OpenLegendRPG

The Dark Priest

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The dark priest has been imbued by magic and power by its deity in order to fulfill the great task that has been set for it. In this case the breaking of a seal and the release of an evil upon the lands. However the price is rarely worth the power.

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

The Dark Priest

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The path of the moving trees was difficult to follow, but not impossible despite the forest itself seemed reluctant to let the parties thought. However the source of animation seemed to have moved on, or simply had its eye cast on another location.

Garet had handed them a scroll with exceedingly poor handwriting indicating that there was rumoured to be a shrine deeper in the forest to one of the “winged ones” that he had mentioned before. The party now followed the directions and a rough map to where they believed this shrine was located and they believed that they were on the right path.

As they pushed further into the forest as the sun fully disappeared and the moon pushed forward, its radiant glow illuminating the path for them. Soon the sound of a lone voice chanting and branches cracking came from head and a red glow appeared between trees contrasting against the white of the full moon. They could see it now, a large winged creature atop a tall statue bathed in red light.

From their position they could see four bound human figures wrapped in cloth at the base of a small ziggurat and a man chanted at the base of statue. Green eyes glowed on the statue as it stared at a moving bundle of cloth that called out for help, Synthia, as energy pulsated around the area turning the trees half red and half blue as the moon and unholy magic battled to claim the area.

Sarghuls Altar – created in nightcafe.

The dark priest is a dangerous foe able to punish those to try to interrupt its duty with powerful magical backlash. Many of its spells require no concentration just a thought to summon into existence before it can continue to focus on the task at hand, summoning demons.

The Dark Priest – created in Tetra-cube

However the dark priest is not alone and its power over the forest shrine has given it some measurable power over the trees themselves. Those foolish enough to believe that the dark priest works alone will find branches slamming into their back before they know it, the animated trees unable to be distinguished from other trees in the forest.

Awakened Tree – created in Tetra-cube

Thanks for joining me tonight as we unravel a fun little encounter. I know that night time encounters are perhaps a little over-done but I just enjoy how they look and how well light can clash during the night. Don’t forget to come back over the weekend as we continue this adventure and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Walking Forest Shrine

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This week has two main encounters but only really one map, the Walking Forest Shrine, as the other one should be easy enough to describe. Although the map is coming tonight the description that ties in this this part, well that will be something a bit more and will come in the next few days.

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

The Walking Forest Shrine

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The Walking Forest Shrine – Created in Inkarnate.

Dozens of ways to approach the series of raised stone blocks and steps before reaching the statue. The statue rests on a small stone ziggurat that is twenty feet tall with nine bundles wrapped in cloth on specially crafted sections. A large bat-winged creature sits at the centre of the raise platform with large emeralds for eyes which catch and reflect the light from the braziers that burn nearby.

The trees that surround the platform are large, ancient and twisted. Several types of trees call this forest home and it makes for a relatively sheltered approach towards the statue, if the trees can be trusted that is.

About five layers were used for the background today with a two new jungle-grass tones, a moss-green for highlights, two different shades of dirt blended in different ratios to give a worn effect. Three types of trees adds a depth to the map that I can appreciate as a forest typically wont consist of just one tree species.

The ziggurat is several wall sections combined and scaled down together to give variety of shape and purpose. The statue is purposefully larger for a reason, to be revealed later and other than that its the same technique with other asset stamps with colour modification, size and position tweaking a well as a night time filter to be put over the top.

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

Walking Trees

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Tonight we see the next part in this adventure where the party now have to deal with Walking Trees. However its more than just some Brothers Grimm fairy tale come to life, this week evokes imagery that drew me into the world of RPGs to begin with.

So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and walk down the lane of nostalgia!

Walking Trees

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The party were walking from the hermit, Garets, cottage when the sound of screaming reached their ears. Synthia was there in an instant as she looked around frantically. “Have you seen a little girl, about seven?” she asked the party immediately before the sound of shouts and screams came from the forest. Rushing towards the noise the party paused as they ran past buildings at the sight before them.

Large creatures made from trees were walking slowly back to the forest. One of them had a girl in a brown and green dress entangled in its vine-like fingers as it carried her towards the woods. Several villagers rushed at the creature with wood axe, scythe, spears and even a old sword in hand as they milled about the foot of one such creature. Six creatures towered above the villagers as they swatted at them, sending them flying or crunching into the dirt.

The brave militia quickly started to shrink backwards despite calling for aid to save the girl. “Millie!” Synthia called out as she raced forward towards the girl that was captured. The creatures moved surprisingly fast despite their large size and the way their feet, the trunk and roots of a tree, bonded with the soil when ever they stepped.

The party rushed forwards after Synthia but she had a head start and her fear and rage drove her faster. But before she could reach the little girl one of the towering tree creatures reached down and ensnared her in its grasp. As she was lifted screaming and flailing the creature followed the other into the treeline and deeper into the forest.

The party rushed forward but the trees themselves started to move, their trunks and roots shifting to allow the trees to move to form a wall of dense wood that was several trees which were each several feet deep. However the animated trees on this side of the barricade turned their attention to the buildings of the village and started to stride towards it.

“The trees walk once more! The winged ones approach and call the nine to the door, their home, where they will break free and rule the forest again!” called Garet as he hobbled towards the edge of the small field which separated the village and the trees. As he called out the trees stopped and looked towards the old man, pausing for a moment. Then with a sickening lurching motion the trees began to move towards the old man, the ground shuddering with each thunderous step as they moved to reach the hermit-come-lore keeper.

“They collect the tithe that was promised to them. The nine have been selected and now the deal has been brokered. Free from their binding the trees march for the elves once more, but this time for war. Sick of servitude their new masters, the winged ones, have promised their freedom!” called Garet as he brandished his oaken walking stick at the trees.

Thanks for joining me for another night of adventure expansion. Following on with this adventure there is one more part to come, a big one really, that will tie in the final piece in this puzzle. So don’t forget to come back over the next few days and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Folk Lore and Falsehoods

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There is sometimes no real difference between folk lore and falsehoods when it comes to stories about the local happenings or non-happenings. Tonight we look into such allegations of a mad hermit who is responsible for keeping the lore of the village. But when his mind is failing and the next generation is not ready to inherit the task there can only be trouble.

So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and let’s listen to some old-timey stories!

Folk Lore and Falsehoods

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Garet Solroot – Created in Artbreeder.

Garet shuffled across the dirt floor the hearth where a pot of water boiled. Using a worn wooden ladle he scooped out some water and poured it into a cup which had a sprinkling of leaves in it. Shuffling back, most of the boiling water ending up on the dirt, he handed the cup to the first in line for his hospitality.

“More tea…?” he asked looking to the others. The first cup looked to contain half an earth worm, a few pine needles and what appeared to be dog or cat hair; potentially even human beard hair. When the others gestured that they needed no tea he scooped out his own serving, sprinkling his own few leaves into it and sat down, gingerly, on a pile of furs near the hearth to stay warm. His thin frame looked tiny in comparison to the cloak of furs he held around his shoulders.

After sipping from the obviously too hot tea he smiled, nodded once as if satisfied with the brew before looking to the party. “The woods have ears did you know that?” he began. “When the elves first left the woods and headed south past the human lands they encountered the first settlers of this village. Back then the woods were said to come alive at the beck and call of the elves to build their houses and fight their enemies.” he paused to sip his scalding tea.

“But when the winged ones left the trees stopped. A Pity as I always wanted to talk to a tree.” he mused to himself.

Synthia Mullpeck – Created in Artbreeder.

Synthia walked into the room hastily putting down a basket that had dozens of root vegetables assorted in near piles. “Sorry Garet there was word that some hot shot adventurers had come to the village so I tried to find them.” she began before turning around and noticing the party. “Oh, I guess I found them. Hi I’m Synthia. I am Garet’s apprentice come household help.” she added with more than a bit of disdain.

“I am here to learn all I can from Garet so that he can retire while he still has some of his memories. I have started to try and write them down in books but,” she paused looking at the man who was scooping out the other half of the worm, “Some how I don’t think I’ll fill a book of actual history. All his stories he tells don’t make sense or are impossible.” she added with frustration.

“Synthia, dear girl. Did I tell you about the spell at the heart of the forest? The one that called the winged ones home and silenced the trees?” he added chewing still. “They say that nine are needed to bring back the trees but I don’t think we could find nine more winged ones. They all disappeared. Did I tell you about the time that a winged deer flew over my hut? It started to eat the thatching on my roof!” he continued looking visibly excited.

“See, wild stories.” Synthia added looking at them knowingly. “I do have some of the ones that made sense in this book if you want to take it and look over it. If there’s any questions I’m from Remale, the village one over. I will be here for a few more hours then leaving before dusk.”

Thanks for joining me tonight get to know Garet and Synthia. Taken from a few inspirations this week I hope to capture the essence of “all stories are based on a fact”. So don’t forget to come back daily this week so you can see how this adventure expands and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Whispers in the Roots

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This week we delve into the party being hired to investigate the reported whispers in the roots of Parsh Forest as the tensions of local villages and towns runs high. Something dark is mustering within the trees and the party are here to save the day, well night.

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

Something dark dwells within the Parsh Forest as reports of people going missing, cloaked figures disappearing in plain sight and hulking figures walking between the trunks of trees, watching those who dare travel through the roads. The local guard and militia are too scared to go into the forest due to the reports.

A call for aid has been issued for anyone brave enough to unravel what’s happening within the forest and to put a stop to it. But, there is more than mere sightings of strange creatures to contend with as the adventurers, nay heroes will soon discover.

Whispers in the Roots

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Parsh Forest – Created in Nightcafe.

The Parsh forest is a place that has fed and sustained the surrounding villagers for decades. However, lately only dark rumours and missing people have been coming out of the forest. As the party sat and listened to the rumours of the forest and what the villagers have seen at night the wilder the stories became.

“I saw it, I swears it. A creature with two heads as tall as a tree walked across the road in front of me. The horse screamed and before I could stop er’ she bolted past the creature and all the way here.” one merchant said between drawing on is pipe and filling the area with the pungent smoke. “I’ll tells you this for free. The forest is cursed. I’m planning on leaving, packing up shop and heading in the other direction.”

“My daughter went missing.” a woman broke her silence watching the man with disdain. “Gone. Her blue ribbon that she tied her hair up with was found snagged on a tree branch a few feet into the woods but that was the only sign the local hunters could find.” she said, emotion broiling just beneath the surface before she hurried herself away.

Seven children had been taken and one unlucky hunter hadn’t returned after searching the forest for his sister. The parents, grandparents or carers of the children had approached the party and described the children that had gone missing. No commonalities except they all lived in the forests near the woods. Boys, girls, young and older had all gone missing with the hunters having not found anything within the forest.

That was until the party asked the hunters who were getting more drunk as the night and conversations went on. “Go into the forest? You mad? You’ll die in there. That’s why I never,” one paused to hiccup, “I never went in. I just told them I did.” he blurted out. The other hunters near by gestured him to be quiet and shushed him but it was too late. All of them revealed that they were too scared to go deep into the forest for fear of their own lives.

There was one person that wasn’t present tonight, an old hermit who was rumoured to have elven blood in his veins. Older than many parents of those present he had kept a history of the forest and the villages but in his growing age his stories became more jumbled and the truth harder to separate from folk tales.

The whispers in the roots of Parsh forest call the party to action this week much like I call you back each night. Thanks for visiting tonight but don’t forget that this is just the beginning of the adventures ahead. Tomorrow I will be introducing the hermit and you wont want to forget what he has to tell the party. And finally, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The Ember Games

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This week I continued with the creating a shortened Zine, something that fits on a single A4 sheet of paper with just enough information to set the scene, plot and hook with some NPCs sprinkled through that it could be used in any system.

I think its still working well so without any further waiting I present The Ember Games, in the short format, as a fun one-shot to assist GMs when they need a night out of the books whether you run Pathfinder, Open Legends RPG, D&D or any other RPG System.

There is references to the blog nights which are D&D centric (regarding Friday night’s Stat-blocks) but this adventure can be used system agnostic more so than my regular Zines. As always Kobold fight club can be used to quickly balance an encounter for Dungeons and Dragons and Tetra-cube provides the stat-blocks for many of my D&D creatures.

So I hope you enjoy this weeks adventure, The Ember Games, and that your rolls are made with advantage.

The Ember Games

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Ember Arena – Created in Nightcafe.

The party had made their way to Mylos for the ember games, a multi-day contest where the noble houses of Mylos pit their best warriors against each other at the hopes of receiving the prize at the end of the vault, an unlimited wish. 

At the Inn that they were staying at for the night, the Dusky Mule, the party entered in a game of chance with and by a stroke of luck they won prime seats to the Ember Games, near the front of the arena. The following day the chorus of celebration coming from the Arena reached their lodgings and they made their way to the arena for a full day of competition.  

PDF adventure – The Ember Games

The Ember GamesDownload

Thanks for joining me today for another Zine this year. This is a condensed version of the Zine, but I hope the format works and is good to look at! Please feel free to leave comments if this format is appealing – so make sure to grab a copy of the PDF.

Next time you get a party together consider running this adventure and I hope that you enjoy it.
I hope you don’t miss a thing so come back daily in the coming week and year. This is so you can experience the creation of the next adventure as it evolves and shapes out. And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Manticores Galore

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This week we have manticores galore with Samsone being a juvenile manticore and the larger creature, you guessed it, being a adult one. But something much more than just a normal adult one as you’ll see shortly.

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

Manticores Galore

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The juvenile manticore known as Samsone isn’t much of a fighter. Big enough to not be identified as anything other than a young manticore but not big enough for people to want to ride it. When threatened it will use its speedy flying speed to try and get away and failing that a quick volley of its tail spikes will see its pursuers retreating.

Juvenile Manticore – created in Tetra-cube

Then we have the big monster for the week, the Alpha Manticore. Not just a large manticore, oh no this is the biggest, strongest and oldest of their kind. So much that its scarred hide has become more resilient than it has any right being. Able to intimidate most creatures with a fearful roar and a wide range of attacks and legendary actions that will keep any hunters guessing.

Its well honed senses, particularly hearing and smell, enable it to hunt its preferred prey, sheep, to its hearts content.

Alpha Manticore – created in Tetra-cube

Thanks for joining me tonight as we looked at two variants of the normal manticore. I can’t wait to send the alpha manticore at my party and watch them take a few steps back in a panic when it starts to fight more ferociously than what they were perhaps expecting. Don’t forget to come back this weekend as we continue this adventure and some other content and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Farmer’s Barn

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Back to the maps this week and we have a rather quick one whipped up with the Farmer’s Barn. This week we have a, rather large something flying around above the barn that the party are currently in so, its likely that this will be where the encounter is!

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

Farmer’s Barn

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Farmer’s Barn – Created in Inkarnate.

Two ways in and out of the barn, one overtly being the front door and the other leads to where the windmill is. There is plenty of dry hay within the building perfect for being lit on fire which could cause problems depending on what the creature is that is outside the building. Outside the barn several tree’s that could provide a small amount of cover but be warned. The creature that hunts them is an expert predator.

Three dead sheep lie in the grass outside of the barn at the edge of some of the trees, the ground under them torn up from talon, tail or claw. What ever the cause of this those sheep could be a distraction or, lure something nasty towards them.

Not super complex this week with only three or four layers to the ground texture, one more to highlight the scratches in the ground. Simply highlighting with some transparency constructed the barn and the fence was exceedingly simple.

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

Samsone’s Escape

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Not all creatures that are pets are cute and cuddly and Samsone is definitely one of those as we explore the mystery of Samsone’s Escape. It is not odd or rare for nobles to have exotic pets but I am sure that this youngster is something that hasn’t been seen near the courts before. However despite what he may look like he is, apparently, quite sweet and surely couldn’t be the source of the missing sheep or people.

So let’s grab a coffee, put on some rather thick gloves and let’s go wrangle this kitty!

Samsone’s Escape

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The party had head towards the city after they had gathered as much information from the Blackmane’s estate as possible. They had not been travelling for more than an hour before they ran into a farmer herding his sheep away from the city.

“Hail travellers, spare me a moment if you would.” he called out as they approached. As they got near they noticed that several sheep had large injuries that resembled larger slashes and cuts than what they had seen at the Blackmane estate when investigating Samsone’s pen. “There is a beast out there that has a taste for sheep. They called me crazy when I claimed that my animals had started being taken by a monster but I’ve seen it. Large scaled wings, a long tail with a barb. I’ve heard the stories. It’s a wyvern for sure.” he said with conviction.

“They think me mad. No wyverns in these lands for years, centuries they had claimed. But look at my beauties. All of them had injuries to prove they been beset upon by a foul creature.” he continued. “So I’ve left. I’m taking my sheep left the old farm and I’m leaving. The guard wont save me, the kings men don’t believe me so it’s the only thing that’s left. The old mill will have to turn itself now.” he said as the sheep started to get away from him, slowly. “Farewell! and watch the skies!”

Samsone – created in Nightcafe.

Sure enough the party came across a Mill with a farm attached. As they walked past one of the doors to the barn moved despite there being no wind. Approaching the barn they heard the sound of foot steps on hay and something hard like horns, or claws, scratching at the wood of the door. As they drew near the scratching stopped and rushed movements could be heard as something scurried behind the door.

Entering it was pretty hard to miss the creature that was currently attempting to push itself between haybales to hide. A baby manticore with what appeared to be a sky blue collar was trying its best to hide from the party. A large bronze emblem of a “S” hung from the collar as it jumped from bale to bale to try and create distance between itself and the party.

Samsone was a baby Manticore. Despite being only a youngster it was the size of a large dog with powerful muscles, a scorpion like tail and large bat-like wings. Small horns sprouted from its forehead and a thick mane of hair was already proudly on display. However as they pondered what to do about the creature it looked suddenly alarmed, looked towards the roof and dove deeper into the barn.

Thats when the party heard wingbeats of something large passing above the barn. Large powerful wings carried an unknown creature nearby as it circled the farm and barn. A reverberating growl pressed down upon them and dust rained down upon the barn as the creature neared and expressed its displeasure, or hunger. Perhaps the farmer was right, perhaps it was a wyvern that had taken his sheep and that left the question. Why did Anzia Blackmane have a baby manticore as a pet. And of course, what was the creature above them.

Thanks for joining me for another twist night. Tonight we revealed Samsone but not quite the true villain of this weeks adventure. So if you want to follow along more don’t forget to come back each night and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Anzia Blackmane

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The true client this week isn’t Fergo Blackmane but his Daughter, Anzia Blackmane. An eccentric young woman who doesn’t quite dodge around questions but definitely makes getting useful information harder.

Let’s settle down, pull up a stool and let’s go to tea with the nobles daughter!

Anzia Blackmane

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Anzia Blackmane- Created in Nightcafe.

Requesting an audience with the royal family may have been easier than a simple meeting with the Blackmanes. Several guards stopped and asked questions about the need for their visit to the Blackmane manor and some even sent them in wrong directions until a maid appeared and invited them to tea with Anzia.

The caution wasn’t warranted of course but the trip to the sitting room was eye-opening. Weapons from dozens of cultures and people lined the hallway along with fine armours that varied from riding leathers to exquisite plate mail. Portraits line the walls of heroic figures hunting monstrous creatures and several trophys from such endeavours were mounted on walls or pedestals.

They stopped in front of a large set of double doors where the maid bowed and announced the party. Inside a young woman sat sipping on tea with a bunch of cups, saucers and pots displayed in front of her. “Do come in. I hope that you are making good progress in finding my Samsone, he is such a tricky fellow.” she said in a tone that didn’t match her looks. As she looked between the party members she sighed. “I did tell father that we had to get the best to retrieve Samsone. I believe that he is stolen but father insists that he simply got out. A good boy like that would never leave voluntarily not after all the care I have provided for him.” she paused to sip from her tea.

“No he must have been stolen. Please find my Samsone and return him to me. He is a rather large cat and has redish brown fur. You will recognise him the moment you see him I am sure of it.” she added after a brief hesitation. “Oh and do be careful, the servants have informed me that there is rumours of a large fearsome creature prowling the city. Be careful not let it hurt Samsone or we wont be able to uphold our end of the reward.”

Thanks for joining me tonight to meet Anzia Blackmane, descendent of a famous and decorated hero of the kingdom. A bit eccentric but obviously cares about her pet, Samsone. Don’t forget that we will expand the adventure each day this week, so make sure to come back daily and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe