Druids of the Carnivorous Jungle

Page 1

Overview of Adventure

• Title: A 5e Compatible One-Shot by Rune Foundry

• Setting: Forested homes of Druids being threatened by expanding empires.

• Conflict: Sacred land for Druids diminishing due to lumber harvests.

• Druids' Responses:

  • Some fight back.

  • Others flee in search of new lands.

  • A few adapt to life in the dangerous Fangroot jungle.

Objective

• Goal: Navigate through Fangroot to establish a new home near The Mother Tree.

• Caution: Beware of predators and pitfalls in the jungle.

How to Use This Guide

• Inspiration for DMs: Suitable for new and experienced Dungeon Masters (DMs).

• Adventure Flexibility: Can be a one-shot, side quest, or intro adventure.

• Character Options: Recommended to use pre-made characters or create your own.

• Secrets for DMs: Story elements provided to enhance gaming experience.

Page 2

The Story So Far

• Druid Exodus: Druids forced from homes due to empire expansion.

• Main Character: Amaris, a friendly Druid, offers knowledge of The Mother Tree which provides refuge.

• Challenges: Amaris is somewhat lost, requiring the adventurers to guide the party.

Setting the Scene

• Initial Environment: Enter Fangroot jungle with Amaris leading the party.

• First Encounter: An Awakened Tree attacks, prompting a combat encounter.

• Post-Combat Puzzle: Defeated Awakened Tree drops a magical chest needing a Druid to transform into a badger for access.

  • Contents of Chest:

    • Journal by Jasper Fernlily (Amaris' grandad) documenting strange plant behavior in the jungle.

Page 3

The Carnivorous Jungle

• Jungle Characteristics:

  • Dense with ferns and humidity.

  • Variation in plant color and increased carnivorous plant activity presents dangers.

• Weather System: DM's discretion on rolling for weather affects adventuring experience.

Trailblazing Options

• Players choose paths:

  • Option A: Left to red flowers (possible danger from carnivorous plants).

  • Option B: Right to muddy marshland (requires checks for crossing).

DM Tips

• All paths lead to The Mother Tree but encounters differ based on chosen path.

• Player order matters when going through dense vegetation—passage in single-file line is essential.

Page 4

Continuing Adventures

• Dedication to the next choice after previous encounters:

  • Option C: Left towards crashing water (requires creative solutions to cross).

  • Option D: Right towards hornet swarm (navigating around them is crucial).

Skill Checks

• DC 15 Survival checks to orient the adventurers in navigating through scenarios.

• Obstacles yield varying rewards or consequences depending on the players' decisions.

Page 5

Cave and Treehouse Options

• Option E: Access a cave with bioluminescent mushrooms and a hoard of fruit (potential healing).

• Option F: Explore an abandoned treehouse where players can find a walking staff and healing potions.

Riddles and Encounters

• Engaging talking baboon challenges adventurers with riddles for assistance to escape from perilous situations.

  • Examples of Riddles:

    • Riddle 1: "If you squeeze me too hard... what am I? (Answer: Cherry)"

    • Riddle 2: "When darkness takes control... what am I? (Answer: Rain)"

Page 6

Arrival at The Mother Tree

• Environment Description: Clearing reveals The Mother Tree, which appears sickly due to parasitic plants.

• Combat Encounter: Fight against a Parasitic Vine, with assistance from Amaris.

Combat Mechanics

• The Mother Tree's State: 100 HP reduced to 35, can provide telepathic encouragement during battle.

• Healing mechanics for both the Mother Tree and players outlined for combat.

Conclusion Events

• Upon defeating the Parasitic Vine, players gain the opportunity to secure their home at The Mother Tree.

• Discussions on treehouse features and magical fruit rewards.

Page 7

Character Descriptions

• Amaris Fernlily: Lawful good, adventurous teenager, eager to guide her companions.

• Jasper Fernlily: Amaris' grandad, an adventurer assumed dead, known for his nature exploration.

Page 8

Encounter Descriptions

• Awakened Tree: Huge plant with specific vulnerabilities and attack capabilities outlined.

• Baboon NPC: Mischievous character providing a quirky interaction for players.

Page 9

Combat Creatures

• Parasitic Vine: Key creatures with their stats, abilities, and combat mechanics.

• Emphasis on restoration mechanics and grappled scenarios.

Page 10

Additional Creatures

• Information about Swarm of Hornets and The Mother Tree's stats and abilities.

Page 11

Legal and Licensing Information

• Open Game License 1.0a details provided outlining rights and requirements for game content usage and distribution.