Exemplars of Evil

CHAPTER 5
CALAIS
ARCHWINTER
88
Illus. by W. Mahy
DEFENSES
Tamesik commissioned a powerful wizard to produce an
illusion that makes the warehouse appear to be a normal
storehouse with a few guards. Intruders have trouble navigating
the area and fighting back against rapid assaults.
The chapel (area 3) is protected by a shadesteel golem. This
construct is held in a magical rapier that Tamesik found in
the Underdark. If the altar is touched by someone who does
not possess the appropriate key, the rapier transforms into
the golem, which attacks the person who touched the
altar and anyone else nearby. Simultaneously,
the statues in the sanctuary release hordes
of tomb spider broodswarms.
Kjarlo and Darzemaan take turns
monitoring activities within the
warehouse. In tactical encounter
5–1 (page 90), Darzemaan is overseeing
the area, but Kjarlo
could easily be lurking
nearby. With his powers,
the warlock tries
to influence the emotions
and actions of the
PCs. If he fails, he retreats
to the lower complex.
Kjarlo is always prepared
and remains several steps
ahead of any intruders—
he is nearly impossible
to surprise.
If the PCs are detected
in the warehouse,
word spreads to the
lower complex, allowing
its inhabitants time
to prepare spells, don
armor, and take other
precautions. Unless
the characters overcome
the difficulties
of entering through
the warehouse, they are
not likely to surprise the
denizens below.
AREA
DESCRIPTIONS
The Chelicerata complex contains
many entrances and exits, allowing
villains, minions, and guards a number
of possible escape routes. Calais and her
minions can be found anywhere in the compound, but are
most likely encountered in their respective living areas or as
noted in the following area descriptions. These descriptions
correspond with the map on page 89.
1. Warehouse: The complex begins in this warehouse. The
PCs can enter through locked cargo doors on the southern
and eastern walls (Open Lock DC 32), or they can attempt
to scale the building (Climb DC 20) and sneak in through
the high windows on the northern and western walls. The
number of guards varies depending on the time of day, but
because drow are mostly nocturnal, the heaviest concentration
is present at around midnight. Darzemaan is often found
here, ready to charm or disable foes. If things go poorly, he
flees into the lower complex. Each warehouse guard carries a
key to the cargo doors. For more details, see tactical encounter
5–1 (page 90).
1a. Secret Staircase: A spiral staircase hidden under a
crate leads down to a landing in the underground complex.
From the landing, a set of stairs descends into a series of tunnels
(area 2c).
2a. Administrative Office: This small administrative
office is always locked (Open Lock DC 32).
It contains a writing desk with one drawer and
a small bookshelf that holds academic
and economic tomes. In the locked
desk drawer (Open Lock DC 28)
is a fat book of accounts. If anyone
reads a page of the book
without first uttering the password,
a blast glyph of warding is
triggered. Only Calais and her
minions have keys to the office
and to the drawer.
Any characters inspecting the
desk can attempt a DC 32 Search
check; success indicates the
discovery of a small secret compartment
that houses a silver box.
The box is worth 100 gp and
contains the treasure listed
below.
Glyph of Warding
(Blast) Trap: CR 6; spell;
spell trigger; no reset;
spell effect (blast glyph
of warding, 16th-level
cleric, 8d8 sonic, Reflex
DC 14 half); multiple targets
(all targets within 5 ft.);
Search DC 28; Disable Device
DC 28.
Treasure: 400 pp, scroll of fl a m e
strike, scroll of heal, scroll of restoration,
scroll of sending.
2b. Reldeth’s Closet: This room
used to be a storage closet, but it was
abandoned after a drow guard named
Reldeth died here during a hazing.
Reldeth now haunts the chamber as
Punishment for touching the altar
a spectre. He leaves Calais and her
most important minions alone, but he
torments any guards who open the closet door, and attacks
unfamiliar visitors outright. The closet door is locked (Open
Lock DC 25).
Reldeth (Spectre): hp 45 (7 HD); MM 232.
2c. Tunnels: Manmade tunnels connect the rooms in the
underground portion of the trade complex. The tunnels that
lead to the barracks and quarters (areas 4 to 7) are rougher
than those in the former brewery.
3. Chapel: Tamesik had consecrated this small chapel to
Lolth, and Calais left it intact so as not to raise suspicions