Overview
The Forbidden City is Omu, an ancient ruined city central to the mid-to-late stages of the Tomb of Annihilation adventure. It serves as the setting for Chapter 3, “Dwellers of the Forbidden City,” where characters are expected to be 5th-8th level when exploring it.
Role in the Adventure
Omu is a critical destination in the adventure’s progression sequence:
- Port Nyanzaru (Chapter 1) - Starting location, 1st level+
- Land of Chult (Chapter 2) - Wilderness exploration, 1st-6th level
- Omu/Forbidden City (Chapter 3) - Mid-adventure location, 5th-8th level
- Fane of the Night Serpent (Chapter 4) - 7th-9th level
- Tomb of the Nine Gods (Chapter 5) - Final destination, 9th level+
Pacing Considerations
The Forbidden City represents a significant challenge spike in the adventure. DMs should be prepared to:
- Steer characters elsewhere if they arrive under-leveled (below 5th level)
- Provide additional encounters to reach appropriate levels before entering
- Adjust encounter difficulty if the party arrives at 4th level or lower
- Bank XP to control advancement pace through earlier chapters
The city’s placement in the adventure structure suggests it contains threats and challenges specifically calibrated for mid-tier characters who have survived Chult’s wilderness but aren’t yet ready for the final dungeon.