The Poison in the Dark: Free Adventure Module
Hello, adventurers, and welcome to the Poison in the Dark!
This week’s video is the second installment in our six-part anniversary series, and we’re venturing into the untamed wilderness! The featured adventure module centers on intense, tactical combat encounters set in a sprawling outdoor environment.
Have you been looking for ways to challenge your players with dynamic terrains and strategic battles? Then this module is for you.
If you want to see the video explaining the module and the process to creating the maps, you can check it out here: I Made a POISON/GHOST Type Adventure for D&D
But maybe you're more interested in finding the downloadable content, and you can find it at the Red Quills Patreon channel.
Or, as always, you are very welcome to continue to browse through the Red Quills Journal for all of our other tutorials, insights, and downloadables from the past year. Some of our content has been migrated to the Patreon channel - but it's all still FREE!
Adventure Overview
In this poison-themed module, your players are thrust into the heart of a hostile environment where every decision matters. Whether it's the danger floating through the air, the hostile spirits dwelling in the mine, or the party of wererats, the module emphasizes:
Dynamic combat:
Terrain features like poison gas, cliffs, and dense passages force players to think strategically.
Survival mechanics:
Resource management and environmental hazards add layers of tension.
Immersive exploration:
Between battles, players will navigate the wilderness, uncovering secrets and encountering unexpected challenges.
In the video, I guide you through the module’s key encounters and share tips for adapting them to your campaign.
Key Maps Included
This module comes with a set of maps designed to capture the rugged beauty and danger of the wilderness:
Battle Gridmap:
Featuring the interior of the famous South Whitehill Mine, these are for exploration and combat, when your players can summon the nerve to enter within.
Exploration Maps:
Broad, scenic maps of the village and the hillside that encourage your players to think creatively about movement and navigation.
The tutorial covers how to make the most of these maps, from setting the scene to introducing tactical elements like choke points and ambush zones.
Running the Module
Here are some tips for bringing this adventure to life:
Use terrain to your advantage:
Make the environment an active participant in combat. Players can leverage natural features like cover or elevation, but they’ll also face challenges such as treacherous footing or limited visibility.
Balance exploration and combat:
While the battles are a highlight, give players time to breathe by including moments of exploration and discovery.
Highlight the stakes:
Resource scarcity and environmental hazards (e.g., difficult terrain, poison gas) can heighten the tension, making survival feel earned. By blending combat with exploration and survival, you’ll keep your players engaged from start to finish.
Download and Watch the Video
The full adventure module and maps are available on Patreon, and you’ll find the link in the video description. Be sure to watch today’s video for a detailed walkthrough of the module, including advice on scaling encounters for different party levels.
If your players love the thrill of tactical combat and the mystery of the great unknown, this module is bound to leave a lasting impression. I’d love to hear how your group handles its challenges, so share your experiences in the comments or tag me on social media.
Until next time, happy adventuring—and don’t forget to pack plenty of rations!