One-shot

Masters of the Sky

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This week as the party trek into the Dusty Crags, a series of tall rocky outcrops, cliffs and forest, the party come face to face with the masters of the sky. These creatures, the griffons and wyverns of the crag are powerful adversaries and something that should be avoided where possible. However there is another trick up the sleeve of these creatures as the griffon of the Dusty Crag has a nasty surprise.

Let’s not wait any longer. So grab a coffee, sit down and let’s roll into tonight’s adventure!

Masters of the Sky

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Dusty Crag Griffon – Created in Tetra-cube

As with any creature that spends long enough in an environment they will evolve to suit that space. The Griffons in the Dusty Crag however have adapted in an unusual way. Some of them after feasting on the creatures of the valley below their skies have developed a neat party trick. After ingesting a large quantity of creatures that dwell in these rocky hills they have absorbed some of the arcane taint that this land gives off. This has given some descendants of these masters of the sky the ability to project an illusion to thwart would-be attackers or raiders as well as to lure out the rivals for the sky. The Wyverns.

Griffon – Created in Tetra-cube.

As there are only a few of these Dusty Crag griffons who have developed this magical skill there are a great number of the beasts who do not possess any semi-magical ability. These griffons are no more lethal but rely on the alphas, the Dust Crag Griffons, to lure their biggest prey into position before diving at the distracted creatures to ensure a swift kill.

Wyvern – created in Tetra-cube.

However, despite the cleverness of some of these griffons the sheer size, bulk and strength of a wyvern is never to be underestimated. These flying brutes are fast, lethal and overall terrifying as many predators of its size are. Able to shred an adult griffon instantly the only way that the smaller predators can bring down such a beast is with synchronised group effort and by ambushing the larger alpha predator, the true masters of the skies.

And with that we have the final content of the week and it is where we leave it for tonight. Don’t forget to come back this weekend as we plan to get some Zines out and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Hunting for the Nest

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The party is once again schlepping through a forest but this time they are hunting for the nest that will grant them moderate riches. Or, it will grant them an early retirement through death. Not known for their welcoming nature the inhabitants of this forest, griffons, wyverns, “tritnols” and more, are vicious and unrelenting when defending their nests. But that’s the price of hunting for the nest at the centre of this adventure.

So as with other nights, let’s grab a coffee, sit back and roll into tonight’s adventure.

Hunting for the Nest

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The Hunting Grounds – Created in Inkarnate.

The thick vegetation, large collapsed trees and rocky outcrops making it difficult to navigate in a straight line the party, and other nest seekers, have to brave the climb up the hills or the steep ascent where there is little cover from the predators in these hills.

With some trees providing a perch or a useful way up to a higher ledge this climb isn’t without its shortcuts but even these can have their perils. Rocky, craggy hills are prone to hiding reptiles, insects or arachnids that call these holes and crevices home. One wrong foot, or hand placed in the wrong hole and you may get more than you bargained for.

With each ledge being 20 feet into the air and the nest itself sitting 80 feet up only a fool would climb that without a ledge to rest on. A fool or those trained in mountaineering that is.

Mixing craggy hills and cliffs to give it an uneven jutting appearance at certain steps hopefully gives more depth of height for the hills. The trees add in cover, ways to climb and boost as well as places to jump to if required. There are several things you can do with a tree. The fallen trees provide cover, could be shelter or a place to hide and the one between the cliffy-craggy hills could be used to walk or climb across. As always multiple layers with varying transparency make up tonight’s map as blending the transparent backgrounds produces the nicer looking maps.

Thanks for joining me the map making night this week. A forest one again – nice and easy with few challenges this one was a nice and relaxing map make. Don’t forget tomorrow we reveal some beasties to encounter this week and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Unsubtle Lies

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Never has there been a new creature discovered without subtle, sometime unsubtle lies being its unwanted companion. The platypus was thought to be a hoax when first discovered and rumours of other sea-serpents and other monstrous creatures have been included in all histories. But for the Tritnol the lies go much further than just something that is cosmetic, their very existence is based on a singular lie.

Before before we spill the tea, let’s grab a coffee sit down and roll into tonight’s adventure.

Unsubtle Lies

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Together the party climbed the mountains, avoided the creatures the elf El’thirnol had warned them about and with some luck they were making good progress. As part of the wager Callum had told them all roughly where the nest was. However, instead of waiting until dawn like the others, Callum and his sellsword were gone by the morning and were likely ahead of the party.

The village they had come from lived amongst the mountains and was largely left alone by the hostile creatures that lived nearby. It was probably the seasoned hunters that were stationed on the walls and towers around the village. The trek into the mountains didn’t take long and even as they marched onwards shouts could be heard from other parties who were attempting the same climb. It sounded as if the other people racing the climb were finding the paths just as difficult or running into trouble.

As the party ascended they became more acutely aware of the large creatures flying above them, griffons. They were the least of their worries as they moved stealthily but alerting the real monsters of these cliffs would only bode poorly. The Griffons and Tritnol’s weren’t the only master of the cliffs here. Wyverns had been known to live in this area – preying on griffons and their chicks as well as taking down the Tritnol when they were feeling particularly bold. But the elven huntmaster had told the party how to overcome the difficulties of the terrain and how to hide from the predators and so far it was working.

As the chosen adventures climbed El’thirnol watched with spyglass in hand. They were nearing the nest that he had sought and with any luck the parents were not around. But something was troubling him. The Tritnol’s were flying overhead as normal, large lumbering creatures that appeared to defy gravity as they flew. But the volume of them looked suspicious. When they gathered like this they normally found dead griffons and even wyverns the following days.

He watched the creatures in the area from his perch. His trained eye picked out where they all lived and he watched them. A few griffons lay still as they watched the Tritnol’s closely like the alpha predators they were. Despite being the huntmaster of the village, and widely known as being a master at his craft he had yet to take down a Tritnol. Their thick hide seemed to evade all arrows, bolts and even a ballistae had no effect. They were truly a strange creature.

But as he watched the creatures below he noticed that a group of hunters approached one of the nests. As the parent rose from the nest he glanced away towards his vigil on the flying giants and something odd occurred. A flickering, like the disruption of a spell, was coming over one of the Tritnol’s. As he watched he heard a shriek of pain as the Tritnol disappeared completely. Looking at the source, a wounded griffon with an arrow shaft in its leg. A moment later the sharp talons separated foolish hunters heads and limbs from bodies as the griffon’s partner swooped the hunters.

The titan in the sky, the Tritnol’s form wavered from that moment onwards, as if injured itself. El’thirnol mused. Something was odd here and the injured and odd acting Tritnol and corresponding with a Griffon being wounded was not something he would write off as coincidence.

The revelation here isn’t soo much a revelation as it is twist. What if the mightiest beast in the sky wasn’t real and was a lie that wasn’t spun by the hunters of creatures, but from the creatures themselves. Something interesting to explore this week as we continue to expand the adventure. So don’t forget to come back each day and, 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

Larger Than a Griffon

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Welcome to another week at my tabletop and this week are are on the hunt for something larger than a griffon. What may you ask? The Tritnol! I would not be surprised if you had not heard of one before as they are quite the oddity. Rumoured to be larger than a griffon, maybe not as ferocious but definitely stronger. A wise man would keep ample food with them as they are voracious eaters but once sated they are calm creatures.

So to avoid spending the night writing about these creatures in the intro, let’s explore another action packed adventure by grabbing a coffee, sitting down and rolling into tonight’s adventure!

Bounty set, wager ready and the hunt for the Tritnol’s nest is ready. Rumoured to be several times heavier than a griffon, the Tritnol egg’s weight in gold is a small fortune for an everyday person. But for adventurers the bounty on three such eggs is surely worth the risk.

Larger Than a Griffon

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The Tritnol’s Nest – Created in Nightcafe.

“Not having seen something doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Rumours of the mad mage, Albazahr’s, creations have spread far and wide and none are as weird as the very creature that lives in the Toll Mountains. The Tritnol is a savage creature, larger than a griffon but twice as mean. With teeth that rip like daggers, talons like swords and the ability to breathe out fire hot enough to melt a golem. These creatures are feared and hate…” the man stopped as someone started clapping from the doorway.

The hunter was boasting about taking down one of the creatures for the fourth night in a row, having slain it with a perfect shot from his mighty black-wood bow. But it seems that someone wasn’t as excited about the story as he had hoped. 

“A great story Callum, but that is all that it is. A story. The Tritnol’s are a passive creature driven by hunger primarily. Instead of sharp teeth they have a beak, not overly sharp as it’s used on vegetation primarily. They don’t even have talons but more like. Stubby toenails at best. Oh my the Tritnol is a marvellous creature but it sounds like you have slain something entirely different. Do go on.” the elven hunter, El’thirnol, mocked as he strode through the door. 

“I’m telling you the truth. The nest lays empty but a day’s climb into the mountains. Three eggs lay there. If I could have gold to buy some gear that I lost in the daring fight I will climb back up and show you.” Callum hastily replied back, his face a mask of sweat.

“A wager then!” called El’thirnol. “One of these eggs weight in gold if you can bring it back to me. If you bring back all three then that’s three times the coin. If you can do that Callum, or anyone else in this room, then my gold and respect is yours.”

Another week has come and with it, another week of adventuring. Don’t forget that each day this week we will be expanding the adventure to include more details. So don’t forget to come back each day this week and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Famished

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Welcome to another Friday night where tonight we have something a bit different when the party prepare to face off against the famished horde and the sated one. A bit confusing, but tonight we can see just what I mean by just two separate encounters.

So let’s not wait any longer, grab a coffee to sate that thirst, sit down and roll into tonight’s adventure!

The Famished

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The Famished – Created in Tetra-cube.

As the party stepped towards the shell of the Fatty Pheasant a faint pulse of energy could be felt. Sensing where it came from, the origin of the fire was found in the shape of a humanoid where the fire did not scorch the stones. The magical presence was strong and unholy here and the longer they stayed the more they began to detect. Faint motes of magical energy hung about the charred ruins of the building, littered through the wreckage that was piled out front ready to be cleaned up.

The party moved to investigate these points of magical energy and soon after the source was revealed. Nearly translucent flame-like creatures seemed to float nearly invisible amongst the wreckage grabbing bits of burnt something before consuming them. Each time they consumed a scrap they moved more sluggishly before moving more frantically as they searched for the next morsel. As the party got close enough though the creatures seemed to look at them, moving slowly towards them and the humans in the street as if drawn to them. The creatures slowly increased as more and more appeared, slowly turning into a swarm-like group as they moved towards the party. Hunger now their evident driver and the party their next meal.

The Sated one – created in Tetra-cube.

As the last of the hungry motes fled, injured and dying, they fled through the skies like an invisible wind current was blowing them in a single direction. Giving chase as the only lead in what had caused the fire the party arrived at the church to Ilmater. The creatures were fleeing down towards the back of the church. Rounding the corner the only thing they could see here was a shrine out back where a lone priest stood in prayer.

As the party approached they could feel a strong presence as they approached the shrine. The man was deep in prayer to Ilmater praying for strength and to spare those who are injured, in pain or dying. As the party approached something touched at the edge of their conscious. An old, hungry presence could be felt near by but there was no visible threat and even the creatures from before had disappeared. Turning around the man smiled. “Welcome, how can the church of Ilmater help you today?”

And that is where we leave it tonight. The cusp of the reveal of this weeks antagonist and leaving something to the imagination. Don’t forget to come back this weekend as we plan to get some Zines out and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Investigating the Blaze

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The party having been enlisted to help with investigating the blaze show up at one of the taverns, the Fatty Pheasant as it was said that it was the first one to burn. Furthermore it. unlike the other burnt taverns had witnesses – well reportedly one significant one. The second stop here is an important place for a few reasons.

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

Investigating the Blaze

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The Fatty Pheasant – Created in Inkarnate.

With some maps there is a clear story to be told and with what we can produce and a clear outcome. With this there are two things. There is the residual magic from the fire from the person (or thing) that started the blaze. There is also an area on the path out front the ruined building where there isn’t scorched fire.

There is an opportunity to have another encounter with the party – something other than investigating the scene. More will be revealed tomorrow but the source of the fire isn’t alone in its hunt for satiation.

The map is, like all of mine, made from different texture brushes overlapping to create the feel that I am going with. Being a well established town having stone roads makes sense and with the heat of the blaze, the foot traffic and clean up crews have moved most of the debris out. This causes dirt and soot to be moved, most of the burnt tables, chairs and such are piled up out the front between it and another building.

A fountain / water trough sits in the middle of the road for horses and other accesses to water. The wooden tavern lays in ruins, a few overlapping layers here with some shadow and soot painted over the normally rich-wood. Over all it makes for a pretty convincing scene.

Thanks for joining me for another map night where we have a bit of skill checks and an encounter. Don’t forget to come back the last few days to follow along with what I have planned and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Unholy Arson

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Now with the past few days of content you can only imagine where we are going with this unholy arson. The source of the blaze revealed tonight but not the why, or actually even the who. There is more than one way to raise a building to the ground we prove in this weeks adventure that fire is by far the favourite option for arsonists.

Before it really gets too hot in here let’s grab a coffee, iced if you prefer, sit down and roll into tonight’s adventure.

Unholy Arson

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The Fatty Pheasant – Created in Nightcafe.

Although the fire at the Gilded Lily had been a mystery without witnesses or cause, the newest fire that lapped at the wooden beams of the Fatty Pheasant was different. As they pulled people from the burning building the guards and fire wardens asked who did it. Many did not respond in their panic and talked nonsense. But a few mentioned watching the bouncer, Gareth, approach a passer by before the front of the tavern, and Gareth, was enveloped in flames.

It was not hard to find Gareth, a mixture of burnt skin, flesh and leather amongst the injured. He was badly injured but he was alive, somehow. The guard hurried him off and quickly sent out a request for healers, for trackers and for anyone who could assist them in their investigation. The burly form of Gareth Fletcher was carried by no less than six guards as they protected the burnt man from any and all dangers. As the only one who may be able to identify who or what caused this they needed to protect him with their lives.

As they hurried him away on a large stretcher, a middle-aged man watched from a nearby building. His hands trembling from the realisation of what he had done in the moments of clarity and freedom of his own mind and actions. But no quicker than the clarity had washed over him it disappeared. A cold slimy feeling moving along his spine and worming its way through his brain which froze the memory of the fire, the heat and the look of pain and disbelief on the minds of the man out front of the Tavern.

Pulling up his hood he walked from the shadow, limping slightly from an old wound as he moved towards the bridge that took him over the river to where the next target was. One that was not yet full of panic and fear to taint the taste of the feast that awaited him. Despite the rational man trying to claw back control of his own mind and body eventually the chilling pressure was too much and it wasn’t until the next morning that he woke up. His hands covered in soot, blisters and blood as he looked around at what the morning brought him. 

Even in his dazed state he could not remember what had happened from the night before. He remembers taverns and fire, that would explain the heat in his hands, the blisters and soot. But he could not tell where he had come from, how he had got here and how he had escaped the fire. Looking over the city of Hawks Creek he noticed three plumes of smoke. “Not again,” he muttered, trembling. “I hope no one was hurt. Someone’s got to stop this arsonist.” he said as he stood up on tired limbs and moved to the nearest plume of smoke to help search for survivors, the dead and to clear the wreckage. After all, as a cleric of Ilmater the pain in his palms was nothing to the suffering to what those poor unfortunates were going through.

A mid-point twist with the culprit revealed as… not really being the culprit, maybe? As something sinister stalks the taverns, inns and eateries of Hawks Creek there is a call for aid to help stop the arson. But we will cover a bit more of that tomorrow and the last days of this week. So don’t forget to come back each day and, 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 Hawks Creeks Finest

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Welcome to yet another week at my tabletop where we are passing through a little city and experiencing the Hawks Creek’s Finest Inn’s. While not directly inspired by certain TV shows showcasing the best places to eat, drink and stay at for the little crossover city of Hawks Creek the many inns and taverns boast a wide selection of food and rooms to rent. However, this isn’t a happy montage of eating, drinking and sleeping – oh no..

So to roll into another action packed adventure let’s grab a coffee, sit down and explore tonight’s adventure!

Boasting dozens of inns, taverns and mead halls the city of Hawks Creek is known as one of the best cities to stop over in on your travels. With each inn or tavern boasting a variety of local foods and drinks and a variety of sleeping quarters the city has really been put on the map.

Although this fame doesn’t come without its own challenges and after a few nightmarish nights the party are left questioned and questioning what ever drew them to this city in the first place. But they can not be to blame as there is a darker power at play here, one that not even the city guard could be prepared for.

But hope is not lost as the city caters for all manner of guests. Merchants and their caravan of goods, nobility and their guards and adventurers are drawn to the city on the promise of a great feed and a comfortable bed. The only problem with all this foot traffic is locating the source of crime is an impossible task.

The Hawks Creeks Finest

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The Gilded Lily – Created in Nightcafe.

The party had spent several weeks travelling the roads and wilderness on various odd-jobs and quests. Sleeping under the stars is something many in the profession cherish and actively seek out but after a week of unseasonably wet and rough weather the city of Hawks Creek is a welcome sight to behold. Sitting next to a creek, well river, that is fed from a melting glacier the water is crisp, clean and delicious with many people using its fine waters to craft beer and other alcohol.

The now extinct volcano has resulted in fields that are fertile, lush and provide many riches within its lava tubes for those who dare to seek riches deeper in the mountain. However the true riches lie in the produce and animals that call this land home, or are cultivated by the agricultural people of the city. And whatever they can’t grow or catch themselves is also sources from this river.

Hawks river connects with the sea and is deep enough to allow barges to bring produce not normally found in these lands up to the city. This has resulted in a paradise of mercantile and food which attracts people from all across the land to visit and stay a few days. Due to this popularity the Inns and eating and drinking establishments of the city are so numerous that the city nearly survives alone by the tourism that their food, alcohol and trade brings them.

However, while the party was greeted warmly; like old friends really, and recommended they stay at the Gilded Lily they are met with a blackened husk of a building. The city is littered with gawkers and people confused and shocked at the state of the finest inn in the city. The party overheard that only a single life was lost, an old gnome who passed out from drinking too much lily-wine, but the cause was yet to be found. With no cause, no witnesses (who weren’t drunk on the fine libations of the establishment) and no suspect the guards were left to investigate the fire and draw up nothing.

After finding another inn, the Hopping Hawk, they quickly found a room and were greeted by some of the best food and drink that they had yet to taste. Yet the patrons of the tavern still spoke of the Gilded Lily. Some say that it was a disgruntled employee who had finally had enough and set the kitchen ablaze. Others pondered that there was a rival Inn or Tavern who wanted to clip the wings of the tavern and watch it fall into the flames. And others wondered if it was the rumoured City Drunk, a dwarf so vile and ill-mannered that he had set the blaze himself after being denied entry.

All stories were compelling but none were favoured above others and many hushed arguments and bets were made about the cause of the blaze, and if they would see it happen again.

Alright a fun one this week! Less of a murder mystery and more of a – well you’ll have to see kind of adventure this week certainly starts in the pan and dangling next to the fire. While we have many ways and options to progress this adventure along it’s a great opportunity for me to look at a favourite approach of mine. “All roads link to Rome.” If you’re curious about what this is I can promise that if you search for it you will find it here on the blog.

But don’t dally too long as we are planning another busy week. So don’t forget to come back each day this week as we continue to expand upon this adventure. And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe