Descent
into Darkness

Player's Handbook

A 2-Session Campaign set in the world of Baldur's Gate 3.
You wake on a crashing Nautiloid with a tadpole behind your eye.
What you do next defines everything.

5 Players · Levels 3–5 · 2 Sessions

The World

"The sky splits open. A living ship screams across the heavens, tentacles trailing fire. Inside, you are strapped to a table. Something wet presses against your eye. Then darkness. Then worse."

The city of Baldur's Gate sits on the edge of catastrophe. A Mind Flayer invasion ship — a Nautiloid — has torn through the skies above the Sword Coast, and you were aboard it. Each of you was taken. Each of you was infected. An illithid tadpole now burrows behind your eye, feeding on your thoughts and whispering promises of power.

Your adventure begins as the Nautiloid crashes. You are strangers bound by a shared infection and a desperate need to remove the parasite before it consumes you entirely — transforming you into Mind Flayers yourselves.

Session 1: The Crash

You escape the burning wreckage of the Nautiloid onto a ravaged beach. The wilderness is hostile, full of creatures displaced by the crash. You'll discover the Emerald Grove — a druid enclave sheltering tiefling refugees — and learn that the answer to your tadpole problem may lie in the goblin camp to the west, where three cult leaders serve a mysterious entity called the Absolute.

Key Locations — Session 1

The Nautiloid — A living Mind Flayer ship. Tutorial combat here.
Ravaged Beach — Crash site. First NPC encounters.
Emerald Grove — Druid enclave. Safe haven and quest hub.
Goblin Camp — Enemy stronghold. Three boss fights possible.

Session 2: The Shadow

With the goblin threat resolved, the trail leads south into the Shadow-Cursed Lands — a region swallowed by magical darkness where nothing living survives without protection. At the center stands Moonrise Towers, fortress of Ketheric Thorm, an immortal general who commands the Absolute's undead army. Somewhere in his dungeon lies the truth about your tadpoles.

Key Locations — Session 2

Shadow-Cursed Lands — Magical darkness. Light sources vital.
Last Light Inn — Final safe haven. Protected by Isobel's barrier.
Gauntlet of Shar — Ancient dungeon. Trials and secrets within.
Moonrise Towers — Enemy fortress. Final boss: Ketheric Thorm.

The Tadpole

Each of you carries an illithid tadpole — a Mind Flayer parasite implanted in your brain. Under normal circumstances, ceremorphosis would transform you into a Mind Flayer within days. But your tadpoles are different. Modified. They grow slowly, and they offer gifts.

Throughout the campaign, you'll discover Illithid Pods — biological power nodes that can enhance your tadpole's abilities. Consuming a pod grants you psionic powers (see the Illithid Powers chapter). Using these powers is always your choice — but the tadpole approves every time you do.

The Question

How much of the tadpole's power will you use? Every gift comes from something that wants to consume you. The power is real. The danger is real. The choice is yours.

Your Party

Player	Character	Race	Class	Role
Jackson	Vaelis Duskbane	Drow	Paladin	Tank / Nova Damage
Rachel	Vex Ashford	Human	Fighter	DPR / Frontline
Lexy	Lexy	Human	Barbarian	Damage / Off-Tank
Brandon	Bart Jingleworth	Human	Bard	Support / Face
Matt	Matthas	Human	Druid	Control / Heal

How This Campaign Works

The One Rule

Everything resets between combats. Use it or lose it.

No long rests, no short rests, no resource tracking between fights. Every combat starts fresh. Blow everything every fight.

Core Mechanics

Mechanic	How It Works
Attack Roll	Roll `d20` + modifier vs target's AC. Meet or beat = hit.
Saving Throw	Roll `d20` + modifier vs DC. Meet or beat = success.
Advantage	Roll `2d20`, take the higher.
Disadvantage	Roll `2d20`, take the lower.
Critical Hit	Natural 20. Double ALL damage dice (not modifiers).
Critical Miss	Natural 1. Auto-miss regardless of bonuses.
Initiative	`d20` + DEX mod. Highest goes first.
Death Saves	At 0 HP: `d20` each turn. 10+ = success, 9− = fail. 3 successes = stable. 3 fails = dead. Nat 20 = up with 1 HP.
Concentration	One concentration spell active at a time. When hit: CON save (DC 10 or half damage, whichever is higher). Fail = spell ends.

Action Economy

Each turn you get one of each. Movement can be split before and after actions.

Type	What You Can Do
Movement	Move up to your speed (30–40 ft). Can split before/after action.
Action	Attack (2 swings with Extra Attack), Cast a spell, Dash, Dodge, Help, Hide, Disengage
Bonus Action	Only if you have one: Rage, Bardic Inspiration, Healing Word, Misty Step, Second Wind, etc.
Reaction	1/round: Opportunity Attack, Riposte, Cutting Words, etc.
Free Action	Draw/stow a weapon, open a door, drop an item, speak briefly

Per-Combat Resources by Class

Class	Resource	Uses	Notes
Paladin	Spell Slots	3 first + 2 second	Fuel smites or cast spells
	Channel Divinity	1	Vow of Enmity or Abjure Enemy
	Lay on Hands	25 HP pool	Touch heal, split however you want
	Faerie Fire	1 (innate)	Drow magic, no slot cost
Fighter	Action Surge	1	Full extra action (2 more attacks)
	Second Wind	1	Bonus action, heal `1d10+5`
	Superiority Dice	5d8	Precision, Trip, Riposte
Barbarian	Rage	1	Includes Frenzy (bonus attack/turn)
Barbarian	Reckless Attack	Unlimited	Advantage to you, advantage to enemies
Bard	Bardic Inspiration	4	`d8` to ally's roll, shared with Cutting Words
	Lucky	3	Reroll any `d20`
	Spell Slots	4/3/2	1st/2nd/3rd level
Druid	Wild Shape	1	Dire Wolf, Brown Bear, or Giant Spider
	Spirit Totem	1	Bear, Hawk, or Unicorn aura
	Spell Slots	4/3/2	1st/2nd/3rd level

Level 5 Baseline

Proficiency +3

Martials 2 attacks/action

Casters 3rd level spells

Vaelis Duskbane

JACKSON · DROW · PALADIN 5 · OATH OF VENGEANCE

"I've walked that road. It only goes down."

Vaelis Duskbane

Medium humanoid (drow), lawful neutral

Armor Class 19 (chain mail + shield + Defense style)

Hit Points 42 (5d10 + 5)

Speed 30 ft.

STR15(+2)

DEX14(+2)

CON13(+1)

INT8(−1)

WIS10(+0)

CHA15(+2)

Saving Throws WIS +3, CHA +5

Skills Athletics +5, Insight +3, Intimidation +5, Religion +2

Senses Superior Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 10

Languages Common, Elvish, Undercommon, Infernal, Abyssal

Proficiency Bonus +3

Attacks

Weapon	To Hit	Damage	Notes
Longsword	+5	`1d8+2` slashing	Versatile (1d10 two-handed)
Javelin	+5	`1d6+2` piercing	Thrown 30/120

Extra Attack: 2 attacks per Attack action.

Divine Smite (Add on Hit, Costs Spell Slot)

Slot Level	Bonus Damage	vs Undead/Fiend
1st-level	+`2d8` radiant	+`3d8` total
2nd-level	+`3d8` radiant	+`4d8` total

Decide AFTER you know you hit. On a crit, double ALL smite dice.

Per-Combat Resources

1st-Level Slots3

2nd-Level Slots2

Channel Divinity1

Lay on Hands25HP pool

Faerie Fire1innate, no slot

Hit Dice5d10

Class Features

Fighting Style: Defense. +1 AC while wearing armor (included in AC 19).
Divine Smite. On hit, expend spell slot for radiant damage. 2d8 (1st) or 3d8 (2nd), +1d8 vs undead/fiend.
Extra Attack. 2 attacks per Attack action.
Lay on Hands. 25 HP pool per combat. Touch to heal or cure disease/poison.
Divine Health. Immune to disease.

Channel Divinity (1/combat, pick one)

Vow of Enmity. Bonus action. Choose 1 creature within 10 ft. Advantage on all attack rolls against it for 1 minute.
Abjure Enemy. Action. 1 creature within 60 ft, WIS save DC 13 or frightened + speed 0 for 1 minute.

Racial Features — Drow

Superior Darkvision. 120 ft.
Sunlight Sensitivity. Disadvantage on attacks and Perception in direct sunlight.
Fey Ancestry. Advantage on saves vs charmed; immune to magical sleep.
Drow Magic. Dancing Lights cantrip. Faerie Fire 1/combat (CHA, no slot, DC 13).

Spells

Spell Save DC: 13 · Spell Attack: +5

Oath Spells (always prepared)

Spell	Lvl	Action	Effect
Bane	1st	Action	3 creatures, WIS save or −`1d4` from attacks/saves. Conc.
Hunter's Mark	1st	Bonus	+`1d6` damage per hit vs target. Conc.
Hold Person	2nd	Action	Humanoid paralyzed. Melee hits within 5 ft auto-crit. Conc.
Misty Step	2nd	Bonus	Teleport 30 ft.

Prepared Spells

Spell	Lvl	Action	Effect
Thunderous Smite	1st	Bonus	Next hit: +`2d6` thunder, STR save or push 10 ft + prone. Conc.
Shield of Faith	1st	Bonus	+2 AC to one creature. Conc.
Command	1st	Action	WIS save or obey one word: Flee, Grovel, Halt, Drop.
Aid	2nd	Action	3 allies gain +5 max HP. No concentration.

Combat Quick Reference

Round 1 — The Nova

Bonus Action: Vow of Enmity on biggest threat (advantage on all attacks)
Action: Attack ×2 with longsword (+5 to hit, 1d8+2 each)
On each hit: Divine Smite with 2nd-level slot (+3d8 radiant each)

Average damage: ~44 in one round.

The Dream Combo — Hold Person + Crit Smites

Round 1: Hold Person on humanoid (WIS DC 13)
Round 2: Walk up, Attack ×2 (auto-crit within 5 ft of paralyzed)
Smite both crits: double ALL weapon and smite dice

Average damage: ~74 in one round. Boss-killer.

Decision Checklist

Ally at 0 HP? → Lay on Hands (just 1 HP to get them up)
One big enemy? → Vow of Enmity + Smite
Lots of enemies? → Bane or Faerie Fire
Humanoid boss? → Hold Person → crit Smite combo
None of the above? → Hunter's Mark + swing away

Backstory

Vaelis was a temple guard in Menzoberranzan who witnessed one betrayal too many — a ritual sacrifice of children to feed Lolth's hunger. He shattered his oath to the Spider Queen and fled to the surface, hunted by his own house. Years as a wandering blade, dispensing justice to the wicked, until something plucked him from a roadside camp and drove a tadpole into his skull.

Bond: "The weak suffer because the strong are cruel. I will be the blade that answers."

RP Notes

Voice: Measured, low. Every word costs something. When angry, gets quieter.
Conflict: The tadpole offers power. Lolth once offered power too. He knows where that road goes.
Dynamic: Protective of the vulnerable. Suspicious of Drow politics. Respects honest fighters.

Vex Ashford

RACHEL · HUMAN · FIGHTER 5 · BATTLE MASTER

"I've had worse."

Vex Ashford

Medium humanoid (human), chaotic good

Armor Class 16 (chain mail, greatsword — no shield)

Hit Points 49 (5d10 + 15)

Speed 30 ft.

STR16(+3)

DEX13(+1)

CON16(+3)

INT10(+0)

WIS12(+1)

CHA8(−1)

Saving Throws STR +6, CON +6

Skills Athletics +6, Intimidation +2, Perception +4

Languages Common, Elvish

Proficiency Bonus +3

Attacks

Weapon	To Hit	Damage	Notes
Greatsword	+6	`2d6+3` slashing	Heavy, two-handed. Reroll 1s/2s on damage.
Greatsword (GWM)	+1	`2d6+13` slashing	−5 to hit, +10 damage
Handaxe (×2)	+6	`1d6+3` slashing	Thrown 20/60 ft.

Extra Attack: 2 attacks per Attack action.

Per-Combat Resources

Action Surge1extra full action

Second Wind11d10+5 HP

Superiority Dice5d8

Feat: Great Weapon Master

Power Attack: −5 to hit, +10 damage with heavy weapons. Use against AC ≤ 15 or with advantage.
Cleave: On crit or kill, bonus action melee attack.

Battle Master Maneuvers

Maneuver Save DC: 14

Maneuver	Trigger	Effect
Precision Attack	Make an attack roll	Add `1d8` to the attack roll. Saves GWM misses.
Trip Attack	Hit with weapon	+`1d8` damage. STR save DC 14 or prone.
Riposte	Enemy misses you in melee	Reaction: melee attack + `1d8` damage.

Combat Quick Reference

Nova Round — Go All Out

Attack Action: 2 attacks with GWM (1d20+1, 2d6+13 each)
Action Surge: 2 more attacks with GWM
Precision Attack any close misses (+1d8)

4 attacks × (2d6+13) = potential ~85 damage in one turn. Realistic avg: 40–55.

When to GWM?

Use: Target AC ≤ 15, you have advantage, or Precision Attack ready
Skip: High-AC target, no advantage, no superiority dice left

Backstory

Vex Ashford spent a decade as a sellsword out of Baldur's Gate — running caravan security and doing dirty jobs nobody else would touch. Three days into a coastal escort contract, the sky split open, a Nautiloid crashed, and she woke up on that ship with a parasite behind her eye.

RP Notes

Energy: Karlach from BG3. Loud laugh, big heart, zero patience for cruelty.
Personality: Blunt, direct. Flirts with women shamelessly. Will arm-wrestle anyone.
Soft Spot: Kids, dogs, anyone kicked around by life. The parasite scares her more than she'll admit.

Lexy

LEXY · HUMAN · BARBARIAN 5 · PATH OF THE BERSERKER

"Come on then. I'll make it fun for both of us."

Lexy

Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutral

Armor Class 14 (Unarmored Defense: 10 + DEX 2 + CON 2)

Hit Points 46 (effectively 92 vs physical while raging)

Speed 40 ft. (Fast Movement)

STR16(+3)

DEX14(+2)

CON14(+2)

INT8(−1)

WIS12(+1)

CHA10(+0)

Saving Throws STR +6, CON +5

Skills Athletics +6, Intimidation +3, Perception +4, Survival +4

Languages Common + one other

Proficiency Bonus +3

Attacks (While Raging)

Mode	To Hit	Damage	Notes
Greataxe	+6	`1d12+6`	STR +3, Rage +3
Reckless	+6 (adv)	`1d12+6`	Roll `2d20` take higher
Power Attack	+1	`1d12+16`	−5/+10 from GWM
Reckless + Power	+1 (adv)	`1d12+16`	The full send. Avg 67.5/turn (×3)

3 attacks per turn: 2 from Extra Attack + 1 Frenzy bonus action.

Per-Combat Resources

Rage1+3 dmg, resistance, Frenzy

Reckless Attack∞advantage both ways

Hit Dice5d12

Class Features

Rage. Bonus action. +3 melee damage, resistance to bludgeoning/piercing/slashing, advantage on STR checks/saves. Lasts entire combat.
Frenzy. While raging: bonus action melee attack each turn. No exhaustion in this campaign.
Reckless Attack. Advantage on all melee STR attacks this turn. Enemies get advantage on you. Use every turn — you have Rage resistance.
Danger Sense. Advantage on DEX saves vs effects you can see.
Fast Movement. Speed 40 ft while not wearing heavy armor.
Unarmored Defense. AC = 10 + DEX + CON (14).

Combat Quick Reference

Turn 1

Bonus Action: RAGE (activates Frenzy)
Action: Attack ×2 with Reckless (2d20 take higher → 1d12+6 each)
2 attacks this turn (Frenzy starts next turn)

Every Other Turn (3 Attacks)

Bonus: Frenzy attack — 2d20kh+6 → 1d12+6
Action: Attack ×2 (Reckless) — same dice
Total: 3 attacks, all with advantage. Avg 37.5 (normal) or 67.5 (Power Attack)

Backstory

Lexy grew up among the warrior clans of the northern wilds, where strength was beauty and scars were jewelry. Drawn south by rumors of a great war, she was ambushed during a Mind Flayer raid and woke with a tadpole burrowing behind her eye. Now she's awake, she's furious, and she's going to make every last one of them regret it.

RP Notes

Energy: Karlach. Hot-blooded, passionate, loud, alive.
In Combat: Loves fighting. LOVES it. Grinning ear to ear. Taunts enemies mid-swing.
Fear: The tadpole terrifies her (ironic for a Berserker — she hates losing control).
Flaws: Zero filter. Flirtatious. Distrusts magic users.

Bart Jingleworth

BRANDON · HUMAN · BARD 5 · COLLEGE OF LORE

"Ladies and gentlemen — and whatever you are — the show must go on."

Bart Jingleworth

Medium humanoid (human), chaotic good

Armor Class 13 (leather armor)

Hit Points 38 (5d8 + 10)

Speed 30 ft.

STR8(−1)

DEX14(+2)

CON14(+2)

INT10(+0)

WIS12(+1)

CHA18(+4)

Saving Throws DEX +5, CHA +7

Skills Deception +7, Insight +4, Intimidation +7, Investigation +3, Perception +4, Performance +10, Persuasion +10

Languages Common, Elvish

Proficiency Bonus +3

Attacks & Core Actions

Action	Dice	Effect
Rapier (melee)	`1d20+5` → `1d8+2`	Fallback melee
Vicious Mockery	WIS DC 15 → `2d4`	Psychic + disadvantage on next attack
Dissonant Whispers	WIS DC 15 → `3d6`	Psychic + target flees (reaction)
Thunderwave	CON DC 15 → `2d8`	Thunder + push 10 ft

Per-Combat Resources

Bardic Inspiration4d8 dice

Lucky3extra d20

Spell Slots4/3/21st/2nd/3rd

Class Features

Bardic Inspiration (d8). Bonus action, give ally within 60 ft a d8 for attack, save, or check. 4/combat.
Cutting Words (Reaction). Spend a BI use. Subtract 1d8 from enemy attack, check, or damage roll within 60 ft.
Jack of All Trades. Add +1 to all non-proficient checks (and initiative).
Lucky (Feat). 3/combat: Roll extra d20 on your roll, or when attacked choose their die or yours.

Spells

Spell Save DC: 15 · Spell Attack: +7

Cantrips

Spell	Effect
Vicious Mockery	`2d4` psychic + disadvantage. Your bread and butter.
Minor Illusion	5-ft cube sound/image. Utility and distraction.
Prestidigitation	Flavor and RP utility.

Leveled Spells

Spell	Lvl	Effect
Healing Word	1st	Bonus action, `1d4+4` HP. Clutch revive.
Dissonant Whispers	1st	`3d6` psychic, forces movement.
Faerie Fire	1st	DEX DC 15. Advantage for whole party.
Tasha's Hideous Laughter	1st	Incapacitate one target.
Thunderwave	1st	`2d8` thunder + push. Emergency escape.
Heroism	1st	4 temp HP/turn. Concentration buff.
Hold Person	2nd	Paralyze humanoid. Melee auto-crits.
Hypnotic Pattern	3rd	WIS DC 15. 30-ft cube. Mass incapacitate.

Combat Quick Reference

Priority System

Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration to ally, or Healing Word if someone drops.
Action Priority:

3+ enemies clumped? Hypnotic Pattern
Big humanoid threat? Hold Person
Need team accuracy? Faerie Fire
Default: Vicious Mockery (damage + disadvantage)

Reaction: Cutting Words to reduce enemy attacks/damage.

Backstory

Bart Jingleworth was a tavern-circuit comic whose routine was equal parts music, bad impressions, and weaponized confidence. During a packed set in Baldur's Gate, a Mind Flayer raid turned his act into a nightmare. He woke up on a Nautiloid with a tadpole in his skull and a survival instinct he absolutely did not know he had.

RP Notes

Talk fast, joke under pressure, narrate dramatic moments like a stage announcer.
Use Vicious Mockery as actual insults — the sillier, the better.
Be the party's social engine: +10 Performance, +10 Persuasion.
Drop the comedy for one serious line when an ally is in danger — it lands harder.

Matthas

MATT · HUMAN · DRUID 5 · CIRCLE OF THE SHEPHERD

"The natural order has been violated. I intend to set it right."

Matthas

Medium humanoid (human), neutral good

Armor Class 14 (leather + wooden shield)

Hit Points 36 (5d8 + 10) + Wild Shape HP buffer

Speed 30 ft.

STR8(−1)

DEX12(+1)

CON15(+2)

INT10(+0)

WIS16(+3)

CHA13(+1)

Saving Throws INT +3, WIS +6

Skills Animal Handling +6, Insight +6, Nature +3, Perception +6, Survival +6

Languages Common, Druidic, Sylvan, Elvish

Proficiency Bonus +3

Per-Combat Resources

Spell Slots4/3/21st/2nd/3rd

Wild Shape1CR 1 forms

Spirit Totem1Bear/Hawk/Unicorn

Feat: War Caster

Advantage on concentration saves (2d20 keep highest).
Somatic components while holding shield + staff.
Can cast a spell on opportunity attacks.

Spirit Totem (Circle of the Shepherd)

Totem	Effect	Best When
Bear	10 temp HP to chosen allies	Party taking heavy damage
Hawk	Reaction grants advantage on 1 ally's attack	Boosting a striker's big hit
Unicorn	+`1d6` healing in aura	Sustain with Healing Word

Wild Shape Forms

Form	HP	AC	Speed	Attack	Special
Dire Wolf	37	14	50 ft	+5, `2d6+3`	Prone on hit (DC 13 STR), Pack Tactics
Brown Bear	34	11	40 ft	Bite +5 `1d8+4`, Claws +5 `2d6+4`	Multiattack (bite + claws)
Giant Spider	26	14	30 ft, climb	Bite +5 `1d8+3` + `2d8` poison	Web restrains (DC 12 STR)

Spells

Spell Save DC: 14 · Spell Attack: +6

Cantrips

Spell	Effect
Produce Flame	Ranged attack `1d20+6` → `2d8` fire, 30 ft.
Shillelagh	Bonus action. Staff becomes `1d20+6` → `1d8+3`.
Guidance	+`1d4` to ability check. Concentration.

Leveled Spells

Spell	Lvl	Effect
Healing Word	1st	Bonus action, `1d4+3` HP. Ranged revive.
Entangle	1st	STR DC 14 or restrained.
Faerie Fire	1st	DEX DC 14. Advantage on affected targets.
Thunderwave	1st	CON DC 14 → `2d8`. Emergency knockback.
Goodberry	1st	10 berries × 1 HP. Between-fight recovery.
Moonbeam	2nd	CON DC 14 → `2d10` radiant. Move 60 ft/turn.
Conjure Animals	3rd	Summon pack. Best damage spike tool.
Call Lightning	3rd	DEX DC 14 → `3d10` lightning. Repeat each turn.

Combat Quick Reference

Option A: Controller

Turn 1: Entangle/Faerie Fire (action) + Spirit Totem (bonus)
Turn 2+: Maintain concentration, Healing Word as needed

Option B: Shapeshifter

Turn 1: Spirit Totem (bonus) + Wild Shape (action)
Turn 2+: Dire Wolf/Bear attacks until form drops

Option C: Moonbeam Engine

Turn 1: Moonbeam (action) + Spirit Totem (bonus)
Turn 2+: Move Moonbeam (action) + Healing Word (bonus)

Remember

War Caster: concentration checks roll 2d20 keep highest
Wild Shape keeps concentration active
Goodberry is for between-fight recovery

Backstory

Matthas kept watch over a remote Emerald Enclave grove where the spirit world pressed close to the living forest. During a deep communion, a Nautiloid tore across the sky and the psychic rupture echoed through the spirit realm like a scream. He followed that scream and woke with a tadpole behind his eye, his spirit companion flickering at the edge of sight.

RP Notes

Spirit companion is always present as flavor; make it react to danger.
Use Speech of the Woods to gather intel from beasts whenever possible.
Quiet, steady, intense fits this character better than loud speeches.
Not just a healer — your strongest role is battlefield control.

Illithid Powers

"The tadpole pulses warmly behind your eye. It wants to help. It always wants to help."

Throughout the campaign, you'll find Illithid Pods — biological power nodes left behind by Mind Flayer activity. Any player can consume a pod to permanently gain one psionic power from the menu below. Each player may consume one pod per session.

Important

Consuming a pod does not increase corruption. The tadpole grows stronger but does not gain more control over you. These powers are yours to use freely.

Pod Locations

Session 1 (3 pods available)

Nautiloid Wreckage — Inside a shattered containment tank
Ravaged Beach Cave — Hidden in a dead Mind Flayer's skull
Goblin Camp Basement — In Priestess Gut's ritual chamber

Session 2 (3 pods available)

Shadow-Cursed Convoy — Inside a dead courier's pack
Moonrise Towers Dungeon — In a Mind Flayer operating theater
Gauntlet of Shar — Hidden reward in the Trial of Darkness

Power Menu

Choose one power when consuming a pod. Once chosen, the power is permanent.

Power	Uses	Effect	Dice
Psionic Overload	1/combat	15 ft cone. INT save DC 13 or take psychic damage.	`3d8`
Illithid Charm	1/scene	Charm one humanoid for 1 minute. WIS save DC 14.	None (save)
Transfuse Health	1/combat	Touch. Steal HP from a creature and add to yours.	`2d8`
Force Tunnel	1/combat	30 ft line. STR save DC 13 or take force damage + pushed 10 ft.	`2d6`
Psionic Dominance	1/scene	Advantage on all CHA checks for 1 minute.	None
Mind Spike	1/combat	60 ft ranged attack +5. Psychic damage + know target's location for 1 min.	`3d6`

Using Your Powers

When you use an illithid power, the DM will describe a brief physical effect — your eyes flash purple, a vein of darkness pulses across your temple, or nearby NPCs flinch. These are flavor, not mechanical penalties. The tadpole approves when you use its gifts. Whether that makes you comfortable is up to you.

Narrative Effects of Pod Consumption

After your first pod: You can feel the tadpole more clearly. It pulses with satisfaction.
After your second pod: Brief flashes of alien memory. You taste copper for a moment.
Other infected creatures instinctively defer to you slightly.

Quick Reference

Conditions

Condition	Effect
Prone	Melee attacks have advantage vs you. Ranged have disadvantage. Half movement to stand.
Restrained	Speed 0. Attacks vs you have advantage. Your attacks/DEX saves have disadvantage.
Frightened	Disadvantage on attacks/checks while source in sight. Can't move closer.
Paralyzed	Incapacitated. Auto-fail STR/DEX saves. Attacks have advantage. Hits within 5 ft are auto-crits.
Incapacitated	Can't take actions or reactions.
Charmed	Can't attack charmer. Charmer has advantage on social checks.
Blinded	Auto-fail sight checks. Your attacks have disadvantage. Attacks vs you have advantage.
Stunned	Incapacitated, can't move. Auto-fail STR/DEX saves. Attacks vs you have advantage.

Death Saves

When You Drop to 0 HP

You fall unconscious and start making death saves on your turn.
Roll d20: 10+ = success, 9− = failure.
3 successes = stabilize (unconscious but not dying).
3 failures = death.
Natural 20 = regain 1 HP and wake up.
Natural 1 = counts as 2 failures.
Any damage while at 0 HP = 1 death save failure. A crit = 2 failures.
Any healing brings you back with that many HP.

Dice Reference

Player	Dice Needed	Primary Use
Jackson	2d20, 4d8, 2d6, 1d4	Smites (`d8`), Thunderous Smite (`d6`)
Rachel	2d20, 2d6, 1d8, 1d10	Greatsword (`2d6`), Superiority (`d8`)
Lexy	2d20, 1d12, 1d6	Greataxe (`d12`), Handaxe (`d6`)
Brandon	2d20, 2d8, 3d6, 1d4	Inspiration (`d8`), Whispers (`3d6`)
Matt	2d20, 3d10, 3d8, 2d6, 2d4	Call Lightning (`3d10`), Wild Shape

Party Roles

Who Does What

Tank: Jackson (AC 19, Lay on Hands) and Lexy (Rage resistance, 92 effective HP)
Nova Damage: Jackson (Smite combos), Rachel (GWM + Action Surge)
Sustained DPR: Lexy (3 attacks/turn), Rachel (2 attacks + Riposte)
Healing: Brandon (Healing Word), Matt (Healing Word + Unicorn Totem), Jackson (Lay on Hands)
Crowd Control: Matt (Entangle, Moonbeam), Brandon (Hypnotic Pattern, Hold Person)
Face/Social: Brandon (+10 Persuasion, +10 Performance)

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DESCENT INTO DARKNESS · PLAYER'S HANDBOOK

Descentinto Darkness

Player's Handbook

The World

Session 1: The Crash

Key Locations — Session 1

Session 2: The Shadow

Key Locations — Session 2

The Tadpole

The Question

Your Party

How This Campaign Works

The One Rule

Core Mechanics

Action Economy

Per-Combat Resources by Class

Level 5 Baseline

Vaelis Duskbane

Attacks

Divine Smite (Add on Hit, Costs Spell Slot)

Per-Combat Resources

Class Features

Channel Divinity (1/combat, pick one)

Racial Features — Drow

Spells

Oath Spells (always prepared)

Prepared Spells

Combat Quick Reference

Round 1 — The Nova

The Dream Combo — Hold Person + Crit Smites

Decision Checklist

Backstory

RP Notes

Vex Ashford

Attacks

Per-Combat Resources

Feat: Great Weapon Master

Battle Master Maneuvers

Combat Quick Reference

Nova Round — Go All Out

When to GWM?

Backstory

RP Notes

Lexy

Attacks (While Raging)

Per-Combat Resources

Class Features

Combat Quick Reference

Turn 1

Every Other Turn (3 Attacks)

Backstory

RP Notes

Bart Jingleworth

Attacks & Core Actions

Per-Combat Resources

Class Features

Spells

Cantrips

Leveled Spells

Combat Quick Reference

Priority System

Backstory

RP Notes

Matthas

Per-Combat Resources

Feat: War Caster

Spirit Totem (Circle of the Shepherd)

Wild Shape Forms

Spells

Cantrips

Leveled Spells

Combat Quick Reference

Option A: Controller

Option B: Shapeshifter

Option C: Moonbeam Engine

Remember

Backstory

RP Notes

Illithid Powers

Important

Pod Locations

Descent
into Darkness