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{{Refimprove|date=October 2007}}
:<span style="color:#808080">''This article is about the Age of Worms adventure path.''</span><br>
:<span style="color:#808080">''For the historical period, please see the main article at [[Portal:History#Age of Worms|Age of Worms]].''</span>
{{Italic title}}
{{Source
|name            = Age of Worms adventure path
|image            = [[Image:Dungeon_AoW_TSR82124_180.jpg|250px]]
|caption          = Front cover of ''[[Dungeon]]'' Issue 124 (July 2005), illustrated by [[Wayne Reynolds]],
|type            = Adventure path
|code            = AoW
|edition          = Third edition
|author          = Various (see below)
|editor          = Various
|cover_artist    = Various (see below)
|inter_artist    = Various (see below)
|series          =
|publisher        = [[Paizo]]
|first published  = 2005
|pages            =
|isbn            =
|class            = Officially published material
|setting_date    = [[595 CY]]
}}
The '''''Age of Worms'' Adventure Path''' (or simply '''''Age of Worms''''') is the second [[adventure path]] for D&D, published over twelve installments from July 2005 through June 2006 in ''[[Dungeon (magazine)|Dungeon]]'' magazine. A campaign designed to take player characters from 1st to 20th level, ''Age of Worms'' was given an Honorable Mention in the "Best Adventure" category of the 2007 [[Wikipedia:ENnies|ENnie Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2007 Nominees and Winners |url=https://ennie-awards.com/portfolio-item/2007-nominees-and-winners/ |format= |work=ennie-awards.com |publisher=EMWorld Publishing |date= |accessdate=19 February 2024  }}</ref>


[[Image:Dungeon AoW TSR82124 180.jpeg|thumb|Front cover of ''[[Dungeon (magazine)|Dungeon]]'' Issue 124 (July 2005), illustrated by [[Wayne Reynolds]], which featured the first chapter of ''Age of Worms''.]]
== Story ==
The Age of Worms is an age of darkness and despair heard of only in ancient prophecies. According to these prophecies, the Herald of the Age of Worms is said to be the undead deity [[Kyuss]], the Wormgod, who is somehow involved with the [[Ebon Triad]], a cult introduced in the previous Adventure Path, ''[[The Shackled City Adventure Path|Shackled City]]''.


In the ''[[World of Greyhawk]]'' [[campaign setting]] for the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' (D&D) [[role-playing game]], the '''Age of Worms''' is an age of darkness and despair heard of only in ancient [[prophecies]]. According to these prophecies, the herald of the Age of Worms is said to be the undead deity [[Kyuss (Greyhawk)|Kyuss]], who is somehow involved with the [[Ebon Triad]].
== Setting ==
''Age of Worms'' differs from the first Adventure Path primarily in its use of established ''[[Greyhawk]]'' characters, locations such as the [[Free City of Greyhawk]], and items such as the [[Rod of Seven Parts]].<ref>Baur,Wolfgang. ''A Gathering of Winds''. ''[[Dungeon]]'' Magazine #129. Paizo Publishing, LLC. December 2005. p39-66</ref> Though the series is set in a somewhat abstracted ''World of Greyhawk'' (the Free City of Greyhawk becomes the Free City, etc.), supplements were made available online that gave conversion notes for Dungeon Masters wishing to adapt it to other [[Wikipedia:Dungeons & Dragons campaign settings|''Dungeons & Dragons'' campaign settings]] such as ''[[Wikipedia:Eberron|Eberron]]'' or ''[[Wikipedia:Forgotten Realms|Forgotten Realms]]''.


== The ''Age of Worms'' Adventure Path ==
== Summary ==
The '''Age of Worms''' can also refer to ''[[Dungeon (magazine)|Dungeon]]'' magazine's '''Age of Worms''' [[Adventure Path]], a campaign designed to take [[player characters]] from 1st to 20th level over the course of twelve issues (#124–135). Though the series is set in a somewhat abstracted ''[[World of Greyhawk]]'' (the [[Free City of Greyhawk]] becomes the Free City, etc.), it can be adapted to other D&D campaign worlds and notes are provided for converting the setting to [[Eberron]] or [[Forgotten Realms]]. The ''Age of Worms'' Adventure Path was given an Honorable Mention in the "Best Adventure" category of the 2007 [[ENnies|ENnie Awards]].<ref>[http://www.ennieawards.com/07noms.pdf The 2007 Nominees Flyer] on ennieawards.com</ref>
''Age of Worms'' develops from a small town of [[Diamond Lake]], leads to intrigue in the Free City, and then on to a mysterious cult that serves as a front to bring about the events leading up to the Age of Worms. As the players encounter the various architects of the plot, they uncover the nature of the coming age, and battle the ultimate masterminds behind it. In the end, they face off against the two primary antagonists: [[Dragotha]], a powerful [[Dracolich|undead dragon]], and his master, Kyuss.
 
The ''Age of Worms'' adventure path was the next in succession after ''[[Shackled City]]'' and was shortly followed by a third called ''[[Savage Tide]]''.
 
=== Summary ===
''Age of Worms'' develops from a small town of [[Diamond Lake (Greyhawk)|Diamond Lake]], then leads to intrigue in the Free City and then on to a mysterious cult that exists only as a front to bring about the events leading up to the Age of Worms. As the players encounter the various architects of the plot, they uncover the nature of the coming age, and battle the ultimate masterminds behind it. In the end, they face the two primary antagonists: [[Dragotha]] and Kyuss.
 
This adventure path differs from the first primarily in its use of established ''[[World of Greyhawk]]'' characters such as Kyuss (see [[Kyuss (Greyhawk)]], locations such as [[Greyhawk City]] (though it is called the "Free City"), and items such as the [[Rod of Seven Parts]]{{Fact|date=October 2007}}. The entire adventure path can be inserted into various other campaign settings as well, and there are free supplements available online which give conversion suggestions for Dungeon Masters wishing to incorporate it into the [[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting]] or the [[Eberron Campaign Setting]].


The entire Adventure Path consists of the following installments:
The entire Adventure Path consists of the following installments:


{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%;"
|-
|-
! width="60" | Chapter
! width="3%" | Chapter
! Title
! width="18%" | Title
! Authors
! width="12%" | Authors
! Illustrators
! width="47%" | Illustrators
! width="50" | Levels
! width="5%" | Levels
! width="40" | Issue
! width="3%" | Issue
! width="100" | Date
! width="10%" | Date
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 1
| style="text-align: center;" | 1
| "The Whispering Cairn"
| '''"The Whispering Cairn"'''
| [[Erik Mona]]
| [[Erik Mona]]
| Joachim Barrum, Chad Du Lac, [[Steve Prescott (artist)|Steve Prescott]], Eva Weidermann, Jim Zubkavich;  [[Wayne Reynolds]] <small>(cover)</small>; [[Rob Lazzaretti|Robert Lazzaretti]] <small>([[cartography]] for entire series)</small>, [[Darlene Pekul]] <small>([[calligraphy]] for entire series)</small>
| Joachim Barrum, Chad Du Lac, [[Wikipedia:Steve Prescott (artist)|Steve Prescott]], [[Wikipedia:Eva Widermann|Eva Weidermann]], Jim Zubkavich;  [[Wikipedia:Wayne Reynolds]] <small>(cover)</small>; [[Wikipedia:Rob Lazzaretti|Robert Lazzaretti]] <small>(cartography for entire series)</small>, {{smallcaps|[[Darlene]]}} <small>(calligraphy for entire series)</small>
| style="text-align: center;" | 1–3
| style="text-align: center;" | 1–3
| style="text-align: center;" | 124
| style="text-align: center;" | 124
| style="text-align: center;" | July 2005
| style="text-align: center;" | July 2005
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | A band of would-be adventurers explore a long-lost tomb near [[Diamond Lake (Greyhawk)|Diamond Lake]] and uncover a necromancer's conspiracy with local merchants.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | A band of would-be adventurers explore a long-lost tomb near [[Diamond Lake]] and uncover a necromancer's conspiracy with local merchants.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2
| style="text-align: center;" | 2
| "The Three Faces of Evil"
| '''"The Three Faces of Evil"'''
| [[Mike Mearls]]
| [[Mike Mearls]]
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
Line 45: Line 62:
| style="text-align: center;" | August 2005
| style="text-align: center;" | August 2005
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | The heroes penetrate a tripartite [[cult]] operating in secret underneath Dourstone Mine, hoping to merge their three unholy deities. The name of [[Kyuss (Greyhawk)|Kyuss]] and rumors of worm-eaten dead arise.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | The heroes penetrate a tripartite cult operating in secret underneath [[Dourstone Mine]], hoping to merge their three unholy deities. The name of [[Kyuss]] and rumors of worm-eaten dead arise.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 3
| style="text-align: center;" | 3
| "Encounter at Blackwall Keep"
| '''"Encounter at Blackwall Keep"'''
| [[Sean K. Reynolds]]
| [[Sean K. Reynolds]]
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
Line 55: Line 72:
| style="text-align: center;" | September 2005
| style="text-align: center;" | September 2005
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | While seeking out a sage to shed light on their recent discoveries, the heroes come upon Blackwall Keep, an outpost beset by [[lizardfolk]], and a rescue mission ensues.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | While seeking out a sage to shed light on their recent discoveries, the heroes come upon [[Blackwall Keep]], an outpost beset by lizardfolk, and a rescue mission ensues.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 4
| style="text-align: center;" | 4
| style=white-space:nowrap | "The Hall of Harsh Reflections"
| style=white-space:nowrap | '''"The Hall of Harsh Reflections"'''
| [[Jason Bulmahn]]
| [[Jason Bulmahn]]
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
Line 65: Line 82:
| style="text-align: center;" | October 2005
| style="text-align: center;" | October 2005
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | In the enormous [[Greyhawk City|Free City]], [[Doppelganger (Dungeons & Dragons)|doppelganger]] assassins lead the heroes to an [[illithid]] dealing in unholy relics.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | In the enormous [[Free City of Greyhawk]], doppelganger assassins lead the heroes to an [[Wikipedia:illithid|illithid]] dealing in unholy relics.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 5
| style="text-align: center;" | 5
| "The Champion's Belt"
| '''"The Champion's Belt"'''
| style=white-space:nowrap | Tito Leati, Richard Pett
| style=white-space:nowrap | Tito Leati, Richard Pett
| J. Barrum, Matt Dixon, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; Howard Lyon <small>(cover)</small>
| J. Barrum, Matt Dixon, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; [[Wikipedia:Howard Lyon]] <small>(cover)</small>
| style="text-align: center;" | 9–10
| style="text-align: center;" | 9–10
| style="text-align: center;" | 128
| style="text-align: center;" | 128
| style="text-align: center;" | November 2005
| style="text-align: center;" | November 2005
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | In order to investigate Loris Raknian, the warlord who tried to have them killed, the heroes must enroll in the greatest [[Gladiator|gladiatorial]] tournament in the world – the Free City Games. What they end up with is an Apostle of Kyuss come to claim the blood of a champion.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;" | In order to investigate [[Loris Raknian]], the warlord who tried to have them killed, the heroes must enroll in the greatest gladiatorial tournament in the world – the [[Free City]] Games. What they end up with is an Apostle of [[Kyuss]] come to claim the blood of a champion.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 6
| style="text-align: center;" | 6
| "A Gathering of Winds"
| '''"A Gathering of Winds"'''
| [[Wolfgang Baur]]
| [[Wolfgang Baur]]
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
Line 85: Line 102:
| style="text-align: center;" | December 2005
| style="text-align: center;" | December 2005
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | The heroes return to Diamond Lake to seek out their patron Allustan and present him with all they've learned of the cult of Kyuss and their activity. When they find that the [[Dragon (Dungeons & Dragons)|dragon]] Ilthane has leveled Allustan's home, they must defeat it and re-enter the Whispering Cairn to seek out the missing wizard.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"| The heroes return to [[Diamond Lake]] to seek out their patron [[Allustan]] and present him with all they've learned of the cult of Kyuss and their activity. When they find that the [[dragon]] Ilthane has leveled Allustan's home, they must defeat it and re-enter the [[Whispering Cairn]] to seek out the missing wizard.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 7
| style="text-align: center;" | 7
| "The Spire of Long Shadows"
| '''"The Spire of Long Shadows"'''
| [[Jesse Decker]]
| [[Jesse Decker]]
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
Line 95: Line 112:
| style="text-align: center;" | January 2006
| style="text-align: center;" | January 2006
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | Allustan's mentor [[Tenser|Manzorian]] tells the heroes of his colleague [[Bucknard|Balakarde]], who explored the site of Kyuss' divine apotheosis. When they follow in Balakarde's footsteps, the heroes find a site with tales of its own to tell of Kyuss and his blasphemous practices, as well as the alien architect of the Age of Worms.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"| Allustan's mentor [[Tenser|Tenser]] tells the heroes of his colleague [[Bucknard]], who explored the site of Kyuss' divine apotheosis. When they follow in Bucknard's footsteps, the heroes find a site with tales of its own to tell of Kyuss and his blasphemous practices, as well as the alien architect of the Age of Worms.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 8
| style="text-align: center;" | 8
| "The Prince of Redhand"
| '''"The Prince of Redhand"'''
| Richard Pett
| Richard Pett
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
Line 105: Line 122:
| style="text-align: center;" | February 2006
| style="text-align: center;" | February 2006
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | Manzorian tells the heroes to seek out Lashonna, sorcerous advisor to tyrannical Prince Zeech of Redhand and possibly the last person to see Balakarde alive. To meet her, however, the heroes must make it through Prince Zeech's extravagant ball and be on their best behavior.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"| Tenser tells the heroes to seek out Lashonna, sorcerous advisor to tyrannical Prince [[Zeech]] of [[Redhand]] and possibly the last person to see [[Bucknard]] alive. To meet her, however, the heroes must make it through Prince Zeech's extravagant ball and be on their best behavior.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 9
| style="text-align: center;" | 9
| "The Library of Last Resort"
| '''"The Library of Last Resort"'''
| Nicolas Logue
| Nicolas Logue
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann
Line 115: Line 132:
| style="text-align: center;" | March 2006
| style="text-align: center;" | March 2006
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | Once the heroes meet Lashonna, she sends them to the Isle of Last Resort, to uncover the location of the phylactery of Kyuss' general, the [[dracolich]] [[Dragotha]]. A power-hungry cleric of [[Vecna]] and his minions have the same idea, however.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"| Once the heroes meet Lashonna, she sends them to the Isle of Last Resort, to uncover the location of the phylactery of Kyuss' general, the [[dracolich]] [[Dragotha]]. A power-hungry cleric of [[Vecna]] and his minions have the same idea, however.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 10
| style="text-align: center;" | 10
| "Kings of the Rift"
| '''"Kings of the Rift"'''
| Greg A. Vaughn
|[[Greg A. Vaughan]]
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; David Hudnut <small>(cover)</small>
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; [[David Hudnut]] <small>(cover)</small>
| style="text-align: center;" | 18–19
| style="text-align: center;" | 18–19
| style="text-align: center;" | 133
| style="text-align: center;" | 133
| style="text-align: center;" | April 2006
| style="text-align: center;" | April 2006
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | Now that the heroes know where to find Dragotha's phylactery, they must get it. This involves infiltrating a huge fortress currently occupied by giants and besieged by dragons.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"| Now that the heroes know where to find [[Dragotha]]'s phylactery, they must get it. This involves infiltrating a huge fortress currently occupied by giants and besieged by dragons.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 11
| style="text-align: center;" | 11
| "Into the Wormcrawl Fissure"
| '''"Into the Wormcrawl Fissure"'''
| [[James Jacobs (game designer)|James Jacobs]]
| [[James Jacobs|James Jacobs]]
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; Dan Scott <small>(cover)</small>
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; Dan Scott <small>(cover)</small>
| style="text-align: center;" | 19–20
| style="text-align: center;" | 19–20
Line 135: Line 152:
| style="text-align: center;" | May 2006
| style="text-align: center;" | May 2006
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | With Dragotha's phylactery secured, the heroes must travel into the deadly Wormcrawl Fissure to reunite Balakarde's broken spirit and either destroy or blackmail Kyuss' dracolich general.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"| With Dragotha's phylactery secured, the heroes must travel into the deadly [[Wormcrawl Fissure]] to reunite Balakarde's broken spirit and either destroy or blackmail [[Kyuss]]' [[dracolich]] general.
|-
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 12
| style="text-align: center;" | 12
| "Dawn of a New Age"
| '''"Dawn of a New Age"'''
| Tito Leati
| Tito Leati
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; Wayne Reynolds <small>(cover)</small>
| J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; Wayne Reynolds <small>(cover)</small>
Line 145: Line 162:
| style="text-align: center;" | June 2006
| style="text-align: center;" | June 2006
|-
|-
| colspan="7" | The new Spire is complete, and Alhaster is under siege from legions of Kyuss' undead minions. The heroes must battle their way through the city and fight back the darkness before confronting the Wormgod himself.
| colspan="7"  style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;"| The new Spire is complete, and [[Alhaster]] is under siege from legions of Kyuss' undead minions. The heroes must battle their way through the city and fight back the darkness before confronting the Wormgod himself.
|}
|}


== Age of Worms official resources ==
The Age of Worms adventure path also included player-friendly articles in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' magazine and additional GM resources in both ''[[Dungeon]]'' Magazine and ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' magazine.
* ''[[Age of Worms Overload]]'', by Erik Mona, Eric L. Boyd, and Keith Baker. Available online. A summary of all 12 adventures and conversion notes for the Forgotten Realms and Eberron.
* "[[Backdrop: Diamond Lake]]," by Erik Mona, Dungeon #124. Kick off Dungeon's new 12-adventure Age of Worms Adventure Path campaign with this overview of Diamond Lake, a run-down mining community nestled in hills laden with the tombs of a dozen lost civilizations.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Jason Bulmahn, Dragon #333. As the Age of Worms begins, craft your characters' first home.
* "Womfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by F. Wesley Schneider, Dragon #334. Support Diamond Lake's economy.
* "The Ecology of the Grimlock," by Mark A. Hart, Dragon #327. Sightless beasts from the lightless depths.
* "Ecology of the Lizardfolk," by Amber E. Scott and F. Wesley Schneider, Dragon #335. Stalk the shadows with these scaly swamp savages.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Mike McArtor, Dragon #335. The characters of the staff of Dungeon and Dragon. Three new cohorts from Diamond Lake.
* "Backdrop: The Free City," by Richard Pett, Dungeon #128. Welcome to Midnight's Muddle, a lively Free City neighborhood packed with friends and foes alike. As the Age of Worms marches ever forward, the Muddle offers your PCs new contacts and a new home.
* "Ecology of the Spawn of Kyuss," by James Jacobs, Dragon #336. Worming their way into your heart (and brain).
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Jeremy Walker, Dragon #336. Ready for a night on the town in the Free City?
* "Monsters of the Mind: Minions of the Mind Flayers," by Kevin Baase, Eric Jansing, and Oliver Frank, with Bill Halliar, Dragon #337. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Unless, of course, you're one of these horrors: brainstealer dragon, illithocyte, mind worm, nerve swimmers, ustilgator.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Erik Mona, Dragon #337. Buying magic items in the Free City.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by James Jacobs, Dragon #338. With this prestige class, you really are worm food: the wormhunter.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Jason Bulmahn, Dragon #339. Drink from the fountain of fortune's folly.
* "Backdrop: Alhaster," by Richard Pett, Dungeon #131. Tour the dark streets of the only port in the Bandit Kingdoms -- the troubled town of Alhaster. As the Age of Worms nears its epic conclusion, the city will become an important part of the unfolding events.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by F. Wesley Schneider, Dragon #340. Making an entrance: a new system to reward players who go beyond the basic noble's outfit.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Mike McArtor, Dragon #341. The Heart of Darkness: high-level wilderness exploration, with speeds and carrying capacities of various mounts.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Jeremy Walker, Dragon #342. Magic items of worm and wyrm.
* "Spellcraft," by Jesse Decker, Dragon #343. Worm Bound: The Secrets of Kyuss. Flesh-crawling spells of the worm.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by the Dragon staff, Dragon #343. Six planar allies to oppose the Age of Worms.
* "Ecology of the Dracolich," by Richard Pett and Greg A. Vaughan, Dragon #344. Death can't defeat some dragons.
* "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by James Jacobs, Dragon #344. What to do when your Age of Worms campaign becomes truly epic.
== References ==
== References ==
<references/>
<references/>
{{index}}


{{Adventure Path}}
[[Category:Adventure paths]]
 
[[Category:Adventures]]
[[Category:Dungeon Adventure Paths]]
[[Category: Canonical sources]]
[[Category:Greyhawk modules]]
[[Category:Magazine articles]]

Latest revision as of 03:35, 2 September 2025

This article is about the Age of Worms adventure path.
For the historical period, please see the main article at Age of Worms.
Greyhawk Source
Age of Worms adventure path
Front cover of Dungeon Issue 124 (July 2005), illustrated by Wayne Reynolds,
Type: Adventure path
Code/Abbreviation: AoW
Edition: Third edition
Author(s): Various (see below)
Editor(s): Various
Cover Artist(s): Various (see below)
Interior Artist(s): Various (see below)
Publisher: Paizo
First Published: 2005
Class: Officially published material
Setting date: 595 CY

The Age of Worms Adventure Path (or simply Age of Worms) is the second adventure path for D&D, published over twelve installments from July 2005 through June 2006 in Dungeon magazine. A campaign designed to take player characters from 1st to 20th level, Age of Worms was given an Honorable Mention in the "Best Adventure" category of the 2007 ENnie Awards.[1]

Story

The Age of Worms is an age of darkness and despair heard of only in ancient prophecies. According to these prophecies, the Herald of the Age of Worms is said to be the undead deity Kyuss, the Wormgod, who is somehow involved with the Ebon Triad, a cult introduced in the previous Adventure Path, Shackled City.

Setting

Age of Worms differs from the first Adventure Path primarily in its use of established Greyhawk characters, locations such as the Free City of Greyhawk, and items such as the Rod of Seven Parts.[2] Though the series is set in a somewhat abstracted World of Greyhawk (the Free City of Greyhawk becomes the Free City, etc.), supplements were made available online that gave conversion notes for Dungeon Masters wishing to adapt it to other Dungeons & Dragons campaign settings such as Eberron or Forgotten Realms.

Summary

Age of Worms develops from a small town of Diamond Lake, leads to intrigue in the Free City, and then on to a mysterious cult that serves as a front to bring about the events leading up to the Age of Worms. As the players encounter the various architects of the plot, they uncover the nature of the coming age, and battle the ultimate masterminds behind it. In the end, they face off against the two primary antagonists: Dragotha, a powerful undead dragon, and his master, Kyuss.

The entire Adventure Path consists of the following installments:

Chapter Title Authors Illustrators Levels Issue Date
1 "The Whispering Cairn" Erik Mona Joachim Barrum, Chad Du Lac, Steve Prescott, Eva Weidermann, Jim Zubkavich; Wikipedia:Wayne Reynolds (cover); Robert Lazzaretti (cartography for entire series), Darlene (calligraphy for entire series) 1–3 124 July 2005
A band of would-be adventurers explore a long-lost tomb near Diamond Lake and uncover a necromancer's conspiracy with local merchants.
2 "The Three Faces of Evil" Mike Mearls J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann 3–4 125 August 2005
The heroes penetrate a tripartite cult operating in secret underneath Dourstone Mine, hoping to merge their three unholy deities. The name of Kyuss and rumors of worm-eaten dead arise.
3 "Encounter at Blackwall Keep" Sean K. Reynolds J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann 5–6 126 September 2005
While seeking out a sage to shed light on their recent discoveries, the heroes come upon Blackwall Keep, an outpost beset by lizardfolk, and a rescue mission ensues.
4 "The Hall of Harsh Reflections" Jason Bulmahn J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann 7–8 127 October 2005
In the enormous Free City of Greyhawk, doppelganger assassins lead the heroes to an illithid dealing in unholy relics.
5 "The Champion's Belt" Tito Leati, Richard Pett J. Barrum, Matt Dixon, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; Wikipedia:Howard Lyon (cover) 9–10 128 November 2005
In order to investigate Loris Raknian, the warlord who tried to have them killed, the heroes must enroll in the greatest gladiatorial tournament in the world – the Free City Games. What they end up with is an Apostle of Kyuss come to claim the blood of a champion.
6 "A Gathering of Winds" Wolfgang Baur J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann 11–12 129 December 2005
The heroes return to Diamond Lake to seek out their patron Allustan and present him with all they've learned of the cult of Kyuss and their activity. When they find that the dragon Ilthane has leveled Allustan's home, they must defeat it and re-enter the Whispering Cairn to seek out the missing wizard.
7 "The Spire of Long Shadows" Jesse Decker J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann 13–14 130 January 2006
Allustan's mentor Tenser tells the heroes of his colleague Bucknard, who explored the site of Kyuss' divine apotheosis. When they follow in Bucknard's footsteps, the heroes find a site with tales of its own to tell of Kyuss and his blasphemous practices, as well as the alien architect of the Age of Worms.
8 "The Prince of Redhand" Richard Pett J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann 15–16 131 February 2006
Tenser tells the heroes to seek out Lashonna, sorcerous advisor to tyrannical Prince Zeech of Redhand and possibly the last person to see Bucknard alive. To meet her, however, the heroes must make it through Prince Zeech's extravagant ball and be on their best behavior.
9 "The Library of Last Resort" Nicolas Logue J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann 16–17 132 March 2006
Once the heroes meet Lashonna, she sends them to the Isle of Last Resort, to uncover the location of the phylactery of Kyuss' general, the dracolich Dragotha. A power-hungry cleric of Vecna and his minions have the same idea, however.
10 "Kings of the Rift" Greg A. Vaughan J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; David Hudnut (cover) 18–19 133 April 2006
Now that the heroes know where to find Dragotha's phylactery, they must get it. This involves infiltrating a huge fortress currently occupied by giants and besieged by dragons.
11 "Into the Wormcrawl Fissure" James Jacobs J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; Dan Scott (cover) 19–20 134 May 2006
With Dragotha's phylactery secured, the heroes must travel into the deadly Wormcrawl Fissure to reunite Balakarde's broken spirit and either destroy or blackmail Kyuss' dracolich general.
12 "Dawn of a New Age" Tito Leati J. Barrum, S. Prescott, E. Weidermann; Wayne Reynolds (cover) 20–21 135 June 2006
The new Spire is complete, and Alhaster is under siege from legions of Kyuss' undead minions. The heroes must battle their way through the city and fight back the darkness before confronting the Wormgod himself.

Age of Worms official resources

The Age of Worms adventure path also included player-friendly articles in Dragon magazine and additional GM resources in both Dungeon Magazine and Dragon magazine.

  • Age of Worms Overload, by Erik Mona, Eric L. Boyd, and Keith Baker. Available online. A summary of all 12 adventures and conversion notes for the Forgotten Realms and Eberron.
  • "Backdrop: Diamond Lake," by Erik Mona, Dungeon #124. Kick off Dungeon's new 12-adventure Age of Worms Adventure Path campaign with this overview of Diamond Lake, a run-down mining community nestled in hills laden with the tombs of a dozen lost civilizations.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Jason Bulmahn, Dragon #333. As the Age of Worms begins, craft your characters' first home.
  • "Womfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by F. Wesley Schneider, Dragon #334. Support Diamond Lake's economy.
  • "The Ecology of the Grimlock," by Mark A. Hart, Dragon #327. Sightless beasts from the lightless depths.
  • "Ecology of the Lizardfolk," by Amber E. Scott and F. Wesley Schneider, Dragon #335. Stalk the shadows with these scaly swamp savages.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Mike McArtor, Dragon #335. The characters of the staff of Dungeon and Dragon. Three new cohorts from Diamond Lake.
  • "Backdrop: The Free City," by Richard Pett, Dungeon #128. Welcome to Midnight's Muddle, a lively Free City neighborhood packed with friends and foes alike. As the Age of Worms marches ever forward, the Muddle offers your PCs new contacts and a new home.
  • "Ecology of the Spawn of Kyuss," by James Jacobs, Dragon #336. Worming their way into your heart (and brain).
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Jeremy Walker, Dragon #336. Ready for a night on the town in the Free City?
  • "Monsters of the Mind: Minions of the Mind Flayers," by Kevin Baase, Eric Jansing, and Oliver Frank, with Bill Halliar, Dragon #337. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Unless, of course, you're one of these horrors: brainstealer dragon, illithocyte, mind worm, nerve swimmers, ustilgator.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Erik Mona, Dragon #337. Buying magic items in the Free City.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by James Jacobs, Dragon #338. With this prestige class, you really are worm food: the wormhunter.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Jason Bulmahn, Dragon #339. Drink from the fountain of fortune's folly.
  • "Backdrop: Alhaster," by Richard Pett, Dungeon #131. Tour the dark streets of the only port in the Bandit Kingdoms -- the troubled town of Alhaster. As the Age of Worms nears its epic conclusion, the city will become an important part of the unfolding events.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by F. Wesley Schneider, Dragon #340. Making an entrance: a new system to reward players who go beyond the basic noble's outfit.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Mike McArtor, Dragon #341. The Heart of Darkness: high-level wilderness exploration, with speeds and carrying capacities of various mounts.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by Jeremy Walker, Dragon #342. Magic items of worm and wyrm.
  • "Spellcraft," by Jesse Decker, Dragon #343. Worm Bound: The Secrets of Kyuss. Flesh-crawling spells of the worm.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by the Dragon staff, Dragon #343. Six planar allies to oppose the Age of Worms.
  • "Ecology of the Dracolich," by Richard Pett and Greg A. Vaughan, Dragon #344. Death can't defeat some dragons.
  • "Wormfood: Surviving the Age of Worms Adventure Path," by James Jacobs, Dragon #344. What to do when your Age of Worms campaign becomes truly epic.

References

  1. ↑ 2007 Nominees and Winners. ennie-awards.com. EMWorld Publishing. Retrieved on 19 February 2024.
  2. ↑ Baur,Wolfgang. A Gathering of Winds. Dungeon Magazine #129. Paizo Publishing, LLC. December 2005. p39-66

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

A Gathering of Winds (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Cairns hills, Dungeon magazine #129 38
Age of Worms Adventure Path Adventure Adventure - Dragon magazine #344 86, 93, 94
Dawn of a New Age (Age of worms) Adventure Located in: Bandit Kingdoms, Dungeon magazine #135 52
Encounter at Blackwall Keep (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Domain of Greyhawk, Dungeon magazine #126 16
Into the Wormcrawl Fissure (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Rift canyon, Dragon magazine #344 86
Into the Wormcrawl Fissure (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Rift canyon, Dungeon magazine #134 55-89
Kings of the Rift (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Bandit Kingdoms, Dungeon magazine #133 52
The Champion's Belt (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Greyhawk (Greyhawk city), Dungeon magazine #128 30
The Hall of Harsh Reflections (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Greyhawk (Greyhawk city), Dungeon magazine #127 34
The Library of Last Resort (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Bandit Kingdoms, Dungeon magazine #132 58
The Prince of Redhand (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Bandit Kingdoms, Dungeon magazine #131 48
The Spire of Long Shadows (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Bandit Kingdoms, Dungeon magazine #130 58
The Three Faces of Evil (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Cairn hills, Dungeon magazine #125 16
The Whispering Cairn (Age of Worms) Adventure Located in: Cairn hills, Dungeon magazine #124 14
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