Lost Mine of Phandelver : A Complex Matter

A Complex Matter - Ruins of Thundertree

Sildar Hallwinter has returned to the town of Phandalin, with a company of Neverwinter Guard, who will patrol around the town and
assist Lord Hallwinter and master Gundren in preparations for a continued expedition to Wave Echo Cave. News reached Sildar from
Sister Garaele that a member of the town went missing during the Zhentarim attack. Her name is Halia Thornton, and he home was
destroyed during the Dragon attack.

Sister Garaele has been taking note of the citizens who were killed during the attack, her investigations have found no remains, but
she has also had word from the Woodworkers that lay may have seen fleeing from the battle towards Old Owl Well. Sildar would like
the PCs to investigate her location, but also check out the ruined town of Thundertree, where he heard there was an Emerald Enclave
Druid named Reidoth. He might have information about the Zhentarim in this region of Neverwinter woods.

#1 Old Owl Well

Old Owl Well was built a thousand years ago by a long vanished empire, but is now a ruined castle, that was constructed around a
well. The ruined castle lies in the wild and rugged hills of the Triboar Trail. The site is relatively easy to find, and either Daran
Edermath or Sister Garaele can offer directions.

As you crest a low ridge, you spy the crumbling ruins of an old castle standing amid the rugged hills. The
place is so old the walls are mostly only mounds of rubble. Near the remains of the well is a colourful tent
that has been set up in the middle of the courtyard, but no one is in sights.

The ruins are infact occupied by a Cleric who is busy exploring the site and seeking some resources. If the PCs approach the cleric
with no weapons drawn he will say he is a mage seeking to research the old ruins. What he is actually doing is recruiting former
Redbrand Ruffians into the Zhentarim. He is a Cleric of Bane and his followers and recruits are based around the ruins.

If the PCs take a stealthier approach they will see the Zhentarim Men-at-Arms and some Redbrand Ruffians being equipped by the
Cleric., and his guards. There is no sign of Halia Thornton from either position.

Zhentarim Cleric [of Bane]

AC15 (chainmail, shield) / Hit Points 7 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +6 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

Spellcasting: The cleric of Bane is a 1st level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Wisdom (DC12, +5 to hit with spell attacks). The
Cleric of Bane has the following cleric spells prepared:

Cantrips (at-will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy

1st level (3 slots): bless/curse, cure/cause wounds, sanctuary

Actions
Warhammer. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d8+6 bludgeoning damage

Warhammer of Vengeance is a versatile weapon that deals ongoing d4 damage unless a Wisdom Saving Throw passed.

Zhentarim Men-at-Arms (4)

AC15 (leather armour, shield) / Hit Points 7 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +6 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions
Longswords. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d8+2 slashing damage

Crossbows. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100ft. / 400ft. one target Hit: 1d10+2 piercing damage
Lost Mine of Phandelver : A Complex Matter

Redbrand Ruffians(5)

AC12 (leather armour) / Hit Points 14 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +6 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d6+2 slashing damage

Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80ft. / 320ft. one target Hit: 1d6+2 piercing damage

Experience Acquired: 1100XP divided among the party if they defeat the Cleric, Zhentarim and Ruffians [180XP]

Treasure: The tent is large and contains a comfortable travelling suite, including a cot, chair, desk, supplies and chest of clothes. The
chest also contains a leather strapped bag containing 35sp, 20ep, 20gp, 5pp, one pearl (100gp), a potion of healing, scroll of darkness
in a bone tube stamped with symbol of Lolth, a tiny jewled box (25gp) containing a ring of protection (+1 AC and +1 Saving Throws)
from Ancient Netheril.

Hammer of Vengeance 1d8 damage that deals ongoing d4 necrotic damage unless a (Wisdom) Saving Throw passed

Once the Zhentarim have been dispatched the PCs will find evidence of Halia Thornton, was taken to Thundertree Village, a roughly
drawn map can be found on a random Redbrand. It shows that Halia Thornton was taken to either the Library or tower in
Thundertree.

The PCs can see the ruins of Thundertree from the top of the hill, and there is a forest trail that leads to Thundertree.

#2 Forest Trail to Thundertree

As the PCs move along the trail they are only an hour from Thundertree, and as the PCs move along the trail, a DC 18 Perception for
any character will show there has been movement in the recent hours along this trail. Any Ranger or Druid characters with and
passive perception of 19 or higher will detect movement in the undergrowth. Two Twig Blights are skulking about the trail. Make a
Dexterity (Stealth) check for the blights, and compare the result to the passive Wisdom (Perception) scores of the characters to
determine if the blights are spotted.

Twig Blights (8)

AC13 (natural armour) / Hit Points 10 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +3 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

Actions
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d4+1 piercing damage

Vine Blights (2)

AC12 (natural armour) / Hit Points 26 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +1 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 10 / Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions
Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10ft, one target. Hit: 2d6+2 bludgeoning damage

Experience Acquired: 600XP divided among the party if they defeat the Blights [100XP]
Lost Mine of Phandelver : A Complex Matter

#3 Thundertree Docks

As the PCs move along the rest of the trail they come to the remains of the docks of Thundertree Village. Ahead of the party is a
group of wooden hunts on a raised wooden platform. There is boat moored to the shore, and what appears to be frog-men trying to
catch some fish, behind them is a human, wearing the robes of the Zhentarim. He moves off towards the wooden buildings, keeping
an eye on the surrounding trees and undergrowth.

Make a Dexterity (Stealth) check for the blights, and compare the result to the passive Wisdom (Perception) scores of the characters
to determine if the blights are spotted. If they are not spotted they will try and watch to see how the PCs handle the Bullywugs. The
Bullywugs are too busy chasing fish and flies to not notice the PCs.

Twig Blights (8)

AC13 (natural armour) / Hit Points 10 / Speed 30ft (6 squares) / Initiative 15

Skills Stealth +3 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

Actions
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d4+1 piercing damage

Vine Blights (2)

AC12 (natural armour) / Hit Points 26 / Speed 30ft (6 squares) / Initiative 18

Skills Stealth +1 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 10 / Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions
Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10ft, one target. Hit: 2d6+2 bludgeoning damage

Bullywugs (4)

AC15 (hide armour, shield) / Hit Points 11 / Speed 30ft (6 squares) / Initiative 9

Skills Stealth +3 / Senses passive perception 10 / Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

Actions
Multiattack. The bullywug makes two melee attacks, one with its bite and one with its spear

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10ft, one target. Hit: 1d4+1 bludgeoning damage

Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, range 20ft. / 60ft. one target Hit: 1d8+1 piercing damage one target.

Zhentarim Captain-at-Arms (1)

AC16 (leather armour, shield) / Hit Points 21 / Speed 30ft (6 squares) / Initiative 17

Skills Stealth +6 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions
Longswords. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d8+2 slashing damage

Crossbows. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100ft. / 400ft. one target Hit: 1d10+2 piercing damage

Experience Acquired: 900XP divided among the party if they defeat the Blights, Zhentarim and Bullywugs [150XP]
Lost Mine of Phandelver : A Complex Matter

Treasure: Two of the wooden huts contain chests that contain 30gp/45gp, a scroll of bless, and a healing potion each, plus some
rations.

#4 Thundertree Library

Leaving docks behind the PCs come across the former villages library which is not as ruined as the rest of Thundertree. The main
entry doors have been reinforced and have been repainted in the colours of the Zhentarim. On closer inspection by a Rogue in the
group will make a DC 18 Dexterity check to see if the door is unlocked.

Ground Floor

As the PCs enter the main entrance to the Library they are faced with a partially open set of double doors leading to the main part of
the library, just inside the door the PCs can see a Zhentarim Men-at-Arms standing with his back to the stairs leading up, voices can
be heard from the upper level and from this area as well. This lower floor small alcoves that scholars used to be able to use to study
tomes, some of which are still on the shelves.

There are three large bookcases in a row, and two further ones ahead near the front the library. Here are four more Zhentarim Men-
at-Arms their Captain and a tied up old man, possibly the Druid Reidoth. They seem to questioning him, but occasionally looking up
above where a balcony lines the first floor and figures in black can be seen, milling about. Any DC18 Perception will allow the PCs to
ascertain the races if those talking which are Drow, Draconic and Common.

