Axeholm - Essentials Kit: Dragon of Icespire Peak

Axeholm. "Axeholm" is balanced for characters of 5th level, though characters of 3rd or 4th level can survive its perils if they are cautious and rest between encounters. Location Overview Axeholm is a dwarven fortress carved into the base of a mountain fifteen miles south of Phandalin. The site was abandoned and sealed up long years ago after being haunted by a banshee-the restless spirit of a moon elf ambassador named Vyldara who tried and failed to foment civil unrest among the dwarves. The dwarves imprisoned the elf and sent messages to her people, asking that they come to collect her. Before envoys could be sent, Vyldara killed two guards trying to escape, only to be cut down by dwarven axes before she could succeed. When the elf's evil spirit started filling Axeholm's halls with deathly wails, the dwarves abandoned their stronghold, but not before several dwarves slain by the banshee arose as ghouls to feed on their kin. Ghouls and other creatures now prowl Axeholm, while the banshee continues to haunt the fortress's upper halls. The banshee senses the arrival of adventurers with its Detect Life trait. In its twisted spectral mind, they are invaders who must be destroyed for their trespass. Quest Goals To complete the Axeholm Quest, adventurers must kill or drive out all the monsters in the fortress. Axeholm Features In the dwarves' absence, Axeholm has become a dark, sullen tomb, full of dust and bad memories. It's quiet most of the time, except when the sorrowful wails of the banshee fill the place. The following features are common throughout. Arrow Slits When using an arrow slit for protection, a creature gains cover (see the rulebook) against outside threats. A Medium character can't squeeze through an arrow slit, but a Small character can with a successful 10 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. Ballistas For its defense, Axeholm relied heavily on ballistas-massive crossbows that fire heavy bolts. A crew of three dwarves operated each ballista. Before it can...