Untitled Hexcrawl Entry
Some context: In order to avoid my tendency for planning ambitious projects and getting burnt out or overwhelmed, I’ve decided to take a more conducive approach where I write short snippets of game components and other writing exercises, and post them semi-frequently. This is an entry for a hypothetical hexcrawl that draws heavily from early medieval ireland. It owes a lot to the fantastic wolves upon the coast campaign I am lucky to be a part of, chronicled on modality’s blot.
The Reek of Gaeispuir: A Lone mountain, the only one of its height for miles, jutting into the sky. It was said Gaeispuir the Magician traveled to his mount on his mission to to scour the land of evil. There he fasted for 240 days, tormented by flocks of demonic birds and the advances of a Succubus, all of which he spurned and cast into the depths of the mountain, sealing them away. Many ancient ritual sites and stone cairns of uncertain origin dot the side of the peak. At the very top is a cave with a large stone blocking the entrance, requiring the strength of at least 12 men to move. If successfully moved, 3d6 demonic bird-bats will emerge and attack the PCs. Inside the cave is a jeweled brooch (300 sp) used in the binding ritual.
NPCs
Donnel (He/Him, She/Her) - A man who lives in a hut at the foot of the Reek. He will gladly tell travelers the legend of Gaeispuir and the mountain if asked, but his telling will vary slightly from the standard version. In her account, Gaeispuir was bested by the demon, who trapped him and took his form, spreading heresies and falsehood for the rest of his supposed life. According to Donnel, he has been trying to move the stone for years, which he believes will free the Magician, but has grown too old and frail to continue.
In actuality, she is the Succubus from the legend, unable to leave the side of the Reek. If she successfully tricks the PCs into moving the stone, she will take the form of a double-headed snake demon. If the PCs revisit the hut, he will attempt to possess one of them - if not, she will flee to the nearest settlement in an attempt to find a suitable host.