The classic TSR module B5: Horror on the Hill (originally written by Douglas Niles for Basic D&D) translates exceptionally well into Adventurer Conqueror King System II (ACKS II). ACKS II excels at wilderness survival, hex-clearing, and dynamic dungeon ecology, making "Guido’s Fort" and the deadly, monster-infested hill across the river an ideal sandbox for low-level ACKS II Play.
Here is a comprehensive framework for adapting B5 to ACKS II, covering party scaling, wilderness and dungeon mechanics, monster conversions, and campaign integration.
1. Party Scaling & Level Alignment
In Basic D&D, B5 is designed for 1st–3rd level characters. In ACKS II, 1st-level characters are relatively fragile, and ACKS II enforces strict party role balance.
Recommended Party: 4–6 characters of 1st to 2nd level.
Henchmen & Mercenaries: Strong emphasis should be placed on hiring 2–4 0-level light infantry or torchbearers at Guido’s Fort. ACKS II’s morale and henchman rules make hirelings critical for surviving the hill's steep attrition rate.
2. Setting the Stage: Guido’s Fort & Wilderness Logistics
Guido’s Fort serves as the local Garrison/Settlement base.
Wilderness Travel & Hex Crawling
The Hill itself should be mapped as a mini-hexcrawl (1-mile or 6-mile hexes):
Terrain: Steep, overgrown hills with dense brush and ravines. Movement is treated as Difficult Terrain (halving travel distance).
Foraging & Supply: Fresh water is available at the river, but foraging on the hill is dangerous due to widespread contamination from the Hobgoblin and Kobold camps.
Wilderness Encounters
Use the ACKS II Hills Encounters Table modified by the module's thematic roster. Roll for random encounters once every 2 watches (day/night):
D6 Chance: 1 on 1d6 in the lower wilderness; 1–2 on 1d6 near the ruin/tor.
Encounters: Hobgoblin raiding parties, Killer Bees, Berserkers, Ochre Jellies, and Neanderthals (Cave Men).
3. Faction Dynamic & Ecology
ACKS II thrives when dungeon factions interact dynamically. Horror on the Hill has three main rival factions:
[ King Hobgoblin (Ruins/Dungeon Level 1) ]
/ \
/ \
[ Kobold Clan (Caves) ] <--------> [ The Cult of the Lava Dragon (Lower Levels) ]
The Kobolds: Weak, paranoid, and defensive. They utilize traps, narrow tunnels (squeezing rules apply), and ambush tactics. In ACKS II, their Morale (-1) makes them prone to breaking if their leader is slain.
The Hobgoblins: Organized, martial, and expansionist. They hold the upper hill ruins and enforce order among the lower goblinoids. They use ACKS II martial tactics (phalanx/shield walls, volley fire).
The Dragon Cult / Lava Dragon: The apex threat on the lower levels. Servants of the young red dragon manipulate the goblinoids through fear and religious zeal.
4. Key ACKS II Mechanics & Conversions
Traps & Exploration
Finding Traps: Characters with the Engineering or Tinkering Proficiencies (or Thieves using Find Traps) can locate and disarm the Hill's primitive spring-darts and pit traps.
Steep Slope Movement: Fighting downhill provides +1 to Attack throws; fighting uphill inflicts -1 to Attack throws and reduces base Combat Movement by 10 ft.
Notable Monster Conversions
Hobgoblin Veteran (Leader)
Armor Class: 4 (Chainmail + Shield)
Hit Dice: 1+1 (6 hp)
Attacks: 1 weapon +1 (1d8+1 with longsword)
Save: F1
Morale: +1
Alignment: Neutral (Lawful/Cruel)
The Young Red Dragon (The Lava Dragon)
Armor Class: 7
Hit Dice: 7 (32 hp)
Attacks: 2 Claws (1d6), 1 Bite (2d10) or Breath Weapon
Breath Weapon: Cone of Fire (90' long, 30' wide base), damage equal to current HP (Save vs. Blast for half).
Save: F7
Morale: +2
Alignment: Chaotic
5. Domain & Campaign Integration (Post-Module Play)
In ACKS II, clearing a site isn't just about loot; it's about Domain Management:
Clearing the Hex: Once the Hobgoblin leadership and the Dragon are eliminated, the Hill can be secured as a cleared wilderness hex.
Establishing a Hold: The ruins on top of the hill can be fortified into a small Fort/Keep (costing roughly 5,000–10,000 gp to restore). This allows a 3rd or 4th level Fighter/Vindicator to establish a border march to protect Guido’s Fort.
Treasure & XP: The dragon’s hoard provides enough GP-for-XP to push characters safely into the mid-levels, funding their initial domain investments or syndicate setups in larger settlements downstream.
Here is the complete ACKS II stat block conversion for the key threats, unique named leaders, and iconic encounters found on and beneath the Hill.
1. Key Bosses & Unique Entities
The Lava Dragon (Young Red Dragon)
The tyrant of the lower dungeon levels, worshipped as a god by the cultists.
Armor Class: 7
Hit Dice: 7 (32 hp)
Attacks: 2 Claws (1d6), 1 Bite (2d10) OR Breath Weapon
Special Attacks: Breath Weapon (3/day: Cone of Fire 90’ long, 30’ wide at base; deals damage equal to dragon's current HP, Save vs. Blast for half)
Move: 90’ (30’), Flying 240’ (80’)
Saving Throws: Fighter 7
Morale: +2
Alignment: Chaotic
XP: 1,250
King Guido (Hobgoblin King)
The ruthless military commander ruling the ruins atop the Hill.
Armor Class: 5 (Banded Mail + Shield)
Hit Dice: 4+1* (22 hp)
Attacks: 1 Weapon (1d8+2 with +1 Longsword) or Spear
Special Qualities: Commanding Presence (+1 Morale to all lower hobgoblins/goblins within 60’)
Move: 60’ (20’)
Saving Throws: Fighter 4
Morale: +2
Alignment: Chaotic
XP: 135
Equipment: +1 Longsword, potion of Healing, heavy iron key to the treasury chest.
The Evil Cleric (Grand Cultist)
Leader of the Lava Dragon’s cult on Dungeon Level 2.
Armor Class: 6 (Plate Mail)
Hit Dice: 4* (16 hp)
Attacks: 1 Mace (1d6+1)
Special Qualities: Spells (2 x 1st-level, 2 x 2nd-level), Turn Undead as C4
Prepared Spells:
1st Level: Cause Light Wounds (1d6+1), Fear
2nd Level: Hold Person, Blight
Move: 60’ (20’)
Saving Throws: Cleric 4
Morale: +1
Alignment: Chaotic
XP: 135
The Warlock (Hobgoblin Magic-User)
King Guido’s advisor and overseer of the dungeon upper levels.
Armor Class: 1 (Ring of Protection +1, Dex)
Hit Dice: 3* (10 hp)
Attacks: Dagger (1d4) or Staff (1d6)
Special Qualities: Spells (2 x 1st-level, 1 x 2nd-level)
Prepared Spells:
1st Level: Magic Missile (2 missiles, 1d6+1 each), Sleep
2nd Level: Web
Move: 120’ (40’)
Saving Throws: Mage 3
Morale: 0
Alignment: Chaotic
XP: 65
2. Faction Troops & Humanoids
Hobgoblin Guard / Raider
Organized, heavy infantry forming the main garrison of the Hill.
Armor Class: 4 (Chainmail + Shield)
Hit Dice: 1+1 (6 hp)
Attacks: Longsword (1d8) or Heavy Crossbow (1d6, range 80/160/240)
Special Qualities: Night Vision 60', Martial Tactics (Phalanx)
Move: 90’ (30’)
Saving Throws: Fighter 1
Morale: +1
Alignment: Neutral/Chaotic
XP: 15
Kobold Tunnel Scout
Skittish inhabitants of the western caves; heavily reliant on ambushes.
Armor Class: 2 (Leather + Shield)
Hit Dice: 1/2 (3 hp)
Attacks: Short Sword (1d6) or Sling (1d4, range 40/80/160)
Special Qualities: Night Vision 60', Squeezing (no penalty in 3' narrow tunnels)
Move: 90’ (30’)
Saving Throws: Normal Man
Morale: -1
Alignment: Chaotic
XP: 5
Neanderthal / Cave Man
Isolated hill dwellers living in the high crags, fiercely territorial.
Armor Class: 2 (Heavy Hides)
Hit Dice: 2 (10 hp)
Attacks: Stone Club (1d8) or Thrown Spear (1d6, range 20/40/60)
Special Qualities: Weapon Master (+1 damage with blunt melee weapons)
Move: 120’ (40’)
Saving Throws: Fighter 2
Morale: +1
Alignment: Neutral
XP: 20
3. Dungeon Hazards & Wild Beasts
Giant Killer Bee
Nesting in the eastern bluffs; aggressive if their hive is approached.
Armor Class: 2
Hit Dice: 1/2* (3 hp)
Attacks: Sting (1d3 + Poison)
Special Attacks: Poison Sting (Target must Save vs. Poison or die immediately; the bee loses its stinger and dies 1d4 rounds later)
Move: 150’ (50’) Flying
Saving Throws: Normal Man
Morale: +2 (when defending hive)
Alignment: Neutral
XP: 6
Ochre Jelly
Amorphous predator lurking in the damp lower corridors.
Armor Class: 2
Hit Dice: 5 (23 hp)
Attacks: Slime Touch (2d6 Acid)
Special Qualities:
Acid: Corrodes wooden and leather gear in 1 round.
Immunity/Division: Lightning and weapon attacks deal no damage and split the jelly into two smaller jellies with half current HP each. Fire and cold affect it normally.
Move: 30’ (10’)
Saving Throws: Fighter 3
Morale: +4
Alignment: Neutral
XP: 425
Giant Strangler Vine
Ambush hazard guarding the choked pathways near the ruined monastery.
Armor Class: 3
Hit Dice: 4* (18 hp)
Attacks: 2 Vine Constrictions (1d6 per round)
Special Attacks: Constrict (On a successful hit, target is pinned and takes automatic 1d6 damage each round until the vine is severed or destroyed)
Move: 0’
Saving Throws: Fighter 2
Morale: N/A (Mindless)
Alignment: Neutral
XP: 125
Berserker (Hill Outlaws)
Wild renegades roaming the lower hill slopes.
Armor Class: 2 (Leather)
Hit Dice: 1+1* (7 hp)
Attacks: Two-Handed Battleaxe (1d10+1)
Special Qualities: Battle Rage (+2 to Attack throws and Morale; cannot flee or parry once engaged)
Move: 120’ (40’)
Saving Throws: Fighter 1
Morale: +4
Alignment: Neutral/Chaotic
XP: 19
In ACKS II, experience points from treasure follow a strict 1 GP = 1 XP ratio, which drives character leveling, domain investments, and henchman pay. In the original B5 module, treasure distribution was relatively light and scattered across minor encounters.
To ensure a 4–6 player party of 1st-level Adventurers can realistically reach 2nd–3rd level upon fully exploring and clearing the Hill (requiring roughly 10,000 to 12,000 total XP split among the party and henchmen), the treasure hoards have been consolidated and rebalanced into distinct "Hoard Categories" matching ACKS II Treasure Types.
Treasure Breakdown by Faction & Location
1. The Kobold Lair (Lesser Lair Hoard)
Secured in the inner chieftain’s cave behind primitive needle/pit traps.
| Item / Valuables | Quantity / Description | Value (GP) |
| Loose Coinage | Copper Pieces (3,000 cp) | 30 GP |
| Silver Stash | Silver Pieces (1,500 sp) | 150 GP |
| Trade Goods | Furs, stolen rations, copper utensils | 120 GP |
| Gems | 3 x Rough Agates (20 GP each) | 60 GP |
| Magic Items | 1x Potion of Invisibility, 1x Scroll of Protection from Evil | — |
| TOTAL XP VALUE | 360 XP |
2. The Ruined Monastery & Hobgoblin Keep (Major Garrison Hoard)
Kept in King Guido’s locked iron chest beneath his throne/bedchamber on Dungeon Level 1.
| Item / Valuables | Quantity / Description | Value (GP) |
| Garrison Payroll | Gold Pieces (1,200 gp) | 1,200 GP |
| Silver Reserve | Silver Pieces (4,000 sp) | 400 GP |
| Looted Relics | Silver Chalice with garnets, Silk Tapestry | 650 GP |
| Jewelry | Gold chain of office worn by King Guido | 250 GP |
| Gems | 4 x Carnelians (50 GP each), 1 x Small Ruby (200 GP) | 400 GP |
| Magic Items | +1 Longsword (Guido's blade), 1x Potion of Healing, 1x Wand of Magic Missiles (12 charges) | — |
| TOTAL XP VALUE | 2,900 XP |
3. The Evil Cult Shrine (Level 2 Temple Hoard)
Located behind the altar room guarded by the Evil Cleric and cultists.
| Item / Valuables | Quantity / Description | Value (GP) |
| Sacrificial Offerings | Gold Pieces (800 gp), Electrum Pieces (600 ep) | 1,100 GP |
| Unholy Vessels | Ceremonial Censer, Platinum Dagger, Obsidian Idol | 950 GP |
| Jewelry | 2 x Gold Armbands set with Jet (300 GP each) | 600 GP |
| Gems | 6 x Pearls (100 GP each) | 600 GP |
| Magic Items | Plate Mail +1, Scroll of Cause Light Wounds x2, Unholy Water (3 vials) | — |
| TOTAL XP VALUE | 3,250 XP |
4. The Lava Dragon’s Lair (Apex Hoard)
Scattered across the scorched bones in the deepest subterranean cavern. This represents the primary payoff of the campaign.
| Item / Valuables | Quantity / Description | Value (GP) |
| Ancient Coin Hoard | Gold Pieces (2,800 gp), Platinum Pieces (120 pp) | 4,000 GP |
| Silver Heap | Silver Pieces (8,000 sp) | 800 GP |
| Art Objects | Engraved Ivory Horn, Golden Crown of an old frontier baron | 1,200 GP |
| Jewelry | Diamond Necklace (800 GP), Sapphire Ring (400 GP) | 1,200 GP |
| Gems | 10 x Mixed Gemstones (averaging 50 GP each) | 500 GP |
| Magic Items | Shield +1, Ring of Protection +1, Potion of Fire Resistance, Spell Scroll (Fireball, Levitate) | — |
| TOTAL XP VALUE | 7,700 XP |
Campaign Totals & Progression Analysis
Total GP / Treasure XP Available: 14,210 GP
Monster Combat XP (Estimated across all encounters): ~2,200 XP
Grand Total Campaign XP: ~16,410 XP
Leveling Impact (Split among a 4–5 Member Party + Henchmen)
Full Party (5 PC + 3 Half-Share Henchmen = 6.5 Shares): Each full PC receives roughly 2,500 XP.
Outcome: Fighters, Thieves, and Clerics reach 2nd Level, while Mages gain enough ground to reach 2nd level shortly into their next expedition.
Domain Seed Capital: After training costs, the party retains approximately 8,000–10,000 GP in liquid wealth—ideal for clearing the surrounding 6-mile hex, securing Guido's Fort as a border march, or establishing a thieves' guild syndicate or merchant venture back in civilization.
Converting the area surrounding Horror on the Hill into a frontier Border March provides an ideal transition from low-level dungeon crawling into ACKS II’s domain-level campaign play.
1. The 6-Mile Regional Hex Layout
The Hill sits at the intersection of wild wilderness, navigable river routes, and civilized borderlands.
[ Hex 0101: Deep Forest ] [ Hex 0201: The High Crags ]
\ /
\ /
[ Hex 0102: Guido's Fort ] <---> [ Hex 0202: THE HILL ] <---> [ Hex 0302: Serpent Bluffs ]
(Civilized Base) (PC Realm Seat / Keep) (Wilderness Border)
/ \
/ \
[ Hex 0103: Southern Swamps ] [ Hex 0203: River Valley ]
Hex Descriptions & Key Features
Hex 0202: The Hill (The Realm Seat)
Terrain: Steep, forested hills and ravines.
Domain Status: Wilderness (Target for Clearing).
Key Features: Ruined Monastery atop the tor (site for the future Keep), Lava Dragon's subterranean lair, lower cave networks.
Resources: High-grade timber, quarry stone, subterranean volcanic thermal vents.
Hex 0102: Guido’s Fort (Settlement Base)
Terrain: Borderland riverbank / light plains.
Domain Status: Borderland (Garrisoned by local lord/marcher baron).
Key Features: Palisade fort, river ferry, trading post, market square.
Function: Primary source for recruiting peasant settlers, craftsmen, and mercenaries.
Hex 0201: The High Crags (Northern Threat)
Terrain: Rugged mountains.
Domain Status: Wilderness.
Lairs: Remnants of Neanderthal tribes and displaced Hobgoblin survivors. Requires seasonal patrols to maintain security.
Hex 0302: Serpent Bluffs (Eastern Frontier)
Terrain: Rolling bluffs and brush.
Domain Status: Wilderness.
Lairs: Killer Bee nests, roaming monster packs, and occasional bandit outlaws.
2. Domain Clearing & Settlement Plan
Under ACKS II rules, establishing a domain requires a strict sequence: Clearing the Hex, Securing the Land, Constructing a Fortification, and Attracting Settlers.
Step 1: Clearing the Hex (Hex 0202)
To clear the 6-mile hex containing the Hill, the party must eliminate all major lair threats:
Primary Lairs to Eradicate: The Hobgoblin Keep (King Guido), the Kobold Cave Network, and the Lava Dragon.
Sweeping the Hex: The PCs must spend 1 month patrolling the hex with a minimum force of 1 troop unit (120 men) or perform 4 weekly patrol sweeps as an adventuring group, resolving any wandering encounter rolls.
Step 2: Fortification Construction (The Monastery Keep)
Once cleared, the party can refit the ruined monastery atop the hill into a small fortification to project control.
| Component | ACKS II Cost (GP) | Construction Time | Notes / Benefits |
| Keep Repair & Expansion | 7,500 GP | 5 Months | Restores ruined walls; provides 15,000 GP structural value. |
| Curtain Wall & Gatehouse | 3,000 GP | 2 Months | Encloses the upper courtyard for siege defense. |
| Garrison Barracks | 1,000 GP | 1 Month | Houses up to 60 troops/mercenaries. |
| TOTAL INITIAL INVESTMENT | 11,500 GP | 8 Months | Funded primarily by the Lava Dragon's hoard. |
Step 3: Domain Economy & Population Growth
A 6-mile hex contains approximately 21.2 square miles (roughly 13,500 acres).
Initial Population: 0 Peasant Families (Wilderness).
Target Settlement (Year 1): Settle 100 Peasant Families (sponsored migration from Guido's Fort costing 10 GP/family = 1,000 GP investment).
Land Value & Revenue (Per Month):
Land Revenue: 100 Families × 1 GP/family = 100 GP / month
Tax Revenue (Standard Rate): 100 GP × 20% = 20 GP / month
Tithe / Service: 10 GP / month
Total Monthly Domain Revenue: ~130 GP / month
3. Garrison & Domain Maintenance Costs
To prevent the hex from reverting to Borderland or Wilderness status, the PCs must maintain a minimum domain garrison based on peasant population and border threat.
Required Minimum Garrison (Frontier March)
| Unit Type | Quantity | Monthly Cost per Unit | Total Monthly Cost |
| Light Infantry (Peasant Militia) | 30 men | 2 GP / man | 60 GP |
| Bowmen / Archers | 10 men | 6 GP / man | 60 GP |
| Heavy Cavalry (PC / Retainers) | 4 men | 18 GP / man | 72 GP |
| Garrison Warden (3rd level Fighter) | 1 officer | 100 GP | 100 GP |
| TOTAL GARRISON EXPENSE | 292 GP / month |
Net Domain Balance (Year 1): Revenue (130 GP) - Garrison Expenses (292 GP) = -162 GP / month net deficit.
The domain operates at a minor loss initially, requiring the PCs to supplement expenses through further adventuring until population grows to 250+ families.
4. Long-Term Campaign Hooks (Domain Level)
Subterranean Trade & Threats: The lower levels beneath the monastery extend deep into the Underworld. While the Lava Dragon is slain, the volcanic vents offer opportunities to trade with subterranean races or require constant vigilance against deeper incursions.
The Guido’s Fort Rivalry: The commander at Guido’s Fort may view the PC's new Border March as a threat to his regional monopoly on trade and tariffs, leading to political friction, diplomatic maneuvering, or river toll disputes.
Pazuzu / Chaos Cult Remnants: The Cult of the Lava Dragon had ties to wider regional cults. Defeating the cult on the Hill draws the attention of higher-level Chaotic lords in neighboring hexes.
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