0601 The Lonely Grave

Dotted with ancient earth-workings: mounds, ridges, and rings.

• Terrain: Hills (2), Table Downs
• Lost/encounters: 1-in-6

Moaning Wind

As characters travel along the bleak ridge of the Table Downs, the moaning of the wind takes on a voice-like quality, as if carrying shouted warnings from afar.

If PCs stop to listen: They catch the name of the character with the highest Wisdom in the erratic, ominous wailing.

The Lonely Grave

A simple, weatherworn headstone is visible beneath the eaves of a serene copse at the base of a hill.

Inscription: The name of the PC with the highest Wisdom is inexplicably carved onto the gravestone, along with the epitaph “Lord of the Wild.”

Examining: The stone appears to be many centuries old. The ground around is overgrown and undisturbed.

Unearthing: A decaying coffin is buried 3′ down. Inside is a skeleton of the same physical proportions as the PC whose name the headstone bears. Its skull is smashed in. Two objects lie on its breast (see Grave Treasures).

Cursed: If the skeleton or the objects are taken from this place, the PC whose name is engraved on the headstone comes under a curse. The next time they sleep in a house or inn, they experience a nightmare wherein they are attacked by a spectre (DMB) whispering “Lord of the Wild.” The PC may use their normal equipment, spells, etc. to fight the monster, but it is immune to turning. If the PC vanquishes the spectre, they awake unharmed and without any spells or equipment expended. If the PC is defeated, their companions discover them in the morning, dead, with their head smashed in.

Grave Treasures

Silver knife: Engraved with Liturgic script only visible in moonlight. The script read “For the glory of God.” The knife is actually a Holy Longsword (Shrinking, p412). The Liturgic inscription, if uttered by a Lawful character, causes the blade to grow or shrink.

Brass ring: Inscribed with very fine lines in the shape of frost patterns. It is a Ring of Energy Resistance (Cold, p410) of fairy make. A mortal who possesses it also comes under a glamour causing them to giggle ominously in their sleep, disturbing the rest of any nearby.