9b. Roderic’s Cell

As you get closer to this cell, you hear a faint moan, as if someone is crying. Approaching the door, you peek into the cell through the barred window and see a child, no older than ten, terrorized and huddling in the corner of the cell. He finally raises his head, looking at you, and says "You… You are not with the dog-men, are you?" The child held captive in this cell is Roderic Drekh, son of Philibert Drekh (see Stranded in the Woods in Introduction). He was captured by the Black Paws along with his mother, Naerie Drekh (see room 22) about a week ago while mushroom picking in Badgerwood. Roderic will be exhausted and hungry when first encountered. Moreover, the child will be extremely worried, fearing the worst might have happened to his mother. The boy has short dark hair and wears a wool tunic tightened by a leather belt, tight pants, and a pair of boots. His clothes are ragged and dirty and he has bruises on his face and arms. Roderic is polite and respectful and will be truly thankful for the player’s help. He will, however, insist on finding his mother. He knows she was in a cell until recently but was brought somewhere else by the barklings. Naerie’s whereabouts are unknown to him though he remembers Dingo asking her if she knew how to cook before taking her elsewhere. If the PCs want to leave the Black Paws’ Lair without his mother, he will stay in the cave and look for her. Should the PCs insist on bringing him back with them, he will run away and head back to the cave with the intention of rescuing his mother. Roderic Drekh, Normal Man: AC 11, AB +0, #At 1 by small weapon, Dam 1d4, Mv 40', ML 8, XP 10 HP