Introduction:
Secrets deep within the abandoned temple are about to come lurching into the sunlight. The undead have a new master who needs only find the Ruby Key to unleash an ancient army of evil, dooming the people of Keaswauk County. The village of Tuvines is plagued with troubles. The harvest rots on the vine, as the people now fear to go out doors. Foul things that bay like dogs gone mad spirit away young men and women. Dark-shadowed forms are about, terrifying the good people of Tuvines and stirring up who knows what sort of mischief.
This adventure is designed to be an introduction to Dungeons and Dragons. It takes place at a holy temple, long ago abandoned. The temple is large enough that several different groups of creatures have come to call it "home" . The encounter levels range from 1 to 6, providing ample challenge to parties from 2nd to 4th level. A well- balanced party has the best chance of success in the Steadfast Shield. The undead figure prominently in the lower level, so it would be advisable for the GM to "bone up" on the uses of channeling positive and negative energy, as well as the specific monsters presented here.