The Standing Stones of Old Bonegrinder
The Standing Stones of Old Bonegrinder
Behind the Durst Windmill, in the field to the rear, stand six megaliths: four large stones and two shorter ones arranged at the edge of a larger earthen mound.
Observed Characteristics
Five of the six stones are cracked and dark. The sixth — one of the shorter stones — glows with a faint silver light.
Each time one of the three hags at the windmill died during Session 6, the earth rumbled: gently at first, then louder. After the third death, an earthquake-level crack split the ground behind the windmill. The earthen mound — formerly fully grown over — now has a rent opening in it.
Brother Moro (Perception 25 with Guidance) heard growling from inside the mound and saw eyes glinting in the darkness behind the opening.
Observed — Session 7
The party examined the stones before entering the mound. Four large stones had carvings: dragon, raven, gargoyle, Leshy. Two smaller stones: one with a wolf carving, glowing silver, bearing the inscription The living walk together. The dead walk alone. One with a wagon wheel carving, in poor condition.
While the party fought the Nightmare Lumber King inside the mound, Ismark observed the wagon wheel stone begin to glow, tremble, and shift partially back into alignment. Words that had been unreadable before became clear: Not all roads serve the devil. Some roads defy him.
Current State
- Wolf stone: intact, glowing silver, legible inscription
- Wagon wheel stone: partially realigned after the Lumber King's defeat; inscription now legible
- Dragon, raven, gargoyle, Leshy stones: still cracked and dark
- Mound: cleared; the Nightmare Lumber King is dead; the mound is no longer sealed or active
Speculation
The stones appear to respond to events inside the mound and around it. Whether they track specific milestones, track the sealing and release of whatever was imprisoned, or serve a broader function is unknown. Five of six stones are still damaged. The connection between specific stones and specific factions or creatures (wolf/Lumber King, wagon wheel/road, etc.) is suggestive but unconfirmed.
First Observed
Session 6 — seen from the second-floor window by Brother Moro