01-Monday – Plot

Mondays are the days where I discuss plots for Tabletop RPG Sessions

The Flying Owlbear

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Well I promised a coastal adventure to start this week and I deliver you the Flying Owlbear! Yup, I’d be a bit confused too but I do have a plan for this week inspired by, apparently, the imagination of a 4 year old. So without giving away anything let’s roll into this weeks adventure.

The Flying Owlbear

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Rumour’s have flown around for a many years about the pirate ship known as the Flying Owlbear. For many years the ship and its crew raided the southern coasts, no merchant vessel was safe from the pirate crew. However the stories didn’t finish there. Stories started to pop up of their owlbear crested ship crashing across the land, its broadside cannons roaring as they fired across the hills, valleys and plains.

But then they stopped and a new story started to emerge. One of ghosts and a lost treasure that would make anyone as wealthy as a king.

Spectral Envoy

As the party sit at a tavern, the Iron Crustacean, the room went silent as the grave. The scratching of claws on timber was the first sound that the party noticed as the spectral parrot squawked once and then silently flew down to land on the table in front of the party and their drinks.

‘The Owlbear rises once more, batten down the hatches. Load the Broadsides for it rides once more!’ it squawked before manic, yet squawky, laughter erupted from the tiny spectral bird. Slowly the sounds of broadside cannon fire could be heard from across the hills.

Tonight I get back to other RPG adventures that aren’t part of the Soulbound story ark. Don’t forget that tonight is only the beginning of the week and so you’ll have to come back each day this week to follow along. Also don’t forget to set some time aside this week for nurturing that creative spark and as always, don’t forget to roll it with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Gathering Storm

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Tonight we start the first week where I focus on Soulbound and the Gathering Storm that is occurring in Ghur. With one more character to be introduced from the story (or playthrough Zine) all we have left is the rest of the adventure. Not much right? So sit back, grab a coffee and let’s roll into it.

Gathering Storm

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The Orruks gathered around the hills and rocky formations. Calling out to the Gork and Mork in their frenzied battle cries they feasted on the beasts they had hunted during the day. Despite the festivities and the humans that had camped nearby they held back from a fight as the cunning shamans had a plan, one most cunning.

The humans relied on their scouts to tell them the lay of the land, but the sudden appearance of Kruleboyz and the shamans that they brought with them gave them pause to think. And think they did. As the Kruleboyz pet sloggoths dragged the gargantuan bow to the peak of a hill they waited and continued to rally, gathering in force until their warrgh couldn’t sustain itself. Despite their frenzy they still managed to contain their urge to fight. Soon the trap would be sprung and then the humans would be ripe for the slaughter and the boyz would be ready.

The plan

The sloggoth placed the large crossbow on the hill and the lanky kruleboy orruks strode up to its side. Placing a large cruel hand on its flank the sloggoth moved away to cower elsewhere as the boss looked at the fine machine. Bolts as large as a ships mast were brought up by hobgrots. These bolts were large enough to take down even stardrakes or their lesser kin the draconith, but their target was something else.

Rumours of flying wizards and the cursed soulbound had come to them through a source. This bow would be trained on the skies waiting for the elite warriors and leaders of the forces of order to rally forth, then it would be too late to turn back.

With the party potentially riding out into a trap we find ourselves with a question. What does this weeks adventure hold for our members of the binding. We will continue to unravel this adventure as the week continues so don’t forget to come back and check in. And while we look at a different system I think its a good reminder that there are more than one great TTRPG.

There are many in fact and I hope to gradually explore several of them, and who knows what the future holds. So I will leave you with a thirst to look outwards and explore and finally a blessing or rerolls to ensure that you don’t miscast,
The Brazen Wolfe

Crelion Manor

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Well another week is here and this week it just goes to show that there is indeed no rest for the brave. This week we have the party stumble across something a bit odd on their way to the city, Crelion Manor. What lies within its tall well preserved walls and what secrets does it contain?

Crelion Manor

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Wooded Road

The road was long and as night was quickly approaching the party of adventures quickly were finding that they were running out of options for safety. Thick clouds were forming overhead and the gusts of winds were increasing by the minute. The road had swerved into a small forest a few miles back and gradually an uneasy feeling had grown within them as the they began to doubt the traveller’s advice.

‘There’s an inn along this road, a few miles down the road. If you make haste you should be able to get there before the weather hits’ the man had said. The party had thought it odd since there was not a cloud in the sky, but the man had been right as quickly the wind had picked up and the clouds had rolled in. Then, as if on queue a sign appeared staked next to a tree. “Crelion Manor – Inn and Lodgings” they sign said with an elegant writing that spoke of pride and elegance. Up ahead the dark silhouette of a building suddenly flared into life as a glowing light appeared in several windows. The unease grew and the snapping of twigs sounded from somewhere behind them but when they whirled around there was nothing in the growing shadows as night encroached.

Making a dash for the light spewing from the windows the sound of heavy frantic footsteps could be heard nearby, but still no sign of pursuer. Passing the open gates the pounding of earth suddenly vanished and the creaking of a sign hanging from the front porch heralded the appearance of the Crelion Manor.

Crelion Manor

The building was three stories high and big enough to house a few dozen people at most. There was a small stable to the right of the entrance and the warm glow of lanterns and candles beckoned them onwards, the sense of unease dwindling as they walked into the light of the lanterns.

The door swung open slowly but forcefully and a large, heavyset man with a mighty moustache looked down at the party. As he stood there he didn’t say a single word and stared them down, grunting in response to the parties questions he strode into the building leaving the door open.

Entering after the man the inside was cosy, warm and inviting. A sense of warmth was present in the building and unlike the man who now sat behind a desk with a large ledger they felt welcome. ‘Hello travellers! Welcome Guests!’ a shrill and excited voice sang out from behind them as a thin woman stood in the doorway to a sitting room that housed a roaring fire. ‘Don’t just stand there. Welcome! Close the door dear if you will – you’ll let the cold in.’ she said as she moved to stand next to the large man.

‘Welcome to Crelion manor’.

Crelion Manor – created in Nightcafe.studio

Thoughts

Now this week leaves a lot to the imagination. Rarely do you find Inns, manors or buildings in creepy woods and something not being wrong with them. But they always promise three things. A roof over your head, protection from the draft and adventure.

The custodians of Crelion Manor are your regular yin and yang couple. One being stoic and quiet, the other cheerful and sociable to the point of being overbearing. This week we look at a smidge of horror and puzzle solving so be prepared to have hints and tips for our party this week. But that doesn’t mean that we wont have combat. I have a few idea’s up my sleeve to throw at the adventurers this week.

Thanks for dropping by tonight for another start of the adventuring week. I am pretty excited this week as we move ever forwards with our one shot adventures. With my planning and format I should be able to create more Zines at the end of the week so let’s look forward to that. Don’t forget tomorrow brings us more NPCs to add to our growing collection so you best return. Also the days after bring us the meat of the adventure, maps, extra content and the encounters… So don’t forget to come back each day this week and as always, don’t forget to roll it with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Beneath Dark Woods

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Welcome and good evening as this week we begin our stroll beneath dark woods. This week we are on our level 2 adventure and glorious one-shot which takes place in a rumoured haunted woods. Why are we there this week? Well you’d best grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy tonight’s write-up!

Beneath Dark Woods

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The Dark Forest

As the party travel along a road they come across an unsettling sight. A Caravan lays on its axle with two of its wheels broken, shattered beyond repair. A large rotund man sits on an overturned chest and sobs hysterically whilst dabbing at his red cheeks with a pocket handkerchief.

As the party draw closer a second figure walks into view from around the side of the wagon, a strong looking female half-elf. “That’s enough Ruthor. Sitting and sobbing like an infant wont get the caravan mended more quickly nor will it hasten the return of Stephan.” the woman snapped at the man. It was evident that despite her frustration there was a deep affection between the two.

“But Eve. Our Daughter. She is out there chasing those fiends!” the man said as he flourished towards the Dark Woods to the side of the road. “I worry what they will do to her. She is only sixteen!”

