Caravans (AD&D Fantasy Roleplaying, Al-Qadim)

128 Pages·1994·15.51 MB·English

by  Rick Swan

Campaign Guide
Credits Contents
Introduction, 3
Written by Rick Swan
What You Need, 4
Edited by C. Terry & Dezra D. Phillips
Typeset by Angelika Lokotz Chapter 1: Ala(cid:146)i the Hungry, 6
Questioning Ala(cid:146)i, 7
Interior Art by Karl Waller
Sources of Pages, 8
Cover Art by Fred Fields
Ala(cid:146)i(cid:146)s Responses, 8
Poster Art by Dee Barnett Which Response?, 9
Cartography by David C. Sutherland III Other Properties, 9
Special thanks to Wolfgang Bauer
Chapter 2: Trader(cid:146)s Tour of the High Desert, 10
Al-Adib River, 11
ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, DUNGEON MASTER,
Burning Pools of Natifa, 12
AD&D, AL-QADIM, and MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM are registered
Fabada, 12
trademarks owned by TSR, Inc.
Genies(cid:146) Anvil, 14
MONSTROUS MANUAL and the TSR logo are trademarks owned by TSR, House Fajirik Military Camp, 14
Inc. Hulm, 15
Jamal Oasis, 15
All TSR characters, character names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are
trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. Mountains of Forgotten Dreams, 15
Pit of the Ghuls, 17
Printed in the United States of America. Quabah, 17
Raziz, 18
'1994 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material is protected under the
Spire of Kor, 18
copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or
unauthorized use of the materials or artwork presented herein without the Tajar, 19
express written permission of TSR, Inc. is prohibited. Vahtov, 20
Vishap(cid:146)s Teeth, 21
Random House and its affiliated companies have worldwide distribution rights
Yarrat, 21
in the book trade for English language products of TSR, Inc. Distributed to the
book and hobby trade in the UK by TSR Ltd. Distributed to the toy and
hobby trade by regional distributors. Chapter 3: Sahja(cid:146)s Lore, 22
Caravans, 22
Camels, 24
Water, 25
Hazards, 27
TSR, Inc. TSR Ltd.
POB 756 120 Church End Chapter 4: Adversaries and Allies, 29
Lake Geneva Cherry Hinton Khafaz ibn Dahz, 30
WI 53147 Cambridge CB1 3LB
Turin, 31
U.S.A. United Kingdom
Tables
Table 1:Random Maxims, 9
Table2: Heat-related Damage, 27
Table3: Monster Summary, 32
ISBN 1-56076-903-3 9459XXX1902
2
Introduction
R
eturning from the bazaar, Husar saw his favorite niece sitting on a low stone
fence, idly tossing pebbles into the dirt. Her face was drawn, the corners of her
mouth turned down. She looked as if she had swallowed a pitcher of sour milk.
(cid:147)What is the matter, my child?(cid:148) asked the elder.
Jamilia threw another stone and watched the dirt settle around it. (cid:147)Nothing.(cid:148)
(cid:147)Very well,(cid:148) replied Husar. He straightened the cowl around his slim shoulders. (cid:147)Be
sure to leave some stones for the other sullen children. (cid:148) He turned to leave.
(cid:147)Wait,(cid:148) Said Jamilia. She tossed her black, silken hair behind her shoulders.
Husar paused. He looked down his strong, aquiline nose at her. (cid:147)Yes?(cid:148)
(cid:147)I failed my history examination today,(cid:148) she said, running tapered fingers over the
stones cemented in the fence. (cid:147)My instructor said I must take it again.(cid:148)
(cid:147)Then you have nothing to feel bad about,(cid:148) said Husar. (cid:147)Apply yourself diligently,
and you are certain to pass the examination in your second attempt. (cid:148)
(cid:147)But I do not want to study history. It is a waste of time. I have no use for so many
facts. (cid:148)
Husar settled down beside his petite niece. (cid:147)Hear this story, my child. It is about two
twin boys, Umar and Karim. In appearance, they could not have been more similar,
boasting chiseled features and strong bodies worthy of a sultan.
(cid:147)But in outlook, they could not have been more different. Umar loved books and
learning. By age two, he could identify birds by the sound of their songs. By age six, he
could speak three languages. Karim, however, had no use for such things. He reacted so
violently to his parents(cid:146) efforts to teach him reading and writing that they eventually
gave up. Karim took pride in his ignorance, declaring that experience was a far better
teacher than books, and that his brother was a fool for wasting his life stuffing his head
with useless information.
(cid:147)By the time the twins reached adolescence, their dispositions had manifested
themselves physically. Umar(cid:146)s head had doubled in size, becoming as large as a boulder.
It was a marvelous thing; at will, Umar could command his head to inflate with air and
3
carry him into the sky. So tough was his skull that it could DM, to the appropriate section of the Adventure Book.
batter down stone walls; in fact, when Umar breached the The adventure breaks down as follows:
enemy(cid:146)s castle by pummeling it with his head, he won the Siege Episode One. Solving the mystery of a talking tent
of Essafah al-Ibahs. brings the PCs to the attention of Fahad al-Zakir, one of
(cid:147)Karim, sadly, suffered a much different fate. His head Tajar(cid:146)s wealthiest and most revered dignitaries. Fahad
withered and shrank, taking on the appearance of a rotten hires the PCs for an expedition that will take them across
apple. His skull became as soft as mud. He died in a storm the High Desert to the Pit of the Ghuls. Their mission: to
when a strong wind snapped his head from his neck and locate and retrieve Fahad(cid:146)s missing fiance, Sita, whom
carried it away.(cid:148) Fahad has not seen in more than half a century and
Jumilia looked at her uncle incredulously. She cupped her whom he still dearly loves.
hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. (cid:147)I have listened to many Episode Two. This episode details the party(cid:146)s trek
of your fantastic tales,(cid:148) she said, (cid:147)but none so fantastic as across the High Desert, fraught with scheming genies,
this. Is it really true?(cid:148) suspicious strangers, and ferocious monsters.
(cid:147)No,(cid:148) admitted Husar. (cid:147)But it might as well be.(cid:148) Episode Three. The party meets an eccentric mystic
who gives them access to a powerful magical item, but
Welcome to Caravans, an epic adventure of treachery, only if they help him deal with a bizarre entity from
intrigue, and romance set in Zakhara, the Land of Fate. another world.
The adventure is designed for three to five player Episode Four. At a military camp deep in the High
characters (PCs) of levels five to nine, with a total of 20 Desert, the party becomes embroiled in an ancient feud
to 30 levels for the entire party. between two warring tribes and meets a sorcerer with a
You, the Dungeon Master (DM), should familiarize deadly secret.
yourself with all of the materials in this set before Episode Five. An investigation of Vahtov, the village
beginning play. where Sita was last seen, leads to an ancient crypt and an
alliance with a mysterious, shapeshifter.
What You Need Episode Six. A deadly confrontation in a fiery palace
beneath the Pit of the Ghuls determines the fate of
C
aravans assumes you have access to the Player(cid:146)s Fahad(cid:146)s lost love.
Handbook, the DUNGEON MASTERfi Guide, the
The Campaign Guide
MONSTROUS MANUAL(cid:153) accessory (or the first two
volumes of the MONSTROUS COMPENDIUMfi), and the The 32-page Campaign Guide, which you(cid:146)re reading now,
AL-QADIMfi Arabian Adventures sourcebook. The contains source material to suppplement the information
AL-QADIM MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM Appendix and the in the Adventure Book:
Land of Fate boxed set are helpful but not mandatory. Chapter 1. This chapter describes Ala(cid:146)i the Hungry, a
magical item that the PCs acquire in Episode One of the
The Adventure Book
Adventure Book.
The 64-page Adventure Book consists of six episodes. Most Chapter 2. Here you(cid:146)ll find descriptions of key
likely, the PCs will move through the episodes in locations in the High Desert, with commentary by one of
sequence, but because their actions are unpredictable, Zakhara(cid:146)s most esteemed traders.
they may decide to pursue the episodes in a different Chapter 3. This chapter provides information relevant
order. The (cid:147)What Next?(cid:148) section at the end of each to desert travel, including caravan organization, water
episode discusses the party(cid:146)s options and directs you, the sources, and camel behavior.
4
Chapter 4. Included here are profiles of two major The Adventure Book explains when and how to use
nonplayer characters and a section summarizing the each of the player handouts (PH(cid:146)s).
statistics of most of the monsters featured in the (cid:149) Six card sheets, color on one side, black and white on
adventure. the other. Four of the colored sides are Ala(cid:146)i(cid:146)s
Responses, representing Ala(cid:146)i the Hungry in various
DM(cid:146)s Maps and Players(cid:146) Aids
states of activation. Chapter 1 of this book explains
Other components in this box : their use. The other two colored sides are DM maps
(cid:149) A poster-sized reproduction of a magical silken carpet (Tajar and Environs and the High Desert). The six
called Ala(cid:146)i the Hungry. The PCs acquire this black-and-white sides contain tactical maps and
powerful item during their quest. Chapter 1 of this diagrams for encounters described in the Adventure
book explains how to use it. Book.
(cid:149) An eight-page handout booklet, including two
MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM pages. Carefully remove That(cid:146)s it. You(cid:146)re ready to begin. May Fate grant you a
the staples from this booklet to separate the sheets. clear mind, a keen eye, and a strong heart!
5
Chapter 1
Ala(cid:146)i the Hungry
J
amilia found her uncle asleep in the shade of a towering palm. (cid:147)Wake up, Uncle,(cid:148)
she said excitedly. (cid:147)See what I bought! Is it not exquisite?(cid:148)
Husar rose and wiped the sleep from his eyes. Before him, his niece proudly displayed
a violet tapestry embroidered with an intricate pattern of stars and sunflowers.
(cid:147)It is for Mother(cid:146)s birthday,(cid:148) she said. (cid:147)I spent the money I earned grooming camels
for Ahmad the herdsman. It cost only two silver pieces. (cid:148)
Husar ran his hand along the edge of the tapestry, a few of the fibers working loose
in his hand. It was worth no more than two silver pieces, if that. But the thought would
mean more to Jamilia’s mother than the craftsmanship. (cid:147)It is a fine piece, (cid:148) he said,
(cid:147)You struck a good bargain.(cid:148)
Jamilia rolled her treasure into a bundle, then sat beside her uncle in the cool shade.
(cid:147)The merchant said the tapestry would not be out of place hanging beside Ala(cid:146)i the
Hungry,(cid:148) said Jamilia. (cid:145)What a strange idea, a tapestry hanging next to a person.(cid:148)
Husar,laughed. (cid:147)No, my child. Ala(cid:146)i is not a person. It is the name of a carpet. A
most famous and most magical carpet. Listen!
(cid:147)Ages ago, there a lived a sha(cid:146)ir named Ala’i ibn Dissafah, a man with eyes as
brown as almonds and a thick mane of ebony hair. A man blessed by the gods, Ala(cid:146)i
had distinguished himself in not one but three fields of endeavor. First, he excelled as a
seer, a prophet so skilled that he could predict the number of drops that would fall in a
rainstorm. Second, he was a weaver of consummate artistry, producing caftans so
splendid that maidens swooned at the sight. And third, he was a brilliant scholar,
proficient in poetry, philosophy, and literature.
(cid:147)But though Ala(cid:146)i was an exceptional man, he was a man nonetheless. And like all
men, his days on this world were limited. Ala(cid:146)i mourned his old age, not because he
feared death, but because of all he wanted to do. (cid:145)I regret having not spent more time in
study, (cid:146) he(cid:146) lamented to a genie. (cid:145)Would that I had spent less time spinning cloth and
telling(cid:146) fortunes, and more in the company of great poets and writers .(cid:146)
(cid:147)(cid:145)I cannot give you back your youth,(cid:146) said the genie. (cid:145)But I can offer you a second
life of sorts, one drawn from your three great skills. If, that is, you are willing to
abandon this life for one quite different. (cid:146)
6
(cid:147)Without hesitation, Ala(cid:146)i agreed. When the PCs acquire Ala(cid:146)i the Hungry in Episode
(cid:147)With a wave of his hand, the genie caused a loom of light One, give the players the poster-sized reproduction,
to rise from the sand. (cid:145)Spin,(cid:146) he instructed Ala’i. (cid:145)Use your which they may retain for the entire adventure. For
hair for the yarn.(cid:146) Ala(cid:146)i grasped a lock of his hair and pulled. reference, the top of Ala(cid:146)i(cid:146)s head points to the top of the
To his amazement, the hair stretched to many times its normal carpet, and his chin points to the bottom.
length. Guided by the genie, Ala(cid:146)i began to spin, using his hair
to produce a multicolored cloth. But, the more hair Ala(cid:146)i Questioning Ala(cid:146)i
pulled, the smaller his body became, until at last there was
A
nothing left but his head. The genie finished the job, pulling character may question Ala(cid:146)i by rolling the carpet
more of Ala(cid:146)i(cid:146)s hair until the head, too, had disappeared, and out on a flat surface, then placing his hands, palms
there was nothing left of Ala(cid:146)i but a pile of cloth. down, on either side of Ala(cid:146)i(cid:146)s image. The question may
(cid:147)From this cloth, the genie fashioned a carpet emblazoned be as general or as specific as the character likes.
with all manner of symbols and decorations. Centered in the After the character asks his question, he must feed
carpet was an image of Ala(cid:145)i(cid:146)s head. Said the genie: (cid:145)Let it be Ala(cid:146)i. Owing to Ala(cid:146)i ibn Dissafah(cid:146)s love of the written
known that the reborn Ala(cid:146)i hungers for the written words of word, the carpet eats only loose pages from books of great
great thinkers. In return for these words, he will share his gift literature, poetry, and philosophy. If Ala(cid:146)i accepts the
of prophecy. So shall it be for a thousand and one years.(cid:146) With offered page, then he will answer the question. If Ala(cid:146)i
that, the genie disappeared. (cid:148) rejects the page, he remains silent.
Jamilia was wide-eyed. (cid:147)Does Ala(cid:146)i still exist?(cid:148) An acceptable offering must meet the following
(cid:147)Oh yes,(cid:148) replied her uncle. (cid:147)Ala(cid:146)i the Hungry is now requirements:
owned by Fahad al-Zakir. It is said that Fahad has used Ala(cid:146)i • It must be a single page. Ala(cid:146)i will not accept multiple
to help him accumulate his great wealth.(cid:148) pages or full volumes.
(cid:147)Has Fahad used Ala(cid:146)i selfishly?(cid:148) (cid:149) The page can be no smaller than the hoof of an
(cid:147)In a sense, he has. But Fahad is a good man. His infant camel (approximately 3 inches wide), nor
businesses provide many jobs, and his investments have larger than a sultan(cid:146)s dinner plate (about a foot and a
enriched our community. half in diameter). Ala(cid:146)i prefers parchment and paper,
(cid:147)Is Ala(cid:146)i bad? The carpet, I mean.(cid:148) but at the DM(cid:146)s discretion, he may accept writings on
Husar stroked his niece(cid:146)s long black hair. (cid:147)No, my child. cloth, hide, or even stone.
The carpet is neither good nor bad. It merely is. (cid:148) • The page must be intact, with no rips, holes, missing
pieces, or significant fading. The writing may cover
Ala(cid:146)i the Hungry is the name of a powerful magical one or both sides of the page. An acceptable page
item resembling a silken carpet. If used properly, Ala(cid:146)i can must include at least two paragraphs of text or four
predict the future, supply clues to mysteries, and suggest lines of verse (but quality writing will not be rejected
the best courses of action. Ala(cid:146)i(cid:146)s information, however, because of length).
can be frustratingly imprecise; both wisdom and diligence (cid:149) The page must be at least one century old.
are needed to decipher his messages. • The page must be written by a scholar, poet,
The carpet is 4 feet wide and 6 feet long, as soft as a philosopher, or renowned thinker of at least 15th
kitten(cid:146)s fur, and decorated with colorful symbols, level. Any character class or kit is acceptable, though
illustrations, and maxims. The image in the center of the Ala(cid:146)i prefers sha(cid:146)irs, barbers, pragmatists, and
carpet represents Ala(cid:146)i ibn Dissafah himself, eyes closed, hakimas.
waiting for inquiries. • The page must be written in the author(cid:146)s own hand.
7
As long as a character has a supply of suitable pages, he Ala(cid:146)i(cid:146)s Responses
may ask as many questions as he likes.
E
ven if the character supplies Ala(cid:146)i with a suitable
Sources of Pages
page, Ala(cid:146)i may still reject it. He may have studied
that page before, or he may not be interested in that
S
uitable pages are made available to the party in subject. Because Ala(cid:146)i is an honorable carpet, he won(cid:146)t
Episodes One, Two, and Five, represented by Players(cid:146) accept a page if he doesn(cid:146)t have an answer to the
Handouts (PH) 1 to 12. Give these handouts to the question. (You can control the information supplied to
players as directed in the Adventure Book. the PCs by deciding which questions Ala(cid:146)i will answer.)
The text on the handouts has no special meaning or If Ala(cid:146)i can(cid:146)t or won(cid:146)t respond to a character(cid:146)s question,
relevance. Any page makes a suitable offering for any nothing happens. The character can keep the page and
question. use it again later.
If the PCs are having a hard time, you may make If Ala(cid:146)i chooses to respond, the page disappears; Ala(cid:146)i
additional pages available elsewhere in the adventure. For the Hungry has (cid:147)eaten(cid:148) it. The eyes of the image on the
example, while traveling through the High Desert, the carpet open, and he responds in one of the following
party might spot a rusty chest half buried in a dune. The ways:
chest might contain gold pieces and a page or two of 1. Sections in the center of the carpet darken.
poetry. For these (cid:147)extra(cid:148) pages, you can recycle handouts 2. One of the four star-bordered scenes in the corners
that Ala(cid:146)i has already devoured or make your own. begins to change and moves like an animated cartoon.
8