TTRPG

Dice-ember day 1

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Welcome officially to Dice-ember, the 31 day long string of content that is focusing on producing items, NPCs, encounters or things to enrich and expand your game.

Yesterday in a bit of a prelude (I was a bit impatient) I created a cloak that could give its wearer a limited form of false appearance and today I want to expand upon that with something that I hope will add a certain little something to your libraries, inns, homes, dungeons, campfires, laboratories or wizards lairs.

The Carafion

14Carafion

“I’m telling you Jess I have a bad feeling about this” Steve babbled as he walked past another bookcase that appeared to be filled from top to bottom in empty glass phials.

“Shut it Steve, this place has been abandoned for years. People only tell us to stay away because they feel bad about looting a dead mans workshop.” Jess snapped back at him, the torchlight shimmering across endless shelf upon shelf of empty glass phials, each one a bit different in hue and size but all roughly the same shape. Stopping in front of a collection of a few different phials on a workbench she started to stuff them into the bag tied to her hip.

Steve jumped and shrieked causing Jess to whip around drawing her dagger. “Over there,” Steve shuddered and pointed towards a bookcase. “There was something there, something moved.”

Rolling her eyes Jess stuffed a fifth phial into her bag before going to investigate. Judging by the level of dust on the shelves no one had been here for years. “You fool, it was nothing. Probably a mouse, look at the dust! Nothings been touched for years..” Jess stopped, cut short noticing the circular shape in the dust where a glass phial used to be. Touching the circle where there was a perfectly clean circular imprint it was obvious that something had been moved from the shelf recently.

“Did you take one of the phials?” Jess asked, staring at the bookcase with the missing Phial. When Steve didn’t respond she whirled around “Answer me damnit, did you take..” she stopped staring at empty space. The last space she had seen her childhood friend, well, acquaintance, was a bookshelf next to the desk she was taking phials off of. The bookshelf itself was missing almost all the phials, a few lay broken into pieces on their side towards the back of the shelf. “Steve! this isn’t bloody funny. Where are ya?”

Moving forward and examining the shelf she noticed the same thing as the other shelf, a dusty shelf with many little rings where no dust has gathered. Looking down at the ground she looked for signs of where Steve had wandered off too, noticing his footprints finishing in front of the bookcase she squatted to look at the the peculiar marks on the ground, as if something heavy had been dragged backwards and fast enough that they had left the ground.

Drip, drip, drip.

Swatting at the back of her head Jess wondered why water would be dripping from the ceiling, it wasn’t raining and when they left, despite the moon being absent, it was a clear enough night. Looking up she dropped her torch to cover her mouth in horror. Steve swung backwards and forwards, his face frozen in panic while his body was wrapped in a cacoon of a glossy white liquid that appeared to be solidifying. Forgetting her torch she ran from the room, pushing through the door to get far away from the cursed workshop as she headed towards the town. As she left the door she felt a sharp pain in her side like a red hot knife lancing her flesh. Ripping her shirt up she looked down to find a spider like creature burring its face into her skin and the glass like carapace that covered its body and legs seemed to shift and liquify as it began to coat itself and the flesh around where it was biting. As she watched in horror she watched as the phials in her open bag began to creep open giving birth to eight spindly legs and a wicked head with large mandibles. she went to throw her bag to the ground but with a sickening feeling in her stomach her arms wouldn’t respond. As she fell to the ground she felt a numbness spreading from her side where the creature had buried it’s head, she could only watch as several more of the glass phial-like creatures scurried from the open door to the workshop. As her vision faded and her body stopped responding completely the creatures began to spray her in strands of a sticky glass like substance before she witnessed them, as a collective, begin to drag her paralysed body back into the workshop.

Well that’s what we have tonight. Something that may stop your party rogue prone to the 5 finger discount as well as an interesting way to spice up that abandoned room. Having one, two or a few dozen of these tiny critters ambush the party could make for an interesting adventure!

Don’t forget to come back again tomorrow night for more content and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Dice-ember prelude…?

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Last day of November and that brings us to what I have planned for the season of Dice-ember! So tonight I will give a taste of what I hope to bring for the next few weeks as leadup to the holiday season, which is 31 days of content including Adventure Hooks, NPCs, Maps, ideas for twists, Homebrew Creatures and encounters as well as, homebrew magic items.

Now I am not the best judge of balance and power when it comes to magical items and I will have a suggestion on there on its rarity, use, cost, etc. but as the DM/GM feel free to tweak it or modify the rarity so that it suits your purpose.

So a taste!

The Cloak of Lesser False Appearance

14CoLFA

As Albazahr looked into the demi-plane he had created for his experiments he looked on with keen interest as one of his apprentices, for he had many, was attempting to clean out the remains of the last creature that was fed to the beasts.

He had, of course, reassured the young aspiring wizard that the room was completely safe and that the beasts had been put away to ensure the enclosure within his demi-plane could be cleaned, but who is to say that all of the creatures that dwell in his forest of false appearance could be accounted for. As he watched intently, taking notes with a quill made from a griffon with golden plumage, he noticed that a bush was hastily moving away from the boy and stopped abruptly in a patch of bushes, its ability to give the false appearance of it being a bundle of twigs or a bush was remarkable, almost as much as the three goblins sized mushrooms that fled from the bush suddenly bursting into there they had chosen to remain stationary and give off their own false appearance.

The Shrieker’s kept to the shadows of a rocky overhang where the boy was scooping up the remains of a dire wolf he had put in there to test the ability of the other creatures to be indistinguishable from other the plant, rock formation or statue that they were so often confused with.

A shadow passed over the boy which spooked him, just as he ran away from the rocky face just as a stalactite dropped to the ground and started to wriggle around, the pierces ability to mimic the rocky formations on the roof of a cavern was utterly amazing to Albazahr. As the boy ran and screamed many other creatures spooked and scattered, the plants, dead bushes, mushrooms and even some rocks moved away from the source of the noise as the boy ran towards the exit, a small magical door built into a edge edge of this micro demi plane that the wizard had constructed. As the boy through himself through the doorway the shadow, now apparently a gargoyle swooped and narrowly missed the boy. As the stone-like beast flew up to perch near the top of the rocky area in Albazahrs demi-plane the entire area went still as the creatures lurking within became something else, at least to the eye.

The boys panting and constant dabbing at his sweaty forehead with the edge of his cloak gave the wizard an idea.

“Curious creatures aren’t they. Apologies dear boy I thought that they had all been contained.” Albazahr said turning to Wulfrik, his apprentice. “Take this down when you are quite done wasting time. The creatures ability to give off a false appearance seems to be not just a defence mechanism but a means to attack as well. Once stationary they are indistinguishable from their surroundings but given enough time their true nature is revealed. Note to self,” Albazahr muttered as he tapped a long fingernail on his chin. “Make a cloak from the hides, skins and parts of these creatures with the intention to have the wearer don a false appearance of their own. The profits,” he scrawled out some glowing glyphs in the air before nodding satisfactorily, “yes, the profits from the sale of these cloaks will fun operations near Waterdeep and Neverwinter for at least another year. Come now Wulfrik, we have much work to do.” he barked as he strode off, the magical seals snapping shut a few moments after he passed which caused the exhausted and panting boy to run after his master so he would not be trapped in the demi-plane again..

So that’s what we have for tonight. A curious, eccentric and entirely too powerful wizard, his apprentice and the development of a magical cloak that we may have already seen a glimpse of.

As the days go on do stay tuned for more magical items, fearsome beasts or eccentric characters that we can use in the adventures ahead. Don’t forget if you use something or gain inspiration from something I produce please feel free to leave a comment and tell us how it went! Cloaks are meant to be worn and who best suited to test out these magical creations than your players.

And, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Dice-ember prologue

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Welcome to this special edition of the Monday writeup, this week I have a short snappy peak at what Dice-ember will bring you for the next few weeks.

This will be a bit of a large project and with work not slowing down, life ramping up (December is never quiet here in the Brazen Wolfe den) and an overly ambitious project I want to do over the next month I hope that I can make it. But I didn’t think I would be writing nightly for 3 months straight and yet here we are.

The creaking wood was the only indication of the load the eight wheeled wagon. Its driver looked wearily at the eyes behind half closed doors and window shutters who stared at the heavy wooden vehicle as it moved without beast of burden to pull it down the street. As the broad steel-clad wheels rolled over the bluestone pavement the clack-clack-clack echoed down the empty streets as it did every time he took his wagon on its pilgrimage.

“Easy now Nicki, no need to think this time is any different to the past hundred.” the driver muttered to himself as he approached a narrow bridge that crossed above the road he was on. Whistling once, as quiet as a whistle could be a stunted green body slunk up to sit just behind Nicki. “What is it master? You called?” The green form of a frail, old goblin asked, his words laden with spit from his nearly toothless mouth.

“get your misses and get into the wagon from the hatch. Don’t let anyone see you but I have a odd feeling about his run Humph. Keep and eye on the goods and don’t open up unless it’s me.” Nicki said as he drew the wayward branch, a slender wand that had the word gave off feelings of discontent to any who gazed at is dark wood.

Without a word Humph skittered over the top of the wagon and muttered to another goblin that was perched at the back of the wagon before they both disappeared over the side and under the wagon. Nicki looked to the few people staring at his wagon who perched on the edge of the bridge.

“Nothing to see here boys n’ girls. Move a long lest you get on my bad side” he called out, the children climbed over the ledge and safely back onto the bridge before running giggling and carrying on.

Every time was the same, he would pass the bridge then roll out of the town. Having a magic wagon that moved without need for beasts or people to pull it was novelty enough, but the wagon itself wasn’t what he was worried about. He had a schedule to keep to and if he didn’t get his wagon and it’s contents through the city safely there would be no time for niceties.

“There he is,” the shadowy figure said as they watched the heavy magic wagon move slowly towards the bridge. “Come one lets go now!” said the eager cloaked figure.

“Hold it, you know the plan. Wait for the signal, create a distraction then join up with the others on the other side of the bridge” a second non-cloaked figure said has he held a basket of apples.

“Ahh don’t let him get you!” called a child from on top of the bridge. Knowing that to be the signal the man in the cloak pushed his co-conspirator in the chest, who dropped the basket of apples (more threw them) as they rolled towards the cart. “Oi watch it mate! My Apples!” called the un cloaked man as he ran forward picking up a few apples and putting them in into the basket but always moving forward towards the wagon.

Stopping Nicki watched the man approach the wagon, his hand tightening on the wand in his hand. “Hail stranger, you seem to have a bit of a problem there friend.” Nicki said, quickly glancing the man over and determining that he held no weapons or objects that could do him harm. Jumping down he started to pick up the apples and hand them to the man.

“Thank ye sir, it’s not often you get such a nice fellow this far up north” he totally-not-a-apple-seller said.

“You just caught me on a god day I assure you my friend. Do be careful with your wares next time ” Nicki said as he went to jump back on the Wagon.

“Sir, do take some for the road. I have plenty and I really do appreciate your help” the man said with a grin as he held out three apples to Nicki.

Smiling Nicki took them, throwing the most bruised two into the wagon for Humph and Missy through a window that was too small for anything other than a purse or in this case apples. “Thanks Stranger.” He said as he jumped onto the wagon and pressed onwards through the bridge. Maybe he was wrong, he just had been doing this trip for too long and had grown paranoid.

Meanwhile a halfling held her magical cloak down tightly as she lay flat on the roof of the wagon. She hoped the merchant was right and that the outside of the cloak would make it look like the roof was flat and that her presence was completely masked. Hearing two apples hit the ground inside the wagon she smiled. Her plan was going just as planned.

Well there we have it – a bit of an obvious teaser for tonight’s writeup. Come back tomorrow night to have a look at the next step of this months content and thanks for joining me for the 1st day of Dice-ember!

Also a big thanks to everyone who has subscribed or followed to this little blog of mine, I don’t mean to sound sappy but it means a lot to know that there are people out there who are interested in the random, or sometimes calculated, thoughts that I put to keyboard (and paper…) So thanks to you all, you all can have a point of inspiration.

Don’t forget… You make your own advantage, don’t hesitate to cash in on that pool of goodness when feel like you need a little bit extra on any one day. Oh, yeah, and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Weekend update

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It’s Saturday and here in Australia (particularly Victoria) a lot of places are closed to you until you’ve had two doses of the Covid Vaccine and now that I am… It’s time to hit the wargaming hall and have a warhammer game against a friend!

But I wanted to take this opportunity to have an update on the next few weeks..

I’ll attempt to do a post a day!

…Well that’s nothing unusual tonight marks 90 days straight of posts to Brazen Wolfe Tabletop (feel like I should celebrate somehow hmm…) But I will change the format a bit. I am not w Christmas person but the holiday season does bring certain joy to my household with my two kids so I will be doing 25 days of Christmas, an advent calendar if you will where I will create NPCs, Maps, plot hooks, story-style writeups, homebrew monsters and, hopefully, something new.

So make sure to drop in for December and enjoy the lead up to a Truly Brazen Christmas.

So for those here since I mentioned warhammer I will publish my list tonight, update the post with my opponents list – know it’s Duardin (Dwarves) and will do a written battle report tomorrow!

The Garden Rats

Allegiance: Skaventide
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Prized Sorcery
– Triumphs: Inspired

Leaders
Arch-Warlock (175)***
– General
– Command Trait: Overseer of Destruction
– Artefact: Amulet of Destiny (Universal Artefact)
– Lore of Warpvolt Galvanism: Warp Lightning Shield
Warlock Bombardier (125)*
– Universal Spell Lore: Ghost-mist
Plague Priest (85)***
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Heal
Plague Priest (85)***
– Universal Prayer Scripture: Curse
Grey Seer on Screaming Bell (265)****
– Lore of Ruin: Warpgale
Grey Seer (140)***
– Artefact: Suspicious Stone
– Lore of Ruin: Skitterleap

Battleline
RatPack1 (130)**
20 x Clanrats
– Rusty Spear
– 1x Standard Bearers
– 1x Standard Bell Ringers
RatPack 2 (130)**
20 x Clanrats
– Rusty Spear
– 1x Standard Bearers
– 1x Standard Bell Ringers
RatPack3 (130)**
20 x Clanrats
– Rusty Spear
– 1x Standard Bearers
– 1x Standard Bell Ringers

Units
6 x Giant Rats (40)****
6 x Giant Rats (40)****
1 x Ratling Gun (65)***
1 x Ratling Gun (65)***
1 x Warpfire Thrower (70)****

Artillery
Warp Lightning Cannon (185)*
Warp Lightning Cannon (185)*

Endless Spells & Invocations
Soulsnare Shackles (65)

Core Battalions
*Grand Battery
**Hunters of the Heartlands
***Warlord
****Vanguard

Additional Enhancements
Artefact

Total: 1980 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 0 / 4
Allies: 0 / 400
Wounds: 136
Drops: 16

Come back later for the Duardin list and tomorrow for the outcome!

Update! The Cities of Sigmar (not quite all dwarves…) list

Cities of Sigmar: Tempest Eye

Allegiance: Cities of Sigmar
– City: Tempest’s Eye
– Mortal Realm: Ghur
– Grand Strategy: Pillars of Belief
– Triumphs: Inspired

Leaders
Runelord (100)*
– Artefact: Patrician’s Helm
– City Role: General’s Adjutant
Runelord (100)*
– General
– Command Trait: Hawk-eyed
Drakesworn Templar (455)*
– Tempest Axe
– Artefact: Amulet of Destiny (Universal Artefact)
Gotrek Gurnisson (435)*
– Allies

Battleline
20 x Irondrakes (320)**
– City Role: Honoured Retinue (Must be 5-20 models)
– Reinforced x 1
20 x Longbeards (210)**
– Ancestral Weapons & Shields
– Reinforced x 1
10 x Arkanaut Company (100)**
– 1x Skypikes
– 1x Light Skyhooks
– 1x Aethermatic Volley Guns


Units
10 x Shadow Warriors (120)*

1 x Grundstok Gunhauler (155)*
– Main Gun: Sky Cannon

Core Battalions
*Warlord
**Hunters of the Heartlands

Additional Enhancements
Artefact

Total: 1995 / 2000
Reinforced Units: 2 / 4
Allies: 435 / 400
Wounds: 106
Drops: 9

Don’t forget to roll those 6’s.. err.. nope.. let’s stick with not forgetting to roll with advantage,

The Brazen Wolfe

Something swims this way…

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Friday is here and it has brought with it FightNight! Yes the end of the working week is finally here and that brings a collection of stat-blocks or information for us to use in this weeks adventure. Since I am hoping to do a bigger write up this weekend I will keep tonight’s content short and sweet but hopefully full of content, and some information that will make this weeks adventure/ combat inspiring.

This week I went to go to my normal “Tetra-cube ” for my stat block generator and decided that I wanted to mix it up a little bit. So let’s not get dillydally and get caught out in the tide and let’s get on with the writeup!

It’s called a lance…

13FrDSK/13FrSW

Two new creatures that I haven’t seen before (the Seawolf was an old favourite from Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, when I first started to DM…) for us to enjoy this week.

CR3 Dark Coral Knight
CR1 Seawolf

This week I used a different tool (Gasp!), oh yes I stepped away from Tetra-cube and looked at RPG Workshop. The interface is easy enough to use, a bit hard to see and scroll down the bottom of larger stat blocks and the ability to import an existing statblock as a template/skeleton was sorely missed but it was a lot easier to create what I wanted and, dare I say, not as confusing.

One thing that you may see as above though is that there is no Challenge Rating – That is something that RPG Workshop does not do. But the Knight is CR3 and the Wolf is CR1. The idea here is that the Seawolf knights would be fast skirmishers t hat would dart in with their lances and try and harass the foe but with enough armour (weird how breast plate, a shield and non-pathetic AC is actually really solid.. hmm..) to stick around one turn before urging their mounts away for another charging attack with the lance. If they find themselves mount-less then they would switch to their longsword and try and hold out until reinforcements arrive.

Hail to the king…

13FrKF

We had to bring the king into this, even if the fates deem that he doesn’t join us in the adventure this week I wanted to have him ready to go this week in case we finish with the Arciryas arc this week and move onto something next week.. Just saying.. I mean it’s a possibility.

CR4 King Felris

So the King is not the highest CR monster we have, but I would not catch him away from a mount nor guard or several who are willing to die for him. Where he is really going to be brutal is fighting something one on one where his guard and knights can pin and hold down his foes allies so he can bring his multi attacks and cursed coral blade into play which only makes him stronger.

Depending on the CR of the adventurers you are playing with you could mix (and I will be…) previous weeks content such as the tide warriors, Sea Guard or even a possessed or few to really give the impression that the party is fighting against an army that was on the way to conquering a sea-side city. Waves, many waves of enemies (not the watery ones.. I can’t be punny 100% of the time) is how I would play this out with knights engaging first, then warriors, then the guard and the king.

Giving a set number of rounds that you think your party would need to be able to chunk through the attackers (or defenders.. we will see) and adding a round or two before the next wave begins will give them time to rest, some flexibility if the party take longer or the dice take their sweet time to start rolling normally between one wave and the next.

Also consider that these are not stupid creatures or undead and they would value their life. Once they take some real damage (for me thats around 25% of their hit points remaining) they could likely flee. Warriors and maybe the possessed definitely, the knights perhaps not and the guard definitely not a chance of them fleeing. The king may retreat and order his guard to hold back the party while he swims away (and this may give up the tactics for the final writeup) as in his eyes he is the only one who is capable to rule and save his people.

Well that has got to be all for tonight. Thanks for joining me and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Ship life

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Welcome to Map day (also known as Thursday by most). Today I don’t have a plan for a write up as I believe the leadup for this week has players on a boat heading out to sea, regardless if its the King invading, the prince coming to broker peace (with either of the twists…) or a mashup of both of them I feel as though a ship will be involved.

So for that purpose I have found two maps for a ship – one from the D&D 5e Dungeon Masters guide and the other from an artist out there (100% credit and link to them below).

A dungeons Guide

13ThMa1

Dungeon Masters Guide (full credit to the original Author and WoTC)

The dual masts, galley and living quarter all are suitable for the rough picture painted for this weeks adventure. It is perfectly wide for combat above and below deck but perhaps too much empty space on the lower deck. I would almost consider having a separate room or two there for ‘guests’ to reside in the lower dock.

‘The Somnolent Queen’

13ThMa2

All credit goes to the original Artist, found at Nerdbrarian.com

This is more ideal, main deck is simple with a single mast, ample storage space down below with a single stairway down (sort of how I described entrance to the galley) and two rooms where the captain and crews quarters would be. Having the stern deck is nice – its how I envisioned The Gallant Swallow, but perhaps having a bow quarter with the crews quarters at the bow (front) of the ship. This ship is wider, but shorter which in this instance I find less desirable due to the breadth of field that combat can now take on the top of the boat.

What ever boat you choose, image you find or draw or, potentially, ship you build, print or create for your tabletop having a visual representation of what the ship is can aid in describing it to your players, is their ropes attached to the stern deck so you can tie the ships wheel at the helm down to lock it into a position, or ropes that you can swing from the stern deck (where the helm tends to be located in my make believe boats and ships) to get to the main deck or even Bow Deck quickly to deal with tricky situations can give your players ideas for dealing with giant waves to giants in waves..

Combat outside of the boat can take place near it and the boat can be a simple reference point to what it happening around it or beneath it, but having something in mind can make all the difference.

Well that’s it for tonight, thanks for tuning in, apologies it wasn’t as long as normal (Thursdays tend to go overtime with work..) but I still hope you walked away with something that can create that spark of adventure for your stories and campaigns.

Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for FightNight! (Friday) where I come up with new creatures, boss stat blocks or puzzles and ordeals that the party must overcome if they want to be successful in their endeavours.

Don’t forget to let me know if you like what you have read, and as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Hook line and sinker…

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Wednesday is here so let’s look at what I believe twists and turns really bring to the table. This is the third week of exploring Arciryas and although the series of adventures could be completed in a single full day adventure, maybe, but for the purpose of the process it’s been broken into three parts. Each week we have looked at a twist for a future week, or so it seems to have played out to be so and this week I wanted to do something different.

So this week let’s investigate the under currents for what could be future potential plots for a longer story arc or at least a glimpse of what I look for in a campaign/multi-part adventure and when I believe a twist in the plot, or one of the hooks will allow us to reel in a keeper.

Sorry for the fishing puns, my wife doesn’t appreciate my artistry when it comes to these things.

Rip tide

Ok so a catchy title – they are actually called Rips or Rip Current but they aren’t as catch as a Rip Tide… any way..

So for those who are not aware of what a Rip current is they are areas near the shore of a beach where the breaking of waves and wind force surface water to land, however that water will then try and get back out to sea by the path of least resistance which will do so quickly and in some cases quite wide. This movement of water from the shore back out to sea essentially is a current that will pull objects, people, boats, etc. out to sea and in most of cases the current is too strong to fight against.

So why Rip Tide (current). Well when I look at the currents in this adventure (please bear with the terminology) we have Blake and his ambition, Rafnir and his need to defend his people, prince Sellis and his want to form a bridge.. over troubled water (bear with it!) and his father, King Felris, in his madness seeks the path of what he believes is redemption for his people and the remedy for his kinds affliction.

Within this scope of influences to our adventure we have been introduced to a circle of people who can become key protagonists, or antagonists, by simple actions they can change, twist or irreversibly shift the direction in what the plot and whole adventure can go. These shifts in the current can cause what was a straight forward journey across the waves into something more unpredictable or treacherous.

The one I am exploring here is the grief stricken Sea Captain (and daughter) Astrid.

Astrid in her grief for her lost mother, the fear for the safety of the person she cares about most, Rafnir, and also that warriors spirit that she has within her could all be used to spur her into motion. The first option here is a simple, yet sad one.

As she crept from shadow to shadow her eyes never wandered too far from the light at the window, her feet making no sound as she skirted the edges of buildings and slunk into shadowy nooks and crannies as she moved towards her target. The rain had come at midday and did nothing to dampen her resolve even if it did mask the occasional tear that escaped her eye, Raf would take some time to forgive her for what she was about to do but at the end of the day he was like her, pragmatic.

“The end justifies the means” she muttered to herself, the sound of rain drowning out her own voice before it reached her ears as she unslung a rope and grappling hook from her shoulder. Swinging the hook to gain momentum she hefted it towards the balcony where the window was situated. Giving it a few tugs to be sure that it was taught she began the climb, the wet stones causing her feet to sleep occasionally but her determination and pain spurred her onwards. As she reached the balcony she stepped over and landed on her feet as quiet as an alley cat.

(Alternative path 1)

13WeRT1

The sound of voices could now be heard from the window frame, one agitated, confused, angry the other dismissive yet tinged with sadness.

“How could you do this Mathias, after they welcome us into their home, their keep with open arms ready to discuss peace you have ruined it all. There is no way forward from this, no way to salvage the situation you have gotten us into.” One voice, the agitated one, snapped almost hissing in the speed he was speaking. It took Astrid a moment to realise they were speaking elven, her enchanted earring letting her understand what was being said despite not allowing her to speak the language herself.

“My prince, forgive me. It was the only way for our people, you can not claim to see otherwise. The curse is their doing and with the ambition in that mans voice we will never be free.” the other replied his voice breaking with emotion.

Somewhere in the keep an alarm rang, soon soldiers were scurrying everywhere like ants in the rain surging forward with single purpose.

“We will explain your actions, perhaps they will spare our people housed in other parts of the keep if they have you and I as a blood debt.” The prince spoke. Calculating and calm despite the emotion in his voice. As Astrid heard a brief scuff of boots further into the room she slunk closer to the window, drawing her longsword – fear of the curse it holds not seeming like a big thing any more.

“I am truly sorry my prince.” the one called Mathias said in a soft tone.

“We can still save our people.” the prince spoke, turning towards the door as voices could be heard stamping up the stairs towards the room he stayed in.

A blade shot out from the robes of the one called Mathias and plunged into the neck of the prince. Astrid covered her mouth to hide any noise she would produce in her shock.

“I am sorry my prince. They are already dead. King Felris has ordered it to be as so. Cleanse the weak so that the strong may lead and a new wave of our people and surge forward.

The prince turned, clutching briefly at the neck of the man in front of him before he collapsed, presumably dead, on the floor at his feet. As the pounding began on the door and the voices of the guard started to demand the door to be opened up the robed man dashed towards the window and balcony.

Astrid slid from her hiding spot in the shadows and faster than even elven keen senses could respond to she separated the traitors head from his shoulders as the door burst open and the guards had just enough time to see a red flash of the enchanted blade as the body fell in a noiseless cry at the feet of Astrid.

(Alternative path 2)

13WeRT2

The room was quiet except for the scratching of quill on parchment and the groan of a chair. Sneaking forward Astrid looked into the room and noticed her target, the prince Sellis, sitting at a provided desk and writing on provided parchment. The prince was wearing a thin flowing robe but still seemed to be wiping his brow from sweat that glistened in the candle light.

“There, that has done it. Hopefully Blake can remove that cursed ‘artefact’ from my peoples home and we can be done with this curse and move forward to peace above and below the waves” the prince said, stretching as he placed the quill in a inkpot on the desk.

Astrid crept forward, drawing her oiled blade silently from it’s scabbard as she prepared herself to take a life.

“Are you sure that’s the wisest decision prince” Astrid’s blood chilled as she heard a familiar voice from her right, glancing up she met the piercing gaze of Rafnir. “We both know that Blake can’t be trusted, he seeks conquest and to rebuild his armada using that cursed technology to wage a new war.” Rafnir stood slowly and walked towards Astrid, sadness and disappointment in his face.

“You may be right Rafnir Coral-Tusk but there has never been peace that was for free. This is the only way for my people to be free of their curse and he has given his word to study the dark magic of the artefact. If we know how to undo what has been done to my people then they won’t suffer from their madness any more, they won’t feed on souls to sustain themselves of give birth to life any more. For a chance at that I would give a madman the keys to the sea.” The prince said before standing up.

Rafnir gestured to Astrid to be silent before muttering an arcane phrase in orcish. Astrid watched a she turned invisible before her own eyes. That man was always full of mystery.

“Did you say something Rafnir?” Prince Sellis turned around and looked to him, smiling.

“I think you’re right. There is another way however. The man and his party who spoke to your man at the docks. They are more than capable at removing the artefact from where it rests and we don’t give a madman a weapon. We would need to be discrete and would need a ship that could carry the cargo and captain to take us to where it is but it’s possible.” Rafnir spoke to Prince Sellis, but directing some words towards his hidden friend.

“You speak as if you know this captain already, if so. Can they be trusted?” the Prince asked, walking towards the window causing Astrid to step back and move out of the way of the prince. As he reached the window he stuck his head out and sighed as the water splashed his scaly skin.

“I hope so. She has not let me down yet.” Rafnir said as he stared at where Astrid stood. His mismatched eyes piercing through his own magic and her resolve.

We have explored but 2 of the several NPCs we could use to create under currents with. We could also have our Wizard, Petrel, become a contender for the artefact, or, create a ritual that would strip the madness from the elves.

We have Blakes men who are so driven to the cause that they would complete the mission even if Blake had a change of mind and heart after talking to prince Sellis, not wanting to use the artefact but to right past wrongs.

We also have the main NPCs themselves, Prince Sellis, King Felris, Blake, Rafnir or the party members who could shift the direction of the current and create a different outcome. If the invention / discovery from Petrel meant that an entire army could use it to be able to fight under water then we could have a battle underwater, a clash of two armies under the waves if you will.

What ever the shift, if it makes sense and drives a meaningful or enjoyable change in the story for your players generally about midway through a campaign I introduce a shift, to rekindle the interest of the party or hone their focus onto where I want them to explore. You set the stone to roll and they keep the momentum going forward.

Don’t forget if you like anything in particular do let me know and if you use this adventure/campaign setting and hooks I would equally love to know how they helped drive your creative spark onwards.

And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

The battlefields a strange place to find love..

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Tuesdays and here at Brazen Wolfe Tabletop we look at NPCs to use in adventures, or what I have found myself doing, character inspiration for a PC. Now that NPC day is here let me introduce you to another NPC or two for us interact with in the city next to the waves, Arciryas.

The warriors dance

13TuAV / 13TuGF

Astrid Volcanius vaulted across the balcony tucking her shoulders and head forward as she turned her jump into a roll landing behind one of the pirates that had boarded her ship, The Gallant Swallow. Flicking her wrist out the barbed whip lashed out, wrapping the weighted end around the wrist of one the assailants as they prepared to strike one of her passengers who refused to pay the price demanded.

“Get to the galley, you will be safe there” She called as she ripped the cord back causing the wrist of the man to snap painfully into his face. Darting forward in the same motion she gripped the mans other hand, hauling with her momentum and weight, although not heavy she was of stocky build, she hurled the pirate against the railing of her ship causing him to wobble, disorientated as his boots slid on the water logged boards. Whipping out her weighted whip she snapped the man between the eyes causing his head to snap back from the force of the blow which saw him tumble over the edge of the rail and into the foamy sea below.

“One down” Astrid murmured as she wound the corded leather around her hand again and darted forward, picking up a discarded scimitar as she didn’t dare unsheathe the blade she wore at her hip. Darting across the deck she interrupted two pirates who were coming from her quarters, bags stuffed to the brim with her personal affects and the goods she held in safekeeping for her passengers.

“Looks like I need a new chest, can I help you with that boys?” she asked coyly as she leant in the doorframe.

A look of dumb confusion passed their eyes for a moment before the pommel of the borrowed blade smashed one of their nose, her offhand elbow catching the other in the neck causing the brigand to drop the booty to the floor and clutch as his windpipe as his breath was taken from his body. Grabbing one of the rings from her finger and speaking a command word as she threw it at the two of them the ring expanded and wrapped around both of them, growing, expanding and lengthening until a giant octopus tentacle wrapped around both of the men. “Anchor” she called out, the slimy word echoing out an arcane command to her trinket as more tentacles sprang from the original one and gripped onto the wall, floor and ceiling of the entrance to her quarters locking the two men in place as the squirmy slippery mass bound tighter around the looters.

“Neat trick, do you bring it out for all the boys?” a confidence voice spoke from behind her, turning Astrid looked upon the pale green skin of a half-orc, his tusks smaller than other half-orcs she had met. His piercing eyes, one blue the other brown, spoke of a calculating man who had seen his share of combat.

“Thanks, a girls got to have her secrets” Astrid said, sizing up the man in front of him. By the looks of his scarce armour the harpoon and blade at his hip and the way he leant against the mast of her ship he sure of his place in this world. “Now may I ask what you are doing on my ship?” she said as she began to unwind her whip around her wrist, as subtly as she could muster.

“Heard that there was a ship, unguarded mind you, transporting a range of goods across the sea with foreign dignitaries who are looking to sell their goods in Arciryas. I am here to see if the rumours are true” the half-orc said, plucking something from his between an exposed tusk with the edge of a small knife that she didn’t notice he had drawn. “I can see that for one, it appears the captain of this ship can handle herself, and when I poked around your cargo the goods look mostly harmless.”

A snarl came to Astrid’s face unbidden, “Return what you took brigand and get off my ship” She snapped at the half-orc.

“you have me mistaken..” The half-orc began before flicking his wrist, the blade moving forward with such speed and precision that Astrid could only flip backwards to avoid the blade hitting her, but the blade went wide and as she landed on her feet and looked to see where the blade went she saw the blade buried hilt deep into the palm of a woman, the blade somehow impaling the mans hand into the wood of her door frame, a knife coated in a black inky substance clattered to the floor as the man began to scream.

“It seems your writhing friends let that one go.” The half-orc said coolly, looking between Astrid and the man with the knife impaling his hand to the wall of the cabin. “Sea urchin venom, a nasty way to spend your last hours outside of the embrace of Umberlee”

“I only counted four pirates as they attacked this ship, one is overboard, one is in the slimy embrace of your ring and one is now the proud owner of my toothpick. That leaves one left..” a scream cut off the half-orc musings as a man stumbled up from the stairs to the galley below with a knife held to the throat of one of Astrid’s passengers, the merchants wife if she wasn’t mistaken.

“Let me through! I swear I’ll do it. I’ll bleed her like a marlin” the man shouted emphasising his point by pushing the blades slender tip against the neck against the wailing woman, a bead of blood forming and trickling down her neck.

“Easy now lad, no one needs to die here today” the half-orc stepped forward the palms of his hands facing outwards, he shuffled over so that Astrid couldn’t see the man any more.

“Can you distract him for a moment?” the voice of the half-orc rumbled into existence in her mind, “I can get to him but I need his knife away from her neck“. Smiling Astrid thought how full of tricks this man was before responding back verbally, being familiar with the message spell.

“Just watch me magic man“. As Astrid crept to the right, the mast and the half-orc blocking her progress from the man holding the knife the half-orc reached some arbitrary distance.

“That’s enough, stop there! I swear she will get it. Her blood will be on her hands!” the man said, Astrids keen eye noticing how he held himself, this pirate was in a different league compared to the others. “The price of her freedom has gone up. I need your weapons, all of them. And gold, a lot of gold!. Give me everything this ship has and throw your weapons down there” the pirate gestured down the steps to the galley.

“Sure thing,” The half-orc began as he drew his harpoon and tossed it down the stairs, slowly drawing his scimitar before dropping it to the ground and dropping it down the stairs too. “Now would be a good time” his voice echoed in Astrid’s mind.

“Where is the girl!” The pirate practically shrieked, his voice sounding much like a parrot.

“Right here!” Astrid called as she whipped her rope forward, the weight smashing into the pirates nose causing a splatter of blood to shoot over his face as the nose was pressed against his cheer. The knife dropped as he was startled.

With a snarl, the half-orc whipped his hand forward, a rope made from lightning reaching out to ensnare the pirate and rip him forward, knocking the woman over but away from the pirate as he was wrenched ten feet towards the hulking half-orc. As the man was wrenched forward it appeared as though he was about to stumble, snarling the half-orc exploded forward covering the distance between them in the blink of an eye, his meaty fist coming up to hammer into the mans ribcage.

The moment the fist was about to connect with the man his stumble turned into a roll and he dodged the attack, the hand holding the knife daring forward and scoring a deep wound on the half-orcs arm before whipping back to a defensive position along the forearm of the man who was now smirking.

“Right, the hard way then.” the pirate snarled as he jumped forward, his dagger lashing out at the exposed ribs of the half-orc who managed to bat them away with the back of his one gloved hand. Astrid watched as the offhand of the pirate produced a short sword and whipped out her whip again, the sudden motion causing the pirate to deviate his attack from the half-orcs now undefended side to prevent the weighed coil from wrapping around one of his limbs.

Dashing forward Astrid threw the scimitar from her right hand as she moved to draw the blade at her hip. “Hey magic-man” Astrid called as the blade sailed through the air, the half-orc catching it just in time to parry another thrust from the dirk. As Astrid drew the long sword at her hip she gritted her teeth, sending a silent prayer to any power that would listen to make sure that today wasn’t the day that the blade took its price.

As Astrid moved to engage the pirate a sudden kick and a trust from the short sword caught her off-guard, the blade being deflected by her own but the kick landing heavily on her knee, causing it to buckle and her to stumble backwards. Standing back up and starting to move through the motions her father had taught her to use with the blade the mans movements became more complex as he began to weave between attacking, defending and moving to try and position in such a way that the half-orcs attacks would interrupt the attacks of Astrid. A score of cuts could be seen on the green skin of the half-orc and Astrid was rewarded with a failed attack with a cut across her cheek under her right eye. As the fight wove on the two warriors, the half-orc and Astrid began to move in unison. Scoring a hit or two on the pirate before his defences could keep up.

“You two are good, enough for me to know how this fight ends” the pirate said, jumping and rolling out of an attack that would have removed his right arm. “But I fear I do not lose here today. The smiling lady has other plans for me” the man calmly said as he stood up next the mast, Astrid and the half-orc already rushing towards him. Faster than a viper the man blade cut one of the ropes next to he mast, the rush of air the only indication of the beam that was now falling towards Astrid and the half-orc.

Astrid realised to late as the secondary mast smashed into her stomach, carrying her towards the rail of the ship. The Half-orc was less lucky, his wounded arm taking the full brunt of the impact with a sickening crunch. As the mask smashed them into the railing the pirate flicked his wrist, one of his blades darting up to the helm and no sooner than he had done so the ship started to turn harshly to the port side, the momentum carrying both Astrid and the half-orc over the edge of the railing to dangle over the waves. Astrid using arms to wrap around the mast and try and get a grip the canvas to hold onto the mast as it limply moved above the water below. The half-orc, wrapped one arm around the mast, the scimitar he held dropping into the rolling waves beneat.

“Well, you two gave better than most I will admit. And as I promised no one needs to lose their life today. But I will be taking my men and all the treasure we can carry.” The man smiled in a sickly sweet manner. “You will do well to remember this day as the day you were spared by the dread pirate Gustave Firelock. “

And with that the man turned, returning his short sword in a hidden sheath before dashing off to make good on his promise.

By the time that Astrid and the half-orc made it back onto the deck of the boat the pirates were long gone and so was a lot of the valuable goods they were hoping to trade at port.

“Well that could have gone better” Astrid said, examining the arm of the muscular half-orc. “But if it wasn’t for you I dare say I would be in worse shape with urchin venom coursing in my veins so thank you I guess.” she said, brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes that had come loose from her plat, “This looks to be dislocated so could down from 3.” She said tapping her lower lip.

“3..” The half-orc began with a sigh that turned into a snarl as Astrid pushed his shoulder back into place.

“What is your name any way. I haven’t seen someone fight like you do in a very long time.” Astrid asked, suddenly aware how close to the shirtless half-orc she was.

“Rafnir, Rafnir Coral-tusk is what people call me, but Rafnir is fine” he said, shrugging his tunic back on.

“Astrid, Astrid Volcanius, Well met Rafnir” She said, extending a hand to the half-orc.

Well that’s it for today. The origin story of two friends meeting. It turned into a much longer writeup than I intended but when the current takes you sometimes you just got to see where your end up.

Don’t forget to come back tomorrow where we look at what twists we can wriggle into this weeks adventure and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Dredge the depths

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Welcome all, Monday has come and it brings a new weekly adventure and the 3rd (and maybe last) in the Beneath the ways adventure series. So let’s get looking into what we have on the table for this week.

This week I want to get back to what we started doing but still attempting to stick with the more narrative story driven style that I have adopted more recently, a few options that are a bit shorter should give me more time to be able to produce a variety of content that is still more engaging than a few small bits of information from the DMs point of view.

The Emissary

13MoTE

As the party lay in their bed rolls, the inn no longer having space enough for their group of 4 they were able to secure lodging with the soldiers of Arciryas, they were suddenly jostled awake by a scrawny boy who looked like he had avoided having a bath for weeks.

“Sirs, Sirs, we need you at the docks. The Elves they are back and Blake has requested for your presence at once!”

“I don’t know what use I will be considering that I have not had more than a few hours to rest. That last battle consumed the last of my magical reserves and I fear that I have not had sufficient time to recuperate my reserves…” Zander began, not being a fan of being woken up. Before he could open his mouth to continue complaining Ray spoke up.

“Tell Blake we will be there momentarily.” Ray looked to see Dusk and Mike standing and buckling on their armour. Even Zander had pulled his robe over his head and began attaching his hooded cloak and retrieving his staff that bore the motif of a snake as the body formed the pole of the staff whilst the head of staff resembled a snarling viper.

As the party left the tent they had been housed in they followed the scruffy boy and jogged towards the docks more and more soldiers funnelled from other tents or houses and moved towards the docks, all of them wearing battle ready armour, holding their spears or swords and had a shield strapped to their wrist ready for battle.

Walking down the narrow path to the docks, a defensive design decision to restrict the number of invaders that could take the city by sea the boy shouted to get the soldiers and sailors to make way for the party as they hurried down the slippery path toward the docks, much to Mikes dislike.

As they finished their march down the steep path and the footing underneath became more stable the party noticed a ring of guards, Sir Blake and Rafnir standing behind some of the more armoured of the men who had formed a ring against the edge of the docks.

“Ah, adventurers. I am glad you came with as much haste as you could. Sadly none of us speak elven and we have been unable to establish what this lone elf wants but they have made no move to leave nor any sort of aggression and we are at a loss. However my men, after losing friends and family to these sea elves, are losing their patience and I fear that violence is just under the surface. To punctuate his point a chorus of shouts erupted from the ring of guards and a few guards moved forward before being commanded back into line.

“We have two who can speak elven.” Mike said, looking towards Ray, the sudden ability for him to understand and speak elven appeared at the same time as they wrestled that cursed blade from the banshees tomb.

Striding forward and being of average build and height Ray used his presence to part the guards in front of him, the soldiers parting ways for him with a respectful bow of the heads given that word of his nobility had spread this far and he was the talk amongst many of the soldiers, and the women of the city.

“Hail, what brings you to these docks. I fear that if you were expecting a friendly reception you have chosen the wrong city friend.” Ray spoke, the soldiers looking between him and the sea elf.

The elven male, dressed in a warriors plate made from some form of coral or shell, produced a bow that was both full of grace and purpose but laden with martial prowess that was not lost on Ray.

“My name is Mathias, well met. I did expect to be received as I was,” he look around a faint smile of sadness present on his face. “But I did not expect to be spoken to in that dialect of elven – it is very old for such a young race to have so evidently mastered.” Mathias curiously mused out loud a he looked towards Raynor, his eyes flicking to the blade at his side. If any recognition of the history of the ancient weapon glinted in the eyes of the elf it was lost on all surrounding him. “However failure is not an option for me and I am here as an emissary. Prince Sellis is waiting my return with the permission for himself and his personal guard to seek audience with the ruling body or person of this city.”

Raynor turned and translated the message back to Blake, a nervous murmur spread amongst the guard.

Pushing through the ring of guards Blake came to stand next to Ray. “Tell him that he will have his audience.” the old warriors face revealing none of the thoughts buzzing through his mind.

The King

13MoKF

King Felris smiled, it had been many years since he had felt the rush of cold water on his face as his massive steed sped through the water heading towards the divergence, the divide under the surface where the warmer water met the ice cold water of the deep, where he ruled.

“Smell that Slakeesh, there has been blood spilt. Ahh, it has been so long since we have hunted surface dwellers, their warm blood, their little wooden boats that they hope in vain will protect them. Even when our claws, spears and jaws break through their hulls they cling to the wood as if it a a saviour. They need to stick to their land, and after our hunt they wont dare to venture out on the water again.”

The large shark he rode swam faster, its massive head thrashing from left to right as it too began to smell blood in the water, its speed increasing.

King Felris laughed as the other steeds of the deep sprang forward, all of them blood drunk as they punched through the divergence. Great Eels, sharks, rays and a single giant squid rushed around the king, swarming through the sea as the great hunt began in earnest.

“Sire!,” a young elf swam up to him, his steed, a sea wolf – a rare breed for this part of the ocean, lithe and quick in in the water “We have found a boat, they appear to be non military but they are heading toward the surface dwellers city.” he warrior said, his face giddy with untested excitement.

“Good. Send word that we attack at once, leave no survivors. These surface dwellers have tested our good will for long enough and will need to be taught respect. Make sure to send some of our Ilnari to conduct their rituals. We need all the bodies on the land as we can, and I need more souls to save our children” King Felris spoke, a sadness in his face and voice. The surface dwellers had taken everything from his people, poisoning them at first and causing them to turn upon brother, sister, wife and child. When the king had fallen ill he alone had been strong enough to supress the madness and in his exile from his people he had found it. The cure. The souls of those who were responsible for this poison, this curse could cure the burden his kind had been left with.

As the warrior sped off, signalling for a few other warriors to speed off towards their prey the old King felt remorse. How had his son, a prince of the sea elves, been so soft and weak to believe that the curse was not the fault of the surface dwellers. It was their wrecked war ships that had spread it, their wild, uncontrolled magic had ripped into his people, into his father – the king. To save his wife and pathetic son a terrible fate He had send himself off into exile hoping his son would find the cure but as decades past and no word from the palace, his home, came the king took matters into his own hands.

This was the only way forward, the only choice. It had been so long since he had partaken in a great hunt and he was going to let nothing or no one stop his quest to save his people. A laugh came unbidden to the king, him not even aware that the laugh had taken place as somewhere his warriors dragged the souls of a merchant and his family into the shards of the great Clam, the birthplace of a new race of elf, the rightful rulers of under and above the waves.

Well that’s what we have for this week, the prince coming to offer aid to the city in attempt to save his father from committing something he couldn’t come back from or the King breaking forward and perhaps beating his son to the city, his madness spreading through his army of sea creatures and elves.

Depending on which way we go with this week we may have another week left of adventures in this story arc, but we will have to see what the rest of the week brings. Don’t forget that if you like a particular direction that the adventure could take to leave a comment. Ultimately I want to leave the decision of the adventure to the readers of the blog, or fate and roll to see which one I write-up at the end of the week where we have multiple options.

Oh, and always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe

Beneath the waves… Part 2

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Sunday is here and I am beginning this write up way to late in the evening for what I was hoping to achieve today, but let’s see what water I can wring from the stone that is my mind today. This week we explore more of the troubles that are happening around Arciryas, above the waves, upon them or beneath them deep in the ocean depths.

I hope to provide two writeups to fill in the gaps for this week. A brief glimpse into the mind of our sorcerer, Zander, and how they met up with the alternative protagonist of this arc, Rafnir whilst escorting the wizard to Arciryas. The second write up, well, you will have to read to the end to find that one out.

Waking up to pale sand and blue skies.

The waves crashed softly against the shore causing Zander to wake up. He had had that dream again, the great blue scaled wings beating down upon his village sending embers, smoke and screams into his face. Closing his eyes he relived the night mare that had plagued him since it was his reality, the day his world was ripped apart and sewn together into the abominable thing it is now. 

Dragonborn, kobolds and men ran between houses kicking doors down and dragging men, women and children into the streets and into cages on the back of wagons. Zander stood over the bodies of a few kobolds that had tried to take his elderly parents into cages, the spear stuck in the chest of one of them as it twitched and struggled to fight to live.

The great blue dragon hovered overhead watching the man with interest. Unlike the others he hadn’t fled or cowered but instead stood for what was his. Xthalar was amused, perhaps this one could be his toy. Sending a message to one of the Dragonborn under his influence he landed on the roof of a warehouse, the sound of wood complaining and threatening to buckle under his weight was lost to wind as a fresh Chorus of wailing from the captured began as the wagons began to travel out of this town.

Zander paused as he wrenched the curved scimitar from the hands of a dying kobold as a dragonborn in scale mail, made from blue dragon scales by the look of it, strode towards him like a man with a purpose.

Shouting a battle cry the dragonborn charged forward, his clawed limbs leaving furrows in the earth. Zander readied himself, the axe of the raider glinting menacingly in the sunlight was enough to shake even a hardened soldier let alone a bounty hunter. As the dragonborn swung at Zander he rolled under the blow, landing in a crouch he slashed out at the legs of the warrior, the dragon scale scale mail shimmered as the unfamiliar blade glanced off the overlapping armour without making a scratch. Cursing Zander threw a handful of dust in the face of the dragonborn as the warrior swivelled his reptilian head around. The warrior raised the head of the axe and blocked the majority of the dust before it could impede his vision. Striding forward he began chopping and thrusting the head of the axe as if testing Zander. Retreating and parrying where he could, the man lost ground, the onslaught of the much more experienced and better equipped warrior evident. As Zander back touched a wall he parried the axe head, sending it into a beam that supported the warehouse’s roof.

Taking his opportunity he lunged at the larger heavier warrior, cutting frantically at the warrior who had abandoned his axe. The blade seemed to bounce off the mail as if it was designed to polish armour instead of cut through flesh. With a quick flourish the dragonborn pinned the flat of the blade between its two armoured bracers and spun the blade out of Zander’s hand. The blade that plunged into Zander’s shoulder seemed to move in slow motion, cutting through air as it sailed towards his collar bone. As the blade bit through the cloth of his tunic it nicked the bone before plunging into his chest. A headbutt followed the attack which landed Zander on his back.

As the soot and embers fell like snow Zander lay on the ground staring at the blue sky below – he didn’t need to turn his head to know his parents had been stuffed into the back of a cage and were soon to be shipped off to some unfathomable place. Cursing out loud tried to pull the blade from his chest, but the blade bit into his collar bone as he tried to remove it.

“Little sparrow how you fret over your death. Why do you still try to fly when your wings are clipped, broken and limp” A voice crackled over him like thunder over the desert.

“I must get up. I need to save my family” Zander wheezed through his gritted teeth, his consciousness must be fading a the sky appeared to be falling, a wall of blue coming to crash down on his head.

“But you can’t little sparrow. Your wings are clipped” The voice mused in his head seeming to delight itself on his broken from.

“I am not clipped. I just need more power.” Zander spat, the blue sky seeming to stop above him, dark clouds forming a horrible leering reptilian face above his head.

“What will you do with power little sparrow, you have no home, no family and you can’t fly” the voice taunted

“I will watch them burn, all of them. I will cause them a thousand deaths more painful than what they attempted to do unto me. They will regret the day they did this to me” Zander roared at the ground.

“Be careful what you wish for little sparrow” the voice rumbled like thunder from the dark cloud above his head. Zanders vision blurred at the edges as his consciousness began to waver from the pain. The Dragon like cloud seemed to roar as the sound of a thunderclap exploded above his head and pain and darkness flooded his senses.

Xthalar opened his maw, a pulsing energy filled his throat before pouring over his teeth as the sound of a thunderstorm exploded from his gaping maw. Directing the energy at the dying human beneath him he imbued the man with a curse, and power, a dragonmark. As the lightning shot over his fangs and thread its way through the mans body a shimmering tattoo like mark of power burn through the mans clothes writhing like a dragon in flight. After the power left his body Xthalar looked down at the human. The blade had melted fusing with the tattered remains of the mans clothes. reaching down and using two of his claws like delicate instruments of healing rather than the tools of murder and death as they were intended to be he carefully gripped the ruined blade and ripped it out with a flick of his massive claws.

If the man lived he would be imbued with a fraction of the power of the storm, if he lived Xthalar mused before stretching his great wings and taking off to look over the new servants he had acquired.

Moving to the bucket of water near where the five of them slept Zander washed his face, washing away the sweat and feeling of soot from his feverish skin.

Later that morning the party left the hermit Petrels hut and began to make their way back to Arciryas. The old man was a endless source of knowledge and seemed to have a profound understanding of the sea elves which the party questioned him on extensively as they made their way back to the city. About a day away from Arciryas they ran into an old acquaintance, Rafnir the half-orc Sailor who spoke of dark magic, danger and a warning that Arciryas needed to hear.

(Read more here 12MoDoA and here, 12ThMa1)

Entering the city

The city appeared to be busy, the roads into the city were flooded with people leaving the large gates; moving through the streets and alleys of the houses beyond the walls of the city, and soldiers from patrol entering the city, some grim and determined whilst others were merry and seemed giddy with excitement.

As they approached one of the gates into the city a guard stepped in front of them blocking their way “Alright, what do we have here hmm? Mercenaries here to profit from the cities current issues or are you looking to our fair city with malcontent in mind?” the guard said with a malicious grin, his question laden with the mischief of a bored man seeking excitement.

“Laddie, best you move aside. We have word to bring to Sir Blake and you are in the way” Dusk said, stepping forward. Mike and Raynor flanking him like a set of imposing bodyguards.

“All travellers must submit to a search, especially those displaying hostility to the city of Arciryas. Guards, detain these men” the man stammered out, the look of boredom turning into fear tinged with anger.

“Now boys, these adventurers are escorting me back to Blake on business. You would do well to let us through as we are in quite a hurry” Petrel said, pushing through the armoured warriors.

“George, you best do what the old wizard said. I haven’t got the time to play around” Rafnir said, walking towards the gathering of people with a bag of goods from a nearby store. “I too need to see Blake with grave tidings”

George, presumably, looked between the old wizard and the most notable sailor and, if rumour had it, most highly decorated soldier in Arciryas’s recent history before snapping his attention back to the party. “My apologies my lordss,” he stammered, “please, come. I believe Sir Blake was heading towards towards the docks”

(you can read more here 12ThMa1)

Moonlit waves

(read more here, 12FrGS)

After the plans had been made with Blake, Rafnir and Petrel the party had gone back to an inn within the city and rested. As dusk fell they made their move to the docks, greeting as many soldiers and people as possible and loudly announcing how they were to be solely responsible for holding the docks until morning, as per the plan to reveal as many as the infiltrators as possible.

As they walked along the docks, Mike now having found his sea legs and no longer falling on the slick stone pavement, the party split into two groups, Mike and Zandar took one end of the docks and Dusk and Raynor taking the other. A few lights danced on the water as rowboats bobbed up and down on the waves on their approach to the piers. As the party watched the boats come in they heard the some unusual splashing of waves on the dock near by, drawing their weapons of choice they prepared themselves for what they had been preparing for.

The first of the tide warriors slunk forward, sticking to the edge of the water and seemed to move silently out of the water, moving as slick as oil on water. Mike and Zander, turning the corner after looking around the Block and Tackle were greeted by spears flying towards their heads, quick thinking from Zander saw a shimmering shield of force shatter one of the spears whilst, somehow, Mike managed to catch the other one mid flight and hurl it back at the attacker sending it back into the water with it’s own weapon impaled through its gut.

“Time for that Signal” Mike said as he drew Sky Chariot and charged into a group of three warriors who had emerged from the water.

Etching some arcane runes in the air with his hand and speaking arcane syllables Zander walked forward making sure to not catch his ally in the ranger of his spell. A blade slashed from his left, barely missing his cloak as he released the spell. The enormous clap of thunder boomed out from him, the Sea elf’s face had just finished raising his blade to swing down again at the sorcerer before the force of a thunderclap smashed into his form, pushing him into a building and causing organs to rupture from the concussive force.

On the other side of the docks Dusk and Ray had just returned from checking the old warehouse when they heard the boom of thunder. Drawing their weapons they started to run towards the origin of the noise when four figured pulled themselves out of the water, their backs to the paladin and cleric rushing towards them as the sudden eruption of noise had served as a distraction to the infiltrators. as Dusk met the first of the sea elf in combat the scaled elf had just turned around when Dusk’s axe bit into his stomach, sending his broken and bleeding body onto the pavers beneath his feet, alive, barely.

Ray was not so lucky, as he brought his blade down one of the tide warriors swords raised to meet his, stopping it from beheading one of the sea elves. Gritting his teeth Ray urged his blade to split, rust flakes floated through the air as the swords magic activated splitting the blade into three thorny vines of rusting steel as they swarmed down the blade of the interloper, biting into the flesh of his arm and then torso before retracting back to form sold steel again.

“Come on yer elven bastards!” Dusk called as he barrelled into another elf pushing him away from his allies as he summoned on the divine magic of his patron. As the giant spectral crow cawed, its beak splitting open to form a giant axe head, the already wounded sea elf had no chance to move or defend himself as the beak-blade bit down into his chest, snuffing the rest of his life.

Mikes armour rang with the sound of metal on metal as swords, daggers and spear heads tried to find the gaps in his plate. His blade found the neck of one elf before he carried the momentum of the blade and buried it into the torso of the next elf.

“Zander! how many more are there!” Mike called, something heaving smacking into his flank.

“A bit busy Mike!” Zander called, a multicoloured orb splitting into two as it flew through the air, one exploding into acid on one of the Sea elves the other connecting with the shoulder of another who was about to try and run Mike through with a spear – a wave of fire consuming his exposed flesh and sending the elf to writhe on the ground. “They keep coming!”

Flashes of light from the other side of the pier drove Ray and Dusk to try and push through the 7th and 8th warrior that had appeared behind them, Dusks spiritual weapon cutting at exposed necks and shoulders, keeping a few elves at bay and off the backs of the two warriors.

“Dusk, we need to get to them,” Ray spat as he caught a trust of a blade on his shield, “the docks a beginning to feel a bit crowded!” He yelled, looking towards the floating lights that signalled the rowboats were getting closer to shore, friend of foe he was not sure.

“Aye old friend, I am not ready to join my lady just yet. The hateful bitch will never let me hear the end of it” Dusk spat as he brought forward the magic of his axe and a wave of fire splashed out like a wave of water on the Elf that managed to cut at his exposed forearm. “The boys may need my healing too!” Dusk breathed out, catching a spear in the head of his axe and with a twist shattering the coral shaft, sending splinters flying through the air.

“Screw this,” Zander spat, running forward he grabbed Mikes shoulder, “hold on!” he called as he spat out a magical incantation, his dragonmark burning bright like lightning as another boom of thunder erupted from his position. As mike brought his sword down it connected with thin air, Zanders magic having teleported them to the other side of the dock and close enough to Dusk and Ray to see a wave of sea elves crash upon the paladins shield. “Ray! Dusk!” Mike called, as he began the charge at the attackers.

“For Arciryas!!” A voice boomed from just behind them as sailors and soldiers got off rowboats, their boots in motion the moment they touched the pier and speeding towards the sea elves – noting that they were attacking three humans and a dwarf who appeared to be single-handedly defending the docks.

Turning around for a moment Zander and Mike saw a dozen or more figures run from the boats and clash with the sea elves where were exceptionally quick on their feet to give pursuit of the Sorcerer and paladin.

A burst of black magic rushed forth from the mass of bodies surrounding Ray and Dusk, inky black tentacles retreating back within the folds of armour of Ray. Mike didn’t know if he liked Rays connection to the forgotten god, or the powers that it granted him but in this instance the magic did seem to come in handy.

The remaining fight didn’t take much longer. Pincered between the immoveable force of divine magic, the shield and blade of Ray and the magic and enchanted blade of Zander and Mike the sea elves were quick to fall. A pile of moaning or split bodies lay at the feet of the party and even as they ran to meet the other soldiers and sailors they made quick work of what ever elves were left attacking the men.

“Thank you lads, thanks for coming to our aid” Ray said, a bit out of breath as he pushed a portion of his magic through his body to heal the few wounds that got through his defence. “Do any of your men need healing?” Ray asked looking to the sailors and soldiers.

“Already on it” Dusk said, sealing a cut on the forehead of one of the soldiers before tending to another. Mike joining in lending some of his oath driven magic to heal the wounds of the newfound allies, “we were too late for some of the boys though” Dusk said, not daring to look towards the several bodies that were dead on the stones.

“Are you men alright?” called a voice, turning towards the city a group of six guard ran towards them.

“Yes, thanks to this party of adventurers” The captain, judging by his attire and way he commanded those around him, said. Extending a hand towards the newcomers who looked at it puzzled for a moment before taking it and shaking it once.

Zander frowned, a few of the guards appeared to be acting peculiar. The guards were exchanging glances between themselves and a few of the sailors and soldiers from the party they just assisted in driving off the sea elves. Remembering what Rafnir had said he went to call out a warning before blades sang from scabbards and the group was on the defensive from both sides as many of the Sailor sand soldiers were cut into by their own men.

Zander, expending the last of some of his control of magic let forth a gust of wind that pushed and battered those he had noticed to be hostile, the winds moving around and ignoring his allies and the friendlies. “For the living!” He called, preparing to launch a bolt of fire at one of the possessed guards as Ray, Mike, Dusk and the captain with two of his men prepared themselves to attack the possessed men…

Well that’s it for tonight, a reasonably long one but I hope it makes for a good read.

Thanks for dropping in to read this weeks write-up. Come back next week to explore part 3, or another smaller adventure if I decide tomorrow night to change it up for the coming week. Let me know what you prefer if you have an opinion on the matter!

Don’t forget the let me know if you use the adventure and if you do how your party enjoyed it. And as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe