RPG NPC Portrait

First Resident of The Bleak

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It should be no surprise that hidden passages and crawl spaces under an old keep would house, well something and tonight we get a glimpse of the first resident of The Bleak. This creature has been around for a long time, watching, waiting and judging worthiness to reside on this mountaintop.

So let’s grab a coffee, sit back and watch something potentially uncomfortable.

First Resident of the Bleak

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The noise from the keep dwellers had stopped as they became aware of the creatures presence. Pressing itself against a wall its bumpy-rocky hide blended in with the wall so that it appeared as though part of the tiny walkway that led back into the keep. The creature watched as it took shallow breaths, the light of the torch barely touched its skin as it had a orders to follow, a geas that would not let it stop.

It searched them for flaws and it was not disappointed as its eyes pierced most of these humanoids. There were many flaws to these creatures, greed, cowardice, arrogance and more and yet these were not forged beings. It wondered what they were here for and if they would be the ones to end the compulsion that was put upon it by the first resident of The Bleak, the keep that was erected above the tunnels that it called home.

First Resident of the Bleak – created in nightcafe.

Making the most of a moment of distraction from the adventurers the creature slunk away using its rock hard claws to bite into stone as it hauled its heavy body up the wall, avoiding the treacherously slippery floor of these passageways. There was also the other inhabitants that the creature didn’t care for at all which was odd. Being the creature that it had been transformed into it should fear nothing but there was something unsettling about the legs and how they scuttled across the floor.

The creature had to pause again, the remnants of its beard and hair hung like moss or lichen as he hung from the wall. The adventurers had come this way and after a brief pause to look at the claw marks it had made on the stone they continued up the passageway, single file and having to turn to their sides to pass through certain tighter parts.

Curious the creature watched. Surely they knew of the dangers in these caverns, the things with many legs that dwell by the waters legs and those that crawled on that walls like it did. After it was sure that they could not see its movements the creature climbed after them, surefooted as it had spent centuries in this stone lined cave system. If these adventures could end its sentence, end its curse then it must ensure that they survived.

It was rare that those who took possession of The Bleak showed the potential to end the curse and it had been a long time since the last worthy one had appeared. Yet for some reason this group felt right. Yes, it was the right thing to follow them and ensure that they would be safe, even now the creatures of the Underbleak were becoming aware of the intruders into their domain.

Thanks for visiting for another night here at my tabletop. Don’t forget that we will continue to expand this adventure each night this week so don’t forget to come back tomorrow for more and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Called by the Morning Light

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Both the wife of Radulas, Kathryn, and the cleric Clarice are drawn to ask the party for assistance this week as they are called by the morning light to complete this quest. While the Lady Kathryn wants her husband cured and the city her family has driven to prosperity saved the warrior Clarice wants something more. But as we explore these characters, the complex relationships and the dangers this week we cant overlook how not all good deeds ask for nothing in return.

So let’s grab a coffee, saddle up and continue to watch the shadows for the things that go bump in the night!

Called by the Morning Light

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The morning light trickled into the small chamber that the Rustlestone estate had constructed for holy ceremonies and events of particular significant. Kathryn sat in the morning light that trickled through the window and waited for the news that she had hoped for. She had given the adventurers the night to consider the proposal as it was incredibly dangerous considering that they anticipated that their lives would be targeted the moment it came known that they had taken the job.

‘My Lady,’ one of her house guards said as she entered the room as she took off her helmet, ‘they, the adventurers, have accepted your conditions and have left this morning for Narrowbreath. If all goes well they should be back just after the sixth dawn.’

Kathryn Rustlestone – Created in Nightcafe.

It hadn’t occurred to Kathryn until now just how much she was depending on these strangers to cure her husband. It wasn’t something that the clerics or healers of this city could cure and only one who had devoted their life to the healing craft would succeed. And so when the relief of that weight, that held breath that wasn’t aware she was holding washed over her it brought tears to her eyes and a quick short sob. ‘Thanks Gen. Now we must pray to any god, the morning lord of the one that oversees the night, any who will hear us that they return successful and with the cleric with them.’

Clarice Brightborn – created in nightcafe.

As soon as she had left the temple she knew she was being watched and followed. Clarice normally did not carry such an array of weaponry unless on a quest but she had found need of it on her last few ventures out of the temple where she resided. Even before she had sent the message, via the head of her order of clerics, to the city of Jostaire to request passage to heal one of the prominent leaders of the city, she had people following her and even several tried to attack her.

Luckily the morning lord watched her even while he was resting and she made short work of those thugs. However she had learnt from them that there was a bounty on her head. Not just her head but on any healer that was experienced and according to one of the thugs that she had handed over to the authorities, it was any healer within a weeks travel of Jostaire.

As she watched a group of travellers watching her she continued on her way to the tavern, the Mindful Badger, where she had waited for a few nights now in case Lady Rustlestone had sent for her. As she sat down at the table that she had frequented the last few days and sipped the water from the tankard she watched as the same adventurers entered the tavern and came to stand near her booth.

‘I must warn you, that I have had a rough week and am a bit jumpy,’ she offered as they went to sit down. ‘Have you been sent by Lord Rockenworth?” she offered trying to catch would be assassins in their own trap. When they corrected her and offered a letter from Lady Rustlestone she breathed a sigh of relive. ‘Please forgive my deception. I have had numerous attempts on my life which ended poorly for those foolish to strike at the sun. However they are growing in desperation and I must admit, they are getting closer.’ she paused to sip her water again. ‘So tell me, when can we leave to cure the lord?’

Clarice wasn’t an impatient person, oh no. But helping the Lord and Lady Rustleworth of Jostaire would fulfill a goal of her order. To have a temple of Lathander established within the major city where his light can ensure that this level of unchecked darkness won’t happen again.

Thanks for visiting tonight for a bit of a story driving night. Don’t forget that tomorrow and each night after we will continue to expand this adventure further. So don’t forget to come back tomorrow for more adventure and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Bed Bound

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A sick noble bed bound and foul play the obvious causation has the party preparing to travel across the kingdom to seek out a cleric of considerable power. But it wont be easy as those who want the noble to stay as he is will go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the party will fail in their quest.

So let’s grab a coffee, keep your friends close as this week the hunters become the prey!

The second most powerful nobleman Radulas Rustletone has suddenly fallen ill and all attempts to heal him has failed. His family has approached a group of adventurers in secret as they were given a tip that a cleric of Lathander in a city a few days travel by horseback away may be able to cure what has afflicted him. Radulas happens to be second in line to ruling the city of Jostaire with only one other nobleman out-ranking him.

However, dark plots are at play here and there are shadows that move about to delay and even stop the party from reaching their destination, Clarice Brightborn. Will they be able to overcome the league of assassins that stalk them to save the just and noble Radulas or will they fall to the same dark plot as he did.

Bed Bound

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Radulas Rustlestone Bed Bound – Created in Nightcafe.

The man before the party still had the authoritative gaze and presence of the nobleman that he was indeed. However his gaze was just that, a gaze, and despite the best effort of the healers of Jostaire no one had been able to cure him of his affliction. That’s where Kathryn Rustlestone had reached out to the party due to their reputation.

A messenger had come for them, from the church of Lathander a few days travel via horseback away saying that one of their own, Clarice Brightborn, believed she could cure the noble, Radulas Rustlestone, and could raise him from being bed bound. However she believed that she was being targeted and had requested an escort to see the nobleman.

Lady Rustlestone had jumped at the first sign of being able to cure her husband and had reached out to get the very best involved. The pay was as good to be expected, a few years wages for the average commoner, however they had also been promised much more. Titles and land, something that would give them authoritative power and influence in not just this city but many in the kingdom.

‘My husband fell ill about a week ago and within a days cycle he was unable to speak, move or even recognise his family. However one of nobles daughters is a mage and she confirmed that he still thinks and pleads for assistance.’ Kathryn paused to wipe away a tear. ‘We suspect foul play, that is why Clarice is unable to travel by herself as she too is being targeted. The job will not be easy but the rewards are more than enough to compensate. A title, land and gold enough to make something out of both.’

The party looked between the man and his wife. It was obvious that she cared for him greatly and that there was something foul at play here. However despite their own efforts they could not rouse him and it appeared as though this Clarice in another city may be the best bet they have. Radulas was a well off merchant who was influential and powerful enough to be next in line to govern the city if another noble was to step down. Together both families had run the city in prosperity for a number of years. However it was appearing shaky now and the other family was struggling to get motions passed to ensure the success of the city without Radulas there.

‘So will you help us? I heard you were the best and I only wanted those who could actually save my husband.’ Lady Rustlestone pleaded one more time, looking at her husband and squeezing his hand.

Another week has begun and I want to thank you for stopping by to stay up to date on another adventure here on my blog. But don’t forget that I will continue to expand this adventure each day this week so make sure to come back daily. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Jovi of the Dusk Scouts

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Jovi of the Dusk Scouts is introduced pretty early on in this weeks adventure. As the point of contact for the party to investigate the Mascalar valley and as the guide to these protected lands of the Musca Empire.

So let’s gear up, grab a coffee to go and get ready for a hike!

Jovi of the Dusk Scouts

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The valley was quiet yet covered in smoke as the party walked a small game path down into the valley. Their guide, Jovi, was a member of the kings elite scouts and confidently walked through the trees, bushes and logs. Stopping only to check a track or broken fern as they pushed deeper into the valley.

Jovi – Created in Nightcafe.

It had been a few days of travel by foot after they had left the horses. The king had pushed to make the expedition as stealthy as possible to try and ensure that their presence was unknown. The scout detachment had moved ahead of them to prepare for the parties arrival but to also begin checking for what ever was causing the mass damage in the valley.

Jovi waited for the party at a particular broken plant that he had stopped by. “This wasn’t broken by a creature of the valley. Evidence that there are people here. Best be on your toes as we move towards the rendezvous site.” he said as he pointed at a boot print that had crushed a fern into the soil. His confidence in pointing out the little things on the path told tales of the amount of time he had spent in these woods.

As they continued deeper along the path the party grew more aware of the changes. A thicker smoke was pushing through the tress now and the smell of singed soil and burning leaf matter was stronger. Eventually the camp ahead of them appeared with a small group moving around and moving branches to conceal the last few tents that had been constructed around a low smokeless fire.

As Jovi approached several men and women rushed forward and a shimmering cylinder appeared that concealed the passage of the party and Jovi towards the camp. “Welcome back captain. The camp has been set up and we have spotted the first of the rekuldor have been seen on the other side of the pass. However, we have seen evidence of others in the valley so I believe it’s safe to say that we are not alone.” a young woman in the same scouts outfit reported.

“Well, we have support now. These are the adventurers that the emperor has deemed suitable to help us with this endeavour. They have proven themselves useful so far but until we know what we are dealing with we are dealing with too many variables that could interrupt the migration.” Jovi responded, a pointed look to the party indicated that he expected them to provide some input.

Thanks for visiting tonight where we continued on with the adventure for the week. Don’t forget that each night this week we will continue to expand this adventure. So don’t forget to come back daily to stay up to date and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Cloaks and Cudgels

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Not everything is straight forward in this work and we know that best when we are adventuring beyond the walls of the tavern and out there on the streets, in the caves or in the dungeons is where cloaks and cudgels are most often to be found. Tonight is no different where we meet the Captain of the guard a bit more and get a glimpse of another interested group in what the party found.

So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and keep our eyes peeled and ears focused!

Cloaks and Cudgels

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The party left his office and he stood and paced nervously. He had tried to win them over with the kings reward but he was not quite sure if it had convinced them to take him to the location where they had found the statues. He had another plan up his sleeve though, one that he was sure would work.

Opening the window shutter in his office he waited and watched as the party got to the front door. Just as the messenger nearly collided with them. “Captain Claud!” the messenger called out urgently. “The dark wizards are making a move on Magnifico’s vault!”

Claud suppressed his mirth, the messenger was a middle man, one that had to believe what he had been told. “Speak up man. Someone get this man a drink!” he bellowed as he rushed over, making sure to catch the eye of the party as he knelt next to the man and offered him a drink.

“I heard from my contact via the sending stone that they had seen the Dark Arcane, that group that have been causing trouble in the city heading off to the south. He believes that he has reason to believe that they are after Magnifico’s vault not that its been uncovered.” the man paused to drink from the cup of water. “He said that they were on the way there now, something about knowing the location from tracing one of the statues.”

Guard Captain Claud Flay – Created in Nightcafe.

Claud knew that his plant in the group would pay off. But he always had another plan up his sleeve and this meant that he may be able to convince the adventurers to take some of the city guard with them to the vault. “Where are they now? Can we track them and stop them before they get to the vault?” he asked the messenger.

“I don’t know. The sending went quiet and I haven’t heard anything since.” the messenger replied.

“They may have found him. If we can rescue Steve in the process of stopping them we will, he is a valuable asset to the cities watch.” he turned to the party, “I implore you, can you lead us to the vault. If what the messenger is saying is true, what Steve told him, then we may not have much time to follow them. I hope you can take us to the vault to stop these arcanists from getting access to the magical artefacts and weapons within the vault. If not, a map or anything will suffice if we can get there before or just after they do.”

Captain Claud wasn’t the only one with spies and Steve played an exceedingly dangerous double game. After initialising the contact with the messenger Steve reached out to his second employer, the Crimson hunter.

Jessica Fridea – Created in Nightcafe.

Jessica Fridea listened to the report from Steve, the double informant, and she grinned. It wasn’t every day that one of her hunches would pay off and now she had a massive score to settle. The Vault of Magnifico was something that people had been searching for for decades, and now an adventuring party may be the ones to take her to it. If she could tail them she could prevent the king or any secondary, tertiary or other parties in getting involved. As she stood at the outskirts of the city she waited for the next move.

It wouldn’t be long until either the guards or the party themselves would make their way out, this was the main gate in and out of the city and she had watchers posted on the other gates. If they left the city she would know and then her order would be able to finally get their hands on the treasures of Magnifico.

Thanks for visiting tonight to meet some NPCs for this week. Hopefully the twist later this week isn’t already revealed but I think it should be a surprise for most! So don’t forget to come back daily to stay in the know and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Mercenaries and Merchants

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This weeks supply run adventure will inadvertently run into both mercenaries and merchants like trying to scrape out a living amongst the baron landscape of the Fester Plains. Tonight we meet a few of them, some key interactions and perhaps, something that we haven’t considered before as part of these campaign series – hirelings for part of the adventure.

So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and take a load off your feet – the sandstorm is going to make us wait!

Mercenaries and Merchants

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The first sign of the sandstorm came in the sudden rush of a series of two legged, large bird like creatures who dashed past the party and their horses. The City of Orchreweld could be seen with its tall imposing rock-hewn walls and towers with brown and red flags clearly now and it looked like quite a great number of people were fleeing inwards.

“A Sandstorms on the way. You best move those cloven-feet if you want to make it to Orchreweld!” a strange man, more insect than human called out as he reached where the party were. “Follow me if you want to make it through the gates and hurry!” he called as he urged a large locust like mount to jump and flitter a hundred feet. Needing nothing more than that the sound of the storm behind them, coming from the Fester chasm, motivated them and their steeds to get through the gates quickly.

An assortment of men watched them from the gate and stopped them out front. “Halt. Reason for visiting Orchreweld.” one of the guards, a tabaxi, said with a cheeky flick of his tail.

“Cut that out Tomiaus, there’s a sandstorm coming what more do they need. You can hold them once they are out of the storm.” The insectoid man snapped at him as he thundered past the frustrated looking guards.

“He’s right you know captain… that is the protocol for sand storm.” said the second guard, a younger looking human.

“Yes. Thank you Yason.” said the tabaxi as he gestured inside. “Enter the stables on the left and see the guards there for checking in.” The insectoid man flashed a terrifying smile as he bounced off deeper into the city.

Var’Snikk the Trader – Created in Nightcafe.

The process of sorting out who they were and why they were in Orchreweld was much simpler than the man at the gates had indicated. Within a few moments they were sent on their way with directions of where they may to go as well as names of a few taverns and Inns that should be able to put them up for the time they were staying here. They also were warned about a particular part of the city to avoid where strangers and newcomers rarely left unharmed in some manner.

As they moved through the streets they marvelled at the sand storm that funnelled itself over the city as it hit the walls. Something about how the walls were constructed at the right angle and a little bit of wild magic to keep the winds and sand out of the city. The lack of sky was no problem as several giant drift globes floated above the city streets providing illumination which made up for the darkened skies above the city.

As they moved onwards they saw a familiar giant locust-like creature and a man in a ratty shawl taking saddlebags off the back of it – there were quite a lot of them. As they approached the man turned around and smiled in that terrifying way. “Ah friends. I see that Var’Snikk got you through thee gate just in time. If its no trouble could you be of assistance in taking these bags off of Revoon for me?” the large locust thrummed its wings in recognition of its name. Var’Snill turned out to be a trader, a merchant that specialised in the dangerous desert crossing.

Zaroh Short-Tusk – Created in Nightcafe.
Pralu Short-Tusk – Created in Nightcafe.
Yazmin Defthand – Created in Nightcafe.

The Jade Scorpion

The Tavern they had ended up at, the Jade Scorpion, was a rough yet comfortable establishment with enough space for their animals, as promised, and it was quiet. A group of three women sat at a table in the corner and poked their fingers at a map looking at plotting a course but it didn’t appear to going well before one of them stood up and stomped towards the bar. All of them were clad in some amount of armour and looked like they knew how to handle themselves.

“Three more Rounds Barthos.” the orc said. Her sandy-grey hair matched with her sun bleached olive skin that gave her a worn and hardy look. The Barkeeper handed over the tankards and took the coins in the same motion.

“How goes the planning Pralu?” the barkeep called out to her as she walked off.

“Not good. Zaroh and Yazmin have some doubts about this contract. Something smells fishy and we it looks like it may be the raiders who are a plague in the Fester.” Pralu, shrugged as she moved back to the table.

The other orc at the table called out to the keep after taking a quick drink from the tankard. “Do you think the rumours are true about this wyvern?” he asked, obviously doubting it was a wyvern. “We’re much to dry for one to be out here by itself. This job to help bring it down in its lair doesn’t add up. There’s no cave near where they want to meet, they are asking for people to come at the wrong time of day – when they are most active and it’s suspicious. It’s a lot of money for just one wyvern.” Zaroh added thoughtfully.

“Well if we don’t get a job soon we’ll be in trouble. We’re the best mercenary crew in Orchreweld and we can’t go down like this ladies.” the human added looking at her companions.

“Yazmin’s right. Even if it is the slavers we got to take a chance.” Pralu added with a sigh.

“What about you lot. Do you need mercenaries? I can vouch for these three as being worth their weight in coin.” Barthos, the barkeeper asked the party. “If there is a wyvern out there, you could do much worse than to have these three by your side.”

“Geeze, don’t sell us too hard Barthos. Wow, I’m blushing. Could do much worse ay?” the three women chorused back at the man behind the bar.

Thanks for visiting tonight as we meet four NPCs, technically five, that the party can hope to meet on this adventure. As this continues on from yesterdays Supply run adventure this also mirrors in with “The Bleak” if longer base-orientated campaigns are you’re thing. Don’t forget that each remaining day this week I will expand and grow this adventure further. So don’t forget to come back daily and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Master of Rumours

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Tonight we look at the age old trope of Inn Keepers being the master of rumours, the holders of half-truths and the foreman of furphy’s. Harry Hastebee is just a regular inn keeper but he brings with him the knowledge, rumours and stories that many travellers, patrons and even some competitors have ownership of.

So let’s sit down, grab a coffee (or something stronger) and let’s listen to a tall yarn from the inn keeper!

Master of Rumours

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Harry Hastebee – Created in Nightcafe.

Quick on his feet Harry bounced towards the door to open it up ceasing two annoyances of the party’s at once. The stifling heat from the kitchen roasting non-stop and the persistent banging from someone wanting to come in. “Hold up hold up, what do ye want?” Harry asked as he ushered the person inside.

“Thank the gods that you let me in. I’ve been chased by a spirit down the streets who was after my very soul!” cried the man before he broke down into tears in front of Harry.

“Come now friend. A hot meal and a strong drink will calm your nerves. Tell me what happened” Harry said as he led the man to a table. “Tell me your name while I fetch you a plate. We don’t have much prepared but what we do have is cheap and good. Two silver pieces and I’ll fetch ye what you need.” he said as he bounced off. The man, in a state of shock fished out the coins as he sucked on the tankard of ale.

“The names Adam, Adam tanner.” he said as he paused to drink from the tankard more deeply. “I was coming back from the market with a cart laden with cloths and leathers, you see I work at the tannery and we didn’t sell through everything, as usual. But I was passing by one of the streets near the Church to Chauntea and I saw someone standing over a pile of clothes. So I called out to see if I could help them and then I realised they had no face. They then floated up off the ground and chased me. I swear the pile of clothes was a body!” he shrieked before drinking again.

Harry looked over at the party and walked closer leaving Adam to his drink. “You best be leaving soon if you don’t want to be caught up in this friends. It’s the third story I’ve heard of this spook on the streets. I pick pocket playing tricks I bet. But its not a good sign with the clerics having no connection to Chauntea. It’s right odd really. Normally lady luck, Tymora, looked after this place and I have a way with luck – like most halflings I guess. But lately, I don’t know. It feels like there’s something dampening that connection.” he shrugged.

“Probably just superstition to be honest but I don’t like it, and you lot don’t have to stay put…” he stopped as his face when pale. As the party turned around to see what had made the cheerful man freeze they saw a faceless figure drifting through the chairs and tables in the dining space as it moved towards them, steadily and with purpose. A shriek brought them back to reality as Adam had looked up and seen the spectre.

“Well, I guess its not a pickpocket after all.” Harry said as he grabbed a skillet from the bench top. “This place is for paying guests only!”

Thanks for visiting tonight as we explore a bit more of the people involved in this story as well as piece together the rest of the adventure. Don’t forget that each day this week we will continue to expand and build this adventure, so don’t forget to come back daily and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Maribeth and Roderick

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This week our story revolves around Maribeth and Roderick, the queen and the noble who unknowingly sent Maribeth to the Astral plane. But he may play a vital role in retrieving the queen if the party are wise to listen to his council.

So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and let’s prepare for an astral adventure!

Maribeth and Roderick

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Queen Maribeth – Created in Artbreeder.

Queen Maribeth watched as the gifts scattered out before her, drifting in empty space as she struggled to keep herself level with what she assumed was the right orientation. It had happened so far but she could still remember the look of shock and horror on the faces of those near her, especially Roderick.

“I told you Roderick was no good.” her guard, Sven, muttered from nearby as he drifted upside down next to her.

“Come Sven, you know that Sir Roderick isn’t responsible He is one of the most decorated heroes that we have in the kingdom and has protected both you and I countless times in the past. Remember the Dark Autumn? He hunted the vampire single handed and moments before the beast drained your life he fought it off and managed to get you and I to safety.” Maribeth reassured Sven even as he grumped near by.

“Then what is this? If he didn’t get his pet witch to curse the bag then what?” Sven said as he pumped his arms and legs to try and right himself.

The sight of the giant of a man running in empty space yet not moving brought a smile to her face. “Well given where we are I can think of two things,” she began as she concentrated on turning in space to be on the same orientation as Sven, “we are in the astral plane. The gifting chest functioned like a bag of holding and I remember Sir Roderick telling us once that you should never, ever, place a bag of holding inside one another or you…” she paused.

“Get sucked into the astral plane.” he finished for her.

“So I just hope that the other guards don’t behead Roderick as he, and his ‘pet witch’ as you called her might be our only chance of a rescue.

Sir Roderick – created in Nightcafe.

Roderick shook with fear and worry. He hadn’t considered that the donation from his vassal, Lord Tokaois, would’ve been a disguised bag of holding. He had already called for Freja, his sorceress, to locate Tokaois and to question him to confirm his suspicions he had luckily been granted access to the library. His reputation of being fiercely loyal to the queen had served him well and he poured through books searching for the answer.

The mercenaries, some well known adventurers had joined him when the realised too that she had been sucked into the astral plane as he searched for a book. An ancient guide to the astral plane that the court wizard had once taught him about when he had been sent there to hunt for a beholder. He never found it but he did find a gith war party that nearly cost him his life if it wasn’t for the book and its guidance on how to tell the different puddle-portals in the Astral plane apart.

His ring started to warm up as the embedded sending stone activated. Twisting it counter clockwise he connected the two sending stones. “My lord, I have the information.” Freja began before the sound of whimpering in the background of her voice interrupted. “Lord Takaois was less than willing to part with the information but I managed to get it out of him. It was a bag of holding that had been disguised so Maribeth is as you assumed, in the astral plane.” she continued.

“Queen Maribeth. She may remember the stories that the old wizard told her but she wont be able to get out by herself. How quickly can you get here?” he asked.

“I can be there by tomorrow morning, I have a mess to clean up here and then I should be able to reach the capital. Why?” Freja asked. She loved playing dumb just to vex him.

“I need you to locate where she is and so we can open a portal to recue her.” Roderick sighed. He knew she knew, that’s why he kept her employed in his service.

“Oh my, that does sound very expensive.” she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

“We will deal with that later. I will see you at sunrise.” he said twisting the right clockwise to sever the connection. Turning to the adventurers he noticed that they had been listening. “I have a request in the service of the queen. Are you willing to save her?”

Thanks for visiting tonight as we explore a bit more of the people involved in this story as well as piece together the rest of the adventure. Don’t forget that each day this week we will continue to expand and build this adventure, so don’t forget to come back daily and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Folk Lore and Falsehoods

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There is sometimes no real difference between folk lore and falsehoods when it comes to stories about the local happenings or non-happenings. Tonight we look into such allegations of a mad hermit who is responsible for keeping the lore of the village. But when his mind is failing and the next generation is not ready to inherit the task there can only be trouble.

So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and let’s listen to some old-timey stories!

Folk Lore and Falsehoods

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Garet Solroot – Created in Artbreeder.

Garet shuffled across the dirt floor the hearth where a pot of water boiled. Using a worn wooden ladle he scooped out some water and poured it into a cup which had a sprinkling of leaves in it. Shuffling back, most of the boiling water ending up on the dirt, he handed the cup to the first in line for his hospitality.

“More tea…?” he asked looking to the others. The first cup looked to contain half an earth worm, a few pine needles and what appeared to be dog or cat hair; potentially even human beard hair. When the others gestured that they needed no tea he scooped out his own serving, sprinkling his own few leaves into it and sat down, gingerly, on a pile of furs near the hearth to stay warm. His thin frame looked tiny in comparison to the cloak of furs he held around his shoulders.

After sipping from the obviously too hot tea he smiled, nodded once as if satisfied with the brew before looking to the party. “The woods have ears did you know that?” he began. “When the elves first left the woods and headed south past the human lands they encountered the first settlers of this village. Back then the woods were said to come alive at the beck and call of the elves to build their houses and fight their enemies.” he paused to sip his scalding tea.

“But when the winged ones left the trees stopped. A Pity as I always wanted to talk to a tree.” he mused to himself.

Synthia Mullpeck – Created in Artbreeder.

Synthia walked into the room hastily putting down a basket that had dozens of root vegetables assorted in near piles. “Sorry Garet there was word that some hot shot adventurers had come to the village so I tried to find them.” she began before turning around and noticing the party. “Oh, I guess I found them. Hi I’m Synthia. I am Garet’s apprentice come household help.” she added with more than a bit of disdain.

“I am here to learn all I can from Garet so that he can retire while he still has some of his memories. I have started to try and write them down in books but,” she paused looking at the man who was scooping out the other half of the worm, “Some how I don’t think I’ll fill a book of actual history. All his stories he tells don’t make sense or are impossible.” she added with frustration.

“Synthia, dear girl. Did I tell you about the spell at the heart of the forest? The one that called the winged ones home and silenced the trees?” he added chewing still. “They say that nine are needed to bring back the trees but I don’t think we could find nine more winged ones. They all disappeared. Did I tell you about the time that a winged deer flew over my hut? It started to eat the thatching on my roof!” he continued looking visibly excited.

“See, wild stories.” Synthia added looking at them knowingly. “I do have some of the ones that made sense in this book if you want to take it and look over it. If there’s any questions I’m from Remale, the village one over. I will be here for a few more hours then leaving before dusk.”

Thanks for joining me tonight get to know Garet and Synthia. Taken from a few inspirations this week I hope to capture the essence of “all stories are based on a fact”. So don’t forget to come back daily this week so you can see how this adventure expands and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Anzia Blackmane

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The true client this week isn’t Fergo Blackmane but his Daughter, Anzia Blackmane. An eccentric young woman who doesn’t quite dodge around questions but definitely makes getting useful information harder.

Let’s settle down, pull up a stool and let’s go to tea with the nobles daughter!

Anzia Blackmane

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Anzia Blackmane- Created in Nightcafe.

Requesting an audience with the royal family may have been easier than a simple meeting with the Blackmanes. Several guards stopped and asked questions about the need for their visit to the Blackmane manor and some even sent them in wrong directions until a maid appeared and invited them to tea with Anzia.

The caution wasn’t warranted of course but the trip to the sitting room was eye-opening. Weapons from dozens of cultures and people lined the hallway along with fine armours that varied from riding leathers to exquisite plate mail. Portraits line the walls of heroic figures hunting monstrous creatures and several trophys from such endeavours were mounted on walls or pedestals.

They stopped in front of a large set of double doors where the maid bowed and announced the party. Inside a young woman sat sipping on tea with a bunch of cups, saucers and pots displayed in front of her. “Do come in. I hope that you are making good progress in finding my Samsone, he is such a tricky fellow.” she said in a tone that didn’t match her looks. As she looked between the party members she sighed. “I did tell father that we had to get the best to retrieve Samsone. I believe that he is stolen but father insists that he simply got out. A good boy like that would never leave voluntarily not after all the care I have provided for him.” she paused to sip from her tea.

“No he must have been stolen. Please find my Samsone and return him to me. He is a rather large cat and has redish brown fur. You will recognise him the moment you see him I am sure of it.” she added after a brief hesitation. “Oh and do be careful, the servants have informed me that there is rumours of a large fearsome creature prowling the city. Be careful not let it hurt Samsone or we wont be able to uphold our end of the reward.”

Thanks for joining me tonight to meet Anzia Blackmane, descendent of a famous and decorated hero of the kingdom. A bit eccentric but obviously cares about her pet, Samsone. Don’t forget that we will expand the adventure each day this week, so make sure to come back daily and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe