(Character) found a small hillock that, as the last shreds of the day's light unravelled into darkness, upon closer examination, proved to be an ancient barrow. Though the entrance was cleverly hidden, a careful search revealed it soon enough. Close inspection of the stone door barring his way revealed it to be inscribed with runes. In ages past, such barrows were commonly guarded by powerful enchantments and Spirits.
Character Encounter
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| Options | Free People | Neutral | Dark Servants |
|---|---|---|---|
| BASH the door | ? | ? | Combat |
| OPEN the door | ? | ? | ? |
| CHALLENGE any guardian Spirit to come forth and fight | Combat | Combat | Combat |
| DIG through the mound | ? | ? | ? |
| REMOVE the runes | Gold / Lost List Spell | Gold / Lost List Spell | Gold / Lost List Spell |
| Say (only one word) | ? | ? | ? |
| FLEE | ? | ? | Injured/Killed |
REMOVE the runes: Evidence suggests that the choice REMOVE the runes will defeat the guardian and give the character gold and access to a lost list spell. However, I can tell you that it doesn't work always (my 54 Emis can - well, could have - witnessed that! So a challenge rank of 27 isn't enough. The encounter stated, that: "Try as she might, the enchantments on the door seemed beyond her skill to break." This could suggest that a stronger character could have done it, or maybe just a character with Mage skill..
REMOVE the runes: Remove can work for a junior mage (my C10 M23 succeeded and gained a lost-list spell).
REMOVE the runes: My E47 reacted with REMOVE, ended up defeating the wight but other than surviving with 61 health there was no other benefit. (Josh Spink)
"Try as he might, the enchantments on the door seemed beyond his skill to break. He had almost given up when a heartstopping hollow laughter filled the air around him. A spectral form flowed from the door as a shining sword appeared in its upheld hand."
"The Barrow Wight moved quickly and its sword hacked with a solid precision at his body. He moved as quickly as possible and brought his weapons to bear as fast as he could. The Wight was elusive and very hard to hit, but it seemed to have little difficulty in hitting him. Suddenly, he looked directly into those glowing eyes and the will to fight seemed to flee from his body. With a shriek, the Wight drove toward him for the kill. He went down under a flurry of blows as he tried to take cover beneath some of the overhanging rock in the area. The trick worked and the Wight's sword clanged harmlessly on the rock above. Taking full advantage of the Wight's confusion, he struck at the Wight from beneath the protecting rock and scored! The Wight emitted a soulful cry and vanished into the air."
FLEE - Dark Servants: I tried to flee (ignore) the Barrow as the DS (with my e68). The result was that the barrow wight ambushed me and took me down to 1 health. (Matt Lincoln)
This is a stock encounter. The challenge rank of the wight guarding the barrow is estimated to be around 75, though most characters who lose a fight will successfully escape. Benefits to defeating the wight are gold and a lost list spell. Evidence suggests that the choice REMOVE the ruins will defeat the guardian and give the character gold and access to a lost list spell.
Recent results have an emissary with a challenge rank of only 34 succeeding.
Encounter for Hos Harf (Mage rank 68 - Easterling DS): Though the mage who placed the runes was powerful, his skill did not surpass his. As the enchantments upon the door faded, a soul-chilling shriek split the air and slowly faded into the gathering gloom. The door fell to dust and he was free to enter and claim any prize that lay within. The Barrow Wight moved quickly and its sword hacked with a solid precision at his body. He moved as quickly as possible and brought his weapons to bear as fast as he could. The Wight was elusive and it was hard to concentrate on spells, but it seemed to have little difficulty in hitting him. Suddenly, he looked directly into those glowing eyes and the will to fight seemed to flee from his body. With a shriek, the Wight drove toward him for the kill. He went down under a flurry of blows as he tried to take cover beneath some of the overhanging rock in the area. The trick worked and the Wight's sword clanged harmlessly on the rock above. Taking full advantage of the Wight's confusion, he cast his spell at the Wight from beneath the protecting rock and it worked! The Wight emitted a soulful cry and vanished into the air. After the battle, a small chest was found. Inside was a scroll which burst into flames. As it burned, he found a new spell in his memory! Gems and jewels were also found. They valued about 20000 gold pieces and were sent to the capital!
From Matt Lincoln: I tried to flee (ignore) the Barrow as the DS (with my e68). The result was that the barrow wight ambushed me and took me down to 1 health.