One-shot

Ramiera’s Vision

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Tonight, well today, I wanted to expand a bit on Ramiera’s Vision. I find it helpful when running an adventure as a DM/GM that I understand the motivation behind the aggressors in the story. This helps me work out how they react to changes in ‘the planned encounter’ if something social, out of the box or a player decision that would challenge the opponents stock-standard plan.

So sit back, grab a coffee and relax while I expand this weeks encounter!

Ramiera’s Vision

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Ramiera’s Vision – created in WordPress!?

Ramiera smiled politely as another noble from the Arelia kingdom practically drooled over her. She smiled and feigned being shy while not directly pushing them away. ‘You flatter me sir, but I am surely not worth the affection that you, nor the prince has shown me. But I hope to be able to serve the kingdom of Arelia in any way I can.’ she said with a faint breathy voice.

She had nearly perfected this and as she turned her head to pretend to look to the prince she caught the eye of on her men. As he closed the door she knew that the time had come and those meddling adventurers would soon be handled. She smiled as she stood up and walked to stand before the prince.

‘Your majesties, I wish to honour you with a dance from my kingdom. While I may not be the best dancer I hope to honour my kingdom and present you with the dance of the Naga’ she bent low and the musicians, who she had organised earlier, started to play. Dancing in a hynotic pattern that mimic the vipers of her country she smoothly slid across the ballroom to the claps and cheers of the onlookers. She smiled as her plan unfolded. Soon she would be princess of Arelia and with her new power, and by controlling the future king, she would ensure that her home kingdom of Del’tursh would grow more powerful with the support and wealth of Arelia.

She watched the prince as he dressed more finely and had twisted away from his parents ideals of sustaining the kingdoms lower caste with the riches of the royal vault. Soon he would be convinced to tax the merchants and with some time, hopefully not too long, he would stop spending the kingdoms wealth on those beneath his stature. That is, not on his kingdoms people. The wealth of this kingdom would be spent on her beloved Del’tursh and then they would be powerless when invaded by the predators closing in on the dying kingdom.

Thanks for joining me tonight to expand this weeks adventure a bit further. Don’t forget to come back again tomorrow for the end of week zine and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Ramiera’s Machinations

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Tonight we uncover Ramiera’s Machinations as the party fight through her loyal thugs and the vipers that she lay a trap with. But there is more to uncover but that will have to wait for the full reveal this weekend.

So bandage up those snake bites, pick up your blade and let’s get stuck into tonight’s adventure!

Ramiera’s Machinations

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As the snakes slithered out of the baskets and crates their sheer size had the party hesitating. Twice long as a person was tall, if not bigger, these reptiles moved forward with the angular head that identified them as some type of viper. Excessively venomous, aggressive and agitated they advanced in large sweeping arcs towards the party, their tongues flicking menacingly.

The first of the strikes are far reaching and swift, bitting down upon the characters boots as they tried to take down the larger creatures in front of them. The party imagined the splattering venom hissing as it hit the tiled floor – but it was droned in the hisses, snaps and snarls as the snakes lashed out again.

Del’Tursh Viper – Created in Tetra-cube.

The hallway was silent as the party crept out of the storage room, their wounds still burning from the venom of the snakes. A sound could be heard from a nearby room before a woman stepped out from the shadows of the wall near by its door.

‘You survived the snakes. The Princess will be disappointed. She told me not to trust the outsiders who had shown their face after the prince did as she asked. But sadly for you, no one can hear you scream or cry out from here as,’ she paused and listened as a cheering and clapping roared down the hall. ‘It looks like Ramiera has started the dance in full now. No help is coming so I hope you make peace with your pathetic gods.’

The party was quickly aware of the doors to the other rooms opening. The dark clothes didn’t conceal that these were the same people they saw talking with Ramiera earlier as they adjusted their formal clothes to protect them from the anticipated spilled blood.

‘No one will stop Ramiera’s plans. We will see to it that her vision is a reality!’ one roared as he charged the party and for the second time this evening, the party was fighting for their life.

Thug – Created in tetra-cube.

Thanks for dropping by once more for the next instalment of this adventure. Don’t forget to come by this weekend for the final parts as we wrap up with the end of week zine. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Arelia Castle Hallway

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Tonight we go back to simpler times with Arlia Castle Hallway, a adventure map in the theatre of the mind!

So get your imagination primed as we go old school with tonight’s adventure!

Arelia Castle Hallway

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Arelia castle Hallway – Created in Nightcafe.

As the party steps into the hall after the encounter in the storage room, they are immediately again struck by the reality of the situation. The hall is dimly lit by muted chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling and despite the small of blood from the snakes in the nearby room wafting from the door, the hall has an air of opulence. Intricate wood panelling and ornate carvings adorn the walls, telling tales of the royalty that call this castle home. The soft glow of the chandeliers casts dancing shadows around the room concealing those that wait for the outcome of the adventurers and snakes encountering each other.

The floor beneath their feet is covered with a luxurious red carpet which they remember lightly tripping over on the way in. Along the walls, several cushioned chairs with wooden frames offer a place to rest and if not for their recent attempted murder and the signs that they may not be out of danger yet it would take up their offer.

As the party look around several other doors to the other rooms that come off this hallway. A faint noise can be heard from one of them, likely one of the men from princess Ramiera waiting to confirm the party emerged or didn’t from the room. They were indeed not out of trouble just yet.

Now this week is simple. There are a few trip hazards, numerous places to hide with shadowed corners to hide within. There are armchairs that can provide either a trip hazard for the party or any foes, same with that pesky carpet that has already tried to end the parties dancing career already. Chandeliers can be cut or dropped to fall on enemies or can be used as a way to vault to the ceiling.

The other rooms are darker yet and can hide several assailants behind curtains, tapestries, chairs and other furniture. There is really no limit to what we can pack into these rooms with armour stands being in one such room to conceal a more heavily armoured foe.

Thanks for joining tonight for something a bit different than my normal map night. But rest assured that next week we will be back into our normal content!. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow to see the last bits as we wrap up this adventure. And, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Banquet of Bluff

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Tonight we have the party attending, under the machinations of the queen, the Banquet of bluff. Deception is not just for rogues as the those in nobility use it daily to curry favour, to change the crowds perception and to get what they want. Tonight is just a taste of what lies in wait this week.

So get your best tunics out, grab a glass and let’s make a toast for we dance towards tonight’s adventure!

The Banquet of Bluff

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Princess Ramiera – Created in WordPress!?

As the music from the ballroom carried on behind them the party moved towards a corner where Princess Ramiera stood chatting to a few of her countrymen. As they approached she smiled politely but there was something hidden behind her smile. ‘Good evening. Quite the performance tonight isn’t it?’ she asked politely.

‘You stand before Princess Ramiera,’ the men and women announced to the party as they stood in front of her. ‘Know your place.’ they began before Ramiera shushed them.

‘Please, leave us to chat. It has been some time since I have had sensible conversation and the people of Arelia are very strange.’ she added almost as an after thought.

‘I have not seen you around before, I must ask if you are from outside of this kingdom?’ her eyes move about them as if trying to identify where they come from. ‘I must say that I find this kingdom fascinating. So much emphasis on their people that they lost sight of the kingdom itself.’ she mused.

‘I am sure that you would have found that in your travels that a kingdom should focus on itself, protecting its borders, strengthening its forces and then it can better tend to its people. The Arelia Kingdom sure is strange’ she added as she sensually stretched out.

She continued to talk to the party for some time, asking about their adventures and making wistful comments about what they had seen and done. Some time later she looked up and raised a hand. ‘It seems that I am needed by my countrymen. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the night.’ Following the gaze and indication of the princess they could see that there was something going on.

After a moment, when they thought the coast was clear the party stood to leave. But as they stood the presence of a few of the guards from Princess Ramiera stood behind them.

‘If you are able the Princess ahs requested your audience. Apparently she has taken an keen interest in you and we are to escort you to her as she has a proposition for you.’ they recited, however the look of hatred was clear on their faces.

As they left the room, the music and laughter behind them they walked down dimly lit passageways until they came to a wooden door. Pushing it open they found it empty, perhaps a storeroom for the kitchen with a few large crates. ‘She will be along shortly. Wait here.’ one of the escort said gruffly.

The party watched as the door was left slightly ajar, a breeze catching it and causing it to close with a hiss. However the hiss continued despite the door being closed. Whirling around dozens of large snakes spilled from boxes and moved towards the party in a threatening manner. It seems that the princess was not the only thing that had an apparent keen interest in them tonight.

Thanks for visiting tonight to get a glimpse of what lies in wait this week. Don’t forget to come back the next two days to uncover the third and final part of this adventure as we speed towards its conclusion. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Royal Fillet

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This week the party are approached in forward manner while dining at the Royal Fillet, an establishment that prides itself for once serving royalty. But tonight the party get more than they paid for and are even offered the job of a life time – to save the kingdom.

Tonight’s another big one so we need to prepare ourselves, fill our bellies as we feast in tonight’s adventure!

The Royal Fillet

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The Royal Fillet – Created in WordPress!?

The party sat down after their encounter with the prince and tried to shake off the feeling of unease that he crept unwelcomed into their minds. The meal that they were enjoying was famous, a choice fillet of meat form the local farms.

As they were getting stuck into their meal a woman came and sat near them. ‘I heard that there was a group of adventurers from outside of town that may be able to help out. I am Em and I need some help. I fear that there is something dark at play. If you’re willing to help I can help you make a start.

The woman was well dressed but not over dressed. Clad in a red dress with brown tunic that sinched her waist she looked comely enough and she looked at the party as if they were indeed the people she was looking for. ‘I was told by my friend Tuille and she said that the prince has created a new tithe to fuel the progress of the kingdom. Rest assured that this isn’t the policy of the kingdom and there are investigations ongoing into this.’

However as she continued to talk to the party they understood more. With a sigh she revealed that she was indeed Queen Amera. ‘My son has recently been hanging around the princess from a neighbouring kingdom. I thought it was a good match at the time but I am doubting my decision now. Since they have been spending most of their spare time together my son has begun to,’ she paused ‘make questionable decisions. I believe that she, Ramiera, is the cause of the influence. I need someone to investigate her but do it subtle. Sadly myself and my servants can’t be seen to do it but adventurers from outside of the kingdom can.’

She paused as they considered her ask. ‘It’s not without its risk but I will provide you what protection I can and ensure that you are handsomely rewarded. I fear that this is an action that must be made for the betterment of the kingdom.’

Queen Emera – Created in WordPress!?

Thanks for dropping by today to see the next part in this adventure. There are another two parts which will be unravelled tomorrow and over Thursday and Friday 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

Sugar and Spice

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This week we kick off with a little adventure I am going to call Sugar and Spice. Tonight we have a desperate plea from the queen of a country as her son, the prince, has changed dramatically. What will the party find out this week as we dive into this new adventure.

So come and sit down, regale in a tale of change, deception and royalty in tonight’s adventure!

The sovereign prince of the Kingdom of Arelia has always had a strong connection to its people. The royal family are frequently seen amongst their people supporting them however they best deemed fit. However lately the prince has been making different decisions, straying away for what was best for his people and looking at something else.

The party witnessing one such interaction the party are unknowingly brought deeper into the kingdoms conspiracy.

Sugar and Spice

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The Arelia Kingdom and the Royal Escort – Created in WordPress!?

The party had spent the last part of your journey moving towards the kingdom of Arelia. The kingdom was famous for the royal family and how the lower classes were treated. As they walked through the streets the people all looked well fed and in good health. Children ran along with small books and scrolls for reading or writing tied to their waists behind a maid or teacher.

The guard were all cheerful and helpful on one case where a wagon had tipped over the guards rallied around the wagon to right it and help sort out the cargo it was carrying. Everything seemed like a perfect oasis of tranquillity and the utopia people had said it was. However that reality changed fast.

As the party were moving out of the market district and towards their inn they came across guards in resplendent armour, the royal guard. All of them were expert warriors and carried themselves as such – however instead of the friendly and near jovial nature of the other guards these warriors of the kingdom were stoic, almost displeased. As the party drew near one of the guards spotted them and signalled to another to approach the party.

‘Hail, you are not of this kingdom are you not?’ she said curtly. When the party responded she gestured with her head. ‘You must be lost, you wish to take the road over to reach your destination. I urge you to change…’ she began before a voice called out.

‘Tuille, you do you speak to?’ a voice carried over. The guardswoman, Tuille grimaced and looked apologetically at the party, mouthing sorry before responding to the voice.

‘Some travellers your highness.’ she repeated. ‘They were in a hurry to their establishments to rest my prince.’

‘Ah, bring them over. I wish to see all those who have visited this kingdom, you must remember my request.’ the princes voice carried over again. Nodding Tuille beckoned the party to follow her. The prince was well dressed and sat next to what could only be a princess or noblewoman. He was sharply dressed with a well made short-sword on one hip. ‘You look like you are enjoying yourselves and what the kingdom has to offer. What do you think of it?’ he asked, a smile crossed the woman’s lips as he spoke.

As the party conversed with the prince, explaining what they thought of his kingdom he nodded along smiling. ‘Good. Don’t you think the best way to support a kingdom is to lift up its people. To educate, support and endear them to the place they live? It’s the motto of our family for generations and I live by it. However to support this we have to accept charitable donations from all visitors to the kingdom, a tithe of one tenth. It’s only fair that if you’re enjoying yourself and if you wish to see the children of this land flourish that you contribute to their health.’ the princes own smile reflected the unwavering belief in what he was saying. However the party felt something was off with how the guards around them were acting.

‘As the prince has requested, a tithe of one tenth of what you have on you is requested as a gift to his majesty and the people of Arelia.’ The captain of the guard said loudly as he walked forward with a wooden box. Opening they could see coins, jewellery and even magical artefacts that would be worth a small fortune. ‘As his majesty has proclaimed to reap the benefits of visiting and staying in a kingdom as fine as this one must be supported by those visiting. Those who do not provide well… We hope that it does not come to that. So please, one tenth a tithe of what you have in your pouches and we will see to it that the kingdom receives this donation to its people.’ The guard looked sick as if stricken as he repeated the statement like a well oiled machine.

The party may have tried to avoid paying but the guards were many and several gazes were drawn to them and the princes interaction. A payment of one tenth was taken and the prince counted the donation with calculating eyes. Before he could finish counting the guards urged them to move onwards with Tuille walking with them some ways.

‘Please friends, take this. It’s not the same as you have lost but I was not swift enough to prevent you being… stopped.’ she said as she slipped a small pouch into their hands. ‘My prince has a strong view on how to support the kingdom in the future, it is new and many have tried to avoid supporting the kingdoms request. Some have spent some time in the guards dungeon with the smallest of slights being deemed as treasonous or dangerous to the kingdom. But forgive me, I have let my tongue fly. I hope that we do not meet again in such a way and that the next time you have the good fortune of meeting our royalty that it is her highness the queen that you grant your presence with.’ she hesitated and looked the party over. ‘Where did you say you were staying again friends? I have a friend that may need some help.’

Thanks for visiting tonight for the start of what aims to be a big adventure. Don’t forget that each night this week we will be expanding this adventure to cover another aspect of this weeks quest. So make sure you come back each night this week so you don’t miss out on any content and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The White Storm

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Tonight I wanted something a bit slower so I decided to look at a singular topic, an inspiration point for tonight’s quick-view at a potential adventure – the White Storm.

So sit back, grab a coffee and hopefully inspiration finds you when you call for it.

The White Storm

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Y’mire – Created in WordPress!?

The mans hands shook as he reached for the cup of hot tea before him. The party had found him stumbling down the road, his feed so badly torn to shreds that part of bone were showing through his ragged flesh. They had healed him the best they could, patched his feet up and cleaned the wounds and now that he had finally come through his eyes spoke of the horrors.

‘I remember you lot. I saw you on the road and thought, finally I am saved. I don’t remember collapsing just that I felt like I could finally rest.’ he paused as his haunted eyes searched theirs for comfort – but they were left wanting more.

‘I am Y’mire. I come from a small village, a city really on the edge of the blacksand desert.’ his hands shook again as the party supported and encouraged him to share his story, why he had appeared broken yet not beaten. ‘For weeks the sand had been tilled by the great steel pans that were dragged by the strongest of our herds. The black sand sticks to metal, so we harvest it and sell it by barrel. Nothing was out of the ordinary.’

He paused and took a shaky sip of his tea. ‘That’s when the storm hit. A sound of crating metal, of fury and of death. We are used to having dust storms out in the blacksand desert but this was as if the wind was alive itself. The black sand shredded into our houses. Our walls were studded with the black sand, what wasn’t studded was ripped away. It wasn’t just the one night though. The storm lasted three days. That’s when people started to go missing. People go missing in sandstorms all the time but this was different. Ripped out of houses, nothing left but some tattered rags for clothing.’

The man looked at them, he put the cup down. ‘I saw it. A monster, using the storm as a cover as it ripped houses and people apart. So I did what any sane man could I ran. The storm was white. Lightning flashed amongst the sand and the black sand glowed like the storms fury itself as it whirled around. It was a force in itself. Alive as if a beast and yet the beast was there, I could feel its gaze as I pulled myself through the dunes. So I ran for days, my hands cut, my feed bleeding but I had to escape. I had to tell others what had happened, what was out there.’

Thanks for reading tonight’s short adventure prompt. Inspired by the wild storms we had recently in my part of the world, the songs I was listening tonight as well as, maybe obviously, Monster Hunter – this adventure would be wild. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for the end of week write-up surrounding Omelga and its hunters and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Omelga Hunters

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Tonight we meet some of the vicious Omelga hunters that have decided that there is no such thing as friendly competition. With the Hunter and Brawler hunter archetypes the weapons can change between but overall there is a specific style to their combat.

So instead of dancing around the point of the spear, let’s get stuck into tonight’s adventure!

Omelga Hunters

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As the party watched the Omelga hunters move in they noticed that several of them hung back and positioned themselves behind cover. Armed with bows and a short spear these hunters watched with eagle eyes for where the party would appear, ready to strike from a distance and judging by their gear and behaviour they would rarely miss.

The others were more brash. Armed with a larger spear, thicker armour and a sword on their belt these hunters were set more for brawling. Getting stuck into melee with orcs, bears and worse you could tell that they wouldn’t go down easily in a fight. These hunters more suited for brawling struck out and moved ahead of the others, searching for any sign of their quarry but, frequently very nearly blundering into the traps set.

Hunter – Created in Tetra-cube.
Brawler- Created in tetra-cube.

The moment came when the party was able to trigger one of the larger traps that sent a cascade of logs hurtling towards the hunters. Several were crushed and in the confusion others blundered into the other traps and found themselves suspended, impaled or otherwise injured.

Now the true fight could begin.

Thanks for visiting tonight to keep up to date with this weeks adventure. Don’t forget that this weekend we will aim to produce thee Zine for this weeks adventure as well as something for the tabletop. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Omelga Hunting Grounds

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The Omelga Hunting grounds is where we find our party this week, trying to out trap and out think the hunters that are stalking them. Luckily they are not alone and they have some plucky young hunters to aid them.

So grab your adventuring gear and let’s get going with tonight’s adventure!

Omelga Hunting Grounds

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Omelga Hunting Grounds – Created in Inkarnate.

The party watched as the hunters from Omelga moved forward towards them with lethal precision. However soon they were encountering something they hadn’t planned for. Traps were littered throughout the area from simple snares and spike traps to a nasty log or boulder trap. Anything to even the playing field as all the experienced hunters seemed to be hunting the most dangerous of game, the party.

But as the party huddled down and hit with the their young wards they watched as the hunters grew closer. Their companions were, non-surprisingly calm as they waited for their quarry to stray closer so that when ready they could spring the hastily set up traps they had constructed and even the playing field.

Now this week is simple. Three texture brushes for the grass with a variation in shading on two of them. Trees and logs give depth with bushes indicating a secondary layer to the canopy and floor. There is a large rock formation where the party could hide, or not depending on their choices with enough space for traps to be set up in the wilds.

Nice and simple to end a frantic week for myself, and I guess the party too as they have been hunted like, well, animals. Thanks for visiting again for another map-making night but don’t forget that tomorrow we wrap up this adventure. So make sure you come back tomorrow and over the weekend for more tabletop content and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Spoiled Bait

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Tonight we find out if the plan to trap the hunters works out or if we are facing a case of spoiled bait. With the Omelga hunt competition about to kick off there is little time to adjust plans and as the party will find out, decisions need to be made on the fly sometimes.

So let’s gear up, sharpen out blades and march out to hunt the hunter in tonight’s adventure!

Spoiled Bait

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The party had made good progress in the ruse. Soon after the death was revealed and the party, Olly and Pete included, heralded as the new favourites for the hunt all eyes were upon them. Several people were outraged as money changed hands however a quiet few smiled at the potential gain with new competition.

The party had been approached by the Innkeeper they were staying with, offering free food and lodgings if they helped promote the Broadhead Inn and Hunting Lodge to any and all who would hear them. A weapon smith came and offered them gear from his shop, all of them well made but branded and styled to make them instantly recognised as sponsored by his forge. And so the day went on from there with propositions for sponsorship of favours exchanged.

But several hunters of the village approached from a different angle, intimidating and urging them to leave the competition while they still could. The first this happened the party thought they had found the killer, however several others approached them and the two young hunters and issued the same threat. It appeared as though the competition for hunting was almost as fierce as the beasts they hunted.

As the day of hunting began again the objective was clear. Participate in the hunt and appear like you are trying to bag yourself the most impressive creature while keeping Olly and Pete alive, and watching their backs for jealous hunters. The day saw them trekking deep into the woods as they followed a nervous looking Olly and Pete deeper into the forest. When the two young hunters stopped and beckoned them behind a tree they came over.

‘We’re sorry. We were told that if we did as they said they would leave us alone. There are no creatures or monsters this deep into the woods. They said that if we took you here and got out of the competition they would leave us alone. But they’ve been following us, we don’t know what to do – this wasn’t the plan’ Olly blurted out quickly.

‘Who told you this?’ one of the party eventually asked.

‘They all did. All the hunters, they are all into it, they all want us and you out of the picture.’

Thanks for joining tonight to see how this turned out. Who would have known that all the hunters were in on the grand hunt – for the players and their wards. Don’t forget to come back the next few days to wrap up this adventure and make sure you come back daily so you don’t miss out! And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe