fiction

The Dance of Lace

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Tonight we meet Lace as he carefully constructs the persona that he needs everyone to see in what he calls, the dance of Lace. While not entirely forthcoming with information or some would also claim not entirely sane he is highly experienced at espionage and is normally acutely aware of what’s happening in the city. So he asking for help must mean something.

So sit down, grab a notebook as we take note of what’s been noticed happening so far within Imgard in tonight’s adventure!

The Dance of Lace

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The Dance of Lace – Created in WordPress!?

After climbing possibly the most noisy stairs in any tavern they have ever stayed at the party walked down the hall where a few well sized rooms lay for rent. As the party searched for a clue they locked eyes on something that glinted from under the door of one of the rooms. The party found themselves knocking on that door which upon inspection had another of the same coin that had been left on their table at the base of the door.

As the door swung open they headed inside and sat around a table at the centre of the small room. As the old man hurried around and closed doors and curtains his posture changed until he was walking more upright. In the lantern light within the room his features seemed to relax more and by the time he sat down he looked like he could be a young nobleman instead of an aged pauper which is who he had appeared to be but a few moments ago.

He had a medium length beard speckled with grey through his cheeks and neck but a long stream of grey hair ran around his mouth and past his chin. His eyes were sharp, blue and intelligent and his hair was greying and messy – almost deliberately messy enough to make sure anyone without a keen eye for details would overlook him for being homeless or destitute.

‘Sorry for the delay in reaching out to you. I had to be sure you were the not the ones we seek.’ he paused as if doubting his statement for a moment. Shaking his head lightly he continued. ‘You can call me Lace and I am a member of Imgard’s Harpers branch. We have been tracking a few individuals who we believed were the cause of several missing peoples. However, as we moved in on their location we found their bodies – dead for about as long as we were tracking them.’ he thumbed at his temples.

‘For the last few weeks we have seen those same individuals around the city, and had reports of them showing up elsewhere through the network. I can’t make heads or tails of it but I suspect that its not good news.’ he paused to watch their faces. ‘This is where you lot come in. Neutral eyes to route out the infiltrators. We suspect that they know who we are and are making us look like fools but they wont know you. Besides. Everyone who is going missing are new faces to town, adventurers and the like. You would be both bait and trap.’

After the party left the room after talking to Lace they managed to lock eyes momentarily with someone who was descending the stairs. They had not heard anyone travel up them and as they saw the pale faced man with dark hair they failed to hear him descend into the room below. As they made it to the first few steps of the stairs they protected loudly at even the lightest of they party as they stood on the well worn down wood. This may be something Lace had an answer for or a suspicion about.

Thanks for joining me to meet Lace and potentially one of the antagonists for this weeks adventure. Don’t forget that tomorrow we reveal the true plot behind this weeks adventure so make sure you come back for that. However, don’t forget that I also have expansions of this adventure coming for the rest of the week so don’t forget to come back each day to stay up to date with what’s happening. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Infiltrators in Imgard

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The city of Imgard has been known for its wealth of culture and diversity. However there is a new cause of an influx of people to this city with Infiltrators in Imgard appearing more and more often. The guard are powerless to stop the infiltration and have made a subtle call for aid amongst trusted channels.

So sit back, wait for the messenger for we are the infiltrators in Imgard with tonight’s adventure!

Imgard is the city of a hundred inns, taverns and pubs. Where all that you could want to sample is available and normally a price that the average sampler and purveyor of such goods would not be able to afford. However, there has been an increase in the illicit trade of ‘goods’ that are not deemed lawful to make within the walls of Imgard of late.

The guard are busy trying to bring down these crime rings while something darker slithers its way into the city. The guard have put out a call for aid to get to the bottom of a series of grisly murders and worse. Their role? Infiltrate the cult, group or gang that has infiltrated Imgard.

Infiltrators in Imgard

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The Wonky Mule Tavern – Created in WordPress!?

The party drunk “Kicking Mules” at the Wonky Mule while they ate and waited for the person who was going to offer them a job. The drink was watered down and infused with some unforeseen herb or plant that gave it a sweet and spicy taste.

As they waited the thick scent of roasting meat, damp wood and sweaty patrons mingled together to create the now-familiar smell of Imgard. The low ceiling seemed to amplify the low chatter of voices from across the room including traders boasting or lamenting on their recent exploits, mercenaries discussing a job and even thieves and ruffians talking about a different kind of job.

Over the last two days they had waited for their informant they had noticed a few regulars. An old man sat in the corner of the tavern and chewed on tobacco while telling a tale of how he lost his chance at glory when he was young. The Bartender and her twin brother rushed around taking brews, like the kicking mule, to patrons as well as dealing with any trouble makers themselves. Tall and burly the pair had enough combined scars to match any seasoned adventurer.

A man sat in a booth not far from the old man dressed in finery that was not fitting of the establishment. Yet he drank with a few questionable figures that dished out cards to each other as well as those desperate enough to join an obvious con artist and his companions.

The noise of the skill-less bard enthusiastically started to belt out his latest melody to anyone who would listen caused a welcome change of pace as a cloaked stranger tripped near the parties table and caught themselves on the sturdy wood. ‘Excuse me, must have had too much of the swill’ the man said before tossing them a single coin and heading up stairs with a drunken amble. The coin and the man were what they were waiting for.

Waiting for the song to finish the party followed suit and went up stairs to meet with their employer, someone who valued secrecy more than they did promptness it seems.

Thanks for joining me tonight to begin the journey in uncovering the infiltrators in Imgard. Don’t forget that I will expand this adventure each day this week as we continue through to Sunday. So make sure you don’t forget to come back to make sure you’re staying up to date with what’s happening at my tabletop. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Yipping through the Tunnels

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The party tonight face a horde of Kobolds, and potentially a dragon if the DM is feeling particularly spicy. Caves with Kobolds tends to end one of two ways and both involve a Fireball. But mixing up the regular kobold with some variants may make this a bit more challenging.

So grab a coffee, sit down and practice your draconian as we kick off tonight’s encounter!

Yipping Through the Tunnels

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The increase in yipping since the party had entered the main tunnel from the cave entrance had only just reached a cacophony of noise once the party had found the re-inhabited tents. The party were swarmed by kobolds in little more than their scales with daggers while others slung stones from the safety of the tents. Seldomly did a more impressive specimen appear clad in armour and a shield that attacks in a near knightly manor.

Kobold- Created in tetra-cube.
Kobold Drakesworn- Created in tetra-cube.

But through the waves of slashing kobolds a more grander one appeared backed by more that had several vials, potions and bags strapped to themselves. The other kobolds milled about them and it was easy to see it was these kobolds that rules over the others, that led them and commanded the defence of the cave.

Kobold Alchemist – Created in tetra-cube.
Kobold Chieftain – Created in tetra-cube.

Thanks for stopping in tonight to get an idea of this weeks encounter. Scalable for larger or more experienced parties Kobolds remain to this day one of my favourite thing to throw at parties. So don’t forget that we will wrap up this adventure this weekend with more tabletop content. Also don’t forget to come back this weekend for the end of week Zine and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Gorthhollow Peak Cave

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Tonight we uncover the main body of the Gorthhollow Peak Cave map as the party travel deeper into the winding cave they find something that’s in a bit better condition than the outer structures. But the new residents are less than impressed with visitors.

So sit back, grab a coffee as we delve deeper into tonight’s map!

Gorthhollow Peak Cave

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Gorthhollow Peak Cave – Created in Inkarnate.

The party had pushed passed the wooden structures that had been burnt and smashed apart and were passing deeper into the cave system. Finding the right path was not too difficult as various creatures had been left to defend the path as well as frequent traps. The smell increased but so did the noise – a kind of Yipping that carried through the caves.

Kobolds.

The party pressed on as a clan of Kobolds this size could post a threat if one of their larger cousins, a dragon, were to take interest in the cave system. And with so many willing servants to tend to its needs it could threaten a wider area than a cave full of goblins. As they pressed deeper they came to a wider cavern that had several lava tubes that connected to the outside much further up, based on the light and presence of a breeze.

As they looked around several goblin tents were current teeming with kobolds and their animal pets. Large scorpions, spiders, a dire wolf and other creatures were caged or tied to the tents as the kobolds went about their business. It appears like the party found the heart of those who had displaced the goblins deep within the Gorthhollow Peak cave.

A rather simple map with a few different textures this week. The main call out is the pre-made tents that fitted well with the theme of this adventure as well as the cave walls that made it a lot easier. Some interesting other art assets for points of interest (like a cave in and some treasure) as well as a main central loot horde – perhaps a potential offering or established horde for a dragon – this cave is pretty scalable to what the party could need it for.

Thanks for stopping by tonight for another map. Don’t forge that the week isn’t over so make sure to come back over the next few days. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

New Residents of the Peaks

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As far as one-shots go this one is turning out a bit bigger than normal with the new residents of the peaks being discovered. While not too dissimilar from Goblins these new kids on the block are perhaps just as dangerous but its not just them that the party have to worry about.

So sit down, grab a coffee and let’s tack down tonight’s adventure!

New Residents of the Peaks

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New residents of the peaks – created in WordPress!?

It wasn’t long until the party had left Wyrehaven that Sven rode up along side them. ‘Jin thought you could do with some local help so has asked me to accompany you. Also it means that I can report back anything else we discover for the sake of the guards.’ he explained as he started to take the rear guard for the party. The guards had provided them with horses, not the best but they would make do where they didn’t have their own beasts to carry them.

The party had been travelling for only a few hours when they found evidence of the goblins pretty easily as they left many of the dying or wounded behind in their attempt to retreat back to where they came from. Following the trail left behind from the goblins until night fall. It appeared that not all the goblins who were left behind died like the ones they had been finding.

After a brief encounter with some desperate but no longer blinded goblins they had a rough sleep and decided to inspect the bodies of the goblins when they had light to do so. Looking for a sign of infection, disease or something else manipulating the creatures they found some of the goblins had puncture wounds like that of a spider or snake bite in irregular places. Others had healing cuts, gashes or bruises that were the sign of fighting – perhaps from the party but some appeared older.

Mulling over the information as they rested they welcomed dawn and continued in the direction they were heading, stopping to check the trail when they could but keeping a good time as they moved onwards. Eventually after another uncomfortable nights sleep they came to the foot of the mountains where a small goblin camp could be seen amongst the trees at the bottom. Up above were signs of a goblin village in a large open mouthed cave but even from here the party could tell there were no goblins in the caves.

The camp was deserted, recently so based on what they had left and more strange tracks were found. Some were from beasts like lizards, giant spiders and even some similar to a large wolf but there were others. Similar in size to a goblin but different all the same. Following the tracks they were led to the gave where the goblins once lived and immediately they could tell something had moved in.

Many of the goblin huts had been ripped, burnt or otherwise destroyed leaving shells and refuse of where they once were. Bones of goblins and of other small humanoids were littered throughout the room, gnawed clean of any meat and cracked open to ensure nothing had gone to waste. There was also the stench. A heady aroma of pungent musk and something metallic and sulfuric blended through which was almost enough to make the party gag.

What ever had driven the goblins out was setting in its roots and if it had disrupted a healthy goblin clan it could not be good news for the party or near by civilised settlements.

Not an overly uncommon one this week but moving from lots of goblins to something else as the main antagonist can keep the party guessing. The list of what could kick a goblin clan out of their cave and drive them to desperate measures is quite numerous. But we have something that should cater for most party levels this week. So don’t forget to come back each day this week to stay up to date and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Sven Ironwrought

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Tonight we meet Sven Ironwrought the middle son of a family of blacksmiths who needed to set himself apart from his talented brother and sister. So like most boys with trained muscles from years of bending iron to their wills he tried his hand at being a guard for caravans, wagons and merchants.

So join come and join Sven as he talks to the Iron Gauntlet captain in tonight’s adventure!

Sven Ironwrought

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Sven Ironwrought and Jin from the Iron Gauntlet Company – Created in WordPress!?

The party walked through the gates of Wyrehaven not long after encountering the merchants and their guard, Sven Ironwrought. As they travelled the party discussed the normal hostile parties that they see on the road, where to find work and the best places to go for gear for adventurers and the like.

As they bid farewell to the merchants; Sally, Gabe and Roy, they followed Sven towards the Iron Gauntlet’s barracks, the cities own guard and militia headquarters. Waiting in the entrance for a few minutes Sven returned to them after going to talk to the captain the party were privy to many rumours and gossip.

As the guard Sven returned he walked next to a short woman with short cropped hair and calculating, tired eyes. As they stopped in front of the party the woman addressed them. ‘I am Captain Jin. I have heard of the reports of the goblin attack. I assume you will agree with me in saying that the goblins attacking during the day and this far away from their normal haunts.’ she looked towards Sven who nodded in agreement.

‘Aye, I don’t remember seeing goblins this far from the mountains before. I remember a few teams of adventurers going out to quell them last time they were getting a bit too much.’ Sven.

After a moment of thought. ‘I would like to offer you lot a job. Go and investigate why the goblins have come so far from their homes. It could be dangerous if they keep attacking, and something feels off about it. We can reward you handsomely for your troubles and see that you have supplies before you head off if you’re willing to take up this offer?’

Thanks for joining me tonight for a short and sweet introduction to Sven Ironwrought and Jin. Tomorrow finds us exploring what’s really going on with the Goblins before we get into the meaty bits towards the end of the week. So don’t forget to come back daily to stay up to date with the adventure and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Ambush at Noon

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Tonight we start of fast and dangerous as the parties are wrapped up in an ambush at noon. While the creatures that are attacking are more likely to attack at other times during the day this can drive the party to investigate the why rather than just fighting them off and moving on.

So saddle up as we look deeper into an ambush at noon in tonight’s adventure!

The party were on their way to Wyrehaven when they came across a group of travellers fighting off a small war party of goblins. Fighting back against the green marauders they managed to push them back causing them to flee in the wooded hills. But the party noticed something peculiar about the attack. The goblins that attacked were not from around here, not overly active during the day. Something was not right.

Investigating the change in behaviour from the goblins might be the biggest threat, especially when it’s not them that is the real problem.

Ambush at Noon

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Ambush at Noon – Created in WordPress!?

The party were making their way across the rolling hills and twisting forested roads along the outskirts of Wyrehaven the party heard the unmistakeable sounds of battle. Rushing to get there in time the sounds of goblin chittering war cries and the sounds of fear and pain from common speaking folk were unmistakeable.

Turning a corner the party found a single cart studded with short shafted arrows. The horse that was pulling the cart lay motionless riddled with the same arrows and a long spear jutting from its chest. The chittering goblins short arrows at the defending humans who were lucky to have a guard who used his shield expertly but even as the party watched the arrows were only barely missing their mark as other spear and sword wielding goblins lashed out viciously at the main defender.

A two men and a woman jabbed spears at goblins that attempted to board the cart which kept them at bay. The party dove forward turning the tide of battle in an instant. As the party attacked the goblins could barely parry, or react to their attacks as they spent most of the time squinting as the sun blinded them.

Within moments many of the goblins lay dead and a few lone survivors had already fled, leaving their few remaining goblins to be cut down one by one. The people in the cart sobbed with great relief before telling the party that they had been peppered with arrows as they passed next to a bank of trees on the hill. They were not expecting goblins but had a guard, Sven, with them in case of bandits or wild animals.

They slowly removed the dead horse from the cart they spoke to the guard. ‘Never expected to see a Goblin, they were lucky they got the drop on us and hit the horse otherwise we would’ve been out of here in a flash. The stupid blighters could hardly see what they were doing. Not that I feel sorry for them but it was just odd.’

As the party watched the guard shackle up his own riding horse after retrieving it from a nearby copse of trees to the cart the guard and the men all looked worriedly towards the hills further off in the direction the goblins ran off. The travellers encouraged the party to join them to Wyrehaven as the local guard has a bounty on goblins and other creatures that plague its lands. They also mentioned that they may be able to find work from the same guard if they were after more coin or a foothold in the city.

Thanks for joining me for the start of another week. Don’t forget, like usual, I will be continuing to expand this adventure each day this week. So don’t forget to come back daily to stay up to date with the adventure at my tabletop. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Battle for the Temple

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Tonight we find those who battle for the temple, control of the Oracle and power over the Ziggurat within Lumos. But there are many more options that could be done here but that’s for another time.

So grab tonight’s encounter!

Battle for the Temple

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The more powerful the mage the more powerful the divinations. Tonight we have a few mages going toe to toe within the temple and a lot of lower strength ones causing trouble amongst the area. The mage shouldn’t be used for all encounters but a few of them representing stronger foes would make for a good combat.

Mage – Created in tetra-cube.

Each mage or lower level wizard would need to cast spells associated with their elemental house – that is to say not all their spells are earth, fire, cold or lightning/wind based but they should have a few signature spells and avoid the other elements where possible. Sorcerer spell lists would be good for this as their affinity to harness different elemental types with the same spell list.

Priest – Created in tetra-cube.

The oracles chosen are all priests, guarding her in white robes. They will prioritise healing and sanctuary to protect the peace but wont tolerate being attacked.

Thanks for stopping in tonight to meet some of those engaged in the battle for the temple. Don’t forget to come back this weekend for the end of week Zine and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Lumos Temple Dais

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Tonight we have a very simple map for something that could be overly complex and busy with the Lumos Temple Dias. Surrounding the centre of the ziggurat is a place of worship and focus and sadly, in this instance, bloodshed as a coup takes place.

So sit back and lets see the concept of this weeks adventure when adding tonight’s map!

Lumos Temple Dais

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Lumos Temple Dais – Created in Inkarnate

The pillars that held up the roof were frequent enough that there was good lighting during the night and the day. It’s a big space but the fighting will mainly take place around the dais in the middle. Heavily defended steps enable the defenders to place barricades, magical or mundane, up to defend the oracle from friend or foe.

With such a simple battlefield its important that the battlefield changes as the battle goes on, cracks in the marble form, barriers of earth, fire, wind and water appear to control how the party or the opponents move about the battlefield and beyond.

A real simple map tonight with some re-shaded textures and art assets stacked on each other tonight. Nothing really to even write home about as the real components for this weeks map is the outcome of the mage and priest fights that occur within the temple.

Thanks for dropping by tonight for another night of adventure maps. Pretty simple tonight but too much would make it feel too busy. Don’t forget that we have another two nights of content to provide before the zine this weekend so don’t forget to come back for that. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Didn’t See it Coming

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As with all surprises there is always someone who didn’t see it coming, that’s what makes it a surprise and this week we have a pretty big one.

So sit down, grab a coffee and let’s crack on with tonight’s adventure!

Didn’t See it Coming

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Didn’t see it coming – created in wordpress!?

The party had returned to the temple with Tusicka leading them for potentially one of the longest stairs they have encountered. As they reached the open-style temple they saw several brown cloaked men and women walking around the temple with a black scarf wrapped around their waists.

‘The Diviners of Earth. We’ve had a large intake of them this year due to the Mistress of the Stone, Aeligica. She is one of the best diviners that this city has seen and luckily, her connection to the weave and the gods has remained strong during these times.’ Tusicka added.

‘And it shall remain strong Flame Singer Tusicka.’ A voice as neutral as stone added as she walked forward and clasped the hands of Tusicka before greeting the party. ‘Water and Air have gone out at the High Oracles request to get more incense to see if the offering was not enough during he ritual.’ she added as he walked along side the temple. The space was large, a hundred feet on all sides with dozens of mages and priests moving about the space with robes of red, white, green, blue and brown.

There were so few of the other coloured robes present which when Tusicka noted the parties interest she spoke in a quieter voice. ‘Since the divinations stopped being prophetic many took their leave to reconnect with their craft or deities. Those that stay either have no where else to go or hold onto faith.’ she smiled weakly.

‘And while our brothers and sisters find themselves Earth find themselves having to answer to all queries as our connection remains strong as the roots of the earth itself. Tusicka smiled but there was something behind her eyes.

‘Aeligica, how goes the Oracle?’ she added as she went to head towards the small raised platform where the High Oracle knelt in prayer. A strong hand grasped her shoulder which caused her eyes to snap suddenly towards the owner. Aeligica stared against the fire in the eyes of the Flame singer.

‘She has requested to not be interrupted as she recontinues to connect. It’s been foretold that under the strength of earth that her connection will crystalise and the can commence once more.’ Aeligica spoke plainly but there was an element of coldness to her words. Tusicka practically sizzled as the taller and broader woman refused to remove her hand.

‘The Oracle will want to hear what I have foreseen, the news I bring.’ she replied as she contained her emotions just beneath the surface. The Mistress of the Stone’s gaze hardened. ‘I see.’ is all she said before she threw the smaller woman across the open space in the temple towards the edge. The shock of the attack was so much that as she collided with a pillar mid chant the words of her spell were cut off as she slid over the edge.

‘Its surprising how much power fire, water and air try and claim where they gather their power from earth. But shift the temple a few feet off the centre to break the connection with their planes and their power dwindles down to naught. The Oracle does not need the weak and the new age of stone will solidify the belief of the people in the prophets as they are guided by a strong hand, a stone hand.’ Aeligica said calmly as a later of burnt stone floated off her hand where she had grasped Tusicka.

The room moved quickly with those in brown robes surrounding the vastly outnumbered red, white, green and blue. As the party stared down the Mistress of stone, heat flooded over their back. ‘I knew something was up. When I returned to the old ley lines I was able to reconnect and divine the outcome.’ Tusicka landed clutching her left arm with her body wreathed in flames.

A bit of a change where its not a nation of fire causing the problems this time around. Will fire and right win or will they be stamped out by earths might. I guess you’ll have to come back the last few days of this week to find out. Don’t forget that tomorrow we will cover the map that are involved in this adventure and Friday we will have the stat blocks to help run this adventure for yourself. So don’t forget to come back each remaining day and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe