Bloom on the Blood Garden

Area 1-1 – Pumpkin Patch

The scarecrows aren’t dangerous. If the PCs examine them closely, they discover that the easternmost one by the gate has a bronze amulet. If worn, the amulet makes any PC wearing it effectively invisible to the monsters of the garden. The wearer loses this protection if they make an attack, but only for the duration of that specific combat.

The sunflowers are the true guardian creatures. Should any PC pass beyond their patch, the sunflowers pull themselves from the ground and attack.

Sunflowers (8): Init +3; Atk flower +1 melee (special) or leaf +0 melee (1d4); Crit M/d4 or special; AC 10; HD 1d4; hp 3 each; MV 30’; Act 1d20; SP on a successful flower attack, target must make DC 13 Fort save or be blinded for 1d3 rounds, 2d3 on critical hit); SV Fort +0 , Ref +2 , Will +0; AL L.

These creatures attack by butting the faces of their targets, emitting a caustic pollen, or by stabbing with their remarkably sharp leaves.

Area 1-2 – Koi Pond

A giant silver carp about 8 feet long with a thick body and a whiskered face, swims below the surface of the pond. The creature is a godling trapped in a koi fish’s body. When the PCs approach the pond, it breaches the surface before speaking to them.

The koi attacks the nearest PC immediately. They must slay it in combat to receive its boon. The creature can leap out of the pond but moves slowly on land.

The koi recognizes the PCs as descendants of Narafaltha’s folk but doesn’t know much about what’s outside of the pond. If they kill the koi, its departing spirit reveals the presence of several sacred items in the bottom of its pond and tells them that the pond connects to a drainpipe leading toward a spring under the manor. It fades away after imparting this information.

A successful search of the pond (DC 10 Intelligence check) finds one of the following items (at judge’s discretion). Surviving characters may search one time each.

1. A belt of golden links bearing 3 charms sacred to the goddess. Removing and breaking a charm grants Narafaltha’s faithful +1d6 to any roll except for divine aid.

2. The bronze sickle of the high priestess.

3. Golden blood bowl graven with symbols of the goddess (worth 100 gp)

4. A book of thin bronze leaves recording the holy days and rites of Narafaltha in Old Common.

5. A spiked rod made of thorn wands braided together.

The rod grants a cleric of Narafaltha +1 to spell checks and can be used as a club (1d4 damage) +2 to hit and damage.

A drainpipe connects the pond to the cistern in area 3-3. Only the lower end is submerged but reaching the pipe to the cistern requires swimming to reach an airspace (DC 13 Fortitude or Willpower save). If failed, the PC begins drowning (-1d6 Stamina loss until death at 0 Stamina).

Koi Fish (1): Init + 1; Atk bite +3 melee (special); Crit special; AC 13; HD 8d6; hp 24; MV 10’, 30’ swim; Act 1d20; SP on a successful attack, swallows target whole; SV Fort +3, Ref +0, Will +3; AL L.

The creature is a hard-scaled koi about 8 feet long. Each successful bite swallows the target whole. The victims disappear into a pocket dimension inside a bottle hidden deep in a desert, lost to the sands of time.

Area 1-3 – Topiary Garden

These life-sized topiary animals are formed from manicured greenery interwoven with other plants to give the illusion of natural coloring.

The topiaries will attack any PC not wearing a warding charm (e.g., amulet from area 1-1) as soon as the whole party has entered the garden. If the PCs wish to avoid a fight, they can attempt to run around the topiaries without engaging and leaving via another path—have each PC make a Luck check, those failing are subject to attack by the nearest topiary. Each topiary animal attacks differently (see descriptions). The topiaries are large and relatively slow and they can’t leave this area.

The gardeners are fungal zombies. They were infected by the puffball fungi in area 1-6, and somehow made their way back here, to continue working. They attack only if the PCs try to damage the topiaries.

Topiary Bear (1): Init +0; Atk grab +1 melee (1d6+1, plus hug); Crit M/d8; AC 14; HD 3d8; hp 16; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP hug (drains 1d4 hp per round, adding to its own hp, DC 13 Strength check to escape); SV Fort +4, Ref -2, Will +0; AL N.

A topiary as big as a grizzly bear covered in brilliant purple blooms on thorny stems. Bear attempts to grab and hug the target, draining blood and adding the hit points to its own total.

Topiary Tiger (1): Init +2; Atk bite +2 melee (1d4+1) or pounce; Crit M/d8; AC 14; HD 3d8; hp 15; MV 30’; Act 1d20; SP pounce (DC 14 Reflex save or knocked prone and pinned, DC 13 Strength check to escape); SV Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +0; AL N.

An oversized topiary tiger with stripes of orange and white blossoms. Tiger pounces and pins the target to the ground, gaining +4 to next attack.

Topiary Elephant (1): Init -1; Atk trample +1 melee (1d8+1) or trunk grab +1 melee (special); Crit M/d8; AC 14; HD 3d8; hp 20; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP trunk grab (lifted into air and thrown; DC 15 Reflex save or take 1d6 falling damage); SV Fort +5, Ref -3, Will +0; AL N.

A full-sized elephant made of dusty gray foliage and vines. The elephant tramples or can grab PCs with its trunk to lift and throw them for falling damage.

Fungal Zombie Gardeners (2): Init +0; Atk garden shears +1 melee (1d4+1); Crit M/d6; AC 9; HD 1d4; hp 3 each; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP puffball burst (DC 13 Fort save or 1d4 poison damage, see below); SV Fort +3, Ref -2, Will +3; AL C.

These humanoid figures are covered in green-gray fuzz, with a round, white bulb on a stalk emerging from their forehead. Each wears one of the bronze amulets that make the garden’s denizens ignore them (see area 1-1). Each time a fungal zombie takes damage from an attack, have the attacker make a Luck check. If failed, the puffball bursts. Any PCs within 5 feet must make a DC 13 Fortitude save or take 1d4 poison damage and become infected. Infected PCs who die become fungal zombies after a day.

Area 1-4 – Deep Well Garden

Searching reveals an overgrown and very narrow staircase winding around the inner wall to the bottom of this garden.

The statue depicts the wizard Zatharides in a heroic pose, its inscription reading, “By blood and sweat life finds a way.” A stone table graven with deep channels lies at the statue’s feet. The garden itself is lush and plants cover the ground below. A search of the area reveals the bones of several humanoid corpses under the plants near the statue and dried blood (brownish stains) in the channels of the table.

Just behind the statue is a locked iron gate overgrown with ivy, with a narrow, arched passage beyond (leads to a door to area 3-2). PCs searching the ground through the bars of the gate find a canvas purse containing a set of thieves’ tools (as described in area 3-2). PCs also may attempt to force the gate with DC 18 Strength check.

PCs examining the statue may find a hidden compartment with a DC 12 Intelligence check. It contains an obsidian blade and a shallow, silver bowl. A piece of parchment describes a peculiar ritual: “Place a pearl of blackest lustre within a circle of salt in a darkened place. Anoint it with the sweat of your brow and the blood of your veins. Under the fullness of the moons, bleed the sacrifice into a bowl containing a ruby, an emerald, and a blue sapphire. Invoke “Beyond the vertical” three times. Sprinkle a pinch of a charlatan’s bone. Invoke “Beyond the horizontal” twice. Add three teeth from a liar. Invoke “Come the Nameless.” Cut the left palm and add three drops of your blood. Invoke “Let the show begin.”

Area 1-5 – The Moonflower

As the party enters this garden, each PC should make a DC 10 Willpower save. Those that fail the save are compelled to approach the plant at maximum movement speed. As they arrive, flowers open and face toward potential victims, re-

vealing hypnotic patterns of swirling colors and lights within. The victims have one last chance to make a DC 15 Willpower save or be paralyzed, unable to escape as the flowers slowly engulf the victims (as per drowning, -1d6 Stamina loss until death at 0 Stamina). On a successful save, the victim retains their freedom of movement and can easily avoid the slow-moving blooms.

Moonflower (1): Init +2; Atk (special); Crit none; AC 9; HD 4d6; hp 18; MV 0’; Act special; SP moon flowers can deploy up to 10 blooms to engulf PCs; SV Fort +1, Ref +0, Will +3; AL C.

The moonflower has ten blooms, each of which can engulf a single PC. Any PC approaching the plant to save an ally must make the DC 15 Willpower save to avoid being entranced and engulfed, for as long as there are flowers remaining unfilled. Saving engulfed allies requires something sharp to cut them out but otherwise is simple to accomplish.

Area 1-6 – The Fungus Garden

There are four bodies in the garden (the lumps) that will rise to fight the PCs. The white bulbs attached to their heads are puffball mushrooms. Attacking the fungal zombies can rupture the puffballs, releasing their poisonous spores.

Fungal Zombies (4): Init +0; Atk bite +0 melee (1d2); Crit M/d6; AC 9; HD 1d4; hp 3; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP puffball mushroom; SV Fort +3, Ref -2, Will +3.

Each time a fungal zombie takes damage from an attack, have the attacker make a Luck check. If failed, the puffball bursts. Any PCs within 5 feet must make a DC 13 Fortitude save or take 1d4 poison damage and be infected with the spores. Those who die become fungal zombies after a day and lie waiting for other victims.

Area 1-7 – Lotus Garden

The bridge is 75 feet long with lotus flowers on both sides. The lotuses are the heads and central body of a flower hydra. It will begin attacking when the first PC reaches the bridge’s midpoint. Any PCs attempting to run past without engaging will be subject to a single free attack per Withdrawal rules (see DCC RPG rulebook p. 95).

Hydra Lotus (1): Init +1; Atk flower heads +3 melee (1 +grab); Crit (special); AC 12; HD 3d6; hp 11; MV none; Act 1d20, 1d20, 1d16; SP grab (successful attack grabs and drags PC off path under the water, DC 12 Strength check to escape or begin drowning); SV Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +0.

The hydra lotus attempts to grab PCs and drag them under the water. On a critical hit, the PC must make a DC 13 Fortitude save or be knocked unconscious for 1d3 rounds. Once under water, PCs lose 1d6 Stamina per round. If Stamina reaches 0 they drown.

To kill the hydra lotus, PCs must wade into waist-deep water (-1 to attacks) to target its central node (the black lotus). Attacks against the “heads” of the creature are inconsequential to its survival. Even if killed, the hydra lotus will regrow within a day. Alternately, the PCs may try to run across the bridge to escape up the next path. The hydra lotus will continue to attack each round and may target up to 3 characters until there are no targets within range.

If killed and the lotus petals harvested, they have a variety of medicinal/magical effects and are quite valuable to the right buyer. PCs with appropriate 0-level occupations may make a DC 15 Intelligence check (for each type) to determine their effects. It’s also possible to find this information in area 1-14.

THE USES OF HYDRA LOTUSES

Black Lotus—When eaten fresh, brewed into a tea, or smoked, the petals of the black lotus provide the user with a vision. The judge should tell the player something both true and important about their character’s situation; what’s happening, clues about how to proceed, etc. Afterward, the PC takes 3d4 temporary damage distributed evenly across all ability scores except for Luck. The damage is completely healed by a night’s sleep.

For example, regarding Narafaltha’s broken statue in area 1-13, the judge might provide the following clue: “You see a group of people dancing around a burning effigy before the statue of a nine-armed woman. The statue’s eyes meet yours and you hear a voice saying, “Find me, my faithful ones!”

Red Lotus—The fresh petals, if eaten, heal 1 hp each. The dried petals of an entire flower can be concocted with oil or grease into 4 applications of an ointment that heals 1 hp immediately, and heals an additional 1d4 hp to the natural healing a PC gets while they rest (see Healing, DCC RPG rulebook, p. 94).

Purple Lotus—A tincture of the petals creates a powerful paralytic poison to be applied to edged or piercing weapons, arrows, bolts, or darts (DC 15 Fortitude save or paralyzed for 1d3 turns).

White Lotus—The powdered petals of one flower creates a powerful anti-toxin that adds +5 to Fortitude saves against poisons if ingested or applied to wounds immediately after toxic exposure.

Yellow Lotus—The leaves of one flower can be made into 2 doses of a tonic that makes one more focused (+1d3 on a single spell check, once per day).

Seeds—1d6 seeds can be harvested from a single hydra lotus. Each will sprout hydra lotus in a marshy environment.

Area 1-8 – The Trees of Madness

PCs taking the time to look carefully notice a long sword and skull partly concealed by the fallen leaves, and there are other bodies not visible but otherwise without arms or possessions.

Walking on the leaf litter of this garden raises clouds of dust containing a psychotropic compound capable of causing wild hallucinations and potentially violent psychosis. As the PCs cross the garden, they each should make a DC 12 Fortitude or Willpower save (whichever is easier). Those failing checks should roll 2d5 on Table 1-1: The Nature of Madness to see the consequences.

Table 1-1: The Nature of the Madness

Roll 2d5 Result

2 PC has a vision of the nine-armed goddess, Narafaltha. She tells them about the existence of the Demon Seed under the manor (but no specific details) and asks that her statue (area 1-13) be restored to the undercroft. PC may ask her a single question to aid in this process before losing contact and gains a +2 to rolls asking Narafaltha for divine aid, permanently.

3 PC finds themselves in long conversation with a beloved relative, long deceased, which cannot be remembered afterward, but now feels a sense of resolve. (+1d3 to Personality attribute)

4 PC has a vision of their future as an adventurer. They must tell the judge what class-based task they are succeeding at doing in the vision (+1 to an ability (e.g., Strength) associated with the class).

5 PC gains a sense of clarity and insight, noticing something important during a critical juncture in this adventure, at judge’s discretion.

6 PC must make a DC 10 Fortitude save or fall into a trance. May make a DC 10 Fortitude save once per turn to break the trance (automatic if removed from the area).

7 PC is attacked by a psychic version of themselves. Roll for initiative and fight to the death.

8 PC has a vision of their future as an adventurer going very wrong. They must tell the judge what class-based task they are failing at doing in the vision (-1 to an ability score associated with the class).

9 PC gains an audience with an infernal power. Negotiations ensue and the character wakes up 1d3 turns later holding a contract written on human skin. The PC gains 1d4 Luck permanently but must complete a difficult task for the power (judge’s discretion).

10 The PC is driven mad by their visions and gains horrifying strength (+4 to Strength modifier, +4 hp). Judge takes the wheel and plays them as NPC who immediately attacks nearest PC and will continue to kill until stopped. The condition is permanent.

Judges should note that the leaf dust will not have these results beyond the first use. Thereafter, the dust acts as a soporific, causing those using it to fall into a deep sleep for 1d6 days.

Area 1-9 – Cactus Garden

The left-hand path is safe and loops around to the right-hand path. The right-hand path is safe and loops around to the left-hand path. However, both paths are overgrown with various (non-thorny) succulents and look like they’re less passable than the middle one. Unfortunately, the middle path leads to a thorny trap (getting in is simple; getting out is not). If the PCs take time to investigate the left or righthand paths they will discover that the semblance of obstruction is false—they can easily pass along either path. If they don’t, the middle path looks like the easy one.

The center path is a dead end. The cactus spines bend easily in one direction allowing prey to enter. Up to 5 PCs could get caught if they’re bunched up. If they attempt to leave the thorns pierce the PCs and hold them in place while draining them of fluids (-1 hp per round). To get out, the nontrapped PCs must carefully cut the spines away (1 round per PC starting with last to enter).

Area 1-10 – Dung Heap

The corpse is that of a halfling who tried to escape through the garderobe (area 2-8a) but fell headlong and became stuck in the noisome pile, where they suffocated. The PCs recognize them immediately from the missing small toe on the left foot as a fellow villager (a relative if there’s a halfling in the party).

A glance around the immediate area reveals a rake and a shovel leaning against the wall between the dung heap and the entrance to the conservatory (area 2-4a).

Should the PCs remove the corpse from the dung heap, they find a satchel. It contains pilfered silverware (30 gp value), some clothing, and an old book. Further examination of the book reveals a set of notes, diagrams, and plans detailing Zatharides’ efforts toward immortality. They can find out the following:

• Zatharides sought a pact with “the Nameless.”

• His goal was to become immortal.

• He lured a descendant of his own blood, the seventh great-grandson of a seventh grandson, to Cob Hill Manor to fulfill a blood pact.

• The text details the patron bond and invoke patron spells, which could allow a PC to learn both, if so inclined.

Area 1-11 – Poison Garden

Everything here is poisonous in some way. Some things will kill you if touched, some have poisonous leaves or berries, and some are perfectly harmless until processed into poisons. There are four enclosures surrounding a tall tree with golden sap oozing down its bark.

Enclosure 1: Holds two kinds of poisonous berry bushes. The juice of the red berries can be applied to weapons. Poisoned weapons inflict an additional 1d4 damage per round for 3 rounds. The green berries, if ingested whole, may poison the victim within 1 hour (DC 12 Fortitude save or die). If powdered, inhalation or ingestion kills the victim within 1 round (DC 18 Fortitude save or die).

Enclosure 2: Contains only a single plant topped with a stunning red flower shaped like a trumpet. The pollen of this flower puts its victim into a coma which may end in death within 24 hours. If they make a DC 18 Fortitude save, the victim sleeps for a day and awakens normally.

Enclosure 3: Surrounds several types of flowering ground cover. The leaves of these plants cause afflictions of the skin. If the PCs touch them without protection, roll 1d4: (1) the skin of the hands erupts in blisters. Agility checks are -4 when using hands to manipulate; (2) a painful black spot appears on the PC’s fingertip. The black rot will continue to spread over the next few days moving up the finger to the hand, to the arm, to the body. It can only be stopped by removing the infected part; (3) the skin begins to dry out, weeping large greenish drops which spread the affliction to other areas and to other people if touched. While not fatal, this process is extremely painful (DC 12 Willpower save to take any action); (4) the skin begins to harden into lizard-like scales. If the affected skin is not removed, it will continue to spread slowly transforming the PC into a reptilian-looking monster (+1 AC, -1 Reflex saves).

Enclosure 4: A glowing pool covers the floor of this enclosure, pulsing with spots and stripes of neon-bright colors; sometimes images of people, creatures, and fantastic places appear briefly before fading and being replaced by others. Right now there are moving images of cats and kittens doing silly things.

This is something changed by the Demon Seed. Any PC touching this acquires an indelible mark. Should that PC survive, the Nameless will contact them later, even if the Demon Seed is defeated.

The Tree: The sap of this tree is used as a combat drug by pit fighters desperate to make a name for themselves or by assassins on suicide missions. If ingested, it makes the user much stronger and faster for 2d3 rounds (+3 to Strength modifier and +20’ movement) but weaker and slowed afterwards (-3 Strength modifier for 2d3 turns and 15’ movement for one day). After use, roll DC 10 Fortitude save. If failed, the user’s Personality and/or Intelligence are reduced by 1d3, permanently (player chooses distribution).

While it is unlikely the PCs are familiar with these exotic plants, the judge may allow those with relevant occupations to make a DC 20 Intelligence check to identify the specific properties of a plant.

Area 1-12 – Flower Dome

Investigating the roses on the north side reveals the desiccated husk of a human covered in foliage, along with its clothing. If PCs continue toward 1-13, the roses stay quiescent because the goddess, through her effigy in area 1-13, is briefly able to restrain them. If the PC try to exit via any other path (except to area 1-13), thorny vines attack from all around.

Blood Roses (6): Init +2; Atk thorny vine +2 melee (1+special); Crit M/d6; AC 10; HD 1d4; hp 3 each; MV 0’; Act 1d20; SP on a successful hit, target is snared and takes 1 hp damage per round, until thorn cane is severed); SV Fort +1, Ref +0, Will +0; AL N.

PCs with edged weapons may spend 1 round to free themselves or another.

Area 1-13 – Garden of the Goddess

A close examination shows that the statue was broken into several pieces, reassembled, and mounted on a newer base in this location. The repairs were done by an amateur, so some of the joints have come undone, resulting in the fallen arms. The jug she holds appears to be a corn whiskey jug, associated with the Feast of the Withyman, held at year’s end.

This statue of Narafaltha was moved from the undercroft (area 3-1) to this garden and reassembled. PCs should make a DC 12 Intelligence check to determine if anyone recognizes the goddess as “The Lady of the Corn” associated with village holiday festivals. The first PC taking the time to remove the vines and/or physically examine the statue receives a divination that the statue belongs somewhere else and should be moved there (area 3-1). The goddess’s influence provides that PC with a vague sense of direction. Read or paraphrase the following:

Area 1-14 – Burned Area

Most of the manor was destroyed but parts of it saw more damage than others. The servants’ quarters, being the oldest part of the construction were protected on the west side by a solid wall of worked stone, a literal firewall. Note that there are several doors, scorched by the blaze, along this wall where PCs may enter.

A concerted search of the burned area could allow the PCs to recover surviving items detailed below. But they first must contend with the Gaseous Abomination lurking in the ruins.

Each PC searching the area may roll 1d20 + Intelligence modifier on Table 1-2: Torched Treasures.

Table 1-2: Torched Treasures

Roll 1d20 + Intelligence mod

4 or less Nothing found

5-7 1d10 gp.

8-9 An intact round shield. If rolled again, some other mundane weapon or armor.

10-12 A brass scroll case containing the deed to Cob Hill manor*.

13-14 A partly burned journal belonging to Zatharides. Judges may reveal the wizard’s history and plans (from Adventure Background), per their discretion*.

15-17 A long knife made of mithril (as short sword)*.

18-19 A handwritten book with illustrations, describing the plants in the garden, their natures, and their various uses*.

20+ A stone chest containing 1d3+1 random 1st level wizard scrolls (exclude patron bond/invoke patron which can be found in area 1-4)*.

*Note: If a unique item has already has been found, the PC finds 1d20 gp instead. Alternately, they find an item at a lower threshold.

Gaseous Abomination (1): Init +1; Atk electric spark +1 missile fire (1d3, 50’ range); Crit 1d6/M; AC 16; HD 1d8; hp 7; MV 30’; Act 1d20; SP none; SV Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +0; AL N.

A flying, silvery mist that makes a low, crackling hum. It maintains distance from the PCs and attacks with an electric spark.

AREA 2: THE MANOR

The manor house was built in stages over several decades. First, a dwelling was built from the remains of more ancient construction, using fallen stones and other materials to lay its foundations. Over the years, as the inhabitants grew in number and prosperity, additional rooms and areas were built on. The oldest (eastern) wing was the oldest construction and was mostly undamaged by the recent fire. The rest of the manor is a burnt-out ruin.

The PCs may enter this area from the conservatory’s outside door (area 1-10), the burned double doors to the dining room (area 2-1a), the burned shell of the morning room (south of the servants’ stair), or the servants’ entrance (east side). When the PCs arrive, the servants are hiding upstairs in the servants’ hall (area 2-5) but may investigate if the PCs make enough noise (e.g., talking near the servants’ stair, looting the kitchen area, combating the roving abominations, etc.).

Area 2 Encounters

The missing villagers are hiding on the second floor because the Demon Seed’s abominations haunt the ground floor rooms and passages. One abomination is in the lower con-

servatory (area 2-4a) and more can be included as fixed or random encounters. Each time the PCs enter an empty room, the judge should roll 1d4. On a “1” result, they encounter an abomination. Judges may consider picking rooms in advance and placing 2 or more of these creatures in untenanted Area 2 locations.

Each abomination is a former villager altered by contact with the chaotic influence of the Demon Seed. While the judge may wish to roll on the Wheel of Abomination (See area 3-4, p. 18), they also could use one of these pre-rolled abominations. Judges should feel free to add their own spins on what the PCs see, smell, hear, or otherwise experience.

Liquid Abomination (1): Init +1; Atk pseudopod +0 melee (2d6); Crit M/d4; AC 14; HD 1d8 (3); MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP none; SV Fort +1, Ref +0, Will -1; AL C.

This abomination is made of silvery liquid and moves by hopping across the ground. It makes the sound of a commercial jingle.

Gaseous Abomination (1): Init -1; Atk pseudopod +1 melee (1d4); Crit M/d4; AC 16 HD 1d8 (4 hp); MV 30’; Act 1d14; SP none; SV Fort +0, Ref +1, Will -2; AL C.

This abomination is a glowing green gas that flows across surfaces. It smells of newly-mown hay.

GROUND FLOOR Area 2-1-Dining Area

The dining area includes the dining hall proper as well as the surrounding support rooms for setup and service.

Area 2-1a – Dining Room

The dining table is bare, but the serving tables have carving boards and other useful items for preparing food for the table.

Area 2-1b – Servery

A door leads west to the Dining Room (area 2-1a) and the dutch door opens to the kitchen (area 2-2a).

Area 2-1c – Butler’s Pantry

The closed cabinets and drawers hold table linens, napkins, silverware, and other items. While bulky, they are valuable items worth up to 100 gp (judge’s discretion).

Area 2-2-Kitchen Area

There are three main areas to the kitchen, including the

kitchen, the pantry, and the stairs to the buttery. The servants’ entrance and stair to the servants’ quarters are adjacent to the kitchen.

Area 2-2a – Kitchen

The kitchen contains pots, pans, knives, wooden spoons, and other implements for preparing meals. A dutch door leads to the north (area 2-1b) and doors lead to the south (toward servants’ stairs), and the west (area 2-2b).

Area 2-2b – Stairs to Buttery

The stairs descend a total of 50 feet to a wide stone archway to area 3-2. The first 10 feet are of more recent construction but below that they are ancient and show the wear of centuries of use.

There are plentiful stocks of food here, including baking supplies, dried fruits, and other commonly used items. Items requiring cooler climes are in the Buttery (area 3-1). Someone has tucked a jug of corn whiskey behind a bag of dried beans, in the NE corner. Sacred to Narafaltha, it is Her holy water.

Area 2-3 – Patio and Washroom

This area borders the shell of the old temple of Narafaltha, now a conservatory. It is now used to wash clothing and other linens and serves as the scullery. A large, stone table stands along each wall and several wash tubs are stacked in an out-of-the-way alcove, where a ladder climbs up the wall to a wooden hatch (to area 2-9). Stairs descend to the slightly sunken lower conservatory.

Area 2-4a – Lower Conservatory

The conservatory is now overgrown with a variety of unusual plants not common to this area, including tropical plants, palms, and medicinal herbs. An exterior door leads to area 1-10 .

An abomination creeps around the northern edge of the conservatory.

Solid Abomination (1): Init +2; Atk bite +1 melee (1d4) or spit +1 missile fire (1d4, 40’ range); Crit M/d4; AC 14; HD 1d8; hp 2; MV 30’; Act 1d20, 1d20; SP demon’s bargain (on a successful hit, the target is linked to the Demon Seed and must make a decision to serve it or reject it (see area 3-4, p. 18)). This abomination is a fleshy blob with tiny humanoid feet and a drooling, toothy maw which can bite or spit up to 40’. It smells like rotten fruit.

UPPER FLOOR

Area 2-4b – Upper Conservatory

This area adjoins area 2-9.

Area 2-5 – Servants’ Hall

The PCs will recognize the surviving villagers from Pike. Most of them are terrified. They’re sheltering in this place to escape the crawling abominations in the rooms below, but a few are made of sterner stuff and willing to join the party.

If the judge wishes, the players may add survivors to their party (up to 6 total).

The PCs may learn the following:

• Two days ago, during a storm, a fire broke out in the west wing. The fire spread quickly before the heavy rains quenched it sparing the servants’ wing. One person be-

lieves it likely spread from a lightning-struck tree. Another person suggests that one of their number may have started the fire in a fit of desperation, as ghosts and demons were beginning to haunt the west wing.

• Master Morto Blango went down to the cellar a week ago with two servants but they did not return.

• When the Butler sought the Master, he returned alone but was acting in peculiar fashion. He said he was weary and then retired to his room without further explanation. No one has seen him since, and it is likely he perished in the recent blaze.

• A small group investigated the cellar and returned in a panic, telling tales of flashing lights and figures of black in the far reaches of the cellar. They closed and barricaded the doors there before retreating, and no one has been down since.

The maid has a single bronze amulet, granting safe passage through the gardens (as the amulet in area 1-1).

These servants’ rooms are small and uniform in layout and furnishings, with minor differences. A search of each room will find the item indicated below.

• 2-5a: A diary in the chest. The diary details the disappearance of several villagers and of master Morto Blango. Writer talks in last entry (two days past) of trying to find a way out.

• 2-5b: A leather satchel containing coded messages. Several pages with lines of neatly scripted 9-digit numbers, along with a copy of the Proverbs for a Stranger, a massive tome by a little-known philosopher, Verbik of Lorn. The coded pages reference page numbers, line numbers, and specific words in Proverbs. Stringing together the references reveals copies of correspondence between a spy and some source in the Empire. One suggests that Inquisitors may be dispatched to pacify the area.

• 2-5c: Grandfather’s sword. A dull but perfectly serviceable longsword is under the bed.

• 2-5d: Anti-Imperial manifesto in the chest, hidden under the clothing.

• 2-5e: Wooden knitting needles and several colors of wool yarn in the chest. A half-finished scarf is the only work there.

• 2-5f: Diary of a Mad Gongfarmer. Pages are scattered about the room, full of increasingly unhinged rants about cleaning chamber pots, descriptions of odd dreams and night terrors. The last entry seems like they went mad. “When I visit the master’s chamber, I can hear it calling to me. It sounds sharp and shiny, like all the colors of the rainbow. It tells me I’m special, that I can be the next big thing. I just need to bring the master downstairs to the

cellar. He has someone very important to meet. I know he’s going to be impressed. I’ll never have to empty another chamber pot again!”

• 2-5g: Nothing of note.

• 2-5h: An impressive set of grooming tools suitable for a barber.

• 2-5i: Nothing of note.

• 2-5j: Nothing of note.

Area 2-6 – Maid’s Room

The main compartment of the armoire contains an array of fine clothing in the process of being mended. Two drawers: (1) holds sewing supplies, (2) holds fabric and fine shears. A thorough search reveals several pieces of jewelry hidden at the back of the second drawer (2 rings and a necklace worth 20 gp, 35 gp, and 80 gp).

Area 2-7 – Cook’s Room

The chest is unlocked and contains packets of rare spices, salts, and other exotic ingredients, all worth up to 200 gp to the right buyer.

Beyond the curtain is a closet sized room with a stone toilet in it. Looking through the toilet hole shows an exterior area just outside the conservatory where dung is accumulated for composting (area 1-10).

Note that there are two adjoining bathing rooms and garderobes, mirrored in layout.

Area 2-9 – Green Parlor

This balcony was used for entertaining in the manor’s heyday. There are comfortable chairs and low tables staged near the wrought iron railing. The door leads into the burned part of the manor, a scorched gallery with a collapsed floor. Investigating the northern reach of the parlor reveals a wooden hatch in the floor (ladder to area 2-3).

AREA 3: THE CELLAR

When the PCs enter the cellar area, it becomes clear that this manor is built on much more ancient foundations. Frescoes and mosaics depict a nine-armed goddess and her worshipers. The scenes celebrate the cycle of life—birth, growth, death, decay, and rebirth—with illustrations of fecund fields of ripened corn, raucous festivals, ritual sacrifices, etc.

Areas 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 show no signs of the trans-dimensional incursion of the Demon Seed, because of the goddess’s residual powers imbued in the foundations of this ancient temple. Area 3-4, however, was built later, and is not thus protected. Zatharides likely depended on Narafaltha’s weakened influence to contain the Demon Seed’s power until their pact could be completed.

Area 3-1 – Undercroft

The undercroft is the inner sanctum of the pillaged temple of the goddess Narafaltha. The frescoes, though damaged, depict the four seasons and the workings of the goddess and her people, including scenes of planting and harvest, religious ceremonies and sacrifices, and the burning of the withyman at year’s end. Each scene shows the goddess in a different aspect (birth, ripening, withering, death). The PCs will be familiar with the festivals, if not the goddess.

The statue of Narafaltha once stood here. If the PCs have uncovered the statue of the goddess in area 1-13, the goddess guides them to place it here. If restored to its broken pediment, the statue repairs itself instantly, and all the PCs receive a blessing for the duration of this adventure (+2 to

all attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws). The character who first touched the statue in area 1-13 also receives +1 to AC until the next sunrise.

Area 3-2 – The Buttery

If the PCs move the stores to see the mosaic on the floor, they find a depiction of the year’s end sacrifices to Narafaltha,

with a high priestess slitting the throat of a bull with a sickle while people dance in the background.

The south door is stuck and requires a DC 13 Strength check to open. Because it’s small, only one PC at a time can attempt to open it. Beyond the door lies a narrow tunnel of rough stone leading to a closed iron gate (see description of area 1-4). The gate is locked (DC 18 Strength check to force open) but a small canvas purse lies on the ground under some leaves, just inside (contains a set of thieves’ tools). The purse is not visible but anyone searching the ground can find it.

Area 3-3 – Cistern

The wooden disc covers the cistern. There are two iron handles for lifting it from its niche. Below, the stone shaft of the cistern descends into the darkness to the water, about 25 feet below. The stone is rough, with gaps between the courses, making it relatively easy to climb (DC 8 Agility check to climb down or up without falling into the water below).

The cistern is sourced by a deep spring which provides a slow, constant flow of water. Excess water drains through a downward-sloping overflow tunnel (at water level) leading south to the koi pond (area 1-2).

If the PCs examine the stores used to barricade the western door, they can find a small cask of brandy and two amphorae of olive oil among the furnishings and bales.

Area 3-4 – The Demon Seed

The room is rectangular, deeper than it is wide. A shelf about 3 feet wide surrounds the sides and back of a pit area, which sinks about 8 feet via a set of stairs. On the floor of the pit is a circle about 10 feet in diameter. Initially, it looks like liquid, quicksilver perhaps, but it glows and pulses with static and distorted images, like a television receiving a bad signal, and a succession of flattened images rise and spiral away from it, revealing anachronistic scenes from TV, film, daily life in a future/past age, etc.

RUNNING THE ENCOUNTER

The Demon Seed is anchored in this reality by Morto Blango, who is now far past saving, his body, mind, and soul warped by the Chaotic forces at play here. Nonetheless, the Demon Seed requires additional, living hosts. To move freely in this world, it must copy itself onto them, a species of cosmic malware. In willing hosts, the Demon Seed is free to roam and do all manner of mischief.

This combat happens in two different parts. First, the voice of the Demon Seed works as a command, attempting to draw the PCs closer. Each PC should immediately attempt a DC 10 Willpower save. Those failing the save walk unsteadily toward the light and enter the circle, coming within range of Morto Blango. On a successful strike, Morto Blango does 1 point of damage and tries to link the PC to the Demon Seed (if the PC survives the blow).

On the first round of combat and every 2 rounds thereafter (3rd, 5th, etc.), the Demon Seed sends out 1d4 fragments of itself (up to 5 maximum).

Demon Seed/Morto Blango (1): Init +3; Atk +3 claw (1 + special); Crit 1d8/DN; AC 13; HD 8d8; hp 50; MV 0’; Act 1d20, 1d20; SP demon’s bargain (on a successful hit, the target is linked to the Demon Seed and must make a decision to serve it or reject it (see below)); SV Fort +6, Ref +0, Will +8; AL C.

The Demon Seed is not able to move but can send fragments of itself out into the room (see below). It can attempt to touch any PC who enters its circle.

Demon Seed Fragments (varies): Init +1; Atk +2 (1 + special); Crit n/a; AC 12; HD 1d6; hp 4; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP demon’s bargain (on a successful hit, the target is linked to the Demon Seed and must make a decision to serve it or reject it (see below)); SV Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +4; AL C.

The fragments are chaotic blobs of light, about a foot in diameter, that glow with scenes of people and places existing in some uncanny netherworld. Judges might describe fragments of scenes from television shows, cartoons, films, lines of glowing text on a computer screen, etc., from our own world, but should do so in ways that highlight the unnatural and otherworldly nature of the images.

The Demon Seed fragments can move along any surface, even walls and ceilings. Their movement is erratic and sometimes jumps from point to point without crossing the space between, but they don’t move very quickly.

THE DEMON’S BARGAIN

If touched by either Morto Blango or a Demon Seed fragment (or an abomination in previous areas), the Demon Seed tries to link to the affected PC, and seeks a bargain. To accomplish its complex goals— requiring thought, planning, and cultural knowledge—it must find willing hosts. Those agreeing to be hosts take the Demon Seed as a patron. If they reject it, the Demon Seed will transform them into horrible abominations of chaos, devoid of intelligence and doomed to wander the world causing mayhem.

Note: If the PCs have restored the statue of Narafaltha, they receive Her blessing and have a +2 to the saving throw for rejecting the Demon Seed, among Her other blessings (see area 3-1 description).

Host the Demon Seed: If the person is willing to host the Demon Seed, it uses their senses while they retain their free will. They become its accomplices and it becomes a patron capable of assigning tasks to accomplish its goals (in furtherance of power and maximum chaos). It uses existing human cultural forms to achieve its goals of transferring its power from the void into this plane through increasing numbers of infected followers.

Reject the Demon Seed: If the PC spurns the Demon Seed’s overtures, they should attempt a DC 15 Willpower save. If failed, they transform into a horrible abomination of chaos (roll on the Wheel of Abomination). If successful, they become immune to its influence.

When the first PC is forced to choose, judges should consider consulting their players about the path forward. Do they all wish to accept or reject? If there’s no consensus, are they willing to fight each other? Make sure the players understand the decision at hand: Will they follow the path of Chaos or choose some other one (e.g., become followers of the goddess)?

THE WHEEL OF ABOMINATION

Roll a d3, d4, d5, d6, d7, and d8 to find out what the abomination is:

Form (roll 1d3): (1) Solid, (2) Gaseous, (3) Liquid

Locomotion (roll 1d4): (1) flowing, (2) hopping, (3) walking, (4) flying.

Defenses (roll 1d5): (1) None (AC 10), (2) Some (AC 12), (3) Moderate (AC 14), (4) Formidable (AC 16), (5) Heavy (AC 18).

Attack Type (Action Dice) (roll 1d6): (1) Melee (1d14), (2) Melee (1d20), (3) Missile (1d20), (4) Melee (1d20) or missile (1d20), one action per round; (5) Melee (1d16) and missile (d16), two actions per round, (6) Melee (1d20) and missile (1d20), two actions per round.

Damage (roll 1d7 for each weapon): (1) 1 hp; (2) 1d3; (3) 1d4; (4) 1d6; (5) 1d8; (6) 1d10; (7) 2d6.

Hit Points (roll 1d8)

Any other attributes (initiative, saving throws, etc.) transfer from the original PC.

This creature targets any remaining PCs who have not accepted the Demon Seed.

ENDING THE ADVENTURE

This adventure can end several ways. This section explores several and provides some ideas about what happens next.

Option 1: TPK

In the event of a wipe of the entire party, there’s still time to stop the Demon Seed. Send out a new party of hapless villagers! There are many paths through the garden and different choices may lead to other outcomes. Alternately, select some other 0-level adventure by Goodman Games or a third-party publisher. There are plenty to choose from.

Option 2: Flee, Cowards!

The PCs escape the grounds of Cob Hill Manor with whatever party members (and excess villagers) survive. Morto Blango remains an anchor for the Demon Seed in this realm. The Demon Seed is infinitely patient. Sooner or later, someone will furnish it with the means to escape. Depending on what else they faced, it may make sense for the PCs to level up and choose a class, at the judge’s discretion.

Option 3: We Can Be Heroes

The PCs resist the Demon Seed’s influence and destroy the body of Morto Blango. The Demon Seed loses its anchor and is cast back into the void with the other Nameless until it can engineer another way to cross over to this or some other existence. This outcome frees the PCs who were under its influence. Anyone transformed into an abomination, unfortunately, remains a horrible monster. Everyone else, level up!

Playtesters: Thanks to Brendan Lasalle and the awesome DCC Roadcrew—Judge Russell Bevers, Michael Grant, maerwald, Jacob Savala, Thomas LaMaster, and Danatronic; Judge Darren Campbell, robertincypress, Michael “Ghostface” Miller, Michael Tomczak, and Bruce Rusk; Judge Jeffrey Regner, Dominick Gaimaro, James Hunt, and Abby Snellman; Judge Jeremy “Father Goose” Shuman, Jr., Amanda Shuman, Emilie Shuman, William Nielsen, Izabella Jones, and Kat Jones; Judge John “Unitor” Tincher, Jeff “Dr B” Biessman, Nikolas “Quovatus” Biessman, Nou “Mesosaurus” Biessman, Tina “Amelia Otis” Tincher, and Brian “Kungfu Kong” Malley; Judge Matt Gullett, Heather Kelley, Dennis Calender, Eddie Bartlett, Ron Radulescu, and Wes Southern; Judge Griseo Lupus, Chaos Kitten; Judge Spencer Ellsworth, Derrick “3INT” Record, Colton Sybouts, Eric Reichert, Jason Jacobson; Judge Jono Major, Bahasa Inggeris, Michael K. Dawson; Judge Mark Manchester, Paul Baumeister, Jeff Ursu, Josh Lunetta, Eric Anderson, Andy Patch;Randy Miller; Judge Bud Wright, Peter Haldenby, and the Highway High Rollers crew; Judge Matt ‘GrapeApe’ Robertson, Trevor Russ, Susan Schmidt, David M. Jacobs, Christian Klepac, Matt Young, Stefan Surratt; Judge Jon Wilson, Frank Crabtree, David Lowe-Rogstad, Finn Lowe-Rogstad, Carl Whithaus; Judge Nick Agan, Darin Elm, Karim “The Dream” Ayyad, Jason Mycol Allen, Sara Agan, Adam Denner; Judge Kevin Berent, James Dudli, Rich Korzenko, Rodney King, Rose Gowanlock, Greg Gowanlock, Phil Yanov, Mike Brannaman, Joel Java, Jr., Monica Rasso; Judge Matt House, Bryan Nelson, Bryan Nelson—Yes, twice, Justin the Jaguar, Boson Au; Judge Brian Long, Bryan, Chaz, Cory, Emily, Jonathan, Matt; Judge Paul W. Girardin, II, Bill Johnston, Doug Reitz, Dana Steele, Thomas French; Judge Mark Phagan, Paul Schipitsch, Luau Lou, Suldir; Judge Alaric Legler, Gwen Rinde, Alex Grote, Matthew Erbes, Nick Metusalem, Michael Jacobsen, Francesca Jacobsen; Judge David O., Ian S., Darian H., Gwen H., Dom C.; Judge Daniel Pfleging, Phil Lew, Aurora McGoogan, Dave Lam, Joe Candelaria, Chris Perkins, John Hutton; Judge Martin Grant, Alexa Morrissey, Sandy Grant; Judge G. M. Soldati, Orkopolo, Carl S., Bryan “Dash” Dahle-Melsaether, Brian McGrath; and Judge David Gallico, Alun Reed, Simon Grenville, Terri Brown, Tyler Richards.

This printing of DCC #103: Bloom of the Blood Garden is done under The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities version 1.0 of the Open Gaming License, and the System Reference is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc (“Wizards”). All Rights or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark Document by permission from Wizards of the Coast, Inc.Designation Reserved. or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the of Product Identity: The following items are hereby designated as 1. Definitions: (a)”Contributors” means the copyright and/or owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Product Identity in accordance with Section 1(e) of the Open Game trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; Game Content; (f) “Trademark” means the logos, names, mark, sign, License, version 1.0: Dungeon Crawl Classics, DCC RPG, Mighty Deed (b)”Derivative Material” means copyrighted material including motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its of Arms, spell check, Luck check, spellburn, mercurial magic, corruption, derivative works and translations (including into other computer products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game disapproval, all spell names, all proper nouns, capitalized terms, languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, License by the Contributor (g) “Use”, “Used” or “Using” means to italicized terms, artwork, maps, symbols, depictions, and illustrations, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise except such elements that already appear in the System Reference which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) create Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) “You” or “Your” Document. “Distribute” means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, means the licensee in terms of this agreement. Designation of Open Content: Subject to the Product Identity publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)”Open Game 2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that designation above, such sections of creature statistics as derive from Content” means the game mechanic and includes the methods, contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be the SRD are designated as Open Gaming Content. procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice Some of the portions of this book which are delineated OGC originate embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added from the System Reference Document and are copyright © 1999, and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The remainder of these OGC portions by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game of these book are hereby added to Open Game Content and, if so including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but Content distributed using this License. used, should bear the COPYRIGHT NOTICE “DCC #103: BLOOM OF specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) “Product Identity” means 3.Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate THE BLOOD GARDEN, copyright © 2023 Goodman Games LLC, all product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including Your acceptance of the terms of this License. rights reserved, visit www.goodman-games.com or contact info@ trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, 4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this goodman-games.com” thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, DCC #103: Bloom of the Blood Garden is copyright © 2023 designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Goodman Games LLC. Open game content may only be used under graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names Open Game Content. and in the terms of the Open Game License. and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, 5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your

Option 4: Now We’re the Baddies

All or some of PCs make common cause with the Demon Seed and give rise to a new and dangerous cult. It becomes their god/patron with plans to extend itself and its influence throughout the lands. The Demon Seed is a being of Chaos and this effort will be opposed by those who serve Law. Choosing this option does not preclude “normal” adventuring beyond the 0-level funnel. However, the judge should keep the Demon Seed’s alignment, nature, and interests in mind when using published adventures, as should be the case when serving any other gods/patrons. They also should consult with the players to establish several short and long-term goals to achieve in the Demon Seed’s name. This cult is ready to go viral!

FUTURE ADVENTURE HOOKS

While it should not come into play during this adventure, judges should note that, with Morto taken by the Demon Seed, its pact with Zatharides is sealed. Zatharides has achieved some version of immortality and will do as evil, immortal wizards have always done: Cause trouble for hapless adventurers. A few details of his fiendish plans can be found in areas 1-4, 1-10, and1-13. Judges should consider how Zatharides might work into future adventures.

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What separates DCC RPG from so many other games is the absence of a priori character “backstory.” You know what I mean: That three-page writeup for a character who hasn’t even lifted a sword to defend themselves or cast magic missile in anger. But that doesn’t mean that these characters aren’t already part of an epic story, nor that they can’t tell their own weird tales. In DCC we make that happen in the zero-level funnel, that site of adventure, heartbreak, and (sometimes) triumph.

When I write adventures, my mind springs to the “story behind the story”—the unknown forces looming large in this narrative universe—trying to understand who these lowly gongfarmers and cheesemakers are, and may become, in the context of the vast and dangerous world that surrounds them. My two main influences for this adventure are probably well-known to DCC fans. H. P. Lovecraft, of course, literally wrote the book on cosmic horror, capturing those incredible and unintelligible forces that lie beyond what most see as “reality.” While Glen Cook’s “Black Company” novels give his readers a strong sense of the truly alien nature of wizards and the long, dark game they inevitably play to avert their own mortality. Each of these authors captures the lives of, for the most part, normal folk caught up in the machinations of beings far beyond their experience. My third influence is contemporary internet culture. I attempt to capture, with the Demon Seed, the potential of our contemporary media landscape to shape and alter consciousness, form our shared affinities, and provide opportunities to subvert the order of the world, for better and for worse.

Broadly speaking, the PCs are presented with stark choices. Which path will they choose? Which faction will they embrace, and which will they reject? Beyond those choices, though, what kinds of stories will their adventures tell? Are these characters stalwart and true defenders of village traditions, even if they didn’t know the name of the goddess Narafaltha from whom those

Author Edgar Johnson

old ways sprang? Are they disaffected peasants fed up with the old, staid ways of their forefathers and looking to carve a new path, even if they must reject their old lives and connections?

I like it when the PCs experience the Great Powers directly. In Bloom of the Blood Garden, the PCs have entered a contest for their very souls. Will they return to the ways of the past—the traditions of an old goddess as reliable as the coming of spring or the frost on the pumpkin; or will they embrace “the new hotness,” the chaotic forces of viral information, memesis and alterity, and all the promise and peril that comes with it? Presented with a sense of place, how will they fill it with their fears and hopes? How will they take advantage of the resources available to them? These are the kinds of choices that make merely surviving a zero-level funnel something with greater meaning and purpose.

A truly bizarre bazaar was erected with goods from countless worlds for sale.

Curious garb was worn, emblazoned with the sigils of their patrons.

It seems so bare without a ziggurat, doesn’t it?

High spirited comradery was on display by the Goodman Games crew!

Beware the plotting of artists when left to their own devices!

The lucky ones are rewarded at the booth raffle.

Doug Kovacs leads the damned down Inferno Road presented by Hobonomicon.

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empire of the east

A POST-APOCALYPTIC SCIENCE FANTASY SETTING FOR DCC RPG & MCC RPG

Thousands of years ago, the ashes of nuclear fire changed the world. The weapons of mass destruction ceased to work as the laws of physics altered. In their wake came elementals and demons, creatures from the darkest dreams and nightmares of mankind. Magic returned to the world. Humankind arose from the ashes and rebuilt society, just as the vile Empire of the East wielded the demonic powers of Orcus to sweep across the globe. Now it falls to a small group of resistance fighters to reclaim freedom for humanity!

Officially licensed by the estate of Fred Saberhagen, this hardcover sourcebook offers everything you need to play DCC RPG campaigns in the world of the Empire of the East. Inside you will find:

• Rules for magic tailored to the post-apocalyptic fantasy setting of the Changeling Earth, including new spells and summonings to enrich any DCC campaign

• Character options for adventuring in this world

• A discussion of demons, elementals, and monsters, including stats for creatures compatible with any DCC and MCC campaign

• Lost technology of the Golden Age of Man, and its effect on the Changeling Earth

• Statistics for all of the major characters from the trilogy, also usable as NPCs in any DCC or MCC campaign

• Two short low-level adventures to start your campaign

• And more!

Using this sourcebook requires the DCC RPG core rulebook. While this sourcebook contains all you need to play a campaign, Saberhagen’s novels are an invaluable resource in understanding the setting. We highly recommend you also read the Saberhagen Empire of the East series, available as a modern compilation or in the original three individual volumes, titled The Broken Lands, The Black Mountains, and Ardneh’s World (also published as Changeling Earth).

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