NPC Portrait

The Clawed Captain

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From last week we had the Crakenburg Carters to this week having the Clawed Captain and, some more NPCs to come. But the Captain, Garius Goldclaw is a strong and honourable man who is duty bound to serving the cities protector. But how far will he go in this servitude and will that cross a line between good and evil?

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

The Clawed Captain

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Captain Garius Goldclaw – Created in Artbreeder.

Garius stormed through the hallway with the witnesses in tow, smoke rising from his helmeted brow. It wasn’t a rare occurrence the guardsmen of Yole saw their captain mad but to see him literally fuming had many of them scarring out of the way. A woman in light armour appeared at his side, “the council have asked for a statement captain, they want to make sure that the streets are safe.” she began.

“Not now Duplicity, I am working on it. First we have to ensure that our one prisoner is safe and that we can collect statements from these bystanders.” Garius growled through his helmet. “I will deal with the council when I know where we stand. If you can show these adventurers to your office lieutenant I will be there shortly. I have a prisoner to have words with.” Garius showed the adventurers down a hallway while he descended the stairs to where the secure cell would be.

Duplicity – created in nightcafe.

Sighing Duplicity tried to smile towards the party as she led them down the hall. Her brighter purple armour brings out the undertones of her skin. “We are a bit busy at the moment with Boraleius not being at the parade and the attack – it’s kind of rattled a few feathers so I hope you can bear with me as I ask you some questions. The Captain isn’t a bad man, there is just a lot of pressure on him to have the answers for something that should never have happened.” she continued, looking back towards the stairs he descended.

As they were shown to an office, a small one at that, Duplicity opened the door and showed them in. “Now I need you to start at the start. What did you see, when did you see it and what happened from your point of view. I need you to be specific about what you heard and saw as well as anything else.”

Thanks for joining me for another night at my table top. Some gorgeous NPC artwork this week that was created using SDXL 1.0 on Nightcafe – I do recommend checking it out!. Don’t forget that we will be expanding the adventure each night this week so don’t forget to come back daily and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Crakenburg Carters

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The farmers of Crakenburg are a hardy bunch but none are as resilient as the Crakenburg Carters – the group that manages the carting of hay out of Crakenburg and beyond. These militia-farmers are a strong and durable folk who have trained in military tactics for years. However they are still not as strong as trained adventurers and regular warriors.

But before we get into that let’s grab a coffee, sit back and roll into tonight’s adventure!

The Crakenburg Carters

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Kevin Bruce – Created in Artbreeder.

Kevin looked across the tables in the Lonely Goat and shook his head at the farmers who shook with fear. “We don’t have no choice. We need to cut n’ store the wheat now,” one farmer proclaimed as he sipped on his ale. Some farmers agreed, the tired ones who spent half the night shooing the locusts from the crops to no avail. “But half the crops aren’t ready yet!” another protested which was met with cheers from other farmers.

“Mine wont be ready for weeks. If I cut them now then I wont have anything!” another said loudly which gained both ire and support from the others. “Well if you don’t do anything about it you will lose it all. Damned if you do damned if you don’t” Reeves said as he looked up from tired hands. “We have two options. Burn them out or we get the help from the druids” he continued. This drew the quiet from everyone in the inn.

Reeve O’leary – Created in Artbreeder.

“I’ll do it. I’ll seek the druids out and if they won’t help us willingly I will make them!” Kevin called out as he stood up. He had listened to these farmers for hours now and none of them were taking any action. ” Standing up he slammed his third empty tankard on the table and stormed out of the inn. A few of the others, The Crakenburg Carters, stood up to go with him and with a group of five they left to seek out the druids for help.

That’s it for tonight. Thanks for joining me tonight to meet two of our NPCs for this week, there may be more to come. Don’t forget that the next few nights we expand the adventure so don’t forget to come back each night this week and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Dead Man’s Curse

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As the day draws on the party are drawn, one way or another, to the tower despite the risk of the dead mans curse. However they quickly realise what they have gotten themselves into as things start to go very wrong. But never fear as the party will surely be able to get themselves out of this predicament.

So as we walk along the beach towards certain doom, let’s grab a coffee sit down and roll into tonight’s adventure.

The Dead Man’s Curse

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The man, Turk, walked carefully along the line of trees towards the tower. Despite his caution and actively watching to make sure that he was not being followed the party could easily spot him making a dash towards the tower at the other end of the small island.

