town will be watched by guardsman and told they cannot leave until the sickness has been dealt with. (etting Started) The players could be on their way escorting a caravan to Shandalanar for trade. If there is a dwarf in the party maybe it could be a way stop to *lan +ockhammer. %aybe &empton sends them to escort a church official to aid the town. Shandalanar could be your starting point for the ,*-s caravans are always looking for help. .o matter what reason it is you use to get the ,*-s to Shandalanar they should be interested in helping its citi/ens. This adventure is best suited for 012 characters of 3st to 4nd level. All party types are good though priests, rangers, and rouges could prove useful. The Story) In the *5 673 an unusually cold day on the 42th day of +eady-reat a farmer-s son estil 8orgoil is arrested for disturbing the peace at the 9ag of .ails. The 5oung 8orgoil was consuming drinks in e:cess when his coins ran low he demanded the keep to run a tab. The barkeep refused and suggested he go home and sleep it off, 8orgoil seemed possessed and started stealing the drinks of other patrons. Strangely 8orgoil pleaded the whole time in custody

for a drink, the guards assumed he was struggling with an addiction and left him to sleep. In the morning estil was to be released in his family-s care. hen they came to his cell estil flesh was dry as well as his lips his tongue was stuck to the side of his mouth. 'e was given plenty of water and released to his family a priest was sent to his family-s home. #ddly enough estil had worsened over several days. After two weeks not a priest in Shandalanar could aid him. estil was consuming more than 6 times the normal amount of li;uid then a normal person yet he continued to waste away. ord was to be sent to &empton for aid in curing this young man. 9efore a message could be sent a heavy Sunnsebb snow blanketed the town. !nfortunately no travel could be made to and from the town movement was limited. That night a gray cowl figure appeared in estil-s room. In the morning estil was nowhere to be found. .ot long after estil-s disappearance other citi/ens began to contract the disease. .ow Shandalanar is in ;uarantine. .one can leave without the church or local government approval. A task the ,*s will have to complete in order to save Shandalanar and her citi/ens. Shandalanar $egend < Interests) 3. $ord %ayor-s %anor1A two floored structure with at least 6 guardsmen present at anytime not to mention the residence of $ord %ayor =limier &inninger. .one have seen the $ord %ayor in a week save Alduin

&inninger head of the Shandalanar &nights of &empton. +umors persist that the $ord %ayor has fled Shandalanar to protect himself. Truth is the %ayor is ill and is tended to all hours of the day. Alduin will not let the good people know of the $ord %ayors condition. The priests tending to him are forbidden to leave the manor until the mayor gets well. Alduin will only meet with those who persistently visit the manor looking for an audience with the $ord %ayor. 'e will refer them to check the bag of .ails as this is where the first citi/en was thought to be infected. If asked what is being done to aid the citi/ens and end the infection. Alduin will simply inform those interested that the town guard, priests, and knights are doing everything they can to be careful and safe and bid them well. If more ;uestions persist he will refer them to 'ervis (oodwin captain of the town guard. 4. %anor 'ouse Stables1 here some fine breeds of horses are kept including a pri/ed "warf horse >a small mule si/ed horse with the abilities of a heavy warhorse very stable on mountainous terrain?. The stables are still kept well and a knight is stationed here as well. They will refer all in;uires to the Temple of +ao or the Town atch. @. &nights of &empton1A small group of knights under the direct order of "uke ,eter 9asalle of &empton. The base here is lead by Aldun &inninger >$. 8lan 8ighter 2th lvl? adopted son of $ord %ayor =limier &inninger >$( #eridian Aristocrat @rd lvl?. The

only knight always present is the knights *hamplain. 'e will inform any who wish to Aoin the &nights of &empton they must wait until the infection has been dealt with. #therwise he refers them to the Temple of +ao or the towns watch. 0. Town center and ell Spring1 This section of town is a large wide open space well1paved with access to the town-s main source of water from an underground spring. Town *enter and ellspring1 "uring the day si: guards are stationed here they often protect other citi/ens from the few infected that have wondered over to the wellspring. If its midday several infected have escaped from one of the local boarding houses and find themselves barreling towards the largest source of water in the town. In truth the infected attack the guards to get to the well. 'owever if they can-t get to a source of water they will try to grapple a non1infected and attempt to suck and bite moisture from their mouths. Any one attacked successfully in this way might be killed or become infected. "escription) The paved stones of this open area are perfectly placed and cared for potted plants and trees are placed artistically. In the distance muffled sounds and groaning can be heard. Several gaunt figures moving in ;uick Aerking motions make their way towards a well and some guards posted in the area. The guards make their way to intercept the figures. If the ,*s make their way to aid the guards describe the following.

Several human like beings with dried flaking skin, cracked lips, pale faces, and spots of what looks like dried blood begin flaying themselves at the guards. The guards look like they are trying to subdue their attackers with small clubs. It should be obvious to the ,*s the guards do not want to hurt the infected. If the ,*s draw their weapons the guards will yell at them to sheath their weapons and help subdue them. Spells used to distract or charm them lose their effect in half the normal time as their thirst supersedes any other need. $ife detection shows a faint glow in an infected chest. Turning or rebuking undead has no effect. See stat blocks for this encounter) 6. .orthern (uard Towers1 *onsists of two simple wooded construction mostly used as a way of greeting visitors and enforcing peace strings on sheathed weapons. There are usually five guards on duty at each tower. They will warn visitors of the dangers present in Shandalanar. Visitors, who insist on entering, will be informed they cannot leave until the infection has passed. 2. Southern (uard Tower BThis two storied tower is older than the northern towers but serves as the town-s lookout tower. They will warn visitors of the dangers present in Shandalanar. Visitors, who insist on entering, will be informed they cannot leave until the infection has passed. C. Town atch and ,rison1The main post for the

towns guardsmen it has four cells and in the town-s history it has never been filled. This area borders some old flan ruins. There are five to ten guards present in or around this structure at any given time. Some are responsible for patrolling the ruins. The leader of the guardsmen is often present here or in the town center he can be seen in all ;uarters but is rarely home. The guardsmen leader is 'ervis (oodwin >Suel, fighter @rd level? a dominating 2- 6D figure who dislikes Alduin envious of his position in the town. 'ervis will often make decisions to spite Alduin. 'owever 'ervis loves the people of Shandalanar and would work with anyone to help its citi/ens. E. +uins1The town was built near the remains of ancient flan ruins. Some groups are granted permission to enter this area but it is off limits to travelers and citi/ens without church or government approval. Any who wishes to gain access to the ruins must have approval from either the lord mayor, Alduin &inninger, =ldried Sarneth or 'ervis (oodwin. 'owever the nobi/ sheriff $owgar 9ucklebrook can influence approval for the right price. There are entrances to many ruined structures here however one rectangular structure made of #bsidian stands out as during the night the moons light reflects on this ruined towers remaining surface. If the ,*-s find their way in here read the following. The cracked and broken structure reflects the moons ga/e in an eerily glow. Tips of broken obsidian shards decorate the floor inside. The light reflects off these

shards as well, the absence of a roof gives one a clear view of the night-s sky. An obsidian pillar half covers a set of stairs built into the towers floor leading downward with no source of light touching the stairs base below. If the ,*-s pursue go to the tunnel entrance section of this side trek. 7. Town *enter1 %any businesses mostly caravans and housing establishments, foodstuffs and clothing are also well represented here. Also home to the 9ag of .ails Inn a former dwarven run establishment The 9ag of .ails Inn1 This inn is fre;uented by residents and travelers alike. This is also the place young estil first displayed the effects of his infection. There is also a bulletin board which displays various postings for caravan guards and the like. There is also a posting from the 8orgoil family on a reward of 46 Staffs for the return or information leading to the return of estil. See rumor lists for information that can be obtained from patrons at the inn and the barkeep. 3F. +esident Guarter1The establishments of local residents while travelers are not barred from this area it is well patrolled and its citi/ens know well those which do not belong there. A friendly hello is the norm however since the infection most citi/ens remain indoors. Some residents if stopped will mention that none of the nobi/ seems to be infected. #thers might actually believe the nobi/

are behind this whole infection. 'owever most folks fear infection or are caring for an infected relative. 33. Temple to +ao1This old stone building resides on a hill it is rumored to be as old as the flan ruins and was in decent condition before being renovated by the church. =ldried Sarneth >$( #eridian *leric of +ao 6th level? is the high priest of this temple. %any of the priests here urge the uninfected to stay home until the time of the infection has passed. .o one is refused entrance unless they chose to bear arms then they will be asked to leave. They will be happy to supply the ,*-s with a potion of healing three uses if they offer to help find estil. The 'igh priest of the Temple =ldried Sarneth believes he can cure the virus if he can see estil once again this will not happen but the priest believes he can cure it. 'owever if one or more of the ,*-s have five or more ranks in healing they can aid the priest in finding a cure. 9y casting a +emove disease spell while covering the subAect in a pound of salt. 8inding the cure is a "* @F check minus 4 from the "* for each ,*-s aiding the high priest which has five or more ranks in healing. .ote) This will cure one individual but there are only three ways to stop the virus from spreading. See finding the cure. 34. *emetery1This large building is fenced with wrought iron and though the dead are laid to rest on the grounds pastures this cemetery has trees which grow peaches during the warmer months.

There are two followers of +ao who tend the property and keep the grounds fairly green, clean and peaceful. The two grounds keepers if ;uestioned by the ,*-s will inform them that two recently deceased infected left their graves as /ombies. !nfortunately one was decapitated by a spade and the other was slain by 'ervis (oodwin. 'ervis avoids this conversation as he is still upset about harming one of Shandalanarsciti/ens. >#ne of the citi/ens was present when his father came out of the grave he pushed him hard and the infected fell backwards his neck hit a spade lying on its side and the head was severed. "istraught by seeing his father die twice once by his hands the citi/en was attack by his mother and was afraid to take action. 'ervis was present to pay respects and beat the infected head in. 'e took the citi/en into his home and unknown to all save 'ervis the citi/en is infected. 'ervis has him locked in chains and brings him water daily he fears he might have to kill him and has avoided long stays at his home because of it.? .ote) If a cure is not found in two weeks 'ervis is forced to kill the infected and he turns to alcohol and begins to act strangely and displays fits of rage and depression. If he loses his Aob he will commit suicide a month after losing his position. 3@. .obi/ Guarter1As noted this section is dominated by 'alflings and they even have a sheriff $owgar HGuick 8ingersD 9ucklebrook >.>(? Tallfellow +ouge @rd lvl?. ho works closely with the local government solving any disputes that might happen

between the big people and the halflings. 8act is most of the populace likes to treat themselves with %other 9larts famous pies. This business is actually her home but %other 9lart refuses no one who can pay the hefty crook for one of her delicious pies. If the ,*-s start asking ;uestions around this ;uarter many of the halflings will be polite but tell them nothing of substance. =ventually they will come across $owgar 9ucklebrook Sheriff of the .obi/ ;uarter. 'e will openly approach the ,*-s and inform them that any ;uestions they have should go though him. $owgar has at least si: halfling slingers hidden at multiple points in this ;uarter. It-s a rare occurrence that any one gets the drop on him. $owgar is not above receiving compensation for information. See 9argaining with 9ucklebrook. If the ,*-s persist to blame or accuse $owgar he will make sure the town guard is aware of some things his people observed the ,*-s doing. 'e will have rumors of thievery, and unwanted entry spread in about si: hours the ,*-s will face charges and every guard and knight will know their faces like they know a family members name. After three days in Aail $owgar will get the ,*-s released and warn them to be careful about spreading rumors that aren-t true. It can hurt innocent people, if the ,*-s get the message $owgar is still willing to offer his services. Though his fee is less negotiable if he-s had to go through all the trouble of teaching the ,*-s a lesson. If the ,*-s use diplomacy and avoid blaming the nobi/

for any wrong doings $owgar will be more acceptable to them. 'is fee will go down if The ,*-s mention they are helping to locate estil and are looking for information on what happened to the boy. $owgar is not badI in fact he has the uncanny ability to charm the pants off of anybody. The ,*-s will find no friends ever in the nobi/ ;uarter if any harm comes to $owgar. *iti/ens of Shandalanar will also show disdain for the ,*-s resulting in a "* penalty of 6 if harmed and 3F if killed. If the ,*-s kill $owgar no halfling in Veluna will forgive the ,*-s and they will have a price on their heads until they are brought to Austice. 30. Arithyl ,eak1.amed for the famous 8lan hero of long ago, believed to have been a devout follower of the old faith. A top this hill one can view all of Shandalanar and it has four stones atop its peak each devoted to the old faith gods of the four seasons. A stone statue sits in the middle of these four stones and some citi/ens still pay homage to the old faith here. The Stones are summerI spring, winter, and fall. The stones where meant for gods of the flan old faith though oeridian people have associated their gods with the stones easily. !nknown to anyone the statue hides an entrance or e:it to underground tunnels. A "* 46 search check reveals that the statue can be swung sideways to reveal stairs leading downward into the peaks underground. 'owever a "* @F open lock check must be made to unlock the base of the statue so it can be swung open. If the ,*-s manage to get this open and have not been

to the ruins yet go to the back entrance section of the side trek. 36. Town 9arracks1 This long house type wooden structure is used for training and in times of need a place for the local militia to be prepared for whatever comes their way. *urrently many of the sick are gathered here. %any here are infected that appeared dead and now have come back. Turn undead does not work only water or any other fluids appease them temporarily, and when ones dies the others seem to drain the fallen dry. Ten guardsman are posted here and it is rare to see a guardsmen sleep. They are sleep deprived out of fear. So far the guards have lost @ infected and one guard who got mauled by the other infected whom drained him dry. !nlike the guards at the well these guards are scared enough to attack without restriction on the infected. They will pull no punches and fight fiercely to escape an infected grasp. If a week goes by with no cure the infected level 4 escape the guards will fight them until they lose half their number to the infected. Then the guards flee some willing to warn the town. #thers will go home to rescue healthy family members. A few will Aust leave Shandalanar altogether. See the appendi: section of this side trek for statistics on the guards and infected. If the ,*-s are present at the barracks read the following.
The

sounds of battle ring in the distance guardsmen

clamor to intercept the crackled fleshed infected. The guards fight like rats whom been cornered and the infected seem stronger than ever. The battle goes badly for the guards as it seems their attacks do little than shake the crackled flesh from the infectedD. If the ,*-s are in the town when this occurs read the following.
Screaming

can be heard as guardsmen can be seen running through the streets like frightened children. If not for the sounds of their armor flapping as they run, one could mistake their pale faces for haunted spirits chasing mortals away. A rare guard screams warnings of /ombies escaping the barracksD. If the ,*-s choose to investigate read on otherwise wait for if they stay. ;uickly approach towards the source of the commotion. The sounds of hungry dogs can be heard in the distance. %uch to your dismay several guards are being drained by what appears to be infected. Some of the infected appear to be making their way towards the farmlands. Some gurgle others croak and screech each time they see a living being. It appears some of the infected have spotted your approach and hobble ;uickly towards youD. See the appendi: for stats for this scenario. 32. *aulin 8amily heat 8arm1*aulin family was granted this land by the church of +ao and must tithe fifty percent of its goods to the "iocese of &empton.
5ou

If the infected have escaped the barracks this is one of the farms that get ignored as little moisture is found here. The family here refuses to speak to anyone but priests, guards, or knights. The ,*-s will be turned away long before they enter the gate. If the ,*-s do anything but leave they will sound an alarm to call for guards. It-s obvious they are afraid and e:cept for doing chores on the farm refuse to deal with anyone until a cure is found. In ten days for the beginning of the side trek one of the family members will become sick. Anyone passing by will see a figure locked out of the house with the members inside refusing to open their door for fear of infection. If anyone gets close to the house they hear the following often.
$ord

+ao hear our prayersD. H'e, who prevails amongst the violent, brings rest to those who need itD. H"eliver us from the blight, bring forth peace againD. H e hold this vigil to bring one of us before you in the hereafterD. This is repeated every time someone or the infected family member knocks on the house door or windows. The house will be boarded from the inside to prevent any break1ins. 3C. 8orgoil *orn 8arm1The 8orgoil family was granted this land by the church of +ao and tithe ninety percent of its goods to the "iocese of &empton. %ost of the corn products tasted by residents and used by the "iocese is produced on this

farm. hen the ,*-s in;uire about estil at the farm his father (regor >#eridian $(, *om @rd lvl? will speak with the party. +ead the following. A well built cottage sits within a fenced in farm. The sign on the entrance gate reads 8orgoil. A brisk walk leads to the cottage step and a wooden door. A few raps on the door alert one of its residents. As the door opens it reveals a man looking forty winters old. 'e places a closed hand over his mouth and coughs. 'e pauses for a moment and warns you all to not get to close.D I fear me and the rest of my family have fallen illD. H hat can I help you all withJD If the ,*-s mention they are here to find the following.
9less

estil read

+ao our prayers have been answeredD.D %y son was very sick and he could not leave his bedDD. e took turns caring for him. 'e pauses again to cough into his closed left hand then continues. estil-s missing lord hopes he-s resting peacefully. 'e lets out another cough. =nough of this find my son, bring him home and earn the reward. The whole family is distraught and has become sick since estil has gone missing. The family will offer 46 staffs for the return of estil. If the ,*-s wavier at the offer, the family will increase it by 6 staffs for every two points beyond a "* 36 diplomacy, barter, or bluff attempt they succeed on. If the ,*-s won-t help for the price the family offers then they will ask the ,*-s to leave and ask the town for help spreading the

infection ever where they go. If the ,*-s refuse they will have a permanent 14 penalty in all dealings with the citi/ens of Shandalanar. The 8orgoil family will be completely infected within ten days. In =ighteen days the family will become stage 4 infected. In a month stage @ will begin and it will cause a lot of bloodshed. The appendi: section will e:plain this in more detail. 3E. 9asil *orn 8arm1This land was granted to the 9asil family by the church of +ao. They tithe ten percent of their goods to Shandalanar and trade with their neighbors for other goods. The diocese receives a tithe of thirty percent of these goods. The members of this family are e:perts when it comes to negations. The family has recently hired help to tend their fields. If the infected escaped the barracks this farm has plenty of water sources. The family has planned for this and has reinforced its root cellar. There are enough supplies to live for a month. If the ,*-s look to investigate a sign on the gate and doors clearly states to speak to the church of +ao regarding any concerns. 37. 'arsouse $ivestock 8arm1This land was granted to the 'arsouse family goat and rabbit are the main stays. .inety percent of the goods produced are tithed to the diocese of &empton. Though 'arsouse goat butter is pri/ed all over Veluna. The animals are more resistant to the initial effects of the virus. 'owever animals start at stage 4 in ten

days and stage @ Aust three days later. If this much time has not passed mother Igetha will still be selling her goat butter. 8unny enough the goat butter actually grants a bonus to save versus the infection. Anyone who has eaten the butter will get a K4 to save versus infection. +ead the following if the ,*-s are present on the morning of the tenth day here. $oud growling and gnawing can be heard from a distance. It-s easy to determine the noises are coming from the 'arsouse 8arm. As you approach the farm signs of escaped animals and matted dry fur litter the farm area. Some of the animals have begun feasting on each other. There will be three living infected rabbits the others were killed before the infection could take hold. They will attack any who do not have an infection see appendi: for stats. If the ,*-s are within 4F feet of the farm the rabbits will hop the fence to attack them. +ead the following. Small feral patched furred rabbits hop sideways towards you. "ried patches of fur fill the airI dried blood and saliva cover their twisted emaciated frames. An eerily scratching gnawing sound resonates from the infected creatures. (apping their maws they leap for an obvious attack. Should the ,*-s investigate the farm further read the following. 9odies of goat flesh, fur, and blood fill the once peaceful gra/ing fields. Surveying the fields a

humanoid body is being shared by four goats. #ne of them spots your party and pauses for a moment then is lets out a cracking naghhhhhLL The other goats follow its lead all four heads down beeline for your party. 'anging pieces of fur and dried blood decorate their well feed bodies. The cracking .Aghhhh .Aghhhh..naghhhL.. come closer. 5ou brace yourself for the outcome. See the appendi: for infected goat stat blocks. If the ,*-s investigate the cottage read the following. The cottage appears eerily ;uiet and slightly unkempt. 8resh blood patches decorate certain walls and stools. The floor has one long streak which ends in a corner. Slumped in the corner holding a bloody stump is =rigene 'arsouse. 'is breathing is slow and he needs healing, barely conscious he speaks only one word, Igetha then passes out. If the ,*-s heal him he will thank them and ask if his wife is ok. If the ,*-s share the info he appears ;uite distraught but keeps his composure. If they ask what happened to his hand he will tell them the rabbits ate through his wrist. 'e followed his wife into the house but she went out the back door. 'e e:plains that he lost conscious several times. =ach time he woke he would crawl towards the back door. 'e will compose himself again and ask the ,*-s to leave him be. It is obvious he wants to sulk but will refuse to do so in front of strangers. hen the ,*-s leave those with e:ceptional hearing can pick up some whimpering

sounds from the house."