Credits

Designer: Stacey Allan

Editor: Hannah Rose
Art Direction, Cartography, and Layout: Stacey Allan
Art: Provided by Wizards of the Coast and used with permission
Special Thanks: Chris Lindsay, the Guild Adepts,
Wizards of the Coast

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, 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 Mas-
ters Guild.

All other original material in this work is ©2020 and published under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.
 his adventure is designed for three to seven 5th- Adjusting this Adventure
to 10th-level characters and is optimized for five
characters with an average party level (APL) This adventure is optimized for 5 characters of level 7.
of 7. Characters outside this level range cannot To determine whether you should consider adjusting the
participate in this adventure. adventure, add up the total levels of all the characters and
This adventure requires use of the D&D fifth edition divide the result by the number of characters. This is the
Player’s Handbook and Dungeon Master’s Guide, as well group’s average party level (APL). To approximate the
as Eberron: Rising from the Last War. Creature statistics party strength for the adventure, consult the table below.
are included at the end of the adventure. This adventure
also utilizes the salvage rules from Eberron: Oracle of Determining Party Strength
Party Composition Party Strength
War: Salvage Bases and Missions and assumes that the
players have their own salvage base. Suggestions for 3-4 characters, APL less than 7 Very weak
running this quest without the salvage rules are detailed in 3-4 characters, APL equals 7 Weak
sidebars throughout the adventure.
3-4 characters, APL greater than 7 Average
Background 5 characters, APL less than 7 Weak

Mercenaries storm the adventurers’ base in the dead 5 characters, APL equals 7 Average
of night. They work for STEEPLEJACK, an ex-soldier 5 characters, APL greater than 7 Strong
who served in an infamous military unit, THE 6-7 characters, APL less than 7 Average
FIGHTING FIFTH, during the Last War. Steeplejack is
6-7 characters, APL equals 7 Strong
kidnapping salvagers and imprisoning them at his base,
COPPER CANYON, an enchanted HOUSE CANNITH 6-7 characters, APL greater than 7 Very strong
SCRAPYARD, which surges with strange magic as a
result of the Mourning.
Steeplejack is the thrall of a mind flayer arcanist,
Adventure Hooks
SLARDUSK, which is harnessing the magic of the The characters are thrown into this adventure with an
scrapyard to create a colony of loyal SCRAP SOLDIERS: unprovoked attack on their base. It’s assumed that the
undead hybrids of humanoids and magical machinery. characters are scavengers working for salvage crews
Slardusk requires a steady supply of humanoid creatures and have set up a base in the Mournland. Players should
to experiment on. The adventurers must raid the invent their own reasons for undertaking such dangerous
scrapyard, free the captives they find there, and rid the work: dedication to a just cause, serving a specific patron,
Mournland of this malignant threat. spying for an organization, etc. Players with access to the
Oracle of War Player’s Guide can use the backgrounds and
Overview patrons listed there.
The adventure’s story is spread over three parts and takes
approximately 4 hours to play:
Threats and Locations
The following describes short synopses of the threats and
• Part 1: Base Attack (45 minutes).
locations used throughout this adventure:
The adventurers undergo a midnight raid on their
base. If they fail to defend it, they’re captured by their The Fighting Fifth
assailants and taken to the Copper Canyon scrapyard.
This adventure features a new group operating within
• Part 2: Enchanted Scrapyard (2.5 hours).
the Mournland: an elite Cyran military unit from the Last
The adventurers explore Copper Canyon, a scrapyard
War called the Fighting Fifth. Only the strongest and most
humming with creation magic. Here they uncover the
formidable soldiers were selected to join this unit. They
sinister plot of the mind flayer Slardusk.
were assigned many dangerous and secretive missions—
• Part 3: Last Stand (30 minutes).
and they were infamous for their willingness to break the
In a final showdown with Slardusk, the adventurers
law in order to complete their objectives.
must use the magic of the scrapyard to their advantage.
Having miraculously survived the Mourning, the Fifth
are still fighting. They believe they were spared for a
reason, and each now pursues their own cause—but

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 3

 without a chain of command, their actions are unchecked Enchanted Scrapyard
and chaotic. Operating as lone wolves and warped by the Copper Canyon is a scrapyard attached to the rear of
horrors of the Mournland, a few of the Fighting Fifth are a House Cannith forge and workshop. On the day of
making their presence known. Mourning, the forge imploded, and raw magic surged
Members of the Fighting Fifth will appear in other through the canyon. The magic clung to everything it
Salvage Missions published by the Guild Adepts. Feel free touched. It filtered through the layers of scrap, animating
to add Fighting Fifth soldiers of your devising into your it into wondrous constructs with a fleeting awareness of
own salvage quests, too. their surroundings.
Steeplejack Salvage Awards
One of the surviving Fighting Fifth members is
Steeplejack, a menacing soldier who has focused his If you’re using the salvage rules, salvage is awarded
wrath on salvagers, whom he sees as opportunists according to the Salvage Rewards per Character table in
robbing his homeland of its treasures. When Steeplejack Salvage Bases and Missions. For this adventure, every
crossed paths with Slardusk, the mind flayer harnessed character is awarded 100 salvage per hour of play.
the rage burning within the soldier to its advantage and
transformed him into its thrall. Hero Points
In this adventure, adventurers are supposed to be a cut
Slardusk above the rest. To reflect this, each character in the party
Slardusk, a mind flayer arcanist, is the cruel mastermind gains one hero point at the start of this adventure.
of this adventure. Slardusk stepped into Cyre from Khyber
through a planar rift on the day of Mourning, and became
Hero Points
drawn to the untamed magic of Copper Canyon scrapyard.
A player can spend a hero point whenever they make an at-
Slardusk uses the yard’s powers to fuse the enchanted tack roll, an ability check, or a saving throw. The player can
scrap with the brains of his humanoid test subjects, hoping spend the hero point after the roll is made but before they
to raise a colony of clockwork thralls. Slardusk is a rogue know whether they’re successful or not. Spending the hero
agent—the twisted magic of the Mournland has severed point allows the player to roll a d6 and add it to the d20, pos-
its connection with Dyrnn the Overmind, leaving it free to sibly turning a failure into a success. A player can spend only
pursue and hone its true purpose: creation. one hero point per roll. In addition, whenever a character fails
a death saving throw, the player can spend one hero point to
turn the failure into a success.

4 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

Estimated Duration: 45 minutes Playing Without a Base
The adventurers undergo a midnight raid on their base. If
If the characters don’t have a base, the attack happens whilst
they fail to defend it, they’re captured by their assailants they’re staying overnight in Salvation. The raid plays out as
and taken to the Copper Canyon scrapyard. described, with plenty of opportunities for the enemies to
capture NPCs. Since Steeplejack’s wrath is directed towards
Midnight Strike salvagers, Salvation is an obvious target. As this adventure
Before the adventure begins, give the players Handout 1: cannot feature the death of any canonical D&D NPCs or
NPCs who are introduced in any Oracle of War adventures,
Salvation Times. If your group doesn’t have a base, refer
such as Irullan Karnach or Draev Shaldor, it’s best to stick to
to the “Playing Without a Base” sidebar for guidance. Read NPCs of your own invention. A map of Salvation is provided
or paraphrase the following boxed text aloud: in appendix A to help you plan and run the attack.

The quiet night erupts with noise as a series of heavy thuds Mage
cause the walls to shake and the ground to tremble. Your Saga Skullarm (a lawful evil, female human) is an
base is under attack! Aundarian mage, fiercely loyal to Slardusk. She rides a war-
horse armored with sheets of worked scrap metal which
function as plate barding, giving the beast an AC of 18.
Be sure to account for any early warning defenses the Gas Mask. Saga wears a full-face plague doctor mask, which
characters have in place. Reward their planning! protects her from the effects of magical gas. This protection is
When a character first looks outside, read or paraphrase a minor enchantment on the mask, which lasts for 24 hours.
the following aloud: Cantrips. Saga can cast the message and dancing lights
cantrips instead of light and prestidigitation.
Orbs of yellow light bloom in the night sky. A siege weapon Veterans
wrought of wood and iron thunders forwards, firing off These mercenaries are handpicked by Steeplejack and
heavy bolts. A motley crew of raiders advance in the equipped for the raid. They have the following traits in
machine’s wake. addition to those listed in their stat block:
Gas Helmets. Their full-face helmets have modified
visors that protect them from the effects of magical gas.
The following creatures attack the base, and are described This protection is a minor enchantment on the helmets,
in more detail below: which lasts for 24 hours.
• An oaken bolter Bottled Smoke. As an action, a veteran can throw a smoke
• A mage riding an armored warhorse bottle at a point up to 60 feet away. The bottle shatters as it
• Four veterans equipped with magical gas weapons lands and releases a cloud of smoke that creates a heavily
• Two scrap soldiers: mechanically enhanced humanoids obscured area in a 20-foot radius. A moderate wind (at least
which use the scarecrow stat block 10 miles per hour) disperses the smoke in 4 rounds; a strong
wind (at least 20 miles per hour) disperses it in 1 round.
The attackers’ objective is to capture as many living Creatures within the smoke-filled area have disadvantage on
prisoners as possible and transport them to the scrapyard attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks.
to be processed. Paralysis Gas (2/Day). As an action, a veteran can release
a 30-foot cone of gas from a stoppered vial. Each creature
Transport Wagon in that area must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving
The veterans ride in a covered wagon drawn by four draft throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. A paralyzed creature
horses. There’s a large iron cage for holding prisoners in can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns,
the back of the wagon. ending the effect on itself on a success.
Oaken Bolter Scrap Soldiers
This machine is constructed from scrap metal and wood.
These creatures are the results of Slardusk’s experiments;
A large iron fist with rusting rivets is bolted to the front of
lobotomized humanoid husks that serve as thralls to
the chassis, and military helmets skewered on metal poles
their illithid master. The subject’s bodies are fitted with
protrude across its frame.
enchanted scrapyard parts, which connect to their brain

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 5

 through arcane tendons, giving the creatures a modicum of
sentience and the ability to speak. They wear copper masks
Adjusting the Scene
and look like metal figures with exposed areas of gray flesh. Here are some suggestions for adjusting the difficulty of this
encounter:
The scrap soldiers arrive at the base either by clinging to
• Very Weak: Remove the mage, three veterans, and one
the oaken bolter or capering alongside it. They use the stat scrap soldier (scarecrow).
block of a scarecrow with the following modifications: • Weak: Remove the mage and two veterans.
• Their speed is 40 ft • Strong: Add one veteran and two scrap soldiers
• Their languages are Daelkyr and Common (scarecrows).
• Very Strong: Add three veterans and two scrap soldiers
• They have no damage vulnerabilities
(scarecrows).
• They do not have the False Appearance trait
• They have a telepathic link to Slardusk as long as they are
on the same plane of existence as the mind flayer Captured
Running the Attack Captured characters and NPCs are tied up, blindfolded,
stripped of their equipment, and thrown into the cage on
The attack takes place over two stages. Keep the the wagon. Their captors use paralysis gas to immobilize
following in mind: them during the journey. They’re transported to the
• Make the enemies fallible. Allow them to run afoul scrapyard and placed in prisoner pens. Proceed to
of any defenses the characters have in place at their “Prisoners Pens” below, in “Part 2: Enchanted Scrapyard.”
base—players have spent time and salvage to build their
base, so allow for memorable moments which enable Defend and Retaliate
their hard work to shine. Conversely, don’t be shy about If the characters successfully defend their base, there are
exploiting any of the base’s weaknesses. several clues they can investigate to learn the identity of
• If the characters employ NPCs at their base, give the their attackers and the scrapyard’s location. When the
enemies opportunities to capture these employees, characters have gathered all the information they want,
providing the characters with motivation for a proceed to “Part 2: Enchanted Scrapyard.”
rescue mission.
Interrogation
Attack Phase 1: Breach Saga Skullarm refuses to talk, but any of the veterans
During the first phase, the oaken bolter opens fire on reveal the following information when questioned:
the base, as the four veterans close in to gain access. • They work for Steeplejack, an ex-soldier of the Fighting
The rest of the group remains close to the oaken bolter Fifth regiment from the Last War, and they have orders
until phase two of the attack. It should feel chaotic and to take prisoners alive.
disorientating—a deafening raid from nowhere, with • The scrap soldiers were created by Slardusk, whom they
unknown assailants emerging through screens of smoke, believe to be a reclusive human doctor; they don’t know
as the night sky flashes with arcane light. Slardusk is a mind flayer.
Artillery. The enemies try to get within 100 feet of the • The location of their base, Copper Canyon.
base before beginning their attack, but fire from long
range if spotted. Parchment
Gas Attacks. Whenever seems appropriate, the veterans A search of the bodies uncovers a tally of captives on
launch their smoke bottles to separate the characters and faded “Copper Canyon Scrapyard” letterhead. Give the
draw them out. players Handout 2: Headed Parchment. Cyran characters
Mage. Saga lights the sky above the base with balls of have heard of Copper Canyon and know how to get
yellow dancing lights and uses message spells to maintain there. Otherwise, characters who succeed on a DC 12
communication with her cohorts. When in range she Intelligence (History) check recall this information. It can
provides artillery backup with her fire bolt. also be found on any map of the local area dated before
the Mourning.
Attack Phase 2: Capture
The second phase involves all the remaining attackers. It
Scrap Soldiers
Searching the bodies of the scrap soldiers reveals
begins once the veterans have accessed the base and are
lobotomized gray humanoids beneath a scrap metal
engaged in combat with the characters.
exterior. The metal is attached to the flesh using unknown
Scrap Soldiers. Saga sends the two scrap soldiers
surgical techniques, and falls to pieces when handled.
howling towards the base.
Subdue and Capture. The raiders have orders to Tattoo
capture the characters alive if they can; the veterans use Saga has a strange tattoo at the nape of her neck.
paralysis gas, and strike to knock out characters rather Characters who succeed on a DC 14 Intelligence (Arcana
than kill them. or Religion) check recognize it as a symbol of Dyrrn, the
Mage. If the attack is going well, Saga stays to help daelkyr Overmind of mind flayers.
round up the captives. However, if the characters have the
upper hand, Saga flees back to the scrapyard.

6 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

Estimated Duration: 2.5 hours Scrapyard Creations
The adventurers explore Copper Canyon, a scrapyard d20 Creation
humming with creation magic. Here they uncover the 1 A 30-foot-high wall forms from enormous, rolling cogs,
sinister plot of the mind flayer Slardusk. blocking line of sight.

Approaching the Scrapyard 2 A mechanical monkey marches out of a pile of scrap,

bashing a pair of cymbals.
Copper Canyon is half a day’s travel on foot from the 3 A clawfoot bathtub gallops by.
characters’ base. If you wish to have an encounter on the way,
use the Mournland Encounters (Levels 5–10) table in chapter 4 A swarm of whirring insects made from tiny fans, cogs,
and bolts buzzes in the air.
7 of Eberron: Oracle of War: Salvage Bases and Missions.
The land around Copper Canyon is arid. Chunks of dusty 5 A large chain winds along the ground like a snake.
scrap metal litter the area surrounding the yard, providing 6 A huge brass bell bounds along, tolling loudly.
plenty of cover for the characters to approach stealthily
7 A mechanical bird bursts from a cage and lands on the
and stake out the location. When the characters draw near, shoulder of the character with the shiniest armor or
read the following boxed text aloud: visible jewelry.
8 An ornamental tin frog leaps by with springs for legs.
A deep canyon stretches ahead, its walls piled high with 9 An anvil thunders by chasing an iron mallet.
scraps of wood, steel, and copper. Several cranes stand 10 A brass instrument quintet bobs around, playing a
inert, chains clinking in the breeze. Hooded figures and song not heard since before the Last War.
armored guards patrol the canyon, as balls of tangled 11 A tin kettle whistles loudly, and hops across the yard,
copper wire blow across the ground like tumbleweed. followed by a line of marching tin cups.
12 A brass mannequin with a revolving fan skirt pirouettes
by and dances with the creature closest to it.
Give the players Handout 3: Copper Canyon Map.
13 A suit of armor without a helmet stumbles by, swinging
Scrapyard a sword.
14 A chandelier spider scrabbles from the scrap.
The scrapyard is a sandbox location. Its defenders include
cultists of Dyrnn drawn to Slardusk’s side, a band of 15 A mine cart filled with track pieces hurtles by, throwing
mercenaries loyal to Steeplejack, and a horde of Slardusk’s the track down in front of it as it goes.
scrap soldiers. The characters can stakeout the area before 16 A hopping bullseye lantern that stops frequently to
deciding where to enter, whether that’s through the main “blink” its glass aperture.
gate, down the walls, traversing a crane, or any other plan 17 A tree of copper wire grows from the canyon wall and
they can conceive. Locations can be explored in any order. reaches skyward.
If Saga Skullarm escaped during part 1, the yard is on high
18 A cooking pot thumps by with its lid banging.
alert. See the “Scrapyard Features” sidebar for guidance.
19 A huge metal face animates in the wall and proclaims
Scrapyard Creations that it’s hungry.
The scrapyard is alive with creation magic. It’s constantly 20 A unicorn of turning gears heals 1d4 hit points to each
assembling, destroying, and recreating things from the creature within 30 feet of it with its lightning rod horn,
junk it contains. It animates objects and throws together before falling to scrap.
constructs, imbuing them with ephemeral character
and purpose.
Scrapyard Features
For every 30 minutes that the characters spend in any
Copper Canyon scrapyard has the following common features:
of the scrapyard locations, or when an encounter begins,
Walls. The walls are stacked with junk and are roughly 70
roll on the Scrapyard Creations table below to see what feet high. Climbing the walls requires success on a DC 12
manifests. The creations can be a help, a hindrance, or an Strength (Athletics) check.
unusual spectacle; allow for creativity in the characters’ Alertness. If the yard is on high alert due to the return of
interactions with them, and reward ingenuity. Each Saga Skullarm, all enemies have a raised passive Perception
creation lasts for d4 rounds unless otherwise stated. of 15, and are actively on the lookout for intruders.

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 7

 The scrapyard is crammed with all sorts of items, soldier thralls or destroying large areas of Copper Canyon.
both strange and mundane. At the beginning of any of If the characters draw Slardusk out of its laboratory into the
the scrapyard location encounters, roll 3 times on the scrapyard, proceed to “Part 3: Last Stand.”
Scrapyard Salvage table below to randomly populate the
environment. Characters or enemies may choose to use Scrapyard Location
these items in inventive ways. The following locations are keyed to the map of the
scrapyard in appendix A. The guards here are all trained
Scrapyard Salvage to operate the machinery at locations C3, C4, C8, and C9,
d20 Creation and will use this equipment against the characters at every
1 Brass chamber pots. opportunity.
2 Piles of chain. C1. Main Gate
3 Cogs of assorted sizes. When the characters approach this area, read the
4 Buckets of shrapnel, nuts, and bolts. following aloud:
5 Brass mannequins on creaking wheels.
6 Springs of assorted sizes. A creaking sign hangs from a metal archway. The words
“Copper Canyon Scrapyard” are emblazoned on a panel of
7 Cages of assorted sizes.
cogs. A copper statue of a rearing bull has broken off its
8 A tin bathtub.
base and lies in the sand by the entrance.
9 Battered brass instruments.
10 Chandeliers attached to lengths of chain.
The bull statue represents House Cannith, and once stood
11 Mine carts.
proudly at the scrapyard’s entrance.
12 A huge brass bell. If the yard is on high alert (see the “Scrapyard Features”
13 A large fan with metal blades. sidebar), two veterans stand guard here; otherwise the
14 Brass ship figureheads. gate is unguarded.

15 An assortment of rusting weapons and armor. C2. Main Yard

16 Spiked portcullises. The walls of the yard are piled high with junk, from disman-
tled weaponry and lightning rail cars to bathtubs and cogs.
17 A jumble of warforged body parts.
Refer to the Scrapyard Creations and Scrapyard Salvage
18 A tower of anvils. tables to add flavor as the characters explore. Numerous
19 Decommissioned eldritch cannons. piles of debris provide places to hide and take cover.
20 Stacks of ladders. Patrols. Two veterans and two cult fanatics each patrol
areas C2a, C2b, and C2c. If the mage, Saga Skullarm,
is present, she patrols all three areas in sequence on her
Stakeout Events
armored warhorse.
If the characters stake out the canyon they witness the
The guards clear piles of scrap from the main thorough-
following events:
fare, which have been dropped by the collapsing magical
• After 10 minutes, suits of armor burst from a pile of scrap creations of the yard. Occasionally they’ll use one of the
and run past a guard, almost knocking them over. The yard’s cranes to move or break down larger piles of debris.
armor soon collapses, and the guard reports the incident If the characters cause a commotion, it may attract guards
to a kobold who appears from a doorway in area C10. from the other areas at your discretion.
• After 30 minutes, an enormous warrior strides from While many of the scrapyard’s creations are noisy, the
a lightning rail carriage (this is Steeplejack from area guards are used to strange occurrences here, so may not
C5), hauling a guard behind him. The warrior lifts the immediately investigate when something springs to life.
guard above his head and throws him effortlessly into the If, however, the scrapyard creates something particularly
crusher in area C6. Steeplejack activates the machine, noteworthy, a guard reports it to Smethwick in area C10.
and the guard’s screams echo through the canyon, as the Walls. Climbing the walls requires a successful DC 12
warrior storms back to the carriage. Strength (Athletics) check. For every round that a creature
• Every hour, the guard in area C5 drags a captive to area clings to the walls, they must roll a d20 at the end of their
C10, where they’re met by a kobold and ushered inside. A turn. If they roll a 1, the scrap around them animates and
few moments later, the guard returns to their post. grapples them. For each round they are grappled they take
1d10 slashing damage as the scrap attempts to pull them
Confronting Slardusk into the junkpile. Breaking free of the grapple requires
Just as Slardusk was lured to the magic of Copper Canyon, a successful DC 14 Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity
so the unknowable magic of the scrapyard is drawn to the (Acrobatics) check.
mind flayer. Slardusk’s assistant, Smethwick (area L1) hints
that if Slardusk is encountered in the open, the magic of the
scrapyard will turn on the mind flayer.
The characters can come up with any plan they like to lure
Slardusk out, including defeating Steeplejack and the scrap

8 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

 Adjusting the Scene Crane Features
Here are some suggestions for adjusting the difficulty of The three cranes (the wrecking ball in area C3, the grabber in
this location: area C4, and the giant magnet in area C8) share the following
• Very Weak: Remove one veteran and one cult fanatic from common features:
each area and remove the mage. Command Word. Characters who sit at the machine’s con-
• Weak: Remove one veteran from each area and trol panel must succeed on a DC 14 Intelligence (Arcana)
remove the mage. check to decipher the panel and learn the machine’s com-
• Strong: Add one veteran and one cult fanatic to each area. mand word. Speaking the command word aloud activates the
• Very Strong: Add two veterans and two cult fanatics to machine. When the machine is active, repeating its command
each area. word deactivates it.
Controls. As an action, characters can use the panel’s
levers to rotate the boom, raise or lower the chain or move
C3. Wrecking Ball the crane at a speed of 15 feet. For each round that a char-
When the characters approach this crane, read the acter controls the machine, they must succeed on a DC 12
following aloud: Intelligence (Arcana), or a DC 12 Dexterity check if they’re
proficient with land vehicles, to get it to function as they
wish. If they fail the check, they roll on the Malfunctioning
This crane slumps on rusty wheels, its cabin a hollow Machinery table.
sphere streaked with rust. A chain of interlocking steel Guards. Those who work at the yard know the command
words and are trained to operate the machinery.
runes hangs from its arm. Causing a Landslide. If any of the heavy machinery is di-
rected at the canyon walls, it causes a landslide. All creatures
within a 15-foot-radius of the base of the affected wall must
This demolition machine conjures up a wrecking ball make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 4d10 bludgeon-
of force at the end of its chain, which it uses to smash ing damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a
large pieces of scrap. The metal boom is 45 feet high and successful one.
extends 30 feet, and a 20-foot-long chain hangs from its
tip; the chain links are crafted to resemble interlocking
arcane runes. One creature can sit in the machine’s cabin Malfunctioning Machinery
at a time. d6 Malfunction
For rules on learning the machine’s command word, 1 Major Glitch. The machine performs the opposite of
controlling it, and other general information, see the whatever action the character intended (swings left
“Crane Features” sidebar.
instead of right, drops instead of grabs, etc.).
Wrecking Ball Controls. Inside the cabin, a metal orb
etched with runes is embedded in the panel’s surface. The 2 Power Surge. Arcane electricity seethes over the con-
command word to activate the panel is “wreck.” Speaking trol panel, dealing 3d6 lightning damage to the charac-
the word causes a 5-foot-diameter arcane ball of force to ter operating it.
materialize at the end of the crane’s chain. The ball can be 3 Alarm. The machine emits an alarm, audible out to
raised or lowered on its chain by manipulating the panel’s 80 feet. The alarm lasts a few seconds before falling
orb. The boom can also be rotated, allowing the ball to silent.
be swung 20 feet in any direction as an action. When the
ball is swung, creatures in its path must make a DC 12 4-6 Nothing happens.
Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, they take 8d6
C4. Grabber
damage and are knocked prone and pushed 15 feet away.
When the characters approach this crane, read the
On a successful save, they take half as much damage and
following aloud:
aren’t knocked prone or pushed.

This crane sits on a plateau of huge cogs, halfway up the

canyon wall, its chassis resting on four wheels of iron and
wood. A huge, jointed, metal fist hangs from the end of the
boom’s chain.

This crane is used to pick up and carry large bundles of

scrap. It sits on a ledge of cogs, 30 feet up the canyon wall.
The metal fist at the end of its chain is 5 feet in diameter.
This machine has wheels and can be driven.
For rules on learning the machine’s command word,
controlling it, and other general information, see the
“Crane Features” sidebar.
Grabber Controls. Inside the cabin, a rune-etched
gauntlet is chained to the control panel, which also hosts
an assortment of levers. The command word to activate
the panel is “grab.” Speaking the word aloud causes the

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 9

 runes on the control panel’s gauntlet to glow, and the giant The captives here are guarded by one veteran and two
fist at the end of the chain unclenches. Characters who scrap soldiers (use the scarecrow stat block, with the
place a hand inside the control panel’s gauntlet whilst the modifications listed under “Scrap Soldiers” in part 1).
machine is active find that the giant grabber on the end Every hour, the guard selects one prisoner at random and
of the chain mimics the movement of their own hand. drags them to the laboratory at area C10. The cage doors
Grabber operations are as follows: are locked and can be picked with a successful DC 12
Dexterity check using thieves’ tools. The guard also car-
• Grab: The grabber can lift a Huge or smaller target
ries a ring of keys that open the cages and the lockbox in
weighing up to 4 tons. If a creature is targeted, it must
area C6. If the characters make excessive noise here, they
succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw to avoid
may wake the guards in area C6.
being seized. Grappled creatures can break free as an
In the cages are seven salvagers (use the scout stat
action with a successful DC 16 Strength (Athletics) or
block), three of which are dwarves from the Scraps &
Dexterity (Acrobatics) check.
Songs crew (see Handout 1: Salvation Times.) They are:
• Crush: Creatures and objects grappled by the grabber
take 2d10 bludgeoning damage when crushed. Name Identity Trait
• Release: The grabber drops whatever it is holding. Garnous Neutral male Mumbles through his beard.
dwarf salvager
C5. Prisoner Pens
When the characters approach this area, read the Baggon Neutral male Repeats the phrase “We’re
following aloud: dwarf salvager doomed!” at every opportunity.
Hellagin Neutral female Punches inanimate objects in
dwarf salvager anger.
Several cages are piled here like stacking blocks, occupied
by bedraggled and terrified looking captives. A smug guard Vanyeras Neutral male Always hungry.
keeps watch, accompanied by two gaunt creatures—part human salvager

grayish humanoid, part machine. Olnoa Neutral female Accident-prone.

half-elf salvager
Coyne Neutral male Laughs when nervous, which is
halfling salvager all the time.
Mercy Neutral female Elderly and a little hard of
halfling salvager hearing.
NPCs who were captured from the characters’ base are
also imprisoned here and replace any number of the NPCs
listed above. If the characters were captured in part 1, they
wake here, stripped of their possessions.
Whenever they can, the dwarf captives implore the char-
acters to rescue their comrade, Sammel, who was led away
by the guard some time ago. Sammel is held in area L2.
Allow the players to control any freed NPCs who
accompany them.

10 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

C6. Guard Quarters weakness. Steeplejack occasionally removes his helmet
The sleeping car of a lightning rail train sits across the when he’s alone, to inspect his wounds. Characters who
yard from the cages. The guards rest and eat here when see the wounds can make a DC 12 Wisdom (Medicine)
they’re not on duty. One veteran and two cult fanatics check. On a success, they determine the nature and cause
are sleeping in their bunks. The sleeping car contains of the wounds, and realize that removing the helmet may
a lockbox that stores the prisoners’ possessions. If the weaken the soldier during combat.
characters were captured in part 1, their gear is kept Carriage Features. The carriage is 20 feet high, and
here. The lockbox can be picked with a successful DC 12 the door is unlocked while Steeplejack is inside. Skylights
Dexterity check using thieves’ tools. run along the carriage’s roof; they’re locked and can
picked with a successful DC 12 Dexterity check using
thieves’ tools.
Adjusting the Scene Key. Steeplejack keeps a cog-shaped key locked in his
Here are some suggestions for adjusting the difficulty of loca- desk drawer. The lock can be picked with a successful
tions C5 and C6: DC 12 Dexterity check made with thieves’ tools. The key
• Very Weak: Remove one scrap soldier (scarecrow) from opens the door in area C10.
area C5, and remove one veteran and one cult fanatic
from area C6.
• Weak: Remove one veteran from area C6.
• Strong: Add one veteran to area C6.
• Very Strong: Add one veteran to area C6. All enemies in area
C6 are awake.

C7. Steeplejack’s Quarters

When the characters approach this area, read the
following aloud:

The helm of a lightning rail train rests at the base of the

canyon wall. The carriage exterior has been stripped of
parts, and two humanoids fitted with crude scrap metal
attachments guard the door.

Steeplejack, a blackguard of the Fighting Fifth regiment,

occupies the stripped-down helm of a lightning rail. From
here, he plots which salvage groups to strike next, doles
out orders to his mercenaries, and meets with those who
seek to join his cause. Two scrap soldiers (use the scare-
crow stat block) guard the entrance.
If the characters did not witness Steeplejack meting out
punishment to one of his guards as described in “Stakeout
Events,” that event happens as they approach this area.
If the characters encounter him in the open, any nearby
allies rush to his aid.
Steeplejack is Slardusk’s thrall. The process of becom-
ing a thrall has reduced his Intelligence score to 6. He
can also communicate telepathically with the mind flayer. Steeplejack
Characters who spy on Steeplejack when he’s alone wit-
Neutral evil male human blackguard of the Fighting Fifth
ness some strange behavior: muttering to himself, or Steeplejack is six-and-a-half feet tall and built like a brick
standing inert in the center of the room. If a character bathhouse. Once a paladin, he fought his way from the front
discovers that Steeplejack is a thrall, they can make a DC line to the ranks of the Fighting Fifth during the Last War.
14 Intelligence (Arcana) check. If successful, they recall After the Mourning, however, Steeplejack lost faith in his
that a combination of spells can restore the thrall to its Sovereign Host, Dol Dorn. Without divine guidance, Stee-
former self: the thrall must have regeneration, heal, and plejack became a wrathful blackguard with a bloody vendetta
greater restoration cast on it once per day for three consec- against the salvagers of Cyre. Soon after, he was transformed
utive days. The victim is restored to normal when the final into Slardusk’s thrall. Steeplejack still wears his old armor
round of spells is cast. and medals, including his helmet, which covers up his par-
tial lobotomy.
Steeplejack’s Weakness. Steeplejack has a partial
Motivation: Having survived the Mourning, Steeplejack
lobotomy—the result of an aborted brain extraction by is driven to punish those who profit from the downfall of
Slardusk. He wears a helmet to cover his gaping head his homeland.
wounds. If the characters fight Steeplejack while he’s Mannerisms: Abrupt, humorless, and prone to sudden
not wearing his helmet, all weapon attacks against displays of anger. Steeplejack often pauses and stands com-
him have advantage and deal a critical hit on a roll of pletely still during his telepathic exchanges with Slardusk.
18-20. Smethwick, the kobold in area L1, knows of this Quote: “Killing you is as easy as taking out the trash.”

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 11

 C8. Magnetic Crane Creatures being crushed are restrained and take 3d10
When the characters approach this crane, read the bludgeoning damage every round the machine remains
following aloud: active. On the third round of crushing, the walls close and
any creature trapped inside them is killed outright.
A control panel of buttons and switches adjoins the
This crane sits on wheels of interlocking cogs. A two- crusher. Characters who study the panel and succeed on
pronged shard of stone hangs from the chain. a DC 14 Intelligence (Arcana) check learn the machine’s
command word: “crush.” Under normal circumstances,
repeating this command word deactivates the crusher.
This crane is used to gather and carry large items of metal However, when it’s malfunctioning, a further two success-
scrap through magnetic force. The lodestone at the end of ful DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) checks are required to
the chain is 5 feet in diameter, and the crane can be driven repair it. The crusher also deactivates if the control panel
around the scrapyard. is destroyed. It has an AC of 17, 22 hit points, and immu-
For rules on learning the machine’s command word, nity to poison and psychic damage. The panel deals 3d6
controlling it, and other general information, see the lightning damage to the creature that destroys it, and the
“Crane Features” sidebar. crusher is rendered useless.
Magnet Controls. Inside the crane’s cabin, a large dial
and several levers are fitted to the control panel. The com-
mand word to activate the panel is “magnetize.” Speaking
Adjusting the Scene
the word aloud causes the lodestone to hum with arcane Here are some suggestions for adjusting the difficulty of
this location:
energy. Twisting the dial on the control panel as a bonus
• Very Weak: There is one scrap soldier (scarecrow) for every
action controls the application of magnetic force. When character present.
the lodestone is magnetized, it draws all metal in a 10-foot • Very Strong: There are three scrap soldiers (scarecrows) for
radius towards it. Creatures in the lodestone’s area of every character present.
effect that wear metal armor or wield metal weapons must
make a DC 16 Strength saving throw to avoid being pulled
toward the magnet. On a failed save, they find themselves
stuck to the lodestone. They count as being grappled and
C10. Laboratory Entrance
When the characters approach this area, read the
can break free of the grapple with a successful DC 16
following aloud:
Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check.

C9. Crusher A round metal door fitted with cogs and gears is embedded
When the characters approach this area, read the
in the scrapyard wall. A small brass bell hangs on the
following aloud:
wall nearby.

The high trash walls lean menacingly overhead, making this

corner of the canyon dark and grungy. The air is filled with
The door to the laboratory is locked. Smethwick and
Slardusk each carry a cog-shaped key, and a third key
the tang of rust and rot. A large steel container squats in the
can be found in area C7. Inserting and twisting one of
corner, surrounded by cubes of compacted trash. these cog-keys into the door’s mechanism opens the door.
Otherwise, the door can be unlocked with a successful DC
16 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools.
The crusher is a 15-foot-high square steel receptacle with
Ringing the bell summons Smethwick from area L1.
interior walls of force, capable of crushing its contents
Every hour, the guard from area C5 brings a captive here
into neat, 3-foot-square cubes of scrap. The area is littered
and hands them over to Smethwick. Guards also ring the
with these cubes, some of which have dried blood pooled
bell to report any particularly strange scrapyard creations.
around their bases. A pile of trash slopes up one exterior
wall of the crusher, and a ladder is bolted to the front of it,
providing access.
Laboratory Locations
The guards tend to avoid patrolling this area, but scrap The Copper Canyon scrapyard was part of a House
soldiers nest in the walls. They use the scarecrow stat Cannith forge and workshop that exploded during
block (with the modifications listed under “Scrap Soldiers” the Mourning. Most of the workshop collapsed and
in part 1), and there are two of them for every character is inaccessible, but Slardusk has set up its heinous
present. Spotting them requires a successful DC 15 laboratory in the few chambers that remain intact.
Wisdom (Perception) check. The scrap soldiers extricate Suggestions for adjusting the encounter difficulty of the
themselves from the walls and launch howling attacks at laboratory locations are detailed below. If the characters
the characters when they draw close, trying to drag them manage to lure Slardusk out into the scrapyard (see
into the crusher. “Confronting Slardusk in the Scrapyard”), proceed to
Malfunctioning Crusher. The first time a character “Part 3: Last Stand.”
enters the crusher, it immediately activates and
malfunctions. Four walls and a ceiling of force flicker to
life, and close in at a rate of 3 feet per round. On the fourth
round, the machine begins to crush everything inside it.

12 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

 Laboratory Features If the characters encounter Smethwick alone, he begs
The laboratory has the following common features: the “brave and noble heroes” to spare him and to help
Ceilings. Unless otherwise stated, ceilings are 20 feet high him eliminate Slardusk. As well as information about the
and made of copper panels. recent history of the scrapyard and its current denizens,
Doors. The doors are made of iron. If doors are described the kobold imparts the following:
as being locked, they can be opened with the cog-shaped
• Steeplejack is weakened if his helmet is removed
key from area C7; Smethwick and Slardusk also carry keys.
Alternatively, the locks can be picked with a successful DC 16 (see area C7).
Dexterity check using thieves’ tools. • Smethwick can give the characters his cog-shaped key to
Lighting. Unless otherwise stated, bronze bull’s heads hold- area C10, if necessary.
ing lanterns in their mouths are fitted to the walls throughout • Smethwick shows the characters the secret door that
the laboratory. The flickering copper magic light within the leads to area L3.
lanterns provides dim light.
Smethwick also insists that he communes with the
“Great Scrapyard” and that it too wants Slardusk gone.
Adjusting the Laboratory Scenes He believes that if Slardusk can be drawn into the open,
Here are some suggestions for adjusting the difficulty of the the magic of the scrapyard will assist in the mind flayer’s
laboratory locations: downfall (see “Confronting Slardusk in the Scrapyard”). If
• Very Weak: Slardusk is a mind flayer that does not have the this happens, proceed to “Part 3: Last Stand.”
arcanist variant powers. Remove Sliver, the iron defender
from area L2. Remove three scrap soldiers (scarecrows)
from area L3. Smethwick
• Weak: Remove Sliver, the iron defender from area L2. Re- Neutral evil male kobold inventor
move two scrap soldiers (scarecrows) from area L3. Smethwick wears a tin hat and goggles, and his ragged
• Strong: Add two scrap soldiers (scarecrows) to area L3. leather overcoat is adorned with crude traps made of scrap.
• Very Strong: Add four scrap soldiers (scarecrows) He’s a meticulous note-taker, and the many pockets of his
to area L3. waistcoat are stuffed with parchments. He behaves syco-
phantically around Slardusk, through fear—but deep down,
he believes that Slardusk does not respect nor deserve the
L1. Smethwick’s Workshop “Great Scrapyard.” Smethwick is convinced of his own affinity
When the characters enter this chamber, read the with the magic of Copper Canyon.
following aloud: Motivation: To somehow rid the “Great Scrapyard”
of Slardusk.
Mannerisms: Smethwick frequently talks to the pickled
This room is a mess of scattered parchments, spilled ink, brains of his cohorts that line the shelves of his workshop.
Quote: “Tell me what to do, oh mighty scrapyard!”
and half-finished scrap-metal gadgets. A grubby alchemy
lab has a beaker bubbling over with a foul gray fluid,
and shelves along one wall are lined with labeled jars of
pickled brains. L2. Slardusk’s Surgery
Slardusk, a mind flayer arcanist, prepares its victims and
carries out its operations here. When the characters enter
Shortly after the Mourning, a kobold horde settled in the the surgery, read the following aloud:
Copper Canyon scrapyard. They worshipped the magic
there, calling it the “Great Scrapyard.” When Slardusk
arrived, it claimed the scrapyard and the kobolds as its A chemical stench fills this chamber. Large alembics
own. The kobolds’ brains provided sustenance for the containing a phosphorescent green fluid provide pulsing
mind flayer while it conducted its initial experiments, but light, highlighting two dark doorways on the far wall. Three
Smethwick, a kobold inventor, was spared, as he proved cots are arranged here; two of the cots have stained sheets
useful to have around. pulled over unmoving, humanoid forms.
Smethwick’s role is to keep detailed records of the scra-
pyard’s creations and to journal Slardusk’s experiments.
He also mixes the unguents which Slardusk needs for The domed ceiling of this circular chamber is 40 feet high.
its work and oversees brain-pickling. Noteworthy items Slardusk levitates to this vantage point if it’s aware that the
here include an alchemy lab and the pickled brains of characters are approaching. The room also contains the
Smethwick’s friends. There is a secret door to area L3 in following creatures:
the northwestern wall; characters can spot this with a suc-
• Sammel, the dwarf salvager from the Scraps & Songs
cessful DC 18 Wisdom (Perception) check.
crew, lies under a sheet on one of the cots (use the scout
Smethwick seldom leaves his workshop. A bell here is
stat block). His head has been shaved and his scalp is
connected to the bell in area C10; he answers the bell for
covered in a slimy unguent. He is unconscious but alive
reports of interesting scrapyard creations, or to receive
and has 1 hit point remaining.
captives for Slardusk’s experiments, which he quickly
• A scrap soldier (uses the scarecrow stat block with the
delivers to area L2. Slardusk occasionally summons him
modifications listed under “Scrap Soldiers” in part 1)
to record a surgical breakthrough, or to note one of the
occupies the second cot, covered by a sheet.
mind flayer’s many epiphanies.

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 13

 • Slardusk’s mount, Sliver, stands inert under a tarpaulin. L3. Surgical Recovery Chamber
Sliver is a construct of scrap fused with a lobotomized When the characters enter this chamber, read the
warhorse. Steel tentacles hang from its chin. Sliver uses following aloud:
the stat block of an iron defender with the following
modifications: its size is Large, its speed is 60 feet, and
only Slardusk can ride it. This spherical room has eight cells embedded in its walls.
The room is full of grim surgical equipment, pots of Four of them are occupied by humanoids, their grey flesh
foul-smelling creams and oils, and organs squeezed into surgically bound to layers of scrap metal. They stand inert
jars. There are piles of scrap arranged by type: cogs, and silent.
springs, sheets of metal, copper masks, etc.

This dark room is dimly lit by the phosphorescent light

from area L2. Slardusk’s scrap soldiers are moved here
after their surgery to allow time for any malfunctions to
manifest. The four scrap soldiers here use the scarecrow
stat block with the modifications listed under “Scrap
Soldiers” in part 1.
The scrap soldiers are in a trance-like state and animate
if telepathically ordered to do so by Slardusk, or if they
become aware of the characters in the room. Characters
can sneak past them with a successful Dexterity
(Stealth) check opposed by the scrap soldiers’ passive
Wisdom (Perception) score. There is a secret door in the
southwestern wall to area L1; characters can spot this
with a DC 16 Wisdom (Perception) check.

L4. Slardusk’s Quarters

When the characters enter this chamber, read the fol-
lowing aloud:

A throne of scrap dominates this room, and the walls

are adorned with ornate items of junk: tarnished elven
figureheads, chandeliers, and sculpted brass door knockers.
A swollen brain sits in a jar upon a wooden writing desk,
strewn with parchments.

Slardusk devises its surgical procedures here, and the

parchments on the desk are etched with diabolical draw-
ings. The mind flayer also contemplates its own greatness
and dictates its findings to Smethwick whilst sitting on its
makeshift throne.

Slardusk
Lawful evil mind flayer arcanist
Slardusk is reclusive and rarely leaves its laboratory. It
dresses in long robes embroidered with copper wire and
festooned with baubles gathered from the scrapyard. It has
grafted metal piping to its tentacles, and metal plates up one
side of its head. Slardusk has developed some personality
quirks due to its severed link to Dyrnn, and its mind-reading
abilities are sometimes clouded by its own lofty opinion of
itself. The mind flayer has taken on the mantle of the “Great
Scrapyard,” the name the kobolds first gave to Copper Can-
yon, believing itself to be a scrapyard king—it even wears a
crown of scrap.
Motivation: Slardusk wishes to pioneer new forms of
creation by harnessing the magic of Copper Canyon to
grow a colony.
Mannerisms: Slardusk lords over the scrap like a dragon
with a hoard and is constantly delighted by its own flashes
of genius.
Quote: “Smethwick!! Write this down….”

14 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

Estimated Duration: 30 minutes
Ending the Adventure
In a final showdown with Slardusk, the adventurers must
The characters gain salvage from the scrapyard as listed
use the magic of the scrapyard to their advantage.
under “Salvage Awards” at the start of this adventure. If
Smethwick is alive, he pleads with the characters to let him
The Great Scrapyard remain as custodian of the “Great Scrapyard.” He could
Slardusk rides from the laboratory into the scrapyard prove an interesting ally for future Mournland quests! Any
on Sliver, a warhorse construct (use the iron defender rescued captives are indebted to the characters, and escort
stat block with the modifications listed in area L2). them back to Salvation to cash in their rewards.
Any remaining enemies surround the characters and
close in, too. Alternate Rewards
The enchanted junk of the yard is drawn to Slardusk If you’re not using the salvage rules, the reward is a cache of
during combat, rattling and reaching towards the mind exquisite ornaments gleaned from the piles of junk, worth
flayer when it’s near the scrapyard walls. Characters 400 gp per character.
who have a passive Perception score of 14 or higher, or
who succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom (Perception) check,
notice this activity. If Slardusk is reduced to a quarter of
its hit points and is within 15 feet of the scrapyard walls,
Copper Canyon claims the mind flayer and kills it. Read or
paraphrase the following aloud:

Tendrils of chain and copper wire lash out and coil around
Slardusk, dragging it towards the canyon wall. The mind
flayer struggles as scrap metal smothers it, clinging to its
form. Slardusk is pulled deeper into the shuddering junk
pile and torn to shreds. Finally, the scrapyard falls silent
and still.

Adjusting the Scene

Here are some suggestions for adjusting the difficulty of this
encounter:
• Very Weak: Slardusk is a mind flayer which does not
have the arcanist variant powers. Remove Sliver, the
iron defender.
• Weak: Remove Sliver, the iron defender.

About the Author

Stacey Allan is a freelance artist and designer from the UK.
She was a contributing writer and cartographer for Wizards
of the Coast’s latest hardcover Rime of the Frostmaiden, and
is the layout artist for the Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers
League campaign Eberron: Oracle of War. As well as writing
adventures, she’s created many covers for products on the
Dungeon Masters Guild, and joined the ranks of the DMs
Guild Adepts in 2020. She likes birds and bright colors, and is
a mum to her three-year-old daughter, Roxanne.

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 15

 Creature Statistics
Stat Block Modification
The blackguard, Steeplejack, is a mind flayer’s thrall and has
Cult Fanatic
Medium humanoid (any race), any non-good alignment
the following modifications:
• His Intelligence score is 6.
Armor Class 13 (Leather Armor)
• He can communicate telepathically with the mind
Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6)
flayer, Slardusk.
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Blackguard 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2)
Medium humanoid (any race), any non-good alignment
Skills Deception +4, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
Senses passive Perception 11
Armor Class 18 (Plate)
Languages Any one language (usually Common)
Hit Points 153 (18d8 + 72)
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Dark Devotion. The fanatic has advantage on saving throws
18 (+4) 11 (+0) 18 (+4) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) against being charmed or frightened.
Spellcasting. The fanatic is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its spellcast-
Saving Throws Wis +5, Cha +5
ing ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 11, +3 to hit with spell at-
Skills Athletics +7, Deception +5, Intimidation +5
tacks). The fanatic has the following cleric spells prepared:
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages any one language (usually Common) Cantrips (at will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) 1st level (4 slots): command, inflict wounds, shield of faith
2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon
Spellcasting. The blackguard is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with
spell attacks). It has the following paladin spells prepared: Actions
Multiattack. The fanatic makes two melee attacks.
1st level (4 slots): command, protection from evil and good, thun-
derous smite Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
2nd level (3 slots): branding smite, find steed range 20/60 ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
3rd level (2 slots): blinding smite, dispel magic

Actions
Multiattack. The blackguard makes three attacks with its glaive
or its shortbow.
Draft Horse
Glaive. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Large beast, unaligned
Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage.
Armor Class 10
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80/320 ft., Hit Points 19 (3d10 + 3)
one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. Speed 40 ft.
Dreadful Aspect (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). The
blackguard exudes magical menace. Each enemy within 30 feet STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
of the blackguard must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving 18 (+4) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 2 (−4) 11 (+0) 7 (−2)
throw or be frightened for 1 minute. If a frightened target ends
its turn more than 30 feet away from the blackguard, the target Senses passive Perception 10
Languages —
can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on itself on
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
a success.

Actions
Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

16 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

Kobold Inventor 6. Scorpion on a Stick. The kobold makes a melee attack with
a scorpion tied to the end of a 5-foot-long pole. Melee Weapon
Small humanoid (kobold), lawful evil
Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 piercing damage,
and the target must make a DC 9 Constitution saving throw,
Armor Class 12
taking 4 (1d8) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much
Hit Points 13 (3d6 + 3)
damage on a successful one.
Speed 30 ft.
7. Skunk in a Cage. The kobold releases a skunk into an unoc-
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA cupied space within 5 feet of it. The skunk has a walking speed
7 (−2) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 8 (−1) 7 (−2) 8 (−1) of 20 feet, AC 10, 1 hit point, and no effective attacks. It rolls
initiative and, on its turn, uses its action to spray musk at a
Skills Perception +0 random creature within 5 feet of it. The target must make a DC
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 9 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target retches
Languages Common, Draconic and can’t take actions for 1 minute. The target can repeat the
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP) saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect
on itself on a success. A creature that doesn’t need to breathe
Pack Tactics. The kobold has advantage on an attack roll or is immune to poison automatically succeeds on the saving
against a creature if at least one of the kobold’s allies is within 5 throw. Once the skunk has sprayed its musk, it can’t do so
feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated. again until it finishes a short or long rest.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the kobold has disadvan- 8. Wasp Nest in a Bag. The kobold throws a small bag into
tage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks a 5-foot-square space within 20 feet of it. A swarm of insects
that rely on sight. (wasps) with 11 hit points emerges from the bag and rolls
initiative. At the end of each of the swarm’s turns, there’s a 50
percent chance that the swarm disperses.
Actions
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one
target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
Weapon Invention. The kobold uses one of the following op-
tions (roll a d8 or choose one); the kobold can use each one no
more than once per day:
1. Acid. The kobold hurls a flask of acid. Ranged Weapon
Attack: +4 to hit, range 5/20 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d6)
acid damage.
2. Alchemist’s Fire. The kobold throws a flask of alchemist’s
fire. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 5/20 ft., one tar-
get. Hit: 2 (1d4) fire damage at the start of each of the target’s
turns. A creature can end this damage by using its action to
make a DC 10 Dexterity check to extinguish the flames.
3. Basket of Centipedes. The kobold throws a small basket into
a 5-foot-square space within 20 feet of it. A swarm of insects
(centipedes) with 11 hit points emerges from the basket and
rolls initiative. At the end of each of the swarm’s turns, there’s a
50 percent chance that the swarm disperses.
4. Green Slime Pot. The kobold throws a clay pot full of green
slime at the target, and it breaks open on impact. Ranged
Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 5/20 ft., one target. Hit: The
target is covered in a patch of green slime (see chapter 5 of the
Dungeon Master’s Guide). Miss: A patch of green slime covers
a randomly determined 5-foot-square section of wall or floor
within 5 feet of the target.
5. Rot Grub Pot. The kobold throws a clay pot into a 5-foot-
square space within 20 feet of it, and it breaks open on impact.
A swarm of rot grubs emerges from the shattered pot and re-
mains a hazard in that square.

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 17

 Stat Block Modification Stat Block Modification
The mind flayer arcanist, Slardusk, has the following The iron defender is crafted like a horse and has the following
modifications: modifications:
• Daelkyr is added to its known languages. • Its size is Large.
• Its speed is 60 feet.
• It can be ridden by Slardusk.

Mind Flayer Arcanist

Medium aberration, lawful evil
Iron Defender
Armor Class 15 (Breastplate) Medium construct, unaligned
Hit Points 71 (13d8 + 13)
Speed 30 ft. Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 30 (4d8 + 12)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Speed 40 ft.
11 (+0) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 19 (+4) 17 (+3) 17 (+3)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Saving Throws Int +7, Wis +6, Cha +6 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 8 (−1) 11 (+0) 7 (−2)
Skills Arcana +7, Deception +6, Insight +6, Perception +6,
Persuasion +6, Stealth +4 Skills Perception +2, Stealth +4
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16 Damage Immunities poison
Languages Deep Speech, Telepathy 120 ft., Undercommon Condition Immunities exhaustion, poison
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t
speak
Magic Resistance. The mind flayer arcanist has advantage on
Challenge 1 (700 XP)
saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Innate Spellcasting (Psionics). The mind flayer arcanist’s innate Keen Senses. The iron defender has advantage on Wisdom
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 15). It can in- (Perception) checks.
nately cast the following spells, requiring no components:
Telepathic Bond. While the iron defender is on the same
At will: detect thoughts, levitate plane of existence as its master, it can magically convey
1/day each: dominate monster, plane shift (self only) what it senses to its master, and the two can communicate
Spellcasting. The mind flayer arcanist is a 10th-level spellcaster. telepathically.
Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (save DC 15, +7 to hit with
spell attacks). The mind flayer arcanist has the following wizard
spells prepared:
Actions
Cantrips (at will): blade ward, dancing lights, mage hand,
shocking grasp Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, disguise self, shield, sleep Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it
2nd level (3 slots): blur, invisibility, ray of enfeeblement must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or take an ad-
3rd level (3 slots): clairvoyance, lightning bolt, sending ditional 3 (1d6) piercing damage and be grappled (escape DC
4th level (3 slots): confusion, hallucinatory terrain 13). The defender can only have one creature grappled in this
5th level (2 slot): telekinesis, wall of force way at a time.

Actions
Tentacles. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one crea-
ture. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) psychic damage. If the target is Medium
or smaller, it is grappled (escape DC 15) and must succeed
on a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw or be stunned until this
grapple ends.
Extract Brain. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
incapacitated humanoid grappled by the mind flayer arcanist.
Hit: The target takes 55 (10d10) piercing damage. If this dam-
age reduces the target to 0 hit points, the mind flayer arcanist
kills the target by extracting and devouring its brain.
Mind Blast (Recharge 5–6). The mind flayer arcanist magically
emits psychic energy in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that
area must succeed on a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw or take
22 (4d8 + 4) psychic damage and be stunned for 1 minute. A
creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its
turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

18 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

 Stat Block Modification
The mage, Saga Skullarm, has the following modifications:
Oaken Bolter
Medium construct, unaligned
• Saga can cast the message and dancing lights cantrips in-
stead of light and prestidigitation.
Armor Class 16 (Natural)
Hit Points 58 (9d8 + 18)
Speed 30 ft.
Mage STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
12 (+1) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 3 (−4) 10 (+0) 1 (−5)
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor)
Hit Points 40 (9d8) Damage Immunities poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and
Speed 30 ft. slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren’t adamantine
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
9 (−1) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 11 (+0)
Languages understands one language of its creator but can’t
speak
Saving Throws Int +6, Wis +4
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Skills Arcana +6, History +6
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages any four languages Magic Resistance. The oaken bolter has advantage on saving
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) throws against spells and other magical effects.

Spellcasting. The mage is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its spellcast-

ing ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell Actions
attacks). The mage has the following wizard spells prepared:
Multiattack. The oaken bolter makes two lancing bolt attacks
Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation or one lancing bolt attack and one harpoon attack.
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, magic mis-
sile, shield Lancing Bolt. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach
2nd level (3 slots): misty step, suggestion 5 ft. or range 100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) pierc-
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, fly ing damage.
4th level (3 slots): greater invisibility, ice storm Harpoon. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 50/200 ft.,
5th level (1 slot): cone of cold
one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage, and the target
is grappled (escape DC 12). While grappled in this way, a crea-
ture’s speed isn’t reduced, but it can move only in directions
Actions that bring it closer to the oaken bolter. A creature takes 5 (1d10)
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or slashing damage if it escapes from the grapple or if it tries and
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage. fails. As a bonus action, the oaken bolter can pull a creature
grappled by it 20 feet closer. The oaken bolter can grapple only
one creature at a time.
Explosive Bolt (Recharge 5–6). The oaken bolter launches an
explosive charge at a point within 120 feet. Each creature within
20 feet of that point must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw,
taking 17 (5d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much
damage on a successful one.

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 19

 Stat Block Modification
The scarecrows are Slardusk’s scrap soldiers and have the
Scout
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
following modifications:
• Their speed is 40 ft.
Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
• Their languages are Daelkyr and Common.
Hit Points 16 (3d8 + 3)
• They have no damage vulnerabilities.
Speed 30 ft.
• They do not have the False Appearance trait.
• They have a telepathic link to Slardusk.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 11 (+0)

Scarecrow Skills Nature +4, Perception +5, Stealth +6, Survival +5

Medium construct, chaotic evil Senses passive Perception 15
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Armor Class 11 Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Hit Points 36 (8d8)
Speed 30 ft. Keen Hearing and Sight. The scout has advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 13 (+1) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 13 (+1)

Damage Vulnerabilities fire Actions

Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from Multiattack. The scout makes two melee attacks or two
nonmagical attacks ranged attacks.
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
paralyzed, poisoned, unconscious target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft.,
Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t
one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
speak
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

False Appearance. While the scarecrow remains motionless, it

is indistinguishable from an ordinary, inanimate scarecrow.

Actions
Multiattack. The scarecrow makes two claw attacks.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 6 (2d4 + 1) slashing damage. If the target is a creature, it
must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or be fright-
ened until the end of the scarecrow’s next turn.
Terrifying Glare. The scarecrow targets one creature it can
see within 30 feet of it. If the target can see the scarecrow, the
target must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or be
magically frightened until the end of the scarecrow’s next turn.
The frightened target is paralyzed.

20 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

Swarm of Rot Grubs Veteran
Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment

Armor Class 8 Armor Class 17 (splint)

Hit Points 22 (5d8) Hit Points 58 (9d8 + 18)
Speed 5 ft., climb 5 ft. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
2 (−4) 7 (−2) 10 (+0) 1 (−5) 2 (−4) 1 (−5) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)

Damage Resistances piercing, slashing Skills Athletics +5, Perception +2

Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, Senses passive Perception 12
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained Languages any one language (usually Common)
Senses blindsight 10 ft., passive Perception 6 Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Languages —
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Actions
Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and Multiattack. The veteran makes two longsword attacks. If it
vice versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large has a shortsword drawn, it can also make a shortsword attack.
enough for a Tiny maggot. The swarm can’t regain hit points or
gain temporary hit points. Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one tar-
get. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage, or 8 (1d10 + 3) slashing
damage if used with two hands.

Actions Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +0 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature
in the swarm’s space. Hit: The target is infested by 1d4 rot Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range
grubs. At the start of each of the target’s turns, the target takes 100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d10 + 1) piercing damage.
1d6 piercing damage per rot grub infesting it. Applying fire to
the bite wound before the end of the target’s next turn deals
1 fire damage to the target and kills these rot grubs. After this
time, these rot grubs are too far under the skin to be burned.
If a target infested by rot grubs ends its turn with 0 hit points,
it dies as the rot grubs burrow into its heart and kill it. Any Stat Block Modification
effect that cures disease kills all rot grubs infesting the target. The warhorse has the following modifications:
• It has an AC of 18 (plate barding).

Warhorse
Large beast, unaligned

Armor Class 11
Hit Points 19 (3d10 + 3)
Speed 60 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

18 (+4) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 2 (−4) 12 (+1) 7 (−2)

Senses passive Perception 11

Languages —
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Trampling Charge. If the horse moves at least 20 feet straight

toward a creature and then hits it with a hooves attack on
the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength
saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the
horse can make another attack with its hooves against it as a
bonus action.

Actions
Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

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 Handout 1: Salvation Times

22 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

Handout 2: Headed Parchment

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 Handout 3: Copper Canyon Map

24 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON

Appendix A:
Dungeon Master’s Maps

LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON 25

26 LAST STAND AT COPPER CANYON