Okay, so I've had the packet for a while now but was too lazy to actually read it. Overall I'm satisfied with what they've presented. My take is that they simplified 3E and then added a couple nice bits of 4E. Would I play it? Sure, but since to me it's just a simplified, augmented form of 3E I'm not super-excited about it. If I switched from Pathfinder it would be due to crunch fatigue. I love the crunchy aspects of 3E/Pathfinder, but the older I get the harder it is to find the time and energy to really absorb it all--and since I usually DM, that's an issue. And if I was to chuck all that crunch it would be for something much, much simpler (like Old School Hack). But since I usually approach RPGs from the perspective of a DM I also have to seriously consider whether my players would go for it; if they're not interested there's not much point in my buying it. But anyway, here are some random comments on the latest (last) playtest packet:
Feats
These are optional--which is interesting. I'm assuming they are optional to keep the basic game simple and also lure the square-wheeler grognards back, most of whom seem to rail against skills and feats.
Backgrounds and Skills
Like that backgrounds are included--and that you need one to get skill
proficiencies. As a DM I'm so tired of players making up characters
with no background of any kind. The PC just sort of materializes in the
tavern fully-fledged, apparently as the result of spontaneous divine
creation or something. You want skills? Then you need to pick a background.
Races
Like this part a lot. Glad to see that each race (except the always boring humans) has two variations to choose from. Very happy they included the "Unusual Races" of dragonborn, drow, gnome (including a fun tinker type), half-elf, half-orc, kender, and tiefling (but why no aasimar if including tiefling?). I prefer a fantasy game to have plenty of non-human ("non-boring") races to choose from. Again, I'm sure these were carefully slipped into a separate category to make the early-edition types happy.
Character Sheet
- Very happy that they have a fillable PDF character sheet right with the game; so many games today still have ones which you can only print off and fill by hand. This is the 21st century people--fillable PDFs should be standard everywhere!
Classes
- Glad to see they're including the full range of barbarian, bard, cleric, druid, fighter, mage, monk, paladin, ranger, and rogue right from the start rather than putting some/most into later supplements as in 4E (which was understandable from a marketing standpoint but still obnoxious).
- Like the quick creation option for each class: very handy for new players.
- Like that each class has two or more paths/colleges/traditions/etc. to add some variation; I'm assuming they plan more of these in supplements to be sold later.
- Like that as you level up you have the option of taking an average number of HP (e.g., 5 for a d8) instead of rolling; it's quicker and makes doing NPCs a bit easier.
- A bit unclear on the domain spells for clerics (which is the coolest class in the game, thanks for noticing); apparently in D&D Next you get two domain spells per caster level and each day both(?) are automatically prepared instead of you choosing one? Interesting that they seem to have cut back on the number of spells clerics know at each level, which I like over 3.5/Pathfinder where clerics automatically gain access to a huge new list each level. Of course I'm still in favor of each deity/pantheon having its own separate, more limited custom spell list.
- Wizards get a bonus for using a magic focus--like it. When you prepare a spell of a certain level you can cast it as many times as you have slots at that level, rather like the sorcerer in Pathfincer/3.5. Also, you can finally regain some spell energy during short rests, not just after a full 8 hours of sleep.
- Like how the barbarian raging bonus does not include +STR and +CON like in Pathfinder, where you have to work out what all your bonuses, HP, etc. are with the new stats.
- Paladin Detect Evil is now detection of celestials, fiends, or undead--but still unlimited uses per day. I find this ability to be very powerful in roleplay and would prefer to see it limited, perhaps to a number of times per day equal to the paladin's CHA bonus.
- Rangers have several fighting styles to choose from, which is better than the old choice of ranged weapon or two-weapon.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Saturday, October 5, 2013
The Journal of Katherine, Entry 34
Ardent roleplayer Kirk continues the journal entries of his character Katherine in our on-going Castles & Crusades campaign. These entries complement the Chronicles of the Amazing Trevor about the same campaign. Our next session is scheduled for this Monday and we should have Katherine's journal caught up with the chronicles before that so they will be in sync from that point on.
Entry 34
This is the morning after my last entry in my log. Last night was difficult to sleep. The continued bloodshed left me crying myself to sleep, but I have learned to not show my emotions. I felt no guidance yet.
Now, I must write of Trevor. We were attacked by wolves in the middle of the night. Trevor, he is amazing. He conjured two wolves of thin air which scared away the rest of the pack, then later, when he saw that I was in trouble, he offered to help me, by again conjuring, only this time, it was this huge image of a dragon that shot fire from its mouth. He must have thought highly of me and to get me out of trouble, for he reached deep into his soul to manifest such strong imagery as this. I was able to see through this imagery, but the wolf did not. It believed it was burnt.
And Brute saw it as real, too, and that it was hostile, and so he attacked it. Trevor was lucky that Brute's shot went wide. Before with the brigands, Trevor was quick to leave and that contrasts his actions now which were of good heart when he saw others in need. I was too early to judge him.
I certainly used my martial training, and these wild wolves were bent on finding us to be their next meal. I am not sure if I could have felled this wolf on my own, if it were not for Trevor. I did cause it some pain with my hammer, before it met its demise by Kulr's axe.
After the wolves were driven off, I found Onri was hurt. I called upon my deity, who must have looked unfavorably upon Onri. His faith could be lacking as his wounds were healed some, but did not close. I suggested that he pray more and give to a worthy charitable organization. But after thinking about it, he does not accept coin, like me. Maybe his wounds were deeper than what I initially saw. I should not be so quick to judge.
Let me write also a short remembrance of my Keith, of whom I travel borrowing his name. I dreamt of him. I cannot state how real the dream appeared and just like it happened yesterday. It was the time when he showed me how to move small objects with just his fingers. If only I had more time to practice. Then the dream shifted to another time when he taught me the whispering. We used it to tell each other things, without others knowing. I should try these again. Why did I give up these things that Keith taught me? The only one I have used routinely is the light song. My dream continued with me in the cell. I recalled that twice I was put there, for twice I was punished. I am not sure if I would have survived without the light song. It allowed me to write while in solitude. I remember the fun that Keith and I had. Is the punishment that I have something that I have self imposed? But now, I almost feel like he is with me, helping me, mentoring me. No, how can that be? He is gone from me, forever. I will always miss him.
Entry 34
This is the morning after my last entry in my log. Last night was difficult to sleep. The continued bloodshed left me crying myself to sleep, but I have learned to not show my emotions. I felt no guidance yet.
Now, I must write of Trevor. We were attacked by wolves in the middle of the night. Trevor, he is amazing. He conjured two wolves of thin air which scared away the rest of the pack, then later, when he saw that I was in trouble, he offered to help me, by again conjuring, only this time, it was this huge image of a dragon that shot fire from its mouth. He must have thought highly of me and to get me out of trouble, for he reached deep into his soul to manifest such strong imagery as this. I was able to see through this imagery, but the wolf did not. It believed it was burnt.
And Brute saw it as real, too, and that it was hostile, and so he attacked it. Trevor was lucky that Brute's shot went wide. Before with the brigands, Trevor was quick to leave and that contrasts his actions now which were of good heart when he saw others in need. I was too early to judge him.
I certainly used my martial training, and these wild wolves were bent on finding us to be their next meal. I am not sure if I could have felled this wolf on my own, if it were not for Trevor. I did cause it some pain with my hammer, before it met its demise by Kulr's axe.
After the wolves were driven off, I found Onri was hurt. I called upon my deity, who must have looked unfavorably upon Onri. His faith could be lacking as his wounds were healed some, but did not close. I suggested that he pray more and give to a worthy charitable organization. But after thinking about it, he does not accept coin, like me. Maybe his wounds were deeper than what I initially saw. I should not be so quick to judge.
Let me write also a short remembrance of my Keith, of whom I travel borrowing his name. I dreamt of him. I cannot state how real the dream appeared and just like it happened yesterday. It was the time when he showed me how to move small objects with just his fingers. If only I had more time to practice. Then the dream shifted to another time when he taught me the whispering. We used it to tell each other things, without others knowing. I should try these again. Why did I give up these things that Keith taught me? The only one I have used routinely is the light song. My dream continued with me in the cell. I recalled that twice I was put there, for twice I was punished. I am not sure if I would have survived without the light song. It allowed me to write while in solitude. I remember the fun that Keith and I had. Is the punishment that I have something that I have self imposed? But now, I almost feel like he is with me, helping me, mentoring me. No, how can that be? He is gone from me, forever. I will always miss him.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The Journal of Katherine, Entry 33
Katherine continues her recollections of the events earlier recounted by The Amazing Trevor, adding her own sensibilities to the narrative...
Entry 33
Where to begin? We had a skirmish today with some brigands. Fizzleboom saw one traveler and he remembered the traveler as a murderer. Not a moment later Trevor noticed another man and also remembered him as a murderer, and they were traveling together with six others. As our party passed theirs, it got silent - too silent. I hailed out to them, asking where they come from. They attacked us right then. Before I could say another word, Trevor made an illusion of color, which dropped two of them. Kulr picked one up and killed him. Brute killed the leader with his first shot, and Onri grappled another. Then Fizzle Boom dropped two more, with an illusion. The one woman left standing, turned and fled.
The events that unfolded next were must horrifying. Brute went on a killing rampage of the remaining brigands, one he struck his axe that severed the head from his body. Kulr started squeezing another brigand, I was not sure if he was trying to get information from him, or was he just enjoying the act. The brigand was so scared. Then I turn my head, so I would not to see what Kulr did next. But the sounds of bones and flesh tearing, I could not turn away from - they were so sickening. And the smell of... I felt vomit in my throat. My knees almost gave way. I felt a wave of heat. I dove deep inside myself to find the courage to bear this. I wanted to leave - be far away from this scene. I might have said something, but I cannot remember. I've heard from my training, that after the battles are over, the losers are "finished" like this. No one really talks about the details. They just experience it. That is a grim task. Not for me. Could we handle this another way?
I focused on the wagon; after all, this was the wagon that identified them as brigands. It was full of items; some were from the inn where we stopped the half ogre. This meant the inn keeper most likely perished, possibly by these brigands. The gnome Fizzle Boom made off with something magical, for I saw him slip it from the wagon, and he had an item glowing when I called forth to my deity to reveal magic items - he carried it. There was also magical studded leather. Brute used it. Even though those two half men in the group were efficient at their killing, my deity worked its healing through me to them, for without even thinking, I took my hands and sang of healing. Bluish light shown under my hands, and closed the wounds of Brute. I did the same for Kulr. There was one left alive, and I persuaded to have Trevor pass judgment, so if the killing had to continue, it would be justified, and sort of lawful. The sentence was swift. All brigands were found guilty of theft and murder. This last one was executed. All of the bodies were stacked like boards in a ditch. I think of their parents, to know that their own children died like this. Then I think of my own parents, if I had died at the hands of these murderers: my mother already dead, and my father, he has forgotten me.
We continued with the journey to the crossroads. We decided to empty the cart and continue north. After a while we made camp. And I write in my journal about this group, I continue: So far, they have been good people: they defended the noble from the ogre, and let it go, because of witchcraft. They showed kindness to the refugees and to Broderick. But now, with their barbaric actions and blood lust, what will happen next? Am I any different with the deceptions I caused in my past, compared to Brute's and Kulr's barbaric ways? I must pray for guidance.
Entry 33
Where to begin? We had a skirmish today with some brigands. Fizzleboom saw one traveler and he remembered the traveler as a murderer. Not a moment later Trevor noticed another man and also remembered him as a murderer, and they were traveling together with six others. As our party passed theirs, it got silent - too silent. I hailed out to them, asking where they come from. They attacked us right then. Before I could say another word, Trevor made an illusion of color, which dropped two of them. Kulr picked one up and killed him. Brute killed the leader with his first shot, and Onri grappled another. Then Fizzle Boom dropped two more, with an illusion. The one woman left standing, turned and fled.
The events that unfolded next were must horrifying. Brute went on a killing rampage of the remaining brigands, one he struck his axe that severed the head from his body. Kulr started squeezing another brigand, I was not sure if he was trying to get information from him, or was he just enjoying the act. The brigand was so scared. Then I turn my head, so I would not to see what Kulr did next. But the sounds of bones and flesh tearing, I could not turn away from - they were so sickening. And the smell of... I felt vomit in my throat. My knees almost gave way. I felt a wave of heat. I dove deep inside myself to find the courage to bear this. I wanted to leave - be far away from this scene. I might have said something, but I cannot remember. I've heard from my training, that after the battles are over, the losers are "finished" like this. No one really talks about the details. They just experience it. That is a grim task. Not for me. Could we handle this another way?
I focused on the wagon; after all, this was the wagon that identified them as brigands. It was full of items; some were from the inn where we stopped the half ogre. This meant the inn keeper most likely perished, possibly by these brigands. The gnome Fizzle Boom made off with something magical, for I saw him slip it from the wagon, and he had an item glowing when I called forth to my deity to reveal magic items - he carried it. There was also magical studded leather. Brute used it. Even though those two half men in the group were efficient at their killing, my deity worked its healing through me to them, for without even thinking, I took my hands and sang of healing. Bluish light shown under my hands, and closed the wounds of Brute. I did the same for Kulr. There was one left alive, and I persuaded to have Trevor pass judgment, so if the killing had to continue, it would be justified, and sort of lawful. The sentence was swift. All brigands were found guilty of theft and murder. This last one was executed. All of the bodies were stacked like boards in a ditch. I think of their parents, to know that their own children died like this. Then I think of my own parents, if I had died at the hands of these murderers: my mother already dead, and my father, he has forgotten me.
We continued with the journey to the crossroads. We decided to empty the cart and continue north. After a while we made camp. And I write in my journal about this group, I continue: So far, they have been good people: they defended the noble from the ogre, and let it go, because of witchcraft. They showed kindness to the refugees and to Broderick. But now, with their barbaric actions and blood lust, what will happen next? Am I any different with the deceptions I caused in my past, compared to Brute's and Kulr's barbaric ways? I must pray for guidance.
Chronicles of the Amazing Trevor: Chapter Five
Once again passion has triumphed over reason and another session of Castles & Crusades under maestro DM Kaiser is part of the glorious history of this celestial globe we call home. In this epic installment The Amazing Trevor, and the apple of his eye get a chance to work together on their child-rearing skills--in a manner of speaking...
The trip back from the devastated village was blessedly free of any further incidents of violence. I abhor violence, the crudest and least human of activities. And indeed the last several days had encompassed a wide variety of behaviors ill-suited to my desired station in life. But at least for the journey back to Adan the worst in store was additional wear and tear on my pantaloons from the rough hewn seat of a waggon clearly built by one self-taught in the cartwright's craft. Once again, however, my slight familiarity with handling a waggon obliged me to be the one at the reins of our new-found rustic conveyance.
Keeping the rescued children entertained was an enervating occupation at best. The lovely Katherine prevailed on me repeatedly to sing songs to them but I wisely demurred, pointing out that my performing talents clearly lay in the arcane and mystical. Uhmri gamely had a go at it and I was surprised to find that he knew no sea-chanties whatsoever. Perhaps singing aboard ship tended to scare the fish away. The young Merity continued her besotted advances, all fluttering lashes and wide eyes, which I deflected with a reasonable amount of aplomb. The massive odd-fellow Kull was all the gentle giant with the tykes and played with them whenever they were in the mood.
