STAR WARS: DAWN OF DEbFIANCE EPISODE 2 - A Wretched Hive

A Wretched Hive is the second adventure in the Dawn of Defiance campaign, which will take heroes from 1st level all the way through 17th level in a continuous storyline designed to give both players and Gamemasters a complete SW5e experience. This adventure lets the heroes delve deeper into the mysterious plot surrounding former Imperial Admiral Varth, and the heroes should advance to 5th level by the conclusion of the adventure. Over the course of this adventure, the heroes get to see what the galaxy is like in the wake of the rise of the Empire, and they discover a bit more about the Empire’s secret plans and how they involve a Hutt crime lord named Darga.

Opening Crawl

For Gamemasters who wish to have an opening crawl before the adventure, consider using the boxed text below.

Video Link: Opening Crawl

Credit: zeldafreak6245

Part 1: Cato Neimoidia

In A Wretched Hive, the heroes must travel to the world of Cato Neimoidia, a planet ravaged by the Clone Wars and one of the many colony worlds of the Neimoidian people. Since their last adventure, the heroes have spent some down time aboard the Nebulon-B frigate Resurgence , which is apparently owned by Bail Organa. The ship spends all of its time in deep space, between worlds and away from major hyperspace routes, and it currently serves as a mobile safe house for former Imperial Admiral Gilder Varth.

Varth was recently rescued from an Imperial prison facility (either by the heroes, if they played in The Traitor’s Gambit , or by other agents of Bail Organa if they didn’t) and brought to the Resurgence to be debriefed. Captain Adrian Verana is the commanding officer of the Resurgence , and he has overseen Varth’s safety and debriefing over the last few weeks. The whole time, Captain Verana has made it clear that no one should mention Bail Organa’s name because the Senator cannot risk being known to be involved in case the Empire happens upon the Resurgence . Even Gilder Varth does not know for certain that it was Organa who had him rescued (unless the heroes told him, of course).

In the time between the end of The Traitor’s Gambit and the beginning of A Wretched Hive , you should feel free to include encounters with Captain Verana, Gilder Varth, and Captain Okeefe (the owner and operator of the Baudo -class Star Yacht, the Banshee ). The heroes should get to know these three characters a bit better because all of them will have roles of varying importance throughout the campaign. When A Wretched Hive opens, the heroes should be fully healed and have had a chance to obtain needed supplies and resources. The Resurgence is a well-stocked ship and can provide the group with most mundane items.

“Unfortunately, I don’t know much more than that. However, during my brief brushes with the project, I discovered that the Imperial Navy was hiding the program’s existence from the Senate by transferring resources through secondary sources. Resources were routed through the Corporate Sector, through fake contractors, and through the criminal underworld to keep a trail from leading back to the project.

“One such secondary source was a Hutt crime lord named Darga. Like all Hutts, Darga is a slimy gangster whose love of credits is exceeded only by his love of power. Part of my job involved transferring resources to Darga, and in turn arranging for Imperial agents to take control of other resources from the Hutt’s organization. These were not simply transfers of credits. The items being traded were not specified, but physical resources were definitely being exchanged. Though it’s not much, this is the only lead we have. “Captain Verana has charged me with helping to uncover more about the Sarlacc Project, and he has authorized me to use you as my agents. We need you to travel to the planet of Cato Neimoidia and find Darga the Hutt. See if you can learn what he is trading in and how it relates to the Sarlacc Project. Additionally, a sum of 3,000 credits has been transferred to each of your accounts in preparation for the upcoming mission.”

Arrival

The trip to Cato Neimoidia is uneventful, and when the heroes arrive, they find a planet that is far from its former glory in the days before the Clone Wars. A world in the Colonies, Cato Neimoidia should be far more populated than it is. When the Banshee drops out of hyperspace, any heroes in the cockpit can see that there is very little traffic traveling to and from the world. As the Banshee descends toward the planet, the ship flies through layers of clouds and zooms over cities that are built on massive bridges between rock arches. However, the bridge cities are all but abandoned, seemingly left to rot after the Clone Wars.

The heroes land on Cato Neimoidia with no difficulty and no visible Imperial presence. The Banshee docks at a spaceport in the city of Zarra, and though propaganda posters line the spaceport walls, there is no sign of stormtroopers or other Imperial officials. Regardless, Captain Okeefe cautions the heroes against acting foolishly. The Empire still controls the planet, and though its current presence is not strong, the situation could change quickly.

Zarra itself is dilapidated to the point of being hazardous. As the heroes walk the streets, they see little in the way of authority or commerce. Several large buildings that appear to have been lavish palaces of Neimoidian merchants lie half toppled and mostly destroyed. Rubble litters the streets, and landspeeders must veer sharply to avoid chunks of permacrete lying haphazardly in the road. Though a number of beings, mostly shabby-looking Neimoidians, roam the streets, it is clear that Zarra has been nearly abandoned since the Clone Wars.

Travel Time: 4 days

The city was once incredibly opulent, full of ornately carved palaces, crusted with intricate facades, with even the road cobbles carved and often inlaid into mesmerizing patterns, but now is a smoking ruin, ransacked and burned – a product of the Clone Wars. You cruise above crumbled towers and rubble strewn streets, with a sparse population wandering in the desolation.

The automated beacon directs you to a deserted spaceport landing pad that is relatively clear of debris, but you note with alarm as you cruise low, there are areas where you can see through the roads and see sky underneath. The light is beginning to wane. A female Neimoidian voice guides you in to land. You cruise past her starport control tower which is dimly lit and has broken plasteel windows.

“Welcome to Zarra, Cato Neimoidia. Purse World of the Trade Federation. May your business bring great profits.”

It’s closing on the dinner hour. You smell the spices of cooking fires upwind in the breeze and you can see smoke rising from throughout the city and trailing off the side. There are tents and ramshackle shanties strewn amid the wreckage of the grander structures. You don’t feel the city swaying in the breeze, but you are aware of its position on the massive bridge. There is no horizon. Unlike in coastal cities you visited, you expect to see blue water behind that line, but there is only open sunset blooming in blue across the tops of the clouds. The entire city is shaded by a massive rock arch, which now seems impossibly large.

.You see a robed figure approaching from the tower. You recognize the voice as the Spaceport Administrator, a limping female Neimoidian.

“Greetings, travelers. The spaceport fee is 200 credits.”

Sample Citizens

During this part of the adventure, the heroes might come into contact with members of the local populace. Below are several Cato Neimoidian citizens to use as quick reference when the heroes begin moving about the city of Zarra. Each uses the typical statistics block below. Feel free to invent your own NPCs or introduce other characters here as well.

• Krett, Cantina Owner: Male Neimoidian, owns the Federation’s Folly, a cantina in Zarra. A veteran of the Clone Wars, Krett once commanded a Lucrehulk -class battleship but was exiled to Cato Neimoidia and is still bitter. Nillia, Spaceport Administrator: Female Neimoidian, keeps tabs on all the ships coming and going from Zarra. She is bored with her job and longs to leave, and she seems wistful, as if seeking something more.
• Vigro, Speeder Repairman: Male Neimoidian, operates Vigro’s Repulsorlifts, a landspeeder repair shop. He is suspicious of outsiders and believes that even honest customers are out to swindle him.
• Salitt, Beggar: Male Neimoidian who begs on the streets of Zarra. He claims that he was once the Viceroy of the Trade Federation (he wasn’t) and seems distinctly deluded and paranoid.
• Shass, Trader: Female Neimoidian, owner of Zarran Imports and Exports. A shrewd businesswoman, she had aspirations of rising through the ranks of the Trade Federation until the blockade of Naboo, when she refused to go any further in a corrupt organization.
• Desson, Laborer: Male Neimoidian who works to rebuild Zarra. Desson seems like a man whose aspirations have been trod on for too long, such that now he is merely going through the motions.
• Borlo, Imperial Informant: Male Neimoidian who earns his keep by feeding information to the Empire about any unusual happenings. He seems friendly and outgoing, but his eyes glisten with the promise of Imperial credits.

A Visit From The Vipers

As the heroes arrive on Cato Neimoidia, they are hassled by a local swoop gang. The Vipers, a rough gang of thugs who terrorize Zarra on a daily basis, always look for fresh prey when an outlander starship arrives. The swoop gang’s leader is a violent Human woman named Kessra. She is the only female member of the gang, but she bears the scars of several past battles. From the Vipers’ demeanor, it is clear that they follow her unquestioningly. However, they don’t realize that Kessra sometimes takes small jobs from Darga the Hutt. She uses her gang to achieve the crime lord’s goals in Zarra.

You hear the screeching chorus of a dozen or swoops approaching quickly in the blueish twilight, and you see their headlights first.

“Oh no. Never min’ ” says the citizen, as she hurries away back to her tower.

Swoops begin streaming from between ruined buildings and dim alleys around you, their headlights cutting through the hazy blue twilight. The first ones stop within shouting distance but keep their engines idling while more and more slip through the cracks around you. The bikes cruise over the gaps in the terrain without heed. This is a rough crowd, not a regular security force – but they all have dark, shiny jackets, and each one has an insignia of a green viper.

A slender, darkly clad biker in a smooth enclosed black helmet with metal trim cruises in at last. The biker’s helmet retracts, revealing a hard-looking human woman who is clearly a veteran of many battles. You see numerous scars across her sneering mouth and neck. Her spiky black hair matches the dark armoured clothing she wears. She is armed with a heavy blaster.

“That’s a pretty looking ship you’ve got back there. What’s her name?”

“You know, you set your pretty little ship down in Viper territory. Do you have enough credits to pay for a landing permit? It’s a thousand credits.

Paying the vipers

If the party tries to pay: "Maybe you misunderstood. It’s a thousand credits EACH, to land in this dump. Consider it insurance – a security fee to ensure your pretty little ship is kept safe. You’re lucky – you landed on the nice side of town."

Refusing to pay

The woman scoffs and begins to rev her swoop bike sending the rest of the gang into a bloodthirsty frenzy. "Alright, its your funeral. Get em boys!"

Diplomatic Approach

The party can try to threaten or persuade the biker gang to leave with a DC16 Persuasion or Intimidation check. If they mention that they work for Darga the check is made with advantage.

The woman stares at you with a look of disdain for several seconds before giving a sharp whistle. Turning back she spits on the ground "For you sake I hope you're not lying." She mounts her swoop and speeds off deeper into the city, her crew following closely behind.

Swoop Marauders

Swoop

Large Construct, Unaffiliated

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• Armor Class 10
• Hit Points 27 (6d10-6)
• Speed 0 ft, fly 90ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
13 (+1)	11 (0)	8 (-1)	10 (0)	9 (-1)	7 (-2)

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• Saving Throws Dex +5
• Damage Vulnerabilities Ion
• Damage Resistances Necrotic, Poison, Psychic
• Condition Immunities Poison, Disease
• Senses -
• Languages -
• Challenge CR 1/8 (25 XP)

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Traits

Circuitry. The construct has disadvantage on saving throws against effects that would deal ion or lightning damage.

Hit and Run. The pilot of the construct may take the Disengage action as a bonus action.

Piloted. The construct requires an active pilot to take any actions, and if the pilot is subjected to any conditions that the construct is not immune to, the construct is also subjected to those conditions. The pilot may take their own action or one of the actions granted by the construct.

Unstable. The construct requires a successful Intelligence (Piloting) skill check (DC 15) for the pilot to take an action, bonus action, or reaction while piloting the vehicle. On a failure, the pilot does not succeed in performing the desired action or reaction. If the roll fails by 10 or more, the pilot immediately loses control of the Swoop and crashes.

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Actions

Doubledash. As an action, the construct can travel at up to two times its speed in addition to its normal movement.

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Reactions

Redirect. If the construct's pilot takes damage from a source the pilot is aware of and can see, the construct can use its reaction to instead take that damage.

Evade. If the construct or the construct's pilot is hit by an attack that the pilot is aware of, the pilot can use its reaction to add 6 to the AC of the construct or the pilot, potentially causing the attack to miss.

Vipers Swoop Gang Tactics

The Vipers are decent pilots and will always use their swoops to their advantage. Though they carry blaster pistols, the Vipers prefer to use their vibroblades, making hit and run melee attacks with extensive use of their Hit and Run ability.

Kessra

Kessra is the Human leader of the Vipers. She built the gang out of a band of former Separatist mercenaries who were stranded on Cato Neimoidia after the end of the Clone Wars. Rather than be taken captive by the newly formed Empire, Kessra led her mercenaries into hiding under the guise of being a swoop gang. After a while, Kessra realized that her Vipers could live well on Cato Neimoidia, and they took over the streets of Zarra. When newcomers arrive, she makes sure that the Vipers are there to demonstrate who runs the show in the city.

Kessra's Tactics

Unlike her companions, Kessra prefers to stay away from the heat of battle. Though she is also quite handy with her swoop bike, she favors her custom heavy blaster pistol so that she can take shots at her enemies without getting too close to the thick of things. While the Vipers run interference between her position and the heroes, Kessra tries to assist her companions by taking shots at enemies who are also the focus of melee attacks by her followers.

Loot

• Each gang member is carrying 500 credits for a total of 2500 credits.
• Kessra is carrying 1200 credits and her heavy blaster pistol.
• For each member defeated, the party can take their swoop bike.
• Correllian Crippler Matrix

Conclusion

Though the Vipers are arrogant enough to fight to the bitter end, Kessra is a bit more conservative. If the heroes reduce her to less than half her hit points, or if they eliminate all of her Vipers, Kessra flees at top speed on her swoop bike. If it looks as though she might be captured or killed,

Kessra surrenders peacefully, albeit grudgingly. If the heroes interrogate her, she reveals that she is on the payroll of Darga the Hutt. However, she doesn’t know anything useful about him or his dealings, and she doesn’t have the influence necessary to get the heroes into his palace.

If turned over to the authorities, Kessra is free within hours—she calls in a favor from Darga to get out of prison—and retreats into hiding to lick her wounds. Regardless, if Kessra survives the encounter, she appears in Darga’s palace in Part 2 of the adventure (see “Kessra's Revenge”).

Locating Darga's Palace

With nothing more to go on than a city and the name of a Hutt, the heroes don’t have many leads to follow. Asking questions about a Hutt crime lord can be a dangerous business in Zarra, and most citizens rebuff the heroes if they try. However, after a few attempts to find Darga, the heroes should come to realize that the Hutt lives in the city and is, in fact, well known, even if no one will reveal his exact location. But there is one way for the heroes to learn where Darga resides. One of his flunkies, a young Devaronian thief and errand boy named Warrick “Womp Rat” Raden, spends a great deal of time in the city. If the heroes can locate Raden, he can lead them directly to the Hutt’s secret palace. Below are some suggestions on how to handle the search for Raden

Gather Information: Heroes who are proficient in the Intelligence (Investigation) skill have an advantage in trying to find the Hutt. Though they cannot locate Darga with the skill, they can find Raden, who takes pains to keep his movements low key (if not secret). A hero can use Intelligence (Investigation) to find him; the DC is 25 and the information costs 500 credits in bribes. Success indicates that the heroes are told where to find Raden—a nearby ruined warehouse.

False Pretenses: The heroes might try to gain the attention of the Hutt and his associates through deception. This might include pretending to be a rival gang eager to start trouble or posing as fellow criminals looking to work with (or for) the Hutt. However, most citizens of Cato Neimoidia want nothing to do with the underworld, so if the heroes identify themselves as criminals of any kind, the residents shun them or refuse to do business with them.

If the heroes spread rumors in an attempt to draw the Hutt’s interest, it takes two days before they see results. Provided that they didn’t spread rumors likely to provoke the crime lord (such as “We’re here to kill that slimy Hutt and take over this planet for our own!”), they receive an anonymous message telling them to meet Warrick Raden at the ruined warehouse at midnight. The message actually comes from one of Darga’s informants in Zarra, not from Raden himself, so the errand boy knows nothing of the heroes’ impending arrival.

Bribery: No matter how much the citizens fear dealing with the criminal underworld, the right amount of credits can always open doors If the heroes visit traders, cantinas, spaceports, and even security offices searching for information on Darga, the right bribes can get them the information they need.

• A bribe of less than 500 credits reveals no information regarding Darga, only that “some Hutt” has been terrorizing the people of Zarra.
• A bribe of 500 to 1,250 credits earns the heroes the name of the Hutt’s associate, Warrick Raden, and lowers the DC on a Intelligence (Investigation) check by 10 to locate the errand boy.
• A bribe of more than 1,250 credits earns the heroes not only Warrick Raden’s name but also the location of the abandoned warehouse where he can be found.

Threats and Violence: Though more in line with the Empire’s tactics, the heroes can use threats and violence to get information about Darga. Most of the population of Zarra is already cowed by the Hutt’s thugs and associates. Combined with occasional Imperial intervention, which never goes well even for law-abiding citizens, the locals have very little fight left in them.

Using the Charisma (Intimidation) skill to intimidate citizens of Zarra only goes so far. A successfully intimidated citizen can say only that a Devaronian named Warrick Raden works for Darga and sometimes comes around to collect extortion money or deliver messages on the Hutt’s behalf. This information grants the same -10 DC bonus on Intelligence (Investigation) checks that bribery does.

If the heroes use violence to find Darga, such as abusing local business owners or picking a fight in a cantina, they eventually get a message from one of the Hutt’s hidden agents who believes that the heroes are auditioning to join the organization. This message is identical to the one described under “False Pretenses,” above.

However, violence does not sit well with the citizens of Zarra, and eventually one becomes scared enough to alert Imperial authorities to the heroes’ activities. An Imperial patrol consisting of six stormtroopers and an Imperial Junior Officer (see page 57 and 69 of Scum and Villainy for the Trooper and Officer, Junior stat blocks) arrives on a transport skiff and attempts to take the heroes into custody. The Imperials call for reinforcements if the heroes resist arrest, and soon Zarra might be crawling with a large percentage of the Imperial forces on Cato Neimoidia, attracting attention the heroes do not want.

Finding Raden

When the heroes finally locate Warrick Raden, they quickly discover that he does not want to be found or to talk about Darga. The Devaronian is willing to fight his way free and is not afraid to fire a few blaster bolts to put the heroes off his scent.

Darga's Cronies

Warrick's Hired Thug

Medium Humanoid, Neutral Dark

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• Armor Class 12 (combat suit)
• Hit Points 11 (2d8+2 )
• Speed 30 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
11 (0)	12 (+1)	12 (+1)	10 (0)	10 (0)	8 (-1)

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• Senses passive Perception 10
• Languages Galactic Basic, Huttese
• Challenge CR 1/8 (25 XP)

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Actions

Shotgun. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3, range 30/120 ft, one target. Hit 6 (2d4+1) kinetic damage.

Vibromace. Melee Weapon Attack: +2, range 5ft, one target. Hit 5 (1d10) kinetic damage.

Burst. Darga's Thug sprays a 10-foot-cube area within normal range of its shotgun. Each creature in the area must make a DC 11 Dexterity saving throw, taking normal weapon damage on a failed save.

Warrick's Hired Muscle Tactics

The thugs aren’t very smart, so their favorite tactic is simply to find a place to hunker down and take shots at the heroes from behind cover. They know that the excavation droids are under Warrick’s control, so they do their best to distract the heroes to give the droids a chance to sneak up on the intruders.

Each thug carries 250 credits for a total of 1500 credits.

Excavation Droids (2)

After the devastation of the Clone Wars, what was left of the Cato Neimoidian government decided to turn some of the Confederacy’s droid production power toward rebuilding their bridge cities. One of the droids manufactured under this initiative is the TaggeCo XK-V8 Excavation Droid, produced in partnership with TaggeCo specifically for use on Cato Neimoidia. The excavation droid has climbing claws and magnetic feet that allow it to work on the top and the underside of the planet’s bridge cities. The droids in this encounter have been reprogrammed to obey Raden’s commands (sent with his comlink and datapad) and to ignore their usual restriction against attacking living beings.

Excavation Droid Tactics

The excavation droids might seem like no threat when combat begins because they are simply chipping away at the rubble on the street. Once Raden gives them the command, however, they literally leap into action. Each droid tries to use its leaping strike as quickly as possible, and though the droids aren’t very strong, they provide a distraction that can give Raden a chance to get off a few more sneak attacks.

Loot

If the party searches the area they find several item modifications scattered about that Raden has yet to install.

• Compenstation Oscillator
• Collapsible Frame
• Convenience Reinforcement
• Enhanced Reconstructor

Raden's Capture

"You want to see DARGA? I’m not going there. I won’t take you. Do you have any idea of what he will do to us? I don’t know what your business with the Hutt is, but if you ask me, you’re better off leaving now, while you still can."

Features of the Area

The area around the ruined warehouse is littered with debris, which counts as difficult terrain. Additionally, the buildings in this area are crumbling and unstable, and chunks of the walls and ceiling often fall when damaged. If a ranged attack against a target standing adjacent to a wall misses that target by 5 or less, a chunk of the wall is dislodged. The target adjacent to the debris makes a DC 12 Dexterity check or takes 1d6 kinetic damage.

Part 2: Darga's Palace

Once the heroes have subdued Warrick Raden, it is not hard to convince him to lead them to Darga’s palace. The Devaronian is clearly terrified of what awaits him at the palace, but he is also afraid of the heroes, and as such he does not make any escape attempts. Raden has a speeder that can fit three passengers (or six, if they pile in on top of one another), and he wastes no time in zooming through the bridge city, weaving in and out of ruined buildings and taking shortcuts through the rubble. The trip to Darga’s palace takes half an hour, and Raden’s winding course leads the heroes into a dense cluster of buildings that blocks out their view of the Cato Neimoidian sky.

(Allow the heroes to roleplay a bit here)

(Allow the heroes to roleplay a bit here)

As you walk into the room, the conversation and music stops. Silence reigns as every eye turns to watch Raden lead you into an open space in front of the opulent dais. A filthy rug adorns the room. Darga’s eyes roll from you to Raden, and his ringed fingers throw aside his large gold drinking chalice. He Booms something in Huttese to Raden.

In Huttese:“What are you doing here? Outsiders? In my palace? Again? I told you before, bring me the weapons shipment I wanted in the first place, or don’t come back. I still can’t find a market for your last haul!”

(Someone from the crowd whips a pair of medpacks at him, bopping him in the head. Raden falls to his knees in supplication and begins to grovel. The hutt stares at you for several moments before beckoning his protocol droid.)

A very brightly polished silver protocol droid, with ornate golden circuitry and emerald eyes approaches. "His Swollen Magnificence, Darga the Hutt, demands to know why you have come to his palace, and how you convinced Raden to escort you.”

Members of the Court

12 Gamorrean guards, three bounty hunters, three Quarren assassins, TC-663, Igren Demos and other assorted beings.

Winning over Darga

“Enough. Join in my court for a few days. I have many matters to attend to, and I’m expecting visitors besides, but I smell a business opportunity here. Maybe we can explore working on a venture together, after we get to know each other. Besides, my other associates would be disappointed if they missed an opportunity to take your money in our games. Guards, take Raden to the dungeon to consider his failures. (Raiden gives you a look of pure desperation as he is dragged away.)

"Now, let us feast in your honor!" At the hutt's command dozens of servants frantically begin to scramble out of the room to prepare. Several minutes later you are ushered into the feasthall. A twi'lek servant methodically seats each of you and places a napkin across your lap before bowing deeply and slinking back into the shadows. Your senses are nearly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of food and drink before you- it all looks delicious and it is clear that Darga spared no expense.

The Feast

The feast is an excellent role-play opportunity. Be sure to allow the heroes to mingle amongst themselves and with Darga.

A Place to Rest

As the feast comes to an end Darga tells Igren Demos, one of his most trusted Majodomo's, to show you the common quarters. You are lead to a flophouse garishly stocked with pillows and supplied with spice, stims, deathsticks, and plentiful food and drink. There is also a washroom which is kept surprisingly clean.

Loot

While most of the substances in this room are for intended immediate consumption you find several vials of spice in travel suitable containers.

• Cilona (Fine)
• Giggledust (Fine)
• Karrak (Fine)
• Yaladi (Fine)
• Stamina Adrenal x3

Encouraging the Heroes

During the scenes in Darga’s court, you should encourage the heroes to get involved in the various encounters by reminding them of their mission. When they enter the palace, they know very little about the Hutt’s involvement with the Sarlacc Project, and they should be eager to follow up on most leads. Encourage the heroes to take any opportunity to impress Darga, reminding them that gaining the crime lord’s trust might help them discover the truth behind his involvement in the Imperial plot.

Part 2: Currying Darga’s Favor

For the next few days, the heroes spend time in Darga’s court, learning about the Hutt and his dealings by observing, participating in encounters, and snooping around. (Knowing that an agent of the Empire will be arriving should give them further incentive to stick around.) Though Darga seems eager to show them a good time, he remains wary of outsiders, so he plans to keep the heroes close. As such, they must not only uncover the Hutt’s involvement with the Sarlacc Project but also ingratiate themselves with Darga to gain his confidence.

Five major events occur during the heroes’ time in Darga’s court, each of which can affect how the crime lord feels about them. Each event is considered a noncombat encounter that gives the heroes a chance to showcase their ingenuity and skills (though combat may well break out at any time). Each event has a primary challenge and one or more secondary challenges. To win the Hutt’s favor, the heroes must succeed in the primary challenge of at least three of the five events. They gain Advantage when making skill checks against Darga or any member of his organization except Igren Demos. Finally, the Hutt has TC-663 distribute datacards to the heroes that grant them access the guest quarters. These datacards might come in handy when they find the comatose Jedi hidden in the dungeon (see “Discovering Denia,” page 14).

If the heroes do not succeed in the primary challenge of at least three of the five events, they still can learn what they need to know, but it will be more difficult.

These events are designed to be spread out and run in nearly any order, allowing you to decide when to use them. As a general rule, the events should occur over at least two days (to allow Master Denia to make contact with the heroes during the night), and perhaps more depending on the flow of the game. Though most of the events can be run in any sequence, the event with the Imperial agents should be last, since it is likely the heroes’ main reason for staying in the palace. Additionally, several encounters from “Exploring Darga’s Palace” (page 13) work best when used to break up the action between the five events or when used during time spent away from Darga’s court.

Event 1: The Execution of Warrick Raden

By this time, it’s no secret that Darga is displeased with Warrick Raden for leading the heroes to him. True, the Hutt is interested in the heroes now that they’re here, but he doesn’t want Raden bringing just anyone to his secret palace, and he wants to make an example of the Devaronian. Darga has the errand boy dragged before his court and makes a declaration: Raden is to be executed, and since the heroes are new, they will perform the execution.

Primary Challenge: The Hutt wants to show his court that those who betray him to outsiders will be punished severely. Additionally, he sees an opportunity to test the heroes’ mettle by seeing if they truly are willing to do his dirty work. Two Gamorrean guards dump Raden unceremoniously in the open floor before the dais, and one of them holds out a vibro-ax for the heroes to use in the execution.

Event 2: Gladiators

Primary Challenge: This is another chance for the heroes to curry Darga’s favor, this time by besting his current crop of champions. If the heroes express any concerns about participating, particularly if they feign concern for injuring Darga’s prized gladiators, the Hutt agrees to let the heroes fight with their weapons set on stun, promising that his gladiators will do the same. However, any match with weapons set on stun is destined to spiral out of control because the Hutt’s gladiators won’t take kindly to being defeated by newcomers and will switch their weapons back to lethal mode.

If the heroes manage to defeat the opposing gladiators, they succeed in overcoming the primary challenge. If they choose not to take part in the match, they fail to impress Darga, who makes snide comments about their delicate sensibilities. However, if they present a reasonable alternative— such as offering to pay for half of the gladiator team’s sponsorship fee, or calling in favors on Rattatak to ensure an advantage for Darga’s team—they can still gain the Hutt’s favor.

Secondary Challenge: The heroes can earn a few credits by placing wagers on the gladiator matches that precede their own. Darga is more than happy to place bets with the heroes. Use the Gambling activity in Wretched Hives's Downtime section with the uptime verson's ruleset.

Secondary Challenge: Darga goes on at length about how tough his gladiators are, and how he selects only the best for the games on Rattatak. He even mentions how his sponsorship earns the gladiators the finest weapons and armor that money can buy, again hoping to entice the heroes to enter the arena. If any of the heroes has displayed an aptitude for machinery or mentioned a penchant for technology, Darga makes a few circumspect inquiries as to the availability of that hero’s skills. Any character with proficiency in Armstech Tools who offers to upgrade a few weapons for Darga’s gladiators immediately earns the Hutt’s favor. Such a character may also grant themselves Advantage on a skill check made during interactions with Darga.

Gladiator Match

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Traits

Circuitry. The droid has disadvantage on saving throws against effects that would deal ion or lightning damage.

Rapid Reconstruction (2/Rest). As a bonus action, RX-7246 can roll a 1d8 to restore that many hit points.

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Actions

Blaster Carbine Ranged Weapon Attack: +5, range 60/240 ft, one target. Hit 6 (1d6+3) energy damage.

Grenade, Electrostun (3/Day) Ranged Weapon Attack: Grenade Launcher, range 80/360 ft. Each creature within 10 feet must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 3 (1d6) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much as on a successful one. Additionally, on a failed save, the creature is stunned until the end of its next turn.

Grenade, Frag (3/Day) Ranged Weapon Attack: Grenade Launcher, range 80/360 ft. Each creature within 10 feet must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 7 (2d6) kinetic damage on a failed save, or half as much as on a successful one.

Zayda

Medium Humanoid (Rodian), Lawful Dark

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• Armor Class 17 (composite armor)
• Hit Points 46 (7d8+14)
• Speed 30 ft., Climb 30 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
13 (+1)	16 (+3)	14 (+2)	10 (0)	10 (0)	13 (+1)

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• Skills Athletics +3, Survival +2, Stealth +5
• Senses darkvision 60ft, passive Perception 10
• Languages Galactic Basic, Rodese
• Challenge CR 1 (200 XP)

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Actions

Heavy Blaster Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5, range 40/160 ft, one target. Hit 8 (1d8+3) energy damage.

Vibrodagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +5, range 5 ft, one target. Hit 5 (1d4+3)

Gladiator Tactics

The gladiators are willing to adhere to Darga’s decree that stun weapons be used in lieu of blaster bolts. The Karg Brothers are disappointed that they are not allowed to deal killing blows, and if they down a hero, they try to make sure he stays down if they can do so surreptitiously. RX-7246 opens with stun grenades, hoping to knock a hero or two down the condition track so that the Karg brothers can carve them up more easily.

If at least two gladiators are knocked unconscious, or if all of the gladiators fall below half their hit points, they are angered and cast aside Darga’s decree, setting their weapons to fire normally. RX-7246 switches to frag grenades at this point, and Zayda retreats to make ranged attacks. The Karg brothers’ tactics do not change.

Loot

• Bansche Advanced 2ZBc (Wristpad)

Conclusion

If the heroes survive and win the match, they are congratulated by Darga, who also awards them 2,500 credits’ worth of jewels and a Bansche Advanced 2ZBc Wristpad. Since the heroes have likely depleted many resources (including hit points), Darga agrees to end the session of his court for the day, allowing the heroes to retire to their rooms and recuperate.

If the heroes lose the match, the Hutt bestows honors upon his gladiators and does not end the day’s session in court. If any hero decides to go to the guest chambers to recuperate, Darga continues on without him or her. Feel free to let that hero have a solo encounter with Six Six or the moneychanger so that his or her time away from the court is not wasted.

Event 3: The Slavers

Darga the Hutt has many contacts on many worlds, but few are as unsavory as a band of slavers known as the Iron Ring. These slavers are small-time—at least, compared to some of the more dangerous slaving rings in the galaxy—but what they lack in influence, they make up for in zeal. Most of the Iron Ring’s jurisdiction is on former Confederate worlds ravaged by the Clone Wars, where the Empire’s influence is minimal. Cato Neimoidia is one of their many planets of operation.

A delegation from the Iron Ring comes to Darga’s palace during the heroes’ stay there, and the slavers are not happy.

Slavers Arrive Pt 2

Darga lets out a low, rumbling laugh that sounds sinister even for the gluttonous Hutt. He rolls his eyes toward the you, and mutters (in Huttese) "See what ungrateful business partners I have"? before retorting with an angry response to the slavers. "We've had the same business agreement for many years. I am not responsible if you don't know how to take care of your own product. Apologize for this intrusion at once or else I will have no choice but to dispose of you." The slavers and the Hutt soon descend into a seemingly fruitless argument- neither side willing to give in.

Darga is Poisoned

Darga sets down his wine chalice and emits a large groan, his eyes unusually hazy. "I am feeling unwell. Court is adjorned for the day- we will settle this matter tomorrow. You may spend the night in the common area." The slavers begin to protest but go largely ignored. Several gamorrean guards escort them to their chambers.

Event 4: Droid Racing

All work and no play makes Darga a dull Hutt—a motto the crime lord firmly stands by—and at a certain point, he calls for some diversion. One of Darga’s favorite activities is droid racing, wherein several members of his court compete for his favor while controlling droids in a race around the gladiator arena. Some years ago, a smuggling ship in Darga’s employ returned from the edges of the Unknown Regions with advanced droid interface technology. Instead of turning the technology over to scientists, Darga had his own technicians use it to create toys for his amusement. The result is a set of racing droids, each of which can be controlled remotely by donning a visor that allows the pilot to “see” out of the droid’s electronic eyes.

Unfortunately, the droid interfaces have some drawbacks. They are notoriously difficult to control and require intense focus and mental acuity to get any kind of result. Worse, in some cases, major damage to one of the racing droids has produced dangerous sensory feedback that has nearly scrambled the minds of the pilots. Despite this, Darga insists that members of his court take turns piloting the droids. He rewards the victor handsomely and makes no secret of his delight when a droid is wrecked and the pilot’s mind damaged.

Droid Race

You are summoned to the arena once again. Barricades have been set up to create a small but elaborate race track filling the entirety of the space. Artificial ramps and pits are spread throughout the track in the hopes of causing additional mayhem. "This, my honored guests, is droid racing!" Darga booms, spilling some of his wine as his makes a sweeping motion with his arm. "The winner of this race will win a generous prize!". Three members of the court step forward to participate: A Quarren, a Gamorrean, and the Neimodian, Igren Demos. "My honored guests will pilot my own personal racing droid. Which among you will accept this honor?"

If pressed: "My last pilot has yet to recover from the injury he sustained during the previous race. But you should have nothing to worry about." Darga laughs.

Race Preparation

You are escorted to the area where the racing droids are kept and provided 1 hour to familiarize yourselves with the controls before the race begins. Upon quick examination the droid appears to be quite fragile and seemingly controlled using a visor and a system simple of visual commands. This technology is unlike anything you have seem before and appears to be extremely advanced for such a crude implementation. Intrigued, you begin to investigate further.

Final Event: Imperial Visitors

The final event of the heroes’ visit to the court is the arrival of an Imperial liaison who comes to discuss the resources being transferred through Darga’s slimy hands on behalf of the Sarlacc Project. This is probably the event that the heroes have been waiting for, since it is their best chance to learn more about the secret project.

Primary Challenge: At this point, Darga turns to the heroes for advice. If the heroes have not set up a private method of communicating with the Hutt, Darga dismisses the Imperials temporarily so they won’t overhear the discussion. If the heroes provide him with the advice he wants to hear, they can earn his favor. Of the three proposals, Darga believes that the first one is sound (more money coming in at only a slight discount) and the latter two are not. The slaves he has been getting from the Empire are used up, and having credits is a better option overall. Additionally, the promised security retinue seems like little more than a plot to expand Imperial influence on Cato Neimoidia and keep the Hutt under the Imperial Security Bureau’s watchful eye.

Counseling Darga

The heroes might be unsure of how to provide Darga with counsel during the encounter with the Imperial liaison, and they might look to their skills as a means of determining the correct course of action. Though you should be careful not to give away the right answers with simple skill checks, you can steer the heroes in the right direction. For example, a successful DC 15 Intelligence (Lore) check can reveal that the Empire has made offers of security retinues to nobles and powerful administrators in the past, most of the time on worlds where Imperial forces were particularly thin. A successful DC 15 Intelligence (Lore) check can tell the heroes that biological resources of any kind are notoriously unstable, and rarity is one of the only things that can drive their value up. Lastly, a successful DC 15 Intelligence (Lore) check can tell the heroes that Imperial contracts are almost always spread very thin, and that the Empire rarely offers substantial contract increases to individuals.

Exploring Darga's Palace

• Maps: Hutt Palace Floor 1, Hutt Palace Underground 1, Hutt Palace Underground 2

Since the events above are likely to take place over the course of several days, adventurous heroes might want to explore Darga’s palace between sessions in the court. Similarly, you might wish to encourage them to poke around so that they can learn valuable pieces of information. At the end of the first day in the palace, the Hutt gives each hero his or her own room in the guest quarters, which were actually the servants’ quarters when the building was owned by Neimoidian nobles. The rooms are surprisingly clean, though sparsely appointed, and Gamorrean guards casually patrol the halls during the evenings. The heroes have a few amenities at their disposal—servants bring food or drink to their quarters—and if they have done something to impress the Hutt during the day, he might send them evening gifts, such as fine foods, spice, or even entertainment (in various forms).

Below are several encounters that can take place in any order during the time between events in Darga’s throne room

Kessra's Tactics

Kessra’s Tactics Kessra is still angry at the heroes for humiliating her in front of the other Vipers, and she has called in favors with her friends on the inside to set up this confrontation. She will watch the action from the throne room, taunting the heroes. If all the Anooba are killed she will attempt make her way down to the Death pit and try to kill the heroes personally. (This is also one way the heroes can escape)

Anooba (3)

Anoobas were vicious quadrupeds that could be up to 2.7 meters long. Anoobas possessed a pronounced lower jaw, sharp teeth, a long tail, and thick patches of fur across their spines, and they were able to let out a fearsome growl. Their hind legs were smaller than their front legs. Anoobas had a chin tusk that jutted out on their lower jaw and long claws and fangs. Small anoobas lacked a chin tusk.

Anooba Tactics

The Anooba have been trained to fight a Darga's command, but are also capable creatures on their own. The Anooba will focus the servant first as he is the weaker target.

Encounter Map

This encounter takes place in the Death Pit of Darga's Palace.

Conclusion

If the heroes defeat the Anooba and Kessra but leave her alive, she takes the first opportunity to flee. Having been defeated twice, she has lost her defiance and won’t bother the heroes again. If they take her to Darga, he has the Gamorrean guards in his audience chamber drag her off to the dungeons, placing her in a cell but hardly giving her a second thought. More than anything else, Darga is disappointed that he didn’t get to see the fight. He considers himself even with the heroes if they killed any of his Anooba, since they were attacked while guests under his roof.

The Moneychanger

• Map: Hutt Palace Floor 1
• Room: Moneychanger Quarters

Poking around the lower levels of Darga’s palace eventually brings the heroes into contact with Darga’s moneychanger, an elderly Duros named Gome. He handles all of Darga’s finances and ensures that no trails lead to the Hutt. Gome has been working for the crime lord for decades now, ever since Darga first rose to power, and he is exceptionally good at his job. Unlike others who have benefited from Darga’s wealth, Gome is mostly indifferent about his work. He seems to have no emotional investment in Darga’s crime syndicate and is puzzled by the idea that someone might try to meddle in the Hutt’s affairs.

Primary Challenge: Gome presents a good opportunity for the heroes to learn more about Darga’s involvement in the Sarlacc Project, particularly the nature of what he trades to the Empire. Though Gome is surprised to see the heroes, his attitude begins as indifferent toward them. If the heroes shift his attitude to friendly through a DC 12 Charisma (Persuasion) check, he is happy to discuss all manner of secrets with them— at least, the ones he knows about. Gome is older and probably nearing the end of his days, so he tends to ramble and get distracted. The heroes will need to keep him on track if they are to learn anything from him, so you should portray him as absent-minded to encourage the heroes to steer him back to their conversation.

Hidden Enemies

Being guests of Darga the Hutt confers a small amount of protection on the heroes, but some would still rather see them eliminated than left alive to meddle further. During one of the nights that the heroes sleep in the guest quarters, a cadre of assassins tries to kill them.

If any of the heroes previously revealed themselves to be Force-sensitive while in Darga’s court, the assassins are sent by Igren Demos. In this scenario, the majordomo fears that the heroes might expose his own Force sensitivity and wants to curtail any potential threat to his ascension to power. Sending a message through a lackey, he tricks Darga’s Quarren assassins into thinking the order to kill the heroes came from the Hutt. He also enlists the help of two members of the Iron Ring slaver delegation—the Wookiee and the Twi’lek poisoner.

If no hero revealed himself to be Force-sensitive, the assassins are sent by the slavers. In this scenario, the slavers want the heroes dead as punishment for interfering with their negotiations with Darga. The same group attacks the heroes—three Quarren, the Wookiee, and the Twi’lek poisoner. However, if the heroes discovered the Twi’lek attempting to poison Darga, she does not take part in this attack.

A Knife in the Dark

Quarren Assassin Tactics

The Quarren assassins use their high Stealth modifiers to keep the heroes unaware of their presence and gain the benefits of their Assassinate trait. Able to see in the shadowy illumination of the guest quarters, the Quarren take every possible opportunity to remain hidden and to wear down the heroes with their Sneak Attack.

Each assassin carries 500 credits for a total of 1500.

Twi'lek Poisoner

An agent of the slaver delegation that came to meet with Darga, this Twi’lek pretends to be a slave to better hide her true role. Skilled with a variety of poisons, she is the slavers’ clandestine way of dealing with enemies. Igren Demos knows this, but he does not tell his master. In exchange for his silence, the majordomo requires a favor - attacking the heroes.

Twi’lek Poisoner Tactics

The Twi’lek Poisoner is a dangerous woman who seeks only to injure her opponents, letting the poison on her vibrodagger do the rest. During the first round of combat, she remains hidden, waiting for the opportunity to strike at the heroes. When engaged in combat she will use her Cunning Action to disengage to avoid opportunity attacks from the heroes.

The Trihexalon Poison she carries is distilled and refined. While she is immune to the contact poision, her allies are not and she carries an antidote for each of them, totaling 4. She used her last vial to coat her dagger leaving her with only a single vial left if the heroes decide to search her body.

Wookie Slaver

An exile from his homeworld of Kashyyyk and a reviled member of the Wookiee species, this slaver has abandoned the honor of his heritage and embraced a life of violence and destruction. Part of the muscle of the Iron Ring delegation, the Wookiee slaver is a big, brutish warrior who fought as a mercenary for the Separatists in the Clone Wars. His bowcaster is the only evidence that he embraces any aspect of his past, and his ability to drop foes quickly has made him an invaluable addition to the slaver ring.

Wookie Slaver Tactics

The Wookiee slaver is primarily concerned with making sure that the heroes do not escape from the guest quarters, but if things go badly for the other assassins, he joins in the fight. He prefers to stand back and take shots at approaching heroes with his bowcaster.

He carries 2000 credits, a bowcaster, and various personal belongings.

Loot

• Clothes, Clandestine (Improved)

Conclusion

When the fight is over, if any assassins remain alive, they refuse to reveal who hired them. In truth, the Quarren assassins believe the order was handed down from Darga (though the Hutt has no knowledge of the assassination attempt), and the Twi’lek poisoner and the Wookiee slaver know only that their Zabrak leader ordered them to assist. If Darga is confronted, he tells the heroes plainly that he had nothing to do with it, and if the heroes investigate further, they find the servant who delivered “Darga’s” order to the Quarren dead in his quarters—killed by Igren Demos to keep him silent. The Zabrak slaver similarly claims that the servant brought him the order to have his comrades join in the assassination attempt. If Darga finds out about the slavers’ involvement, he expels them from his palace immediately, warning the Zabrak to keep his minions on a tighter leash for their next visit.

Encounter Map

This takes place either in the private quarters, or the flophouse depending on when the event takes place.

A Visit from Six-Six

One member of Darga’s court that the heroes have interacted with but might not have thought much about is the translating protocol droid, TC-663. Unremarkable during the heroes’ time in Darga’s palace thus far, TC-663 is occasionally seen wandering the halls of the palace on one errand or another. At some point when the heroes are all together away from the Hutt’s court, the shiny silver droid approaches them and asks to speak with them in private.

Any hero who makes a successful DC 25 Intelligence (Technology) check decrypts the file and retrieves the contents of the message. It reveals that late at night, the Hutt’s majordomo, Igren Demos, has been contacting an Imperial communications relay somewhere in the sector. The heroes cannot be certain who he is communicating with, but they know that Demos has been transmitting information about Darga’s dealings—particularly his slave trading—on a regular basis. The most recent communication specifically mentions that the slavers that Darga has been dealing with are unhappy with their merchandise. Additionally, several messages mention “the prisoner” but provide no further details.

If confronted about his communications with the Empire, Igren Demos staunchly denies it. Presenting the decrypted file does not help because Demos claims that it must be a forgery, and Darga is inclined to agree with his trusted advisor. If the heroes remain adamant that the majordomo is doing something untoward even after Darga dismissed this claim, the Hutt might become upset. To represent his shifting attitudes, you might wish to treat a previous incident in which the heroes successfully curried Darga’s favor as a failure instead.

Discovering Denia

One of the most critical events that happens during the heroes’ stay in Darga’s palace is their discovery of a comatose Jedi Master named Denia. This event should occur only near the end of their stay in the palace, and most likely after the heroes have gone through the five events in Darga’s court (and perhaps obtained the datacard granting access to the guest quarters). Since the discovery of Denia will probably conclude the heroes’ time in Darga’s palace, do not rush in introducing this event.

During the Clone Wars, Denia was fighting on Cato Neimoidia when she was injured in an explosion. One of the Separatist generals had her unconscious form brought to this palace and placed in an artificial coma while they decided what to do with her. When the Clone Wars came to an abrupt end, the Separatists fled the palace and left the Jedi behind. Darga moved in soon after and discovered Denia’s comatose body. Never one to throw away a potential resource, Darga had her moved to the lowest levels of the palace and kept unconscious, thinking that there might come a day when she could prove useful. When the heroes arrived, Denia could sense their presence even while unconscious (either because one or more of the heroes is Force sensitive, or because destiny swirls about them), and she reaches out to them for help.

This first becomes apparent when the heroes (particularly any Force-sensitive heroes) start hearing whispers in their heads. If the heroes stay in Darga’s palace after their time in his court, one or two of them begin to hear whispers in their sleep, so strongly that they awaken. If the heroes appear to be making plans to leave, you can have them hear the whispers while awake. The voice, clearly that of a woman, says things such as, “Help me,” and “I know you can hear me.” If the heroes attempt to ignore the whispers, the voice becomes more insistent, begging for help and pleading with them to find her.

Into the Dungeons

Gamorrean Warrior

Medium Humanoid (Gamorrean), Chaotic Dark

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• Armor Class 15 (Natural Armor)
• Hit Points 30 (4d8+12)
• Speed 40 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	12 (+1)	16 (+3)	10 (0)	10 (0)	7 (-2)

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• Damage Resistances Kinetic and Energy from unenhanced weapons
• Senses passive Perception 10
• Languages Gamorrese, Galactic Basic (understands but can't speak.)
• Challenge CR 1 (200 XP)

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Traits

Reckless. At the start of its turn, the Gamorrean Warrior can gain advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls during that turn, but attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next turn.

Brutal Critical. When the Gamorrean Warrior scores a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, roll one of the weapon's damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.

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Actions

Vibroaxe Melee Weapon Attack: +6, range 5ft, one target. Hit 11 (1d10+6) kinetic damage.

Gamorrean Warrior tactics

Gamorrean Warriors do one thing well: make melee attacks. Even their simplest attacks deal an average of nearly 11 points of damage, and when using Reckless, they gain advantage. Against armored enemies or foes who are particularly dexterous, the Warriors do not use Reckless, preferring to make more deliberate swings. If an opponent proves easy to hit or damage, the Warriors try to increase their damage in any way possible.

Gamorrean Warlord

Originally a clan chief on his homeworld of Gamorr, the warlord is the commander of Darga’s Gamorrean security force. Though less formidable in straight-up combat than the bashers, the warlord knows not only how to get the best out of his allies, but also how to keep them in the fight. The warlord is a commander of soldiers and treats the Gamorreans in Darga’s service like his own private army. Though Darga has had to warn him in the past about getting too ambitious, the warlord’s resolve to defeat any threat to his new clan’s dominance ensures that the Hutt always has a dangerous security force at his disposal. The Gamorrean warlord has been so successful in whipping his comrades into shape that other Hutts have secretly tried to lure him away from Darga with promises of power and glory.

Gamorrean Warlord

Medium Humanoid (Gamorrean), Chaotic Dark

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• Armor Class 17 (composite armor)
• Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
• Speed 40 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	12 (+1)	16 (+3)	12 (+1)	10 (0)	7 (-2)

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• Damage Resistances Kinetic and Energy from unenhanced weapons
• Skills Athletics +6, Intimidation +2
• Senses passive Perception 10
• Languages Gamorrese, Galactic Basic (understands but can't speak.)
• Challenge CR 2 (450 XP)

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Traits

Brutal Critical. When the Gamorrean Warlord scores a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, roll one of the weapon's damage dice one additional time and add it to the extra damage of the critical hit.

Leadership (1/Rest). For 1 minute, the Gamorrean Warlord can utter a special command or warning whenever a nonhostile creature that it can see within 30 feet of it makes an attack roll or a saving throw. The creature can add a d4 to its roll provided it can hear and understand the Gamorrean Warlord. A creature can benefit from only one Leadership die at a time. This effect ends if the Gamorrean Warlord is incapacitated.

Reckless. At the start of its turn, the Gamorrean Warlord can gain advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls during that turn, but attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next turn.

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Actions

Blaster Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5, range 100/400 ft, one target. Hit: 10 (2d8 + 1) energy damage.

Gamorrean Vibroblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +7, range 5ft, one target. Hit: 13 (1d10 + 6) kinetic damage.

Gamorrean Warlord Tactics

The Gamorrean warlord uses his Leadership trait to increase the attack and saving throw bonuses of his allies, ensuring that they have the best chance possible to take down the heroes. After that, he uses his blaster rifle to attack the heroes.

He carries 2500 credits and a vibroaxe.

Conclusion

When the fight ends, the heroes can gain access to the dungeon one level below them. Additionally, they can use the secret exit (the side door, which leads out into the city of Zarra) and the turbolift, which leads down to the dungeons and up to the guest chambers.

Encounter Map

Takes Place in the Guard Room within L2 of the Palace.

Any hero can disconnect Denia from the machines that are keeping her in a coma. A hero who makes a successful DC 15 Intelligence (Medicine) check can bring her out of the coma gently, and she regains consciousness with 4 levels of exhaustion. Otherwise, she regains consciousness with 5 levels of exhaustion and cannot move. This exhaustion cannot be removed until she receives extended medical treatment for at least a week (which she will be able to get aboard the Resurgence between adventures).

When Denia has been brought out of her coma, read the following boxed text aloud:

Clearly, the woman has no idea that the Clone Wars are over, nor how much time has passed since she was placed in her coma. She tells the heroes that she is a Jedi Master and that she was assigned to Plo Koon’s battle group here on Cato Neimoidia. She was engaged in a pitched battle against the Separatists when a droid starfighter crashed near her, sending her into blackness. When her mind had recovered from the damage done to her body, she found herself unable to awaken or to purge her system of the drugs that were keeping her in a coma. She has been trying to reach out for help, but the only visitor to her room has been someone who seems shrouded in darkness. She doesn’t know who this person is (in truth, it is Igren Demos, the majordomo) or why he or she enters the room, but she did not attempt to make contact.

Jedi Master Denia

Medium Humanoid (Human), Neutral Light

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• Armor Class 10 (19 with battle precognition)
• Hit Points 188 (25d8+75)
• Speed 30 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	20 (+5)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)	22 (+6)	14 (+2)

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• Saving Throws Dexterity +9 Wisdom +10, Charisma +6
• Skills Acrobatics +7, Insight +9, Lore +8, Medicine +8, Perception +9
• Senses passive Perception 21
• Languages Galactic Basic, Bocce, Neimoidian
• Challenge CR 9 (5,000 XP)

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Traits

Defiant. (1/Rest) Jedi Master Denia can roll 1d4 and add it to a skill check or saving throw.

Forcecasting. Jedi Master Denia is a 16th-level forcecaster. Its forcecasting ability is Wisdom (power save DC 19, +11 to hit with force attacks) and it has 54 force points. Denia knows the following force powers:

At-will: force push/pull, force disarm, give life, guidance, saber reflect, turbulence
1st-level: battle precognition, burst of speed, heal, phasestrike, project, valor
2nd-level: animate weapon, calm emotions, force barrier, force camouflage, force sight, force throw
3rd-level: beacon of hope, knight speed, sever force, telekinetic storm
4th-level: force immunity, improved force camouflage
5th-level: improved phasestrike, mass animation, telekinesis
6th-level: telekinetic burst

War Caster Jedi Master Denia has advantage on Constitution savin throws that it makes to maintain it's concentration on a power when it takes damage.

Through the Dungeons

As soon as Denia was freed from her comatose state, Igren Demos sensed it and awoke his Hutt master. Darga, unprepared for having a full-fledged Jedi Master on the loose in his palace, ordered Demos to ready his personal starship for immediate departure and headed to the planet Bespin within minutes. Demos remained behind, charged with eliminating the heroes and Master Denia as well.

Out of Captivity

Gamorrean Jailers (2)

Two members of Darga’s contingent of Gamorrean guards act as jailers and permanent observers of the dungeons. Though most of the time the Hutt has only one prisoner (Master Denia), he keeps the jailers on hand for rare occasions when he has to throw an unruly agent or other visitor into the dungeons until they see his point of view. Gamorrean jailers specialize in the use of the stun baton and usually try to subdue their charges rather than kill them—though accidents do happen.

Gamorrean Jailer Tactics

Since the Gamorrean jailers specialize in stunning and subduing prisoners, they attempt to use the same tactics on the heroes. Though they are not particularly quick or nimble, they try to rush up to the heroes. If the jailers do not have a clear line of movement to the heroes, they use their blasters, though they do not drop their vibrobatons. Instead, they hold one weapon in each hand, though they do not attack with both weapons at the same time.

Conclusion

With the guards and jailers defeated, the heroes should have a clear avenue of escape through the turbolift leading up to Darga’s audience chamber. The heroes can find a keycard to unlock the turbolift on each jailer.

Encounter Map

Takes place in the Dungeon Area

The Majordomo

As soon as Igren Demos learned that the Hutt was abandoning his palace and that the Jedi Master had been freed, he began putting a plan into motion to prevent the prisoner from escaping. Demos has secretly been in contact with Imperial Inquisitor Valin Callus, a former Jedi who pledged himself to the service of the Empire after witnessing the horrors of the Clone Wars. Demos has hidden his Force sensitivity from the Inquisitor thus far, and he hopes that his alliance with the Empire will help him supplant Darga and seize control of the organization for his own. When the Hutt flees aboard his personal yacht to Bespin, Igren Demos dispatches the Gamorreans to delay the heroes and Denia while the majordomo makes contact with Inquisitor Callus via the Holonet. Demos implores the Inquisitor to come to Cato Neimoidia quickly because he has cornered a surviving Jedi Master. Demos hopes to turn Denia over to the Inquisitorius in exchange for their assistance in making sure that Darga never returns to Cato Neimoidia.

Unfortunately for Demos, he did not plan on the heroes’ resourcefulness. When they make their way up through the secret passage (as all other avenues are currently blocked), they arrive in thethrone room just as Inquisitor Callus finishes telling Demos that he is on his way. Read the following boxed text aloud:

As the turbolift rises, the dank smell of the dungeons fades and the acrid smell of Darga’s throne room again becomes prevalent. Just as the lift stops you hear voices speaking from the audience chamber. Creeping closer, you see Darga’s Neimoidian majordomo, Igren Demos, bowing deeply before the holographic image of a tall man dressed in dark robes with a lightsaber hanging at his belt.

“The Hutt has fled aboard his personal yacht,” Demos says respectfully.

“I am on my way now, with the Assiduous ,” the hologram of the handsome man says. “Pray that you have not summoned the Empire on a fool’s errand, for the Inquisitorius is not gentle with those who deal with Jedi.”

The hologram fades, and the Neimoidian straightens slowly, looking pale. A trandoshan bodyguard stands by Igrens side and for Gamorrean stand throughout the room- all at full alert.

Confrontation with Demos

Forcecasting. Igren Demos is a 5th-level forcecaster. Its forcecasting ability is Charisma (power save DC 14, +6 to hit with force attacks) and it has 23 force points. Igren Demos knows the following force powers:

At-will: affect mind, force push/pull
1st-level: battle precognition, disperse force, tremor
2nd-level: force throw
3rd-level: sever force

Igren Demo's Tactics

When he realized that his guards had failed to stop the heroes from freeing the Jedi Master, Demos summoned his personal bodyguard, and throughout the encounter he remains close to the Trandoshan. If several heroes approach Demos at once, he uses Tremor to damage them. He uses Sever Force to turn aside Force powers. Otherwise, he uses Force Push/Pull to deal small amounts of damage to the heroes. If an enemy seems to be vulnerable to a heavier attack, Demos uses Force Throw one of the medium sized braziers in the room.

He carries 4,500 credits, a datapad with his notes on it and various personal belongings. He also carries a credit chip carrying 8,000 credit (DC 15 slicer’s kit).

Gamorrean Warrior (4)

Gamorrean Warrior Tactics

The Gamorrean Warrior fight with rather straightforward tactics, simply moving up to the heroes and swinging their vibro-axes. Not exceptionally intelligent foes, each Warrior attacks the nearest enemy.

Trandoshan Bodyguard

Igren Demos’ Trandoshan bodyguard is one of the only denizens of Darga’s palace that is not on the Hutt’s payroll. The bodyguard serves Demos personally and has done so ever since the palace on Cato Neimoidia was established. The bodyguard is all business, and unlike most Trandoshans, he seems to have abandoned some of his brutal and bloodthirsty nature in favor of protecting his charge at all costs.

Trandoshan Bodyguard Tactics

The Trandoshan bodyguard tries to protect Igren Demos at all costs. He uses his Intercept reaction as often as he can. Given his AC and the Regenerative reaction, the Trandoshan can take quite a beating. Though he attacks if the opportunity arises, he never moves more than 2 or 3 squares from Demos, and he prefers to remain adjacent to the Neimoidian whenever possible.

Conclusion

When this encounter ends, so does the adventure. The heroes should have no trouble escaping the palace once Demos is defeated, though the Neimoidian pleads for his life if his allies are killed. However, Demos is strong-willed and does not submit to interrogation easily. He knows of the deal between Darga and the Empire (they trade slaves to the Hutt in exchange for large quantities of Tibanna gas), but he does not know why the Empire wants the gas. If he thinks it will cause the heroes to spare his life, Demos reveals that Darga has fled to Cloud City, but not even the majordomo knows the exact location of the Hutt’s safe house there. Even if he is 'killed', Igren will return in Chapter 4. A newly appointed apprentice to Valin Callus. Be sure to note how he is killed in order to apply the proper cybernetics

Concluding the Adventure

With Denia in tow and the Empire on the way, the heroes probably want to leave Cato Neimoidia quickly. Once they make it past Demos, no one in the palace or the city beyond attempts to stop their escape. If, for some reason, they decide to hide in Zarra instead of blasting off immediately, they might have to deal with the Empire, but such developments are beyond the scope of this adventure.

Based on what they learned from Demos or Gome the moneychanger, the heroes should know where to go next—Bespin. However, while they will likely want to pursue Darga immediately, they must consider Denia. She is in no shape to fight and seems weakened just from the escape. Since Darga already has a head start, the heroes should have time to return to the Resurgence first so that Denia can receive proper medical attention.

>> Completing this adventure is a level-up milestone. (Level 5) <<