Tag: adventurer

Blood Brothers: Part Four

Asteria was out the back of the inn, cleaning himself up. Wish Aldrich wasn’t so severe all the time. But it is so good getting this grime off me.

Didn’t take him long to finish his bath; the pre-heated water and the cost of one silver piece were worth it. Now Asteria felt normal again. It was time for him to grace the lovely Teresa with his presence again. Maybe he could, no I shouldn’t; Aldrich would tell me off if I did anything with the innkeeper’s daughter.

Back around the inn, Asteria winked at Teresa as she walked out of the bunkhouse. Flirting was one of Asteria’s favourite pastimes when he wasn’t practising his magic.

They’re sitting on one of the tables to scold Aldrich and the oblivious ‘reader’ Orroark. Wondering when he will figure out looking at pictures is not reading?

Aldrich looked at Asteria, his spoon dipping into the bowl of stew in front of him. “About time, we actually need your thoughts on the uses of royal jelly. Why is it so special?”

Asteria headed over to the pot of stew, ladled a bowl full and sat down with his two brothers. He could see the slight flush of anger rising in Aldrich’s face.

As he was about to take another spoonful, Aldrich raised his eyebrow at his brother’s antics. “Are you going to answer me?”

“Are you going to apologise for your rudeness?” Asteria retort. 

With a short growl, Aldrich said, “I am sorry, but we have a job to do. Can you please tell us why this royal jelly from a giant bee is so valuable?”

Tapping the spoon on his bottom lip, Orroark guffawed at Asteria’s tomfoolery. “Well, magic, I guess.”

“Magic?” Aldrich groaned; with gritted teeth, he continued. “Anything else?”

Laughing at Aldrich’s grumpy face, Asteria replied. “Yes, I feel like that it would have superior qualities for any healing potion. As I am not an alchemist, I can only guess from here, which could make a cure light one worth as much as 150 gold pieces instead of store price for one is 50 gold pieces.”

“How much do you think she would need for each potion?” Aldrich greedy mind started to see gold in his future.

“Ounces for each one, maybe. What do you think, Orroark?” Asteria asked.

“Well, with each pound that could make 4 to 16 of these new potions and by my research, there could be could be at least seven to ten pounds in the hive.” Orroark pushed up his wireframes.

“So we should ask for more money for each pound?” Aldrich rubbed his hands together.

“One hundred gold for each pound we deliver, and we don’t know what goes into making these potions, so why ask for more?” Orroark inquired.

“Cause it is a moneymaker!” Aldrich said with gusto.

“It is a moneymaker for an alchemist; maybe we should ask for three potions on top of the 100 for each pound?” Asteria counted. “I could swing that, I think.”

“Hmm, at least 1000 gold between us? Yeah, you are right brother, we shouldn’t push too hard.” Aldrich noted.

The three brothers sat in silence, thinking of the money they are about to make. It is equivalent to nearly a year’s wage each. This adventuring gig is worth it.

Blood Brothers: Part Three

Aldrich, Asteria and Orroark followed Darren to a neighbouring building. The door was a standard size, seven-foot-tall, and the group mistaken this building as a two-story. It seemed to be sized to their size instead of the smaller races of the town.

“Here you go, lads.” Darren pointed out with a key in his hand. “It isn’t much, but the beds and furniture are designed for big uns like you lot.”

Asteria grabbed the key, “Thank you, Milita Captain….”

“None of that lad, I’m just a retired guard from the large town up north. Thought I that this place would be quiet enough for me, but dealing with big bugs and gobos has kept me on my toes.”

Ignoring the goblin reference, “So, the mayor told us that you had the information about the job with the bees,” Aldrich stated

“Yeah, I do. The bees are held up in the covered bridge. Pain in the arse, they are.” Darren spat on the ground. “No trade wagons been in town for weeks now, and my squad is too green to deal with the bugs.”

“Could you tell us, Mr Darren, what is the desire of the town with these horrific vermin?” Asteria asked.

“Kill them or whatever! Just get rid of the problem.” Darren points to the inn; the sign has a lion with bat wings and scorpion tail jumping out of a bag. “Just order from my girl over there for dinner. There isn’t a place for you all on my inn, but my girl will deliver your food here.”

With that, he stomped back to the inn, leaving the brothers standing in front of the house. Orroark swiped the key from Asteria and opened the door. “Why are we standing here? I got some reading to do about these bees!”

They walked into the place; it is just one large room: two tables, a fireplace and four double bunks with hooks hammered into the wall for their bags.

“What no bath? I need to wash.” Complained Asteria.

“Dunderhead, head over to the inn and see if they have a tub.” Aldrich shook his head; he walked about, lighting the three lamps in the area. “So what are we looking at, Orroark?”

Asteria left the bunkhouse in search of somewhere to bathe. Looking down at his book of nature, Orroark adjusted his glasses with no lens in them; he only has them to make him look smart. “The giant bees have a poison sting, and unlike their small brother bees, they can sting many times.” Orroark rubs his face. “Hmmm, it seems that they are susceptible to smoke like normal bees. Can we use that?”

Aldrich scratched his chin, “Maybe, there is an alchemist here, so we can get some smokesticks made, but I’m not paying for that. Might go and talk with a few locals. What does it say about the royal jelly?”

Orroark shook his head, “Nothing but if it is magical, Asteria might know.”

“He is going to be too busy prettying himself up tonight. You stay here and read. I’ll scope out the town.”

Orroark gave a thumbs up, and he stared at the book in front of him. Aldrich headed over to see what was taking Asteria so long. There he was, leaning up against the wall talking to a young female halfling. The last thing we need has the pretty boy picking up the innkeeper’s daughter. Aldrich thought.

“Hey, brother,” Asteria looked over, his face slightly flushed. “Thought you were looking for a tub to bathe?”

“I am, Aldrich; I just got into such a captivating conversation with this beautiful woman.” Asteria wink at the small girl, who giggled and blushed.

“Sure, sure. Did you at least order dinner?” Aldrich looked up to see the sun just coming to early dusk.

“Yes, he did, um sir.” The halfling woman said. “I am Teresa; my mother is working on a pot of stew with a basket of bread. Have you lit the fire yet?”

Shaking his head, Aldrich looked pointedly at his brother. “Go wash up.” And with a lighter tone, he spoke to Teresa while Asteria walked off with his head high. “Sorry for my brother.”

“No, worries, I have had merchants and guards be a lot more forward with me than your brother,” Teresa said.

“You know why we are here?” Teresa nodded. “I was wondering if you knew anyone in the town who looks at the bees in a more positive light?”

Teresa looked thoughtful, “There is one of the farmer families, Hermes and his wife, Enes. They have a few hives of normal bees, and they are our local brewers as well. They have been thinking of building a larger hive to house the giant bees, but no one wants to try.”

“Hmm, interesting. Where is the farm?” Aldrich asked.

“Just head up the road and take the first right path, and it will lead you to their farm,” Teresa replied.

Good, I will chat with them tomorrow, Aldrich thought. It seems we can make a little more money out of this job. “Thank you, can you point me to the woodpile as we have nothing to light our fireplace?”

Teresa pointed past the inn. “Just around there, grab what you want. I should head in and check on your dinner.”

Aldrich nodded and headed over to the woodpile with gold coins clinking in his head. Yes, this will be well worth the effort!

Blood Brothers: Part Two

Following Eli down into the small town, passing large farms budding with rye and wheat, the three lads seem to be a little peevish as they were raised next to a forest. The last few weeks have been eye-opening for them as so much land has been cleared for agriculture.
The village itself was clearly small by most standards, ten houses with only three more than one story. Eli’s short legs pumped to keep ahead of the brothers. As they moved into village proper, he headed to a more well-built building.
“Here we are, our town hall. Come on inside, and I will find my boss to talk to you as well.” Eli said as he quickly headed across the cobbled road to a prominent inn.
The door was only around six foot high, with a door nob around the knee area. Being in a predominantly gnome village, the concept as usual. Asteria opened the door and strode in with his older brother Aldrich following suit. At the same time, Orroark had to duck and sidestep to get through the small entrance.
Seeing the ceiling was at least seven foot high, Orroark blew a relief breath, “By the books, my back and neck won’t cramp up with ducking all the time.”
Asteria, a mere five foot nine specimen half-elf noted. “I hope they have some better accommodation as I am of despite need of a bath.” Sniffing the air, “we all are.”
Aldrich, with his paranoia, scoped out the area for anything unusual and kept an eye out for some tiny trinkets that could be misplaced. “With the job only stating that we will be paid only fifty gold pieces with food and board. I just wonder if the special reward noted will pay us out a heck of a lot better than the trivial amount we have been promised.”
“And you will be right.” Another gnome walked in from a back room, her hair shining like pure gold. “I am Mayor Tabitha, and yes, the special reward should be quite adequate to compensate for your adventurers’ needs.”
With another overly flourishing bow, Asteria added, “Please excuse my brother; he can be a bit mercenary when it comes to our funds. We have been sent by the Hall of Adventurers to be of service.”
Orroark piped in, “Could you tell us what vermin plagues your town.” He reached into his side bag, finding a decent volume which the title states’ Animals of the Wild (with Pictures). “The books associated with the job told us that it was a bee problem?”
“Yes, there are bees, but they are of the giant verity inside the common honey bee. Due to that nature, we do need strapping adventurers to deal with the issue.” Tabitha responded.
Aldrich came out bluntly and stated, “And what is this special reward that was offered?”
Asteria sighed by his elder brother’s greed nature. Still, it does help that he will always find the most money out of most situations. “As my brother said, and please forgive his rudeness, what do we need to look for?”
Mayor Tabitha smiled and looked up at the three, “That is fine. I, too, can be a little too forward when the situation arises, but it is simple; I am looking for royal jelly.”
Orroark roared in laughter, flipping a few pages. “Yes, by the books, here it is. Should have realised it earlier.”
The gnome looked shocked at his outburst as Orroark built more like a massive thug. Only then she noticed the small wire glasses on the edge of Orroark’s nose as he flipped through a book with unabashed joy.
Aldrich huffed, “Are you going to spit it out, Orroark or do I tell Mum you are reading again?”
With that statement, Orroark’s pale green face flashed with a deeper green. “No, no, Mum doesn’t need to know about this.” Looking worried, Orroark looked over at Asteria, who shrugged and gave a small encouraging smile. “Maybe we should let the mayor answer as she has much more knowledge than my merger understanding.”
With that, Mayor Tabitha took up the conversation. “Yes, royal jelly is found in most beehives, but the Giant bee variety is widely known as being more potent in healing properties. With even a pound of the stuff, I can increase the potency of my potions by at least one degree with little effort.”
“So, how much will you pay for this jelly?” Aldrich asked.
Asteria added, “If you please, Ms Mayor.” Aldrich scoffed at his pretty brother, fancying up the situation. “Also, do you have lodging of people of our size in the town?”
“First with the lodgings,” As Tabitha was about to answer, an older halfling of stocky build moved quickly into the town hall. “The Militia Captain and innkeeper can tell you in one moment. With the royal jelly, I am willing to give one hundred pieces of gold for each pound you recover. Now I will leave you with Darren.”
With that Mayor Tabitha, exited the room. The halfling known as Darren stepped up to the three brothers. “Well, I guess it is time for me to tell you about our problems. Please come this way, so I can show you where you will stay for the duration of the job.”
Each of the brothers shrugged and followed the stout grey-haired halfling out, each wondering different things. Aldrich looking forward to gold coins filling his purse, Orroark reading and finding out more about the bees, while Asteria just wanted a bath.

Blood Brothers: Part One

As Orroark, Asteria and Aldrich reached the top of the hill; they can finally see their destination. Two weeks previously, the three brothers were granted their first job from the Hall of Adventurers.

They needed to head to a town by the name of Bowmantle, which lies in between two major trade routes. The three brothers agreed to deal with an infestation of bees that was posted by Mayor Tabitha, a gnomish Alchemist of some renown.

“By the books, we have finally arrived!” Yelled Orroark, the youngest sibling.

Aldrich noted that there was a watchtower staked out in their path. “Calm down, Brother. It seems that your yell has stirred up the local scouts.”

“Bah, if they wish for knowledge.” Orroark lifted an odd weapon; a hefty tome bounded to a  massive club. “I will allow them to feel the unending revelation from my Big Book of Bashing!”

A gentle hand rested on his younger brother; Asteria looked up at Orroark. His hair still looked perfectly styled even though they have been on the road for two weeks.

“Dearest Orroark, calm please, this is the town for the job.” Asteria swishes back his hair, exposing the small tipped ears of a half-elf. “I understand that is mother’s way; smash first.”

Orroark’s brutish half-orcish face didn’t disguise the glint of genuine intelligence that lingered behind his barbarian ways. Looking down at his more frail brother, while swinging his weapon up onto his shoulder. “I will never “Orroark Smash”, only show them the power of knowledge.”

The eldest brother, Aldrich, only inherited the human side of both parents. “It seems to be a moot point now, as our ruckus seems to notice us by the scout.”

Jogging up towards them was a small creature with wicked lighting blue hair, a shared trait of his race; a Gnome. The three brothers started down the hill to meet this ‘scout’.

As they approached, the gnome, male and visibly armed with a spear, yelled out. “Halt, who comes to Bowmantle?”

Asteria stepped forward, as the other brothers knew he was a better face to unknown people. While he is the carrot, Orroark is the stick with Aldrich as the sneaky tripline, which no one would expect.

“My dear sir, we are the Blood Brothers, an adventurer group coming to be of assisting your mayor in the removal of some vermin.” Asteria ended his speech with a flourishing bow.

A groan from Aldrich and a chuckle from Orroark meet the confused look of the militia scout. “Um, you are from the Hall of Adventurers?”

As Asteria took another breath to break into another flowery speech, Aldrich stepped forward, “Yes, we are. Could you take us to the Mayor?”

Asteria muttered under his breath. “Blunt brother, again.”

The gnome perked up by Asteria’s mutterings. As he looked up at the three while leaning on his spear, “You are brothers?”

Aldrich, Orroark and Asteria looked at each other. Before the more savvy brother answer, Orroark with a glint of menace and a half snark. “By the books, don’t we look like it! These are my elder brothers, Aldrich and Asteria, and I am the future scholar barbarian Orroark. And who be you to be judging us when you have been rude by not introducing thyself.”

“I am sorry… I am Militiaman Eli; please follow me to the town hall.”

Orroark broke into a guffaw. Asteria nodded with Aldrich, spying Eli’s coin pouch. They followed the Militiaman into Bowmantle.

Part One: Getting back to my roots

So next Sunday will be the first day of my ‘going back to my roots.’ I will be introducing three new people to dungeons and dragon. Still, I have found some interesting concepts and want to write a side by side short stories on their adventures. I will first start as an introduction to future games.

I would introduce each character and break into the story after the first game on the 11th of April.

The three players are the children of Karraaaggg, the Half-Orc Barbarian (Mum, 7ft tall) and Jazerith, Half-Elven Ranger (Dad, 5 foot 8 inches).

The oldest child is Aldrich, a roguish man of the grand age of 27. He inherited from his mixed-race parents only the human side—a bit of a trouble maker and a disappointment to his father not following in his ranger’s ways.

The next Asteria, a half-elven like his father but was born with magic from a long lost dragons’ bloodline. Being the prettiest of all the children and 21 years old. You can find him down either in the fields practising his innate magic or down at the town centre as he is a bit of a ladies man.

The last is Orroark, a strapping 16-year-old half-orc like his mum and did follow/forced to become a barbarian, but he loves to read. Unfortunately, Karraaaggg knocked sense into him (literally), so he cannot read. A wandering scholar told him in passing that knowledge is power, and the best way to knowledge, can be found in books. So now he uses books as his weapons.

Now, they are off into the big bad world searching for adventure!

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 4

Part Four

While Slate is ‘subdued’ by the Watch, Arcareius the White awakes in acolyte cell in the Cathedral of the Trinity. His life was simple since being found on the altar of the Trinity as a babe. It was deemed by the High White Jessica Pureheart, that he would be trained as one of her successors.

Glancing at the small mirror in his room, Arcareius dons his habit. Most people would say he is beautiful, high cheekbones, soft and full mouth, deep golden eyes with white-blond hair. The only marring he has on this perfect body was six scars on his back, three on each side. He has had them since being a babe, no one knows how he got them.

As much as the calling to Arcareius was easy to hear, the other successors didn’t admire his faith. At the age of only fourteen, he passed the test to be view as a member of the Church while most acolytes don’t complete the examination until their mid-twenties. This caused no end of bitterness in his fellows, but as much as Arcareius was blind to the others scorn and jealously.

Heading to morning pray, Arcareius moves through the white halls of the Trinity’s Cathedral. Ignoring the whispers of his fellows, Arcareius strode into the sub-church as that is what a humble man would do.

Kneeling at the marble pedestal, Arcareius murmurs the words of the White, “We are the holy fires that burn within. We bear the sword of justice with conviction. Our earth is pure as the cycle of life and death, we are Trinity’s light that brings clarity and purity to mind, body and soul.” Taking a breath, he pleads to the Trinity. “In your boundless wisdom would you guide your fragile follower, he doth know what need of him but fears that his path is not a straight line as most claim.” 

An older but gentle voice rings out in the pews, “Maybe It is just waiting for you to figure out yourself?”

How dare someone commits such heresy in the Trinity’s Church, Arcareius whips around to see the High White standing there smiling at him. She has a presence that has not diminished in her later years. Many laugh line surrounding her brilliant green eyes with only a touch of her ruby hair within the mess of grey.

“Oh, High White, I was merely praying to the Trinity to give me some guidance,” Arcareius said as he kneeled in front of the High White.

“Do not worry and rise, my son, in Its light we flourish. As much as we, old folks, prattle on about the Trinity, we know that each one’s path to White is their individual journey.” Jessica explained. “Maybe my old ears lend you a listen, how about it Acolyte Arcareius?”

Looking into the eyes of the holiest person in Faviniona, Arcareius hesitates his next words for only a moment. “I do not know, your Grace, I feel wrong somehow. I listen to the journeys of other Whites, and you all had a full life in each Aspect. Even your Grace did a stint in the Orange Crusaders. I am being moulded to be a White, maybe to be your successor, I am an only twenty-two-year-old, and I don’t know enough to lead the Church.”

With a bark of a laugh, mirth rises in High White Jessica. “Finally, my son, you have realised that your path is longer than you thought. I have never said there is a distinct journey to White, but you have to understand that. We can preach and tell you our stories, but you have to listen to concede that your path differs from your sisters and brothers of the White.”

“Then what should I do?” Arcareius asks.

Standing up, with no sign of age. “Then we go grab a tram and head to the Blue gaol.” As Jessica leaves Arcareius dumbfounded in the aisle of the outer Church, she glances back. “Coming, my son?”

With a rustle of hemp cloth, Arcareius jogs to catch up with his High White. The only thing on his mind is why are we going there? If Arcareius could hear Jessica’s thoughts, he would know.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 3

Part Three

Natasha could hear the comments from the armed thugs that surrounded her brother. Said the balding man with a large gut barely covered by an arming jacket. “Are you some sort of Rock creature? You know your kind are allowed here. I think we might need to escort you back to your district to the other whores.” The rest of the group growled their agreements.

Another called out, his hair greased up to look stylish with a handlebar moustache to finish off his look. “Lookie at these dreads, by Mela they are green like a moss rock. Have you ever seen such rustic shit in your life, at you from the boonies?” As he reaches out to handle Slate’s hair.

From all the way over in the archway, Natasha watched as Slate shook. It was apparent that it wasn’t fear but fury. It wasn’t the first time he was accosted by humans, due to his unique look. With Slate topping over seven-foot and could easily lift a cow over his head, he has to learn not to knock the teeth out of stupid townies.

One thing Natasha dislike is the small-mindedness of her fellow humans, especially ones that treat other races with disdain. Seeing Slate’s shoulders bunch and knuckles whiten, Natasha knew it was time to act.

“What in Saint Jara of the Hammer, is going on here?” Natasha calls out.

Looking around, she noticed that the owner was not anywhere to be seen, more likely he is running to get the Watch. Having this many armed people in your place of business would be cause for alarm.

The one still holding Slate’s hair looks over at the solid armed woman that is Natasha. “And who in the Abyssus are you? And do you know this non-citizen scum?”

“Simple, this is my brother, and we are here for none-of-your-slip-sucker business! Slate come over here.” Natasha called out to her brother.

With a burst of movement, Slate moves like a reed in the wind, for someone as big and gaudy as he put most dancers to shame. As he slaps away the hand holding his hair, Slate flows through the crowd of six as he was akin to water flowing around rocks.

The six thugs barely even notice the movement, the only reaction was the man who was holding Slate’s hair as that small slap caused no small amount of pain to radiate up the thug’s arm.

Natasha whisper to Slate as he positions himself behind her, “I will handle this.”

Slate just nods, as this a regular accordance being non-human, especially in Favinonia City. He has his papers, but at least once per week, he is accosted by some small-minded thug or Watchman. It is better to not resist than to be in even more trouble.

“I was wondering why you are bullying a citizen of Favinonia?” Natasha asks.

The large balding man sorts at the question. “He is no citizen, he’s not even one of the demi-humans. Is he just a little savage you have to warm your bed? If you want a real man, you just have to ask.”

Being nearly a half a head taller than most of the so-called men in front of her, Natasha retorts. “If I was interested in men, you would be the very last on my list.”

“What you some sort of dyke? I would imagine being more looking like a man than a woman.” Said the one with the greased-up pencil moustache.

With a whip of her hand, Natasha grabs hold of her falcata, and with that, the six worms she is facing are just another annoyance.

With a loud crash, the doors to the inn are thrown open, and a booming voice comes from the opening. “Put up your arms, you are under arrest!” Reliquciing her blade’s grip, Natasha breath out. Good, the Watch will figure this out. “Capture that one.”

As Natasha turns around, she watches as eight Watchmen charge towards Slate, billy-clubs high. The last thing she sees before Slate raises his arms in the air and the first crack of a club was resignation in Slate’s eyes. Like this was just a Twosday.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 2

Part Two

Slate was excited for today becoming an Adventurer knowing that he will be finally free from studying at school. His big sister Natasha thought that would be the best way for him to learn how to be a Favinonian, but in his heart of hearts, he is still one with the Mountain.

As to his nature, even though mother nature itself doesn’t exist in Favinonia City, State wakes up with the dawn. As there is no need to find new wood for the fire or even hunt breakfast, Slate doesn’t have much to do this morning.

Heading down to the foyer, he spies the owner of the inn Natasha and Slate are staying at. Looking up from his notes as he hears the creaking of the wooden planks of the stairs due to Slate’s size.

“Good Sir, what can I help you at this hour?” Jonas Cuvar asks, his voice has a hidden catch in it as Slate knows it was from fear.

Inwardly sighing at being called a Sir, Slate steps in front of the inn’s owner. Putting on a smile as he found humans become less fearful of his noticeable size and strength. Being one of the Folks of the Mountain, or Gakk’en in his language, it was normal for people to cower in fear.

Lightening his voice as it can be quite intense, Slate answers. “Oh nothing, just waking up early and wondering when breakfast will be served?”

“Yes, Sir,” Jonas, with a little hitch in his voice. “I will ask my wife to rustle up some for you and your…”

Shaking his head, Slate supplies. “Sister, and before you ask, I am adopted.”

“Um, ah, that was not my meaning, Sir.” With a small whiff, Slate could tell that Jonas peed himself a little.

Nodding and ignoring the palatable fear in the man’s scent. “Have that made I will be down with my sister.”

Maybe it was the eight-foot bow he had on his back when he walked in yesterday or even the colossal stone hammer he held easily held in his large hand. Slate will never relinquish those two weapons as they are his only connection to his people.

He owed everything to Natasha, if it wasn’t for her, he would have died after surviving

the landslide and being incarcerated. As Slate walks towards the stairs, a gruff voice calls from behind. “Look at that, a walking statue. Jara’s balls you are huge, rock boy.”

Just ignore him, not the first or last time you have been thought as part rock

Slate lectures himself.

“What are you too good to talk to me, bah!” All Slate could hear as he walked up to the third floor to wake Natasha up.

Little did he know that that loudmouth had friends and having a peaceful breakfast seemed not to be on the table for Slate and Natasha.