Now all of the above are simple re-skins of an existing creature stat-block, or two different ones to be precise, but it is something that truly makes my life easier and my games richer.
The majority of the stat blocks are for the humble guard.
The humble guard is nothing overly special but we have them everywhere. By adding a trait, changing weapons or changing their stats we can create variety within our encounters. In the above cases they should probably move to CR1/4 instead of CR1/8 but – I wont sweat the small stuff.
The other stat block I used, or took inspiration from, was the Cult fanatic
This one I took the spell casting but that was about it and gave it to Sophia – wanting to have something a bit more challenging in the opposing force than just swords, axes and arrows. By tweaking existing statblocks we create variety and, also, can avoid players meta-gaming to know exactly what we are throwing at them. By changing the stats behind the dice rolls we create a better position to move forward from.
A small one tonight but it’s ‘my week off’ so I wasn’t even planning on doing this much! Don’t forget to come back over the weekend and lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage, The Brazen Wolfe
Tonight we have a simple rundown courtyard where I employ a few techniques I have learnt over the year and a few more the give greater depth. However, if it happens to tie in with an adventure that I may have in the works than that suits even more!
So let’s sit back, grab a coffee and roll into map!
Entering from either the lounge, top floor oval room, or the front door path (under the roof top of the map) into the courtyard. The fountain is not well maintained but it is functional with a few potted plants around it. Beyond that is an archway with a room beyond with a stairway up to the left and right.
This side of the courtyard holds a nobles bed room, vanity, tables, a sword, book case and finishing off with a suit of armour. However between bookcase and armour is a secret door that enables the noble within to have a way of escaping what ever is happening to the small manor and courtyard. I didn’t mention that the balcony has stairs that enable people to climb down to defend the courtyard, or if nimble enough climb up to the balcony in a hurry.
Overlapping textures are a norm these days with even textures painted over the top of art assets (the roofs). This enables the balcony over the roof that is to the top of the map. Line tools were used this week to show the flow of movement and highlight the secret doors so it was more obvious. Otherwise a rather simple map with a few rooms, two layers and a few options of different art assets try to give the flow of the map a consistent and cosy feel.
Thanks for visiting tonight and continuing to stay with me with this weeks content. If you find yourself using any of these maps in your own game (downloadable via the link) let me know! Don’t forget to come back tomorrow and this weekend as we continue on and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage, The Brazen Wolfe
Tonight being the night where I look at twists and turns and I wanted to talk about the hardest twist, the one twist I haven’t been able to pull off, yet. Intrigued? I hope so!
So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and roll into tonight’s adventure!
The Hardest Twist
425WeHaTw
As the party walked into the courtyard they spotted dozens of guards watching them from the sides of the cluttered space. The information they had gained from their own investigation as well as from the seer had lead them here as the source of evil in the land. As if by some unspoken order the guards drew their weapons and slowly advanced on the party.
“You’re not welcome here, what do you wish with the Lady in Violet?” one of the guards spoke. He was the leader or at least walked like he was in command of the men around him. “We are aware of your kind. You think you can push around those with the birth right to rule? Those who dare to shake the dirt from the roots and watch a new plant grow?” the guard nodded, agreeing to the man as they encircled the party.
“Perhaps we can’t let you leave. You reek of violence. Size them! The Gemmed fist will discern their intent!”
The party is generally the hero of the story; those who seek to do right for and by everyone and so when something smells fishy its not frequent that their intuition is wrong. However, there are cases where they are not the biggest player in the room and having them realise this to late is one of the hardest twists that I am yet to masterfully pull off.
You don’t want to deceive the players where something is not right, but you also don’t want them to see through the plot hooks, the smoke and mirrors so that the surprise is ruined for them. After all a there are countless enemies that would be cunning enough to manipulate adventurers, typical heroes, to do their evil bidding.
The challenge is this balance, deception without malicious intent and the ways that you can mask, guide and steer the party in the direction that you need them to go in. Most of the players I have had are experienced enough that they can sense or see through the smoke and mirrors that I have in place for the parties enjoyment of the session. However, as I focus on how I can up my game plan in the future it’s not an impossible task.
Thanks for joining me tonight! Another day into my quieter week and I find myself slipping back into thinking of an adventure rather than just concepts – so watch this space as there may be something else brewing in the laboratory. Don’t forget to come back each day this week as I ponder, scribble and jot down notes and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage, The Brazen Wolfe
All adventures have something in common whether it be the fight between good and evil, the tavern scene, a overly-flirty bard or simply that they all have a master of dice. This week while I take some time to look at what 900 nights, 901 now!, of posting means for myself and the blog I wanted to take it a bit slower for a week. So tonight I look at the orchestrator of adventure and the true one responsible for any and all TPKs the Master of dice.
So let’s grab a coffee, sit back and roll into tonight’s adventure!
The man looked at the party as they entered the shop as he rolled several objects on the table and scribbled down some notes. “Be with you in a minute” he called as he continued to roll and hastily jot down information on scraps of paper.
Looking up the man smiled at them “Sorry about that, finishing up a job for another client. Now I assume you are here like all the others that you wish for me to divine something?” he asked as he placed the paper into a pouch and then into a drawer. “I can promise you that you won’t find another as accurate as me so the fee that I require is well worth it.”
The man smiled at them practically oozing with confidence. “I can see you hesitate, perhaps an example?” with dextrous hands he plucked out several items from the table, dice, and retrieved a small scrap of paper and a fine quill that was gilded with gold. As soon as the first of the dice hit the table he began scratching at the paper, drawing lines, scribbles and jotting down words. Grabbing a few of the dice he had just rolled off the table he rolled them once more and scribbled for another few seconds.
Seemingly satisfied he placed down the quill and turned the paper to face the party. A sketch that could’ve been a human with shoulder length hair was standing next to a tree along with “silver” and “Jasper” written clearly next to the image. “This will occur soon. Perhaps the next minute, the next hour or within the day but no more. What ever the dice reveal to me happens and it is rare when it is not something obvious.” he said.
As the party stared at the paper a small bell chimed signalling the door being opened. A hooded figure entered, “Excuse me, Master Varsuise, I can see you are already with clients but it’s urgent.” The young woman walked forward lowering her hood as she reached the desk. “The lords son has gone missing again, sadly on my watch this time. I was teaching him archery near the forest and I went to retrieve the arrow he shot wide. Upon my return he was gone and would not show himself despite my calling.” she paused looking at the party.
Master Varsuise smiled. “Jasper is missing again?” he asked.
“Yes, but the master must not know. I can pay you a silver piece today if you are able to help – but I can’t afford more. Please can you assist me?” The woman spoke quietly, shame evident in her voice. As she looked up at the party, her eyes pleading, the resemblance of the young woman and the sketch Master Varsuise had given them was immediately evident.
“One silver coin will be more than fine, we were expecting you – weren’t we?” he asked the party with a knowing smile. “A once off discount as you may have helped with business today.”
Thanks for joining me for a bit of a fun one with some parallels to how I learnt to DM all those years ago. Reference tables and rolling dice was so tantalising that I made it my most significant hobby to this day. But enough on my reflections. Don’t forget to come back to check in on what else I come up on a ‘week off’ and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage, The Brazen Wolfe
Tonight and I have created a new zine for the year. I hope you are finding the current format of this Zine useful as I am continue to investigate what I can create weekly. I do this while aiming to give the DM freedom and flexibility without railroading them and the Party. So without any further waiting I present, Searching for the right Shape, in the same format, as a fun one-shot to assist GMs when they need a night out of the books.
As always this adventure can be used system agnostic but focuses on D&D so please feel free to adjust to what ever system and the creatures you are using in your adventure! However 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 the creatures found in this adventure.
So I hope you enjoy this weeks adventure, Searching for the right Shape, and that your rolls are made with advantage.
The party had been sitting down for a meal when they were approached by someone who obviously rarely attended these places. “Excuse me for the interruption but I am hoping you are the right people I am seeking out.” he mumbled looking worried before asking them to confirm if they were indeed the people who had completed a quest that they had in the past.
After the confirmation, assuming it is given, the man looks incredibly relieved. “Praise Tyr. If you can, will you come with me? I have been sent to find you and only you will do. My employer needs people with your reputation and discreteness.” he bumbled. “We can reward you very handsomely indeed. I will return for you on the morrow if you are willing to help. Please think on it as my employer’s generosity knows now bounds.”
Thanks for joining me today for another Zine this year. As usual there is a lot more in the Zine than there was in the daily updates on this blog – 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
Good evening all and welcome to the thirteenth day of adventuring for my party. While I will endeavour to not give away the campaign, adventure or plot moving forward (in case my party read these updates!) I will attempt to write up each adventure this year continuing with my 2024 Campaign Adventure 14 – continuing on from the 2023 adventure.
This is a continuation from Campaign adventure 13 as the party continues on their first mission as members of the investigation of the strange creatures in these lands.
2024 Campaign Adventure 14
Sa424CaE14
Plot:
Recovery
Taking stock of what they had and their injuries the party decided that they needed to rest until the banquet. Getting ready Kai prepared several spells in case they would come into use at the feast – the anticipation in that the meat was poisoned or tainted. However with rest came the realisation of what he had lost – his arm hung limp by his side and broken in several places with the splints that Hilder had used on his destroyed arm. The realisation that Frost thorn was also gone came hard as he had no other weapon except for a few daggers.
This made the first stop they went to being the Local Smith. Anne was there and after a short moment she produced a short sword that would serve the goblin well. After a plan was discussed they left for Tom, the Mayors, house where the feast was about to be on the way. They were met with a large line where all the villagers of Fustmach were excitedly wondering which of their favourite meals would be present. At the door the guards asked the party to surrender their weapons but, after some persuading and Tom vouching for them they were let in with their weapons on the condition that they don’t cause a fuss.
The Feast Hall
The hall was adorned with Dwarven memorabilia. Shields, dwarven axes, statues and the like adorned the walls and made the once-dwarven barracks feel very homely. The room was buzzing with voices and merriment as nearly the entire village crammed together into the large room to partake in the weekly feast, a way of giving thanks to the townsmen.
The food was piled high on plates across the tables with steaming heaps of cut meat, roast, boiled and grilled vegetables and as much ale as anyone could drink. Tom sat up the end of the table and watched with satisfaction at the attendance and the joy that everyone was succumbing to. However the party, Kai in question, noticed that the life sized dwarven statue at the end of the room behind Tom looked identical to the statue of King Boralis the 3rd they found in the mines.
Kai snuck under the table, pretending to drop a spoon, and cast purify food and drink on the food able them before crawling back out. Tom opened the feast with a speech, paying homage to the dwarves who once tended this land, the people who made the village as successful as it is now and to those that they had lost along the way. He then lit some incense and asked everyone to begin the feast.
Hungry Work
The party immediately watched as the village filled their hands with food and ate voraciously. The party followed suit and found out that the food was well cooked and delicious, however all was not what it seemed. As they ate Kai, Groku and Armaeth shrugged off an oily, hungry presence that reached out to their minds and they watched with horror as Tater became more voracious in how he ate and drank.
The entire room grabbed fistfuls of food and mugful’s of ale and consumed them at a horrendous pace. Something wasn’t right and the magic that was cast upon them had taken tater completely over. As the panic of the situation set in and the feasting became more depraved and voracious the party turned to physically attacking their ally, Tater, in an attempt to get him to snap out of the magical influence. However this drew the attention of Tom.
“My friends, let’s continue to feast!” he called out once realising that some were not under the magical influence and in doing so a vibrant lightshow appeared in the centre of the room. Immediately everyone, except for Kai due to his fey heritage, became enthralled. Thinking quickly the Goblin stamped on the injured foot (due to Kai stabbing it with a dagger) and broke him out of the spell, which in doing so caused Tom to become aware that his plan had failed.
“It seems that some people here do not like to feast or show gratitude to their host.” he chided as his body began to swell and shift into a large, bloated ogre-esque form.
The food fight
Kai began bolting to the door hitting the hypnotised Groku with a hypnotised Armaeth to wake them both up. As they stirred Tater, noticing the shifting of form of Tom, roared a battle cry and rushed at Tom. This changed Kais plan to flee instantly.
First up Kai rushed at Tom and threw a dagger, hitting true and embedding the dagger into his body. He then watched as Tater tried to bring the large man down, but his swing was wide (not surprising for someone who nearly ate and drank his own body weight a few moments ago). Groku called her axe to her hand from the front door – the ring of magnetism coming very handy as it managed to cut one of the guards that was rushing to apprehend the party. Armaeth tried to blind Tom with one of her poisoned arrows but it failed to take hold.
The enlarged Tom scooped up his villagers and carefully placed them on a table before picking up the bench with his right hand before bringing it down towards tater, narrowly missing the dwarf. Kai took this as an opportunity and rushed up the bench, retrieving a vial of light from his pack before smashing into the eyes of Tom hoping to blind him. The goblin finishing his ploy jumped backward expecting a three point land, but slipped on the table of potatoes, gravy and meat and thudded down on the wood. The light that radiated from the monstrosities face was blinding in close proximity and after a moment of staggering around while Tater dealt a massive blow from psionic-infused axe.
Groku was stabbed by one of the guards before she started to make short work of her assailants, deciding to render them unconscious instead of killing them outright. Kai and Tater had no such dilemma’s as they Kai darted outwards and slashed at the large figures legs before hiding under a table. That’s when he noticed Tom sniffing loudly, his head turning to track the goblins movement. It appears that not all his senses were hindered.
This is why we can’t go nice places…
In preparation after noticing his sense of smell was unhindered Kai used his one remaining hand to stow his dagger and prepare to go primitive. Preparing his hand to be a vessel for goblin filth that would produce a smell so foul that it would render the sense of smell of the large man useless. That was until he felt the tentacle like appendage of the man reach out and wrap around him, pinning Kais hand to his body and down the rear of his trousers.
Hearing his friends cries as the tentacle wrapped around him, Tater created a forcefield around the goblin preventing most of the crushing damage. However he should have saved it for himself as the entire wooden bench crashed down upon him – the axe taking most of the blow but it staggered the might dwarf. Taking a moment to breath and bolster his second wind he noticed that Groku was nearly done with her assailants so he struck another massive force-infused blow from his axe.
Tom staggered before raising the helpless Kai into the air and bashing him into the floor and ceiling. Groku knocked out another assailant with a skilled shield bash before Tater, enraged, swung a little too wild and missed the abomination. Growing tired of the dwarf and goblin Tom threw his captive across the room, crashing into Groku before trying to beat in the dwarves head with the bench again. However he had now freed his prisoner. Bolstering his reserve the, admittedly, filthy goblin threw his foul ordinance at the face of the hulking figure and struck true. The smell being so rank from a nearly-carnivorous goblins diet that he lost his greatest sense – the sense of smell.
Tom flailed around trying to see his assailants but now blind and unable to smell he ended up grabbing his own villagers, his treasured people and began pulverising them thinking them his assailants. The rest of the conscious guards ceased to fight and began to waiver as they watched, in their mid their kindly mayor kill their friends.
Soon the entire party was cutting, hacking or stabbing into Tom and several more villagers fell to their blind and enraged mayor. But the spell holding them hypnotised was over and they began to flee in panic. Groku rushed in and with a brutal horizontal slashed she opened the chest of the monstrous Mayor and he fell, defeated at last.
While Tater tried to calm the villagers, Kai rushed off to loot… Classic goblin… He pocketed anything that his one arm and one pouch could carry including a few well made blades (two long swords, a scimitar and four daggers) as well as several golden rings and various gold coins.
Tater investigated the golden statue and confirmed, with a touch and re-possession, that it was the source of the voracious hunger. After Kai returned from scouting the rather clean looking kitchen, despite the slabs of questionable meat, the party exposed the mayor to the people of Fustmach, revealing his true form to them all who once interacting with his bloated form broke the illusion.
Tater then decided to try and pry off a bit of the gold statue and in doing so, broke his axe – the one his father had helped him forge. After Hilder was requested to leave and return to remove the curse on the statue John, the Halfling that ran the Fat Sow Inn returned and identified the meat in the kitchen to be humanoid in origin. This revelation the party deemed not urgent to reveal to the people of Fustmach. They then explored the last remaining door out of the kitchen and revealed a tunnel that had been bored into the mountain. Following it along the air became colder and frigid and eventually they came to a large, vertical, circular hole through the stone. A hoist and platform had been created here and John and the party descended into the cavern.
The source of the meat was revealed. At the bottom of the lift was cages filled with deceased humanoids, orcs, gnolls and kobolds primarily who were preserved in the cold of the cavern. In one corner a pile of possessions and belongings had been piled up and at the end of the cavernous space was a thin passage that was lined with stalagmites and stalactites.
Main NPCs:
Sidekicks
Armaeth
Groku
Thanks for joining me tonight for a hybrid of the continuation of my campaign as well as the seasonal adventure for my group, the final part of last-last years Dice-ember one-shot!. Don’t forget to come back again tomorrow for more content. And, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage, The Brazen Wolfe
Now tonight we have some foes that burn brightly before becoming embers and cinders. The Fire Elemental summon and Tolkar – taken over by the elemental itself in order to free itself from its servitude. Burning through the magic that Tolkar’s body itself houses.
So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and roll into tonight’s encounter!
The fire elemental in this case is not the strongest, however it will act as one would a freed raging fire. Rushing over terrain and through burning obstacles like they were nothing. It hungers for magic so it will target spell casters first before looking for the rarest of magical items.
Now that madness has set it he will seek to burn through his most powerful of spells first. Conjuring some smaller elementals to defend himself and harass the enemy he will also use the wall of fire to create a barrier for opponents to get to him. Fireball is a strong spell choice for him to make and he wont hesitate to use counterspell – but he will seek to protect the elemental more than him as he feels compelled to do so.
Another small one tonight but, as always, there is always a lot more planned for the Zine. So keep an eye out for that over the next few weeks. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage, The Brazen Wolfe
Shemet Forest Peak is the focal point of the adventure for the night and this week it features a harsh, hot climb to the peak where we have a final encounter!
So instead of me waffling on here let’s sit back, grab a coffee and roll into map!
Trying to highlight the intense heat of this encounter has made the forest come alive with reds and yellows. The contrast with the green grass makes the peak of the mountain feel more like a psychedelic episode rather than an intense battle with a powerful mage and elemental. Rocks and steep paths lead up to the peak and embers litter the trees creating hazards that the adventurers must watch out for.
A few overlapping textures were used (primarily on the rocks) which includes changing the colour of the base texture and applying it with a transparent layer. However the true daunting activity with this map build was the vast amount of assets used from trees, rocks, rocky hills, embers and light sources to try and make the area feel vividly terrifying.
Thanks for tonight to stay up to date with this weeks adventure. If you find yourself using any of these maps in your own game (downloadable via the link) let me know! Don’t forget to come back tomorrow and this weekend as we continue on this adventure and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage, The Brazen Wolfe
As the adventurers rush towards the mage that commands the elementals that threatened to close the noose around them they didn’t realise it was all part of Corltarlen’s Plan. A elemental of any power will only take being in servitude to a mage for so long and that time has come for Tolkar.
So let’s sit down, grab a coffee and roll into tonight’s adventure!
Corltarlen’s Plan
424WeCoPl
As the party rushed up the hill the wind changed direction and the flaming creatures that had been attacking them constantly suddenly seemed to give up in blocking their passage. The dark chanting changed pace from the mountain ahead of them as it gained in urgency and power. Lightning flashed overhead as the booming voice continued as flashes of fire and lightning roared on the peak of the mountain – the source of the arcane spell.
As they raced over the rocks, bushes and branches the elemental creatures around them started to dim, vibrate before extinguishing. The air became a flurry of embers that rose and travelled towards a vortex that was forming at the peak of the mountain. As the chanting rose so did the number of elementals that disintegrated into embers to join the vortex and in their path the trees, bushes and shrubs caught on fire casting everything in a orange glow.
It dawned on the party as soon as they saw the cause of the magic, a wizard surrounded by flames as motes of elemental magic poured into an effigy which had taken humanoid shape. Half burning wood and half flames the elemental towered over the man who was bathed in fire.
“You are too late now, my ritual is complete and I am the most powerful mage alive!” he howled, his eyes burning with rage and magic. “Corltarlen, deal with them and feast on their magic as per your bargain.” the mage commanded, but the elemental form just sneered.
“For a smart man, Tolkar, you do not understand the cost of power. I will do as you wish to sate my hunger but it will only last me so long now that I have taken this form.” he said as he gazed hungrily across at the mage.
“Yes, yes. More magic items and more magic essence from practitioners of the arcane. I know.” Tolkar replied as he missed the intent of the creature that was once bound to his will.
A good solid slog of a fight this week has been set up and the culmination of scheming from a entity that loathes servitude. We will expand upon this adventure further in the following nights so don’t forget to come back the next few days. And lastly, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage, The Brazen Wolfe
Although a revered wizard once Tolkar Embermane fell into ill repute when he came across a dark tome on elemental binding. Obsessed with the spells within he quickly attempted the first first of the many rituals he would carry out in the City of Poltrow. The first attempt saw half the city burn down as the elementals broke out of the weak bindings he had prepared and dozens lost their lives. The second was less forgiving but more successful as he prepared stronger bindings and summoned a stronger elemental to be bound to his will.
It took most of the city guard to take down the elemental that he summoned but even then, he still escaped the mages guild. But since that day he has sought out magical artefacts and items as part of the pact he made with the elementals,
But that’s… a very long introduction. So let’s grab a coffee, sit back and roll into tonight’s adventure!
As the party ran through the forest Tolkar watched them from above. He could see through the eyes of all of his minions, the pact-bound elementals as they rushed to do his bidding. The magical items on the adventurers down below were enough to offer to his elemental friends so that they would be able to grow and enhance his own magical prowess.
As his elementals rush forward, skittering from tree to tree and closing the net the could practically taste victory on the smoky wind. Yet as he watched the fires rage and spread he also noticed the adventures, his target, start moving towards him, a gap in the fire allowed them to escape his net and rush onwards.
Calling to the original elemental he had bound, Corltarlen, he watched as the lumbering beast of fire and smoke pushed his way across the rocks and shrubs. “What are they doing? They are letting them escape!” he roared at the elemental. He had forgotten when he had become so hot tempered and quick to anger but even as his outburst ended he could feel a pang of guilt. “Stop them.” he muttered as he turned around.
Corltarlen smiled wickedly, a being without physical form had no limitations of flesh to restrict how they formed. Yet Corltarlen watched as his minions, his elemental servants, did his bidding. Weaving through the trees to direct the adventurers towards Tolkar for they were the only one who could end the hold over Corltarlen the mage had. Directing a few of the creatures that had disappointed him the most to create a feeble barrier in between the adventurers and the mage he watched with glee as they were cut down and the kindling fire was avoided.
Sending a few more to look like the attempt was made to halter the advance he could feel the rage brewing within the mage. The powerful elemental could feel the mages hold on sanity slipping further away and the temptation to attempt the more powerful spells in the dark tome increased. This is the moment he waited for, the final binding where Corltarlen would finally be free of the idiotic mage.
A different one this week as it provides context to the bad guy this week. But this wont be the only time we meet Tolkar or Corltarlen as we expand the adventure daily this week. So don’t forget to come back to check what the progress is and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage, The Brazen Wolfe
Brazen Wolfe Tabletop 