**Title: CHAPPELL GNOME: Save the Star, Stop the Sacrifice** _A D&D 5e Adventure in Kalteo_ **Adventure Type:** Urban rescue, infiltration, and ritual disruption **Level Range:** 5–8 **Estimated Runtime:** 1–2 sessions (6–10 hours) --- ### **Adventure Summary** Chappell Gnome, a queer glam-pop bard and rising magical icon, is scheduled for a spectacular one-night-only concert in Kalteo's Gilded Frame Theatre. But beneath the glitter lies a sinister plot: the concert is a front orchestrated by Big Tony, a powerful tiefling crime boss and wielder of the Hand of Vecna. His goal? To sacrifice Chappell in a dark ritual that feeds an eldritch entity known as the Maw That Whispers. The party is drawn into the chaos after hearing rumours of magical disappearances or being hired to work security for the event. They’ve never met Chappell personally, but her fame and magic make her a beloved public figure. As events spiral, the characters must investigate backstage, survive Syndicate ambushes, and stop the ritual before Chappell becomes another voice silenced forever. --- ### **Adventure Hooks (Choose One or More)** - **Starwatchers’ Guild** hires the players to keep an eye on arcane signatures spiking in the Gilded Frame Theatre. - **A contact in the city watch** tips them off about missing spellcasters. - **They’re hired as concert security** by an anxious patron. - **One player wins backstage passes** and invites the others. --- ### **ACT I: Velvet Curtains and Hidden Fangs** **Boxed Text: Arrival** > Kalteo glitters like a gemstone as the sun sets. Outside the Gilded Frame Theatre, fans in shimmering cloaks, enchanted makeup, and floating glowstick bracelets queue under enchanted billboards of Chappell Gnome. Her illusionary face winks as it sings in harmony with the crowd. Magic crackles in the air. **Entry Options:** - **Performance/Deception DC 14**: Pose as backup dancers, roadies, or security. - **Investigation DC 12, then Persuasion/Deception DC 15**: Create believable forged passes. - **Stealth DC 14**: Enter through loading docks or rooftop catwalks. **Initial Clues:** - **Perception DC 15**: See crates marked with sigils of binding and sacrifice. - **Investigation DC 13**: Discover a bricked-up tunnel vent humming with eldritch energy. - **Arcana DC 14**: Notice stage wards set to channel emotional magic. --- ### **ACT II: Backstage and Beneath** **Scene Objectives:** - Uncover Big Tony's involvement. - Discover the glyphs hidden backstage. - Speak with Zirra Vane. **Key NPC: Zirra Vane**, Chappell’s manager and makeup artist. - “Something’s off. She didn’t write her encore. The lights—they’re not just lights.” **Investigation Challenges:** - **Arcana DC 15**: Stage mirrors and amps leech enchantment magic. - **Insight DC 14**: Chappell seems unnaturally exhausted. - **Stealth DC 14**: Get beneath the stage—see ritual glyphs already glowing. --- ### **ACT III: Collapse and Chase** **Boxed Text: Mid-Concert Disaster** > As Chappell hits the final note of her third number, the stage shudders violently. A violet glow erupts from beneath. The floor splits open, and shadowy figures leap upward as Chappell screams—cut short—and vanishes through a glowing trapdoor. **Combat Encounter:** - 3x Syndicate Enforcers (use Thug stats) - 1x Ritual Lieutenant (Evocation-focused caster) **Skill Challenge: Pursuit Through Kalteo’s Veins** - **Athletics DC 13**: Leap fallen lighting rigs - **Dex Save DC 15**: Avoid burning sigils on the walls - **Perception DC 14**: Track magical residue - **Arcana DC 16**: Identify collapsing anchor runes **Random Encounter Table (roll d6 once during chase):** 1. Animated equipment crates burst open (Animated Armor) 2. Lost concertgoers trapped in collapsing tunnel 3. Enchanted fog causes hallucinations (WIS Save DC 13) 4. Rogue Syndicate scout with explosive rune arrows 5. A glyph triggers reverse gravity for 1 round 6. Psychic resonance shows players visions of other sacrifices --- ### **ACT IV: Ritual of the Maw** **Boxed Text: Eldritch Chamber** > Dim green light illuminates jagged stone. Syndicate banners hang over old shrine columns. At the centre, Chappell floats, suspended in magical silence, surrounded by glyphs of binding. Above her hovers a mirror of obsidian. Big Tony, cloaked in shadow, raises his corrupted hand—the Hand of Vecna—as the ritual intensifies. **Combat Encounter:** - **Big Tony (CR 7)** - HP: 110, AC 16, legendary action (Vecna-infused spell strike) - Casts Hold Person, Blight, Misty Step, Eldritch Blast - Will retreat at half HP using teleportation glyph - **2x Infernal Bouncers** (Gladiator stats with necrotic damage) - **1x Ritual Channeler** (custom mage, CR 4, counterspell and glyph enhancement) **Ritual Disruption Options:** - **Arcana DC 18**: Sever siphon runes (removes glyph barrier) - **Performance or Persuasion DC 17**: Sing with Chappell, weakening her bindings - **Strength DC 16**: Destroy dais, damaging Tony’s channeling - Each broken glyph = roll Wild Magic Surge (d6): 1. Reverse gravity 2. Blinding light (all creatures blinded 1 round) 3. Rift to Far Realm (summons Gibbering Mouther) 4. All spells cast are wild for 1 minute 5. Chappell radiates radiant healing (2d8 to allies) 6. Enemy becomes an instrument (Polymorph for 1 turn) --- ### **Conclusion & Rewards** **If Chappell is saved:** - Offers rewards and magical boons - Promises to write a song exposing the Syndicate - Opens new contacts in Kalteo’s rebellion **If Tony escapes:** - He retreats into the city’s underbelly, continuing his ritual plot **If Tony is slain:** - The Hand of Vecna remains and pulses... **Magic Rewards:** - _Glamour Mic_: +1 spell DC to Illusion/Enchantment, Calm Emotions 1/day - _Starboots of Syncopation_: Advantage on Performance & Acrobatics - _Ritual Mirror Shard_: +1 Arcana, reveals glimpses of Maw, whispers at night **Sequel Hooks:** - Chappell reveals coded lyrics hinting at other sacrifice sites - Underground prison unearthed, filled with arcane prisoners - The Maw That Whispers stirs, dreaming of song and silence Meet & Greet 275 Mike johns (Orlan) / Silvery Rose (Steve) / John Liguria ( Qwimby) Pit Price 200 Nissa / Breffni STandard 112 glow stick 5 silver Chappell Gnome Wand 5 gold Tote Bag 5 Silver Chappell Gnome Disquise Kit 2 gold Hot0Gnome 100 gold Outfit