fiction

Bellowing Charge

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The Bloodhorns are a clan of mercenary-like minotaurs and they are the star of the show this week, well their bellowing charge is more to the point. Fast and lethal these creatures are here for a single purpose, to collect the bounty on the party and Clarice’s head. But I am sure that they have something to say about that…

So let’s sit down, grab a coffee as we roll into tonight’s encounter!

Bellowing Charge

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The basic minotaur is lethal in its own right. Able to throw caution to the wind and grant itself advantage on all attacks, raising its potential to hit by another 25%, roughly, but granting the same bonus for opponents to hit itself. But on the charge its able to deal immense damage that would fell a lesser man and heavily injure many these creatures are something to be feared.

Minotaur – created in Tetra-cube

However a well run operation rarely just has foot soldiers, minotaur’s or otherwise, and that’s where the Minotaur Bull comes into it this week. A fine specimen if there ever was one of this race the Minotaur bull is something that many calves dream of becoming. Its bellows drive other minotaurs into a blood frenzy, able to hit harder and more accurately while fighting near the leader of the herd.

They are generally larger, stronger and more well fed than others, able to sustain a much bigger amount of hurt before it succumbs to its wounds. However it will dish out much more pain that it will receive before it falls to a smaller humanoid.

Minotaur Bull – created in Tetra-cube

Thanks for joining me tonight for another short one and a new take on some monstrous races that we may see on the battlefield opposite us. Be sure to come back over the weekend as I continue to create more content daily and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Jostaire Woods

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Inspired by the cartoon style of the images created housing the minotaur from last nights, Horns at Dawn, this weeks map featuring the Jostaire Woods is in glorious watercolour. That cartoony style is just something that I dig so much. Anyway, moving on!

So sit back, grab a coffee, and let’s explore tonight’s Map!

Jostaire Woods

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Jostiare Woods – Created in Inkarnate.

Another map with plenty of trees and bushes that give a lot of cover for, again, lots of enemies and the party. This is dialled up to 11 with the logs and bushes that are prolific in the forest. However the elevated hills give a vantage point for either ally of foe as they try get the upper hand against each other.

Only four layers used for the background this week and with the already blended look from the watercolour texture paint it gave a good blended appearance. The art assets are a mix of sizes between 50% 100% to give variation where there normally may not be any. But a simple map with some opacity and the hills blend together very nicely with this art style.

Thanks for joining me for another map making night. The art style this week takes me back to early days before high resolution art packs with map making software. But this map means nothing without an enemy to be facing off against and despite the reveal last night tomorrow night we reveal more with the Fightnight. So don’t forget to come back tomorrow for this last piece of the puzzle and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Horns at Dawn

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Now you may be wondering where one would hire a shock-troop force of minotaur’s to raise their horns at dawn, pun intended, but where there is gold there is a way. This week on the way back to Jostaire with the cleric Clarice along side them they are confronted by the blaring of horns and then actual horns of the real threat appears.

So let’s grab a coffee, fasten our belts because its fight or flight and there’s enough caffeine in that brew to knock a cow off its hooves! Or so we hope…

Horns at Dawn

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Horns at Dawn – Created in Nightcafe.

The departure from Narrowbreath was a cake walk in comparison to the amount of waylays and wannabe assassins that they had encountered on the trip to the city and as they rose from their small camp before dawn they looked around to ensure that nothing had got past their watch.

Indeed all seemed well, everyone was accounted for and the various processes they had put in place to alert them to anyone foolish enough to attempt something during the night were all accounted for. As they packed up their tents, the fire and strapped on their armour once more the sound of a distant horn drew their attention. A long and mournful noise of a hunting or warhorn could be heard in the distance signalling the start of something.

‘I guess that there is some hunting going on further towards Jostaire for there to be horns at dawn and this close to the city.’ Clarice said as she strapped her bracer down to her forearm. ‘It’s not uncommon for nobles of either Jostaire or Narrowbreath to come this way for hunting in the woods, there is a good supply of game that the morning lord helps light the way to find.’ she added with a silent gesture to her patron deity.

As they started moving the horns sounded off again with the distant sound of hooves as the party stopped to listen. Something about the mournful cry of the instrument and the direction of travel didn’t bode well as it the light of dawn started to push through the forest. Then the horns sounded again as they decided to move on again and this time it was loud enough that they expected it to be right next to them.

A jagged branch caught their attention as it swayed in the wind. As the branch moved the dawn light revealed it to be smooth and polished at points with ridges that ringed the branch as it moved towards a pointed tip. It was a few moments too late that the party realised that it was a horn of a large creature.

As the horned creature pushed through the trees and bushes as it flexed its massively broad and armoured shoulders. A Minotaur. It reared its head backwards and bellowed out a mournful horn-like bellow which was shortly echoes behind it as several more appeared all wearing similar scrappy armour and wielding hefty giant axes and swords.

The same mark appeared on all their clothing and shields, a clan symbol of some such. It was safe to say that it wasn’t some random jolly walk that had drawn the minotaur’s towards the party or their quarry, Clarice, they were here for a reason.

Thanks for joining me tonight for another twist to continue to expand and wrap up this adventure. But there is more to come so don’t forget to come back each night this week to follow the progress of this adventure. And lastly, 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

The Isem Strike Force

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The mercenaries, and soldiers, of the Isem kingdom are well informed about the habits, movements and even members of the Musca forces. However they weren’t expecting a group of well trained adventurers to also be present which changes their plans considerably.

So let’s sit down, grab a coffee as we roll into tonight’s encounter!

Isem Strike Force

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The humble Isem thug is a sturdy combatant with an eye for causing chaos. Equipped with flame charges, a variant of alchemist fire, these arsonist-warriors fight with fire and those who leave the fight are rarely unharmed. These are the foot soldiers of the Isem strike force who has come to disrupt the empire of Musca with their plans but, they are not hardened veterans nor are they the ones calling the shots.

Isem Thug – created in Tetra-cube

When the foot soldiers are unable to get the job done, or are simply following orders, the Isem White Guard will step into the foray and they pack a meaty punch.

The Isem White Guard are named for the ash and soot that they leave behind them. Gifted a Flame Forged Cinder Shard, a long sword of a sort, these warriors fight brutally, efficiently and rarely do they have any prisoners to take alive. Their blades seem to drip with the same alchemical components that the Flame Charge is made from, yet it doesn’t expire. These blades burn white hot and leave just white ash in their wake.

Isem White Guard – created in Tetra-cube

Thanks for joining me tonight as two slight-variant stat blocks from well used opponents. Working as a group and a well oiled military machine a group of these warriors would pose a substantial threat for any party going against them. While that’s been said don’t forget that we still have two more nights this week so make sure to come back over the weekend. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Mascalar Valley Clearing

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A short and easy one tonight with a pile of barrels that are prepared to do an unknown, yet anticipated large amount of damage in the Mascalar valley clearing. That is if the Party can’t stop it or buy enough time for the scouts to do so. But its not just a simple encounter as there are dozens of places to hide this week for both the party and the enemies.

So sit back, grab a coffee, and let’s explore tonight’s Map!

Mascalar Valley Clearing

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Mascalar Valley Clearing – Created in Inkarnate.

The trees give a good amount of cover for those sneaking towards or hiding near the barrels. There are bushes growing in several places, their seed originally deposited by mammal or bird none are quite sure. But they provide a mid-height wall where one can hide behind. Depending on the approach there is cover from multiple directions which can be used by the party or their allies, or against them. Perhaps both at the same time.

Three layers for the bottom were used in grass alone with different sizes, hues and brightness levels to get the effect I am mostly happy with. The dirt consists of two darker layers and a lighter layer to try and indicate that there is traffic in certain areas around the barrels and clearing. The barrels were hard to get looking stacked but, it will do.

Flooding the area with trees and bushes to compliment the grasses was the aim here as it gives some level of tactic and for only a few assets it gives depth without feeling too flooded with detail that will detract from the combat and the party.

Thanks for joining me for another map making night. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow to finish off the week strong with the encounter stat-blocks and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Artifice and Arson

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Tonight the blend of artifice and arson come together in a foul concoction as a group are found within the valley hauling barrels into place. Will the party be able to stop them in time just as the gentle creatures make their passage through the valley?

So let’s grab a coffee, our fire fighting buckets and make haste to protect the valley!

Artifice and Arson

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Clearing of Preparation – Created in Nightcafe.

As the party rushed along the barely functional path behind the scouts that that returned with news of a hostile force moving equipment into the valley. Racing ahead with the small amount of light a tiny driftglobe tied to the the belt of one of the scouts they made quick progress despite the unsafe conditions of their flight.

Eventually the scout stopped and a clicking from a nearby shrub drew their attention to where some scouts were waiting. Approaching they ducked just in time to witness a dozen men carrying barrels of material into a large, stacked and ordered pile.

“That should be the lot now.” one of the men said as they placed the barrel down. “Now just like the last one, once the signal is given move as far away from the barrels as possible as you wont have much time before this place is a smoking, burnt hole.”

“Yeah. Those black-cloaks don’t do much fighting but they sure know a thing or two about blowing stuff up.” another replied with a murmur of agreement.

Jovi looked towards the party. “We may be able to work out how to stop what they are doing. But we will need a distraction. That’s where you lot come in. We aren’t much fighters and if we can stop those barrels from…”he paused. “doing whatever they are going to do. Then we need you to help us out. Can you give us enough time, or simply take them out so we don’t have to worry about them?”

Before the party could respond a bright vial was produced from the cloak of one of the men. The glass vial seemed to glow like fire as he pulled out a stopper and lay it on its side above the barrels. “Alright. We have a few minutes before that drops out and hits the barrel. You know the drill. Get out of here!” the larger man called out.

“I guess that’s our queue.” Jovi said as he and the scouts moved forward, blending into the shadows.

Thanks for joining me tonight as I continue to grow this adventure. Don’t forget that the next few days I will add more onto this adventure, so make sure you come back each night this week to stay up to date. 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

Ruined Migration

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This week the party bear witness to a ruined migration as the legendary megafauna of a kingdom are interrupted in their migration by large burning craters appearing in the valley that they have crossed since the beginning. A mystery to solve, a rare opportunity to bear witness to the birth of a kingdoms system of commerce and a villain who thinks they can get away with it.

So let’s grab a coffee, grab some binoculars and watch the drama unfold!

The rekuldor’s have migrated through the Mascalar valley for centuries and their passing has given birth to the thriving Empire of Musca who’s commerce is solely based on the migration of these large fantastic beasts. However, when a series of fiery craters has appeared it threatens the migration of these creatures and the miracle that their passing gives to the people of Musca.

With the success of the Empire in peril they call to aid, someone to help shepherd the gentle giants and in protecting the creatures, to also uncover the origins of the craters. But as the Empire moves its pieces into play and gold changes hand the same is happening in an opposition to the prosperity of the Empire. Will the hired adventurers be enough to protect the creatures and put a stop to the hostile forces invading the lands?

Ruined Migration

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Mascalar Valley – Created in Nightcafe.

The kingdom of Musca was gearing up to celebration migration season. They had anticipated this event for the last five years and as the last of last migrations supplies were running out it was arriving at an opportune time. As the main city of Musca prepared their artificers, smiths, wagons and workforce in anticipation of the migration of the Rekuldor the scouts of the arm were pushing into the Mascalar valley to secure it and to ensure nothing was wrong.

Emperor Isbolg looked through his stack of paperwork and despite the near dire straits they were heading towards the migration held his empires future in the balance. He and the council had planned it perfectly, nearly to the month of when their supplies of Rekuldorite, a rare durable metallic ore with blue sheen, were to run out. However as the creatures who gave the ore its namesake passed great masses of this ore could be found where they trod.

His sages had investigated it once, the creatures fed upon the rocks, plants and minerals in the Muscalar Valley and some alchemical process took place within their body. Their leavings was this ore, a versatile material that was seen as more precious than gold or platinum but it was more durable than steel. But the creatures only migrated once every ten years and their passing always corresponded with a burst of luck and prosperity for the kingdom.

Their passing, the migration, was a kingdom held secret and they had done well to conceal it for as long as they had. As the Isbolg finished his musings the doors to the office burst open and the leader of his scouts burst in. “My Emperor, the Mascalar valley is in ruins. Pits of fire, craters like something split the earth open litter the valley.” he reported. Taking a deep breath he continued noticing the concern on his lieges face. “It gets worse. The calamity is growing. Each day there are more craters, more fire. I fear that the Migration may be at risk if it continues.” he ended.

Isbolg thought for a moment. “I need to secure the valley, rally the first and second battalions to secure the passages in and out. I will also need something more discrete. Send for the head of the Musca guild – I will need a group of adventurers to come and secure the Rekuldor and ensure their safety. The Dusk Scouts can back them up but I fear that we have spies in the court and that we have enemies trying to stop the migration.” After he was done speaking he summoned his messengers and requested the presence of several people, the last few days leading up to the migration were about to get very busy.

Thanks for visiting tonight for something new. When I asked my youngest what I should write this weeks ‘story’ about he had… a rather vicious telling of death and destruction. Well I am bringing the destruction and hopefully the adventurers and prevent the death part. Don’t forget to come back each day this week as we continue to expand this adventure, and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe