The Weight of Hope
One-Shot · 6 Players · Level 6 · ~3.5 Hours · Greek Mythology
📜 Session Summary
| Style Mythic Quest · Roleplay, Investigation & Combat |
| Win Condition Seal Pandora's Jar and free the Isle of Anemos — Pandora need not die |
| Players 6 × Level 6 |
| Est. Duration 3–3.5 hours |
| Encounters 3 — Enc. 1 skippable via skill challenge · Enc. 2 skippable via riddle or roleplay · Enc. 3 multi-path resolution |
| Setting Aegean Sea → Isle of Anemos: rocky shore, ruined temple courtyard, underground sanctum |
Description
Zeus — disguised as a salt-weathered sailor — hands the party a sealed clay amphora and a cryptic note before they disembark for the Isle of Anemos. Pandora has spent centuries on that island haunted by the evils she once loosed; the jar that began it all stands open in her sanctum, bleeding shadows into the world. Armed with a fragment of divine hope and whatever allies they find along the way, the party must seal the jar — by cunning, compassion, or force.
"What was last to leave the jar awaits return. Do not open until you stand before the source."
Key NPCs
Zeus / "Dios" — Quest Giver
Appears as a stocky, grey-bearded sailor with unnaturally calm eyes and a faint smell of ozone. Hands the party the Amphora of Elpis and departs before the trireme leaves harbour. Secret: DC 16 Insight or Perception reveals an eagle birthmark on his left forearm. He is Zeus. He cannot intervene directly.
Phaedon — Blind Seer (Trireme Passenger)
A white-haired elder with milky eyes, planted on the trireme by Apollo. Knows Pandora's weakness and can read the Jar inscription without a check. Speaks in cryptic verse but means well. Secret: His blindness is Apollo's gift — he sees truth rather than surface, and cannot be fooled by illusions or shapechangers.
Acantha — Ash Nymph, Isle Guide
Met on the island's shore after Encounter 1. Bound to the isle's ash trees by the curse, she knows every path and carries the Sprig of Asphodel. Secret: Sealing the Jar will free her from the island — she is quietly desperate for it but will not say so.
Creature / Enemy List
| Creature | Enc. | Easy | Medium | Hard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siren | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Skippable via skill challenge |
| Kyros the Warden | 2 | — | 1 | 1 | Bypassed with riddle/RP/Amphora |
| Empousai Guard | 2 | — | 2 | 2 | Stand down if Kyros is satisfied |
| Pandora | 3 | — | 1 | 1 | Boss; multi-path resolution — need not die |
| Shadow | 3 | 2 | 3–4 | 5+ | Summoned by Pandora; dismissed by Amphora |
| Specter | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Summoned by Pandora; dismissed by Amphora |
Major Beats
- Party boards the trireme. Zeus / "Dios" hands over the Amphora of Elpis with the sealed note, then departs without another word.
- Aboard the trireme: Phaedon approaches and shares his prophecy — Pandora is not a monster; she is a prisoner of her own grief. "The jar does not need a conqueror. It needs a witness."
- Encounter 1: The trireme rounds the final cape toward the Isle of Anemos. Sirens begin their luring song from the sea-crags. Skill challenge to pass or fight.
- On the island's shore, Acantha emerges from the ash-grey treeline. She offers the Sprig of Asphodel and warns of the warden ahead.
- Encounter 2: The ruined temple gate. Kyros bars the arch with his riddle. Solve it, show the Amphora, or fight through — the Empousai stand down only if Kyros is satisfied.
- The party descends into Pandora's Sanctum. Three Sealing Circles pulse on the floor. The open Jar bleeds shadow-light from its pedestal. Pandora paces in the dark, robed in grief.
- Encounter 3: Pandora attacks, summoning Shadows and Specters from the Jar. Activate the Sealing Circles, use the Amphora of Elpis, or persuade her through her grief.
- Resolution: The Jar seals. Acantha's bond to the isle breaks — she laughs for the first time in centuries. Phaedon nods. A golden eagle descends. Zeus reveals himself.
Encounter 1 — The Siren Shore
Overview
As the trireme rounds the final cape toward the Isle of Anemos, unearthly voices rise from the sea-crags — three Sirens perching on the rocks, their song pulling at every mind aboard. The party has one round before the song fully takes hold. They can attempt a collective skill challenge to navigate past without bloodshed, or engage the Sirens directly. Failing the skill challenge does not end it — combat begins but the challenge's partial successes are not wasted.
- Style: Skill challenge (primary) / Combat (fallback)
- Win Condition: Silence or escape the Siren Song and reach the shore
Creatures
- 3× Siren — CR 2 (450 XP each)
Skill Challenge
- 3 successes before 3 failures
- Each PC contributes 1 check per attempt
- 3 failures → combat begins
- Any prior successes reduce rounds needed
🗺 Terrain & Features
Rocky coastal approach — 80×60 ft (trireme deck + sea-crags)
- Trireme deck: 60×20 ft — raised railings provide half cover (AC 10, 5 HP per section)
- Sea-crags: Difficult terrain; 10–15 ft elevation above waterline; half cover from rocks
- Open water: Costs 3× movement to enter; DC 12 STR (Athletics) or be swept 10 ft and knocked prone
- Sirens start at crags, 60 ft from the trireme's prow
Harder: 4 Sirens; on round 2, the crew begins rowing toward the rocks (trireme drifts 20 ft toward hazards each round until redirected with DC 14 CHA Intimidation check on the helmsman).
Mechanics
On the approach round, PCs choose from the following. Each PC may attempt one check. Successes and failures accumulate across the group.
Valid Checks
- DC 14 WIS Save — Stuff ears and resist the luring pull. Improvised ear-plugs (wax, cloth, torn sailcloth) grant advantage. Auto-success if Silence is active in the area.
- DC 15 Performance (CHA) — Counter-sing or play an instrument loud enough to disrupt the Siren's melody. Bards and instrument players have advantage.
- DC 14 Arcana (INT) — Identify and disrupt the magical resonance pattern of the song. Requires the character to have cast at least one spell this session.
- DC 12 Athletics (STR) — Take the oars and row hard and fast, driving the trireme past the crags before the charm sets in.
- DC 15 Persuasion (CHA) — Cry out a supplication to the Sirens in Common or Ancient Greek, appealing to their divine origins and the party's sacred mission.
✔ 3 cumulative successes → Sirens repelled, no combat | ✘ 3 cumulative failures → Song takes hold, combat begins
- At the start of each round, all creatures that can hear the Sirens make a DC 13 WIS save or become Charmed. Charmed creatures must use all their movement each turn to move toward the nearest Siren.
- A Charmed creature repeats the save at the end of its turn. A creature that succeeds becomes immune for 24 hours.
- Blocking both ears (free object interaction + 1 action to improvise) grants immunity to the Song but imposes disadvantage on all Perception checks until removed.
- Casting Silence on a 10-ft area centered on a Siren silences that Siren's contribution. All 3 must be silenced to end the Song entirely.
- Dealing 15+ damage to a single Siren in one hit forces all Sirens to make DC 12 CON save or break Song for 1 round.
- DC 16 Performance (counter-melody) → Song suppressed for 2 rounds without killing a Siren.
- If 2 of 3 Sirens are downed, the third flees immediately — no need to pursue.
Resolution
- Acantha meets the party on the shore in all outcomes and offers the Sprig of Asphodel and her guidance to the temple.
- If the party brings Phaedon from the trireme, he comments on the silence after the song ends: "The island is listening now. Speak carefully."
Creature Cards
Siren
Medium Monstrosity, Chaotic Evil · CR 2 (450 XP)
AC 11 | HP 38 (7d8+7) | Speed 20 ft., Fly 40 ft.
Skills: Perception +2, Performance +4
Senses: Passive Perception 12 | Languages: Common, Primordial
Luring Song. Each creature of the Siren's choice within 300 ft. that can hear it must succeed DC 13 WIS save at the start of its turn or be Charmed. Charmed creatures use all movement to approach the nearest Siren. The Siren uses a Bonus Action each turn to maintain the song. Immune for 24 hours on a successful save.
Multiattack. Makes one Claws attack and one Piercing Cry attack.
Claws. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 6 (2d4+1) slashing.
Piercing Cry. +4 to hit, range 60 ft. Hit: 7 (2d6) thunder. If the target is Charmed by Luring Song, it also takes 4 (1d8) psychic.
Sustain Song. The Siren maintains its Luring Song (required each turn or the song ends).
Encounter 2 — The Keeper's Gate
Overview
At the entrance to Pandora's ruined temple, a stone archway inscribed in ancient Greek bars the path. Kyros — a scholar cursed into the body of a Minotaur centuries ago — stands before it, greataxe resting on the flagstones. Two Empousai Guards lurk in the shadows of the flanking pillars, shapeshifted into carved-stone stillness. Kyros poses his riddle before any blow is struck; if the party answers correctly, shows the Amphora of Elpis, or makes a convincing case for their mission, he steps aside and the Empousai stand down. Combat is the last resort — and a serious drain before the boss.
