From publisher blurb:
The Sphinx of Black Quartz is a system-neutral adventure that uses the dungeon--a framework found in many fantasy adventure games--as a focus and setting. We’ve included our system for “defining difficulties”, to go along with the adventure to help you adapt it for your preferred game system.
Introduction to the Scenario
One month ago you were with the Blades of Honor, a famous adventuring party you helped found. Among them was Andent Rani — your cofounder, your ally, and your friend. The Blades found themselves in The Shadow Heights, a legendarily dangerous mountain range cloaked in shadows even on the brightest day. Rumors say pure evil lives in those shadows. You were there to recover an icon of power. You’d fought your way to the location of the Icon and in a battle with a shadow of malevolent evil, Andent betrayed the party and absconded with the Icon.
This resulted in many deaths but a number of the Blades escaped the malevolent shadow. Unfortunately this was only the beginning. In the weeks that followed you were hounded by the darkness of that vile place. Others died, some valiantly to save the rest of you, some in gruesome ways that haunt your dreams. Finally, after a week of fighting for your lives you remaining few managed to escape the dangers of The Shadowy Peaks. After recovering, the remaining Blades vowed revenge on Andent.
You learned Ardent’s acquisition of the Icon has given him tremendous power. Power that you couldn’t hope to oppose directly but you recall a story that Docca, the company’s scribe, once told you. A myth surrounding the Clerics of Valask, The Granter of Dark Desires. There is a Sphinx of Black Quartz. It is an embodiment of The Granter of Dark Desires. An avatar of longing and dark gifts. Some have sought an audience to petition the Sphinx for what they desire. The stories all say the costs are high, but you’re desperate, angry, and have no options left. You’ve decided the Sphinx is your last chance to get revenge.
With your path set, you have traveled to the kingdom of Bydon, all the while inquiring about the clerics of Valask and the location of The Sphinx of Black Quartz. You have a solid lead but, it cost you most of your coin, some of your morals, and all of your dignity.