Month: Feb 2024

Mellandra’s Keep

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Tonight we have a special map where I had a fair bit of fun playing with overlapping textures while creating Mellandra’s Keep. Now not so much a keep as a tower… the rest of the keep lies off the focal point of the adventure this week. While it can be explored the main interest comes when they investigate the tower itself and what lies within and below the waves.

So let’s grab a coffee, sit back and roll into tonight’s adventure.

Mellandra’s Keep

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Mellandra’s Keep: Low Tide – Created in Inkarnate.

The cooling winds push back the heat from the tropical sun as the spray from the ocean cools the faces of those who approach the tower. The waves lap at their feet as they hop, step and jump over the chunks of debris lay about the sand as they approach where the keep lies.

The large hole in the wall, a testament to an attack from a foe or the waves long ago. The pit that was carved into the rock beneath the waves contains a lot of moving, cool water which appears to be unnaturally dark. However, upon inspection the sand beneath can be seen occasionally from above indicating its not that deep.

Stone walls, ruins, rocky hills and debris make up the focal point of this weeks map. Overlapping paint sets to create the sand, the well of water and pools on top of the rocky perch. The waves and multiple layers within; transparent sand, stone, wavy-sea and deep water, gives a depth to the ocean that I think brings out a chaotic vibe that I appreciate.

Thanks for joining me for another night at my tabletop. Don’t forget that we will expand this adventure, and perhaps some more maps in the Zine. So don’t forget to come back and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Dead Man’s Curse

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As the day draws on the party are drawn, one way or another, to the tower despite the risk of the dead mans curse. However they quickly realise what they have gotten themselves into as things start to go very wrong. But never fear as the party will surely be able to get themselves out of this predicament.

So as we walk along the beach towards certain doom, let’s grab a coffee sit down and roll into tonight’s adventure.

The Dead Man’s Curse

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The man, Turk, walked carefully along the line of trees towards the tower. Despite his caution and actively watching to make sure that he was not being followed the party could easily spot him making a dash towards the tower at the other end of the small island.

Turk – Created in Nightcafe.

Turk’s pace increased as he ran towards the stony ring that made up the base of the tower, built upon a rocky outcropping it sat tall against the blue backdrop. But the seas had begun to claim the land back and great chunks of stone littered the beach creating a cavernous hole in the side of the tower. Sand clung to the sides and base of the tower as the water lapped at the rocks underneath but that didn’t slow down Turk as he ran towards the structure.

The party had given chase after they had realised that the man had taken a bag of tools from the hold, their tools. As they approached the tower they could see from where they were standing that, if there was treasure here it was surely long gone. However, approaching the threshold where the sea had torn down great chunks of the southern wall they were surprised. A great hole dug down into the rock where thin stairs wound downwards into the rock below. The sound of disturbed water, cursing and tools on stone could be heard from down below.

The descent down the steps was slow going due to the slippery nature of the water covered stones as well as the erosion from years of water running over hewn stone. Turk startled when he realised the party was there and dropped the tool he was holding into the water, thrashing around he could not find what he was looking for. The water here was darker than the sea outside and so visibility was nearly impossible. But the water was waist high and the party managed to wade through it reasonably well.

Despite the party’s skill and prowess they could not notice the faint ebb of arcane magic from the walls of the tower, how the sky shifted quickly and the path of the sun seemed to be faster from inside the tower. As they searched the tower they eventually found a gap between the sand, the rock and the wall of the tower but as they looked deeper the light shifted further and the realisation of how dark it had gotten outside the tower dawned on them. As the first waves from the tide coming in crashed into the walls above them and water started to spray down upon them the water around them rose slowly. 

However, that wasn’t the only thing that rose. From being buried under the sand of the tower skeletal arms shot upwards and out of the water, dragging the fallen bodies of sailors, pirates and even locals who brandished clubs, scimitars and other weapons. As the full meaning of the dead man’s curse dawned on them the skeletons attacked as the coming tide rushed to greet them.

Thanks for joining me for another night at my tabletop. Don’t forget that we will continue to develop, shift and expand on this adventure for the remaining nights this week. So don’t forget to come back each night and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Captain of the Skipping Sailfish

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Managing a ship isn’t easy, let alone the Skipping Sailfish as it crosses the seas to take well paying, or well sponsored, clients abroad. The Captain of the Skipping Sailfish is no ordinary captain and that is a testament to his time on and off the seas. Steadfast and strong wills Jorn Buckler is a canny sailor and renown leader across the White Gull Islands and beyond.

But before we get into that let’s grab a coffee, sit back and roll into tonight’s adventure!

Captain of the Skipping Sailfish

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Captain Jorn Buckler- Created in Artbreeder.

As the fire on the beach crackled and feasted upon the dried drift wood and leaves from the large palm trees the party sat next to the sailors and watched the moonlight caress the top of the waves. As they watched a trail of lights appeared and moved under the water, through the shallows and towards the old tower.

“Ah the lights have returned, on clockwork,” the old sailor, John Buckler, added noting the party’s gaze. “Those lights are the reason we warn people from exploring the waters late at night as we can never be sure of what they might find. Lost a few passengers, and the crew mates that went to save them one night as they chased after the lights. Nothing good from lights in the dark I can assure you of that.” The captain added as he had a swig from a flask.

Vensella Ibiki – Created in Artbreeder.

“What that captain says is true,” Vensella said, one of the islanders who had come to greet them, “We have lost many people from our village from chasing lights in the dark. Those belong to monstrous fish that use the lights to lure prey into the waters before they are ripped apart with vicious teeth. They are one of the reasons that we forbid our people from going to the Tower, Mellandra’s Keep as you call it.” she paused as she snapped open a crabs claw and chewed on the exposed meat.

“The other reason is the curse.” she began again.

“Now the curse is just a myth.” Jorn Buckler replied as he laughed. “To scare people from going near the tower. That’s all. All can be explained by the nature of the isle and the creatures in the water.” he finished as he threw the half of a clam shell into the fire. 

“Whatever you think, our people know it to be a curse. Those whose greed consumes them surrender their soul to the lady of greed. She is a greedy deity who takes more than she gives and in her pact, her bargain, she takes your soul and leaves you empty.” Vensella continued as she leaned closer to the fire, sticking the other end of a crab leg into the flames. 

“Whoever dies in search of their greed, of the greedy pirates treasure, has their soul lost and they are cursed to wander the isle in search of gold to sate their deities hunger.” Vensella punctuated her story with the slurp of more crab meat. 

“And they have three tentacles from each armpit, they howl at the moon like mad men and they run on their hands not their feet. We have heard the stories young Vensella.” Jorn laughed as she shot him a mirthful smirk. “But whatever the reason, fish, spook or curse don’t go chasing the dead man’s chest regardless of how many hundreds of pounds of gold lay within.”

Now hopefully the story and promise of gold is enough for the party to go and investigate. But don’t fret if they are wise as we have a backup plan, something to reveal two halves of tomorrow night. So don’t forget to come back tomorrow for that, and the other nights of this week on that matter. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Sunken Treasure

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Welcome again to yet another week here at my tabletop and we are kicking this one on the coat tails of a nautical work planning with sunken treasure. Sunken Treasure is the goal this week with the party exploring a long forgotten keep that has fallen into the sea. But what challenges will this see the parties having, will there be creatures, elements and greedy NPCs that covet what the party seek? Yes, yes to all three.

So let’s set sail for this weeks adventure by grabbing a coffee, sitting down and rolling into tonight’s adventure!

With the sea breeze in their face the party set sail to a chain of long forgotten islands on the way to something bigger and greater. Setting down anchor near a string of islands the captain and crew go ashore to get supplies for the rest of the journey from the locals, however the party are not interested in such things. Down the coast there lies a lone tall tower that juts from the sea defiantly as waves crash against its stony barricade.

The Tower of Mellandra – a famous crusader turned pirate who raided, pillaged and stole in the name of her greedy god lies in half ruins, the sea having swallowed up most of the gold and jewels from an age ago. However just because something was lost long ago doesn’t mean it cant be found again and the tales of its treasure, its sheer wealth is enough to even the party to be set for the foreseeable future.

But others covet the treasure and see the opportunity in the visitors to the island. Will the party make it to the tower in time before the sea swallows the treasure of an age or will those who covet the treasure beat the party to the biggest haul in the islands history?

Sunken Treasure

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Mellandra’s Keep – Created in Nightcafe.

Not that the party didn’t have enough work in the land that they had come from but it was becoming evident that their skills were being wasted. Greater adventure, tests and treasure lay across the sea and the Skipping Sailfish was just the vessel to take them to where they need to go. The captain and crew were recommended heavily from the guilds and dock master alike as no finer sea farers could be found.

The journey was promised to be long, tiring journey with a stop half way for supplies of fresh fruit and water. The White Gull islands got their names from the large birds that called the islands home and provided food those that called the white beaches home. As the ship moored out to sea near the calmer bays of the islands the party first caught glimpse of the sunken tower out to sea.

“Ah, that be Mellandra’s keep.” the captain said as he followed their gaze. “Many people have lost their lives in seeking the so called treasure held in its vault over the years.” He continued as he waved to the locals who came to greet them. After calling out to the locals on the beach he looked back to the party. “We will be here two or three days, explore and relax a bit. Its another week or so on the waves after this so take your time.”

Thanks for joining me for another week of adventuring. But don’t forget to come back again each day this week as we expand this adventure. And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Avermeet Agitators

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Tonight and I have created a zine, the fifth of the new year. It’s a little late as I continue to play catch-up but I hope that you are finding the now normal format of this Zine useful. So without any further waiting I present, The Avermeet Agitators, in the same format, as a fun one-shot to assist GMs.

As always this adventure can be used system agnostic but focuses on D&D so please feel free to adjust to what ever system and the creatures you are using in your adventure! However as always Kobold fight club can be used to quickly balance an encounter for Dungeons and Dragons and Tetra-cube provides the stat-blocks for the creatures found in this adventure.

So I hope you enjoy this weeks adventure, The Avermeet Agitators, and that your rolls are made with advantage.

The Avermeet Agitators

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Avermeet Caves – Created in Nightcafe.

The party huddled around the job board at the Fogmourne Tavern and wondered what they were doing here, not for the first time this week. A few odd jobs had held them here for the week but the work was getting thin or repetitive.  

“Forgive me for asking,” a voice began from behind them which belonged to Rufos, the innkeeper for where they had been staying. “I have a job that’s just come through and instead of tacking it to the board I’d wondered if you’d be interested. The Lord of the Avermeet has an issue that he needs sorting. The messenger produced seals to allow safe passage to those who wanted to help him. You just have to travel to Calewan which is on the other side of the Avermeet Forest from here.” he paused for a moment. “If you do decide to help, the messenger said it was urgent. So you’d best decide fast”

Fogmourne Tavern – Created in Nightcafe.

The party made their way to Calewan after little to no delays or issues on the road. The escort with several Avermeet Guard and the dwindling population of the wildlife in the forest made it somewhat safe to travel through. 

Entering the small city they were escorted to the keep first instead of any of the other buildings. Not surprising given that they were currently considered suspects of the poaching. As they moved through the hallways of the keep several people looked at them including a well dressed man, probably a noble. The man quickly greeted Bareth in a friendly manner and watched the party from the corner of his eyes.. 

“Lord Stoneleaf, Bareths Uncle.” Kirili offered as they watched the exchange and they were shown to a room, rather than cells. However, the door did lock from the outside which sealed them in with no ways out of the room as the windows were closed and barred. They were given food, not the best but definitely a few rungs higher than trail rations as they waited for an audience with the lord of the city.

The following morning they were brought to the Lord who looked at them with embarrassment. 

“It seems we may have made a hasty mistake in assuming your guilt in poaching from the Avermeet. However my advisor, Lord Stoneleaf, has made a convincing point that you were found in the act of actively poaching in the forest. However, this has since been cleared up as a misunderstanding as Kirili has vouched for your innocence. If you are indeed the ones who we sent out for you must have evidence of such.” the Lord said. Sitting at the large table that was in the small meeting room.

PDF adventure – The Avermeet Agitators

the-avermeet-agitatorDownload

Thanks for joining me today for another Zine this year. As usual there is a lot more in the Zine than there was in the daily updates on this blog – so make sure to grab a copy of the PDF.

Next time you get a party together consider running this adventure and I hope that you enjoy it.
I hope you don’t miss a thing so come back daily in the coming week and year. This is so you can experience the creation of the next adventure as it evolves and shapes out. And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Sand Queens Lair

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Tonight we wrap up one of the several encounter maps I have planned for this Zine with the Sand Queens Lair. Tonight is the, well, “last map” of the adventure this week. This gives us quite a few maps for a one-shot but that’s for a very good reason, we will see this in the Zine for this adventure.

So without any further waiting, let’s sit back, grab a hot coffee and roll into tonight’s content.

Sand Queens Lair

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The sand underfoot shifted as they walked through a mixture of tunnels dug through sandstone walls and ancient carved hallways. The latter is what they had just been exploring before they entered what could only be described as a cavern. The light flittered through holes in the roof that shifted as the sand above them gradually fell through these holes.

This created pockets of darkness and steep walls of sand against the rocky walls that reached dozens of feet to the cavern roof. The sand had been pushed against the wall, or flattened to the wall with a rough solid path in the middle of a few halls. The signs of the Ant-like humanoids were everywhere and as they moved deeper into the cavern it was revealed why.

In a pillar of light sat a huge monstrosity that watched them with eagre eyes. A giant antoid with a swollen egg sack that took up most of the back of this cavern. The queen regarded them with almost a regal presence, watching them with an intelligence that was not yet seen amongst all of the antoids that they had seen thus far.

Sand Queens Lair – Created in Inkarnate

That’s it for tonight. I hope you enjoyed the secondary map tonight. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Empire Beneath the Sands

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The Empire beneath the sands is in focus today as we have the party either avoiding being dragged below or actively seeking it out. The potential treasure in the caverns below the dunes is too desirable but there is already one so magnificent and militant that she commands the respect of the desert itself. But I wont reveal too much now, save that for below and the Zine!

So let’s not wait any longer, grab a coffee, sit down and let’s roll into tonight’s adventure!

Empire Beneath the Sands

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Giant Ant – Created in Tetra-cube

All kids have to have Pets and where the entire colony is the children of the one, then there must be a lot of pets. These pets, the Giant Ant, just so happen to be hard working, strong and easily controlled by their queen.

Antoid Worker – Created in Tetra-cube.

The lowest form of the Antoid caste the Antoid Worker is a humble creature. Strong yet not overly smart they rely on being told what to do and how to do it. Natural thick hide acts like armour for these creatures but they don’t really have any real weapons other than the jaws that they were born with.

Antoid Warrior – created in Tetra-cube.

Now extremely dangerous in swarms, and nearly no less deadly by themselves these creatures are a menace to all desert dwellers. Smarter and stronger the warrior caste of the Antoids are vicious and unrelenting when defending their nest or acting out their orders. Thicker armour, a stronger bite, sharpened claws and a deadly stinger these creatures are a threat for all parties.

Antoid Queen – created in Tetra-cube.

The one of the many, the Mother of the colony, the strongest, biggest and most powerful of them all. All nests have one queen who has, potentially, grown too big to leave her chambers. But she knows all, sees all and commands all. There are none of her people that resist her command and she will see to it that her will be done.

And there we have it for tonight. The Antoid race and even the queen itself! Don’t forget to come back this weekend as we plan to get some Zines out and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Dead Sands Tomb

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As we face a scorcher here in my home town today what could be more suitable than the blistering desert and the entrance to the Dead Sands Tomb. But this isn’t all for this weeks adventure as we line up for a bi of a bigger one again.

So let’s grab a coffee, sit back and roll into tonight’s adventure.

Dead Sands Tomb

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Entrance to the Dead Sands Tomb – Created in Inkarnate.

The shifting sands twist across the desert without much hope for shade of comfort. The moderate dunes are quick to shift and change as they are chaotic as the ancient magic that birthed the desert itself. This means that maps that rely on the topography of the land, or land marks are nearly useless as you need to navigate by the stars and distance rather than locations.

These sands however are host to a great variety of hardy wildlife. Beetles, snakes, some mammals and birds as well as snakes and other insects call this place home. Some of them are even large enough to regard the party as prey rather than fellow survivors of the sands.

As normal a few overlapping widgets with some light blending of different paint textures. Not as much blending today as I wanted to give the desert and ‘endless parch’ feel and the images within are rather simple. But I do have something else planned so watch this space for that part.

Thanks for joining me the map making night. A quick and easy one without many complications which shouldn’t distract from the party or the goal of this week. But we’re not done yet so don’t forget tomorrow we reveal some critters, some thieves and maybe more in which we are encountering this week. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Queen under the Sands

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Another night here at my table top where we get a glimpse at the Queen under the sands. This lady of stature sits above all and commands her people to do what needs to be done – which happens to be to attack and capture those who dwell on the surface of her sands. But before we get carried away let’s take a back-step and watch what happens, for now, as opportunity is a mistress that appears just once.

So before we loose ours heads, let’s grab a coffee sit down and roll into tonight’s adventure.

Queen under the Sands

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The ground appeared to rumble and shake as the sand disappeared through some rents in the crust below. As the sand pooling down into nothingness slowed Norturi watched on with awe as she pawed over the maps she held in front of her.

“This is it. All my notes led to here and behold I was right. A kingdom below the sands where the wares, goods and treasure of a hundred caravans lay!” Norturi could barely contain her excitement as she pointed and bounced next to what was being revealed. A great archway, door and stairs now was slowly appearing as the sand had moved to the side and the door lay waiting before the. Inscribed beautifully and crafted exceedingly well the stonework looked to be made by a skilled set of hands.

However, before the Norturi or the party could investigate further the sounds of laughter could be heard from behind them, at the top of a sand dune. “Well it was pretty easy to track you, harder to stay hidden but here we are. We’ll be taking that treasure if you would be so kind.” one of the men from the Den of Thieves, the tavern from a few nights back. Except it was more than just four that were at the bar, there were over a dozen men this time and several looked like they could handle themselves in combat.

“We got here first, I’ve been searching for this treasure for years and we did all the work in finding it.” Norturi began “Besides you don’t even know how to open the door.” she continued as she started to look around at the men that outnumbered her and the party.

“Sure we do. Tim, that’s your queue.” the man at front said as a man stepped forward from the crowd as the others strode forward. The sheer number of them was enough for Norturi to sigh but give the signal to the party to let them through. The party was surrounded and not disarmed as the group of thieves and thugs stood between them and the door. Time passed as Tim read the door, or attempted to, as he looked for a lock to pick.

“What’s taking so long!” the bigger man yelled out.

“I can’t find the lock boss!” Tim called out, but as he did the sound of clicking and grinding stone could be heard from the archway.

“Great work Tim, knew we kept ya around for a reason!” the boss called out, to the cheering of many people.

“That wasn’t me boss. I didn’t do nothin’ ” Tim responded as the door opened and several large imposing figures loomed forward from the portal. The laughing of all the thieves stopped immediately as the large ant-like humanoids stepped up the steps to stand just above several of the thieves and party.

“what the…” was all that one of the thieves managed to get out before he was grabbed by large claw-like hands and dragged backwards, down the steps and into the yawning passageway below. Chaos erupted with some thieves rushing forward to attack, some being grabbed and taken, and several trying to run through the party to get away from the large insectoid race. However a scream on the other side of the dune quickly indicated that something was not right.

Thanks for joining me for another night at the tabletop. Don’t forget that we will continue to drive out more content each night this week. So don’t forget to come back each day and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Norturi of the Dead Sands

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As the sun sets across the desert, Norturi of the Dead Sands makes her way to a bar. And that’s where the punchline of this joke would start however we have the encounter with the party instead. A tavern at the edge of the desert and a Tabaxi looking for some help in making it rich – what can go wrong?

So let’s grab a coffee, sit back and let’s roll into tonight’s adventure!

Norturi of the Dead Sands

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Norturi – Created in Artbreeder.

Norturi walked through the mudbrick buildings as she headed towards the bright building simply known as the “Den of Thieves”. Not the friendliest of names for a tavern but the food was good, the iced ale was better. Striding to the door and ignoring the drunks outside she slipped a few coppers to the guard out front. With a nod the Guard didn’t bother checking her for weapons as she entered the building that thrummed with noise.

The alcohol, smoke and aroma of grilled food mixed together a heady smell that made her mouth water immediately. Finding what she was looking for, a table of tough looking mercenaries, she strode over. Her feline reflexes made it easy to avoid the items and feet that lay on the ground. As she pulled up a chair she started with her normal introduction, her name, her profession and what she was looking for. After a few moments of discussion the group of rough individuals asked if they could confer alone. She stood up and noticed another group of adventures; outsiders from the look of it, were watching her intently from a booth nearby.

Talking to the bar she got an iced ale, a speciality from this bar where the innkeeper grabbed a nearly-frozen tankard and filled it with ale that was cooled by large copper pipes which was crusted by frost – a gnomish invention she was sure. After grabbing her cold beverage she strode back to the group and watched as they finished talking – her instincts told her that there was something funny going on. They had never been wrong before so before she sat down she announced that she had changed her mind. The group, surprisingly, smiled and agreed that the job wasn’t for them before standing up, and leaving.

The adventurers nearby however felt more safe, more trustworthy. “Hi, I’m Norturi – a studier of ancient lore and I find myself in need of an escort to where I think a lost treasure is. What say you? Are you looking for some quick and maybe easy work?”

Thanks for visiting tonight as we find out two things at once, one that the Den of Thieves has chilled ale and that Norturi has, allegedly, some killer instincts. But to find out how good or bad they are you’ll have to come back daily this week to see where we go with this adventure. So don’t forget that tomorrow we look at the hook and twist of this adventure and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe