Root of the Rot (5E Compatible Adventure)

The frontier village of Oakview is dying.

A supernatural blight spreads through the farmlands, withering crops and sickening children. Desperate villagers point fingers at Elowen, the forest witch of Drywood, posting a bounty for her head. But in the ancient woods, truth and legend intertwine like gnarled roots.

Will your party bring swift justice... or discover that the real villain is ignorance itself?

What Makes This Adventure Special:

• Investigation-Focused Gameplay - Multiple clues, multiple paths, meaningful discovery
•  Moral Complexity - No clear villains, just people acting from fear and desperation
• Rich NPCs - Five detailed characters with real motivations and complete stat blocks
• Multiple Solutions - Peaceful resolution, combat encounters, or political maneuvering
• Beginner-Friendly - Perfect for new players and DMs, with clear guidance throughout 
• Professional Quality - Complete 29-page PDF with artwork, handouts, and references

Adventure Details:

• For 4-6 characters of 5th level
• 3-4 hour session (perfect for one-shot play)
• Investigation and roleplay focused with optional combat
• Complete 29-page PDF with professional layout and full-color artwork
• Includes handouts, quick reference guides, and scaling advice
• Compatible with 5th Edition rules

Perfect For:

• Game Masters seeking morally complex adventures
• Groups who enjoy investigation and roleplay
• One-shot sessions and convention play
• New players learning the hobby
• Anyone tired of "kill the monster" adventures

What's Included:

• Complete 29-page adventure with professional layout and artwork
• Five detailed NPCs with motivations, secrets, and complete stat blocks 
• Investigation system with multiple clue paths across four locations
• Three distinct resolution methods (peaceful, combat, political) 
• Scaling advice for 3rd-7th level and different party sizes 
• Three player handouts (bounty poster, journal fragment, child's drawing) 
• Quick reference guides and DM tips throughout 
• Digital-optimized PDF with bookmarks and hyperlinks 
• Alternative setting adaptations (urban, desert, coastal)

Designer Notes:

Root of the Rot was designed to challenge the typical "adventurers vs. evil" narrative. Instead, it presents a situation where good people make bad choices out of fear and desperation. The adventure rewards creative thinking, empathy, and understanding over violence—though it accommodates all play styles with complete combat encounters and environmental challenges.