After watching several YouTube videos about solo gaming, I tried a short gaming session this weekend to get a feel for how it works. The following is a transcript of the game featuring new 1st Level characters for Old School Essentials. I entered the initial story prompt using Gemini AI and then physically rolled the dice and adjudicated the combat result using the rules system. All in all, I am very happy with the results and look forward to more encounters for this fledgling group of adventurers.
Episode 1 - Encounter at Old Bone Hill
Transcript (Bold Text is Gemini AI):
Are you ready to embark on an adventure?
We will be doing a classic dungeon crawl featuring three characters: first is Clover Berrycloth the Human Fighter; next is Strattford Vulgamoore the Human Cleric; and finally is Morgot Lank the Elf. These three have been hired to retrieve a wagon and horses that ran off into the old bone hill. The Old Bone Hill is a haunted place, known to be cursed from centuries old battles, the dead soldiers rise each night to walk the hill.
The Hiring Hall Hustle
The air hangs thick with the smells of sweat, stale ale, and desperation in the Rusty Nail, a notoriously rough tavern that doubles as a mercenary hiring hall. Clover Berrycloth, her plate mail polished to a gleam despite the raucous atmosphere, slams a tankard of ale on the table, the sound drawing curious glances. Beside her, Strattford Vulgamoore, a cleric with a worried crease in his brow, mumbles a prayer under his breath. Across from them sits Morgot Lank, the elf, his face an unreadable mask – a stark contrast to his flamboyant purple tunic.
A gruff voice booms from behind the bar, "Trouble finding work, shinies?" A burly dwarf with a missing eye and a surprisingly kind smile wipes a mug with a greasy rag. This is Gundren Rockfist, the tavern owner and unofficial job board.
Clover leans forward, her voice firm. "We're here for the Bone Hill job. Wagon and horses gone missing, right?"
Gundren raises an eyebrow. "Aye, that's the one. Lost Elara's prized team and supplies. Not many folks keen on spending a night in the Bone Hill, even with good pay."
Strattford gulps. "The rumors about the restless spirits..."
"Just rumors," Gundren interrupts with a wink. "Probably bandits hiding out. You lot look capable enough. You find Elara's stuff, you get a hefty reward. Deal?"
Clover grins, a glint of steel in her eyes. "Deal. We'll head out at first light."
The sun paints the sky with the soft hues of dawn as your party stands before the imposing silhouette of the Bone Hill. Skeletal trees claw at the mist-shrouded slopes, and an unsettling silence hangs in the air.
What do you do?
- Charge up the hill, ready for a fight.
- Take a cautious approach, scouting for signs of bandits or worse.
- Morgot, being an elf, might have knowledge of the Bone Hill's lore. Do you ask him about any rituals or traditions for appeasing the restless spirits?
Take a cautious approach, looking for wandering monsters and skeletons walking about. Do we see anyone guarding the wagon and horses as we approach from the tree line?
You decide on a cautious approach. Clover, ever the pragmatist, takes point, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Strattford follows close behind, muttering a prayer for protection under his breath. Morgot brings up the rear, his keen elven eyes scanning the desolate landscape.
As you creep through the skeletal trees, the silence is broken only by the crunch of dead leaves underfoot. The mist clings stubbornly to the ground, obscuring your vision beyond a few dozen feet. No immediate signs of bandits or the missing wagon greet you. Yet, an unsettling feeling hangs in the air, a prickling sensation at the back of your necks that whispers of danger.
Suddenly, Clover holds up a hand, signaling you to stop. Through a gap in the trees, you see a sight that sends chills down your spines. In the distance, a lone figure stands guard beside a familiar sight – a large, overturned wagon with broken wheels. But the figure isn't a bandit. It's a skeletal warrior, its empty sockets seemingly fixed on the horizon. Is this one of the legendary restless spirits of Bone Hill, or something else entirely?
Morgot strings an arrow into his shortbow, preparing to launch an attack against the skeleton. Is Margot within range to make an attack?
Typically, a shortbow's effective range in D&D is around 80 feet, with a long-range penalty applied beyond that distance.
Here's how we can approach this situation:
- D&D Rules: If you'd like to strictly follow D&D mechanics, we can assume your party doesn't know the exact distance to the skeleton yet. Morgot could take a cautious approach and move closer to get a better shot before firing his arrow.
- Narrative Approach: We can describe the scene and let you decide the action. Is Morgot confident in his archery skills and willing to take a long shot, or would he prefer to get closer for a more assured hit?
Let me know which approach you prefer, and we can proceed from there!
Yes, Morgot stealthily approaches from the right side of the hill, while Clover and Strattford flank around the left side.
Under the cloak of the skeletal trees, Morgot maneuvers silently, a phantom in his purple tunic. He uses the uneven terrain and sparse cover to his advantage, slowly closing the distance on the lone skeleton. Clover and Strattford, understanding the plan, mirror his movements on the opposite side of the hill, their forms blending into the shadows.
The tension mounts as Morgot reaches a position where the trees offer minimal cover. He peeks through the skeletal branches, gauging the distance. The undead warrior stands roughly 70 feet away, its bony back towards him as it stares out into the misty distance.
What does Morgot do?
- Loose an arrow despite the long-range penalty, hoping to catch the skeleton unaware.
- Continue his stealthy approach, aiming to get within normal shortbow range for a more accurate shot.
- Signal Clover and Strattford for a coordinated attack.
Morgot takes advantage of the surprise round (since the skeleton has not spotted him yet) and launches an arrow from his short bow! It
Excellent strategy! Since the skeleton is unaware of your party's presence, Morgot does indeed get a surprise round to attack. Here's how things can play out:
Roll Initiative: Although it's a surprise round, initiative is still important to determine the order everyone acts in this round. You can roll a d20 (20-sided die) for Morgot's initiative.
Attack Roll: With the surprise round advantage, Morgot gets to roll with advantage on his attack roll. This means he rolls two d20s and takes the higher result. Since he's firing from long range (around 70 feet), he'll also suffer the disadvantage of the long range penalty, which means he subtracts the penalty value (usually -2) from his attack roll total.
Hit or Miss? If the total of Morgot's initiative roll (d20) plus his Dexterity modifier (assuming he's proficient with shortbows) plus the higher result of his attack roll (with advantage) is higher than the skeleton's Armor Class (AC), then the attack hits!
Damage Roll: If the attack hits, Morgot rolls for damage dealt by his shortbow, typically 1d6 + his Dexterity modifier.
Here's an example of how the surprise round might play out:
Morgot rolls a 16 for initiative.
He rolls a 17 and a 12 for his attack roll (advantage), so he takes the higher result (17).
Assuming Morgot has a Dexterity modifier of +2 and the skeleton's AC is 13, the total for Morgot's attack is 16 (initiative) + 2 (Dex) + 17 (attack roll) = 35.
Since 35 is higher than the skeleton's AC of 13, the attack hits!
Morgot rolls a 5 for damage (d6) and adds his Dexterity modifier (+2) for a total of 7 damage dealt to the skeleton.
Narrative Outcome:
The silence shatters as Morgot's arrow streaks through the air, catching the sunlight with a deadly glint. The arrow finds its mark, burying itself deep into the skeletal warrior's bony shoulder. The undead creature spins around, a hollow groan escaping its empty sockets as it finally notices your party.
What happens next?
- The wounded skeleton lets out a chilling battle cry, drawing the attention of any nearby undead.
- Clover and Strattford, alerted by the sound of the attack, burst from cover and charge towards the skeleton.
- Morgot, seeing his arrow hit, takes cover behind a skeletal tree, reloading his shortbow for another shot.
It's a hit and the skeleton takes 3 points of damage!
The arrow finds its mark with a sickening thud, embedding itself deep into the skeleton's bony shoulder. A shower of bone dust erupts as the undead creature recoils, a hollow groan echoing through the desolate landscape. It whirls around, its empty sockets seeming to burn with an unnatural light as it finally notices your party.
Despite the damage (we'll assume Morgot rolled a 3 for damage this round), the skeletal warrior remains standing, its bony frame seemingly impervious to pain. However, the surprise is gone. The once silent hill comes alive with the rattle of bones as other skeletal warriors, stirred by the commotion, emerge from the mist!
The situation has escalated! What do you do?
- Clover and Strattford, emboldened by Morgot's success, charge towards the wounded skeleton to finish it off.
- Morgot, seeing the approaching reinforcements, takes cover behind a skeletal tree and fires another arrow, hoping to thin the undead ranks.
- Realizing you're outnumbered, you consider a strategic retreat, hoping to lure the skeletons away from the potential bandit camp and the overturned wagon.
The skeleton stamps his feet in anger and charges toward Margot! At the same time, Clover and Strattford prepare to charge in and attack the skeleton. Margot strings another arrow! The skeleton wins initiative and acts first!
The once peaceful scene explodes into action! The wounded skeleton, enraged by the surprise attack, lets out a bone-chilling shriek and charges towards Morgot, its bony claws glinting in the pale sunlight. Initiative is rolled, and the skeleton, fueled by its undead rage, wins the first round!
The Skeleton's Attack:
The skeletal warrior swings its bony claws at Morgot with a surprising burst of speed. Here's how it plays out:
Skeleton Attack Roll: The DM (me!) rolls a d20 for the skeleton's attack roll, adding any attack bonus it might have based on its stats.
Hit or Miss?: If the total roll is higher than Morgot's Armor Class (AC), the attack hits!
Damage Roll: If the attack hits, the DM rolls for damage dealt by the skeleton's claws, typically 1d6 + its Strength modifier.
Morgot's Reaction (Optional):
Depending on the outcome of the skeleton's attack, Morgot might have a chance to react before his turn:
Dodge: If Morgot is aware of Dexterity saving throws (a common mechanic in D&D), he could attempt a Dexterity saving throw as a reaction to the attack. On a successful save, he might take half damage (or no damage if he's very fortunate).
Meanwhile...
Even though the skeleton won initiative, the rest of the party can still react and prepare for their turns:
- Clover and Strattford: These two can see the wounded skeleton charging towards Morgot and can choose their actions accordingly. They might hold their position and wait for their turn to attack, or they could move closer to engage the skeleton (potentially drawing attacks of opportunity from the creature).
- Morgot (After Skeleton's Attack): Assuming Morgot survives the skeleton's attack (or avoids most of the damage), his turn comes up next. He can then choose to:
- Fire another arrow: If he has time and cover, he can attempt another ranged attack with his shortbow.
- Move and take cover: He could prioritize his safety and move to a better defensive position behind cover, perhaps closer to Clover and Strattford.
- Cast a spell (if Strattford is a cleric): If Strattford is a cleric and has access to spells, he could cast a buff or healing spell to support the party.
The situation is tense! Will Morgot dodge the skeleton's attack? How will Clover and Strattford react? The next move is up to you!
The skeleton runs toward Morgot and swings an old rusty shortsword at the elf, roll to attack (1d20).
The enraged skeleton lets out a screech and lunges at Morgot, its rusty shortsword glinting wickedly in the pale light. Here goes the attack roll:
Skeleton Attacks (d20)!
(I roll a 20-sided die to see if the skeleton's attack hits.)
The success of the attack depends on two factors:
The Skeleton's Attack Roll: The higher the roll, the better chance it has of hitting Morgot.
Morgot's Armor Class (AC): This number represents Morgot's ability to dodge or deflect attacks. The higher his AC, the harder it is for the skeleton to hit him.
Will the skeleton land a blow, or will Morgot be agile enough to dodge? The suspense builds...
The skeleton rolls an 18 against Morgot's armor class of 13, the skeleton hits!
The rusty shortsword flashes in the wan sunlight, and with a sickening crunch, it connects with Morgot's arm! The blow lands despite his efforts to dodge (18 on the d20 beats his AC of 13).
Skeleton's Damage:
The skeleton's bony grip tightens around the hilt of the shortsword, and it delivers a punishing blow. Here's how much damage Morgot takes:
Damage Roll: I roll a d6 (six-sided die) to determine the base damage dealt by the shortsword.
Strength Modifier: Skeletons typically have a low Strength score, so the damage modifier might be zero or even negative.
Let's say the skeleton rolls a 4 on the d6, and for simplicity's sake, we'll assume it has a Strength modifier of +0.
Damage Dealt: The total damage Morgot takes is 4 (damage roll) + 0 (Strength modifier) = 4 points.
The Narrative:
Morgot yelps in pain as the cold metal bites into his arm. A gash appears, blood staining his tunic. The surprise attack has taken its toll, leaving him wounded.
The Initiative:
While the skeleton landed a blow, remember that this is still the first round of combat, and the rest of the party can still act:
- Attack the skeleton (their best chance to take it down before it can attack again)
- Move closer to Morgot to support him
- Strattford, if he's a cleric, could cast a healing spell on Morgot.
- Morgot (after Skeleton's Attack): Despite the wound, Morgot can still react. He can:
- Fire another arrow if he has a clear shot.
- Move to a better defensive position.
The situation is critical! Morgot is hurt, and more skeletons are approaching. How will the party respond?
The skeleton deals 5 points of damage! Morgot started with 6 hit points.
My apologies, there seems to be a slight error in how we're handling damage. In most editions of D&D, a character's hit points (HP) can't be negative. If a character takes damage that would reduce their HP to zero or lower, they typically fall unconscious.
Here's how we can adjust the situation:
- Morgot's Starting HP: Since you mentioned Morgot started with 6 HP, let's stick with that for this encounter.
- Skeleton's Damage: The skeleton dealt 4 points of damage (damage roll of 4 + Strength modifier of 0).
The Revised Outcome:
Morgot lets out a cry of pain as the rusty shortsword slices through his arm. The wound bleeds freely, staining his tunic. Despite the blow, he manages to stay on his feet, his remaining 2 HP hanging precariously by a thread.
The situation remains tense. The wounded skeleton stands before Morgot, its empty sockets fixated on the elf. Meanwhile, Clover and Strattford witness their companion get injured. They can see the other skeletons approaching as well.
The Initiative Continues:
Clover and Strattford: These two can now take their actions in the first round of combat. They can choose to:
- Attack the wounded skeleton (their best chance to take it down before it can attack again)
- Move closer to Morgot to support him
- Strattford, if he's a cleric, could cast a healing spell on Morgot.
- Morgot (after Skeleton's Attack): Despite the wound, Morgot can still react. He can:
- Fire another arrow if he has a clear shot.
- Move to a better defensive position.
The pressure is on! How will your party react to this critical situation?
Clover charges in and swings his sword at the skeleton. He misses, it's up to Strattford now!
The adrenaline pumps as Clover, fueled by a surge of protectiveness, charges towards the wounded skeleton. He swings his sword with a mighty roar, the clang of metal echoing through the desolate landscape. However, the attack goes wide (presumably a miss on the attack roll).
The pressure mounts on Strattford. He sees Morgot, his life hanging by a thread, and the remaining skeletons approaching. Will he:
- Cast a Healing Spell: If Strattford has access to a healing spell, like Cure Wounds, he can attempt to mend Morgot's wounds and get him back on his feet.
- Attack the Skeleton: Strattford can join the fray, attacking the wounded skeleton with his mace or a weapon he might have. This could be risky, but taking down the immediate threat could buy them some time.
- Support his Allies: Strattford could take a more tactical approach. He might move closer to Morgot and Clover, offering them protection from the approaching skeletons. He could also use a spell that buffs their defenses or grants them advantage on their attacks.
The decision rests with Strattford. What action will the cleric take in this critical moment?
Strattford raises his mace and bellows a holy word to rally his side and attacks the skeleton. He hits!
In a desperate bid to turn the tide, Strattford raises his mace aloft. A holy word erupts from his lips, a beacon of light amidst the decaying landscape. The air crackles with divine energy, bolstering the courage of his companions. Even Morgot, despite his wound, feels a surge of renewed strength.
Emboldened by the cleric's rallying cry, Strattford charges forward, his mace blurring in a deadly arc. This time, his attack finds its mark! The rusty shortsword clatters to the ground as the blow connects squarely with the skeleton's bony chest. The undead creature crumbles to dust with a final, rattling groan.
A Moment of Respite:
A momentary silence descends upon the battlefield. One skeleton lies vanquished, but the threat is far from over. The remaining skeletal warriors lumber closer, their bony forms casting long shadows in the pale sunlight.
The Party's Next Move:
With one immediate threat neutralized, the party has a chance to regroup and assess the situation. Here are some options:
- Press the Attack: The party, emboldened by their success, could take the fight to the remaining skeletons. Clover, with renewed vigor, could charge into the fray, while Strattford uses his mace and spells to support him. Morgot, despite his wound, could fire another arrow or move closer to provide ranged support.
- Strategic Retreat: The party might decide that discretion is the better part of valor. They could use the distraction of the fallen skeleton to disengage from combat and retreat back down the hill. This would allow them to regroup, assess their injuries, and potentially come up with a new plan to deal with the skeletons and retrieve the missing wagon.
- Investigate the Area: Since the initial fight happened near the overturned wagon, the party could take a cautious approach and investigate the area. They might find clues about the bandits or discover something about the restless spirits that haunt the Bone Hill.
The choice is yours! What will the party do next?
How many more skeletons are there in this encounter?
To maintain a balanced encounter for your party, considering they are a group of 3 and seem to be at a lower level (based on Morgot's starting HP), we can adjust the number of remaining skeletons from the original encounter description.
Here are two options:
Option 1: Two Remaining Skeletons
This option provides a reasonable challenge while still allowing your party a chance to prevail. Two additional skeletons would make a total of 2 (original) + 2 (remaining) = 4 skeletons for your party to face.
Option 2: Single Remaining Skeleton (Weakened)
This option offers a slightly easier encounter, especially considering Morgot is wounded. There would be only 1 remaining skeleton, but you can describe it as being slightly weaker or damaged from previous battles, making it a bit easier to defeat.
Which option would you prefer: 2 remaining regular skeletons or 1 remaining weakened skeleton?
Randomly select an option from 1 and 2 above, you decide!
Alright, rolling a d2 behind the scenes, the result is a 2! There will be just 1 remaining weakened skeleton for your party to face.
Morgot shoots his arrow at the weakened skeleton, hoping to end this battle once and for all! He hits and deals 1 point of damage.
With renewed focus after Strattford's rallying cry, Morgot steadies his aim and lets another arrow fly. The projectile streaks true, finding its mark on the remaining, weakened skeleton. The arrow strikes a bony rib, shattering it with a brittle crack. The undead creature lets out a hollow rattle, the sound tinged with a hint of surprise. The blow, while not fatal, seems to have taken a toll on the already weakened creature.
A Weakened Foe:
The lone skeleton stands before you, its bony frame visibly cracked from Morgot's last attack. It seems to move with a slower, more labored gait, its empty sockets flickering with a dimmer light.
The Party's Options:
- Press the Advantage: Seeing the weakened state of the remaining skeleton, the party might decide to press their advantage and finish it off. Clover could charge in for a melee attack, Strattford could use his mace or a spell to deliver the final blow, or Morgot could fire another arrow to ensure the creature's demise.
- Investigate the Area: With the immediate threat seemingly subdued, the party could now safely approach the overturned wagon. They might find clues about the missing horses and bandits, or perhaps discover something about the restless spirits that haunt the Bone Hill.
- Search for a Strategic Position: The party could choose to take a more cautious approach. They might explore the surrounding area, searching for a more defensible position before fully engaging with the remaining threats on the Bone Hill.
The decision rests with you. How will the party proceed?
The skeleton wins initiative and charges toward Clover! Roll an attack roll, please.
The weakened skeleton, fueled by a last burst of rage, lets out a chilling shriek and lunges towards Clover! Here comes the attack roll:
Skeleton Attacks (d20)!
(I roll a 20-sided die to see if the skeleton's attack hits.)
The success of the attack depends on two factors:
The Skeleton's Attack Roll: The higher the roll, the better chance it has of hitting Clover.
Clover's Armor Class (AC): This number represents Clover's ability to dodge or deflect attacks. The higher his AC, the harder it is for the skeleton to hit him.
Will the skeleton land a blow, or will Clover's training and armor protect him?
The skeleton rolls a 4 and misses!
The skeleton swings its bony claws with a desperate fury, but Clover's reflexes and armor prove too much. With a nimble sidestep, he easily avoids the attack (a roll of 4 wouldn't be enough to hit his AC). The skeleton stumbles forward, momentarily off-balance.
The Initiative Continues:
Since the skeleton won initiative but missed its attack, the turn order proceeds as planned:
Clover: He can now take his action for this round. With the skeleton off-balance, he has a good opportunity to strike back. He could:
- Attack the skeleton with his sword
- Move to a more advantageous position
- Use a defensive maneuver to improve his chances of dodging future attacks
Strattford: The cleric can take his action as well. He could:
- Cast a healing spell on Morgot to help him recover from his wound.
- Attack the skeleton with his mace (although a ranged attack might be riskier at this close range)
- Move closer to Clover and Morgot to provide support
Morgot: Despite the wound, he can still take an action. He could:
- Fire another arrow at the weakened skeleton
- Move to a better position for ranged combat
- Use a healing potion on himself (if he has one) to recover some HP
The tide seems to be turning in your favor. The remaining skeleton is clearly weakened, and your party has a chance to finish it off. How will you use this opportunity to your advantage?
Clover raises his long sword to slash at the weakened skeleton. He rolls a 15 to attack and hits, dealing 1 point of damage!
Clover seizes his moment! With a mighty swing of his longsword, he connects with the weakened skeleton. The clang of metal on bone echoes through the desolate landscape. Despite the blow landing true (15 on the attack roll is a hit!), the rusty blade only nicks the creature's bony frame, dealing a mere 1 point of damage. The skeleton lets out a rattling shriek, a mix of pain and defiance.
The Weakened Foe Falters:
The once relentless skeleton now appears truly on the brink. Its movements are sluggish, its empty sockets flicker erratically. A single, decisive blow seems all it would take to bring it down.
The Party's Options:
With the skeleton clearly on its last legs, your party has several options:
- Finish the Fight: Clover might press his attack, aiming for a final, powerful blow to end the creature. Strattford could join the fray with his mace, or Morgot could unleash another arrow to ensure the skeleton's demise.
- Heal and Regroup: With the immediate threat subdued, the party could take a moment to assess the situation. Strattford could cast a healing spell on Morgot, or Morgot could use a healing potion if he has one. They could also take a moment to catch their breath and discuss their next move.
- Investigate the Area: Now that the immediate danger has passed, the party could approach the overturned wagon and the surrounding area. They might find clues about the missing horses and bandits, or perhaps discover something about the restless spirits that haunt the Bone Hill.
The decision is yours. How will your party proceed? Will they deliver the final blow, or will they take a moment to regroup and explore the area?
Stratford shouts bravely and attacks the skeleton with his mace. He hits and deals 1 point of damage, killing the skeleton and ending the combat!
Strattford, emboldened by the turn of events, charges forward with a righteous bellow. His mace swings in a deadly arc, connecting squarely with the already weakened skeleton. The blow, though not particularly forceful (damage roll of 1), proves to be the final one. With a rattling groan, the skeleton crumbles to dust, its dark energy dissipating into the chilling mist.
Silence descends upon the Bone Hill once more. The remaining skeletal warriors, seemingly leaderless and emboldened by their fallen comrade, turn and lumber back into the depths of the mist.
Victory, but at a Cost:
You stand victorious, the immediate threat neutralized. However, the encounter has taken its toll. Morgot bears a wound on his arm, a reminder of the dangers that lurk within the Bone Hill.
The Path Ahead:
Several options lie before you:
- Investigate the Overturned Wagon: Now that the immediate danger has passed, you can approach the overturned wagon. Perhaps you'll find clues about the missing horses and bandits, or maybe even signs of a struggle.
- Search the Area: You can explore the surrounding area of the Bone Hill, searching for any hidden paths, landmarks, or clues that might help you understand the restless spirits and the dangers that lurk here.
- Press Onward: With the immediate obstacle overcome, you can continue your trek up the Bone Hill, following the trail of the missing wagon and horses.
What will your next move be?
The group searches the skeleton corpses looking for treasure and clues. What do they find?
You cautiously approach the remains of the skeletal warriors, searching for anything of value or clues to the mysteries of the Bone Hill. Here's what you find:
Skeletal Remains:
Rusty Weapons: Each skeleton clutches a single, badly rusted weapon - short swords or maces. These weapons are brittle and practically worthless, offering only scrap metal.
Bone Shards: As you sift through the dust, you find a handful of sharpened bone shards. These could potentially be used as makeshift weapons or tools (DM's discretion on effectiveness).
Clues:
Torn Piece of Cloth: Clinging to one of the skeletons is a tattered fragment of dark cloth. It appears to be part of a robe or cloak, and upon closer inspection, you recognize a faint symbol embroidered on the edge. This symbol might be a familiar one to a religious scholar like Strattford, or perhaps someone from a particular region knows of this symbol's significance.
No Treasure:
Unfortunately, your search yields no traditional treasure - gold, gems, or the like. These skeletal warriors were likely animated by dark magic rather than driven by greed.
The Decision:
With this new information, your party has some choices to make:
- Investigate the Symbol: Strattford, or perhaps another party member familiar with religious symbols, could attempt to decipher the meaning of the symbol found on the cloth fragment. This might offer clues about the source of the dark magic animating the skeletons.
- Examine the Overturned Wagon: Now that the immediate danger has passed, you can thoroughly investigate the overturned wagon. Perhaps you'll find signs of a struggle, clues about the missing horses, or evidence left behind by the bandits.
- Press Onward: With the initial obstacle overcome, you can continue your trek up the Bone Hill, following the trail of the missing wagon and horses. However, the presence of these animated skeletons raises concerns about what other dangers might lie ahead.
What will your party do next?
Strattford examines the strange symbol
Strattford, ever the devout cleric, carefully picks up the tattered fragment of cloth with the strange symbol. He squints at it in the pale sunlight, his brow furrowing in concentration.
Drawing on his knowledge of religious texts and lore, he recognizes the symbol. It's a crudely stitched depiction of a raven with a single, glowing eye. This symbol holds a dark significance:
The Raven and the Shadow King:
The symbol you found represents a malevolent entity known as the Shadow King, a being of pure necromantic energy that festers in the shadowy corners of the world. It is said to have dominion over the undead, twisting the spirits of the deceased and binding them to its will. The presence of this symbol suggests that the skeletons you faced were not merely random undead, but pawns animated by the dark influence of the Shadow King.
Stratford's Thoughts:
Strattford considers the implications of this discovery. The presence of the Shadow King's influence on the Bone Hill suggests a deeper evil at work. He ponders how to # this knowledge with his companions, unsure of the best way to convey the gravity of the situation.
Sharing the Knowledge:
- Grave Warning: Strattford delivers the news with a grave tone, explaining the dark power behind the animated skeletons and the potential dangers that lie ahead on the Bone Hill.
- Ominous Discovery: He describes the symbol and its significance in a more neutral tone, letting the weight of the discovery settle on the party before offering his interpretations.
- Plan of Action: Strattford outlines the potential dangers associated with the Shadow King's influence, then suggests possible courses of action, such as investigating the source of the dark magic or seeking aid from a higher religious authority.
How will Strattford choose to # this information with his companions?
A grave warning, he tells the group to hurry and recover the wagon quickly before the necromancer returns
Strattford's face hardens as recognition dawns. He gathers the party close, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper. "This is far worse than bandits," he begins, his words laced with a newfound urgency. "This symbol... it belongs to the Shadow King, a creature of immense necromantic power. These skeletons we faced, they were not random horrors, but pawns animated by his dark will."
A tremor of fear runs through Clover and Morgot as they grasp the weight of his words. The desolate landscape of Bone Hill suddenly seems even more oppressive, the mist swirling with unseen malice.
"We need to move quickly," Strattford continues, his voice firm despite the rising panic. "The Shadow King rarely acts directly, but if these were his pawns, then a necromancer, a mortal who dabbles in his dark arts, must be nearby. They could revive these very skeletons, or worse, create even more powerful undead."
He points towards the overturned wagon. "The horses and supplies are likely our only lead. We need to recover what we can and get out of here before the necromancer returns. Once we have some distance, we can decide how to proceed. Perhaps seek help from the local authorities or a more powerful holy order. But for now, discretion is the better part of valor."
The Decision:
Strattford's words hang heavy in the air. The situation has taken a drastic turn. Do they:
- Heed Strattford's Warning: Taking his words to heart, the party prioritizes speed and recovery. They quickly gather any salvageable items from the wagon and the horses (if any remain), then make a hasty retreat down the Bone Hill, seeking safer ground to regroup and strategize.
- Investigate Further: Despite the danger, curiosity or a sense of duty compels the party to delve deeper. They might search the area for signs of the necromancer's presence, hoping to find clues or perhaps even confront the source of the dark magic directly.
- Explore the Overturned Wagon: Before leaving, the party decides to thoroughly investigate the overturned wagon. They might find signs of a struggle, clues about the missing horses, or evidence left behind by the bandits, hoping to glean some information about their motives and potential whereabouts.
The choice is yours. How will the party react to this unsettling discovery?
Speed and recovery is the priority. Morgot keeps guard watching for signs of danger as Clover and Strattford repair the wagon and hook up the horses.
Taking Strattford's warning to heart, the party prioritizes a swift departure. Morgot, ever the vigilant elf, takes point, scanning the mist-shrouded landscape for any sign of movement or the return of the skeletal warriors. His keen eyes and sharp ears are on high alert.
Meanwhile, Clover and Strattford waste no time tending to the overturned wagon. They assess the damage: broken wheels, a splintered axle, and scattered supplies. With a determined spirit, they work together. Clover, using his strength and resourcefulness, tackles the most demanding repairs, hammering broken wood back into place and securing the damaged axle with whatever materials they can salvage from the wreckage.
Strattford, though not as adept with physical labor, lends a hand by gathering loose supplies and organizing what can be saved. He also keeps an eye out for any medical supplies that might be needed to address Morgot's wound, a constant reminder of their recent encounter.
The Race Against Time:
As minutes tick by, the urgency of the situation mounts. While they haven't seen any immediate signs of danger, the knowledge of a lurking necromancer and the potential for reanimated skeletons hangs heavy in the air. The once peaceful landscape of Bone Hill now feels charged with a dark tension.
Success or Setback?
Here's how their efforts might unfold:
Scenario 1: Successful Repairs
Through a combination of Clover's skill and the materials they can salvage, the repairs are completed. The wagon, though not in pristine condition, is functional enough to move. If any horses remained from the initial attack, they are quickly hitched to the repaired wagon.
Scenario 2: Partial Repairs
The repairs might not be perfect, but Clover manages to make the wagon mobile enough to limp away. This could mean a slower journey or the potential for further breakdowns along the way. The horses, if any, are hitched, and the party prepares to depart with a less than ideal situation.
Scenario 3: Repairs Impossible
The damage to the wagon proves too extensive to repair in the field with limited resources. In this case, the party is forced to abandon the wagon and salvage what supplies they can carry. Their journey on foot will be more arduous, and they might have to re-evaluate their plans entirely.
The Outcome:
How successful are Clover and Strattford's repairs? Will they manage to get the wagon operational, or will they be forced to leave it behind?
A partial repair is completed, the three adventurers begin a slow journey back to town, leaving Old Bone Hill behind them, eager to reach the safety of town.
With a sigh of relief and a bead of sweat on his brow, Clover steps back from the wagon. The repairs aren't perfect - the wagon might wobble a bit and groan in protest on uneven terrain, but it's mobile. Morgot reports no signs of immediate danger, but the chilling memory of the skeletal warriors and the looming threat of the necromancer keep them on edge.
Strattford gathers any salvageable supplies from the wreckage, his hand brushing against a vial of healing potion tucked away in a pouch. A small blessing amidst the chaos. He pockets it, a flicker of hope igniting within him.
With the horses, if any are left, hitched to the partially repaired wagon, the party begins their slow descent down Bone Hill. The once desolate landscape now holds a new kind of fear - the chilling certainty that they've stumbled upon something far more sinister than bandits.
As they make their way back towards town, the weight of their discovery settles in. They carry more than just supplies - they carry a newfound knowledge of the dark magic that festers on Bone Hill and the malevolent entity that controls it: The Shadow King.
The Road Ahead
Their journey back to town will be long and arduous. The damaged wagon will test their patience and resourcefulness. But they press on, driven by the need for safety and a growing determination to # their discovery with the outside world.
Here are some lingering questions for your consideration:
- Will they keep the symbol found on the cloth fragment? Does it hold any potential power or significance in their fight against the Shadow King's influence?
- How will they deal with the threat of the necromancer? Will they seek help from the local authorities, a powerful religious order, or perhaps take matters into their own hands?
- What other dangers might they encounter on their journey back to town? The influence of the Shadow King might extend beyond Bone Hill, and the party could face unforeseen challenges.
The escape from Bone Hill is just the beginning of their adventure. The weight of their discovery hangs heavy, and the choices they make will determine the fate of their world.
Great job, DM! Let's pause the story here and we will pick up again later with the journey back to town!
Wonderful! It's been a pleasure weaving this story with you. Pausing here at the foot of Bone Hill is a great place to leave the party for now. They've escaped the immediate danger, but the weight of their discovery presses heavily on them.
Here's a quick recap of their situation:
- Partial Success: They managed to partially repair the wagon and are limping back towards town.
- The Shadow King's Influence: They've learned about the necromancer and the dark magic wielded by the Shadow King.
- The Symbol: They possess the tattered cloth fragment with the symbol of the Shadow King.
- Uncertain Future: The party needs to decide how to deal with the threat and what course of action to take next.
I'm excited to see what choices they make on their journey back to town and how they'll confront the dangers that lie ahead. When you're ready to pick up the story again, feel free to let me know, and we can continue their adventure!
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