After a short time music can be heard being played on the first floor, which will drown out some of the combat from down here.
Unbeknownst to the PCs a silence spell has been place to drown out the torture being played out down here. A DC 18 Intelligence
(Arcana) check or detect magic spell will establish a spell has been cast

The Druid is in fact Reidoth of the Emerald Enclave, and will assist the PCs where possible:

Halia Thornton is not missing, she was the Zhentarims agent in Phandalin and the chief recruiter for the Black Spider.

There are two Half-Dragons on the first floor of the Library and they are only Lieutenants, to their commander who is
located at the old tower.

He suspects the their commander is a Half-Dragon commander knows as Nargalish.

Two Drow are also on the first floor, one was a Priestess and the other a warrior.

Reidoth will assist the PCs where he can, he has been beaten badly and needs some rest. He will leave the PCs and retreat to his hut
near the docks..

Zhentarim Men-at-Arms (5)

AC15 (leather armour, shield) / Hit Points 14 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +6 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions
Longswords. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d8+2 slashing damage

Crossbows. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100ft. / 400ft. one target Hit: 1d10+2 piercing damage

Zhentarim Captain-at-Arms (1)

AC16 (leather armour, shield) / Hit Points 21 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +6 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions
Longswords. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d8+2 slashing damage

Crossbows. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100ft. / 400ft. one target Hit: 1d10+2 piercing damage
Lost Mine of Phandelver : A Complex Matter

Druid Prisoner (NPC)

AC16 (leather armour, shield) / Hit Points 21 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +6 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Actions
Longswords. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d8+2 slashing damage

Crossbows. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100ft. / 400ft. one target Hit: 1d10+2 piercing damage

Experience Acquired: 600XP divided among the party if they defeat the Zhentarim and rescue Reidoth [100XP]

Treasure: the Zhentarim captain bears a magical shield, known as Life Bringer it is a +2 AC shield when worn and your constitution
score is 19 while you use this shield. A search of the shelves will show two scrolls of magic missile, one scroll of knock, and three
scrolls of witch bolt, as well as two potion of healing.

1st Floor

As the PCs come up the stairs there are Zhentarim Men-at-Arms standing with their backs to the balcony, whilst the two Half-Dragons
and Drow are discussing some tactics, with the PCs hearing Phandalin, Lords Alliance and Wave Echo Cave. As the PCs approach the
Men-at-Arms turn to face the PCs ready for combat, the Drow Cleric readies her spells and the Half-Dragons move to intercept the
PCs.

Zhentarim Men-at-Arms (5)

AC15 (leather armour, shield) / Hit Points 14 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +6 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions
Longswords. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d8+2 slashing damage

Crossbows. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100ft. / 400ft. one target Hit: 1d10+2 piercing damage

Zhentarim Half-Dragon (Blue/Green) Lieutenants (2)

AC18 (Plate) / Hit Points 35 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Senses blindaight 10ft, darkvision 60ft. passive perception 12 / Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Actions
Multiattack. The half-drgaon makes two melee attacks
Shortword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) Piercing damage
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target Hit: 5 (1d8+2) slashing damage

Lightning Breath/Poison Breath (Recharge 5-6). The Half Dragon Exhales an icy blast of hail in a 15 foot cone. Each creature in
the area must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw, taking 3d8 cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one.
Lost Mine of Phandelver : A Complex Matter

Drow Priestess of Lolth (1)

AC16 (scale) / Hit Points 38 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +6 / Senses darkvision 60ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1 (300 XP)

Innate Spellcasting: The drows spellcasting ability is charisma (spell save DC11). It can innately cast the following spells:

Cantrips (at-will): dancing lights

once each day: darkness, faerie fire

Spellcasting: The drow cleric is a 5th level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Wisdom (DC14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). The drow
cleric has the following cleric spells prepared:

Cantrips (at-will): poison spray, resistance, spare the dying

1st level (4 slots): bless/curse, cure/cause wounds, sanctuary
2nd level (3 slots) lesser restoration, protection from poison
3rd level (3 slots) conjure animals (2 giant spiders), dispel magic

Actions
Multiattack. The drow makes two scourge attacks
Scourge. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d6+2 slashing damage plus 8 poison damage

Drow Warrior (1)

AC15 (chain shirt) / Hit Points 13 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Skills Stealth +4 / Senses darkvision 120ft. passive perception 9 / Challenge 1 (300 XP)

Innate Spellcasting: The drows spellcasting ability is charisma (spell save DC11). It can innately cast the following spells:

Cantrips (at-will): dancing lights

once each day: darkness, faerie fire

Actions
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 1d8+2 slashing damage

Hand Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100ft. / 400ft. one target Hit: 1d10+2 piercing damage

Experience Acquired: 2500XP divided among the party if they defeat the Zhentarim and either kill or quiz the Drow [420XP]

Treasure: The Drow Cleric has an amulet of Levitation, which allows the user to cast the levitate spell on yourself at will., the Half-
Dragons both possess a magic ring. One has the Ring of Free Action that whilst you are wearing the ring magic can neither reduce
your speed nor cause you to be paralyzed or restrained. The other has the ring of fire resistance.
Lost Mine of Phandelver : A Complex Matter

#5 Thundertree Tower

As the PCs leave the library they can see the remains of the tower, which lies across the village green. A statue stands to a slant and
has been partially melted. They seem the charred remains if many people around the base of the ruined structure. Here is the domain
of Nargalish, commander of the Zhentarim forces here. Two Half-Dragons standing to the side of the tower, one has Black dragon
heritage and the other is White Dragon heritage. Both are armed with Longsword and Shields. As the PCs come closer a large shape
emerges from the tower, Nargalish, a Red Dragon

Zhentarim Half-Dragon (Black/White) Lieutenants (2)

AC18 (Plate) / Hit Points 35 / Speed 30ft (6 squares)

Senses blindaight 10ft, darkvision 60ft. passive perception 12 / Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Actions
Multiattack. The half-drgaon makes two melee attacks
Shortword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) Piercing damage
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target Hit: 5 (1d8+2) slashing damage

Cold Breath/Acid Breath (Recharge 5-6). The Half Dragon Exhales an icy blast of hail in a 15 foot cone. Each creature in the area
must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw, taking 3d8 cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Nargalish, Zhentarim Red Dragon Commander (1)

AC18 / Hit Points 75 / Speed 40ft (8 squares)

Senses blindsight 10ft, darkvision 60ft. passive perception 16 / Challenge 4 (1200 XP)

Actions
Multiattack. Nargalish makes two melee attacks
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: (1d10+2) Piercing damage
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target Hit: (1d8+2) slashing damage

Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). Nargalish exhales an fiery blast of fire in a 15 foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 15
Dexterity saving throw, taking 3d8 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

When Nargalish is down to 30HP she will transform into a human form Halia Thorton, and continue fighting, now fights with a
Longsword dropped by one of the Half-Dragons, when she is down to 15HP she will revert to her dragon form.

Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target Hit: 5 (1d8+2) slashing damage

Experience Acquired: 2600XP divided among the party if they defeat the Nargalish and her two Lieutenants [430XP]

Treasure: Nargalish has a horde like most dragons, that contains 300gp, 400sp, a set of magical robes that gives the bearer +3 to AC
when worn - only arcane users may wear it as it designed for a mage.

Aftermath:

A search of the horde will reveal that Reidoth was right about Halia Thornton. The alliance between the Zhentarim and the Black
Spider is still strong but a key area of their operation has been halted. Papers and documents show that the Zhentarim want the
resources of Wave Echo Cave to attempt to rebuild their Empire and take out the other factions. These documents should be
returned to Sildar at once. If Viona Derae is with the PCs she will take the papers, as a high ranking member of the faction. Reidoth
will meet up with the PCs and agree to return to Phandalin with them.

Once they return Sildar will take the papers and offer lodging at the newly built tavern/inn. Each PC will receive a payment of 100gp
for their service and the PCs will be awarded 200XP for solving the mystery of Halia Thornton and the safe rescue of Reidoth.
Lost Mine of Phandelver : A Complex Matter

To Be Continued: Mines of Phandelver Road to Wave Echo Cave.