“I worry more what Beau will do to them.” the woman replied as she retrieved a box filled with tools. “Now go get me… a dozen sturdy looking branches. About as thick as my arm. I’m going to try and mend these spokes” the lady called Eve said as she looked to the broken wheels.

“She gets this brashness from your side” Ruthor muttered in a huff as he stood and walked to the forest.

“And she gets her unchecked emotions from you dear.” Eve rebutted which causes Ruthor to stomp faster away.

At that moment movement caught the eye of the party and the two travellers. A wounded, tired looking man stumbled forward from the thick trees and fell to the ground. “Stephan!” Ruthor called as he ran to the gruff looking mans side.

The Dark Forest – created in Artbreeder

Dark Ruins

“Master Ruthor. I.. I was unable to retrieve Beau. She chased those bandits into the woods and into some old building in a clearing. I tried to follow but a few of their buddies were waiting for me. I managed to escape and defeat them but they wounded me in the process. Sir. That building, it gave me the willies. There’s something evil there. I fear what they will do to Beau, what she will do to them and what that place will do to them all. We need to seek aid from the city. We don’t have the man power to go in there looking for trouble.” Stephan said between sharp breaths, clutching a wound on his side.

“The nearest city is a days ride from here. I hope she can wait and the city can spare aid..” Eve said as she moved towards the downed man with some bandages. As she started applying the gauss and cloth to the wounds, a cut from a sword, she looked towards the party. “I don’t suppose you lot are any good at exploring and fighting huh?” she asked as she poured a clear liquid on Stephans wound. “Ruthor, can you fetch some food and water for Stephan.. He will need it if he is to recover quickly.” she asked as both man and woman looked concerned at their downed friend.

“We can pay well, well… We could have. The bandits took what we have… If you retrieve our daughter you can have what ever other loot and goods you find with those filthy bandits.” Eve added with a thought. What say you? are you able to help us locate our daughter beneath dark woods?

Thoughts

The age old “Fetch” quest. Retrieving the daughter should be an easy task, emphasis on the should. Old buildings in forests always lead to fun encounters. A lot of variety and versatility can be found in such places. This makes them great places for adventures as we can utilise a lot of skill checks, creatures, hazards and the works this week.

With no time like the now to venture into the woods I want to say thanks for joining me tonight. Don’t forget that tonight is just the beginning of the weeks adventure and we have a lot in store this week. So don’t forget to come back each day this week and as always, don’t forget to roll it with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Grass Roots

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Hello and welcome to another night at Brazen Wolfe Tabletop where we start at our grass roots. This year we are going back to looking at one-shot style adventures each week as opposed to a single long-term campaign like last year. As much fun as it was to explore Ryokughan and follow a single story the whole year I did miss the freedom to have a single new adventure each week. So this week starts a new adventure, like all the future weeks, and we start on the shores of a lake.

Grass Roots

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The Town of Cherpa

Created in Artbreeder

The Town of Cherpa was famous for a few things but its lake was probably the most primary reason for its fame. The large lake to the north of the village provides all that the city requires. Fresh water, food and a mode of transporting away from the dangerous roads. But what makes this lake most famous is the unique bird that nests on its shore line, the Cherpa hen.

The Cherpa Hen

The cherpa hen is a large bird that is big enough to carry a moderately weighted human in its webbed feed. It has a small secondary pair of wings growing from just above and behind its primary wings which make it not only a strong flier but a strong diver. The people of Cherpa, named after these great birds, bond from the chicks from a young age and train them to fly and fish with them. The large size of these birds means that they can reach the bottom of the deep lake to feed on the lake grass roots which is where the second most valuable commodity of Cherpa lies. The iron-shelled fish.

However, it’s the time of the year where a great competition is held for the Cherpa handlers where their partners are tested to retrieve these shellfish. But there is a small problem.

The Cherpa have disappeared from the roosts and the village lies quiet except for the calls of their handlers trying to find their partners.

The call for aid has gone out to help find these beloved birds and to save the festival. The reward is substantial but time is running out. Are there any heroes that will answer the call?

Thoughts…

This week I want to start with grass roots and see where it goes from here. I always find that the early levels of any RPG can be the most rewarding and tend to start new adventures are low levels. But don’t worry we will remediate this lack of experience quickly.

Thanks for visiting me for the first adventure of the new year. Don’t forget to come back this week as we expand upon the town of Cherpa and its urgent problem and, don’t forget to roll it with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Quarry’s frozen Caverns

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The nineteenth day of Dice-ember brings us to the heart of the adventure, the Quarry’s frozen caverns which houses the lair of the enchantress. As the party descend the frozen steps deeper into the stone quarry the what will the darkness below reveal.

The Quarry’s frozen Caverns

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As the Guardians finally fell, their coal cores ceasing to burn with unnatural light the quarry fell silent except for the constant flow of frozen water into the lower levels. The path ahead through the quarry under the waterfall curtain appeared to be well worn despite being recently constructed. As they approached the stairs downwards the cacophony of the frigid water was enough to dim the keenest of senses. The sound of water hitting the pool from worn out stone and ice drowned out all other noise and sent sprays of cold water across the visitors.

Frozen blocks of ice led down in a large arcing staircase that doubled back on the cave entrance and lead under the waterfall. Frozen stalactites framed the ceiling like hundreds of razor sharp teeth from some giant beast. The feeling of dread and cold grew with every step down into the darkened depths. However as they stepped officially under the waterfall far below them was a flickering bright light that promised warmth and a reprieve of the darkness.

Somewhere deep below the arcane thrum was felt by those attuned to the mystical arts. A ritual was being undertaken down below. For this level of power to be felt at this distance it would be a strong one and it drew the party deeper into the quarry’s depths.

Watchers in the dark

As the party crossed under the stalactites the occasional drip of water or tap of a pebble or bit of ice falling from above interrupted their thoughts and conversation. But as they descended the wide stairs something watched them from above. Moving on tiny claws to adjust its position it lay in wait above the humans as they walked towards its hiding place.

As the party move towards the final stretch of this adventure its time to throw in the customary ambush encounter. Icicle looking creatures that drop from the roof to impale the party. But that’s not all this week brings as our young antagonist finishes up her ritual and the party are left to deal with the consequences. With a big week ahead you can’t forget to come back each day this week to see whats next instore for our party. Oh and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Investigating the Avalanche

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The twelfth day of Dice-ember sees the party moving to start investigating the avalanche and running into some unexpected help! We are half way through, yeah I know… It’s going way to fast… the dice-ember season and the end is only thirteen days away! So sit back, sip a hot coffee and let’s roll on with it.

Investigating the Avalanche

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As the party finished dealing with the sentient construct-snowballs they saw more movement up in the hills above them as the snow continued to settle after the avalanche. After some coercion from the townsfolk the party started to trek towards the rocky outcrop where the avalanche began.

As they moved through the snow their new snow-boots enabled them to walk on top of the loose snow rather than through it. However it did make them slower and the trek took quite some time. As they reached the ridge they looked down at the sleepy town below them. Snowtown in the mid-morning light looked quiet and peaceful. Hard to believe that every night it was overrun by constructs made from snow. Sitting down on a relatively dry and stable rocky outcrop they brought out the breakfast that they were given by the villagers and started to eat the somewhat warm sandwiches.

“Hail strangers.” a deep baritone voice came from nearby as several goliaths in red and white coats strode towards them from over the ridge above them. “Strange happenings going on around here. Did you see an Avalanche recently?” one of the goliaths asked as she hefted a great axe above her shoulder.

A Proposition

Not seeming to care about the party’s presence they moved to stand next to them and with a large meaty hand the tallest waved down towards the village a few hundred feet below them. “After what’s been happening with our village we thought we should check in with the people of Snowtown. They don’t have the warriors like we do and we were concerned that the creatures may have taken them.” The oldest of the Goliaths said after a moment of joyful shouts from the villagers below. “We have seen strange shapes moving around the old quarry. Not that there is much more use for it now as the great damn broke but we cant afford to send our warriors that way as the few that have stayed back to defend the village need to stay back with the elderly and young.”

