Rise of the Drow Alternate Prologue: The Stoneholme Trilogy
As noted on page 85 of Rise of the Drow: Collector’s Edition, the Stoneholme Trilogy of adventures can serve as an alternate prologue for a campaign that descends into the Underworld to confront the growing drow threat. If your group wants to dive straight into subterranean intrigue, dwarven politics, and the subtle beginnings of drow interference, the Stoneholme arc offers a gritty and thematic introduction.
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The Stoneholme Trilogy
The trilogy includes:
It begins in the ancient dwarven city of Stoneholme, where the party must navigate a closed society deeply suspicious of outsiders. For this reason, your session zero should include at least one native or a close tie to the city—though a helpful NPC could fill that role as well.
The Darkness Spreads
Stoneholme has remained safe for centuries, but recently magical darkness has appeared across the city. Shadowy monsters now stalk the alleys, and the local leaders are desperate for answers. After an early encounter with these creatures, the characters gain the attention of a prominent dwarf who suspects something far more sinister is at play.
The party soon uncovers a devil-worshiping conspiracy and ventures into the Sandstone Warrens, where even greater threats emerge. While the trilogy functions well on its own, you can add subtle clues to link it directly to the events of Rise of the Drow.
Connecting to Rise of the Drow
The trilogy’s main villain, Shtawn Deppenkhut, secretly received help from Mathorn Gullion of House Gullion. She manipulated events behind the scenes, posing as a demonic messenger. While the players might never learn Mathorn’s identity, they’ll find signs of drow involvement throughout the adventure.
Here are a few connections you can sprinkle in:
- Dark beads and rubies (Dark Days in Stoneholme, pg. 22) are created using magic similar to drow shadowcraft.
- The ingredient list (pg. 24) includes symbols that match those of House Gullion.
- Scrolls found throughout the trilogy are inscribed on kllellek paper, a unique drow parchment.
- In A Murder in Stoneholme, treasure includes rumors about a mysterious benefactor linked to Holoth.
- NPCs mention that Embla, their sister city, is facing trouble—raided caravans, missing citizens, and restricted access to the road to Holoth.
- In Death Comes to Stoneholme, the paladin Ameldria recalls her order’s leader falling to drow poison.
- Several rumors, when pieced together, point directly to a larger drow conspiracy beneath the surface.
By layering in these hints, you tie the trilogy to Rise of the Drow while maintaining the original pacing and atmosphere.
Adding Miah of Embla
To bridge the trilogy and Rise of the Drow, introduce Miah of Embla as a minor but memorable NPC. One great opportunity is at the dinner party in A Murder in Stoneholme (pg. 15), where Miah pleads for aid on behalf of his suffering city.
You might also move Quorron’s Smithy into Stoneholme as Miah’s home. Although he’s a Stoneholme dwarf, Miah holds more inclusive views aligned with Emblan ideals. This helps build rapport between the party and their future ally.
When the Stoneholme plot resolves, the dwarves thank the heroes—then ask them to leave. Miah stays behind, urging the characters to follow him to Embla and continue the fight against the rising drow menace.
Why Use the Stoneholme Trilogy?
The Stoneholme Trilogy provides:
- A thematic launch point focused on dwarves, devils, and darkness.
- A built-in mystery that can easily tie into House Gullion’s greater plans.
- A transition into Rise of the Drow that feels both natural and rewarding.
With just a few tweaks, this trilogy sets the stage for an unforgettable Underworld campaign.
Have you run Stoneholme as a prologue? Want to see an updated version of the trilogy remastered for Rise of the Drow? Let us know in the comments or join the community on Discord!