OPTIONAL – VENDING MACHINES
When running one-shot adventures, I like to include a vending machine that characters can use to obtain useful magic items. Characters find tokens through exploration and can use them to
select items they want or need during the story. If you decide to include one in this adventure, place the vending machine in location G1, the lobby. The vending machine is made of metal and features shelves stocked with potions, oils, and other items, all protected by unbreakable glass. A 0-9 keypad and a token slot are located on the right panel. Allow the characters to obtain their first token by finding it inside the change dispenser on the same panel. This vending machine is a Castle-Lamp brand model and requires brass tokens, which are slightly larger and wider than a standard coin. Each token is stamped with an image of a castle on one side and a genie lamp on the other.
Additional Castle-Lamp tokens can be discovered through exploration and are included in the Treasure section of the inn’s locations. Ultimately, the game master determines how many tokens are available in the adventure and where they can be found.
The machine is nearly indestructible, and its dispensing mechanism cannot be bypassed. The glass is shatterproof, and if a spell like mage hand is used to try to access items without paying, the items become translucent and cannot be grasped. They return to normal once the machine is no longer being tampered with.
Optional Rule to the Optional Rule: As an alternative, you can allow characters to “spend” Castle-Lamp brass tokens to reroll a d20 for an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check. These tokens function as a group resource and do not require a character to physically possess one to use this feature. However, players may want to discuss such decisions with the group. When used in this way, the token vanishes, granting the character a chance to reroll the d20 and potentially alter their fate.
