782 Journey Through the Amber Plains

This adventuring supplement is designed for D&D5e. On our Patreon page you can get it in PDF format (see image). The downloads include hi-res images for the maps. And there is a variant PDF version designed for Shadowdark RPG.

“You must spear through the plains of our realm and reach our brothers in Grambury. You must not fail, we are counting on your heroic resolve”.

Lady Elara

The Amber Expanse plains stretch out in golden waves, a once serene landscape now marred by the threat of gnoll attacks. The Regal Road, a vital trade artery, runs parallel to the sparkling Sapphire River, connecting Brilshire in the north to Grambury in the south. This route, crucial for exporting and importing goods, has become perilous as the gnolls have seized most settlements, threatening the future of the expanse. Travelers now face constant danger, with ambushes and raids turning the once peaceful journey treacherous. Despite the threats, brave caravans still traverse the road, desperate to keep the lifeline between the two cities alive. The gnolls’ presence has cast a shadow over the plains, challenging the resilience and courage of all who dare to journey through.

The Expedition

In Brilshire, the heroes gather in dimly lit taverns and bustling marketplaces, piecing together rumors and firsthand accounts of gnoll activity. They consult with local leaders, including Lady Elara Windrider, and pore over maps marked with recent attacks. Armed with this knowledge, they set out on an expedition across the treacherous plains, their mission clear. They aim to reach Grambury while scouting the ruins of attacked settlements for valuable intelligence on the gnolls. Their objectives include recovering the remains and valuables of fallen leaders, and, most critically, searching for survivors and providing guidance and refuge to the displaced.

The checkpoints toward Grambury are Green Halls, the Amber Plateau, and Mudfoot River. But looking closely at the maps, the heroes notice smaller locations like Brownleaf Tavern and Merchants’ Pass.

Adventure Hooks

Several quests and jobs may be taken in Brilshire. The heroes have the option to do all of the following:

Main Mission. The heroes are hired by Lady Elara Windrider to transport supplies, food, and the due taxes to Grambury. Three civilians are in charge of the large cart and must reach Grambury safe too. The heroes are lent a horse each. All the steeds belong to Ragan Stormhead, the best breeder in the expanse (600 gp).
Guards. The heroes accept to escort a merchant caravan from Brilshire to Grambury. Felligris, the elf who owns the four fully loaded carts, travels with six men, two women, and four cargo mules (100 gp).
Other. Each area the characters visit features more NPCs and people in need. The heroes may meet new allies, obtain more gold, and earn a greater reputation throughout their journey. Some people happily surrender their jewelry or little gold they have left for a chance to a safe passage to Grambury. Alternatively, they can also consider raiding a gnoll’s camp themselves or even retrieve a battle trophy to boost the caravan’s morale.
Family Business. The retired knight (with half HP) hired the heroes to rescue his daughter. He is willing to accompany them on this journey as long as they promise to visit Fallstead after reaching Grambury. Talks of monster vegetables make the man worry about her (150 gp). Additionally, Old Ginner’s son, Adam, and Lady Elara’s nephew, Eric, were both in Letterton when the gnolls attacked. The heroes are tasked to look for them and any other survivors. These jobs, however, cannot be part of the expedition toward Grambury (350 gp).

RANDOM EVENT d6	Details
1	As the sun rises, the heroes are ambushed by four gnolls and one gnoll brute, forcing them into a swift and fierce skirmish.
2	A cloaked figure approaches the group at night, it is a woman (acolyte). She wishes to travel with the group and offers her help.
3	The heroes stumble upon a wrecked caravan next to Regal Road, its goods scattered and survivors hiding, greatly needing an escort to safety. It takes half a day to repair the carts so they can travel again. Ten commoners join the southbound expedition.
4	While resting by the river, a skiff approaches. Eight gnolls, one gnoll brute, and four gnoll skirmishers jump off and attack.
5	A sudden and violent storm strikes as the heroes traverse the Amber Expanse, testing their survival skills and forcing them to seek shelter in a nearby cave (DC 15 Survival). On a fail, all members of the expedition have disadvantage on their next check.
6	The heroes see a desperate man (guard), the only survivor of a scouting party. He needs to eat and rest but can help and fight.

Level 2 Region

Regal Road. A vital artery of commerce that stretches alongside the Sapphire River, linking Brilshire to Grambury. The road now lies perilously close to gnoll-occupied territories. Despite the danger, this well-paved route remains crucial for trade and communication.
Sapphire River. Renowned for its clear blue waters, this stream winds gracefully through the Amber Expanse, nourishing the land and its inhabitants.
Traveling the expanse has become perilous since the gnolls took over, with ambushes and raids turning them into treacherous passages. Travelers face constant threats from lurking gnoll scouts and traps, making every journey a gamble with their lives. Check for a Random Event (see above) each time the heroes travel from one place to another, or if they commit imprudent acts like traveling during nighttime (4-in-6 chance).