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{{Source
{{Source
| image=[[Image:Fate of Istus01.jpg]]
|name            = ''Fate of Istus''
| caption=
|image           = [[Image:Fate of Istus01.jpg]]
| name=''Fate of Istus''
|caption         = The cover of ''Fate of Istus'', art by Daniel Horne (1989).
| type=Adventure module
|type             = Adventure
| code=WG8
|code             = WG8
| edition=''AD&D'' 1st and 2nd Edition
|edition         = First/Second edition compatible
| author=[[Nigel Findley]], [[Dan Salas]], [[Stephen Inniss]], [[Robert J. Kuntz]]
|author           = [[Nigel Findley]], [[Dan Salas]], [[Stephen Inniss]], [[Robert J. Kuntz]], et al.
| first published=1989
|editor          = Kim Mohan
| series=
|cover_artist    = Daniel Horne
| class=Canon
|inter_artist    = Karl Waller
|series          =
|publisher        = [[TSR]]
|first published = 1989
|pages            = 127
|isbn            = 0-88038-712-2
|class           = Officially published content
|setting_date    = 576
}}
}}
'''Fate of Istus''' is a multipart adventure for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game, taking place in the ''[[World of Greyhawk]]'' campaign setting. The module is designed for characters of any class or level, and was published as an in-game vehicle to explain the transition from the game's first to second edition.
 
'''Fate of Istus''' is a multipart adventure for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game, taking place in the ''[[World of Greyhawk]]'' campaign setting. The adventure is designed for characters of any class or level, and was published as an in-game vehicle to explain the transition from the game's first to second edition.
 
== Cover blurb ==
{{quoted text|This collection of linked adventures takes characters from the [[Bandit Kingdoms]] to [[Furyondy]] to the [[Wild Coast]], with stops in some of Greyhawk's most exciting locales. But don't be fooled: This is more than just a travelogue.
A dread plague has struck the world of Greyhawk, and the adventurers must travel the length and breadth of the land seeking an explanation and a cure. This is no ordinary plague, but one that seems almost like a punishment—or a test—meted out some greater power.
 
Should the characters fail to uncover the secret of this quest, the world of Greyhawk will be forever changed.
 
This epic campaign provides hitherto unknown details about the cities of Greyhawk and tests each major character class in the AD&D game.|}}
 
== Plot summary ==
The player characters are approached while in [[Rookroost]] by [[Cymbelline]] (N male half-elf Th9/Brd10), a dandy popinjay and rascal, who tells them he knows the source of the plague.{{csb|WG8|6}}  He sends them to the tower of [[Ereaden]] the Sage, a wizard who had been studying the plague.  Eredean is found dead in his lab, having died from contracting the disease.  In his tower, however, the adventurers find potions which delay the progress of the plague.
Additionally, monstrously large bats (4ft wingspan) Ereaden had been studying are found, as well as his journal full of notes containing "biological speculation"{{csb|WG8|12}}.  When investigating, the PCs find that the bats came from [[Relmor Bay]], and that the bats are blamed for the spread of the original [[Red Death]].
 
After following clues at the sage's tower, the adventurers find their way to [[Rel Mord]].
 
==Notable nonplayer characters==
*[[Cymbelline]]: Half-elf 9th Level thief/10th level bard
*[[Alaric]]: Human 7th level fighter
*[[Morgorath]]'s Beastman Avatar: deity can appear as anything
*[[Arlina]]: 12th level cleric
*[[Narlond]] the white alchemist and the Prophet of [[Boccob]]: 18th level magic user
 
== History ==
The [[Red Death]] spread eastward across the Flanaess in [[576 CY]] and persisted in the [[Domain of Greyhawk]] until at least spring of [[583 CY]], when the old village of [[Skorane]] was abandoned and deserted.{{csb|Player's Guide|52}} 
 
The Red Death ended when [[Morgorath]], the divine agent of [[Istus]] (goddess of fate), who was spreading the plague was slain,{{csb|WG8|6.109.125}} though this gave the same impression as the first outbreak in c.[[496 CY]]—that it simply ended without a cure.{{csb|WG8|6}}


==Table of Contents==
==Table of Contents==
Line 20: Line 54:
! Author
! Author
|-
|-
| Introduction|| 2||  
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Introduction|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 2|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |  
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #1: Rockroost|| 3||   
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #1: [[Rockroost]]|| 3||   
|-
|-
| Adventure #1: The Sage's Tower|| 6|| by [[Nigel Findley]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #1: The Sage's Tower|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 6|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Nigel Findley]]
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #2: Rel Mord|| 14||  
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #2: [[Rel Mord]]|| 14||  
|-
|-
| Adventure #2: Swords for Hire|| 17 || by [[Dan Salas]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #2: Swords for Hire|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 17 || style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Dan Salas]]
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #3: Jurnre|| 25||   
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #3: [[Jurnre]]|| 25||   
|-
|-
| Adventure #3: Countdown in Jurnre|| 28|| by [[Stephen Inniss]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #3: Countdown in Jurnre|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 28|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Stephen Inniss]]
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #4: Elredd|| 37||   
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #4: [[lredd]]|| 37||   
|-
|-
| Adventure #4: Diambeth's Delving|| 40|| by [[Nigel Findley]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #4: Diambeth's Delving|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 40|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Nigel Findley]]
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #5: Wintershiven|| 47||  
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #5: [[Wintershiven]]|| 47||  
|-
|-
| Adventure #5: Service for the Dead|| 50|| by [[Nigel Findley]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #5: Service for the Dead|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 50|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Nigel Findley]]
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #6: Leukish|| 58||
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #6: [[Leukish]]|| 58||
|-
|-
| Adventure #6: The Garden of Evil|| 62|| by [[Dan Salas]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #6: The Garden of Evil|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 62|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Dan Salas]]
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #7: Rauxes|| 26||
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #7: [[Rauxes]]|| 26||
|-
|-
| Adventure #7: Down with the Wizard|| 72|| by [[Robert J. Kuntz]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #7: Down with the Wizard|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 72|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Robert J. Kuntz]]
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #8: Chendl|| 83||
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #8: [[Chendl]]|| 83||
|-
|-
| Adventure #8: At the King's Right Hand|| 85|| by [[Nigel Findley]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #8: At the King's Right Hand|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 85|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Nigel Findley]]
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #9: Verbobonc|| 93||
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #9: [[Verbobonc]]|| 93||
|-
|-
| Adventure #9: Iuz's Gambit|| 95|| by [[Robert J. Kuntz]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #9: Iuz's Gambit|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 95|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Robert J. Kuntz]]
|-
|-
| Ye Olde City's Sroll #10: Hesuel IlShar|| 105||  
| Ye Olde City's Scroll #10: [[Hesuel IlShar]]|| 105||  
|-
|-
| Adventure #10: The Scarlet Musque|| 108|| by [[Stephen Inniss]]
| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" |Adventure #10: The Scarlet Masque|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | 108|| style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | [[Stephen Inniss]]
|-
|-
| NPC #1: Cymbelline|| 120 || by [[Nigel Findley]]
| NPC #1: [[Cymbelline]]|| 120 || [[Nigel Findley]]
|-
|-
| NPC #2: Alaric|| 122|| by [[Dan Salas]]
| NPC #2: [[Alaric]]|| 122|| [[Dan Salas]]
|-
|-
| NPC #3: Beastman Avatar|| 124|| by [[Stephen Inniss]]
| NPC #3: [[Morgorath]]'s Beastman Avatar|| 124|| [[Stephen Inniss]]
|-
|-
| NPC #4: Arlina|| 126|| by [[Nigel Findley]]
| NPC #4: [[Arlina]]|| 126|| [[Nigel Findley]]
|-
|-
| NPC #5: Narlond and the Prophet || 127 || by [[Robert J. Kuntz]]
| NPC #5: [[Narlond]], the White Alchemist and the Prophet of [[Boccob]] || 127 || [[Robert J. Kuntz]]
|}
|}


Line 82: Line 116:
Interior Art: Karl Waller <br />
Interior Art: Karl Waller <br />


Distributed to the book trade in the United States by Random House, Inc., and in Canada by Random House of Canada, Ltd. Distributed to the toy and hobby trade by regional distributors. Distributed in the United Kingdom by TSR UK Ltd.<br />
Distributed to the book trade in the United States Random House, Inc., and in Canada Random House of Canada, Ltd. Distributed to the toy and hobby trade regional distributors. Distributed in the United Kingdom TSR UK Ltd.<br />


product number 9253XXX1401<br />
product number 9253XXX1401<br />
ISBN 0-88038-712-2<br />
ISBN 0-88038-712-2<br />


==Back cover reads==
==Retcons of ''Fate of Istus''==
{quote|
Some parts of the adventure, notably the connection of the [[Scarlet Brotherhood]] monks with monks from the ''Oriental Adventures'' land of Kara-Tur and the loss of all monkish abilities, were ruled noncanon and contradicted in ''[[The Scarlet Brotherhood]]'' [[Sean K. Reynolds]] (1998). The name of the archfiend "Baael" was changed to [[Baalzephon]] in ''[[Ivid the Undying]]'' [[Carl Sargent]] (1995). In addition, the version of [[Verbobonc]] in ''Fate of Istus'' is different from the one in ''[[Vecna Lives!]]'' [[David Cook]] (1990).  
  This collection of linked adventures takes characters from the Bandit Kingdoms to Furyondy to the Wild Coast, with stops in some of Greyhawks most exciting locales. But don't be fooled: This is more than just a travelogue.<br />
  A dread plague has struck the world of Greyhawk, and the adventurers must travel the length and breadth of the land seeking an explanation and a cure. This is no ordinary plague, but one that seems almost like a punishment - or a test - meted out by some greater power.<br />


  Should the characters fail to uncover the secret of this quest, the world of Greyhawk will be forever changed.<br />
== Publishing history ==
''Fate of Istus'' was released by TSR in February 1989 for $10.95 USD.


  This epic campaign provides hitherto unknown details about the cities of Greyhawk and tests each major character class in the AD&D game.  
On September 13, 2016, it was re-released in digital format on DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Masters Guild for $4.99.
}}


==Notable nonplayer characters==
By 2023, Fate of Istus reached the rank of Electrum seller on DriveThruRPG.
*[[Cymbelline]]: Half-elf 9th Level thief/10th level bard
*[[Alaric]]: Human 7th level fighter
*[[Morgorath]]'s Beastman Avatar: deity can appear as anything
*[[Arlina]]: 12th level cleric
*[[Narlond]] the white alchemist and the Prophet of [[Boccob]]: 18th level magic user
 
==Retcons of ''Fate of Istus''==
Some parts of the adventure, notably the connection of the [[Scarlet Brotherhood]] monks with monks from the ''Oriental Adventures'' land of Kara-Tur and the loss of all monkish abilities, were ruled noncanon and contradicted in ''[[The Scarlet Brotherhood]]'' by [[Sean K. Reynolds]] (1998). The name of the archfiend "Baael" was changed to [[Baalzephon]] in ''[[Ivid the Undying]]'' by [[Carl Sargent]] (1995). In addition, the version of [[Verbobonc]] in ''Fate of Istus'' is different from the one in ''[[Vecna Lives!]]'' by [[David Cook]] (1990).  


==External link==
== External links ==
{{External link disclaimer}}
*''[http://tsr.bothgunsblazing.com/gh/gh-wg8.htm Fate of Istus]'' at the ''TSR Archive''.
*''[http://tsr.bothgunsblazing.com/gh/gh-wg8.htm Fate of Istus]'' at the ''TSR Archive''.
*''[https://www.dmsguild.com/product/17363/WG8-Fate-of-Istus-1e-2e Fate of Istus]'' at the ''Dungeon Masters Guild''.
*''[https://www.dmsguild.com/product/17363/WG8-Fate-of-Istus-1e-2e Fate of Istus]'' at the ''Dungeon Masters Guild''.


Line 119: Line 143:
{{index}}
{{index}}


[[Category:Adventures]]
[[Category:Canonical sources]]
[[Category:Canonical sources]]

Latest revision as of 08:54, 2 May 2025

Greyhawk Source
Fate of Istus
The cover of Fate of Istus, art by Daniel Horne (1989).
Type: Adventure
Code/Abbreviation: WG8
Edition: First/Second edition compatible
Author(s): Nigel Findley, Dan Salas, Stephen Inniss, Robert J. Kuntz, et al.
Editor(s): Kim Mohan
Cover Artist(s): Daniel Horne
Interior Artist(s): Karl Waller
Publisher: TSR
First Published: 1989
Pages: 127
ISBN: 0-88038-712-2
Class: Officially published content
Setting date: 576 CY

Fate of Istus is a multipart adventure for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, taking place in the World of Greyhawk campaign setting. The adventure is designed for characters of any class or level, and was published as an in-game vehicle to explain the transition from the game's first to second edition.

Cover blurb

"This collection of linked adventures takes characters from the Bandit Kingdoms to Furyondy to the Wild Coast, with stops in some of Greyhawk's most exciting locales. But don't be fooled: This is more than just a travelogue.

A dread plague has struck the world of Greyhawk, and the adventurers must travel the length and breadth of the land seeking an explanation and a cure. This is no ordinary plague, but one that seems almost like a punishment—or a test—meted out some greater power.

Should the characters fail to uncover the secret of this quest, the world of Greyhawk will be forever changed.

This epic campaign provides hitherto unknown details about the cities of Greyhawk and tests each major character class in the AD&D game."

Plot summary

The player characters are approached while in Rookroost by Cymbelline (N male half-elf Th9/Brd10), a dandy popinjay and rascal, who tells them he knows the source of the plague.[1] He sends them to the tower of Ereaden the Sage, a wizard who had been studying the plague. Eredean is found dead in his lab, having died from contracting the disease. In his tower, however, the adventurers find potions which delay the progress of the plague. Additionally, monstrously large bats (4ft wingspan) Ereaden had been studying are found, as well as his journal full of notes containing "biological speculation"[2]. When investigating, the PCs find that the bats came from Relmor Bay, and that the bats are blamed for the spread of the original Red Death.

After following clues at the sage's tower, the adventurers find their way to Rel Mord.

Notable nonplayer characters

  • Cymbelline: Half-elf 9th Level thief/10th level bard
  • Alaric: Human 7th level fighter
  • Morgorath's Beastman Avatar: deity can appear as anything
  • Arlina: 12th level cleric
  • Narlond the white alchemist and the Prophet of Boccob: 18th level magic user

History

The Red Death spread eastward across the Flanaess in 576 CY and persisted in the Domain of Greyhawk until at least spring of 583 CY, when the old village of Skorane was abandoned and deserted.[3]

The Red Death ended when Morgorath, the divine agent of Istus (goddess of fate), who was spreading the plague was slain,[4] though this gave the same impression as the first outbreak in c.496 CY—that it simply ended without a cure.[1]

Table of Contents

Chapter Page Author
Introduction 2
Ye Olde City's Scroll #1: Rockroost 3
Adventure #1: The Sage's Tower 6 Nigel Findley
Ye Olde City's Scroll #2: Rel Mord 14
Adventure #2: Swords for Hire 17 Dan Salas
Ye Olde City's Scroll #3: Jurnre 25
Adventure #3: Countdown in Jurnre 28 Stephen Inniss
Ye Olde City's Scroll #4: lredd 37
Adventure #4: Diambeth's Delving 40 Nigel Findley
Ye Olde City's Scroll #5: Wintershiven 47
Adventure #5: Service for the Dead 50 Nigel Findley
Ye Olde City's Scroll #6: Leukish 58
Adventure #6: The Garden of Evil 62 Dan Salas
Ye Olde City's Scroll #7: Rauxes 26
Adventure #7: Down with the Wizard 72 Robert J. Kuntz
Ye Olde City's Scroll #8: Chendl 83
Adventure #8: At the King's Right Hand 85 Nigel Findley
Ye Olde City's Scroll #9: Verbobonc 93
Adventure #9: Iuz's Gambit 95 Robert J. Kuntz
Ye Olde City's Scroll #10: Hesuel IlShar 105
Adventure #10: The Scarlet Masque 108 Stephen Inniss
NPC #1: Cymbelline 120 Nigel Findley
NPC #2: Alaric 122 Dan Salas
NPC #3: Morgorath's Beastman Avatar 124 Stephen Inniss
NPC #4: Arlina 126 Nigel Findley
NPC #5: Narlond, the White Alchemist and the Prophet of Boccob 127 Robert J. Kuntz

Credits

Authors: Nigel Findley, Dan Salas, Stephen Inniss, Robert J. Kuntz
Coordinators: Bruce Heard, Karen S. Broomgarden Editing: Kim Mohan
Typography: Betty Elmore
Cartography: Diesel
Cover Art: Daniel Horne
Interior Art: Karl Waller

Distributed to the book trade in the United States Random House, Inc., and in Canada Random House of Canada, Ltd. Distributed to the toy and hobby trade regional distributors. Distributed in the United Kingdom TSR UK Ltd.

product number 9253XXX1401
ISBN 0-88038-712-2

Retcons of Fate of Istus

Some parts of the adventure, notably the connection of the Scarlet Brotherhood monks with monks from the Oriental Adventures land of Kara-Tur and the loss of all monkish abilities, were ruled noncanon and contradicted in The Scarlet Brotherhood Sean K. Reynolds (1998). The name of the archfiend "Baael" was changed to Baalzephon in Ivid the Undying Carl Sargent (1995). In addition, the version of Verbobonc in Fate of Istus is different from the one in Vecna Lives! David Cook (1990).

Publishing history

Fate of Istus was released by TSR in February 1989 for $10.95 USD.

On September 13, 2016, it was re-released in digital format on DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Masters Guild for $4.99.

By 2023, Fate of Istus reached the rank of Electrum seller on DriveThruRPG.

Disclaimer:Any lore presented through the following links does not necessarily adhere to established officially published content, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki.

References

Citations

  1. ↑ a b WG8 Fate of Istus (1989), p.6.
  2. ↑ WG8 Fate of Istus (1989), p.12.
  3. ↑ Player's Guide (1998), p.52.
  4. ↑ WG8 Fate of Istus (1989), p.6.109.125.

Bibliography

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

WG8 The Fate of Istus Adventure Located in: Various, Dragon magazine #164 19
WG8 The Fate of Istus Adventure Located in: Various, El Raja Key Archive (Standard Edition) 20, 21, 136
WG8 The Fate of Istus Adventure Located in: Various, From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess 73
WG8 The Fate of Istus Adventure Located in: Various, Ivid the Undying 29
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