At the crossroads where we were to turn for Adan our odd-fellow Brute found two wagons headed for the city and suggested that we hand the children over to the waggon drovers for transport to the Temple of Light in Adan. He eagerly explained that this would enable us to return north for more savage bloodshed with as little delay as possible--apparently thinking that this reasoning would serve as some sort of positive incentive. I objected immediately in the hopes that I could cut him off before any of the others be caught up in the madness. I argued that the drovers were complete strangers and we could not be sure of their intentions. To my great relief Katherine and some of the others joined me in opposition. His notion failed to pass muster with the majority of the group and we resolved to push on to Adan.
Not long after, Katherine revealed yet another secret to us: she had some elementary ability in the arcane arts learned from the sorcerer Keith she had met in her past. To my delight she prevailed on me to help her practice and develop her spells. She suggested that she could ride on the waggon with me and work on her spellcraft on the way. How could I possibly refuse so gracious an offer? She decided to try her first spell with us that same day at a small pavilion near the crossroads. It would be our first spell together and I was determined to enjoy it to the fullest. She first attempted the sending of a whisper, a spell I'd used many a time to let intruding pickpockets at our carnival know that we'd twigged to their presence. I was quite keen to hear what sweet nothings she would whisper in mystical confidence. As Katherine began the hand gestures, the wind wafted her hair to let the sun glisten off her burnished tresses and her lips moved to form her first arcane poetry and then...nothing. She tried again, but alas all was interfered with by her armor which she had neglected to remove. She promptly doffed her mail and helmet and tried again. This time success, but apparently the confusion had distracted her from conveying the intimation I expected. Instead she simply inquired if it was successful. Crestfallen, I drew little enjoyment from watching her next success in magickally lifting Boomtock's dagger from its sheath. However, she then used another spell to determine that the gnome was wearing an enchanted item. We ascertained that it was a ring he'd pilfered earlier from the bandit's cart of loot. The ring was one which greatly enhanced the wearer's ability leap--alas, perfect for gnomes for whom jumping about comes as naturally as to fleas, rabbits, and similar creatures.
We arrived at Adan, veritable crucible of culture, early in the morning and went immediately to the Temple of Light. We quickly handed the rescued children over to the care of some clerics there. Their attitudes seemed a bit odd at the time but I was too eager to get back to the comforts of the mansion to take proper notice. The mansion looked much as before, still close-shuttered and quiet--except for a succession of military drill commands which wafted over the courtyard wall. I quickly recognized the voice as that of the young heir, Broderick Natal, my potential ticket to the life of ease to which I was eager to become accustomed. He was busy ordering his mute servant Kevin about on the cobbled yard like a toy soldier but upon spying Kull over the wall he let us in.
After an exchange of banal pleasantries, Broderick offered a bit of news which ran through me like a lightning bolt: he'd sold off some of the old paintings in the mansion. Not only was I shocked that the young jackanapes would so casually dispose of potentially priceless artwork (likely for pennies on the pound to some fool-skinner) but that the mysterious painting reappearing in my dreams might have been among them! I abruptly took my leave and rushed inside in rather unseemly haste, eager to survey the remaining treasures. The others, meanwhile each took to their own interests. Boomtock hurried off to the main bedchamber eager to resume his bed-jumping but this time with the added effect of the ring. (The question of who in our motley party would get the annular arcane appurtenance after he broke his neck would have to wait until later.) Kull went with him to enjoy the show. Uhmri scavenged up some tools and set about turning his collection of rancid wolf pelts into an item of apparel, which I hoped he would quickly donate to someone worthy of it, such as a leper.
Inside I quickly located the large portrait of Broderick's illegitimate father, the recently deceased councilman Remi Natal. I was immensely relieved that this particular pigment-covered expanse of canvas was not among those liquidated. I also considered that if I could not unlock its secrets this time around then it would be wise to cache it somewhere for future consideration. As I pondered the portrait the lovely Katherine came up and requested that I accompany her back to the secret room. We returned to the main bedroom where Boomtock was fully enjoying the effects of his new toy, his neck impertinently intact. Kull was there as well, looking on in enjoyment. An image of the enormous Kull jumping about on the bed with the ring on briefly flickered through my mind; I resolved to not suggest any such thing to either of them.
Katherine lit a candle with her nascent arcane talent. The movements of her soft hands were deft and supple and, ah, the movements of her lips equally so...I shook off the enchanting vision and opened the secret wall panel concealing the small room beyond. Entering, we launched a thorough search of its contents in hopes of uncovering clues and information. It was immediately apparent that this was a chamber devoted to black magic. There was a classic pentagram circle on the floor, books of arcane lore including summoning and binding demons, ritual candles, and the small ritual "black mirror".
Kull squeezed in through the doorway to join us in the small space and accidentally broke the door mechanism with his odd-fellow bulk. Boomtock left off his amateur acrobatic displays and came to have a look as well. True to form, the diminutive mage was immediately eager to light one of the ritual candles just to see what would happen but Katherine demanded he do no such thing. Further searching turned up a spell book of arcane illusionology, which I took into protective custody for later study, but none of the information we'd hoped for.
We rejoined the others and found that Uhmri had already completed his cloak. Bedecked in rough-tanned deceased lupine he now gave the impression of being some sort of druid. Well, a sort of half druid, half leper anyway. Perhaps he was less a fisherman than a riverine druid with a penchant for fishing. Only time would tell.
As supper time drew nigh I suggested to Katherine that we sample the gourmet delights of one of the city's dining establishments. A week of eating camp food which most trolls would refuse had left me pining for something, anything, more civilized. Katherine agreed, albeit slightly reluctantly, and I thought that at last we would have our evening together. My hopes were dashed immediately when she asked if the odd-fellow Brute wished to come along as well. He agreed and not wanting to appear uncouth I graciously acquiesced to the additional company. Katherine came downstairs dressed for dinner looking absolutely radiant in a long white gown.
We asked the servant Kevin for directions to a nearby dining establishment of good reputation but the fellow was of no help at all. So we strode out upon the cobbles and followed our noses to the Boar's Head, which drew us in with the scent of roasting meat. As we entered it was immediately apparent that the clientele here was of the coarser sort. Two hefty dwarf girls gyrated suggestively up on one of the tables, but we were quite hungry and asked to be seated anyway.
The barmaid who came to take our orders was quite rough around the edges, even for a place like this. She made several off-putting allusions as to the source of the roasted meat whose aroma had drawn us in, but finally insisted that it really was chicken. I had some misgivings, but since that was the only dish on offer we perforce ordered roast chicken all round. I was about to essay a bit of light conversation with my Katherine when a voice behind me exclaimed "Amazing Trevor, is it you?" My heart froze. I knew that voice and the woman attached to it only too well. I fought down an urge to flee immediately and turned in as casual a fashion as I could manage. By the gods, it was her: Veronica. My Biggest. Fan. Ever.
The shock of seeing her again so suddenly was redoubled when I realized that she was absolutely the last person I wanted to meet while engaging in an intimate dinner with Katherine. My mind raced. I needed to defuse the situation as rapidly as possible without seeming ungracious in present company. Veronica was much as I remembered her, all ample bosom and aggressive insistence.
"Trevor, where have you been? It's been ages!"
"I, ah, I've been on a sort of tour across the country. Business, you know." I smiled, rather unconvincingly.
"We have so much to catch up on, don't we Trevor?", she said, in a tone rather too intimate for my present situation. I resisted the urge to glance at Katherine; it was absolute agony. "I haven't had dinner yet, why don't I join you?"
"Oh, well, my new business associates and I were just having a quick supper and then, had some business to, ah, take care of, you know." Pathetic--think you fool, think!
"Business. I see.", she said, her tone gaining a tinge of frost. She was looking daggers at Katherine. "So, Trevor", she continued, returning to her more sultry tone, "I'm free tomorrow. Let's do something then."
"Tomorrow, ah, well we have some things we're doing, and I'm not sure when I'll, ah, be free exactly, you see." I smiled unconvincingly again. It was hopeless. The best I could hope for now was to avoid an out-and-out actual slap in the face.
"Surely, you won't be busy in the evening Trevor", she countered, the frost creeping back over her words and her mouth hardening.
"Well, Veronica, I..."
"Well, nothing, Trevor!", she spat. "I thought we meant something to each other, but I see your new 'business' is more important to you now!", this time looking poisoned daggers at Katherine. "You haven't heard the last of this Trevor! You'll be sorry!" And with that she turned and made a decently dramatic exit, a woman scorned with murder in her eye.
Finally I could turn back around,and was peeved to see that Katherine and Brute seemed to have rather enjoyed our little show.
Dinner and the trip back to the mansion were a blur. What a fiasco! It would take all the ingenuity I could muster to salvage the battered remains of my already tenuous relationship with Katherine. A full bottle of wine before bed and perhaps something would come to me in the morning. The rest of our party was not at the mansion, having followed our example and set out to find victuals worthy of consumption.
As they related later, Kull and Uhmri made the egregious mistake of following Boomtock in search of a place to dine. Boomtock had no idea where he was going--which was the whole point of the exercise as far as the gnome was concerned. After uselessly thinning their shoe leather on the cobbles for an hour or more they ended up by a graveyard and the Temple of Light. They knocked and roused one of the temple staff to find out how the urchins were coming along. The confused cleric explained that the temple was not open on Tuesdays or Thursdays--and this was a Thursday. With a shock the trio realized that we had most likely handed the orphans over to some imposters that morning. Kull flew into a rage and kicked the temple door open. The three pushed their way in and searched for any signs of the missing orphans. Kull sent Boomtock back to the mansion for Brute, sensing that reinforcements were needed. Uhmri soon came across a backpack tucked away which contained sets of chains and manacles, something not at all typical of a Temple of Light. Alas, Kull had neglected to remember that Boomtock had found the temple entirely by accident and thus would have to rediscover the whereabouts of the mansion in similar fashion, and thus also return to the temple relying on chance.
Back at the manse, Katherine settled into bed to read one of the books discovered in the secret room. Downstairs I uncorked a bottle of something with "vinyard" on the label, little caring, and wandered down to the study to ponder the mysterious portrait and my equally cryptic future. I found the study in a shocking state and was at first concerned that persons unknown had ransacked it in search of the secret treasure cache. A cursory examination of the scene, however, revealed scuff marks high up on the walls undoubtedly left by the vertical peregrinations a certain gnome wearing a certain ring. Relieved but still peeved I draped my tired frame over a comfortable chair and set my mind to determining the original position of Remi's portrait. The cad had already gone to his hellish reward in a wretched little village in the back of beyond but he might yet lead me to my earthly rewards here. The walls had numerous light rectangles in the paint where the various paintings had hung. If I could but match the councilman's framed visage to its original location it would indicate where to start my search. And just half a glass of wine later the decidedly mediocre bit of brushwork was back where it belonged--with Remi's hand gesturing towards the fireplace! I set to work examining it with gusto. If I could just have half an hour to myself then all would be revealed.
Upstairs Katherine finished reviewing the arcane tome. It did indeed contain spells which might be learned but as a beginner she was unsure of the true nature of many of them. She put it aside for the night and was about to lay her head down when she heard whispering. The whispering was her name, repeated softy and suggestively, and it came from the Black Mirror which was still covered. Perturbed, Katherine rushed out to find me.
Uhmri, in the meantime, exited the temple to survey the area around it. In a corner by the steps was a sleeping beggar. Uhmri recognized the pathetic fellow from that morning when we had relinquished possession of the little snot-noses to the bogus temple priests. The fellow greeted him cheerfully, probably assuming from his canine-pelt overgarment that he was a fellow beggar. The beggar informed the former fisherman that a group of men had in fact taken the children away and that those same men had also been at the temple on the preceding Tuesday. Not long after, Boomtock returned to the temple. Alas, his surprisingly rapid return was because he had lost his way and circled back quite by accident. Being a gnome, he simply transmogrified the facts into something more enjoyable and claimed that he had returned to the mansion but found none of us there. Being a sensible fellow, Uhmri disbelieved the explanation immedately and set off for the mansion himself.
As a matter of fact we were all still very much at the old pile. Brute had gone in search of an armory in order to better equip himself. With some difficulty he was able to communicate his interest to the mute servant Kevin who then took him down deep into a series of cellars. At last Kevin stopped at the end of a hallway by a heavy padlocked door set with a small window. Brute was suspicious and inquired of the servant if there were any traps but Kevin was evasive. It was difficult to determine if the mute was indeed unsure or held back for reasons of his own. Kevin left silently, taking his candle with him. Brute peered through the window and in the pitch dark his unnatural odd-fellow eyes made out what appeared to be a crypt beyond. With that he left off his explorations and returned to the main part of the house.
All this while I was poring over every aspect of the old fireplace. The craftsmanship of the mantle and surround was excellent--which was exactly the problem. There were indeed many nooks, crannies, seams, protuberances, and bas-reliefs which might conceal a hidden lever or catch. Testing the multitudinous possibilities would clearly take some time. Just then I heard Katherine calling and by luck--or inspiration by my golden-tressed muse--I pressed the eye of a gargoyle crafted into a bit of mosaic. The back of the fireplace swung open! I was overjoyed, but closed the concealed panel and went off to join my my other secret treasure as she came down the hallway. As she related the disturbing whispers from the mirror, we were startled to find Uhmri creeping silently up the stairs in the darkness like some wolf-garbed assassin. He said he had returned to report the situation at the temple but I found his oddly stealthy approach suspicious. Was it because he'd heard my Katherine's voice hoped to find her alone? Druid or no, I would have to keep a closer eye on his whereabouts in future. But gathering Brute we hurried back with him to join Kull and Boomtock.
Our small band was soon reunited, both in body and purpose, at the temple. We lacked, however, any idea on where to find the kidnappers. They could be hiding out nearby or already in a lair outside the city. It was possible the charlatans would return to the temple on Tuesday, continuing their modus operandi of appropriating it on days when it was closed, but we dared not wait that long. Brute suggested we start searching down at the river docks. Lacking other direction we rushed down the darkened streets to the waterway. Emerging from a narrow street we came across the docks quite suddenly. Katherine was saved from a tumble into the dark waters only by a quick bit of magic by the gnome. There were several boats and barges quietly tied up but little else in view. Then the beggar from the temple showed up. I thought it odd that he happened to be here of all places, but then there few other people about on the streets from whom he could wheedle the odd copper or two.
I was about to tell him to sod off when a couple of my companions heard suspicious sounds from one of the boats tied up at the bank. Uhmri slipped aboard with surprising stealth, even for a druid of the rivers. He found quite a few barrels about the deck, which would not be unusual for a merchant cargo, then sought to ascertain the source of the sounds. But Kull, with typical disregard for caution, took the direct approach and called out for the children. Then, not waiting for an answer he leaped aboard and made for the cabin door. For a moment I was worried that he might be creating an awkward situation with some innocent boat owners, but far be it from me to get between the massive odd-fellow and whatever he was after. Instead I made note of the nearest dark alleyways in case I might have to depart via one with alacrity. This wouldn't be the first time I'd made an expeditious withdrawal from a potentially embarrassing affair. Smashing in the door Kull immediately encountered three ruffians. Two were menacing a group of the orphans with swords and a third stuffing a small child into a barrel.
With that discovery no further caution or niceties needed observing. The beast within Kull took over and he became a storm of axe blades, roaring like a tornado. The rest of us leaped into action as well. I jumped across to the deck with a decent show of bravado but Boomtock crept across with strange caution. I looked askance at him and he pointed to his ring and explained, with gnome logic, "This isn't a play situation". Uhmri opened one of the barrels on deck and was surprised to find a small child within. Katherine opened another by applying her budding arcane talents and also discovered a child. Not to be outdone I quickly considered the set of barrels in my vicinity. If Uhmri was rescuing pitiful trapped urchins in front of Katherine then I would have to do likewise, preferably with a great deal more heroic panache.
But oh, fateful choice. I pried the wooden lid from one oaken cylinder and who should emerge but young Merity. "Trevor!" she exclaimed with glee, "my hero!" And with that she flung her arms about me with abandon. "Ah, Merity", I replied with difficulty, "I'm so glad you are...all right". "Oh Trevor, I just knew you'd come rescue me!" she gushed breathlessly. She hung from my neck, her young arms squeezing my like a hangman's noose, clearly with no intention of ever letting go. I glanced sideways at Katherine and was relieved to see her and the others focused on extracting more children and passing them over to Brute on the docks. "Yes, well, we really must be going now Merity" I tried to explain in as casual a manner as I could muster. I struggled to devise a way to pry her away without actually laying hands on her. From the cabin I could hear the clash of steel and someone screaming, but it all seemed so far away. "Oh Trevor, my Trevor, how ever can I thank you? You've saved my life again. This must be fate. We must never, ever be parted again!" she vowed with the utmost conviction. There was some sort of activity on the deck behind me involving urchins and axes or something or other. "Um, look, Merity, there might be more of your little friends in this barrel here", I offered hopefully. Merity went even more doe-eyed at the suggestion. "Sweet Trevor, how so like you to think of others before yourself even amidst the worst of dangers. No wonder everyone calls you amazing!" She hugged my neck even tighter and laid her head on my shoulder. A bead of cold sweat trickled down my temple.
Katherine and the others had just about finished freeing the encapsulated young captives and would soon be looking around. I cast about wildly for some way to divest myself of my much-too-young admirer before anyone could notice our rather inappropriate-looking situation. Suddenly several of the released children rushed over and began hugging Merity. To my great relief she let go and exchanged hugs and words of affection with them. I stepped quickly away, noting the faces of my rescuers. I would have to remember to slip them each a shilling later as reward.
Kull staggered up the stairs from the cabin, barely able to keep to his feet. His axes were red with blood and the crimson liquid was spattered all about his person. Uhmri dragged one of the ruffians from the cabin alive but cowed with fear, the others presumably slain. Kull said something like "Yes, mother, I'll try", taking deep breath after deep breath to ease his savage energies. Boomtock helped calm the children with a deft casting of illusory fascination.. Brute stayed with Kull while he recovered; later the massive one plunged into the river for a cleansing bath. The rest of us returned to the mansion with the children. Merity kept trying to hold my hand the entire way back, repeatedly assuring me that now we would always be happy together. I resorted to entertaining the urchins with some stage magic as we walked in order to provide me with an excuse to need both hands unencumbered.
Back at the house Uhmri and I accompanied Katherine to her room in case the shrouded mirror began whispering her name again. As we entered the room I realized that this mirror was the same one which had appeared in my earlier dream. I decided that despite my misgivings I would have to explore its secrets before long.
The trip back from the devastated village was blessedly free of any further incidents of violence. I abhor violence, the crudest and least human of activities. And indeed the last several days had encompassed a wide variety of behaviors ill-suited to my desired station in life. But at least for the journey back to Adan the worst in store was additional wear and tear on my pantaloons from the rough hewn seat of a waggon clearly built by one self-taught in the cartwright's craft. Once again, however, my slight familiarity with handling a waggon obliged me to be the one at the reins of our new-found rustic conveyance.
Keeping the rescued children entertained was an enervating occupation at best. The lovely Katherine prevailed on me repeatedly to sing songs to them but I wisely demurred, pointing out that my performing talents clearly lay in the arcane and mystical. Uhmri gamely had a go at it and I was surprised to find that he knew no sea-chanties whatsoever. Perhaps singing aboard ship tended to scare the fish away. The young Merity continued her besotted advances, all fluttering lashes and wide eyes, which I deflected with a reasonable amount of aplomb. The massive odd-fellow Kull was all the gentle giant with the tykes and played with them whenever they were in the mood.
At the crossroads where we were to turn for Adan our odd-fellow Brute found two wagons headed for the city and suggested that we hand the children over to the waggon drovers for transport to the Temple of Light in Adan. He eagerly explained that this would enable us to return north for more savage bloodshed with as little delay as possible--apparently thinking that this reasoning would serve as some sort of positive incentive. I objected immediately in the hopes that I could cut him off before any of the others be caught up in the madness. I argued that the drovers were complete strangers and we could not be sure of their intentions. To my great relief Katherine and some of the others joined me in opposition. His notion failed to pass muster with the majority of the group and we resolved to push on to Adan.
Not long after, Katherine revealed yet another secret to us: she had some elementary ability in the arcane arts learned from the sorcerer Keith she had met in her past. To my delight she prevailed on me to help her practice and develop her spells. She suggested that she could ride on the waggon with me and work on her spellcraft on the way. How could I possibly refuse so gracious an offer? She decided to try her first spell with us that same day at a small pavilion near the crossroads. It would be our first spell together and I was determined to enjoy it to the fullest. She first attempted the sending of a whisper, a spell I'd used many a time to let intruding pickpockets at our carnival know that we'd twigged to their presence. I was quite keen to hear what sweet nothings she would whisper in mystical confidence. As Katherine began the hand gestures, the wind wafted her hair to let the sun glisten off her burnished tresses and her lips moved to form her first arcane poetry and then...nothing. She tried again, but alas all was interfered with by her armor which she had neglected to remove. She promptly doffed her mail and helmet and tried again. This time success, but apparently the confusion had distracted her from conveying the intimation I expected. Instead she simply inquired if it was successful. Crestfallen, I drew little enjoyment from watching her next success in magickally lifting Boomtock's dagger from its sheath. However, she then used another spell to determine that the gnome was wearing an enchanted item. We ascertained that it was a ring he'd pilfered earlier from the bandit's cart of loot. The ring was one which greatly enhanced the wearer's ability leap--alas, perfect for gnomes for whom jumping about comes as naturally as to fleas, rabbits, and similar creatures.
We arrived at Adan, veritable crucible of culture, early in the morning and went immediately to the Temple of Light. We quickly handed the rescued children over to the care of some clerics there. Their attitudes seemed a bit odd at the time but I was too eager to get back to the comforts of the mansion to take proper notice. The mansion looked much as before, still close-shuttered and quiet--except for a succession of military drill commands which wafted over the courtyard wall. I quickly recognized the voice as that of the young heir, Broderick Natal, my potential ticket to the life of ease to which I was eager to become accustomed. He was busy ordering his mute servant Kevin about on the cobbled yard like a toy soldier but upon spying Kull over the wall he let us in.
After an exchange of banal pleasantries, Broderick offered a bit of news which ran through me like a lightning bolt: he'd sold off some of the old paintings in the mansion. Not only was I shocked that the young jackanapes would so casually dispose of potentially priceless artwork (likely for pennies on the pound to some fool-skinner) but that the mysterious painting reappearing in my dreams might have been among them! I abruptly took my leave and rushed inside in rather unseemly haste, eager to survey the remaining treasures. The others, meanwhile each took to their own interests. Boomtock hurried off to the main bedchamber eager to resume his bed-jumping but this time with the added effect of the ring. (The question of who in our motley party would get the annular arcane appurtenance after he broke his neck would have to wait until later.) Kull went with him to enjoy the show. Uhmri scavenged up some tools and set about turning his collection of rancid wolf pelts into an item of apparel, which I hoped he would quickly donate to someone worthy of it, such as a leper.
Inside I quickly located the large portrait of Broderick's illegitimate father, the recently deceased councilman Remi Natal. I was immensely relieved that this particular pigment-covered expanse of canvas was not among those liquidated. I also considered that if I could not unlock its secrets this time around then it would be wise to cache it somewhere for future consideration. As I pondered the portrait the lovely Katherine came up and requested that I accompany her back to the secret room. We returned to the main bedroom where Boomtock was fully enjoying the effects of his new toy, his neck impertinently intact. Kull was there as well, looking on in enjoyment. An image of the enormous Kull jumping about on the bed with the ring on briefly flickered through my mind; I resolved to not suggest any such thing to either of them.
Katherine lit a candle with her nascent arcane talent. The movements of her soft hands were deft and supple and, ah, the movements of her lips equally so...I shook off the enchanting vision and opened the secret wall panel concealing the small room beyond. Entering, we launched a thorough search of its contents in hopes of uncovering clues and information. It was immediately apparent that this was a chamber devoted to black magic. There was a classic pentagram circle on the floor, books of arcane lore including summoning and binding demons, ritual candles, and the small ritual "black mirror".
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| Black Mirror (from Mirror by 7 Dragons) |
We rejoined the others and found that Uhmri had already completed his cloak. Bedecked in rough-tanned deceased lupine he now gave the impression of being some sort of druid. Well, a sort of half druid, half leper anyway. Perhaps he was less a fisherman than a riverine druid with a penchant for fishing. Only time would tell.
As supper time drew nigh I suggested to Katherine that we sample the gourmet delights of one of the city's dining establishments. A week of eating camp food which most trolls would refuse had left me pining for something, anything, more civilized. Katherine agreed, albeit slightly reluctantly, and I thought that at last we would have our evening together. My hopes were dashed immediately when she asked if the odd-fellow Brute wished to come along as well. He agreed and not wanting to appear uncouth I graciously acquiesced to the additional company. Katherine came downstairs dressed for dinner looking absolutely radiant in a long white gown.
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| Katherine Radiant (fantasy_costume_2_by_colin_ashcroft; deviantart.com) |
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| The dwarf girls will now dance for your pleasure (pic found on internet, not mine) |
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| Veronica, My Biggest Fan Ever (pic found on the net, not mine) |
"Trevor, where have you been? It's been ages!"
"I, ah, I've been on a sort of tour across the country. Business, you know." I smiled, rather unconvincingly.
"We have so much to catch up on, don't we Trevor?", she said, in a tone rather too intimate for my present situation. I resisted the urge to glance at Katherine; it was absolute agony. "I haven't had dinner yet, why don't I join you?"
"Oh, well, my new business associates and I were just having a quick supper and then, had some business to, ah, take care of, you know." Pathetic--think you fool, think!
"Business. I see.", she said, her tone gaining a tinge of frost. She was looking daggers at Katherine. "So, Trevor", she continued, returning to her more sultry tone, "I'm free tomorrow. Let's do something then."
"Tomorrow, ah, well we have some things we're doing, and I'm not sure when I'll, ah, be free exactly, you see." I smiled unconvincingly again. It was hopeless. The best I could hope for now was to avoid an out-and-out actual slap in the face.
"Surely, you won't be busy in the evening Trevor", she countered, the frost creeping back over her words and her mouth hardening.
"Well, Veronica, I..."
"Well, nothing, Trevor!", she spat. "I thought we meant something to each other, but I see your new 'business' is more important to you now!", this time looking poisoned daggers at Katherine. "You haven't heard the last of this Trevor! You'll be sorry!" And with that she turned and made a decently dramatic exit, a woman scorned with murder in her eye.
Finally I could turn back around,and was peeved to see that Katherine and Brute seemed to have rather enjoyed our little show.
Dinner and the trip back to the mansion were a blur. What a fiasco! It would take all the ingenuity I could muster to salvage the battered remains of my already tenuous relationship with Katherine. A full bottle of wine before bed and perhaps something would come to me in the morning. The rest of our party was not at the mansion, having followed our example and set out to find victuals worthy of consumption.
As they related later, Kull and Uhmri made the egregious mistake of following Boomtock in search of a place to dine. Boomtock had no idea where he was going--which was the whole point of the exercise as far as the gnome was concerned. After uselessly thinning their shoe leather on the cobbles for an hour or more they ended up by a graveyard and the Temple of Light. They knocked and roused one of the temple staff to find out how the urchins were coming along. The confused cleric explained that the temple was not open on Tuesdays or Thursdays--and this was a Thursday. With a shock the trio realized that we had most likely handed the orphans over to some imposters that morning. Kull flew into a rage and kicked the temple door open. The three pushed their way in and searched for any signs of the missing orphans. Kull sent Boomtock back to the mansion for Brute, sensing that reinforcements were needed. Uhmri soon came across a backpack tucked away which contained sets of chains and manacles, something not at all typical of a Temple of Light. Alas, Kull had neglected to remember that Boomtock had found the temple entirely by accident and thus would have to rediscover the whereabouts of the mansion in similar fashion, and thus also return to the temple relying on chance.
Back at the manse, Katherine settled into bed to read one of the books discovered in the secret room. Downstairs I uncorked a bottle of something with "vinyard" on the label, little caring, and wandered down to the study to ponder the mysterious portrait and my equally cryptic future. I found the study in a shocking state and was at first concerned that persons unknown had ransacked it in search of the secret treasure cache. A cursory examination of the scene, however, revealed scuff marks high up on the walls undoubtedly left by the vertical peregrinations a certain gnome wearing a certain ring. Relieved but still peeved I draped my tired frame over a comfortable chair and set my mind to determining the original position of Remi's portrait. The cad had already gone to his hellish reward in a wretched little village in the back of beyond but he might yet lead me to my earthly rewards here. The walls had numerous light rectangles in the paint where the various paintings had hung. If I could but match the councilman's framed visage to its original location it would indicate where to start my search. And just half a glass of wine later the decidedly mediocre bit of brushwork was back where it belonged--with Remi's hand gesturing towards the fireplace! I set to work examining it with gusto. If I could just have half an hour to myself then all would be revealed.
Upstairs Katherine finished reviewing the arcane tome. It did indeed contain spells which might be learned but as a beginner she was unsure of the true nature of many of them. She put it aside for the night and was about to lay her head down when she heard whispering. The whispering was her name, repeated softy and suggestively, and it came from the Black Mirror which was still covered. Perturbed, Katherine rushed out to find me.
Uhmri, in the meantime, exited the temple to survey the area around it. In a corner by the steps was a sleeping beggar. Uhmri recognized the pathetic fellow from that morning when we had relinquished possession of the little snot-noses to the bogus temple priests. The fellow greeted him cheerfully, probably assuming from his canine-pelt overgarment that he was a fellow beggar. The beggar informed the former fisherman that a group of men had in fact taken the children away and that those same men had also been at the temple on the preceding Tuesday. Not long after, Boomtock returned to the temple. Alas, his surprisingly rapid return was because he had lost his way and circled back quite by accident. Being a gnome, he simply transmogrified the facts into something more enjoyable and claimed that he had returned to the mansion but found none of us there. Being a sensible fellow, Uhmri disbelieved the explanation immedately and set off for the mansion himself.
As a matter of fact we were all still very much at the old pile. Brute had gone in search of an armory in order to better equip himself. With some difficulty he was able to communicate his interest to the mute servant Kevin who then took him down deep into a series of cellars. At last Kevin stopped at the end of a hallway by a heavy padlocked door set with a small window. Brute was suspicious and inquired of the servant if there were any traps but Kevin was evasive. It was difficult to determine if the mute was indeed unsure or held back for reasons of his own. Kevin left silently, taking his candle with him. Brute peered through the window and in the pitch dark his unnatural odd-fellow eyes made out what appeared to be a crypt beyond. With that he left off his explorations and returned to the main part of the house.
All this while I was poring over every aspect of the old fireplace. The craftsmanship of the mantle and surround was excellent--which was exactly the problem. There were indeed many nooks, crannies, seams, protuberances, and bas-reliefs which might conceal a hidden lever or catch. Testing the multitudinous possibilities would clearly take some time. Just then I heard Katherine calling and by luck--or inspiration by my golden-tressed muse--I pressed the eye of a gargoyle crafted into a bit of mosaic. The back of the fireplace swung open! I was overjoyed, but closed the concealed panel and went off to join my my other secret treasure as she came down the hallway. As she related the disturbing whispers from the mirror, we were startled to find Uhmri creeping silently up the stairs in the darkness like some wolf-garbed assassin. He said he had returned to report the situation at the temple but I found his oddly stealthy approach suspicious. Was it because he'd heard my Katherine's voice hoped to find her alone? Druid or no, I would have to keep a closer eye on his whereabouts in future. But gathering Brute we hurried back with him to join Kull and Boomtock.
Our small band was soon reunited, both in body and purpose, at the temple. We lacked, however, any idea on where to find the kidnappers. They could be hiding out nearby or already in a lair outside the city. It was possible the charlatans would return to the temple on Tuesday, continuing their modus operandi of appropriating it on days when it was closed, but we dared not wait that long. Brute suggested we start searching down at the river docks. Lacking other direction we rushed down the darkened streets to the waterway. Emerging from a narrow street we came across the docks quite suddenly. Katherine was saved from a tumble into the dark waters only by a quick bit of magic by the gnome. There were several boats and barges quietly tied up but little else in view. Then the beggar from the temple showed up. I thought it odd that he happened to be here of all places, but then there few other people about on the streets from whom he could wheedle the odd copper or two.
I was about to tell him to sod off when a couple of my companions heard suspicious sounds from one of the boats tied up at the bank. Uhmri slipped aboard with surprising stealth, even for a druid of the rivers. He found quite a few barrels about the deck, which would not be unusual for a merchant cargo, then sought to ascertain the source of the sounds. But Kull, with typical disregard for caution, took the direct approach and called out for the children. Then, not waiting for an answer he leaped aboard and made for the cabin door. For a moment I was worried that he might be creating an awkward situation with some innocent boat owners, but far be it from me to get between the massive odd-fellow and whatever he was after. Instead I made note of the nearest dark alleyways in case I might have to depart via one with alacrity. This wouldn't be the first time I'd made an expeditious withdrawal from a potentially embarrassing affair. Smashing in the door Kull immediately encountered three ruffians. Two were menacing a group of the orphans with swords and a third stuffing a small child into a barrel.
With that discovery no further caution or niceties needed observing. The beast within Kull took over and he became a storm of axe blades, roaring like a tornado. The rest of us leaped into action as well. I jumped across to the deck with a decent show of bravado but Boomtock crept across with strange caution. I looked askance at him and he pointed to his ring and explained, with gnome logic, "This isn't a play situation". Uhmri opened one of the barrels on deck and was surprised to find a small child within. Katherine opened another by applying her budding arcane talents and also discovered a child. Not to be outdone I quickly considered the set of barrels in my vicinity. If Uhmri was rescuing pitiful trapped urchins in front of Katherine then I would have to do likewise, preferably with a great deal more heroic panache.
But oh, fateful choice. I pried the wooden lid from one oaken cylinder and who should emerge but young Merity. "Trevor!" she exclaimed with glee, "my hero!" And with that she flung her arms about me with abandon. "Ah, Merity", I replied with difficulty, "I'm so glad you are...all right". "Oh Trevor, I just knew you'd come rescue me!" she gushed breathlessly. She hung from my neck, her young arms squeezing my like a hangman's noose, clearly with no intention of ever letting go. I glanced sideways at Katherine and was relieved to see her and the others focused on extracting more children and passing them over to Brute on the docks. "Yes, well, we really must be going now Merity" I tried to explain in as casual a manner as I could muster. I struggled to devise a way to pry her away without actually laying hands on her. From the cabin I could hear the clash of steel and someone screaming, but it all seemed so far away. "Oh Trevor, my Trevor, how ever can I thank you? You've saved my life again. This must be fate. We must never, ever be parted again!" she vowed with the utmost conviction. There was some sort of activity on the deck behind me involving urchins and axes or something or other. "Um, look, Merity, there might be more of your little friends in this barrel here", I offered hopefully. Merity went even more doe-eyed at the suggestion. "Sweet Trevor, how so like you to think of others before yourself even amidst the worst of dangers. No wonder everyone calls you amazing!" She hugged my neck even tighter and laid her head on my shoulder. A bead of cold sweat trickled down my temple.
Katherine and the others had just about finished freeing the encapsulated young captives and would soon be looking around. I cast about wildly for some way to divest myself of my much-too-young admirer before anyone could notice our rather inappropriate-looking situation. Suddenly several of the released children rushed over and began hugging Merity. To my great relief she let go and exchanged hugs and words of affection with them. I stepped quickly away, noting the faces of my rescuers. I would have to remember to slip them each a shilling later as reward.
Kull staggered up the stairs from the cabin, barely able to keep to his feet. His axes were red with blood and the crimson liquid was spattered all about his person. Uhmri dragged one of the ruffians from the cabin alive but cowed with fear, the others presumably slain. Kull said something like "Yes, mother, I'll try", taking deep breath after deep breath to ease his savage energies. Boomtock helped calm the children with a deft casting of illusory fascination.. Brute stayed with Kull while he recovered; later the massive one plunged into the river for a cleansing bath. The rest of us returned to the mansion with the children. Merity kept trying to hold my hand the entire way back, repeatedly assuring me that now we would always be happy together. I resorted to entertaining the urchins with some stage magic as we walked in order to provide me with an excuse to need both hands unencumbered.
Back at the house Uhmri and I accompanied Katherine to her room in case the shrouded mirror began whispering her name again. As we entered the room I realized that this mirror was the same one which had appeared in my earlier dream. I decided that despite my misgivings I would have to explore its secrets before long.
Monday, September 30, 2013
The Journal of Katherine, Entry 32
I am writing while on the road back towards the city that was invaded by goblins. We camp where there is also a homeless man, filled with too much firewater. I gave some food and he came alive with fairytales of places we just came from. His mind had already left his hollow body. Sleep was easy this night. Onri and I had the same watch. Kulr and Fizzleboom have the second watch, and Brute and Trevor have the last. When Kulr is up, he works out, and it took a while for me to fall asleep into a rhythm of the noises he makes. Before we left Broderick’s house, I wanted to go back to that secret room, to look at the books. When at the room, I could not remember how to enter. I tried to have the gnome, Fizzle Boom, go with me into the room, because Trevor wanted to sample the house wines. Even though the room was calling out to me, I put aside the urge to enter, as Fizzelboom did not seem to appreciate the contents.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
The Journal of Katherine, Entry 31
The next entry in Katherine's journal continues her story:
Entry 31
If I could curse! I am so upset with myself. Calm down so I can write. It is morning and I don’t have much time. Of all the ones that found out, it had to be him. He is so not like Keith. Keith was a sorcerer, not some half mage. And oh how Keith would have like to see the secret library I discovered. There were books to read, and study. If only he were here now. It seems that I was sleep walking and through some witchcraft was led to this room. The amazing said he was following me - makes me wonder why he was following another man - or at least he thought he was following a man, or did he know – it does not matter now. The Amazing followed me into this room, and broke the charm I was under. This was a second time he broke the charm – just coincidence. Or is he secretly looking after me? But any way, he now knows of my secret. I knew it would be difficult to keep it going. He stated that he would be discrete and not tell. It seems that if the amazing could make money selling my secret, he would. Oh, how he reminds me of my father. To finish this entry on a better note, I must tell the others soon. Kulr is just a gentle giant, I must write of how kind he was with the children. He carried them on his shoulders. He would make a fine father some day. And Brute seems good and honorable. These two are not like anyone I have met so far. The other half mage, Bang Fizzleout, I have not figured out yet. Time for no more interruptions, I must sleep. Let me find a blanketand put it over the mirror. Was it calling out to me…
Entry 31
If I could curse! I am so upset with myself. Calm down so I can write. It is morning and I don’t have much time. Of all the ones that found out, it had to be him. He is so not like Keith. Keith was a sorcerer, not some half mage. And oh how Keith would have like to see the secret library I discovered. There were books to read, and study. If only he were here now. It seems that I was sleep walking and through some witchcraft was led to this room. The amazing said he was following me - makes me wonder why he was following another man - or at least he thought he was following a man, or did he know – it does not matter now. The Amazing followed me into this room, and broke the charm I was under. This was a second time he broke the charm – just coincidence. Or is he secretly looking after me? But any way, he now knows of my secret. I knew it would be difficult to keep it going. He stated that he would be discrete and not tell. It seems that if the amazing could make money selling my secret, he would. Oh, how he reminds me of my father. To finish this entry on a better note, I must tell the others soon. Kulr is just a gentle giant, I must write of how kind he was with the children. He carried them on his shoulders. He would make a fine father some day. And Brute seems good and honorable. These two are not like anyone I have met so far. The other half mage, Bang Fizzleout, I have not figured out yet. Time for no more interruptions, I must sleep. Let me find a blanketand put it over the mirror. Was it calling out to me…
Evocative Place: Salar De Uyuni
Okay, so I was cruising around on Google Earth (because I've always loved maps and Google Earth is awesome) and I noticed a huge white patch in the Andes in South America. I assumed it was a large area of snow-capped mountains but I zoomed in anyways. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is the world's largest salt lake, the Salar De Uyuni. And not only is it a massive salt lake of over 10,000 km2 (4,000 mi2) but it has a massive dormant volcano, Cerro Tunupa, looming over it on the north edge. How cool is that? In addition there are "islands" of rock outcroppings rising above the flat "sea" of salt. The locals mine the salt to sell and flocks of flamingos migrate there for the winter breeding season.
This is obviously a cool location.
But I'd already made up a location like that for my last game. I called it the Salt Sorrow. Two hundred years before the current game time the entire region north of the players' home town was a vast expanse of marsh forest laced with rivers and lakes. It was ruled by a dynasty of black (water element) dragons. But a curse laid by the human pharaoh-vizier to the dragons turned it all to desert and salt flats. There was an oasis in the middle where a tribe of ogres lived, making money charging a toll for access to the water to travelers and salt miners. In a remote section of it were the remains of a massive palace of the black dragons with much inside to discover.
Now having read up on Salar de Uyuni I'd update the entire area with more cool elements, such as a layer of briny water below the top crust. I'd swap the migrating flamingos for something more fantastic, like giant dragonflies. Every year during the winter massive monsoon rains dump enough rain to form large brine pools into which hatch hibernating shrimps. The dragonflies come to feast and breed, attracting in turn predators which seek to feed on them and their freshly-laid egg masses. But the dragonflies defend their eggs, savagely attacking any intruders.
And take this photo (from Wikimedia Commons) of salt piles there. Imagine that they are 150-200 feet across and equally high and each is riddled with caves, tunnels, and burrows. One might even be fitted with windows and doors as a place to live (or dungeon to explore). Or imagine that they are a mile across and high and each one home to a separate clan of lizard people or weird salt mining dwarves, each feuding with the others.
Now a location needs encounters. I don't usually make up "proper" encounter tables with percentages for things because I don't want the party to get trashed by something inappropriate. Instead I make up an encounter list and select from it as seems best.
Salt Lake Creature Encounter List
Achaierai [CR 5]; only found within 1 mile of shore; lay their eggs in the shallow brine layer under the salt crust, very aggressive in defense of egg sites
Ankheg [CR 3]
Basilisk, Salthide [CR 5]; white shiny scales; CR 28 to spot against the white salt lake background
Bat Swarm [CR 2]; night only
Camels [CR 1]; migrating across
Caryatid Columns [CR 3]; wandering from the damaged dragon palace
Earth (salt) Elemental, medium (CR 3]
Giant Centipede [CR 1/2]
Gnolls [CR 1]; hunting party with hyenas or slaver party
Lizardfolk, Saltscale [CR 1]; hunting party or holy warriors looking for captive to sacrifice
Ogre [CR 3]; patrol, will try to charge toll else attack
Purple Worm [CR 12]
Salt Mephits [CR 3]
Salt Wights [CR 3]; night only
Saltman [CR 3]; as a Sandman, but made of salt rather than sand
Skeleton [CR 1/3]
White Pudding [CR 6]; CR 30 to spot the white puddings against the white salt background
Will-o'-wisp (night only) [CR 6]
Wraiths [CR 5]; night only
Zombie [CR 1/2]; died from lack of water, thirsting for the blood of the living
This is obviously a cool location.
But I'd already made up a location like that for my last game. I called it the Salt Sorrow. Two hundred years before the current game time the entire region north of the players' home town was a vast expanse of marsh forest laced with rivers and lakes. It was ruled by a dynasty of black (water element) dragons. But a curse laid by the human pharaoh-vizier to the dragons turned it all to desert and salt flats. There was an oasis in the middle where a tribe of ogres lived, making money charging a toll for access to the water to travelers and salt miners. In a remote section of it were the remains of a massive palace of the black dragons with much inside to discover.
Now having read up on Salar de Uyuni I'd update the entire area with more cool elements, such as a layer of briny water below the top crust. I'd swap the migrating flamingos for something more fantastic, like giant dragonflies. Every year during the winter massive monsoon rains dump enough rain to form large brine pools into which hatch hibernating shrimps. The dragonflies come to feast and breed, attracting in turn predators which seek to feed on them and their freshly-laid egg masses. But the dragonflies defend their eggs, savagely attacking any intruders.
And take this photo (from Wikimedia Commons) of salt piles there. Imagine that they are 150-200 feet across and equally high and each is riddled with caves, tunnels, and burrows. One might even be fitted with windows and doors as a place to live (or dungeon to explore). Or imagine that they are a mile across and high and each one home to a separate clan of lizard people or weird salt mining dwarves, each feuding with the others.
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| ( Luca Galuzzi - www.galuzzi.it) |
Now a location needs encounters. I don't usually make up "proper" encounter tables with percentages for things because I don't want the party to get trashed by something inappropriate. Instead I make up an encounter list and select from it as seems best.
Salt Lake Creature Encounter List
Achaierai [CR 5]; only found within 1 mile of shore; lay their eggs in the shallow brine layer under the salt crust, very aggressive in defense of egg sites
Ankheg [CR 3]
Basilisk, Salthide [CR 5]; white shiny scales; CR 28 to spot against the white salt lake background
Bat Swarm [CR 2]; night only
Camels [CR 1]; migrating across
Caryatid Columns [CR 3]; wandering from the damaged dragon palace
Earth (salt) Elemental, medium (CR 3]
Giant Centipede [CR 1/2]
Gnolls [CR 1]; hunting party with hyenas or slaver party
Lizardfolk, Saltscale [CR 1]; hunting party or holy warriors looking for captive to sacrifice
Ogre [CR 3]; patrol, will try to charge toll else attack
Purple Worm [CR 12]
Salt Mephits [CR 3]
Salt Wights [CR 3]; night only
Saltman [CR 3]; as a Sandman, but made of salt rather than sand
Skeleton [CR 1/3]
White Pudding [CR 6]; CR 30 to spot the white puddings against the white salt background
Will-o'-wisp (night only) [CR 6]
Wraiths [CR 5]; night only
Zombie [CR 1/2]; died from lack of water, thirsting for the blood of the living
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