The Hand That Counts
Every night, someone climbs down into a burial mound sealed for sixty years. They are counting something on a wall, and nobody knows why. That is all the client will tell you.
Written for 3 to 5 characters. The PDF is fully self-contained: no other book is required, only dice and the SRD 5.2.1 core rules.
A first dig, a first mystery. And a question larger than the contract.
Four characters,
four ways down
The sheets are handed out as they are: each one already answers the question "why are you going down there?", and the adventure uses that answer. Nobody has homework to do before sitting at the table.
Four level 2 sheets built to SRD 5.2.1, with their gear and spells already chosen.
Everything you need
for one evening
| Players | 3 to 5 characters, the booklet explains how to adjust |
| Level | 2 |
| Length | one to two sessions |
| Format | 21-page PDF, instant download |
| System | SRD 5.2.1, 5e compatible |
| Requirements | no book needed: dice and the core rules are enough |
| Included | the adventure, 4 pregenerated characters, 5 creatures with complete stat blocks, the items to hand out and player-facing handouts |
| Price | free |
And after the first session?
The adventure stands alone, but it is not isolated: it follows on directly from A Routine Contract, the introductory adventure in the Game Master's Book, and its ending opens onto the mysteries the whole line explores. To place the mound in its world, start by discovering Sylkaen and its Layers; to keep playing, compare the Vestiges books.
Frequently asked questions about the adventure
Do I need one of the Sylkaen books to play The Hand That Counts?
No. The adventure is fully self-contained: it provides the four ready-to-play characters, the five creatures with complete stat blocks and the items to hand out. All you need is dice and the SRD 5.2.1 core rules.
How long does it run, and for how many players?
Count one to two sessions for 3 to 5 level 2 characters. The booklet also explains how to adjust it, whether your table has 3 players or 5.
Who are the four characters provided?
A Colossus fighter, a Khepra rogue, a human cleric and a gnome wizard, all level 2 and built to SRD 5.2.1. Each sheet arrives with its gear, its spells and its own reason for going down, which the adventure picks up during play. They are handed out as they are, with no preparation.
Is it a good first adventure to discover the game?
That is exactly what it was written for: a starter mini-adventure that shows what Vestiges does differently, a dig rather than a dungeon, a mystery rather than a room full of monsters. You judge it at the table, not on a promise, and without spending anything.
Is the free adventure connected to the rest of the line?
It stands alone, but it is not isolated: The Hand That Counts follows on directly from A Routine Contract, the introductory adventure included in the Game Master's Book, and its ending opens onto the mysteries the line explores. Nothing is required, everything continues.
Where can I download the adventure?
From the official Sylkaen page on itch.io: the 21-page PDF downloads for free, with no account required. The French version, La Main qui compte, is available there too.