1602 The Hill of Henlann

Paths wind around, up, and down a series of rugged hills dotted with wonky cairns.

• Terrain: Hilly forest (3), Aldweald
• Lost/encounters: 2-in-6. Encounters are 3-in-6 likely to be with 1d3 witches—eyes of Hasturiel (DMB) on pilgrimage here.

The Sacred Hill

A low hill surrounded by dense thorn trees is situated close to the centre of this hex. Witches consider this a sacred site, calling it the Hill of Henlann. While the hill lies within the hunting grounds of the fairy Duke Mai-Fleur (p30), the duke and the witches pay one another scant attention.

Ascending the hill: Males feel their throats dry and contract; speech is hoarse and stammering.

Urn and skulls: At the crest of the hill stands a massive white marble urn, surrounded by a grisly collection of skulls.

Skulls Atop the Hill

The skulls are actually those of thirty-five corpses, each buried up to its neck.

Bleached and weathered: All of the heads are heavily weathered and bleached completely white, having been exposed to the elements, carrion birds, and other scavengers who dwell in the area.

Missing jaws: Most of the skulls are without jaws, though several are partially attached by leather-like ligaments or green cords of copper wire.

Ominous markings: The crowns of the skulls are smeared with red clay markings, forming clusters of cryptic symbols. One who looks at the symbols perceives a momentary vision of being burned alive, their flesh crisping. These ritualistic glyphs are regularly applied by witches who serve the Gwyrigon Hasturiel Thrice- Crowned (p38).

Augury of the Dead

Though they are blind now in the mortal world, the dead of Henlann can observe events throughout Dolmenwood. Standing paralysed atop a lonely mountain of black rock in limbo, they peer through the ethereal mists of death.

Questioning the skulls: The dead can make report of goings-on in Dolmenwood or answer specific questions. They speak in unison, a rasping chorus of whispers from beyond the grave.

The price of their service: Is an offering to Hasturiel, whom the thirty-five watchers serve eternally. The offering must be at least 800gp in value, deposited in the marble urn. Offerings dissolve into a green haze that is swept away by a forceful gust of wind.

Contacting the Gwyrigon: Hasturiel itself (p38) may be addressed via Henlann’s skull-augurs, though the Gwyrigon is only 1-in-6 likely to respond to a group of non-devotees.

The Rosy Gate (Hidden)

A tangle of wild roses grows around a yawning cave mouth at the base of a gentle valley. Shimmering motes and rays of light play around the cave mouth.

Approaching the cave: Pushing through the briars to the entrance, PCs notice the summery scent of wildflowers and the cheery sound of birdsong emanating from the cave.

Entering the cave: Stepping over the threshold whisks one away to the fairy road Buttercup Lane (see Fairy Roads, p26).