Ghostwalkers of Gjöll

The river Gjöll is full of swords. 

One week ago, a sword plummeted over the falls of the river Gjöll at Foss-thorp. Every day since, hundreds of swords have rained down the falls, their metallic cacophony echoing throughout Gjöllfjord. 

Three days later, a walking ghost emerged from the river and attacked the village. It was a draugr, an undead warrior with distended gray skin and hollow blue eyes.

Every day, more draugr emerge. Most villagers have fled Foss-thorp. Jarl Snorri has sent for help, but he stays behind to protect the village from the draugr and prevent them from terrorizing the whole fjord.

Where are the swords coming from? What is causing the draugr's presence? Can you stop them? 

This bi-fold pamphlet contains a village, a cliffside ascent, and a 5-room dungeon.

Ghostwalkers of Gjöll was written for the Appendix N Jam in July 2025; the title was given to me. This work is inspired by my brief research into Norse myth, particularly the Prose Edda by Icelander Snorri Sturluson.

In Norse mythology, the seldom-mentioned river Gjöll separates the world of the living from the world of the dead. Gjöll, often translated as “scream” or “roar,” is sometimes described as being full of weapons.

Text, illustrations, and cartography by Maxim Lowe. 

Statted for Cairn 2e by Yochai Gal.

Typefaces: Dicier by Speak the Sky, Noto Sans Runic, Old Wood by Luis Jerez, and Source Serif.