The Lonely Barrow

The Lonely Barrow is an ancient burial mound in the Kamelands, the final resting place of an unnamed Kellid warrior king. The isolated barrow has stood for thousands of years, but the earth near the mound subsided over time, opening a crack in the tomb and disturbing the warlord’s undead guardians.

Description

A cave entrance leads into an ancient burial complex dating back to the Age of Enthronement (approximately 700-1000 AR, or 3,700 years ago). The interior walls are decorated with detailed mosaics depicting village life of the ancient Kellids, with artistic influences from the Taldane Empire—suggesting the barrow predates the Second Army of Exploration.

The cave reeks of guano and ammonia from bat colonies. The central chamber features four orthogonal tunnels and four stone statues that emit tendrils of shadow (Breath of Despair traps). The eastern chamber contains the main tomb, with elaborate pigments and carvings (many defaced by repeated weapon blows over the centuries). Weapons and armor surround the walls—offerings or trophies from ages past.

History

The barrow was built for an ancient Kellid warlord during the time when the Kellids still held these lands independently, before Taldane conquest. His guardians swore to protect him “even beyond death”—an oath that twisted into an undead curse when the tomb was disturbed. The warlord himself rose as the Lonely Warrior, and his skeletal guardians continue their eternal vigil.

A treasure map showing the barrow’s location was found in the Hateful Hermit’s den, marking it with an X and warning of “a magic flaming weapon… traps and an undead guardian.”

Dangers

• The Lonely Warrior - Ancient Kellid warlord risen as a powerful undead
• Skeletal Guardians - Warriors sworn to protect the tomb for eternity
• Breath of Despair Traps - Shadow tendrils from stone statues that enfeeble intruders
• Giant Bat Swarms - Disturbed colonies nesting in the cave
• Shambling Mounds - Dangerous plant creatures that prowl the exterior grounds
• Curse of Gyronna - The area may bear remnants of the Angry Hag’s curse

Museum Opportunity

The barrow’s ancient mosaics and historical significance present an opportunity to create a museum within the kingdom, preserving this important piece of Kellid history and Taldane cultural exchange.

History with the Party

• Session-16 (Downtime period, approximately 4710) The party traveled to the Lonely Barrow at night and encountered a shambling mound. The battle was fierce and nearly fatal:

  Initial Engagement:

  • Jacques used Courageous Anthem with Lingering Composition
  • Jacques used Gossip Lore, discovering the creature might have fire or electricity vulnerability, or be slow-moving
  • Leonardo attacked with Divine Lance, enraging the creature
  • Kairos used Time Sense and entered Arcane Cascade but couldn’t recall additional information

  The Battle:

  • The shambling mound proved highly dangerous, downing Lizzy with a single vine attack
  • Leonardo was repeatedly knocked unconscious and had to be healed by Jacques
  • The creature demonstrated immunity to electricity (contrary to initial hopes)
  • Kairos was critically hit and knocked down multiple times
  • Lizzy, in desperation, called to Nyrissa for help

  Nyrissa’s Intervention:

  • Nyrissa sent two fey dragonettes and grigs to assist
  • Jacques used Dazzle on the creature
  • Leonardo’s Spiritual Weapon attacks combined with the grigs’ assistance
  • The combined effort finally brought down the shambling mound

  Aftermath:

  • The party heard sounds of more shambling mounds nearby (though Lizzy deduced the grigs were playing tricks)
  • Harvested valuable Shamblesap from the creature
  • Gained 80 XP for the extremely difficult encounter

• 29 Arodus 4710 The party explored the interior of the Lonely Barrow, following the map from the Hateful Hermit’s den:

  Arrival:

  • Kairos examined the ancient mosaics, identifying them as Age of Enthronement artifacts (3,700 years old)
  • She explained the Kellid burial practices and Taldane Empire influence to the party
  • Leonardo asked about the undead; Kairos explained her Pharasmin perspective on undeath

  Giant Bat Swarms:

  • Kairos accidentally disturbed bat colonies while studying the mosaics
  • Djacques immediately cast Courageous Anthem and Haste
  • Leonardo eliminated both swarms with devastating efficiency

  The Central Chamber:

  • Four stone statues with shadow tendrils (Breath of Despair) attempted to enfeeble the party
  • Djacques and Kairos resisted; Leonardo was enfeebled
  • The party chose to enter the eastern chamber

  Battle with the Lonely Warrior:

  • The sarcophagus burst open, revealing the ancient Kellid warlord
  • Kairos used Magus Analysis to identify the creature during combat
  • The Lonely Warrior used Lonely Dirge, stupefying Kairos
  • Kairos’s Spellstrike destroyed the warlord, who used Final Respite against Leonardo
  • Skeletal warriors poured in from behind, attempting to surround the party
  • Leonardo and Kairos eliminated multiple skeletons
  • Djacques provided healing and support throughout
  • A skeletal champion emerged but was quickly defeated

  Aftermath:

  • Kairos disabled four Breath of Despair traps
  • Found +1 cold iron flaming bastard sword (broken in 2 shards) in the sarcophagus
  • Discovered a copper ring on one of the skeletal guardians
  • Identified the site as having museum potential
  • Gained 145 XP (15 from bats, 100 from undead, 30 from traps)

Loot Recovered

From Session 16 (Exterior):

• Shamblesap (worth 65 gold, or 4 minor elixirs of life)
• 2 moderate bottled lightning
• Jolt Coil

From Session 20 (Interior Tomb):

• +1 cold iron flaming bastard sword (broken in 2 shards)
• Copper ring

Part of

Stolen Lands, Kamelands