The Next Generation #2: Hidden Treasures of the Ironwolfs

At the end of last session, the party had just decided to explore the upper level of the ruined donjon.

Climbing the spiral staircase to the upper floor, they discovered three similarly abandoned rooms. From one, came the sound of sobbing. Investigating, they discovered the spectral form of a child hovering over a broken skeleton. The “child” screamed at them to go away, but using tact and diplomacy they calmed him down. It transpired, the ghost was none other than Einar Ironwolf and he could find no rest until his bones were laid to rest with those of his parents. Kyras remembered one of the skeletons in the great hall had seemed particularly damaged and guessed this was Valentin. In the adjoining room, the party also found the skeleton of a woman. Guessing (correctly) this was Einar’s mother they carried the remains outside and dug a family grave. When it was done, Einar appeared to them one last time and told them of a secret chamber somewhere in the upper level.

Galvanised by this revelation, the party returned to the keep and quickly found a narrow stairway. It led into the very bowels of the hill upon which the keep stood. A short passageway ending in a door protected by a carven demon face stood before them. The party advanced, but suddenly the face animated. It began a maddening drone that hypnotised several of the heroes and then summoned a fire elemental! Several of the party were badly burnt, but eventually they despatched the creature.

Beyond the door, they discovered a treasure cache. Disastrously, it was guarded by a skeletal snaked topped by a human skull! The creature – a necrophidious – proved a dangerous foe. Several of the party were seriously wounded in the ensuing battle and by the time the creature was defeated Kethaith had expended his healing magic. Given this, and the treasure that lay before them, the party elected to return to Piren’s Bluff to rest and share out their loot.