- Style: Puzzle / Roleplay (primary) — Combat (last resort)
- Win Condition: Pass through the temple gate
Creatures (if combat)
- 1× Kyros the Warden — CR 3 (700 XP)
- 2× Empousai Guard — CR 3 (700 XP each)
Bypass Options
- Solve the riddle (History / Arcana / Religion)
- Show the Amphora of Elpis (auto)
- Acantha's Sprig of Asphodel (auto)
- DC 15 Persuasion — explain the mission
🗺 Terrain & Features
Ruined temple courtyard — 50×50 ft
- Stone archway (north center): 15 ft tall; the gate glows faintly and opens when Kyros steps aside
- 6× broken pillars (AC 17, 30 HP): half cover; Empousai can use a Bonus Action to teleport to any pillar in shadow-form
- 2× Altar of Hecate (far corners): standing on an altar gives an Empousai advantage on WIS saves but suppresses its Shapechanger action that round
- Cracked flagstones within 10 ft of the archway: difficult terrain (rubble)
Harder: Kyros has 114 HP (standard Minotaur); Empousai each have two uses of Beguiling Flames.
Mechanics
The archway inscription (DC 10 History to recognise the script as Ancient Greek): "Born from a god's first gift to humanity, carried by the first woman, containing all suffering and one salvation — what am I?"
Correct answer: Pandora's Jar (the Pithos) — or any reasonable equivalent ("the gift," "the vessel," "the jar of Pandora").
Bypass Options & Checks
- DC 14 History, Arcana, or Religion — Identifies the answer ("Pandora's Jar / the Pithos"). Advantage if Acantha or Phaedon assists.
- DC 15 Persuasion — Convinces Kyros the party is here to seal the Jar, not loot it. Advantage if Phaedon speaks on their behalf (his presence alone impresses Kyros).
- Auto Show the Amphora of Elpis — Kyros recognises the divine vessel immediately: "Only those sent with Hope dare enter." He steps aside without a check.
- Auto Acantha presents the Sprig of Asphodel — Divine passage granted; Empousai stand down and withdraw.
- DC 15 Deception — Risky: Kyros has +5 Insight. On a failed save he attacks with advantage on his first turn.
- Kyros opens with a Charge if any PC is within 20 ft.; otherwise advances and attacks with Greataxe + Gore.
- Empousai hold flanking positions and use Enthralling Touch to pull PCs out of formation.
- If Kyros drops below 30 HP, he bellows: "Answer the riddle and I yield!" — the party can still give the correct answer to end combat immediately, even mid-fight.
- Empousai use Misty Step to flee off-map if Kyros falls; no pursuit needed.
Resolution
- The party may take a short rest in the courtyard before descending — regardless of how the encounter resolved.
- Acantha does not descend below the temple entrance (she is bound to the surface). She wishes the party well and tells them where the sanctum door is.
- If Phaedon is with the party, he navigates the descent without assistance despite his blindness — he has "walked this path in visions."
Creature Cards
Kyros, the Labyrinth Warden
Large Monstrosity (Cursed), Lawful Neutral · CR 3 (700 XP)
AC 14 (Natural Armor) | HP 78 (12d10+12) | Speed 40 ft.
Saves: CON +3 | Skills: History +3, Insight +5, Perception +5
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 15 | Languages: Common, Ancient Greek
Charge. If Kyros moves 10+ ft. straight toward a target and hits with a Gore attack, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8) piercing and must succeed DC 14 STR save or be pushed 10 ft. and knocked prone.
Guardian's Challenge. On first contact, Kyros poses his riddle rather than attacking. A correct answer causes him to stand aside. An incorrect answer triggers combat. If reduced below 30 HP during combat, he offers the riddle again.
Relentless (1/day). When reduced to 0 HP, Kyros makes a DC 10 CON save. On a success, he drops to 1 HP instead.
Multiattack. Makes one Gore attack and one Greataxe attack.
Gore. +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 13 (2d8+4) piercing.
Greataxe. +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 17 (2d12+4) slashing.
Intercept. When a creature Kyros has designated as a ward is targeted by an attack, he moves up to 10 ft. (no opportunity attacks) to interpose himself, becoming the target instead.
Empousai Guard
Medium Fiend (Shapechanger), Neutral Evil · CR 3 (700 XP)
AC 13 | HP 52 (8d8+16) | Speed 30 ft.
Saves: WIS +3, CHA +5 | Skills: Deception +7, Stealth +5, Perception +3
Resistances: Cold, Fire, Lightning; nonmagical B/P/S | Immunities (cond.): Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 13 | Languages: Abyssal, Common
Shapechanger. As an action, the Empousai polymorphs into any Small or Medium humanoid. Stats are unchanged; equipment does not transform. Reverts to its true horned, brass-legged form on death.
One Leg of Brass. In true form, Stealth checks to move silently are made at disadvantage.
