Dues for the Dead — Reluctant Recruits, Falling Bones & Shocking Decisions
Reluctant Recruits, Falling Bones & Shocking Decisions
Last time, our adventurers continued exploring the ancient catacombs beneath Valhingen Graveyard.
They began by discovering three trapped grave robbers known as the Welcomers.
Rather than simply letting them go, the party stepped aside for a private huddle to discuss their fate. Apparently, nobody noticed that the three criminals were standing just a few feet away, watching the entire discussion.
After some deliberation, the party decided to recruit them.
And by recruit, I mean threaten them into joining the expedition.
With their reluctant reinforcements in tow, the party discovered an ancient obelisk covered in Celestial inscriptions honoring Phlan’s virtuous dead.
They then entered a burial chamber where skeletons suddenly broke free from the ceiling plaster, raining bones and debris onto the unsuspecting adventurers.
After surviving the attack, they discovered the tomb of Sedrair II, a wealthy noblewoman seated on an elaborate throne, with a magnificent golden crown suspended above her head.
Continuing their exploration, they encountered a chamber of enchanted talking skulls. Munchkin asked questions while Ellisar diligently took notes.
The skulls provided useful information, but when the party mentioned stealing Sedrair’s crown, even the dead couldn’t stop laughing.
The adventurers also investigated a disturbing chamber of skeletal tableaux depicting murderers being tormented by their victims.
Eventually, they returned to Sedrair’s throne.
Despite their investigations and preparations, Munchkin climbed onto the dead noblewoman’s lap and reached for the crown.
A spectacular explosion of magical lightning electrocuted all five adventurers.
When the sparks cleared, the party had collectively suffered a shocking setback, and the crown’s value had dropped from 250 gold pieces to just 50.
So, our heroes have threatened criminals into service, survived falling skeletons, been mocked by the dead, and electrocuted themselves in pursuit of treasure.
The missing priests remain missing, and the undead mystery remains unsolved.
But at least they’re making progress.
More or less.
