Month: Aug 2022

The Queen Reagent

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Welcome to a weird Wednesday where today we are looking at a twist of the list I brought to my qualifying match last week and presented yesterday. Tonight we look at an alternative list for me to take – adding another powerful Arch Reagent and a Terrorgheist for the mortal wound output.

The Queen Reagent

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First off in traditional Warhammer style I have the list.

Made in Warscroll builder

Now to explore the changes to Krak’s list let’s delve into it a bit.

Royalty

Name: Lissandra Lipsnatcher

Unit: Abhorrent Arch Reagent

A contender for Krak Crowncracker’s claim to the throne Liss is a powerful and rare queen amongst her kind. Ferocious and brutal she commands the more terrifying legions of the court when the goes to war. Not one to share she finds herself in a strange position where she wants Krak to both fail and succeed. Krak faces down the most terrifying of entities without fear but his fearlessness makes him reckless. This both intrigues and repulses Liss as recklessness is how the previous Arch Reagent lost his head, and crown.

Never seen too far away from her second in command, Duke Will Wicksplitter, she detests the boisterous knights of the courts of fellow rulers. Because of this she rarely allows them in her presence, except for the most feral of them that swoop from the skies to skewer her enemies.

Liss isn’t like the other Flesh Eater Courts abhorrent rulers – she is aware of her delusion and see’s herself for what she truly is – and revels in the carnage, bloodshed and putrescent gluttony that it enables. This makes gives pause to all those who would oppose her as she appears as a feral beast amongst their midst and rarely looks like the benevolent rulers they see themselves to be.

Name: Duke Will Wicksplitter

Unit: Abhorrent Ghoul King on Royal Terrorgheist

One of the reasons for the armies that Liss commands not containing Knights is Duke Will Wicksplitter and his mount. In the eyes of the court his mount is something akin to a glorious resplendent phoenix, its died and came back to life immeasurable times before the courts eyes. The Terrorgheist however has a nasty habit of feasting on the biggest of the courts minions – the knights – and their boisterous nature calls to it like a cat to a mouse.

For this reason, amongst others, Liss and Will don’t allow foot knights to be in their presence when they ride to war as it proves more deadly for their forces than that of their enemy.

Now being different to the other list I removed the knights, they pose a meaty punching bag, anvil and occasional brutal hammer to counter my opponents infantry. However I find that my Crypt Ghouls pose enough of a threat that I don’t have to rely on the less numerous knights to fill this role.

However my list lacks mortal wounds and the terrorgheist has it in spades. Pared with the supporting buffs from the three other spell casters as well as its own ward it can be a shredder when it comes to chewing through enemy lines. Rerolling hits and wounds from the overlapped spells makes it a great candidate with the average damage beating that of the Krondspine Incarnate. The ability to make it a 3+ ignoring 1 point of rend (Finest day and Mystic shield) as well as a 5+ ward make it nearly as durable as the Krondspine and when paired with the Chalice the wounds it does take are likely to nearly vanish at the end of the turn.

Adding two more expensive heroes does create a problem though – I also drop my 30 man ghoul unit into a block of 20. But in my experience the full 30 ghouls were never all getting into combat any way – so this way I have a smaller footprint to manage and get the same number of attacks per ghoul in combat.

Thanks for joining me tonight to look at a revised list that I will be testing out tomorrow night. I may swap around some of the spells (perhaps flaming weapon on Will and blood feast on Liss) but I will give it some thought tonight. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow as I hope to show off my army in its mostly painted glory and, always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The legions of Krak Crowncracker

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Welcome to a a bit of a different change of pace from the normal NPC night tonight as I gear up for three weeks of competitive Warhammer. Tonight I am exploring the legions of Krak Crowncracker and what the army list is that I am considering taking to the next three competitive matches.

The legions of Krak Crowncracker

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First off in traditional Warhammer style I have the list.

Made in Warscroll builder

Now to explore the legions I have something a bit different.

Royalty

Name: Krak Crowncracker

Unit: Abhorrent Arch Reagent

Krak Crowncracker stole his crown from the previous king. Being an older, more experienced Abhorrent King the overthrowal of the old ruler of the courts wasn’t a particularly difficult task. In fact with the support of the Lady Reagent and his most loyal courtiers it was child’s play.

Wearing the dermal robe, a treasured artefact, he is a particularly potent spell caster. With his natural abilities no surprise that he is able to bolster his knights to perform greater feats of bravery and heroics.

When fighting near his two supporting kings, those that rule over kingdoms nearby who swore loyalty to him, he is a potent commander.

Name: Lady Alloren Drakrender

Unit: Abhorrent Ghoul King on Zombie Dragon

Kraks second in command when he is not on the field Alloren is a ferocious combatant with or without her dragon. Leading the charge and wading into the masses of bodies she shows The legions of Krak Crowncracker how its done. She herself fights harder to convince the serfs and knights to follow her, and her dragons, foot steps. With her ferociousness in full display, and the ancient dragon under her command, it is a rare sight indeed for troops, serfs or otherwise, to flee from the battlefield when she is nearby.

Adorning the Decrepit Coronet she is chosen of Krak to lead his legions, for this battle at least, and the legions of serfs are more than happy to follow her to their demise.

Name: Duke Bryce Tallowswallow

Unit: Abhorrent Ghoul King

Lord Bryce Tallowswallow is ruler of one of the fiefdoms of Krak Crowncracker. Bryce inspires the troops he oversees to fight harder, the serfs and knights are normally eager to prove themselves to Bryce as he is in charge of distributing the most delicious of loot.

Bryce wasn’t always third in command, no, until Krak took over he was fighting wars with the previous reagent. However the demonstration of Kraks’ power, his cunning and his ruthlessness to get what he desired swayed Bryce take a knee instead of taking up his sword.

Nobility

Name: Bran Hoofgnasher

Unit: Crypt Haunter Courtier

Bran is a huge knight, and a bigger Crypt Haunter at that. Standing way taller than the average man the magic and blessings from his king swell him with pride, fervour and the desire for bloodshed. Normally positioned near the thick of it he is not afraid to bound into melee himself. With the bolstering of his king, and the artefact he carries (the Flayed Pennant) those around him and in particular his knights are fast and brutal first engagers.

Name: Lord Tyson Tearn’swallow

Unit: Crypt Ghast Courtier

Unlike Bran, Lord Tyson is a small and weaselly man. Thin of nature he manages to whip the Serfs that follow him into a frenzy and even has displayed the uncanny ability to bring order back into the hosts when they start to waver.

Name: Luke Bonespittle 

Unit: Crypt Ghast Courtier

Not yet given the title of Lord, Luke is a relatively untested courtier who has followed Krak to the battlefield to gain experience in commanding troops. Whilst not as thin and weasel-like as Lord Tyson he is just as persuasive to the lower classes, coming from one of them himself, and they follow his orders. Given the smallest contingency on the battlefield, except for Kraks Scouts, he is generally well organised and follows the plan to the letter.

Knights

Name: Bran’s Burning Knights

Unit: 6xCrypt Horrors

Leader: Kale Ironshot

Brans Burning knights are the biggest of his knights and when they charge the impact of their blades is felt across the battlefield. These knights are the true hammer of the court and are able to smash through and battleline or regiment that is foolish enough to stand in their path.

Name: Shining Tooth

Unit: 3xCrypt Horrors

Leader: Reginald Tongueslitter

Quicker and more of a skirmish unit than the Burning Knights the Shining tooth pick off key units and wade into them without fear for their safety. To them the mission is all and if they can prevent invaders and those who challenge Krak or Bran from reaching their lords and kings then they consider their mission complete.

Serfs

Name: Tyson’s Fury

Unit: 30xCrypt Ghouls

Leader: Kitty Flayedback

Kitty Flayedback leads the most zealous and ferocious infantry and footmen that Krak has ever seen. With a single call from his horn, or inspirational command they throw themselves like cornered beasts into the enemy and bring them down with blade, pick or axe. Although not as big or armoured as the knights, generally just wearing the colours of Krak’s courts they fight as if they were the mightiest warriors on the battlefield – and they might be just right.

Name: Bolstered Bulwark

Unit: 20xCrypt Ghouls

Leader: Kate Goredribble

Whilst not ferocious and hungry for a fight as Kitty’s warriors Kates are staunch defenders and never falter. Listening to their lords or kings last orders they carry them out to the letter regardless of what crests the hill in front of them or kicks down the gate. Proving themselves resourceful multiple times they have earnt a seat at Krak’s table – good things are in Kates future goblet

Name: Sparrowhawks

Unit: 10xCrypt Ghouls

Leader: MIA

Not given a specific title based on the deeds of a few in the group Krak’s Sparrowhawks are the first to spot the enemy. Generally used as a rear guard to ensure that the Arch Reagent, his courtiers and lords are safe from an ambush. This has however resulted in a higher than average turnover of this specialised group and they are always seeking new members.

Now you may have noticed that not all the names are called out in the list or the alternative writeup for them. This is because characters, such as Vorn Blackblood – my Varghulf courtier from last nights For The Sorvereign, are reinforcements who join Krak nearly every conflict – however they rarely appear on the battlefield originally.

I also tried to explain the role of each of my units as well – some have very specific roles such as providing areas of denial for teleporting (deep striking) or for counter charging (The Burning Knights) or even pinning something down for a turn (Shining Tooth) and their purpose doesn’t really change in the Legions of Krak Crowncracker.

Thanks for joining me tonight to get a glimpse at the thoughts behind my list and what it constitutes. Don’t forget to come back each night as I expand upon my thoughts behind my Warhammer and, always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

For the sovereign

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Welcome to a what I am calling as my week off. As I prepare for the first age of sigmar tournament I am attending this year, sovereign smash, I am left asking myself. What do I need to do to prepare for the sovereign?

I have my army, one I will perfect over the next two weeks as I prepare for the sovereign smash tournament. Now I just need my theme. Theme and the story behind my army is important for me to really invest in the success for my Warhammer and a long standing army of mine is still king. Well Arch Reagent. The Flesh Eater Courts.

This week and the next I prepare by taking my army through the ringer against a couple of local players who are both excellent hobbyists in a local league finals. Yeah, I managed to get 3rd place overall and got into the finals to decide the who were take home the 1st place crown.

So I wanted to write up a bit about my current formation of my army and allude to possible future iterations. So I give you my great delusion.

For the Sovereign

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The green grass of the field ahead of them was only broken by the pillars of woodwork and stone that his men had erected years ago. The vibrant banners flapped in the winds as his followers, mighty knights, his courtiers and the largest gathering of serfs that had been witnessed on a battle field for many years now.

Looking across the battlefield the serfs had just finished setting up the tower from which he could sit upon and conduct battle. It was a fine day for a fight and these interlopers, these invaders were here to fight to claim the title Sovereign. It was his title and not one that he would share lightly. In fact there was only one other that he would consider sharing this title with and she was vacant from this battlefield. Probably wise as her appetite for bloodshed was almost as high as her other appetites.

Climbing his throne-like tower he stood high above the surrounding lands and looked across his men. His general caught his eye. A woman of rare bearing and even rarer martial prowess, much like himself. Tall for her kind and despite her ruthlessness in combat she shared a strange fondness for the beast she rode into battle. A dragon. Shaking his head, his twinned moustache floating in the spring breeze he heard the first trumpets of his scouts saw the unholy minions of darkness streak towards the ground in bolts of lightning.

“How she can manage to keep astride that beast and still manage to direct troops is beyond me” he muttered to himself.

“Arch Reagent!” a portly man, one of his courtiers, Bran Hoofgnasher, called to him as he strode swiftly towards him. “The invaders have fell beasts on their side. The knights are ready to engage but I fear the Serfs will falter.” The man was correct, he rarely was wrong when it came to his knights and their ability to sew chaos and bloodshed.

“Well I better hope that Lord Tyson Tearn’swallow and Luke Bonespittle can keep their men in order until reinforcements arrive. This is a battle we can not afford to lose as I hear rumours of a gathering of others who would wrestle my crown from me.” The Arch Reagent, Krak Crowncracker, said as he looked over the gathering of men, beasts and knights.

Besides. We also have a dragon.

The call to arms went out swiftly and with a sudden burst of movement the enemy was advancing towards them. Foul black knights in armour the glimmered and shone in foul mockery of their dark nature formed walls of flesh and steel. ‘Clever’, he thought to himself as he noticed the key positions that they sought to hold. The giant dragon, foul scaled and crackling with fouler lightning landed on the left flank to bolster the small contingent of forces that had gathered there.

“Sire! They have a sorcerer!” a call shrieked out from the front lines as bolts of putrid lightning and thunder rumbled forth across the battlefield bolstering their warriors and shaking the serfs nerves.

Dashing forward he climbed the tower with ease, for someone of his physique it was an easy test. “Do not falter!” he called, his voice magically bolstered by the holy robe he wore. “Do not fear, my people. We will beat these invaders back. They have brought foul sorcery and dark beasts to our lands but they have not faced our might and fury before. Onwards to Victory!” he roared above the din of the contingents.

A chant broke out from Lord Tyson Tearn’swallow “For the Sovereign!” the call went out. Soon the serfs started to mirror the chant. “For Krak Crowncracker! For The Sovereign!”. He smiled and swelled with pride at his footmen, his beloved infantry who had served him well for years. The knights bellowed and soon his general, Lady Alloren Drakerender and her mighty companion flew above head to land just in front of him. The dragon bellowed forth a rage filled roar. Challenging any and all to come towards its rider or the Arch Reagent they served.

The serfs moved up, maintaining regimental rank and keeping their banners and weapons high. These were highly trained troops and as the enemy forces finished their positioning they too had mirrored their hold on the key positions.

His anvil. The knights and his courtiers the mighty keening hammer that would drive the invaders home he thought to himself. But, he also knew no fury like the serfs. They were loyal and ferociously so to not only himself and the lady Alloren Drakerender but also his adjutant Duke Bryce Tallowswallow – and unfortunate name for one of his rank – but he had proved himself time and time again.

Watching his serfs, their courtiers move and mirror the invaders brought a smile to his mouth. For he had organised a surprise gift for the invaders. Grabbing a horn from his side he pressed the cold metal to his lips and blew – the sound like a screaming horse split across the sky and the same haunting sound came from the flanks of the opposing forces. Lord Vorn Blackblood, his mightiest courtier was joined with a contingent of his fiercest of serfs and drove the enemy back one of the key defensible positions.

Blowing a second time and his scouts returned from off field to join him by his side.

“You called sire?” they yelled as they ran towards him, the rest of his forces moving up to take the field and key positions.

“I need you to watch our territory. I feel as though they are holding back from us. This can not be the force we heard about there are far too few men.” he said as he counted only 20 foot knights that accompanied the large drake-like mount, the dragon and the hideous feather winged abomination that some had called a Tauralon.

The scouts nodded and retreated to climb a nearby house to watch for other invaders.

Noticing that his opponent was on the backfoot he blew into his horn again and raced down from the tower. It was time to go on the offensive.

“Onwards Lady Alloren Drakerender. Show them how its done!” he called out as the drake roared and charged into enemy lines. Moments after a torrent of fire roasted two knights in their armour and their bodies fell to the ground with foul lightning forking out around them.

The serfs, courageous and hungry to prove their might to the Lady, also charged into the dark warriors. Brave souls they were as a few of them were struck down with foul lightning on the charge. His knights also charged in – bolstered by his call to combat they made short work of the distance between them and the foes.

Krak Crowncracker watched as his small contingent of elite knights met a fiery end as the dragon breathed fire down upon them. One knight and his steed survived the fire onslaught but that made the remaining warrior all the more ferocious.

Soon the dragon, the knights and even Vorn Blackblood had charged into the invaders and the knights fell shortly after. Foul magic whisking across the field keeping falling warriors alive by unholy magic and the arrival of anther five knights looked to cause an issue for the noble warriors.

Then the dragon fought back. The brave knights that charged into it and his warriors were gone, cut in two by those putrid claws. The serfs, courtiers, knights and Alloren had killed the land drake, a Dracoth, was ripped in two by the ferocious jaws of her dragon. After a few heated moments of conflict his forces had decimated all the foot knights and a few small lords on foot. However the dragon and winged creature posed a threat.

The counter charge was brutal. His instincts were right as the most unholy creature fell to the earth – a Lord Celestant-Prime, his ancient tomes had warned of their dark magic and ability to single handily win fights. He only had to get his troops to hold long enough so that his reinforcements could arrive and all would be well – Lady luck was normally on his side.

After the dragons fire, claws and worse his entire left flank was gone. The middle contingency of troops was down to a few standing but those approaching with Vorn were nearly uninjured – a few scrapes and scratches. The dragon had killed Bryce and Tyson and there wasn’t anything between him and his foe. But, a horn sounded in the distance and another unit of his fiercest troops appeared, a unit of 30 strong!

Lord Vorn Blackblood charged into the remaining troops and made the final push to hold the enemies position. His troops, his men and women controlled the field. There wasn’t an inch of land that wasn’t under his control and the enemy knew it. The crack of bones rumbled through the battlefield as Alloren Drakerender and her mount were killed by a ferocious and desperate charge from the dragon. The Celestant-prime strode up to Lord Blackblood and with a swing of its unholy mace his most loyal courier fell.

Cursing he screeched across the battlefield. The field was his but what remained was no match for the foul creatures. As he pressed the ornate horn to his lips to bellow a retreat another horn rang out. Reinforcements were appearing and the thundering of feet on ground sounded the arrival of more of his zealous serfs. The battle was not over and with a bolt of dark lightning the Dragon, Tauralon and Celestant-Prime fled the battlefield. A chorus began to spread across the battlefield. “For the Sovereign!” and his loyal troops returned to gather around him as they grabbed the bodies of the fallen to form piles of the dead. There would be a feast tonight in their honour.

Thanks and, always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Shadow Born’s Final Move

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Tonight as we head towards the conclusion of this yearly adventure meet Mugrave once again, but this time she is something more. This month is a level 7 adventure so our party of adventurers better be up for the task in dealing with the Shadow Born’s final move.

As with last time Pages 1, 2 and 3 are content pages, the description, flow, random tables, etc. and such that you’ve previously seen.
Page 4 contains all NPCs and portraits to help the DM describe them and a bit about them to help play them out.
Page 5 will be stat blocks and map(s) – all that D&D encounter goodness that you want.

Now I will assume you have read the entire post which has had some bits modified over the months content. Now including the original content, and some bits added this is a smaller than normal length, only just making 7635! words long. I really do appreciate the time you take to read through these end of month adventures.

All Maps were made in Inkarnate using their Pro license, Art was created in Artbreeder and the statblocks were created in Tetra-cube AND the balancing of encounters is a mixture of experience and the guides found at Kobold Fight Club.

Don’t forget to come back next week and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Part 1 – Those without Form – 231MoWaVi

After the party had found some horses that were in need of some new, living owners they continued north. The hope of a warm bed and hot meals quickly fades when they passed another village that was in the wake of violence left by the Shadows minions. As they passed through the village they noted that only some of the houses were destroyed whilst others looked like they had sustained minimal damage. But regardless of which of the villages along the northern road they travelled there were always bodies in some stage of mutilation or being devoured.

About three days travel from the Kunagi Ranges the party came across a village that was untouched. In fact as they asked around they quickly became aware that many of the people in this village were refugees from the previous village or some to the East.

“What’s east?” asked one of the players.

“The wall, our last defence from the shadow and the hordes of creatures that it commands in the mountains” Kyoko replied.

“We best make haste to your home Lady Kyoko, I fear that we spend too much time on these roads” Kuang said as he analyses the buildings and faces nearby.

Begging

As the party left the Village and headed north she watched from the side of the road. Posing as one of the refugees from an earlier village she had made it to this small town without any real issue. Now that she was seen as one of those who drifted, one of those in need it was easy to move from place to place without questions being asked which suited her purposes.

“Soon we will be rid of that princess. Once she leads me to the light.” Mugrave muttered quietly to herself as she moved to get some food. “Once I have taken care of the light then our plan wont fail” she said to the voice in her head. The Shadow was pleased with his servant and retreated back from the busy street.

“We won’t stay long in this village on our way to Heavens Reach.” Kyoko explained as she moved down the street, greeting villagers and guards like she was an old acquaintance of some. “I don’t like the idea of that spirit harming these innocent folk because we stayed a moment too long.”

“I agree. It’s best for your safety and the safety of others if we can return you home.” Kuang said as he uncharacteristically bent down and handed some food to a few small children who were begging for it.

Without warning one of the guards that had approached Kyoko drew their sword and lunged at the princess. The party sprang into action and within moments the guard lay at their feet. After a few moments of looking for other threats the body of the guard shuddered once and a gargling wheeze came forth from the body. As the shuddering stopped the body separated into finger length slugs that crawled into the ground leaving nothing behind.

Staring at the creature, the place where it was to be more exact, the party were unable to identify the creature. Kuang, Hana and Kyoko stared at some of the fleshy slug like creatures as they buried in the ground. Scooping one up and putting it in a glass bottle Kyoko examined the creature.

The skin of it appeared to take on the texture and colour of what body part, clothing or item it was imitating before it was reverted back to this fleshy slug form. After a few moments of it being captured in a bottle it slowed its twitching and writhing before stopping all together and appearing to be dead. “Gross little creature,” Kyoko muttered as she stared at it, “some of the studied men back home may know what it is.”

Walking down the road once more, this time more cautious they met with no difficulty or hostility for quite some time. The group even let their guard down as they approached a vendor selling breads and street food. As they went to hand over the bartered for coin a knife dashed out from behind the counter and after another intense fight another mass of fleshy slugs wormed their way into the ground.

“These attacks are not enough to get past us.” Kuang mused as he looked at one of the slugs he had impaled on his sword. “They die quickly, inflict little to no damage but its the same type of creature attacking us in different ways. There must be a plan or intent behind these attacks.”

Walking through the streets trailing the foreigners and the Harimasu princess was easy. Dressed as she was, with the skin she was wearing she could blend in any where. Mugrave moved through the streets, appearing hungry and confused, a look of fear and a touch of despair tugging at her voice helped to sell the act.

As she moves from door to door, vendor to vendor she asks for food, spare coin or clothes to keep her warm. Her comely appearance, soft voice and youthful skin draw more than one glance from the men but that doesn’t concern her. She watches as one of her agents moves closer to the party, glancing back knowingly towards the her and receiving a signal from Mugrave before lunging at Kyoko.

The panic that ensued was sheer bliss. Mugrave relished in watching the streets erupt into chaos as the adventurers and Kyokos guard erupted into action easily cutting down the would be assailant. As she pretended to scream and scramble to safety as the violent response came Mugrave studied them. She watched their moves and the assessing their capabilities as was her plan. She could not attack the group without knowing what she was up against and now she knew.

As the day went on more of her agents attacked the group and she learnt more about their strength. She would need to be careful with this lot.

Settling down in a refugee camp for the night she enjoyed the comforts of poverty. Free food, blankets and different faces, emotions and personalities to learn and perfect. For a skin walker such as herself having a supply of inspiration and a list of faces and voices to use was of most importance.

Areas and places of note

Refugee Camp– A collection of cloth, canvas, smoke and tent posts the refugee camp hosts dozens pof the displaced and unfortunate.

Environment and running the adventure

The panicked streets is an easy enough gimmick with people running around and looking for a place to hide. This means that for our party they now have to deal with this movement and shift of potential threats. As DMs we need to really sell this. Describe the moment that the panic sets in or just simply emphasise that these people, refugees or farmers are just trying to get away from the spark of violence.

These small details can help drive the narrative of the encounter and enrich it from just being “Combat” to being “roleplay”.

The actual encounter should be one or two Quaigin attacking at once. Trying a different approach or tactic each time as they test how the party react.

Notable NPC interactions.

Kyoko Harimasu – Kyoko is quick to help those in need but when she starts to get attacked by the Quaigin she is more hesitant to approach strangers.

Captain Kuang Ping – Kuang is un-normally kind to people, revealing a side of himself that isn’t often seen by the Captain. He is however the first to draw his sword and strike down those who attack Kyoko or Hana.

Sasha (Hana Toshio-Harimasu) – Hana is much like Kyokoas she helps where she can and people celebrate her passing along with Kyoko and Kuang. The three are well loved and despite the trauma the villagers and townsfolk have endured these past few weeks they try and protect and help the harimasu heir where they can.

Encounter

Shifters –

The panicked streets is an easy enough gimmick with people running around and looking for a place to hide. This means that for our party they now have to deal with this movement and shift of potential threats. As DMs we need to really sell this. Describe the moment that the panic sets in or just simply emphasise that these people, refugees or farmers are just trying to get away from the spark of violence.

These small details can help drive the narrative of the encounter and enrich it from just being “Combat” to being “roleplay”.

The actual encounter should be one or two Quaigin attacking at once. Trying a different approach or tactic each time as they test how the party react.

After the encounter:

The party can do what they please, but to head back into the village of Lanidaye will help drive the story forward. Whether it is to buy supplies or say farewell the village should be provided as the suggestion from Jason and the other NPCs.

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Happy 1st year BrazenWolfeTabletop

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Well, its apparently one whole year since i started this little venture and I am even more excited that my goal of having atleast one post a day has averaged out to be true over the year.

Today, and this post, marks 371 posts to date across the 12 months and 365 days. And while I have a small and awesome group of followers I hope to see it expand and grow next year.

So whilst next week is the start of September I have a few hobby updates to do this coming weeks as I prepare for a local warhammer league finals and a two day warhammer tournament in mid September. So I hope to post some warhammer content this coming week instead of the normal D&D heavy content. But next week I will be back into the full swing of things with d&d.

So have run, keep visiting and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,

The Brazen Wolfe

Subtlety and illusion

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Welcome to a slightly changed up Friday. Tonight instead of fightnight I wanted to talk about something that I see used very infrequently and used successfully even less so. Subtlety and Illusion.

Subtlety and illusion

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Now the second adventure I ever had when playing D&D I will never forget. We had heard rumours of a group of bandits, well assumed bandits who were terrorising a nearby town and robbing them. Always near the village dump. When we got to town we met a helpful wizard who bought us a meal and offered to help us catch the culprits.

The next day we head out to the dump, weapons waiting and expecting an ambush. What we didn’t expect was a giant rat to run at us, shape shifting and growing in size as it ran. Soon the rat that was as large as a dog was now bigger than a house and our weapons seemed to do nothing to it. The wizard was calling out saying that the spell he was trying to cast on the rat wasn’t working. But he kept trying, always chanting and gesturing at the rat.

We passed out and next thing we knew we were robbed blind. Naked with no equipment, armour or weapons we started from scratch. Rigging a bull tug-o-war to win 5gp of prize money to start to rebuild our equipment and gear.

Now being a bit more experienced in DnD now I still fondly remembered when Hunter, my wizard-fighter was robbed without a weapon being drawn. It still inspires ideas of illusion winning the day and either the great Illusionist saving a city, or, enslaving them.

To get the illusion to work the player needs to believe it, or doubt that it could be anything other than real. Its got to be believable, realistic, plausible and without fault. Many of these qualities can be achieved by simply describing the scene and making the illusion sound real. The other part is mechanics of the illusion.

The mechanics are simple in dnd5e. If they think its an illusion they need to succeed on an investigation check vs the spell cast dc. Of they pass they know straight away. Of they don’t they don’t know – well… They shouldn’t know.

It tales a great deal of commitment from the player to have their character knowingly, from their end, believe an illusion. Even if the player knows the on character may not and. This is where the truly experienced and veteran players can flex their roleplaying muscles.

Thanks for dropping by tonight for a glimpse at what I want to cover next month. Sort of. Don’t forget to come back this weekend for the ene of month write-up and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Potion of Radiance

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Welcome to a Thursday writeup where we look at those little extra details that make our game that little bit more for our party. Tonight I wanted to put a bit of flavour on the potion that was revealed earlier this week as well as the weapons which were taken. The Potion of Radiance, as the name suggests, is sunlight and divine energy liquified. Where as the blades of the same name-sake are something of a rarer variety – something that is carved from divinity itself. Curious? Well read on dear reader, read on.

Potion of Radiance

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Credit to original artist, Pramod

The glowing potion, a Potion of Radiance is the condensed essence of dragon fire given liquid form. This almost holy liquid surges power through the body of those who consume it giving them enhanced senses, strength and imbuing their body and weapons with radiant energy.

Once consumed for 10 minutes a creature gains advantage on saving throws, emits a bright light within 10 feet and dim light for a further 15 feet. The consumer’s weapons also count as magical for the duration and the damage is dealt as radiant instead of slashing, bludgeoning or piercing.

Blade of Radiance

Sword image created in GIMP.

The sword of radiance is a burst of sunlight. A drop of divinity and radiance hammered into a tool of war. Only those chosen by the creature that created it, or entrusted by the family of the weapon are seen as worthy to wield this power.

This weapon shines bright light, as if daylight within 15 feet and sheds dim light a further 20 feet from there. Creatures in shadow do not gain benefit of partial cover or cover and it deals an extra 2d4 radiant damage on successful attack. This weapon requires attunement and they must be chosen or appointed as custodian of the blade before the true properties are bestowed.

The legend of how these blades were formed has been lost over time. In fact only one being a live remembers how they were made because they put their blood, sweat and tears into its creation. Literally. These blades are formed from the essence of ancestral dragons and as such when wielded by the descendants of the creatures who made the first pact with such creatures their full power is revealed.

Thanks for dropping by tonight. A little while ago I promised or committed to deliver magical items for this campaign and tonight I fulfil that oath. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow night and the nights following as we move to wrap-up this month and move into the September! And, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Sleight Bests Might

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Welcome to a twisty Wednesday where tonight we look at the subtle actions of an shadow. A stain of a memory that fades from sight, from memory the moment it wills it. A being who seeks to prove that Sleight bests might every time. With such creatures under its influence its amazing that The Shadow needs armies at its command at all. Or is it. Those who are masters in the art of deception are often those who will deceive their employers at any and every given chance. Enough cloak and dagger talk and on with the writeup!

Sleight Bests Might

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As the creature reached into the pocket dimension located in its ribcage, one that all its kind were born it smiled. It had completed its task and the reward that was promised to it was within grasp. Passing the spy, yes it had known who it had delivered the letter too it couldn’t help but giggle. But the spy, the human boy, was none the wiser – all it saw was a blushing young lady of the court who was watching the man from the corner of her eyes.

Trickery was something that all of its kind had been born with. In fact not event the shadow could bestow the required amount of dark power to match even a fraction of its races natural abilities. Those Skin walkers and the Quaigin were nothing compared to it and not even the mighty ancestral dragons were able to detect its kind. Well not straight away at least.

The tricky part wasn’t stealing the items, no that was easy. But pulling a large enough illusion that the weapons turned to dust and convincing everyone in the area to believe the lie was a challenge. But having planted the seed of doubt, the seed of concern in the young spies mind it knew its plan would succeed. In fact casting a realistic illusion of the door and masking the actions of the human to trigger muscle memory but severing the recognition from mind to hand was another delicious challenge.

But the hardest thing was shrinking the room from the outside, expanding the centre of the room and placing illusions of the contents of the room around in front of the originals. Doing all of this the moment the human opened up the door and it was able to see the room was the key.

What the creature didn’t was the presence of pure radiance in the room. Something that it knew to avoid at all costs. Where the being of light touched or shed its rays on it was unable to warp and so the vials that were left out in the open were unable to be shielded. This didn’t vex the creature, in fact it made it more curious as to what else this city had to offer.

Moving down the hallway it turned a corner and faded into the shadows of a doorway. The cold tendrils of mist and darkness clung to its skin as it moved through a rip in the fabric between dimension and soon it was in a very different room. One where only it could access. Moving over to a pile of furs and fabrics it reached into the pocket dimension within its ribs and pulled out the swords, arrows, spears and other weapons. Each one of them glowed as if the summer sun was shedding its radiance and fury at being taken from its home. The creature wasn’t phased – it had been some time since it had seen the sun.

Thanks for visiting tonight and taking the time to read tonight’s twisted Wednesday. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow where we look at additional information to spice up the month of August. So make sure to come back this weekend too where I hope to share some warhammer content too! And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Forgotten Treasure

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Welcome to a Tuesday night special where tonight we look at the outcome of Kyoko sending a request for Aid to Takeo. With her spy looking about for weapons and items to help his lady and her allies Takeo stumbles across some forgotten treasure that are likely to tilt the scales in their favour.

Forgotten Treasure

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As Takeo finished escorting Liz around Heavens Reach castle he closed the door behind himself and left her to the protection of the royal guard and several of his kinsmen. Having been unable to locate or contact his master, the head of the Lotus clan, in weeks. The absence of his master was felt heavily by his students but the head of the Harimasu family seemed unperplexed.

“Koshimako has always disappeared for some time every once in a while.” Kyoko’s Father had said, “he normally comes back after uncovering some foul plot or a nest of spirit folk planning an attack at our border”.

Takeo wanted to believe the emperor, but this time it was different and he wanted to find out why. As Takeo was deep in thought he nearly bumped into the messenger that was racing towards him. Taking a step back in shock the messenger bowed deeply and held out a letter. “Lord Takeo, a messenger hawk came for you an hour ago. I have been trying to find you since its arrived as its addressed to you as a matter of urgency.”

Taking the letter from the panting messenger Takeo bowed deeply before taking a look at the rough parchment. Flipping it over he could see Kyoko’s seal on the back, but the wax looked as if it has been disturbed. Looking up to catch the messenger he cursed when he couldn’t find the boy immediately or was it a girl? To be honest he wasn’t sure as he tried to remember something about the person who had delivered the message his mind seemed to have trouble remembering anything distinguishing about them. Kyoko had an uneasy feeling about it but ripped open the letter and retreated to a well lit windowsill.

After reading the letter he clicked is fingers and summoned a spark of magic which consumed the dry parchment. Kyoko was in danger and needed items that were used to finish the first war with The Shadow. Such items were thought to be forgotten treasures but Takeo knew better and knew to retrieve them from the Harimasu vaults. Taking off at a sprint it wasn’t long before he arrived at where the items were kept. Finding the guards standing to attention gave Takeo a sense of relief after finding the seal on Kyoko’s letter broken.

“I come with an urgent request from Lady Yoko.” Takeo said to the guards as he neared them. No response. “I need to enter the vaults and retrieve certain items that she needs to combat The Shadow.” he continued. The the guards moved, breathed and continued to act as if everything was normal but they were oblivious to Takeo’s presence. Then he noticed that the door was slightly ajar.

Rushing forward past the guards his fears were realised they didn’t move or react to his burst of speed. ‘Enchantment‘ he thought to himself as he raced passed them and through the door. On the other side of the wall the vaults contained scrolls upon scrolls. Hundreds of them that documented the history of the Harimasu clan. It also contained weapons and armour.

Approaching the weapon rack which held the weapons forged to combat the dark masters puppets the first time around he hesitated. Reaching forward he grabbed one of the blades, a long two handed sword that was expertly crafted, and as his hand touched it the blade turned to sand and fell to the ground. Grabbing the other weapons around him he started to yell in frustration as blade after blade turned to sand. The armour was no different and soon Takeo was on his knees surrounded by piles of sand.

Closing his eyes he tried to calm his mind through a series of exercises he had mastered from an early age. That’s when he heard it, the slight tinkle of glass on stone. Looking up and towards the direction of the noise he noticed five glass orbs that seemed to glimmer as if containing the first rays of dawn. Approaching them from down the row of scrolls he noticed that they were little vials, each with a crimson stopper that held back the golden liquid.

Bending down and looking at them there was a scrap of parchment that had a symbols, glyphs that were etched in a glowing ink written upon it. The language was a secret one that only the Harimasu family knew – one said to have been passed down to them from their ancestors. As he grabbed the potion he could feel the warmth of the sun that banished the rising dread that he knew was at his core.

Suddenly his missing master, the spy in his midst and the discovery of the destroyed forgotten treasure of the Harimasu didn’t seem so much of an issue any more.

As he turned to leave, planning on sending the potions to Kyoko he failed to notice the long golden serpentine tail that coiled around the rafters above his head. Or the smile of the being that the tail belonged to.

Thanks for joining me tonight for a further glimpse into the behind the scenes activities that drive the story. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow as we explore a shadowy figure in the Harimasu halls and Thursday night where we look at some additional content that you wont want to miss. And lastly don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Request for Aid

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Welcome to a bonus Monday content night for the August adventure. This week revolves around the things that happened behind closed doors and how the Harimasu heiress sent out a request for Aid. With Mugrave being more aggressive in her actions the party need to step up their defences to keep themselves and their allies safe. With this comes the knowledge and wisdom that only comes with growing up in these lands and the Harimasu family has fought against The Shadow for years.

Request for Aid

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As Kyoko left Hana to sleep and went about cleaning up some of the debris from Doorich cottage after the fight with the Night prowlers she was lost in thought. The attacks on them and increased presence of the Shadow in her families lands were not a coincidence and she could feel a shift in the status quo. For centuries her people had defended Ryokughan from not only aggressors and spirit folk within their land but also those that dwell in the shadowlands – the tainted lands beyond the wall.

As with centuries of conflict her family had become quite talented at fighting against these tainted creatures. In fact they were the best and that is partly the reason why her family is put in such high regard. Taking out a quill, some ink and parchment Kyoko began to write to Takeo, her spy, so that she could get some of their most powerful tools for fighting the Shadow. For years her family had guarded and used her ancestral blades. Swords, daggers and knives that cut through the minions of The Shadow as easily as a honed blade through reeds.

As she continued her letter she stressed the importance of the retrieval of the weapons and the troubles that they had encountered these past days. In doing so she hoped that she would convince Takeo, and the family members of the importance of her request for aid so that they provide what support and manpower they could and fast.

As the sun rose and sent scattered beams of light through a splintered window she sealed the letter with a stamp. “Kuang.” she called out, her guardian and the commander never far away.

“Yes lady Kyoko” a voice came back from the other side of the door.

“Take this letter and send it home to the Heavens Reach castle. As quickly as you can,” she added, “I don’t think these attacks will let up before we get home”. Kuang nodded and retrieved the letter before hurrying out. Kyoko wished as she watched her guard and her fathers friend walk down the street with haste and purpose that she could trust him, that she could trust anyone but her self as what she has seen and dealt with lately indicated that there were foul plots afoot.

Thanks for joining me tonight for a bit of a glimpse of the actions that happened on the side. These actions or events don’t necessarily need to happen without the party knowing or being involved but they help drive the story and tie in the Harimasu heiress a bit more. As we move towards the end of our Ryokghan journey the importance of coming back each night has increased. So don’t forget to come back this week as we expand upon our last content for August and, always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe