The Frigid Divide

335MoTFrDi

The party looked over the edge of the flying ship as they approached the massive wall of stone and ice. “Well this is about as close as I can go before the ship won’t fly no more. Weirdest thing. The whole land and Rastabarian desert and this wall of ice and rock shuts the magic from the ship off.” Alex called out as he lowered the ship down a few miles off from the frigid divide.

“Are you sure you want to do this? I don’t even know what you saw in that tower that would make you want to come here but surely its long gone after all this time? Just saying, I wouldn’t want to be caught out there in that weather for too long.” Jessica added.

The Tower contained a map with several points marked out amongst the large piece of ancient parchment. One place was somewhere on the glacier here. Andrasa had named it “Ice Spire” and had listed some notes in an illegible script. Another was in the middle of a jungle which Andrasa had dubbed “Well of Souls” with more scribbles. And the third and last point which was furthest away was on a mountain which simply said “The Deep dark”.

If it was points of interest for a powerful and wealthy mage then surely they would be points of interest for the party. The wealth they had seen in Andrasa’s tower was beyond imagination so these three points seemed to be worth the risk and trip.

Climbing off the ship they grabbed their supplies, a magical tent that would keep them warm and safe and food and drink for a few weeks. Turning towards the divide they head towards a man made structure that was attached to the cliff and head towards it. A way up, a pully system that would hoist them and their cargo to the top of the rocks. The local populace of the Platara ranges use it to come and trade with some of the deserts tribal people. But the party will use it to ascend to the top where they hope to find something worth the effort.

So off the party went, in search for the Ice Spire.

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Andrasa’s lost Tower

334MoAnTo

The map that Lucile drew was astonishing. If she wasn’t the head of a merchant company then she would be able to make a good living in logistics or in making maps. After looking over her notes that she had taken from the information the party had found she quickly pulled out more maps of the lands surrounding Rastabar. After a moment she sighed and put down the quill.

“It doesn’t make sense. It describes Rastabar in great detail even down to our mountains, the ancient rocks and towering peaks. But it also describes great rivers, trees and vast plains of green. It mentions animals that we see in neighbouring countries across the divide and chasm where there is more water.” She said, obviously frustrated. Taking a sip of wine she looked back down at the map.

“We know Andrasa was alive many years ago and that we need to factor that in. But so much has changed. It describes Andrasa’s tower being near Mount Fuko and next to the Great River but it doesn’t mention the great chasm that divides them. If the books are right then the tower should be right next to the chasm but we have explored the mountains before but never seen something on either side of the chasm.”

After a moment something one of the adventurers said something that made her choke on her wine. “That’s right. Andrasa was alive not just years ago but centuries ago. The text describes the tower during a time where the chasm wasn’t there. So that means that we may still find the tower if we look down into the chasm!” Jumping up and grabbing at her quill again she quickly jotted down some notes before marking a place on the map. “Somewhere here. This is where we will find Andrasa’s lost tower.”

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Origin of the Amulet

333MoOrOTAm

The amulet sat on the desk between Lucile Bendercuff and the party. After a solution that her in-house alchemist had dropped onto the amulet he swirls and bursts of energy the amulet gave off were visible to everyone.

“This Amulet is remarkable. It’s centuries old but its magic is one of the strongest we have seen in quite some time. While we get the Guardian creation repaired from the little conflict we have something else to ask of you” Lucile asked tentatively. “We believe that the Library of Rastabar would surely have information on the amulet or at least its creator. Unfortunately due to a misunderstanding I am not allowed back in there and they know who my normal employees are. However they don’t know you. I need you to go find out what you can about this amulet or its creator and come back to me.”

Looking nervously around she nodded at one of her guards who stepped out of the room and closed the door behind herself. “There is another issue though. We believe that the arrival of a massive metal golem may spread news to those who want the same thing as me. We also can’t attest to the loyalty of those who were on the ship with you and despite them giving their word, and taking my gold, I believe that other parties may be also seeking the same information. It’s not every day that a dragon killing golem, a dead dragon and a magical artefact appear in this city and there is a bit of a buzz already. If you are to take this job I will reward you handsomely for the retrieval of information. Double it if you can guarantee that no other merchants or competitors for this information find out what you do.”

Extending her well manicured but lithe and strong hand across the table she looked sternly at the party. “Do we have a deal?”

Thoughts

Oh boy. This weeks going to Zing. A race to information, potential multiple conflicts, potential bribery, murder, assassination and maybe even a chase scene. This weeks going to have it all!

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A Venture Through The Clouds

332MoAVeThTCl

The sight of the vessel was something to behold. A magic imbued ship that had large billowing sails designed to capture the breezes. But what made the ship out of the ordinary is where it was docked. The Ship Sand-cutter was moored, as it was, on the outer wall of the city Rastabar which was a dry and land-locked place. The endless hard ground gave way into sand dunes about an hour from the city’s walls. The deep wells in the city provided some water for animals and agriculture but otherwise it was a dry place.

This is what the party had been hired for. A large unmoving cloudbank had appeared due east from Rastabar and rumour from people who had ventured close to it was that there was something in the clouds. Something that looked like a tower. The city council organised a group of adventurers to investigate and with a well liked merchant’s flying ship they would soon confirm the rumours.

Thoughts

Now a bit of a tease with this one tonight as we have a long way to go for the rest of the adventure. It’s open ended and can go a few ways but I have something specific planned for this one.

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All roads lead from home

331MoAlRoLeFrHo

The Cliche

The number of those who went missing on the roads climbed every day and the people of Trenchold grew more desperate for supplies and goods from the outside world. Trenchold was a large village that had been a beacon for adventure and people wanting to start new once upon a time. This was due to it being the furthest village to the east that was currently known of and that brought adventure, the unknown and danger to the lives of those who lived here. However this eventually changed as more settlements breached the wild-lands further east of Trenchold.

However those villagers had fallen silent and even the ones closer to the main pinnacle of society hadn’t been heard of in some time now. Occasionally a merchant wagon or a patrol would arrive and they would describe the nightmares they had come through. However, even those few survivors had stopped.

So when a wagon arrived in Trenchold bearing a group of adventurers the people began to whisper. Were these people the beacon of hope they had been asking for or were they the ones who had plunged them into darkness?

The Wildcard

Trenchold was an established village in the edges of civilisation. This had led it to be a beacon for adventure and excitement which for adventurers meant fame and riches. News had spread that there was a merchant offering a hefty sum of gold and silver for anyone who could brave the nearest mountain rangers and bring back a single Tufflewerker. What this was, no body knew but the reward of fifty gold pieces for an alive specimen was more than what most people could ask for.

However the Tufflewerker was not what it was lead to be and to hunt one and bring its corpse back was to invite death to dinner. The thought of capturing such a creature alive? Pure madness. But the volume of those willing to try for months worth of labour was enough to send group after group into the dense treeline.

The Classic

The first signs that there was danger came from the bells. A great tolling could be heard from two of the five guard towers that surrounded the village of Trenchold. Rushing out of the Frisky Mare the party were greeted with flaming arrows raining down upon some of the buildings closest to the gates as the villagers panicked and ran for shelter. The guards, few as there were, rushed towards the gate but little figures rushed past them and into the village true.

A group of goblins were attacking, each of them frantically setting fire to what ever buildings would take light. Some of them were carrying swords and other weapons but they didn’t seem to put up much of fight and turned tail and ran as soon as real competition met them. The bell tower to the south of them began to sound, all the guards were busy over this side of the village but a short sprint down two of the streets would get the party where the tower was tolling. It sounded like they would have to make a choice – Flee like the peasants or stand and fight for the defence of the village.

Thoughts

Now each of these three can be seen as fundamental ways to start any adventure. A mystery, a hunt and a defence style adventure. I believe each style of adventure can lend itself well to any party as long as people are willing to follow the plot along and see where it goes.

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Crater Lake

330MoCrLa

The Valley of Molwert was riddled with history and lore. The stories of the land go back to say that before the valley was fertile, bountiful and safe it was a volcanic battleground. A war had waged for aeons between the fires from the earth’s crust and the rain from the heavens. However with the help and prayers from the people who dared to live amongst the forces of nature the heavens rain was deemed triumphant. Rain pelted down and extinguished the fires in the volcano driving the fire deep down beneath the rocky surface.

The battle left a scar through the earth but with the aid from the heavens water life blossomed and it became a bountiful and fertile valley.

This is what the stories said. Now as Charlta stared out across the sodden crops she wondered how much longer they could weather this constant rain. The crops were dying as they slowly drowned. The water logged soil was unable to take any more rain and the river bank threatened to burst its banks and flood the land.

Hidden danger

High in the Molwert mountain in the crater of an ancient volcano the lake that had formed here was slowly coming to its critical levels. Trickles of water tipped over the edge of the crater and ran down the valley. Winding its way across the stone, soil and around the trees these trickles joined with the river and slowly, day by day it rose the river height.

The only thing that was dry on the mountain was a forgotten temple that was erected many lifespans ago to try and appease the deities of fire and water. The heat from the temple stone caused the water to retreat back from its steps, however, the water was encroaching even upon this dry place.

Thoughts

Now the story of fire vs water is an old one. However I believe this week will be a good one where I get to use creatures, map art assets and even traps and hazards like I haven’t before. This week will be big and I can’t wait to throw it at the players.

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Boon of the Crown

329MoBoOTCr

The party strode forward through the tapestry and painting covered halls towards gilded doors. Two guards escorted them and by the way that they carried themselves they were confident but cautious. Rightly so as the process of the party had been heard far and wide by now. It was a rare moment where the party was not recognised and their arrival heralded to those who needed to know.

But this also brought with it times such as this. As they neared the door one of the guards jogged forward and knocked loudly on the door three times. The door opened and the head of a short man appeared, a dwarf by the looks of him. A moment of hushed whispers and the man disappeared leaving the door slightly ajar. As the Party waited for several heartbeats a honeyed voice called out.

“Heroes of the kingdom! Enter. Her Majesty awaits your company!”

The Queen

The doors opened to reveal a welcoming sea of faces. Nobles, guards and other members of the court clapped and cheered for the party as they walked across the floor. The queen beamed down at them from a slightly elevated throne. “Welcome Adventurers, heroes. Word of your accomplishments and what you have done for my kingdom and its people has reached me. I am a strange position. So you must forgive me.” she paused as the last of the attendants at court were shooed out the door. As the doors closed and only the queens trusted counsel and consort remained she smiled and visibly relaxed.

“I have never been in debt to people who I have never met. Nor to adventurers before but I find myself unable to even fathom what I would have done without your assistance. Your bravery, your duty and your honour is as good as any herald and it has stuck to the name that precedes you. I can’t promise you more than what you have done for me but I wish to show my appreciation.” she paused again as she walked down the steps to her throne. “I offer you a boon. Wealth and power are things that come easy to people of your stature. Land or titles don’t seem to be sufficient so what can I offer you that would repay the debt my kingdom finds itself in. Name a reward and if it is possible of the kingdom of Shor and myself I will endeavour to see the it done.”

Thoughts

Now the published books go into what I call “Boon of the Crown”. A thing, a title, land, a castle or riches that the party request of the king or queen as payment or a reward. This can be nearly anything and it is normally where the deed is so great that the benefactors of the deed can’t possible begin to pay it back.

This is both dangerous and a great thing to offer as, I believe, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the party. If they ask for a castle now they have to maintain it. Or it may attract a hostile lord, dragon, army or the like. magical artefacts or items always attract problems and the same goes for wealth. Titles can go either way as well. Fame is a powerful tool and an immense burden to those who have it, but many crave it.

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The Unquiet Dead

328MoTUnDe

The streets were quiet except for the hasty footsteps she made as she walked across the cobblestones towards her house. Despite being so close to her comfortable warm house she was chilled to the bone with fear. The stories and bodies that kept showing up in the morning had caused the City of Narlowglen to become a waking nightmare.

Vast flocks of people had left during the past few weeks and only a few more nights and she too would be free. However she had got distracted at the Purple Rose, a tavern that sold the best wine in the city. If it wasn’t for that incredibly handsome man she would have been home hours ago and she wouldn’t be hearing things as she started to pick up pace.

Her hasty walk had turned into jog and not a full on run as she was now becoming certain that something was running behind her. Something that had claws and was incredibly fast knocked over a pot that was left near a doorway and she realised that she wouldn’t make it home in time. However a light shone brightly from the open door to the temple.

Kelemvor’s Priest

Racing towards the door she threw herself towards the open portal. The dead feared Kelemvor out of almost all other deities in this realm. But that didn’t stop the sudden pang of pain that surged through her body as she landed on the hand stone steps.

“What is this…?” a man’s voice said calmly as hands gently touched her shoulder as he swept past. “Begone vile scourge. Begone the unquiet dead! Your cursed form has no power here and I banish you from these hallowed grounds!” the man called out as he pulled forth a holy symbol. Bright light lashed forward and the sound of shrieking and skittering of claws on pavement was the only sound that could be heard.

“Be still child. Let me tend to your wounds lest they fester.” the priest said as he strode forward. Taking the young lady’s ankle in his callused hands he chanted a healing prayer. Warmth and comfort swelled from the man’s hands as the magic pulsed forward. Looking down at her ankle she managed to see the deep gash that ran from her calf to her ankle. The magic caused it to seal quickly but a pink mark remained.
“The lord of the dead must remind us that we are mortal and that death is natural. However death at the hands of undead is not natural. I do what I can to prevent these attacks but I am just one man against a sea of undead.”

“What can we do?” the girl asked, looking at the streets before her.
“We call for aid. We have called for aid and we wait for heroes to come and save our city from the undead infestation.” the priest said as he looked over the city from the temples raised perch above the buildings roofs. “They will have to uncover the nests and burn them out.”

Thoughts

A bit of a fun one this week as we look to a undead investigation. But not just zombies or skeletons marching on a city or in a crypt. Oh no this week I have some of the big guns coming out to play.

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Herald of Prophecy

327MoHeOPr

The adventurers were beginning to get used to their new found fame. After many successful adventures they had earnt a name for themselves and were now reaping the benefits. Many store owners granted them discounts and it was becoming rarer where they had to pay for lodgings, food and drink. Frequently people are more than willing to shout at them their lodgings and food.

However their fame could not prepare them for what greeted them at the steps of a temple to Selune, the goddess of the moon.

“Behold, the children of prophecy walk amongst us! The Mistress of the night has blessed us all with the presence of her champions! Those who would cast down the false gods of light and bring upon the true power of darkness. The scroll of the goddess of darkness and night, The Shard of Shar itself has revealed to us these adventurers, these heroes of darkness as our saviours from the tyranny of light!” the near crazed hooded man preached as he pointed towards the party. In his hand was a scroll where the edges of the paper were as dark as night.

Leaning closer to look at the scroll a scene depicted warriors of Shar beating, slaughtering several holy champions of Pelor, Selune and Mystra. But something caught the eye of the party. The warriors of Shar, clad in the light drinking plate and cloth of the deity of night, were none other than themselves.

Several others in the city looked between the parchment and the heroes they were praising and a murmur rippled through the crowd. Were they the prophesied bringers of eternal night and the damnation of light? Something wasn’t right at the foot of the temple of the moon…

Thoughts

Now as party’s grow stronger and acquire not just wealth but influence and power they gain a level of herodom that gives them certain benefits. I have constructed this adventure to teach them that fame and fortune is not all its meant to be and that there is a dark side to the moon itself.

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