History TabletopGame / IcewindDaleRimeOfTheFrostmaiden

The adventure takes place within the arctic region of [[TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms Icewind Dale]], where for two years it has been cursed into a state of perpetual, dark winter known by its inhabitants as the Everlasting Rime. But surviving the treacherous winter and finding a way to lift the curse isn't the only thing that adventurers would be tasked to do during their time in the region, as there are also many secrets and surprises that lay hidden beyond Auril's cold embrace, some of which may pose as much of a threat to Icewind Dale as the curse itself.

Can these brave adventurers prevent Icewind Dale from turning into a frozen wasteland? What secrets would they uncover between the denizens of Icewind Dale and themselves? And what dangers lie beneath the icy tundra that could spell doom to the entire region?

* BigBad: Auril, the [[GodIsEvil malevolent goddess]] [[AnIcePerson of winter]], serves as this for the adventure.

* FightingAShadow: As per usual for ''Forgotten Realms'' deities, [[spoiler:killing Auril will only be nothing more than an annoyance for her since she will be resurrected at the next winter solstice anyways.]]

* TheCorruption: Chardalyn, particularly when infused with magic from the Lower Planes, influences creatures who possess it which can result in violent urges and mania.

* GodzillaThreshold: One of the ways the adventurers can thwart Auril's plans is to [[spoiler:use a ''scroll of tarasque summoning'' on the Island of Solstice.]] The module is very clear that this is quite possibly the most dangerous way to do so and frames it as a last resort due to how risky doing so is.

* KillTheGod: [[spoiler:The adventurers can end up killing Auril, with her death putting an end to the Everlasting Rime for good. Though it gets [[DownplayedTrope downplayed]] as Auril can never truly die for as long as [[GodsNeedPrayerBadly there are mortals who continue to worship her]], and she would eventually be resurrected on the next winter solstice. Though by that point, she decides to [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere retreat from the world for the time being so as to not let herself be defeated by mortals once again.]]]]

* TrappedInThePast: [[spoiler:A potential fate the adventurers can inflict on themselves. If they chose to use Iriolarthas' ''staff of power'' on the obelisk found within Ythryn, anyone who survives both the staff's [[StuffBlowingUp Retributive Strike]], as well as the de-aging effect that the obelisk triggers, is teleported to -343 DR, a point in time before [[AndManGrewProud the fall of Netheril]] and only a short time before the fall of Ythryn. The module outright says that they are essentially stuck here but, if desired, the adventurers could continue the story in the past using D&D sourcebooks from older editions.]]

->[[TheStinger DISCLAIMER:]] The windswept tundra of Icewind Dale is the true test of one's mettle. Here, it's survival of the fittest! Don't be fooled by the reindeer with glow-in-the-dark antlers and the tasty knucklehead trout (including the friendlier, more northerly Canucklehead variety). [[GrimUpNorth Icewind Dale is the frostbitten end of the world.]] You can't spell dice without ice, my friend, and [[AnIcePerson the Frostmaiden]] is not some [[TabletopGame/OutOfTheAbyss demon prince]], [[TabletopGame/CurseOfStrahd vampire]], [[TabletopGame/TombOfHorrors lich]], [[TabletopGame/WaterdeepDragonHeist beholder crime lord]], or [[TabletopGame/BaldursGateDescentIntoAvernus archdevil]]. She's [[GodIsEvil a god—and a cold-hearted one at that.]]

* JerkassGods: As per ''Forgotten Realms'' tradition, Auril is a cruel and vain goddess who wants to cover the world in EternalWinter for her own amusement.

* EndlessWinter: Prior to the start of the adventure, Icewind Dale has been suffering from the Everlasting Rime for over two years since Auril first settled into the region to live among mortals, but so far no one in the Dale knows why the Frostmaiden has imposed her will in this way or why the other gods refuse to challenge her.

* GodzillaThreshold: One of the ways the adventurers can thwart Auril's plans is to [[spoiler:use a ''scroll of tarasque summoning'' on her island.]] The module is very clear that this is quite possibly the most dangerous way to do so and frames it as a last resort due to how risky doing so is.
* HoistByHerOwnPetard: One of the character secrets available for this adventure module is the "Midwinter Child", where Auril blessed them with cold resistance because they were born on the Midwinter holiday. As it turns out, this blessing proves to be very useful in surviving the Everlasting Rime, as well as being the deciding factor in the party's battle against her.
* JerkassGods: As per ''Forgotten Realms'' tradition, Auril is a cruel and vain goddess who wants to cover the world in eternal winter for her own amusement.

* {{Retcon}}: Previous editions had chardalyn, also known as black ice, be a naturally occurring mineral that was used as early as during the Days of Thunder by the [[{{Precursors}} Sarrukh]]. In this adventure module, it's established to be the remains of [[Literature/TheIcewindDaleTrilogy Crenshinibon]], also known as the Crystal Shard, fused with local magic and ice.

* TrappedInThePast: [[spoiler:A potential fate the adventurers can inflict on themselves. If they chose to use Iriolarthas' ''staff of power'' on the obelisk found within Ythryn, anyone who survives both the staff's [[StuffBlowingUp Retributive Strike]], as well as the de-aging effect that the obelisk triggers, is teleported to -343 DR, a point in time before [[AndManGrewProud the fall of Netheril]] and only a short time before the fall of Ythryn. The book outright says that they are essentially stuck here but, if desired, the adventurers could continue the story in the past using D&D sourcebooks from older editions.]]
* VeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon: [[SubvertedTrope Subverted]] with the Island of Solstice as well as Grimskalle, which definitely looks the part but are not the final part of the adventure. Played straight with Ythryn, an ancient city buried in a glacier.
* WorfHadTheFlu: Maintaining the Everlasting Rime takes a lot of Auril's power, weakening her enough for the adventurers to be able to defeat her.

The adventure takes place within the arctic region of [[TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms Icewind Dale]], where for two years it has been cursed into a state of perpetual, dark winter known by its inhabitants as the Everlasting Rime. But surviving the treacherous winter and finding a way to lift the curse isn't the only thing that adventurers would be tasked to do during their time in the region, as there are also many secrets and surprises that lay hidden beyond Auril's cold embrace, some of which may pose as much of a threat to Icewind Dale as the curse itself. Can these brave adventurers prevent Icewind Dale from turning into a frozen wasteland? What secrets would they uncover between the denizens of Icewind Dale and themselves? And what dangers lie beneath the icy tundra that could spell doom for the entire region?

* TheAlcatraz: Revel's End, where the Lord's Alliance keeps any prisoners who would be politically inconvenient to keep in normal prisons. Despite the HighFantasy nature of the Forgotten Realms, it's actually a pretty normal prison. Political prisoners are kept there until their time is served, and promptly shipped back to civilization. The location is somewhat exotic, and the warden is a mage, but otherwise, it's remarkably unremarkable.

* FightingAShadow: As per usual for D&D deities, killing Auril is little more than an annoyance for her since she will be resurrected at the next winter solstice anyways.
* ContinuityNod: The FinalDungeon is Ythryn, a once-floating city of ancient [[TheMagocracy Netheril]]. Interestingly, the fall of Ythryn had nothing to do with [[AndManGrewProud Karsus]].
* TheCorruption: Chardalyn, particularly when infused with magic from the Lower Planes, influences creatures who possess it, causing violent urges and mania.
* DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu: The adventurers can, successfully, fight against Auril, a goddess.

* JerkassGods: As per Forgotten Realms tradition, Auril is a dick of a goddess who wants to cover the world in eternal winter for her own amusement.
* JustBeforeTheEnd: Not in the module itself, but the adventurers may accidentally send themselves back to [[spoiler:-343 DR, four years before the Fall of Netheril]].

* {{Retcon}}: Previous editions had chardalyn, also known as black ice, be a naturally occuring mineral that was used as early as during the Days of Thunder by the [[{{Precursors}} Sarrukh]]. In this adventure module, it's established to be the remains of [[Literature/TheIcewindDaleTrilogy Crenshinibon]], the Crystal Shard, fused with local magic and ice.
* ShoutOut: The coldlight walker is clearly based on the poster for ''Film/TheThing1982''.

* TrappedInThePast: [[spoiler: A potential fate the adventurers can inflict on themselves. If they chose to use Iriolarthas' ''staff of power'' on the obelisk found within Ythryn, anyone who survives both the staff's [[StuffBlowingUp Retributive Strike]], and the de-aging effect that the obelisk triggers, is teleported to -343 DR, a point in time before [[AndManGrewProud the fall of Netheril]] and only a short time before the fall of Ythryn. The book outright says that they are essentially stuck here but, if desired, the adventurers could continue the story in the past using D&D sourcebooks from older editions.]]

* WorfHadTheFlu: Maintaining the Everlasting Rime takes a lot of Auril's power, weakening her enough for the adventurers to defeat her.

* {{Retcon}}: Previous editions had chardalyn, also known as black ice, be a naturally occuring mineral that was used as early as during the Days of Thunder by the [[{Precusors} Sarrukh]]. In this adventure module, it's established to be the remains of [[Literature/TheIcewindDaleTrilogy Crenshinibon]], the Crystal Shard, fused with local magic and ice.

* GodzillaThreshold: One of the ways the players can thwart Auril's plans is to [[spoiler:use a ''scroll of tarasque summoning'' on her island.]] The module is very clear that this is quite possibly the most dangerous way to do so and frames it as a last resort due to how risky doing so is.

* JustBeforeTheEnd: Not in the module itself, but the players may accidentally send themselves back to [[spoiler:-343 DR, four years before the Fall of Netheril]].

* {{Retcon}}: Previous editions had Chardalyn be a naturally occuring mineral that was used as early as during the Days of Thunder, by the Sarrukh. Here, it's established to be the remains of [[Literature/TheIcewindDaleTrilogy Crenshinibon]], the Crystal Shard, fused with local magic and ice.
* ShoutOut: The Coldlight Walker is clearly based on the poster for ''Film/TheThing1982''
* SpiritualAdaptation: The writers explicitly admitted that the adventure is inspired by stories like ''Literature/WhoGoesThere'' and ''Literature/AtTheMountainsOfMadness''
* TrappedInThePast: [[spoiler: A potential fate the players can inflict on themselves. If they chose to use Iriolarthas' Staff of Power on one of the obelisks that dot the land, anyone who survives both the staff breaking, and the de-aging effect it triggers, is teleported to -343 DR, a point in time before [[AndManGrewProud the fall of Netheril]] and only a short time before the fall of Ythryn. The book outright says that they are essentially stuck here but, if desired, the players could continue the story in the past using older editions]].
* VeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon: Subverted with Auril's abode, which definitely looks the part but is not the final part of the adventure. Played straight for Ythryn, a floating city stuck in a glacier.
* WorfHadTheFlu: Maintaining the endless winter takes most of Auril's power, weakening her enough for the players to defeat her.

* FightingAShadow: As per usual for D&D deities, killing Auril is little more than an annoyance for her, since she simply reforms in her Realm at full power.

* TheCorruption: Chardalyn influences creatures who possess it, causing violent urges and mania.
* DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu: The players can, successfully, fight Auril, a ''goddess''.
* GodzillaThreshold: One of the ways the players can thwart Auril's plans is to use a Scroll of Tarasque Summoning on her island. The module is very clear that this is quite possibly the most dangerous way to do so and frames it as a last resort due to how dangerous doing so is.
* HoistByHerOwnPetard: A potential starting gift for the players is that Auril blessed them with cold resistance because they were born on the winter solstice. This may very well be the deciding factor in the party's battle against her.
* JerkassGods: As per Forgotten Relams tradition, Auril is a dick who wants to cover the world in eternal winter.
* JustBeforeTheEnd: Not in the module itself, but the players may be accidentally sent back to [[spoiler:-343 DR, four years before the Fall of Netheril]].
* MechanicalMonster: The Duergar warlord Xardorok Sunblight is constructing a dragon out of Chardalyn, magical, metallic ice.

* JustBeforeTheEnd: Not in the module itself, but the players may be accidentally sent back to [[spiler:-343 DR, four years before the Fall of Netheril]].

* GodzillaThreshold: One of the ways the players can thwart Auril's plans is to use a Scroll of Tarasque Summoning on her island. The module is very clear that this is, quite possibly the most dangerous way to do so and frames it as a last resort due to how dangerous doing so is.

* AnimalisticAbomination: Auril's first form looks vaguely like an anthropomorphic owlbear with horns. It is depicted on the cover, and you do not want to meed it.

* DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu: The players can, successfully, fight Auril, a ''goddess''. This would be marginally more impressive if her statblock actually matched her title.
* GameplayAndStorySegregation: Auril's challenge rating is a measly 9 through 11 in her various forms. This is not very impressive, considering that [[TabletopGame/TyrannyOfDragons Tiamat]], a goddess of a supposedly similar power level, is the toughest foe in the entire game, with a challenge rating of party-killing ''30''.

->[[TheStinger DISCLAIMER:]] The windswept tundra of Icewind Dale is the true test of one's mettle. Here, it's survival of the fittest! Don't be fooled by the reindeer with glow-in-the-dark antlers and the tasty knucklehead trout (including the friendlier, more northerly Canucklehead variety). [[GrimUpNorth Icewind Dale is the frostbitten end of the world.]] You can't spell dice without ice, my friend, and [[AnIcePerson the Frostmaiden]] is not some [[TabletopGame/OutOfTheAbyss demon prince]], [[TabletopGame/CurseOfStrahd vampire]], [[TabletopGame/TombOfAnihilation lich]], [[TabletopGame/WaterdeepDragonHeist beholder crime lord]], or [[TabletopGame/BaldursGateDescentIntoAvernus archdevil]]. She's [[GodIsEvil a god—and a cold-hearted one at that.]]

->[[TheStinger DISCLAIMER:]] The windswept tundra of Icewind Dale is the true test of one's mettle. Here, it's survival of the fittest! Don't be fooled by the reindeer with glow-in-the-dark antlers and the tasty knucklehead trout (including the friendlier, more northerly Canucklehead variety). [[GrimUpNorth Icewind Dale is the frostbitten end of the world.]] You can't spell dice without ice, my friend, and [[AnIcePerson the Frostmaiden]] is not some [[TabletopGame/OutOfTheAbyss demon prince]], [[TabletopGame/CurseOfStrahd vampire]], [[TabletopGame/TombOfAnnihilation lich]], [[TabletopGame/WaterdeepDragonHeist beholder crime lord]], or [[TabletopGame/BaldursGateDescentIntoAvernus archdevil]]. She's [[GodIsEvil a god—and a cold-hearted one at that.]]

* JerkassGods: As per Forgotten Relams tradition, Auriel is a dick who wants to cover the world in eternal winter.

The adventure takes place within the arctic region of Icewind Dale, where for two years it has been cursed into a state of perpetual, dark winter known by its inhabitants as the Everlasting Rime. But surviving the treacherous winter and finding a way to lift the curse isn't the only thing that adventurers would be tasked to do during their time in the region, as there are also many secrets and surprises that lay hidden beyond Auril's cold embrace, some of which may pose as much of a threat to Icewind Dale as the curse itself. Can these brave adventurers prevent Icewind Dale from turning into a frozen wasteland? What secrets would they uncover between the denizens of Icewind Dale and themselves? And what dangers lie beneath the icy tundra that could spell doom for the entire region?

The adventure takes place within the arctic region of Icewind Dale, where for two years it has been cursed into a state of perpetual, dark winter known by its inhabitants as the Everlasting Rime. But surviving the treacherous winter and finding a way to lift the curse isn't the only thing that adventurers would look forward to during their time in the Dale, as there are also many secrets and surprises that lay hidden beyond the cold embrace of Auril, some of which may pose as much of a threat to Icewind Dale as the curse itself. Can these brave adventurers put a stop to the divine curse and save Icewind Dale, or will they end up being buried in a pile of snow? And what secrets would they find out between the denizens of Icewind Dale and themselves?

->[[TheStinger DISCLAIMER:]] The windswept tundra of Icewind Dale is the true test of one's mettle. Here, it's survival of the fittest! Don't be fooled by the reindeer with glow-in-the-dark antlers and the tasty knucklehead trout (including the friendlier, more northerly Canucklehead variety). Icewind Dale is the frostbitten end of the world. You can't spell dice without ice, my friend, and [[AnIcePerson the Frostmaiden]] is not some [[TabletopGame/OutOfTheAbyss demon prince]], [[TabletopGame/CurseOfStrahd vampire]], [[TabletopGame/TombOfAnnihilation lich]], [[TabletopGame/WaterdeepDragonHeist beholder crime lord]], or [[TabletopGame/BaldursGateDescentIntoAvernus archdevil]]. She's [[GodIsEvil a god—and a cold-hearted one at that.]]

[[TheStinger DISCLAIMER:]] The windswept tundra of Icewind Dale is the true test of one's mettle. Here, it's survival of the fittest! Don't be fooled by the reindeer with glow-in-the-dark antlers and the tasty knucklehead trout (including the friendlier, more northerly Canucklehead variety). Icewind Dale is the frostbitten end of the world. You can't spell dice without ice, my friend, and [[AnIcePerson the Frostmaiden]] is not some [[TabletopGame/OutOfTheAbyss demon prince]], [[TabletopGame/CurseOfStrahd vampire]], [[TabletopGame/TombOfAnnihilation lich]], [[TabletopGame/WaterdeepDragonHeist beholder crime lord]], or [[TabletopGame/BaldursGateDescentIntoAvernus archdevil]]. She's [[GodIsEvil a god—and a cold-hearted one at that.]]