The town of Helix squats upon the northern border of the Barrowmoor, like a wizened old toad atop a mossy rock. Raised upon the foundations of a much older settlement, the population of some 600 souls make their living fishing on the Moorwash River, or hunting in the Blackened Forest. Few willingly enter the Barrowmoor to the south, for the swamp ravenously devours those unprepared for its perils, and they are never seen again.
There are several reasons/adventure hooks that might have drawn you to Helix, in the grand, old Duchy of Aerik;
A wizard calling himself Mazzahs the Magnificent resides in a crumbling tower in Helix. He is intrigued by the Barrowmaze and seeks to hire a party of adventurers to recover historical and arcane lore from the dungeon. He is particularly interested in why the dead rest so uneasy in the area, and suspects the answers lies somewhere beneath the foetid moor.
While passing through Ironguard Motte, you witnessed a group of adventurers, flush with cash and splashing it about, bragging about the gold and jewels they plundered from a barrow mound in the swamp. "It was just lying on the ground, waiting to be taken!" they claimed. It got you to thinking, that maybe the dangers of the Barrowmaze have been greatly exaggerated over the years, and that you too could make your fortune raiding those old tombs.
Or perhaps you have some other reason for visiting this dank and dismal corner of the world.
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Sumak wandered into town, his glaive resting on his shoulder as he walked in looking around the place. His clothes showed signs of traveling a long way to get here and small scorch marks from working the blacksmith forges. He had heard that the wizard Mazzahs, one so humble as to refer to himself as magnificent, sought to pay adventurers to go into the barrows and working for this wizard to align with Sumak's true goals served his purposes. So Sumak began asking around the common folk, many of which recognized him as one of their own, for directions to this famed wizards home.
Kurt sits comfortably on a stool at the Brazen Strumpet...a flagon of ale in one hand and Taycee the barmaid sitting on his knee.
"Ah, there now lass...that's where I got this last scar...fighting a bear in its own den. Had ta go in as it had dragged my bounty off into the hole for a light lunch! Not much left once I got out...of the bear or the criminal I was sent to fetch, but it were good enough for the constable in Ironguard!"
He takes a great swallow from his flagon and looks around the room. It is still early in the evening, so the crowd is thin, but he still scans the clientele for anyone who might cause him "trouble".
Kurt is a large lad standing just over 6 1/2 feet in height and weighing close to 16 stone...and very little of that fat. He has a battered pack at his feet and leaning against the table a huge wooden mallet with metal bands encircling the heads of the weapon. His clothes are travel-worn and slightly dusty from the road, but otherwise none descript. He does, however, has a large copper pin prominently displayed to hold his cloak. It is in the shape of a fist with some letters or numbers engraved on the knuckles of the hand.
Brene had just finished up an escort of some pompus military official to Ironguard Motte... and was getting bored with life. Sure there had been the occasional interesting assignment, but as a freelance mercenary she was more often faced with boring escort and guard duties... Then those luoud obnoxious adventurerers pranced into town throwing money around like they could own the place.
Hmmm. Adventuring. Maybe that's the ticket. Maybe I'll head to this Helix and find some others to travel to these barrows. Couldn't be that dangerous if these fools made it out rich and alive.
Blinking the travel dust from her eyes Brene stepped from the sunlight into the Brazen Strumpet and gave a look around. Wait... Is that Kurt? Haven't seen him since that border skirmish in the north years ago. Looks like he's busy... but.
You old scalywag. What are you doing in this backwater place"?
The big human looks around and then spies the half-orc by the door.
"BRENE!!! Good gods! What a surprise to see you here!"
As he speaks, he gets up and gently sets Taycee on the floor as he strides over and gathers the half-orc lass into a bearhug!
A hooded figure makes itself to the inn, a place of warmth and safety. His eyes not accustomed to most lights, he walks in and tries to find a place away from most people, in the shadows. He looks around to see what he can see.
The Brazen Strumpet appears to be the heart and soul of the otherwise dreary village, a communal space for the common folk to come together after a long day, and drown their sorrows in Bollo's brown ale. Bollo the bartender is a broad, barrel chested man in his early forties. A former adventurer himself, he was forced to retire after taking an arrow to the knee. His old warhammer and shield hang proudly behind the bar. Despite his cheerful demeanour, he is keeping a close eye on the big fellow with the wooden mallet, just in case he gets a bit too familiar with the serving staff.
Despite his best attempt to remain unnoticed, a sour faced (but not unattractive) half-elf woman approaches Nil'murr'shass' table and demands his drinks order with a surly pout.
So Sumak began asking around the common folk, many of which recognized him as one of their own, for directions to this famed wizards home.
The locals point Sumak to the tall, dilapidated tower overlooking the village. It is a short walk, taking bo more tgan ten minutes to reach the base of the crumbling edifice. The top of the tower is domed, and the end of a large, brass telescope protrudes from an opening in the rounded roof, staring off towards the distant horizon. The exterior walls are blanketed with thick, green moss, and a wooden sign hangs from the front door, stating DO NOT DISTURB.
Mark enters the tavern and pulls back his his, revealing a whitish skin and some half-long black hair. A tall guy, he quickly stands off. He walks to the bar and asks the one he thinks is Bollo.
"Hi. I would like a refreshment and directions to Andre Calaway's home" he says, letting a pair of coppers fall onto the wooden bar.
"Hi. I would like a refreshment and directions to Andre Calaway's home" he says, letting a pair of coppers fall onto the wooden bar.
The barman slides a pint of brown ale along the bar, and deposits the copper bits into a pocket on his greasy apron.
"Andre Calaway runs the trading post, over on the other side of the square. Took over after old Bill Turgen had his little mishap. You'll be able to find him there, most days."
Bollo pauses, casting Mark a sideways glance as wrings a grubby rag through his large hands.
"So what's your interest in Andre, stranger? Not seen your face afore, though there's something familiar about your look I can't rightly place."
A golden skinned, flame-red haired man, dressed in chainmail and the vestments of the priesthood of St. Ygg enters the Brazen Strumpet.
Looking around at the tavern's patrons he thinks to himself, Apparently there is a bit of life in this place afterall...
Walking up the the bar, he patiently waits, not wanting to interrupt the conversation the barkeep is already having with a dark robed man.
Once the opportunity to do so presents itself, he speaks to the apparent proprietor of the establishment. "Ale please." he says, reaching into his coin purse at his belt. "Rumors have it a wizard calling himself Mazzahs the Magnificent seeks adventures to go into the Barrowmaze. You don't happen to know if he ever comes out of that tower I saw earlier by chance?"
The big human looks around and then spies the half-orc by the door.
"BRENE!!! Good gods! What a surprise to see you here!"
As he speaks, he gets up and gently sets Taycee on the floor as he strides over and gathers the half-orc lass into a bearhug!
Brene completes the man-hug procedure then puts her arm around Kurt leading him back to where he came from.
She then turns to the recently unseated Taycee and offers a wry smile and wink. "So did you give you the 'Bear in the cave'; 'the injured saving orphans from a burning building' or the true tale that he got those scars saving Sgt. Plum's cat from a tree behind the barracks"?
She then laughs pounding Kurt on the back. "Let me buy you both a drink. It happens you might be just the stroke of luck I need to find".
After the drinks arrive, she addresses Kurt none to silently. "So I've been thinking... you've heard about these so-called dangerous ruins near here? I saw a group at the fort who were throwing money around like madmen that they claim came from there. I know you're always ready to make a bit of coin... so if you're not to occupied perhaps we might gather up a few people and gather some of that coin for ourselves".
"Neither of us is getting any younger, so the chance to make our mint while still capable appeals to me. What you think"?
Sitting with his old friend, Kurt gives the barmaid a wry smile.
"To be fair, the Sarg's 'cat' was a full-grown bob-tailed lynx from the Moon Peaks. It was my own fault for agreeing to get the wretch down!"
He smiles up at Taycee and asks for a refill as well as another flagon for Brene. He listens to the warriors' idea and a smile slowly grows on his face.
"Now that is a good plan! All we need is some others who are looking for a little muscle to 'protect' them in these underground whatsits."
He looks about the bar and notices a few new people standing at the bar...not locals to be sure...maybe 'adventurers'? Standing up he calls out in a loud voice.
"Any of you here looking to have a go at the barrowlands? My friend and I are trained fighters and are looking for a few others to join us in this treasure hunt. Any of you willing to join us in this endeavour?"
He remains standing and watches the reaction his announcement has on the newcomers.
Before the barkeep can respond, Za'afiel's attention is taken by the large fellow asking about the barrowlands.
Giving a quick nod to the barkeep, Za'afiel makes his way over to the man.
"I have come here with that very intention. Word has it, if you are looking for certain coin, the wizard, Mazzahs, is looking hire a group to venture to that very place."
Extending a hand, the golden-skinned man says, "I'm Za'afiel of the Temple of St. Ygg. Who might you be?"
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Having wandered into the bar to ask around after the Barrows, Sumak hears the man ask if others are interested and wanders over. Sumak is of average height, but heavily muscled from years working the billows and swinging a hammer at the forge.
He says, "I am Sumak. I just reached this town, but I am also interested in finding a group that plans to travel into the Barrows."
"So what's your interest in Andre, stranger? Not seen your face afore, though there's something familiar about your look I can't rightly place."
Mark takes a sip of sour, dark ale. "I'm a relative."
He's about to explain a bit more when someone invites the patrons to join an expedition to somewhere called 'the barrows'. He squeezes his brains and gets some memories of having heard about that place. A putrid swamp where lots of folks go to die seeking fortune, or that's how people regard it out of Aerik.
Well, that's interesting.
"What's in this place and why is an expedition necessary?" he asks our loud, trying to determine whether he's to join a righteous crusade, a pillaging raid or a suicidal stroll.
Kurt is pleasantly surprised at the number of people who have decided to take up his proposal.
"Well met all of you. I am Karl VonLyter and this is my friend Brene. We are both warriors and are looking for a group to come with us into the barrowlands. It is a dangerous place, so I am told, so be prepared for anything! Also if you join all loot is split evenly. How does that sound?"
"Acceptable as far as I am concerned." Za'afiel plainly states.
"From what I've heard, the Barrowland is just a wet and stinky hole" Mark says while getting a bit closer. "What's in there to cause such an interest?"
The dark elf will order a bowl of vegetable stew, cheese, bread, some fruit and a glass of wine.
"I have heard there are a great number of things that should be dead by all rights there." Za'afiel says. "I assume that would have something to do with the skull on your map?"
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Sumak's eyes wander over the extensive map and says, "It sounds like we know how to get in and we have quite a few willing. As to what we will find," Sumak shrugs at Mark and says, "It might be a swamp, or it might be great treasure. Or maybe just the remains of those who were foolish enough to go there before us. Perhaps if we are lucky, we might even save some of those fools."
Looking back at Talindra he says, "Do you happen to know which entrance we should start with?
Mark thinks carefully about the woman's words. There doesn't appear to be a direct peril for the village in these barrows, other than getting lost or suck - nothing here would change by venturing there. But, on the other hand, he could find interesting artifacts or even stories. And maybe most importantly, he's almost broke.
"When are you planning to begin with the expedition?"
The half-elf lass brings over a bowl of stew and a pint of Bollo's brown ale, placing both on the table beside Talindra. As she does so, she lingers a moment to stare at the old map unfurled on the table.
"A secret entrance, you say, Miss? Oh, how exciting!"
She looks as though she might say more, but Bollo calls her away to start filling a tub for Talindra's bath.
You are all able to secure overnight lodgings at the Brazen Strumpet, in preparation for an early departure the next morning.
The terrain south of Helix is wet and swampy. Your boots sink into the thick, black mud with every other step. A dense, grey fog blankets the moors, and you would surely have become disorientated, were it not for Talindra and her map. The air reeks of rot and decay, but is curiously free of the buzzing insects you would expect to find swarming in such a foetid environment. In fact, the moors are ominously silent, save for the squelching of your own steps.
After approximately three hours , you arrive on the edge of a great field of barrow mounds, rising out of the fog like sleeping giants sprawled across the swampy ground. You can dimly see the silhouette of a standing stone some ways off, which Talindra's map marks as the main entrance to Barrowmaze, but there are a half dozen smaller mounds between you and the stone, which might also bear investigation.
Mark walks nervously to the trade post. What does he really expect from this meeting? That his uncle hugs him as a happy family? Probably not. But well, it's been a while since he's last seen a familiar face - not that he's ever known Andre, but he should remember her sister... Or do does Mark hope!
He enters the trading post and the sound of some bells announces a visitor. The man inside turns around to check, and Mark just stands there.
"Uncle Andre?"
Mark looks at the smaller stones. "Do they mean something? Shall we check on them?" he asks, bracing his staff.
"Good day, sir. I'll be with you in just one m-Mark?! Is that you?"
Your Uncle Andre bears a passing resemblance to your mother. He emerges from behind the counter, as though to envelop you in an awkward hug, but thinks better of it and steps back. He flips the sign on the door to read CLOSED and ushers you into the backroom, hastily clearing some space for the two of you to sit and catch up.
"How long has it been, my boy? Five years, at least. Your mother wrote to me, when you left the village, but I never expected to see you here in Helix! Tell me, nephew, what brings you to this wretched backwater? I cannot believe you travelled all this way, just to check in with your dear old uncle. You're not in any trouble, are you?"
Though Brene's outfit is mostly worn and patched many times over, she possesses a wonderful pair of brand-new soft leather knee high boots. Unwilling to get them soiled she takes them off and rolls up her pants to go barefoot through the swamp, her calloused feet up to the task of the occasional thorn. You know she's ready for action when she sits down to put her "Business Boots" on... which she does shortly after arrival at the barrow mounds.
She whispers to nobody in particular... "Well. It's a bit spookier than I thought it would be. I'm going to check out this closest smaller mound first. Anybody want to watch my back"?
Investigation
Current Time: 08:00
The entrance to the nearest burial mound is still sealed by a thick cornerstone. It will take approximately 30 minutes, working with a sledgehammer and an iron spike, to shatter the stone and access the tomb within.
There is a second, similarly sealed barrow immediately north of the first.
To the south is a third mound. The entrance to this mound has been buried by time and shifting earth.
Za'afiel frowns as the muck and goo from swamp coats his boots and the lower portions of his tabard.
Taking note of the possible entrances, he says, "This one here seems like as good of route as any." gesturing toward the closest cornerstone.
Kurt nods to Brene.
"I got yer back. But make it quick...looks like these lads are preparing to go in this way!"
After looking at the options Brene rubs her chin in Thought.
"Perhaps we'd better find something easier to get into first. Hammering away at that stone will let everything in the vicinity know we're here. I'd rather keep that a secret as long as we can".
The stone is ancient and any inscription once borne upon its surface has been weathered smooth by exposure to the elements.
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After looking at the options Brene rubs her chin in Thought.
"Perhaps we'd better find something easier to get into first. Hammering away at that stone will let everything in the vicinity know we're here. I'd rather keep that a secret as long as we can".
Further north, Brene can see (yet another) burial mound rising from the fog. Unlike the others, the entrance to this mound has been broken open, and a dark hole into the barrow gapes as wide and inviting as the maw of some slumbering beast.
"Fair enough! Anyway, it looks like they have opened up a doorway into the barrows already. Guess we better get in there...but I will still have yer back...mostly because I can't see in the dark like you can!!!"
He gives Brene a swat on the shoulder as they return to the dark opening.
Za'afiel pauses any work on the cornerstone until Brene and Kurt return.
The cornerstone that once sealed this barrow has been broken apart, revealing steps descending into a dry, stone crypt, containing a broken sarcophagus. The bones that once rested within have been disturbed and scattered across the floor. You don't immediately see any other exits from the crypt.
Probably any traps have been sprung by who has proceeded us here. I'll just make sure they didn't miss any secret openings.
She starts suddenly when Talindra's shadow blocks the light from the opening a bit. She then pulls forth her lantern and hands it to Kurt.
"Here You probably need this more than I do".
Investigation
He will cast mage armor on himself.
Za'afiel nods in agreement and moves over to the open cairn and heads into the ground with the others.
Kurt takes the lantern and moves into place behind Brene.
"Well let's get this show on the road!"
"No, no, everything's right. Well, you know how things are back there, I just decided I didn't want that."
Mark explained how he's been traveling and that he plans on going to the barrows.
"I thought it wouldn't be nice to not pay a visit. Listen..." he says, a bit embarrassed, "can I leave some of my wares here? Or even better, do you want them for the shop? There are some things I wouldn't carry around here and there, and some coins wouldn't hurt."
"So it seems some of these mounds are not connected with the complex" Mark comments. "Well, at least now we know why it was open to begin with."
Probably any traps have been sprung by who has proceeded us here. I'll just make sure they didn't miss any secret openings.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Investigation
Brene conducts a quick search of the ransacked tomb, but finds nothing of interest or value. It looks like any treasure that was here once was looted long ago.
Investigation: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
However, Talindra spots something glinting amid the scattered bones and retrieves a plain gold ring (worth 20gp).
"Sometimes, when folk need a bit of quick cash, they'll pawn something of value to me, and buy it back at a later date. If you need me to hold onto something for you, I'll give you the going rate in silver, and you have the option of paying me back. How does that sound?"