Ruins on the Borderlands-Fantasy Horror Adventure

Explore cosmic horrors in a fantasy setting.

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As you step into the dimly lit room, the shadows seem to come alive, revealing...

The ancient, crumbling ruins stand before you, shrouded in mist and mystery. Suddenly...

A chilling wind sweeps across the ravine, carrying with it the faint echoes of forgotten secrets. You notice...

The once-grand mansion looms in the distance, its decaying walls whispering tales of horror. As you approach...

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Introduction to Ruins on the Borderlands

Ruins on the Borderlands is a role-playing adventure module designed for Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, drawing inspiration from the classic cosmic horror and fantasy novel 'The House on the Borderlands' by William Hope Hodgson. This adventure module guides players through a series of mysterious, interconnected encounters set in and around the eerie, dilapidated House on the Borderlands and the mystical ruins that surround it. The campaign revolves around exploring these ruins, combating both physical and ethereal threats, and unraveling the secrets of a magical cult, undead entities, and dimensional portals. It offers a narrative-rich experience combining exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, all within a framework that encourages creative role-play and decision-making. An example scenario involves the party navigating the haunted gardens of the house, where the ambiance and spectral encounters test their bravery and investigative skills. Powered by ChatGPT-4o

Main Functions of Ruins on the Borderlands

  • Narrative Exploration

    Example Example

    Players explore the haunted ruins of a mansion situated above a mystical chasm, engaging with the story of a magical cult and the mysterious Seth Collective. They encounter spectral remnants, dimensional rifts, and eldritch creatures, piecing together the history and dangers of the borderlands.

    Example Scenario

    The party ventures into the gardens of the mansion, now wild and overgrown. They must navigate the labyrinthine paths, decipher ancient clues, and confront the garden's ghostly inhabitants to unlock the secrets of the House's past and the nature of the magical energies it contains.

  • Combat Encounters

    Example Example

    Players face off against a variety of creatures, from the vile swine-things that attack the house to the mystical defenders of the dimensional pathways. Combat scenarios are designed to challenge players tactically and to integrate seamlessly with the narrative's unfolding mysteries.

    Example Scenario

    During the night, the house comes under assault by swine-things. The players must fortify their defenses, strategize their positions, and work together to repel waves of these brutish invaders, all while the house reveals its secrets and dangers through the chaos of battle.

  • Puzzle Solving and Investigation

    Example Example

    The adventure incorporates puzzles and mysteries that require players to think critically and explore thoroughly. Whether deciphering the writings of a long-gone recluse or unraveling the mechanisms of a dimensional portal, players engage with content that challenges their problem-solving skills.

    Example Scenario

    In the cellar of the mansion, players discover a strange mechanism linked to the dimensional rifts. To navigate these pathways and reach the Sea of Sleep, they must solve the puzzles left by the mansion's former inhabitants, using clues scattered throughout the narrative and environment.

Ideal Users of Ruins on the Borderlands

  • D&D Enthusiasts

    Dungeons and Dragons players and Game Masters looking for a detailed, narrative-driven adventure that combines elements of cosmic horror, fantasy, and mystery. Ideal for those who enjoy rich storytelling, complex characters, and the blending of combat and exploratory gameplay.

  • Fans of Cosmic Horror and Fantasy

    Lovers of cosmic horror, fantasy literature, and fans of William Hope Hodgson's works. This module appeals to those who appreciate the thematic depth, existential dread, and the blending of the mystical with the macabre, offering a unique experience that pays homage to classic horror and fantasy traditions.

  • Creative Problem Solvers

    Players who delight in unraveling mysteries, solving puzzles, and engaging with the game world in inventive ways. The module's intricate plot and environmental challenges cater to those who seek a game experience that requires thought, investigation, and creativity beyond mere combat encounters.

How to Use Ruins on the Borderlands

  • Start with a trial

    Begin by exploring yeschat.ai for a complimentary trial experience without the need for a login or a subscription to ChatGPT Plus.

  • Understand the background

    Familiarize yourself with the adventure's premise, delving into the story of an ancient magical cult and the subsequent mysterious events at the house above the river.

  • Gather your party

    Assemble a group of 5th to 7th level characters, keeping in mind the adventure's designed balance and the necessary adjustments for varying party strengths.

  • Navigate the campaign

    Progress through the five main parts of the module, from recruiting by the Seth Collective to the final encounter at the Plains of Silence, using the detailed descriptions and maps provided.

  • Explore and adapt

    Utilize the appendices and the rich descriptions to enhance role-playing and immersion, adapting the encounters and revelations to suit your campaign's tone and pacing.

FAQs About Ruins on the Borderlands

  • What levels is Ruins on the Borderlands designed for?

    It's designed for characters of 5th to 7th level, with adjustments suggested for parties at the lower and higher ends of this range to maintain challenge balance.

  • How long does the adventure take to play?

    The module is structured for approximately 8-12 hours of gameplay, making it suitable for one or two extended play sessions or several shorter sessions.

  • Can Ruins on the Borderlands be integrated into an existing campaign?

    Yes, it can serve as a standalone adventure or be woven into a larger campaign, fitting well into any setting that features remote, magical ruins.

  • What unique elements does Ruins on the Borderlands introduce?

    It blends fantasy, horror, and science fiction themes, drawing inspiration from cosmic horror to create a unique atmosphere and challenges.

  • Are there specific strategies for dealing with the swine-things?

    Tactical planning, use of the environment, and leveraging characters' strengths are key, as direct confrontation may not always be the best approach.