WV1.1 – The Lantern’s Shadow

Hook / Intro:

Lanterns at The Road’s Rest burn late into the night. A patrol vanished, last seen near the old tollhouse ruins. Strange torchlight has been spotted there.

Quest Giver:

Roderick Marn (LN Human, retired caravan master, innkeeper of The Road’s Rest). Offers coin & free meals if PCs investigate.

Obstacle & Objective:

Investigate tollhouse ruins, free captured patrol, defeat bandits (with cultists at higher tiers).

Scaling Encounters:

• Lv 1 → 4 Bandits
• Lv 2 → Bandit Captain + 4 Bandits
• Lv 3 → Bandit Captain + 2 Bandits + 2 Cultists
• Lv 4 → Bandit Captain + 6 Bandits + 2 Cult Fanatics (ritual in progress)
  
• Bandit (CR 1/8) – AC 12, HP 11, Scimitar +3 (1d6+1), Crossbow +3 (1d8+1)
• Bandit Captain (CR 2) – AC 15, HP 65, Multiattack (Scimitar +5, 1d6+3)
• Cultist (CR 1/8) – AC 12, HP 9, Scimitar +3 (1d6+1), Thaumaturgy, Inflict Wounds (1st)
• Cult Fanatic (CR 2) – AC 13, HP 33, Dagger +4 (1d4+2), Command, Hold Person, Spiritual Weapon

Rewards:

 25–50 gp, silver roadwarden’s badge (advantage Persuasion with Rutherton guards), free lodging.