Conversion Guide by Damien Goldwarg

For Character Levels 3-5

Classic Modules TodayA D&D 5th Edition Conversion of the Early Edition Adventure Module

Classic

Adventu

re

Module ConversionUK4

When a Star Falls

Sam

ple

file

UK4 When a Star Falls

Conversion Guide

Introduction: In 1984, TSR published the module named “When a Star Falls” with the modulecode “UK4”. It was written by Graeme Morris and illustrated by Jeremy Goodwin. This 32-pagebooklet had two outer folders containing maps. This conversion guide allows DMs to run the

original module with 5th Edition rules and provides a reference sheet for encounters, traps,and treasures.

An adventure for 3rd – 5th level characters

by DAMIEN GOLDWARG

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, and all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries.

This work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast and/or other authors. Such material is used with permission under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.

All other original material in this work is copyright 2016 by Damien Goldwarg and published under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. UK4 WHEN A STAR FALLS CONVERSION GUIDE 1

Sam

ple

file

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. UK4 WHEN A STAR FALLS CONVERSION GUIDE 2

Sam

ple

file

UK4: When a Star Falls

IntroductionTo use this conversion guide you will need a copy of “UK4 When a Star Falls”, originally available in hard-copy and now for sale in Digital format at www.dndclassics.com.

This document gives GMs advice to convert the module to the latest 5th Edition rules and guidance on preparing the adventure. A list of random encounters provide a quick in-game reference. Most creatures refer to stat blocks in the D&D 5e Monster Manual. A few creatures have full stat blocks in the Special Creatures section at the end of this conversion guide.

Page listings may refer to abbreviations: MM (Monster Manual), CR (Challenge rating), and DMG (Dungeon Master Guide). All other page number refer to the locations in the original 'When a Star Falls' module. Key text is in bold for easy scanning. Magic items are noted in italics.

Find more information about this and other early editionconversions at www.classicmodulestoday. com.

Reference SheetFor convenience, there is a Reference Sheet at the end of this document which summarizes the key information you'll need during the game onto one concise sheet. You can print this onto a single, double-sided page (perhaps on colored cardstock) as a handy tool that you can use alongside a hard copy of the module. After reading this document, all you'll need to run the game is the original module, the Monster Manual, the Reference Sheet, and optionally any notes or visuals you've prepared.

Adventure SummaryThis adventure is centered around a set of artifacts known as The Books of Prophecy. The books provide some insight into the future, but can only be read by the Elder Sage, a unique position that has been passed down for generations.

The most recent Elder Sage, known as Shalfey, has come to learn that there is a second set of The Books of Prophecy, which are in the possession of a race of dark smiths – the Kagu-Svirfnebli.

Shalfey knows that the only way to acquire the second set of books is to trade the Kagu-Svirfnebli another artifact, known as the Shooting Star, which recently fell from the sky.

Under Shalfey’s command, a group of monks go to meet with Derwyth, a druid who can inform them exactly where the Shooting Star fell. Unfortunately, the monks encounter some very poor luck as they are killed by a random creature partway through their journey.

The adventure begins with the players happening upon the slain monks. From there, they are prompted to continue the monks’ journey to find the Shooting Star and use it to acquire the second set of The Books of Prophecy. Along the

way, they will uncover more self-contained intrigue and conflict at each location they visit.

Converting to the RealmsThis brief guide outlines a few thematic changes and additions to bring “When a Star Falls” into the Forgotten Realms world of Faerûn.

Waukeen is the goddess of commerce in the Faerûnian pantheon. At some point in history, an entrepreneurial group of Waukeen’s worshipers built a riverside outpost in an otherwise untamed stretch of foothills, hoping to profit by providing a safe haven for traveling adventurers – and often by buying and trading whatever valuable items those adventurers happened to come by.

One of such items was a set of books – seemingly blank, according to the adventurer who found them. Recognizing the presence of magic within the books, the outpost’s leader took a gamble and purchased them for only a few coins.

When the outpost’s leader cast an identifying ritual on the books, he discovered the prophecies written within. Interpreting the books as a gift from Waukeen, he cast a spell of attunement such that only he and his successors could read them, and proceeded to charge exorbitant fees in exchange for sharing the knowledge.

The outpost gained a surge in popularity as rumors spread of a man who could read the future. Fully embracing those rumors, the outpost’s leader pronounced himself the first Elder Sage, sole interpreter of The Books of Prophecy. The outpost itself grew along with its reputation, becoming the observatory and temple to Waukeen known as the Towerof the Heavens.

The exact location of the Tower of the Heavens can be wherever you see fit. The foothills of any mountain in Faerûn would be appropriate, provided the area can sustain rivers and forests – for example, the region of Cormyr.

GM NotesSpecial rules and tactics to brush up on prior to the game:• Leverage Conversation Reaction table (DMG 245) for

NPC reactions.• Know how to use perception rules for noticing traps,

secret doors, and stealthed creatures.• Determine tactics for spellcasters and familiarize

yourself with the abilities of complex creatures such as the Maschin-i-bozorg.

• When the module lists a round as a unit of time in a non-combat scenario, treat it as 1 minute.

• Familiarize yourself with the large regional hex grid; players can traverse 4-5 hexes per day while moving at normal speed.

• You may wish to severely reduce the amount of monetary treasure handed out. Skim the module and determine if the wealth is appropriate for your campaign.

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. UK4 WHEN A STAR FALLS CONVERSION GUIDE 3

Sam

ple

file