Homebrew

The Cults Crypt

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Welcome to another Thursday Night which we keep for maps and other things that build up the adventure. This week will bear witness to the Cults Crypt and look a bit more into the informants from last night. Tonight’s map is situated beneath the new city in a long forgotten crypt. Long forgotten but not undiscovered. But I wont spoil the surprise for you on this one. So let’s roll into tonight’s content and continue on our adventure!

The Cults Crypt

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Shirkwall Crypt

Descending into the crypt – Hidden beneath the city the crypts housed a statue to the great behemoths that used to stalk the lands. From there the cult grew and soon they created a large altar and worshipped the beasts. This obsession turned the peaceful prophets into maddened cultists, obsessed with the return of the giant creatures. But as the city unearthed more and more of the ancient ruins, bones of the behemoths were found.

This gave credence to the cult’s prophecy and they started to look into dark magic, necromancy, convinced that they could bring them back and restore the city to the natural order. A few of the order stay and guard the crypt and so the need to have beds and a mess hall was required. The leader of the cult has a study that enables him to study the ancient texts and spells needed for their great ritual.

But, they are toying with things they don’t fully understand and with necromancy, there is always a price.

Shirkwall Crypt- created in Inkarnate
Darker map: Shirkwall-CryptsDownload

The Informant

The party followed the directions to the Greasy Hog with low expectations. However they were disappointed to actually find a reputable dining establishment with a good name and good food. Entering they quickly saw a young lady at the bar being served by an older gentleman.

“Welcome, welcome. The Greasy Hog is one of Shirkwall’s finest dining establishments. If you’re not here for the food then surely you’re after some of the potent magic relics that Shirkwall has to offer. We have a small room out back if that’s of your interest” the man said with a grin.

“Oi, those relics are nothing but our history. We should be keeping them and putting them in a museum.” A girl at the bar said, a large goblet of wine in her hand, most of it on the table or herself.

“I think you’ve had enough to drink lass. I’ve already told you that if you’re going to cause trouble then you’re not welcome here.” the man chastised her. With that she went back to eating roasted meat and sipping her wine.

“We just need directions. To the Red Tulip…” One of the party said as they approached the bar.

Directions

“Ah. Well you can’t miss it. It may be closed now but if you have business with the proprietors of that place there is a key, a hidden one. But they may not take kindly to you using it. When you look to where the sun rises, you can see where the key is hidden above the buildings. It should be at the base somewhere but I am not quite sure.”

“Wait. The only thing that’s that way is the old Obelisk. The Tulip is on the other side of town.” The girl spoke up after a moment but caught herself. “Anyway. Thanks for the meal Rit’, it was as good as ever…” she said before standing and leaving.

“You best hurry if you want to reach the place you are searching. I heard they are closing shop.. tonight..” Ritley responded giving them a knowing look. “Your employer has already paid me, so just make sure that you keep your end of the bargain as I have now mine.”

Thoughts

Trying to keep it still slightly ambiguous, but I probably don’t need to as its beginning to be pretty obvious. Tomorrow night will reveal a bit more and then this weekend, maybe Saturday, I will have the full adventure published again with all the little bits and secrets.

Thanks for joining me tonight to look at the Cults crypt, its map and the informant. Tomorrow we look at the stat blocks for, you probably guessed it, some undead nasties. So it will be an exciting adventure this week. Don’t forget to make time for your own tabletop this weekend and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Informant with a forked tongue

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Welcome to another twisted Wednesday night where tonight we look at the the interaction between the party and the informant with a forked tongue. Now other than a play on words this week is about influence and who can be trusted to assist the party. Yesterday we met three NPCs that may help, hinder or simply not care about the quest of the party and tonight we look a bit further into one of them. Well, really two of them but only one of them is taking the stage. So sit back, grab a coffee and let’s roll into tonight’s adventure!

Informant with a forked tongue

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As the party sat down and tried to make sense of the city that had places to worship gods and deities as well as preaching that they didn’t need them. It was a confusing place indeed and the day’s events and what happened upon Lathander’s temples’ steps. An abrasive squeal heralded a chair being dragged over to their table as a confident looking woman sat down next to them.

“You don’t know how hard it was to find you. But I could tell when I saw you in the crowd around the temple that you were them. We have a problem in Shirkwall. It’s going to go down tonight or tomorrow, I don’t know for sure,” she continued without looking at the party’s faces – almost to the point of ignoring them. “Now I have a contact who will meet you at the greasy hog, I know not a great name but apparently it’s a family, name, thing.” She looked up at the party after she seemed satisfied with looking out the door.

“Now they will be behind the counter, ask for directions to the Red Tulip and they will know you’re working with me. I wish I could be there myself…” she stopped as she looked at the faces of the party.. “You are the people that Hunter sent aren’t you? The famed adventurers who rid the cathedral of Elris of its heretics and slew the demon that was controlling them…” She sighed and held her head in her hands. “I am mistaken. But if you are not them then we are doomed. No one can help me to stop the rising of the Behemoth…”

Thoughts

Now ideally the party will help the lady in front of them, the identity will be revealed in the final writeup. You know for thematics and such. I am enjoying what we are doing this week so far. Now having a few NPCs playing against each other is exhausting for the DM. Both to keep track and keep it believable. However, it can enrich the play experience for the players which is why I am employing it in this weeks adventure.

Tomorrow we will have a look at a map. Now It may not make much sense immediately but that’s ok. I also hope to have the second part of the twist tomorrow as well which will sell it.

Thanks for joining me tonight as I expand this weeks adventure. Now for a paragraph made up by a 7 year old this adventure is really taking shape. Influence and inspiration can come from everywhere and I am happy to use them both as often as I can. It’s not an easy job being the Dungeon master so what ever we can do to make it a bit easier can make the world of difference. So don’t forget to come back each day this week as I expand it even more. And, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Influence enough for all

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Welcome to another NPC night here at Brazen Wolfe Tabletop and tonight we are potentially touching on something thats a problem in the real world as well. Tonight we look at if we have Influence enough for all and what that means for the little town of Shirkwall. So without giving away anything for tonight I will have to stop here. In fact let’s grab a coffee, sit down, get ready to roll into tonight’s adventure!

Influence enough for all

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Now despite the cult of the lizard taking up residence at the base of lathanders steps this doesn’t mean that they are welcome. There are some people who want to see it removed from the progressive city of Shirkwall. However the people of this fine city know that its not logic, reason, magic or even science that holds power, it’s influence. It’s no surprise that many of the upper-class citizens of Shirkwall have connections in high places, or themselves are one. It also shouldn’t be a surprise that many religions, or in this case a cult, have very influential people within their ranks.

Tonight we meet three people. One cultist, one neutral party and someone vehemently against the cult of the lizards propaganda. Who’s who will be for another night soon.

Lady Jessica Vorr

Lady Jessica Vorr – created in Artbreeder

Jessica was born into nobility, well pseudo nobility. Her mother and father had both been explorers of the older parts of the city and had uncovered some of the secrets of the society that lived here before. Her father had proven that they had been murderers obsessed with human sacrifice and driven mad with bloodlust. This had fuelled his argument and proposal to build over, rip down and replace the old forsaken ruins with new, modern buildings in the name of progress. While her father built a case to rip down the old, her mother had uncovered evidence of strange creatures that had lived with these forgotten people in harmony. A society that lived amongst giant beasts and acted as their servants and pets, not the other way around. She promoted the collection, study and cultivation of history of the city.

The two different viewpoints had put a strain on their relationship and this causes a bit of a disjointed upbringing for Jessica. However after some time they settled back down and doted on their daughter who had merged with high society perfectly and was the focus of a lot of attention. A beacon of influence for those who looked at the potential of science, study and cultural debate.

Ritley Tane

Ritley Tane – created in Artbreeder

Now some say that Ritley is a bit of an extremist. At the age of twenty he had managed to become the sole provider of sacred artefacts from the culture lost to time. He proclaimed that the relics that he had obtained from the ruins of the city had granted him blessings. In fact longer life, better eyesight, a stronger drive for, well what most men hope for was just the tip of the list. Business was booming and any time another shop started to sell similar relics or talismans they were quickly absorbed into his growing empire.

Now this makes him a cunning businessman but when the city started to remove the past, destroy or build over the ruins. Well this was bad for business. He became a frequent debater on the importance of the past, that progression at the cost of the loss of history was for the benefit of the rich, not the poor. As his debates grew so did his influence with the common folk of the town. In fact this is attributed to the growth of the public debates and spreading of proper gander from several temple steps. As common folk, and those who didn’t have a means to influence the masses, gained confidence so did business grow for Ritley. Everyone wanted charms, relics and totems that bolstered ones confidence and believability. Almost everyone that is.

Elise – Captain of the Guard

Elise – Captain of the Guard – created in Artbreeder

From a young age Elise knew she wanted to be a guard. In the service to the city she loved and grew up in she felt at peace with her position. She earned her name by guarding the debate steps and stopping riots, assassinations and other plots to silence the right to free speech that the city had built up. After a few short years of proving her ingenuity, reflexes and her instincts she was put in charge of the district’s watch and was named captain.

However after a few years she got used to it. The job had no more surprises for her and she wanted to go where there was something to unravel, mysteries to solve. Her previous captain had moved to take on murders and robberies in the high districts and often boasted about his endeavours. However without something to cement her name in fame it would be unlikely that she would ever get to that position. She would need to either get lucky or orchestrate her own rise to fame and power.

Thoughts

Three different people tonight. Someone born into influence, someone who cunningly twisted their way into it and a third who worked hard to gain the limited influence they have, but with a hunger for more. This week each player will take part in the over all adventure in a different way. Tomorrow night we meet a few more people and look at what is really taking place in Shirkwall.

Thanks to all my regular readers, my new readers and everyone else. The amount of feedback I am receiving from these weekly adventures is truly encouraging and I have you all to thank for that. So stay tuned for more adventures this week! However, just because I know I am on the right track doesn’t make me want to be stagnant. I will constantly look to see how I can twist and shake up the formula.

I want to make Brazen Wolfe Tabletop the best it can be so be on the lookout for little changes. Don’t forget to visit each day this week to follow along with the journey and as always. And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Cult of the Lizard…?

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Welcome to another start to an exciting week of adventure and this week we encounter a weird group of people who call themselves the cult of the lizard…? This week was actually inspired by my daughter that gave me a “once upon a time…” story and asked me to write about it. So this week I will bring you the story with the cult of the lizard…? So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and roll onto tonight’s adventure.

Cult of the Lizard…?

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Shirkwall temple plaza – created in nightcafe.studio

The town of Shirkwall was a town of progress. Known for its schools, colleges and people of science and learning it was the pinnacle of technology and discoveries. Situated upon the granite cliffs high above the churning bay below it was also one of the oldest cities in the land. In fact one of the reasons it was so famous was the ancient ruins that it built around and on top of – of which none were more impressive than a large, smooth, four sided obelisk.

When the party arrived there was a large gathering of people at the steps of one of the temples, this one to Lathander. Now a gathering on temple steps, especially to the morning lord wasn’t something that uncommon as to invoke curiosity but this was different. A large gathering of men and women from many races were gathered on the steps in green robes and were preaching at the gathering mass.

“Repent now for the time of false idols is over. The gods have left us, they have shunned us for we are the city of progress and discovery. Repent now for the time of the lizard is here. The great scaled one, the behemoth in the dark beckons for your sin to be swallowed whole. Long have you mocked the reptiles of this land, many even deem them nothing more than a poor-man’s food source. But fear my words children of iron. Children of steel and science. The days of blasphemy are at an end and the reign of the lizard will commence!” A tall, thin woman shouted at the growing crowd below her.

Bad for business

“Ah, get her off the steps! This Cult of the lizard..? It’s a joke.” someone heckled from the crowd. “Move on, your drying up business faster than a dwarf dries up tankards at Larry’s Tavern!” another called out, to the laughter of many in the crowd.

“Mark my words heathens. The time is right. The great lizard will consume you all for your sin!” another, this one an elf, called from the steps.

On the street corner near where the party was standing a few guards stood at the ready in case the preaching took a darker turn. “These nuts at it again. I swear we had one a few years back that spouted this nonsense now they have quite the following” one guard said, a captain by her attire.

“They don’t cause any trouble, they just say their piece, say a prayer and then leave. They don’t break our laws” the one on her right. “I guess we’re just here to make sure no one gets hurt again captain?” he asked.

“That’s right. And they aren’t the type to hurt people in any way… Their movement is a pacifist one. In fact it’s probably the most peaceful religion out there apart from the whole end of the world and death by giant lizard.” the captain spoke with a mild chuckle. “Looks like it’s about over.” she added.

Thoughts

An interesting start to the adventure this week. Obviously this is just the start and it should get the cogs turning. In fact I already know what each night of this week will entail, map and all. Hopefully my daughter will be pleased with what I make of her little paragraph story.

Inspiration comes from all sources and this week the.. sorry.. the cult of the Lizard…? is the actualisation of a paragraph. Now for those who have been around the block a few times may know there are a few creatures that may fit the bill for this week and trust me. This one will be a surprise for us all.

So don’t forget to come back each day this week. I hope you enjoy what I, we, have in store for you this week. And finally, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

In Defence of Heartsfern

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Tonight and I have created another zine for this weeks adventure, In Defence of Heartsfern. This adventure can be used system agnostic as we explore other RPGs out there other than D&D. So please adjust to what ever creatures you are using in your adventure! However as always Kobold fight club can be used to quickly balance an encounter for Dungeons and Dragons and Tetra-cube currently provides the stat-blocks for creatures in this adventure.

So I hope you enjoy this weeks adventure, In Defence of Heartsfern. If you like this format please let me know and I hope you enjoy.

In Defence of Heartsfern

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Heartsfern – Created in Nightcafe.studio.

The party has heard of disturbing tales where a parade of the damned, a macabre march of performers travel the land to perform their gruesome play. The few people that report such tales report butchering of those who still live at the behest of someone who calls themselves, Arbiter Zed. 

The party has also heard word that the town of Heartsfern may be at risk. As the murderous troop of performers left in that direction the party now must race against time to reach them before it’s too late.

Welcome to Heartsfern

Farmers of Heartsfern – created in Nightcafe.studio

The road to heartsfern was easy, calm even as they managed to find a wagon heading that way to a neighbouring village. 

Dropped off an hour down the road from Heartsfern they proceeded on foot, crossing passed fenced off pastures they eventually saw the village in full. 

A few dozen buildings, the largest being the mill or what looked to be an inn, it was rather quaint. However as they started to get closer several men from the village approached them with pitchforks, maddocks and other farming instruments. 

“Who are you?” barked a man at the front, “Did Arbiter Zed send you?” he asked as the growing tenseness in the villagers could be felt.

After a few minutes of talking it was clear that the party were both not working for the man proclaimed to be Arbiter Zed or, not undead. 

As they moved into town they could see many people looking at them from windows fearfully or busy hurrying around like it was the end of time itself. 

“Forgive us” a warm female voice rang out, “Buck had to make sure you weren’t here to torment us. My name is Shelly and this is Heartsfern. Unfortunately we would normally welcome you a bit more warmly but we had one of the undead walk into the middle of our street and foretell the end of this village.” she continued. “It’s probably a story best told over a hot meal and some ale. I run the inn and general store if you want to follow me.” She said as she gave Buck a quick peck on the cheek.

PDF adventure – In Defence of Heartsfern

In-Defence-of-HeartsfernDownload

Thanks for joining me tonight for another Zine. This week I got to enjoy a very old theme that I enjoy. However to make it flow and to make sense of the name of the big-baddie this week I have fleshed it out a bit more in the PDF. So enjoy! Next time you get a party together consider running this adventure and I hope that you enjoy it. If you do use it I hope you can let me know how it goes!

I hope you don’t miss a thing so come back daily in the coming week. This is so you can experience the creation of the next adventure as it evolves and shapes out. And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Carnival of the Damned

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Welcome to another fight-night Friday and tonight we look at the actors who are part of the Carnival of the Damned. There is really only two stat blocks for this weeks encounter which gives us some versatility. But what shines about here is we have an enemy magic user with some pretty nasty tricks behind him. Arbiter Zed is a mean user of the magical arts and as such should be something new for the party. So sit back, grab a coffee and let’s roll into tonight’s adventure.

Carnival of the Damned

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Arbiter Zed

Arbiter Zeds carnival of the damned is just that. The people that have been enslaved to work as part of his travelling nightmare fuel for all eternity. That is until someone can kill Arbiter Zed. While not extremely durable, one good smite away from biting it he will hide behind props, in a wagon and use his performers as potential shields. He isn’t above losing one or two cast members to save himself.

Targeting as many people as possible with sleep those who survive the attack will need to deal with his other spells. Heat metal is brutal for any melee warrior. Command, Dissonant whispers and even phantasmal force are also not to be trifled with. However Minor illusion could be used to make it look like a zombie is him standing still, making a pseudo effective duplicate, if only for a turn.

Arbiter Zed – Created in Tetra-cube.

The Carnival of the Damned

These performers will run forward, cartwheeling, laughing and juggling clubs (or limbs) in a morbid display of acrobatics. This should give them a creepy vibe when really they are just engaging into melee. Just because the creature is dead doesn’t crush their dreams of performing now does it?

A general meat shield for Arbiter these creatures are there to distract and provide bodies for the mage to use.

Undead Performer – Created in Tetra-cube.

Thanks for joining me tonight as we get a advanced screening of the carnivals act. This weekend we will investigate them more and maybe look at something else. But the weekend is still young and there are many possibilities. Don’t forget to let me know how you find running these adventures if you weave them into your tabletop routine and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Defence of Heartsfern

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Welcome to Thursday Night which we keep for maps and other things that, this week will aid in the Defence of Heartsfern. Tonight’s map is created in Heartsfern where I wanted to have a grander scale than something that is a localised battlemap. So we have a eagle-eye view of the town, the forest to the right (East?) and a general lay of the land.

This will enable the party to plan a defence. Whether its constructing fortifications, moving people into the woods or what ever they think is prudent for this week. So let’s roll into tonight’s content and continue on our adventure!

Defence of Heartsfern

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Heartsfern – created in Inkarnate

The town of Heartsfern isn’t much more than a collection of houses localised together, a general store-come inn and a few smaller farming families. As there isn’t a standing guard, hasn’t had need of one for generations, or any form of fortification the thought of being under attack is distressing to say the least. It just so happens that the town has been visited by a group of heroes who may be their salvation.

The trees in the forest could offer resources in a pinch. However the guardians of the woods, the elves, may need to be convinced that their trees are worth sacrifices for the town. There is plenty of hay and stray bales that could work in makeshift defensive structures, as long as fire isn’t involved. The buildings themselves are sturdy and robust but not designed for the defence of Heartsfern.

The general store run by Shelly doesn’t have much but there are some who may know the art of fletching and who could make bows in a pinch. There is also farm tools a plenty.

Thoughts

This week we give the control over how the adventure runs to the player. Do they entreat the elves for safe passage or sanctuary for the villagers until the fight is over? Would requesting supplies and weapons or even aid from the elves be the best course of action? Do they create defensive structures or reinforce what’s already there? Or do they want to try and fight away from the town?

The choice is theirs. In fact with the choice going to them this gives us a variety of diverse reactions we can do for our encounter. I cant wait!

Thanks for joining me tonight to get a glimpse of what’s to come. Don’t forget that tomorrow we look at the encounter that lies ahead for us. These undead revellers and performers will have tricks up their sleeves and even veteran players won’t be expecting it. Don’t forget to make time for your own tabletop this weekend and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Ballad of Buck Underbranch

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Welcome to Wednesday night where the herald of Arbiter Zed brings to us his newest song, The Ballad of Buck Underbranch. The town of Heartsfern is in trouble and while Trent and Shelly take action to prepare themselves as much as possible there is one who thinks that its not enough. Fire in his veins and a blood on his mind he takes a different approach to the defence of his family.

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

The Ballad of Buck Underbranch

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While Trent and Shelly fussed about the fortification of the town, with what little material they had Buck stalked the edge of the town. Not much of a builder, more of a fighter he stalked with a long bow in his hand and a short sword on his waist. It was three days until the blue moon and despite the relief the town felt when the adventurers showed up he was uneasy.

Buck Underbranch – created in Artbreeder.

A figure stumbled down the road ahead. The jittery, stumbling hop that the figure gave was all to familiar to Buck. In fact the horrible sing-song voice from his memory also carried along the wind from the figure ahead. The undead bard had appeared again.

“You won’t enter this town again” Buck muttered to himself as he took off on a jog towards the figure. Stopping occasionally to check the range with his bow in case he needed to fire in a hurry.

“There once was a man that was brave and bold, his cloak was new but his sword was old….” the voice carried on the wind towards him causing him to stop and aim at the figure that was sixty feet away. “Despite his age he ran ahead, to gather glory and bring home bread. But the glory he sought was all for naught since he never made it home. A cunning bard holds the cards that will cut him to the bone.” the figure stopped about thirty feet away, stumbling and breathing deeply. a low laughter could be heard coming from it. “There once was a man that feared the truth.” he muttered barely loud enough to be heard.

Encore

Buck leant in, his bow trained on the chest of the creature before him. So intense was his focus on the creature that he couldn’t hear the shouting from behind him. “The man didn’t realise that every step tightened his own noose.” the figure stood up, the same rotting visage from last time greeted him, a laughter burst outwards. “There once was a man that feared no dead! But mark my words, the Ballad of Buck Underbranch ends with him losing his head!” As the final word sprang out Bucks nerve snapped and he loosed a the shaft towards the creature. But it was too late.

Two blades had been thrown from the rotting man and soared towards his head, cutting through the string of the bow both blades hit their mark as the arrow punched through the chest of the creature knocking it to the ground, in pieces. The blades bit deep, the left one into his shoulder but right one into his neck. As he dropped to his knees he gingerly felt the blade. A fatal wound.

Laying on the ground and waiting for the thundering footsteps to reach him he tried to apply pressure to his wounded throat. But even as the terrified look of Shelly’s face, the concerned adventurers and his friend, Trent, appeared his consciousness dwindled.

Thoughts

Sadly every story needs a trigger point for action. This one here is the injury and potential death of Buck Underbranch. The interesting part about this is that healing potions, spells or even a medicine check will save Buck. So his death isn’t guaranteed but it should push the party forward regardless. In fact I fully intend that Buck will live through this encounter.

This gives the party a connection to the people in the city and I think that could be enough to help them decide to save the town. I also plant this scene here to give the party advanced warning of the combat ahead. While most zombies are slow and clumsy these ones here show some dexterity. I think this will give the party reason to pause, think and adjust their plans.

Or not, it’s up to them in the end!

Thanks for joining me tonight. Tomorrow night we will look at the maps and extra things that make this adventure just that little bit more. So don’t forget to come back tomorrow night, and Friday while we tie the last pieces together for this week. As the week is already coming to an end I want to encourage you to prepare some time this weekend for your own tabletop. Whether its painting, building or playing make sure to set aside yourself some time for your hobbies. And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The heart of Heartsfern

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Welcome to another NPC night here at Brazen Wolfe Tabletop and tonight we are being introduced to a few people that make up the heart of Heartsfern. While last week we focused on Cerberus Cole this week we are looking at two people that normally tend the fields and the folk of the town. The heart of Heartsfern is more the community, the people than a place and this weeks adventure is about them and their fight. So let’s grab a coffee, sit down, get comfy and roll into tonight’s adventure!

The heart of Heartsfern

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Now the beating heart of any small town isn’t a place or even a thing, it the people that call it home. The Town of Heartsfern is small and so the people within the fenced fields are close, more family than neighbours. However more than most there are a few who are staples of the town. These people, the heart of Heartsfern are tenacious, kind and resilient folk. The farmer, Trent and store owner, Shelly are two such people.

Trent Barrowrought

Trent Barrowrought – created in Artbreeder

Trent’s earliest memories are working the farm with his pa and their trusty barrow. This soon became the norm as he moved here to live with his grandparent when he was a teenager. This was to avoid him being conscripted as his grandfather was getting older and needed help in the farm.

His grandpa lived for a few dozen more years before the reins of the old trusty farm-beast and the keys to the farm became his. Having spent most of his adult life on the farm he has helped many folk, his Pa always encouraging him to help his neighbours. This soon gave him a sense of belonging to the community and when he was suddenly, but not surprisingly found by himself in the old house the community banded around him.

He owes a lot to the people here, Shelly most of all for she was his childhood friend. In fact she was his only friend for a good number of years and despite it never growing into something more they are still very close. As he has made a name for himself for being reliable and helpful many of the town rely on him to help tend their own land. In return they share with him what he needs. But he never wants for more and believes that being in this community is enough reward.

Shelly Underbranch

Shelly Underbranch – created in Artbreeder

Born and bred in Heartsfern her parents and their parents before them were the beating heart of Heartsfern. The small town is all she has even known except for when Trent visited. He would bring with him tales of cities, distant lands and people that she would dream about visiting. But she lost her parents quite early and with her grandparents stepping in to help run the general store she quickly fell into step.

Running the general store at the age of sixteen was difficult. But she always could rely on Trent to sort out have her back if she needed help. The two of them quickly became the centre of the town. Trent helping with the farms and Shelly helping with everything else that he couldn’t do.

This didn’t change when she met Buck, her now husband, and after a lengthy courtship they wed. Trent was both the best man of Shelly and Buck and the three of them formed a close bond.

Thoughts

Setting the scene for this weeks encounter is important. In fact a close knit community is what this weeks adventure is about. Shelly and Trent, with the unmet buck, will form the trifecta of plot hooks, twist and and the ones to drive the encounter towards the end.

So with the heart of Heartsfern exposed I want to thank you for dropping by. This last week has been the busiest that hte blog has been for some while and I owe that to you all. I can’t thank you enough.

However, the this doesn’t mean that we are stopping or slowing down. So don’t forget to visit each day this week to follow along with the journey and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Arbiter Zeds Final Call

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Welcome to an exciting start to another week of adventure, and in particular I invite you to bear witness to Arbiter Zeds Final Call. This week takes inspiration from a book I read when I was very young that drove the inspiration of many adventures after. This was further expanded once I started to use music as thought and adventure invoking material and a little some called “The Black Parade” was released.

Well to find out more you’ll just have to read tonight’s update. So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and roll onto tonight’s adventure.

Arbiter Zeds Final Call

310MoAtZeFiCa

Arbiter Zed’s Herald – Created in Nightcafe.studio

The afternoon had been productive and despite the unseasonable rain shower they had managed to bring in the crops before they were ruined. Drying off as best as he could he cleared the table and moved to make a start on dinner. A hearty soup with some dried boar and vegetables from the farm. What was missing was some grains from one of the neighbours.

The town of Heartsfern was relatively secluded at the edge of a forest. A tribe of elves guarded the forest and were fiercely protective of its plants and animals. This made gathering wood for the farm or new buildings difficult but also meant that they were guarded from bandits or worse from the forest. A neutral relationship that seemed to suit them both had formed and the elves even came to barter on occasion.

Making the decision Trent stood, stretched and scooped up a few silver pieces to take to get the last ingredients for the soup. Leaving the warmth of his single roomed house he walked down the short road that connected all the buildings in Heartsfern. The buildings were predominantly wooden with the inn and general store having stone walls, but everywhere there were smoking chimneys. As the evening chill began to set in he hurried to reach the general store and walked in.

The herald approaches

“Ah Trent. I was about to shut shop. I’ve been meaning to thank you for the boar meat you gave me the other week. It was a lovely addition to the family’s meal.” Shelly said as she beamed at him.

“Think nothing of it Shell. You’ve looked after me many times before so I wanted to repay your kindness.” he said with a warm smile. “I hope I am not intruding too late, I am making a soup and realised that I was wanting barley in it. Do you have any from Baz?” he asked as he approached the counter.

“I have a small bag left for a few copper,” she replied thinking. “If it’s just for one meal though I can give you enough for the meal for one Copper piece?” she offered.

“That would be perfect.” Trent agreed as she fished out a copper from amongst his coin. But as the exchange was made a haunting voice rattled through the street.

“Come one, come all to the tale of Arbiter Zed.” The voice began to thrum as Trent and Shelly left the store and looked at a figure walking down the road. It stumbled but hummed as if trying to remember the tune. After a moment though the humming turned into the man singing a tune.

“Although his boots are worn, and his arms are gone some may call him Dead. Yet he sends me here, to sing and cheer while you make your… bread!” the figure said after a moment’s pause. “So listen well and listen true as he arrives when the moon turns blue. He brings his band, he brings his crew to make his performance true.” The man was now stumbling into the middle of a ring of townsfolk, some having grabbed farming implements or some old weapons.

The Promise

The singing man bowed down low, his ragged clothes stretched over a heaving chest as it stopped walking. The humming began once again before turning into another cackling sing-song. “For if you like his play, you can stay to live your peaceful life. But if like his wife, you hate this band…” the man heaved deeper before standing up taller. His rotten skeleton form revealed itself as the sun set behind it and the moonlight revealed his features. “Then you can join his carnival of the damned!” The man roared with laughter, shocking those around him when the body started to break, shatter and fall to the ground in great sloughs. Even when the herald of Arbiter Zed lay a broken heep of bone, worn fabric and dried flesh the townsfolk still swore they heard the laughter.

A heartbeat or two passed before the town was in an uproar of chaos. A bag of barley lay in the ground, tonight’s dinner now ruined by the grim portents of next week’s blue moon.

Thoughts

I absolutely love, love! the idea of a black parade. The idea of a carnival of the damned travelling across the mortal plane spreading chaos and fear just gets the creative spark roaring to life. This week is about preparation, a carefully executed plan and testing the parties understanding of both magic, them selves and the paranormal. Arbiter Zeds Final call hints at the outcome of his performances. If people truly like his gruesome act them they live, else he takes them to fill out the ranks of his band as it is his final call after all.

Another week begins and this week is another exciting one. Magic, undeath and the potential for truly terrible puns and rhymes. No doubt a fun one is brewing this week that puts the emphasis on the parties ability to prepare. In fact without the party I am fairly certain that the town of Heartsfern will disappear. So don’t forget to come back this week for more content as we expand this weeks adventure. And don’t forget to set some time aside for your own tabletop this week, its important to continue to push through your hobby. And finally, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe