Mice of Legend: Module N1: Desperate Dusty Desperados

Desperate Dusty Desperados takes adventurers on an unforgettable journey through a rugged, sunbaked landscape inspired by the dramatic beauty of the Southwest U.S. and Mexico. This module evokes the spirit of old spaghetti westerns, with vibrant desert settings, daring heists, and shadowy outlaws.

Players will navigate environments teeming with life, from agave-filled valleys to craggy mountain trails, while uncovering secrets of ancient cultures and artisanal crafts such cochineal dye-making. The story highlights the ingenuity, resilience, and richness of desert communities, blending classic adventure tropes with a respectful nod to regional traditions.

Prepare for thrilling encounters, tactical challenges, and cultural lore that celebrates the spirit of this wild and colorful frontier.

Adventure Synopsis

After leaving Lake Town and the settled lands around Portal Lake, the party ventures south through grasslands and into rugged hills. With little cover, the open country makes them a tempting target for predatory birds and beasts. Closer to the hills, signs of woodrat (orc) raids become more frequent, spreading terror among travelers heading to Hill Town. A well-executed ambush leads to the party's capture and imprisonment. Can they escape their captors, and if so, where will they flee?

A Flexible Stand-Alone Adventure

Originally written as an optional side quest in the Perils of Portal Lake campaign designed to take place between Module 3: Dead Dead Bodies and Module 4: Part-Time Professional Mine Janitors, it is not essential to the main storyline.

Thus it can be played as a thrilling one-shot adventure offering opportunities to gain experience, uncover unique magic items, and explore additional lore. Referees can easily expand upon the events, tailoring the module to their players' choices.

The party can also choose to play this adventure as a an escort mission, protecting a merchant train, alone, or with a small group of NPC allies. 

Notes

While it's possible to play this module without the mouse hook, DMs will need the Perils of Portal Lake Campaign Guide to provide background lore, animal to monster conversion tables, and other campaign setting information to fully experience the mouse world. For more information find us at alchemicalpress.io

Author: Paul Hoeffer