Turk – Created in Nightcafe.

Turk’s pace increased as he ran towards the stony ring that made up the base of the tower, built upon a rocky outcropping it sat tall against the blue backdrop. But the seas had begun to claim the land back and great chunks of stone littered the beach creating a cavernous hole in the side of the tower. Sand clung to the sides and base of the tower as the water lapped at the rocks underneath but that didn’t slow down Turk as he ran towards the structure.

The party had given chase after they had realised that the man had taken a bag of tools from the hold, their tools. As they approached the tower they could see from where they were standing that, if there was treasure here it was surely long gone. However, approaching the threshold where the sea had torn down great chunks of the southern wall they were surprised. A great hole dug down into the rock where thin stairs wound downwards into the rock below. The sound of disturbed water, cursing and tools on stone could be heard from down below.

The descent down the steps was slow going due to the slippery nature of the water covered stones as well as the erosion from years of water running over hewn stone. Turk startled when he realised the party was there and dropped the tool he was holding into the water, thrashing around he could not find what he was looking for. The water here was darker than the sea outside and so visibility was nearly impossible. But the water was waist high and the party managed to wade through it reasonably well.

Despite the party’s skill and prowess they could not notice the faint ebb of arcane magic from the walls of the tower, how the sky shifted quickly and the path of the sun seemed to be faster from inside the tower. As they searched the tower they eventually found a gap between the sand, the rock and the wall of the tower but as they looked deeper the light shifted further and the realisation of how dark it had gotten outside the tower dawned on them. As the first waves from the tide coming in crashed into the walls above them and water started to spray down upon them the water around them rose slowly. 

However, that wasn’t the only thing that rose. From being buried under the sand of the tower skeletal arms shot upwards and out of the water, dragging the fallen bodies of sailors, pirates and even locals who brandished clubs, scimitars and other weapons. As the full meaning of the dead man’s curse dawned on them the skeletons attacked as the coming tide rushed to greet them.

Thanks for joining me for another night at my tabletop. Don’t forget that we will continue to develop, shift and expand on this adventure for the remaining nights this week. So don’t forget to come back each night and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Captain of the Skipping Sailfish

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Managing a ship isn’t easy, let alone the Skipping Sailfish as it crosses the seas to take well paying, or well sponsored, clients abroad. The Captain of the Skipping Sailfish is no ordinary captain and that is a testament to his time on and off the seas. Steadfast and strong wills Jorn Buckler is a canny sailor and renown leader across the White Gull Islands and beyond.

But before we get into that let’s grab a coffee, sit back and roll into tonight’s adventure!

Captain of the Skipping Sailfish

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Captain Jorn Buckler- Created in Artbreeder.

As the fire on the beach crackled and feasted upon the dried drift wood and leaves from the large palm trees the party sat next to the sailors and watched the moonlight caress the top of the waves. As they watched a trail of lights appeared and moved under the water, through the shallows and towards the old tower.

“Ah the lights have returned, on clockwork,” the old sailor, John Buckler, added noting the party’s gaze. “Those lights are the reason we warn people from exploring the waters late at night as we can never be sure of what they might find. Lost a few passengers, and the crew mates that went to save them one night as they chased after the lights. Nothing good from lights in the dark I can assure you of that.” The captain added as he had a swig from a flask.

Vensella Ibiki – Created in Artbreeder.

“What that captain says is true,” Vensella said, one of the islanders who had come to greet them, “We have lost many people from our village from chasing lights in the dark. Those belong to monstrous fish that use the lights to lure prey into the waters before they are ripped apart with vicious teeth. They are one of the reasons that we forbid our people from going to the Tower, Mellandra’s Keep as you call it.” she paused as she snapped open a crabs claw and chewed on the exposed meat.

“The other reason is the curse.” she began again.

“Now the curse is just a myth.” Jorn Buckler replied as he laughed. “To scare people from going near the tower. That’s all. All can be explained by the nature of the isle and the creatures in the water.” he finished as he threw the half of a clam shell into the fire. 

“Whatever you think, our people know it to be a curse. Those whose greed consumes them surrender their soul to the lady of greed. She is a greedy deity who takes more than she gives and in her pact, her bargain, she takes your soul and leaves you empty.” Vensella continued as she leaned closer to the fire, sticking the other end of a crab leg into the flames. 

“Whoever dies in search of their greed, of the greedy pirates treasure, has their soul lost and they are cursed to wander the isle in search of gold to sate their deities hunger.” Vensella punctuated her story with the slurp of more crab meat. 

“And they have three tentacles from each armpit, they howl at the moon like mad men and they run on their hands not their feet. We have heard the stories young Vensella.” Jorn laughed as she shot him a mirthful smirk. “But whatever the reason, fish, spook or curse don’t go chasing the dead man’s chest regardless of how many hundreds of pounds of gold lay within.”

Now hopefully the story and promise of gold is enough for the party to go and investigate. But don’t fret if they are wise as we have a backup plan, something to reveal two halves of tomorrow night. So don’t forget to come back tomorrow for that, and the other nights of this week on that matter. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Norturi of the Dead Sands

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As the sun sets across the desert, Norturi of the Dead Sands makes her way to a bar. And that’s where the punchline of this joke would start however we have the encounter with the party instead. A tavern at the edge of the desert and a Tabaxi looking for some help in making it rich – what can go wrong?

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

Norturi of the Dead Sands

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Norturi – Created in Artbreeder.

Norturi walked through the mudbrick buildings as she headed towards the bright building simply known as the “Den of Thieves”. Not the friendliest of names for a tavern but the food was good, the iced ale was better. Striding to the door and ignoring the drunks outside she slipped a few coppers to the guard out front. With a nod the Guard didn’t bother checking her for weapons as she entered the building that thrummed with noise.

The alcohol, smoke and aroma of grilled food mixed together a heady smell that made her mouth water immediately. Finding what she was looking for, a table of tough looking mercenaries, she strode over. Her feline reflexes made it easy to avoid the items and feet that lay on the ground. As she pulled up a chair she started with her normal introduction, her name, her profession and what she was looking for. After a few moments of discussion the group of rough individuals asked if they could confer alone. She stood up and noticed another group of adventures; outsiders from the look of it, were watching her intently from a booth nearby.

Talking to the bar she got an iced ale, a speciality from this bar where the innkeeper grabbed a nearly-frozen tankard and filled it with ale that was cooled by large copper pipes which was crusted by frost – a gnomish invention she was sure. After grabbing her cold beverage she strode back to the group and watched as they finished talking – her instincts told her that there was something funny going on. They had never been wrong before so before she sat down she announced that she had changed her mind. The group, surprisingly, smiled and agreed that the job wasn’t for them before standing up, and leaving.

The adventurers nearby however felt more safe, more trustworthy. “Hi, I’m Norturi – a studier of ancient lore and I find myself in need of an escort to where I think a lost treasure is. What say you? Are you looking for some quick and maybe easy work?”

Thanks for visiting tonight as we find out two things at once, one that the Den of Thieves has chilled ale and that Norturi has, allegedly, some killer instincts. But to find out how good or bad they are you’ll have to come back daily this week to see where we go with this adventure. So don’t forget that tomorrow we look at the hook and twist of this adventure and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Huntmaster

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As the hunt for the Tritnol commences the Huntmater, El’thirnol watches as Callum a small band together to try and claim the elves prize. However the huntmaster has other ideas. This week we expand the adventure further to get a glimmer of what is to come, a change in the air has the huntmaster, El’thirnol, waiting for a sign of things to change and an opportunity. But that’s looking a bit deeper into this weeks adventure and getting ahead of ourselves.

So to stay ahead of the pack let’s grab a coffee, sit back and let’s roll into tonight’s adventure!

Huntmaster

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El’thirnol Wellundrae – Created in Artbreeder.

As El’thirnol watched the tavern change from silent individuals into hastily planning and scheming groups he could not help but grin. He knew that what Callum had described was a creature that lived in those mountains but it was not what he thought it was. No, it was something that El’thirnol wanted more than the floundering giants of the skies. He wanted a mighty hunting companion one which his long elven years could make good use out of.

And so the hunt was on, to bring back the eggs that would hopefully spawn creatures he was seeking. But as he watched several groups leave and sporting weapons that were not conducive to the mountains he had his doubts. Callum was holed up with a few of the village folk who adored him and believed his stories. However even the elven huntmaster could see that they would be trouble. Besides the idea of paying gold to the man and his rag-tag group of sellswords didn’t sit well with El’thirnol

Callum Winker – created in Artbreeder.

Behind him he could almost sense that the old elf was plotting something. Callum was used to twisting tales of his exploits to get what he wanted but being confronted was something new. He had boasted of his prowess in front of the elf before but this was the first time that the old man had been riled up about it. Something was not right here and Callum was going to prove the elf wrong.

The people around him were his fans, sellswords like himself who were spoiling for a good fight and adventure and better yet, they knew the mountains. With this group by his side he wouldn’t have to retreat before confirming the kill; like last time, instead they would be able to confirm that the job was done and get paid by that high and mighty elf.

Standing up he and the members of his team went off towards his lodge. There he would get the gear they need to ascend into the mountains and complete this challenge before anyone else.

El’thirnol watched the members of the groups leave until his eyes fell on another group. Adventurers from out of town it would seem. Approaching he sat down next to them and began introductions. If he could convince another group to get involved he could increase the chance of success for the safe arrival of the eggs and his future.

Now that’s all we have for tonight. But don’t forget to come back daily this week as we continue to expand upon this adventure one day at a time. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Bartenders and Bouncers

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Keeping with tradition of long hair and tattoos the bartenders and bounces of Hawks Creek, and the various inns and taverns within, are of a variety of appearances, backgrounds and ethnicities. Tonight we meet Skarldeg, Tildra and Gateth from a few Inns as the party are drawn deeper into the issues of Hawks Creek.

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

Bartenders and Bouncers

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Skarldeg Bronzetooth – Created in Artbreeder.

As the frothy ale spilled into the tankard he grabbed some spices from a nearby small pouch. Sprinkling in the ‘additionals’ Skarldeg passed the ale over to the patron who smiled broadly and took it over to his table. The Rusty Pitchfork wasn’t as fancy as some of the other establishments in Hawks Creek but the half-potion-half-ale’s that he served made it a regular for many locals and visitors to the city.

Noticing Tilly sitting by herself at the window and gazing sadly out in the direction of her home, Skarldeg sighed. Now Skarldeg was by no means the best business man but he was also far from being the worst. Grabbing a wine, the only one he had – a fine vintage by his own taste buds but he was not known for being a wine aficionado – he looked over the various pouches he had until he found what he was looking for. The powder from the root of a certain lily, one that helped ease the mind and its tension. Sprinkling in just the right amount he placed it on a wooden board and turned around to talk to his cooks through an opening in the wall. 

Moments later he was grabbing food from the kitchen, and his cooks quickly bustled to meet his requests. Satisfied about the combination of meats and vegetables he then carried over the plate of twice cooked mutton, mushrooms and creamed root vegetables to Tilly.

Tildra Hillcrest – created in Artbreeder.

Tilly stared out the window in the direction of the still smouldering corpse of her dream. The fires of the Gilded Lily had been put out but the Inn and Tavern was not saveable. She had worked for over a decade to get it to where it was, a place of fine food and finer wines. “May I interrupt?” Skarldeg spoke from close by – but not to close. Tilly wiped away a tear that had snuck out unbidden and smiled up at her rival. Skarldeg wasn’t just a businessman he was also a trained apothecary. Blending his love of drinking and fine foods with his skilled knowledge of plants and minerals.

“You must be wondering what I am doing here still, huh? The famous Tildra Hillcrest taking pity from the mighty warrior and medicine man turned tavern-keep.” Tilly said with a smile. She knew that Skarldeg had a kind soul and she noticed the steaming food and goblet of wine. “You’re not trying to finish a job are you and fully take out the competition are you?” her question was met with a boom of laughter from the half-orc.

“Alas I am not smart enough for that. Just the daily special and my Lily-wine for someone who is down on their luck. I thought you may want something to temper the mind tonight is all.” he grinned as he slid into the chair opposite her. “Besides, it’s the ale that’s poisoned, not the wine” he said as he leaned back. Several patrons nearby spat out their drinks and looked mortified at the half-orc before he laughed again. Skarldeg had a rough beginning in the city but his personality and that booming laugh had won over the locals. Several at which laughed at his joke can toasted the burly tavern keep.

“Please. Enjoy. It’s not as good as what you serve but it will keep you fighting fit and help. But it’s better when its warm.” he urged her as he grabbed a mushroom from her plate and chewed on it thoughtfully. Tilly sat and ate the meal which was twice the serving size of her place, well what was her place. As she sipped on the wine she had to fight to hide the look on her face as the tang of the red wine slapped her like a physical blow. But the underlying botanical flavour; the lily powder, gave it a sweetness that she could feel soothed and calmed her. “You’re right. It’s not the same as what I used to serve. But it’s not bad, Skarl.” she said as the half-orc reached behind him to another table and grabbed a loaf of bread from a vacated plate.

“But its better than what the Gilded Lily will make from here on out.” she added with a sigh and returned her gaze to the window.

“Tilly, you remember when I first created the Rusted Pitchfork? That was the third business that I had tried to create here. The first was a store produce – but the markets were too fierce of competition. I then turned it into an alchemical supply shop, but after the sabotage and blackmail when I refused to reveal what was in my healing potions I had to close shop. But before I created this I could be found under every table at closing call, passed out. It took me a while to get to where I am now and I had some crushing lows.” he said, but as she looked at him funnily he winced. “Look, I am not good at this. I don’t mean to gloat but what I am trying to say is that you’ll be right. You’ll rebuild and bounce back. And the person who burnt down your place better hope the guard finds them before I do.” he said with a deadly serious look. “Stay as long as you please. I always have room for friends down on their luck.”

Gareth Fletcher – created in Nightcafe.

Outside of the Fatty Pheasant Gareth stood in the chilling evening. As the hired guard for the establishment he was paid well to keep an alert eye on the patrons, both current, prior and potential. As he scanned the street and smiled at those who walked towards the door he took note of any weapons, concealed or apparent and reminded them of the policy of the tavern – weapons at the front door.

Most if not all smiled and did as requested but the occasional noble born scoffed and refused before being barred from entry. They all complied in the end. Gareth was nearly seven foot with muscles to spare and a stare that had stopped hungry wolves in their tracks when he had been a guard for the barges.

Looking over at one of the windows he noticed a human walking slowly toward the window before stopping a few feet away. The bustle within and at the front door made him snap back to the task at hand as he was summoned to ask a noblewoman; it was always a noble, to leave quietly. After escorting her and her henchmen to the door, giving them their weapons before giving them a kinder farewell than what they deserved, he noticed the owner, Karl, was pointing at the figure near the windows.

Sighing he approached the cloaked human. “S’cuse me, you can’t just stare in the window. If you want to eat or drink, come to the door and we’ll find space.” he said as she walked closer. The human didn’t respond and just continued to stare. “Hey buddy, I said…” he began to repeat as he grabbed the man’s shoulder and turned him to look at him. Gareth was greeted by pale white eyes before the flash of magic illuminated the wooden building, his dark leather armour and the man’s lifeless face.

Now don’t worry about Gareth – he is sturdier than a minotaur. But this week we have some absolute cracker NPCs to meet and work with in working out what is happening in Hawks Creek. But we will be continuing the adventure each day this week, so don’t forget to come back daily as we expand the content of this adventure. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Avermeet Guard

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Avermeet forest and its water ways are protected by the Avermeet Guard. The elite warriors who uphold the laws around the forest and its animals but don’t confuse these warriors for any old park rangers. Skilled and trained by elves, druids and even some fey these warriors are skilled beyond belief – just a little short on numbers to be covering the entire forest.

So to meet some of the guard let’s grab a coffee, sit down and roll into tonight’s adventure!

The Avermeet Guard

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Kirili Draemelle – Created in Artbreeder.

As Kirili walked back to the village with the suspected poachers in tow she watched how they walked and listened to them. Admittedly they did not appear to be poachers and some of their story rang true. But the orders were clear, bring anyone in who is trespassing and then the head of the forest can question them.

Kirili noticed more traps and tracks along the way, a snare here, a pit there and evidence of cages being moved and dragged. The poaching had been going on for months now and certain species of animals were favoured above others. She just hoped that they could stop it soon before the damage to the population was irreversible.

Bareth Stoneleaf – created in Nightcafe.

Bareth strode behind the prisoners and watched her captain, Kirili, engaging in talks with them and grimaced. As far as she was convinced these poachers were going to be executed. They were basically caught red handed and were trying to deflect blame. She had to do something about it so that the reputation of Kirili and the Avermeet guard would not be tarnished as soft.

When they next stopped she grabbed one of the messenger hawks that they travelled with and quickly scrawled out a note to her uncle, the advisor to the lord.

“Prisoners in tow, poachers. They appear to have some sway with the captain. Be alert“

As she tied the message to the hawk and let it fly off a suspicious glance was sent her way from Kirili which she returned with a smile as she fetched some rations and gave it to the prisoners with a false smile. “Eat up now, we will sort out this mess once we get back to the village” she explained to them. Stealth and misdirection was one of the arts that the Fey taught the guard and she had always been a dutiful student.

Soon she would see these poachers behind bars or swinging from ropes and she would be rewarded. For really, only those who are focused in the cause of protecting the woods should be granted the name of the Avermeet guard.

Thanks for joining me tonight as we looked at two NPCs and a bit of the turmoil that sets up the primary plot this week. There is a bit of a gap between the start of the adventure and the twist, which comes tomorrow, but to find out what that is you’ll have to come back tomorrow. So don’t forget to come back for the rest of the content as we expanding content of the adventure and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Racing Riggers

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The Racing riggers are a generalised term for the underbelly of the treetop racing yearly event that happens in Bramblewall. This group of loan sharks, thugs and brokers organises the betting system and, with either bribery or malpractice, will ensure that the racers who will make them the most gold, win or loose. But not everyone is within their grasp and tonight we get a glimpse at how far they are willing to go to ensure that the little gnome called Twig, does not shake the tree too hard.

But so we can get to that we need to grab a coffee, sit down and read through tonight’s adventure!

The Racing Riggers

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Alkerion – Created in Artbreeder.

Alkerion strode through the beginnings of the racers market and marvelled at the goods and the people it brought to the village. Being the winner two years in a row Alkerion was a bit of a celebrity and many people called out to him to come and try their products or browse their wares. But he wasn’t interested in free samples – he showed off his presence to ensure that the market would be a success. He had always been focused on doing what was best for Bramblewall and keeping up the traditions. He hand picked potential elven stars of the race to come and fly birds from his roosts as they provided the best show for the viewers and brought more commerce into the tree top village.

But he could not abide the ruffians and the race riggers that had also called these events their home, their hunting grounds. They preyed on the weak and set back the good honest folk who were here to spend their coin and time enjoying what his village had to offer. Sure they had offered him wealth and riches but Alkerion only took what was required to keep the birds fed and his stable thatched.

He continued down amongst the tents and stalls and smiled, spoke and greeted the guests to the village, his village. The one his ancestors had built and the one he intended would remain a beacon for the elven customs for centuries to come.

Across the way between the walls of two fabric tents a man stood and watched the ‘prince of Bramblewall’ stride about the tents. He smiled at the prospect that this year he may be swayed when he revealed what was changing about his beloved sport. But perhaps he did not need to do much as the odds were always in Alkerions favour.

Jack Wilder – created in Artbreeder.

But that wasn’t the reason he watched the elf, no he would roll out that bait in just a little while. As soon as the elf was gone from view he moved forward and his associates began to move. As they approached stalls and tents they started their game. Talking about the odds of the races, how the last years races made a merchant richer than their sales ever could and how just with a little help from a friendly local that merchant walked away and was able to buy a mansion.

Most people showed them on but a few asked for more information. Jack knew that this is the moment he and his associates waited for and they reeled them in. Promises of assistance and even lending of money if they were short for making it big on the bets that were sure to employ all tactics to drum up the hunger for gambling.

Jack knew that this year would be ripe for the plucking but he still had that gnome to deal with. His boss had said that she couldn’t be bought, but Jack thought he knew better. A way to crumble to hearts of stone in one play.

The final pieces make a move to what will inevitably become the parties primary objective this adventure. Finding and stopping the threat of the Race Riggers. But more on that as the days go on. So don’t forget to come back each remaining night this week for more content and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Just Twig

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The forest treetop town of Bramblewall is home to many races but most common is the forest gnomes and elves, and tonight we meet Twig, just Twig. Twig is a bit of an odd name for a forest gnome, let alone a person but she was anything but ordinary when she was found in Bramblewall.

Twig has big dreams to change the rules of the village, the rules that keep the little folk down and those of renown and prestige on top. But can the little gnome change how things are done in the village? Only time can tell.

Just Twig

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Twig – Created in Nightcafe.

As Alkerion rounded the bend again Twig took down the lap time and calculated how many laps he, and his bird Jesper, would be able to complete with a full day’s flight. The only issue is that Twig knew that Jesper would need to rest after each flight due to the bird’s lower stamina. Landing and drinking deeply from a bucket of nectar Jesper panted as it recovered. Luckily Twig had something to show Alkerion.

“Alkerion! I think you should have a look at something.” she called out as she ran over with the data on her parchment.

“Did I get faster? How many laps per day do you think we can make?” Alkerion asked as she brushed bugs out of Jespers feathers and from his coat.

“Well yes. Overall faster but Jesper needs to rest for longer to get his energy from the nectar.” she began.

“Good, I will get Jesper ready to go at once to see if I can improve the time. How many laps per day was it?” Alkerion asked as he checked the saddle and harness again.

“26, but Jesper needs to rest more to feed for longer. So 24 or 25 at most is the safe number.” Twig said. “I have a solution though, a lightweight pack that enables Jesper to feed as he flies” she hurriedly spoke as she ran over with the contraption made from insect chitin.

“No, we’ve been over this poor Twig. Jesper will be fine. We just need to work on his stamina and all will be well. He feeds plenty when we stop. Any more and I will lose too much time.” Alkerion began waving off Twig and the contraption. “Stick to what you are paid to do, record my times, keep an eye on the competition. That is all you are good for so stick to it now little Twiggy.” Alkerion said as he mounted the giant bird. Jesper looked longingly at the bucket of nectar that lay half eaten as he still continued to pant.

“It’s Twig, just Twig.” she said back to Alkerion who flew off without registering her reply. Twig hated how he called her Twiggy. She was made for more than just this and she was going to prove it. She reset the device as the elf racer took off and watched as the numbers increased with the passing seconds and minutes. “Jesper deserves better.” she muttered as she walked off holding her invention.

The party knocked on the door at the cabin at the base of one of the trees. Looking up above the building ladders and stairs were built into the side of the tree and wound its way up into the treetop village above. A few moments of movement in the building passed before a man with a walking cane appeared. “I’ve been expecting you, come in please.” the kind old elf smiled and hobbled towards some seating made from smoothed out roots of the tree.

“Now I can’t thank you enough. As you can assume I am Julaor, not a very traditional elven name I am afraid but it is what it is.” he said with a smile as he offered some steaming cups towards them. “Fern-leaf Tea any one?”

After the party had sat down in the old elves hut he procured a large book from the table and opened it to a page. “I am the custodian of the races, a tradition that used to be a rite of passage for the young elves of this village. But over time it has evolved and changed and much like the great redwoods we live on we must adapt and grow over time. Each year I find the similar names on the roster and I ensure that they abide by the code with the mounts that they enter.” he said as he flicked deeper into the book.

“And the past few years, with the coming of the hubbub outside,” he gestured to the tent city of the Treetop Races market that was forming, “I find more people profiteering out of something that was a traditional ceremony. Now there are no laws against it but when it endangers the life of the riders that is something that I can’t abide by. This year though there is something unusual. We have new racers, not all too unusual admittedly, but new breeds of mounts have been added. We have a creature that I have been informed is herbivorous that meets the criterion and we also have our first mammal. Now I suspect that this will create chaos and a new market in which people can exploit. What I have requested aid in is protecting the riders, all of them, from outside influence and where you deem it necessary to step in further then I can give you the authority as Roost Wardens to manage the safety of the mounts and racers in this race.” he finished as he produced a wooden box.

“I can pay you this now, and then double again when the job is done if you are found to be up to the task. If you find the source of corruption I want it removed. But quietly. It can’t be found out that the village is orchestrating this, it needs to look like it was done by another’s hand. ” Julaor said as he looked at each of the adventurers before him.

A shorter one tonight, and that’s not a height joke due to the gnome at the centre of our adventure. This week the focus won’t be so much on the NPCs involved but the interactions on the players and the story. There are a few paths and ways out of this where we will investigate what is going on and how to overcome the obstacles. But for that to really take place you’ll have to find out what lies in wait for the party. So don’t forget to come back each day this week for the expanding content of the adventure and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe