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.
“Leaf and flame may battle for the soul of this valley, but it is courage, not chaos, that will decide its fate. Help us! We must come out victorious.”
Shelandra, Ruler of Leaves
Leaf Valley, once a lush and peaceful haven, now stands on the edge of catastrophe. Known for its emerald forests, tranquil streams, and towering willows, the region’s harmony has been shattered by the fiery wrath of a dragon that scorches the skies. Yet, this is no ordinary dragon, for the truth of its origin lies in a terrible curse. Unbeknown to most, the incredible creature is not a natural-born terror, but a man who defiled the sacred—Eustace Gibett.
The Tragedy of Eustace Gibett
Eustace Gibett was once an ambitious explorer, driven by greed and an insatiable curiosity for ancient magic. Leading a group of fellow treasure hunters, he ventured into the forbidden Temple of the Dragon God, a long-forgotten ruin dedicated to the veneration of Targaronath, the Elder Wyrm of the Crimson Flame. For centuries, the temple had been sealed, its wards protecting the sanctity of the remains of this primordial being, but Eustace saw it as a mere obstacle in his quest for fortune.
He and his followers pillaged the temple, desecrating sacred relics, and looting ancient treasures, but their ultimate prize was a magic ring—the Draconid Band, a powerful ring imbued with ruby and draconic energy. It was never meant to be worn by a mortal, and in taking it, Eustace unknowingly sealed his fate. The moment the ring touched his finger, he was overcome by a curse from Targaronath’s slumbering power. His body twisted, his humanity burnt away, and he became a mockery of the being he sought to exploit—a dragon, but smaller, more feral, and consumed by endless hunger and rage. The first of his crimes was to end the lives of his followers. The poor men were no match for the abomination.
In his cursed form, Eustace knows nothing but pain and destruction. His mind is lost, leaving only a beast that ravages the valley in a ceaseless frenzy. The once noble explorer is just a shell, driven by an insatiable thirst for chaos. There is a way to undo this process, but unfortunately for Eustace, the people of Leaf Valley are looking for heroes to defeat the monster, not to help it.
Adventure Hook
- The Quest. Shelandra, the leader of Leaf Valley, has called for heroes. For her, the task is simple. The monster must perish. She ignores the origin of the dragon that ravages her territory so she needs brave warriors who shall not falter when confronting the beast. She offers a reward of 3,000 gp for the dragon’s head.
Level 1-4 Region
- Shattered Sky. A strange, permanent crimson glow taints the skies above Northcrest Mountain, a result of the ruby dragon’s fiery breath. At night, the light pulses like a heartbeat, casting an ominous red hue over the valley. This has everyone worried and on their toes.
- Destruction. Throughout the valley, blackened earth and charred trees create a winding path of destruction leading from some locations to others. The air smells of ash, and faint embers flicker in the lands.
- Whispering Winds. As the heroes travel deeper into the vale, they notice the wind carries soft, eerie whispers, almost as if the very vale were speaking. Some believe the souls of the Night of Spirits communicate through the winds, warning of dangers ahead. This otherworldly feature has no mechanical effect on the journey, though.
| RUMORS d6 | Details |
| 1 | Former travelers and visitors to the Night of Spirits say the ancient forest ghosts have grown restless, and one recently mentioned seeing “the cursed one” flee from something darker still, hidden in the valley’s heart. It is all a mysterious message. |
| 2 | The dragon is the result of powerful magic. The elder druids of Glenfield speak of strange magics binding the creature. |
| 3 | Rumor has it that a second dragon, much larger and more powerful, slumbers deep beneath Northcrest Mountain. |
| 4 | Locals say that Duskview is slowly disappearing, house by house. There are various crazy stories surrounding this rumor. Some believe the town is being pulled into a parallel realm as a result of the dragon’s cursed presence. This is not true. |
| 5 | It is said that an ancient dragonkin, once a servant of Targaronath, still lives in exile within the forest north of Glenfield. |
| 6 | Traveling merchants whisper that foul bandits, emboldened by the chaos, have taken to ambushing all travelers in the territory. |
Exploration Encounters
Roll 1d6 when the characters travel to a new location. Roll twice if they travel during the night, or if they fail to spot monsters and danger (DC 12 Survival check).
- The heroes stumble upon a rhinoceros. The wild beast is neutral to them unless they approach.
- The heroes see 2d8 wild horses running free.
- The heroes unluckily walk on the path that brigands stalk. One thief and three bandits threaten them.
- A scared, angry gorilla panics before the heroes. The large primate is trying to get away from a troll. They can ignore the chase. But if the heroes step in, the troll turns its attention to them entirely.
- While the heroes travel, the ruby dragon flies above their heads. It breathes fire on them and then flies away, satisfied with its chaotic attitude.
- Spawns of the ruby dragon find the heroes. Three ashen wyrmlings fly up to them and attack!
Queendell, Seat of Shalendra, Ruler of Leaves
Shelandra, the Ruler of Leaves, has reigned for centuries with wisdom and grace. Her connection to the natural world is profound and the valley has flourished under her rule. However, even Shelandra’s powerful magics cannot quell the threat posed by the cursed dragon.
She oversees the city from the Bastion of Leaves, her home and fort. The strong walls and watchtowers keep the people calm and protected. Queendell’s citizens trust that their leader shall find a solution to their problem.
Night of Spirits
A mystical grove where time seems to stand still. Under a canopy of old trees, the boundary between the mortal realm and the spirit world fades. Locals believe that the whispers of ancestors can be heard on moonlit nights. Pilgrims visit this sacred place to seek guidance, perform rituals, or leave offerings and feel blessed. The grove offers a unique opportunity to commune with the ethereal, uncovering secrets long forgotten by the living.
Willowhill
Second only to Queendell, Willowhill is a large and prosperous settlement known for its willow-lined avenues and bountiful farmland. The city’s namesake trees bend low, creating natural archways throughout the town. Willowhill is famed for its skilled herbalists and brewers who create potions and remedies known throughout the valley. However, the dragon’s recent raids have left many of its fields scorched, and the once-thriving marketplace is now a place of anxious whispers and shuttered stalls.
Wildsor
Wildsor is located nearby the Northcrest Mountain. It is a rugged and untamed place, home to hunters, trappers, and woodsmen who live in constant vigilance against the dangers that lurk beyond the valley’s protective mountains. The dragon has hit Wildsor the hardest, and many of its people have fled south to Willowhill, or disappeared into the wild, hoping to find refuge and remain unnoticed. Those who remain have fortified their town, preparing for what may be a final, desperate defense.
Temple of the Dragon God
Leaf Vale’s inhabitants know little about this place. Magical wards and immortal guardians have kept treasure-seekers and tomb robbers at bay. But the heroes might find answers to valuable information here.
Curse of Pinegate
The poor people of Pinegate find themselves under a strange spell. Everyone in town suffers from horrible nightmares. No one has been able to get a good night’s sleep in weeks. The people affected ignore if this situation has anything to do with the scaled monster. Fortunately, Pinegate remains untouched by the dragon’s fire.
Ironbark Catacombs
Hidden deep beneath the towering trees north of Leaf Vale, are a vast network of ancient tunnels carved into the roots of the legendary Ironbark trees. Long used as a burial ground for the valley’s most honored warriors and druids, the catacombs are guarded by enchanted roots that shift and coil, protecting the sacred dead.
Shrine of Beggars
A humble stone altar, weathered by time, nestled in a quiet hillside to the east of Glenfield. Once a place where the destitute came to offer prayers to forgotten gods, it is said that those who leave a coin or a scrap of food may receive a fleeting glimpse of their future.
Maw of the Ruby Dragon
Once a dormant volcanic chamber, this place has become the lair of the cursed dragon, Eustace. Rubies and molten rock glisten in the dim light, giving the cave its ominous name, though few dare approach. The heroes may learn about the Draconid Band’s existence, the source of Eustace’s torment, before coming here. To defeat or try to help the dragon is something they must decide.
Other Locations
Apart from the capital and Willowhill, Leaf Vale’s population is scattered in many other smaller, but not less important towns. The heroes’ quest may bring them to any of the following locations: Duskview, Glenfield, Opal Pass, and Fairnook. The locals consider themselves lucky; the dragon has focused its rage on the larger settlements as of now. However, the populace believes something must be done before the draconic abomination destroys their farms and everything they have worked for. Nobody from these towns knew Eustace in the past, nor his fate.
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