For Christmas, I gave my older nephew the new D&D Players’ Handbook. Last week, I ran a game for him and his brother for the first time.
The Strayaway Child was my old introductory adventure in 2e D&D, inspired by the Chieftains’ version of the melody of that name. It was easy work to rejig it for 5e. It’s simple, hopefully quite atmospheric, and sets a basic standard of heroism that most PCs should pass.
Travelling together, Fezzwick the Gnome wizard and Bill the bard come upon a village in distress. A small child has wandered into the cursed Old Forest, and no-one dares go in to rescue her. The adventure-seeking heroes leap at the chance, though, and, after questioning the locals further, set off into the darkening wood.
Meeting a lost warrior who soon becomes their loyal companion, they explore in the sinister forest. They encounter skeleton woodcutters (toned down from the runaway lovers turned zombies of the original adventure), and fight goblins. Bill finds a wounded owl and tends to the creature.
They catch sight of the lost child, but goblins capture her before they can reach her. They track them to a ruined village in the heart of the forest. They investigate the chapel, the one building undespoiled by goblins, and find the hidden tomb of Lucian, the legendary knight.
They snatch the little girl from the goblins, but the goblin shaman summons the spirit of the witch who first cursed the place, and evil flames begin to engulf the forest. At this point, Bill takes the owl whistle which mysteriously appeared in his possession after helping the wounded bird, and blows it. Giant owls swoop in, and carry the heroes to safety.
The villagers are overjoyed at the safe return of little Mary, and the forest fire seems to have lifted the curse - perhaps the trees wil grow back healthily, now.
The boys did well, making some good decisions (and some not so good), and enjoying being the heroes of the story.
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