Multiattack. Makes two Claw attacks.
Claw. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (2d4+3) slashing.
Enthralling Touch. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. Target makes DC 13 WIS save or is Charmed for 1 minute. Charmed creature must move toward the Empousai on its turn. Save repeats at end of each of the target's turns.
Beguiling Flames (Recharge 5–6). 15-ft cone; each creature makes DC 13 WIS save or takes 14 (4d6) psychic and is Frightened for 1 minute. (Save at start of turn ends Frightened.)
Encounter 3 — Pandora's Sanctum (Boss)
Overview
The sanctum is a circular underground chamber lit only by the cold glow of the open Jar of Pandora on its central pedestal. Three rune-circles — Pestilence (sickly green), Despair (deep blue), and Strife (burning red) — pulse around the Jar's base. Pandora paces at the far wall, robed in shadow-silk, her eyes hollow with centuries of grief. The moment the door seals behind the party, she attacks — driven not by malice but by the compulsion of the evils still bleeding from the open Jar. The environment offers the true path to victory.
- Style: Boss fight with layered environmental puzzle
- Primary Win Condition: Seal the Jar by any means — circles, amphora, persuasion, or force
- Preferred Resolution: Pandora relents and closes the Jar herself (full narrative payoff)
Creatures
- 1× Pandora — CR 7 (2,900 XP)
- Summons: Shadows & Specters via Vessel of Sorrows
Win Paths
- A. Activate all 3 Sealing Circles
- B. Use the Amphora of Elpis at the Jar
- C. 3× DC 15 Persuasion (narrative)
- D. Reduce Pandora to 0 HP (last resort)
🗺 Terrain & Features
Underground sanctum — 60 ft diameter circle, dim light only
- Central Jar pedestal: AC 13, 25 HP; if destroyed, all summons instantly dismissed but Pandora deals 4d10 psychic to all within 30 ft. in a burst of grief
- Three Sealing Circles (NE · NW · S): 5-ft diameter runes; PC must be on or adjacent to activate (1 Action each)
- 6× stone pillars around the perimeter: half cover; Shadows can Hide behind a pillar as a Bonus Action (Stealth +4 in dim light)
- The single door seals magically at combat start; it opens automatically when any win condition is achieved
- Dim light throughout: Shadows have advantage on Stealth; creatures without darkvision have disadvantage on Perception checks
Harder: Pandora begins with 2 pre-summoned Shadows and 1 Specter already on the map; Sealing Circle DCs rise to 17; Persuasion win path requires 4 successes instead of 3.
Mechanics
Three rune-circles on the sanctum floor correspond to the first evils that escaped the Jar. Each is an independent puzzle action requiring a PC to stand on or adjacent to the circle.
- Circle of Pestilence (green, NE): DC 14 Medicine check (1 Action). Effect when sealed: All Shadows in the sanctum have disadvantage on attack rolls.
- Circle of Despair (blue, NW): DC 14 Arcana check (1 Action). Effect when sealed: Pandora cannot use Legendary Action: Shade.
- Circle of Strife (red, S): DC 14 Athletics check — physically force the marker rune into place (1 Action, STR vs. DC 14). Effect when sealed: Specters lose Incorporeal Movement while in the sanctum.
- All 3 Sealed: Pandora's Vessel of Sorrows trait is suppressed immediately; she enters Lamentation Phase regardless of current HP; Persuasion DC drops to 12.
- Requires 1 Action: uncork and release the Amphora within 30 ft. of the Jar pedestal.
- Golden light floods the sanctum. All summoned Shadows and Specters are instantly dismissed.
- Pandora makes a DC 16 WIS save: Fail → Stunned 1 round, then non-hostile; Persuasion DC drops to 12. Success → Lamentation Phase triggers immediately; all summons still dismissed; Vessel of Sorrows suppressed.
- The Amphora shatters after use.
- A PC may spend their Action to deliver an appeal to Pandora (roleplayed or rolled).
- 1st success (DC 15 Persuasion): Pandora falters — she skips her Legendary Actions that round.
- 2nd success (DC 15): Pandora pauses — she does not take her turn that round.
- 3rd success (DC 15, or DC 12 in Lamentation Phase / all Circles sealed): Pandora relents. She closes the Jar. Encounter ends.
- Failed Persuasion check: Pandora uses Jar's Ward reaction or takes a Legendary Action against the speaker immediately.
- Phaedon (if present) grants advantage on one Persuasion check per encounter by recounting the myth of the Jar directly to Pandora.
Triggered when Pandora drops to 30 HP or fewer for the first time, OR when all three Circles are sealed, OR after the Amphora is used. She stops attacking directly.
- Pandora no longer uses her Action to attack, but may still use Vessel of Sorrows Bonus Action unless suppressed.
- Persuasion win path DC drops to 12 for the remainder of the encounter.
Reading the Pedestal
- DC 16 History — Reads the inscription carved into the pedestal base: "First to leave were Pestilence and Pain. Last to remain was Hope. The jar closes when hope returns." Clues to the three Circles and the Amphora's purpose.
- Auto Phaedon (if present) — Reads the inscription aloud as a Free Action on any PC's turn, granting the text to the whole party with no check required.
Resolution
- Blessing of Elpis (Win Paths A/B/C): Each PC gains advantage on one saving throw of their choice (declared before rolling), usable any time within 24 hours. Zeus may additionally offer a divine boon at the DM's discretion (e.g., attuning to one uncommon item without counting against the limit).
- Divine Favour (Win Path D only): Each PC gains advantage on one attack roll, declared before rolling, usable within 24 hours.
- Amulet of the Labyrinth — if not already awarded in Encounter 2, found on Pandora's person.
- The sealed Jar: non-magical artifact after closing. Worth 500 gp to a collector; may be kept as a trophy.
- Clean seal (Paths A/B/C): Zeus appears in full divine form or as a booming voice + descending eagle. He acknowledges the party by name and offers each PC a personal word. The sailor persona "Dios" is referenced with a knowing smile.
- Phaedon smiles, says "I have seen enough now," and his blindness lifts for one moment — he sees the party clearly — then goes peacefully blind again.
- Acantha is free. She may return to the trireme with the party if invited.
Creature Cards
Pandora, the Opened One
Medium Humanoid (Divinely Crafted), Chaotic Neutral · CR 7 (2,900 XP)
AC 15 (Veil of Sorrows) | HP 112 (16d8+48) | Speed 30 ft.
Saves: CON +6, WIS +5, CHA +9
Skills: Arcana +6, History +6, Insight +5, Persuasion +9
Resistances: Psychic | Immunities (cond.): Charmed, Frightened (while Jar open within 30 ft.)
Senses: Truesight 30 ft., Passive Perception 12 | Languages: All
Vessel of Sorrows. While the Jar of Pandora is open and within 30 ft., Pandora can use her Bonus Action to summon one Shadow or Specter in an unoccupied space within 30 ft. Suppressed if all three Sealing Circles are activated.
Sorrow's Embrace. Pandora has advantage on saving throws while she can see at least one summoned creature within 30 ft.
Relentless Grief. When first reduced to 30 HP or fewer, Pandora enters her Lamentation Phase: she pleads aloud each turn but may still summon; Persuasion DC drops from 15 to 12.
Multiattack. Makes two Lament Bolt attacks, or one Lament Bolt and casts one spell of 2nd level or lower.
Lament Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack +9 to hit, range 90 ft. Hit: 11 (2d10) psychic. Target makes DC 16 WIS save or is Frightened until end of their next turn.
Spellcasting (CHA, DC 16, +9 to hit). Cantrips: Toll the Dead (2d8/2d12), Vicious Mockery (3d4 + disadv.). 1st (4 slots): Charm Person, Inflict Wounds. 2nd (3): Hold Person, Misty Step. 3rd (3): Bestow Curse, Counterspell, Dispel Magic. 4th (2): Banishment, Compulsion.
Vessel of Sorrows. Summons one Shadow or Specter in an unoccupied space within 30 ft. (see Trait; suppressed by all three Circles).
Jar's Ward. When targeted by an attack or spell, if Pandora has a summoned creature within 5 ft., she redirects the attack to that creature, which becomes the new target.
Lament (Cost 1). Makes one Lament Bolt attack.
Shade (Cost 1). Summons one Shadow in an unoccupied space within 30 ft. Only available while Vessel of Sorrows is active; unavailable if Circle of Despair is sealed.
Wail of Ages (Cost 2). All creatures within 30 ft. make DC 16 CON save. Fail: 7 (2d6) psychic and disadvantage on saving throws until end of their next turn.
Shadow
Medium Undead, Chaotic Evil · CR 1/2 (100 XP)
AC 12 | HP 16 (3d8+3) | Speed 40 ft.
Skills: Stealth +4 | Vulnerabilities: Radiant
Resistances: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Thunder; nonmagical B/P/S
Immunities: Necrotic, Poison; Exhaustion, Frightened, Grappled, Prone, Restrained
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 10
Amorphous. Moves through spaces as narrow as 1 inch without squeezing.
Shadow Stealth. In dim light or darkness, takes the Hide action as a Bonus Action.
Sunlight Weakness. Disadvantage on attacks, ability checks, and saves in sunlight.
Strength Drain. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 9 (2d6+2) necrotic; target's STR reduced by 1d4. STR 0 = death. Reduction lasts until a short or long rest. Humanoids slain rise as new Shadows at next dusk. (Disadvantage on attack rolls while Circle of Pestilence is sealed.)
Specter
Medium Undead, Chaotic Evil · CR 1 (200 XP)
AC 12 | HP 22 (5d8) | Speed 0 ft., Fly 50 ft. (hover)
Resistances: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Thunder; nonmagical B/P/S
Immunities: Necrotic, Poison; Charmed, Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Prone, Restrained
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 10
Incorporeal Movement. Moves through creatures and objects as difficult terrain. Takes 5 (1d10) force if it ends its turn inside an object. Suppressed if Circle of Strife is sealed.
Sunlight Sensitivity. Disadvantage on attack rolls and sight-based checks in sunlight.
Life Drain. Melee Spell Attack +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 10 (3d6) necrotic. Target makes DC 10 CON save or max HP is reduced by the damage dealt until a long rest. Dies if max HP reaches 0.
⚖️ Difficulty Scaling
As Written ★ — 6 Players, Average Level 6
- Baseline for this guide. Numbers, DCs, and win tracks assume six PCs at average level 6.
Library Standard — 6 Players, Average Level 8
- Raise key enemy HP ~+25% and damage +1 per attack die; social/skill DCs +1–2. Boss legendary actions as written or +1/round.
Easier
- APL 4–5: −1 enemy/wave; DCs −1; ally auto-recruits if approached peacefully.
Harder
- APL 7–8: use Library Standard (6×L8).
📋 Appendix — Cards
Full stat blocks for every creature, NPC, and item referenced in this session.
Creature Cards
Siren
Medium Monstrosity, Chaotic Evil · CR 2 (450 XP)
AC 11 | HP 38 (7d8+7) | Speed 20 ft., Fly 40 ft.
Skills: Perception +2, Performance +4 | Senses: Passive Perception 12
Languages: Common, Primordial
Luring Song. Each creature of the Siren's choice within 300 ft. that can hear it must succeed DC 13 WIS save at the start of its turn or be Charmed. Charmed creatures use all movement to approach the nearest Siren. Requires a Bonus Action to sustain each turn. Immunity for 24 hours on a successful save.
Multiattack. One Claws attack and one Piercing Cry attack.
Claws. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 6 (2d4+1) slashing.
Piercing Cry. +4 to hit, range 60 ft. Hit: 7 (2d6) thunder. If target is Charmed by Luring Song, also 4 (1d8) psychic.
Sustain Song. Maintains Luring Song (required each turn or the song ends).
Kyros, the Labyrinth Warden
Large Monstrosity (Cursed), Lawful Neutral · CR 3 (700 XP)
AC 14 (Natural Armor) | HP 78 (12d10+12) | Speed 40 ft.
Saves: CON +3 | Skills: History +3, Insight +5, Perception +5
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 15 | Languages: Common, Ancient Greek
Charge. Moves 10+ ft. straight toward target and hits with Gore: extra 9 (2d8) piercing; DC 14 STR save or pushed 10 ft. and knocked prone.
Guardian's Challenge. Poses riddle before attacking. Correct answer → stands aside. Below 30 HP → offers riddle again even mid-combat.
Relentless (1/day). On reaching 0 HP, DC 10 CON save. Success → 1 HP instead.
Multiattack. One Gore and one Greataxe attack.
Gore. +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 13 (2d8+4) piercing.
Greataxe. +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 17 (2d12+4) slashing.
Intercept. When a designated ward is targeted by an attack, Kyros moves up to 10 ft. (no opportunity attacks) to become the target instead.
Empousai Guard
Medium Fiend (Shapechanger), Neutral Evil · CR 3 (700 XP)
AC 13 | HP 52 (8d8+16) | Speed 30 ft.
Saves: WIS +3, CHA +5 | Skills: Deception +7, Stealth +5, Perception +3
Resistances: Cold, Fire, Lightning; nonmagical B/P/S
Immunities (cond.): Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned | Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 13
Languages: Abyssal, Common
Shapechanger. Action: polymorph into any Small or Medium humanoid. Stats unchanged; equipment does not transform. Reverts to true horned, brass-legged form on death.
One Leg of Brass. Stealth checks to move silently are made at disadvantage in true form.
Multiattack. Two Claw attacks.
Claw. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 8 (2d4+3) slashing.
Enthralling Touch. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. DC 13 WIS save or Charmed 1 minute; Charmed creature must move toward the Empousai. Save repeats at end of each of the target's turns.
Beguiling Flames (Recharge 5–6). 15-ft cone; DC 13 WIS save or 14 (4d6) psychic and Frightened 1 min. (Save at start of turn ends Frightened.)
Pandora, the Opened One
Medium Humanoid (Divinely Crafted), Chaotic Neutral · CR 7 (2,900 XP)
AC 15 (Veil of Sorrows) | HP 112 (16d8+48) | Speed 30 ft.
Saves: CON +6, WIS +5, CHA +9
Skills: Arcana +6, History +6, Insight +5, Persuasion +9
Resistances: Psychic | Immunities (cond.): Charmed, Frightened (while Jar open within 30 ft.)
Senses: Truesight 30 ft., Passive Perception 12 | Languages: All
Vessel of Sorrows. While the Jar is open and within 30 ft., Pandora uses her Bonus Action to summon one Shadow or Specter within 30 ft. Suppressed if all three Sealing Circles are activated.
Sorrow's Embrace. Advantage on saves while she can see a summoned creature within 30 ft.
Relentless Grief. At first ≤30 HP: Lamentation Phase (pleads each turn; Persuasion DC drops from 15 to 12; still summons unless suppressed).
Multiattack. Two Lament Bolt attacks, or one Lament Bolt + one spell of 2nd level or lower.
Lament Bolt. +9 to hit, range 90 ft. Hit: 11 (2d10) psychic. DC 16 WIS save or Frightened until end of next turn.
Spellcasting (CHA, DC 16, +9). Cantrips: Toll the Dead, Vicious Mockery. 1st (4): Charm Person, Inflict Wounds. 2nd (3): Hold Person, Misty Step. 3rd (3): Bestow Curse, Counterspell, Dispel Magic. 4th (2): Banishment, Compulsion.
Vessel of Sorrows. Summons one Shadow or Specter within 30 ft. (see Trait).
Jar's Ward. When targeted by attack or spell, if a summoned creature is within 5 ft., redirect the attack to that creature.
Lament (Cost 1). One Lament Bolt attack.
Shade (Cost 1). Summons one Shadow within 30 ft. Unavailable if Circle of Despair is sealed.
Wail of Ages (Cost 2). All within 30 ft. make DC 16 CON save. Fail: 7 (2d6) psychic + disadvantage on saves until end of next turn.
Shadow
Medium Undead, Chaotic Evil · CR 1/2 (100 XP)
AC 12 | HP 16 (3d8+3) | Speed 40 ft.
Skills: Stealth +4 | Vulnerabilities: Radiant
Resistances: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Thunder; nonmagical B/P/S
Immunities: Necrotic, Poison; Exhaustion, Frightened, Grappled, Prone, Restrained
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 10
Amorphous. Moves through spaces as narrow as 1 inch without squeezing.
Shadow Stealth. In dim light or darkness, takes the Hide action as a Bonus Action.
Sunlight Weakness. Disadvantage on attacks, ability checks, and saves in sunlight.
Strength Drain. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 9 (2d6+2) necrotic; target's STR reduced by 1d4. STR 0 = death. Lasts until short or long rest. Humanoids slain rise as Shadows at next dusk. (Disadvantage on attacks if Circle of Pestilence is sealed.)
Specter
Medium Undead, Chaotic Evil · CR 1 (200 XP)
AC 12 | HP 22 (5d8) | Speed 0 ft., Fly 50 ft. (hover)
Resistances: Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Thunder; nonmagical B/P/S
Immunities: Necrotic, Poison; Charmed, Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Prone, Restrained
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 10
Incorporeal Movement. Moves through creatures and objects as difficult terrain. Takes 5 (1d10) force if it ends its turn inside an object. Suppressed if Circle of Strife is sealed.
Sunlight Sensitivity. Disadvantage on attack rolls and sight-based checks in sunlight.
Life Drain. Melee Spell Attack +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 10 (3d6) necrotic. DC 10 CON save or max HP reduced by damage dealt until long rest. Dies if max HP reaches 0.
NPC Cards
Acantha, the Ash Nymph
Small Fey, Neutral Good · CR 1 (200 XP) · Ally
AC 11 | HP 22 (4d6+8) | Speed 30 ft.
Skills: Nature +4, Perception +4, Stealth +3
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14 | Languages: Common, Sylvan, Elvish
Isle-Bound. Acantha cannot willingly leave the Isle of Anemos while the Jar of Pandora is open. Sealing the Jar frees her curse.
Soothing Presence. Friendly creatures within 10 ft. have advantage on WIS saves against charm and fear effects.
Gift of the Grove (1/day). Presents the Sprig of Asphodel; recipient is recognised as divinely sanctioned by the island's guardians until the next sunrise. Counts as an automatic bypass for Kyros's Guardian's Challenge.
Vine Lash. +3 to hit, reach 10 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) slashing.
Entangle (1/day). As the spell; DC 12 STR save.
Guides the party from shore to temple gate; will not descend below the courtyard. In Enc. 1 aftermath: appears on shore regardless of outcome. In Enc. 2: her Sprig grants automatic bypass. In Enc. 3 aftermath: freed from the island and may join the party.
Phaedon, the Blind Seer
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral · Non-combatant
AC 10 | HP 4 | Speed 25 ft. (uses a gnarled staff)
Skills: History +7, Insight +6, Religion +5 | Languages: All (reads Ancient Greek fluently)
Apollo's Sight. Phaedon cannot be deceived by illusions or shapechangers; he perceives all things as they truly are, but can only describe them in cryptic metaphor.
Prophecy (1/day). Phaedon speaks cryptically about the current encounter; the DM reveals one hidden DC, mechanic, or NPC secret to the party.
Ancient Script. Reads any ancient inscription as a Free Action, including the Jar pedestal in Enc. 3. No History check required.
Seer's Vouching. If Phaedon speaks on behalf of the party during Kyros's riddle challenge, the party gains advantage on their Persuasion check. He also grants advantage on one Persuasion check against Pandora (once per encounter) by recounting the myth of the Jar to her directly.
A white-haired elder with milky, sightless eyes. Placed on the trireme by Apollo at Zeus's request. He has walked the path to the sanctum in visions and navigates the island's descent without assistance. He will not fight; if combat reaches him, he retreats and returns after.
Zeus / "Dios"
Medium Celestial (God in Disguise), Lawful Good · Quest Giver
Disguise: Stocky, grey-bearded sailor in simple linen; calm grey eyes; faint smell of ozone
Tell: Eagle birthmark on left forearm — DC 16 Perception or Insight to notice and recognise its significance
Quest giver. Approaches the party at the trireme's harbour, hands them the Amphora of Elpis and the sealed note, and departs without answering follow-up questions. He cannot intervene directly (divine non-intervention law) but arranged the mission to prevent the Jar's evils from spreading further into the mortal world.
If the party seals the Jar through compassion or cunning (Win Paths A/B/C), Zeus reveals himself at the session's end — either in full golden divine form or as a booming voice accompanying a descending eagle. He thanks each PC by name and may offer a divine boon at the DM's discretion.
He is Zeus, Lord of Olympus and Sky. He chose Pandora's plight as a matter of cosmic shame — the gods crafted her, gave her curiosity, and never warned her. He owes her a resolution he cannot personally deliver.
Item Cards
Amphora of Elpis
Wondrous Item (Single Use) · Divine Artifact · Given by Zeus
Appearance: A palm-sized sealed clay amphora; wax seal bearing an eagle motif; a note tied around its neck in twine
Note (20 words): "What was last to leave the jar awaits return. Do not open until you stand before the source."
Use (1 Action): Uncork and release within 30 ft. of the Jar pedestal. Golden light floods the chamber; all summoned Shadows and Specters are instantly dismissed. Pandora makes DC 16 WIS save — fail: Stunned 1 round then non-hostile (Persuasion DC 12). Success: Lamentation Phase triggers immediately; all summons still dismissed; Vessel of Sorrows suppressed. Amphora is destroyed.
Breaking the seal outside releases a flash of warm golden light. All creatures within 30 ft. lose the Frightened condition and have advantage on WIS saves for 1 minute. The amphora is destroyed after use.
Showing the sealed Amphora to Kyros counts as automatic bypass of his Guardian's Challenge — no check required.
Sprig of Asphodel
Wondrous Item (Single Use) · Given by Acantha
Appearance: A pale-flowered sprig of asphodel — the flower of the dead and of divine passage through the underworld's borders
Present the sprig to any guardian, undead creature, or oath-bound entity. That creature recognises the bearer as travelling with divine passage. In this session: grants automatic bypass of Kyros's riddle (counts as a correct answer); the Empousai stand down for 1 minute. Once used in this way, the sprig wilts and crumbles.
While carrying the sprig (before use), the bearer has advantage on saving throws against Charmed conditions from undead sources.
Amulet of the Labyrinth
Wondrous Item (Requires Attunement) · Given by Kyros
Appearance: A worn bronze disc; labyrinth etched on one face, a minotaur on the other; hung on a braided leather cord
Awarded: Given by Kyros when the riddle is solved peacefully; found on the ground if he is defeated in combat
While attuned: Advantage on saving throws against being Charmed or Frightened.
Never Lost (1/day, Dawn reset): For 1 hour, the wearer cannot become lost and always knows the general direction to any named location or exit within 1 mile.