Tweedle Against the Undead

A Tweedle Adventure Using Swords & Six-Siders 

After his previous success the villagers piled gifts upon Tweedle - bags of farm produce and even a goat. It wasn't bags of gold like in the stories, but it was still treasure in Tweedle's eyes. Alas, they gave him more than he could carry! But there was one farm boy named Dunh who was quite impressed by Tweedle.

"I want to be a famous adventurer, just like him!" he was saying at Tweedle's feast. 

When Tweedle asked for help carrying his prizes, Dunh immediately volunteered. He armed himself with a rusty boar spear, a cheaply made wooden shield, and a padded vest. Picking up Tweedle's bags with ease (he was a well built youth), Dunh set off after his hero.

After a couple of days of travel they arrived at an isolated village. When Dunh went around telling everyone that Tweedle was a "famous hero," the whole village wanted to hear about his exploits. Tweedle briefly relayed the story of his rescue mission (conveniently skipping over his failure at the pirate cave), then claimed that he did not want to say more because he did not want to brag. Naturally, the villagers praised his humility.

Then the mayor spoke to Tweedle. "Perhaps you can help us. There have been reports of foul doings in the graveyard. Strange lights, and some of the graves have been opened!"

The rest of the village chimed in with their pleas for help. Reluctantly, Tweedle agreed. But he feared to go alone. Then an idea struck him.

"This sounds like a two-man job," Tweedle declared as he turned toward Dunh. "Perhaps you would like to accompany me, Dunh?"

Dunh's eyes shone with wonder and excitement. It was his dream come true!

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As the two heroes enter the cemetery, they see the disturbed graves. At the far end is a lengthy barrow. Long ago, according to the villagers' legends, a great king lived in the area. He chose to make his burial tomb here. Now, the duo can see that the great stone that enclosed the barrow had been moved.

The Barrow

In the first chamber (1), they see a bloody corpse lying on the floor. Dunh rushes over to help, but the corpse animate and attacks. Dunh stabs it through the eye with his spear. It slumps to the ground.

"Foul doings indeed," intones Tweedle.

When they enter the next chamber (2), they hear growling. Out of nowhere, a ghoul leaps out. It claws Tweedle, who feels a sinister chill run down his spine. He steels himself and counterattacks, but the creature dodges. This brings the ghoul within Dunh's reach. He stabs, but the ghoul sidesteps the attack and countes. Now, Dunh feels the rake of the monster's claws. Dropping his spear, he tries to reach for his dagger, but the creature has a hold of him. Tweedle takes advantage, however, and clocks the ghoul over its head. The creature staggers, releasing its hold. Dunh grips his dagger and stabs, gutting the monster. It collapses.

"Thanks Tweedle," Dunh pants as he tries to recover his breath.

"No, thank you, Dunh. Or should I say Ghoul-slayer."

Dunh breaks into a big grin.

From this room, there are two side exits (3 and 4). They try the left (3). They trigger a trap, and two arrows whiz at them. Both manage to duck. Fortunately, the other (4) is empty, as are the next two chambers (5 and 6).

As they approach the next chamber (7), they hear the rattle of bones. Tweedle takes the opportunity to cast his Mirror Image spell. Three copies of Tweedle appear. Dunh gasps.

"You are a powerful wizard!" Dunh proclaims. Tweedle and his doubles just shake their heads.

Cautiously they enter the next room. A skeleton attacks, striking one of the doubles. It disappears in the blink of an eye. The skeleton then turns on Dunh, slashing his arm. Blood wells up. Enraged, Dunh smashes the skeleton's face with the butt of the spear. The skull splinters and the creature crumbles.

By this time, Dunh has taken some serious wounds. Fortunately, Tweedle has a healing poultice given to him by the village healer. He binds Dunh's wounds. Reinvigorated, Dunh is ready to continue the adventure.

The final room (8) is the burial chamber of the king. Alas, he has been turned into a wight. It attacks Dunh and inflicts a wound. Dunh retaliates with a stab then dodges the next attack. The thing whirls madly, slashing at our heroes. Deftly, they avoid its attacks. Finally, Tweedle smashes the creature's skull. It falls to the ground.

Tweedle and Dunh poke around the burial chamber. They find a small chest with an assortment of coppers and silver. "Great king, indeed," thought Tweedle. Probably just a minor chieftain. Still treasure was treasure.

Then Dunh spoke. "Is it right to rob a tomb, Tweedle?"

Tweedle thought about it. "I don't know. They do say that 'to the victor belong the spoils.' Besides, look at this!"

Amidst rotting finery, rusted iron, and moldy leather, Tweedle pulls a shiny item. Holding it aloft, Dunh sees that it is a majestic sword.

"Ooooooooo." Dunh says.

"For you." Tweedle states as he hands the precious sword to Dunh.

"Can I keep this?" Dunh replies, desire and guilt vying with each other on his face.

"Well," Tweedle declares, "let's return it to the village. They can decide."

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Our heroes relate their tale to the mayor. He thinks about it for a moment, then declares:

"You have saved our village from great evil. For this, you deserve recompense. Keep the spoils you have retrieved. We shall bury the king properly, and we will repay him for his lost treasures."