“If you’ve begun helping the people of Snowtown would you be able to help us and look into the old Quarry? It may be the answer to both our questions. We would go if we could spare the warriors and you lot seem more than capable.” The elder asked as he looked towards them with kind eyes.

Looking down towards the town, the dark forest just to the north of it and the knowledge of the shapes milling about the darkened trunks. The party saw no other better offer so decided the quarry could be a good next point of investigation whilst they still had daylight.

A quarry. These types of adventures for a week always excite me. In fact a few of my favourite adventures take place in mines or caves so I have high hopes for this adventure. So don’t forget to come back the rest of this week and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Investigating Snowtown

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The fifth day of Dice-ember brings us to the party investigating Snowtown. Tonight the party investigate the town during the daylight hours and uncover something quite disturbing. So sit back, make yourself a hot coffee and enjoy the festivities!

Investigating Snowtown

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As the party levered the door open and crept out the bright morning suns rays reflected off a fresh blanket of white snow. Gone were the creatures from last night and only the occasional pile of snow, twigs and stones remained in near piles around the town. Moving from door to door the townsfolk crept outwards as the party began investigating Snowtown in full.

There was no sign at all. No foot prints, tracks or traces of the frosty reception they received the previous night. Where wild or malicious creatures would attempt to get to their prey through doors or windows these creatures did not. There was no sign of forced entry, attempted or otherwise on any of the buildings nor fresh scratch marks on doors or windows. As the smoke rose from the chimney stacks in each house, a sign of how cold it was outside and inside the buildings of this town, the party were left looking east to the woods.

The pine woods were dense and dark. Even the brightening sky seemed to be unable to penetrate these woods that grew at the top of a hill and while the town was coming alive once more the party set off to investigate the woods whilst breakfast was being readied. The trek to the woods was difficult but the thick cold clothing that the villagers provided them kept the chill at bay. The trek uphill through shin deep snow made the trek more difficult but all was peaceful on the hill.

The Forest

As they came closer to the forest the darkness, branches and leaves made the forest seem alive and whilst above the snow covered fields the birds sang and welcomed the dawn the forest remained silent. As the party came closer to the forest the shapes between the trees started to take form.

Dozens! Scores even of snowmen were standing in the shadows of the trees, unmoving but focused on the town. As the party came closer to the treeline the stone eyes seemed to stare into their souls and the crushing silence hit the party like any true strike could. After a few moments of staring and investigating the snowmen they noticed that amongst the compressed snow bodies fragments of cloth could be found. Similar clothing to what they were wearing now.

Looking from construct to construct they edged closer. As soon as the party left the sunlight and drifted into the shadow each and every head from the snowmen swivelled in their direction. Suddenly inanimate constructs of snow moved like lethal predators and moved towards the party at a frantic pace. Stumbling backwards into the sun and down the hill as fast as the snow would let them they retreated. But as they glanced behind them the snowmen had ceased moving and were once again frozen in place amongst the trunks.

Setting the scene for this weeks components we find ourselves with spooky, sudden-moving constructs in the shadows of nearby trees. A slightly horror inspired adventure for this years Dice-ember but one that I promise will be rewarding. So don’t forget to come back each day this week and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Distortion Field

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Welcome to the last Monday where I create content related to the Adventure of this last month. Tonight I want to propose something for those players who decide to travel across thr waves and head home to Fareun, a distortion field.

 

Distortion Field

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The salty sea wind caressed their tired faces as they stared towards the bow of the boat. It had been a week since they confronted the Shadow and defeated it, though at a steep cost.

Now returning home felt like the best option for those onboard. Away from the evil they had seen, witnessed and the loss of those who they had grown accustomed to.

“with good weather we should be home within a week” the captain called out, not Kyoko… She stayed behind with her family.

“be on the lookout for pirates and beasties now. We need to warn them we have the heroes of  Ryokughan onboard so they have a chance to flee with their lives” the captain barked out in a mirth riddled tone. The crew laughed and cheered as the large ship bobbed up and down on the waves.

The captain was right. They had made good progress and the few ships they did see left them alone. The weather was fair and great for sailing and they were perhaps halfway home already. “You’ll be glad to be home now aye?” One of the crew asked as she handed around a bottle of liquid, rum. Definitely rum. “I can’t imagine going through what you lot have but is going home the right thing? After all you’ve done and seen. Surely you have the hunger for adventure. I know when I was a young girl and joined aboard..” she was cut off by a loud whistle.

“all hands on deck. Look lively. The spotter has seen some oddities in the waves. Be on the lookout for anything strange…” Now it was the captains turn to be cut short as a wall of wind and translucent colour materialised infront of the boat and spread out like a curtain of some great jellyfishes stingers.

The boat had no chance to swerve or adjust and plowed into the curtain of colour. Except, it didn’t. The bow of the boat passed through harmlessly as the colours danced across the hull, sails, rigging and crew alike. As it crossed over the party their skin tickled and as they spoke it was in several octaves higher than normal. The crew laughed and marvelled at the spectacle and as boat slowed they realised they had come into a pocket where no air was present.

“be prepared men in to paddle us out. I don’t like this at all.” Thr captain squeaked.

The crew moved to prepare the long oars whilst giggling at the captains voice. This distortion field affected other things too. Colours changed, sounds were different and even walking felt odd. As they were about to put the oars into the water the sails picked up again and the distortion suddenly stopped.

“onwards. To Daye!” The captain called, much less squeaky than a moment ago.

Under the waves alien creatures swam and moved through the water away from the boat. The creatures that flew on the wind currents up high beat their three pairs of wings as six eyes scanned below for a meal.

Thoughts.

A distortion field is a way to either throw the party into a new realm, new horrors and adventures or have that world seep through. Or, it could be nothing but a weird occurrence and the party carries on with another story to add to their tale of the land of Ryokughan.

Well its the start to a new week but end of a eleven month campaign. Thanks to all that have followed this journey with me and I look forward to what comes next. Dont forget to come and read the last week, this week, as we wrap some things up and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Shadows maze

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Welcome to another Monday, plot and hook night where this week revolves around the confrontation between the party and their hunt for the dark master through the Shadows maze like citadel.

 

Shadows Maze

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The party scurried forth towards the heart of the citadel. Or at least that’s what they had thought atleast. The citadel was a tangled mess of halls and tunnels. The halls were obviously well crafted at some point but tunnels were dug between halls.

The halls were largely barren and empty as were the tunnels. Occasionally they would witness a screaming wounded oni being dragged down a hall before disappearing into a tunnel.. But otherwise the minions of the Shadow were frantic. Their movements, organisation and coordination were disorganised and hasty as if anxious or fearful. They did have an army at their front doorstep and their master was weak or so the vision had indicated so.

The party were running out of time but they were getting nowhere fast. They would have to find a way to the dark master soon before it was too late.

The very human cries and screams brought them to their present moment and without a moment to lose they took off down a well used hall. Eventually they began to notice a pattern for the tunnels as some lead to new rooms, hallways, dead ends of refuse pits. As they were approaching what smelt like a refuse pit they heard the muffled screams again in the tunnel. Venturing forth they found a well concealed secondary tunnel, unlike the others to date, perhaps, which lead to a large chamber with cages and cells built into the wall. A large ogre stood in the middle of the room brandishing a whip as it lashed out at humans pleading for mercy.

The ogre stopped flaying a middle aged man and looked up towards the party. The look of shock was quickly replaced by a stupid grin and malicious twinkle in its eye. The Shadow would have to wait.

Thoughts.

A creature as strong and ancient like Shadow would surely have an defensible position within the mountain. Oni, in this campaign, are very similar to a familiar goblinoid; the hobgoblin.

Like these foreign creatures the Oni of Ryokughan live in tunnels and have a warren of them to live in. It’s part defensive tactic, part disorganisation and effective for gaining an advantage against their opponents.

A short one this week as there is more to come in the coming days. So don’t forget to come back each day this week to see how the campaign ends. Tomorrow we look at the NPCs for this week which sets us up for secondary hook and the map for the adventure. Don’t forget that we’ve made it through 11 months of this campaign and and feedback is great, and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe