96 - “An Old Friend” - Granthurg - A Tale of Heroes

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Granthurg stepped off the pier and onto the barge. This was the boat he knew, that had been his home for so many seasons, so many years. He and Rinkmorr had driven it up and back, east and west, all along the two Wynne rivers. Granthurg had loaded crates, bags, and barrels, only to unload them and sell them in the next town along the river. He could say it was his barge, but he didn’t dare call it his own.

The sun had set, and the only light was from the one forward oculus gem hanging from a pole on the bow. The river gave off a familiar musty smell that ne only noticed when he thought about it, or, like tonight, when he hadn’t been to the waterfront in a while.

He slowly walked along the side railing, running his hand across the smooth and weathered wood. It was not a new barge, by any means, but it was still sturdy. Its timbers creaked as the river water rocked it gently in its sleep by the pier.

He had done some work on it since it had been berthed there at Dirae. He had cleaned up all of the broken and scattered crates and cargo, after someone had tossed through it all, looking for the dragon dagger. The few boxes remaining were now neatly secured under new tarps, awaiting a chance to be sold in another town.

Another town? Where will I be going? Thissraelle said she wants to go further west, to get to Emberfire. She doesn’t seem to be in much of a hurry to leave the monastery, though.

His hand felt a change in the railing as he moved sternward. He paused, feeling the difference. Here was a bit of new wood. This was a section of the railing that Granthurg had replaced, after the fight. That was when they left Twynne Rivers, when the men came looking for Rinkmorr. That was the last time he had seen Rinkmorr.

I had just barely met DeFrantis and Antonerri. Then, suddenly, we were all swept away into trying to find the children. He chuckled to himself. It’s odd how things change.

He stepped up onto the steering platform, and looked back over the barge. He didn’t want to think about what might have happened to Rinkmorr, but it was strange looking at the barge and thinking that it might not see his friend and boss again. He shook that possibility out of his mind.

It’s odd how things change.

He knelt down, and unlocked the hatch on the floor at the back of the platform. He lifted up the small hinged plank and peered into the shadows below. In the dim light, he could barely make out what he knew was there, what he had seen dozens of times. It was a green and brown gem of finely polished jade, just a little smaller than his fist. It was braced in place over the water by a crosspiece of wood, and held there by a band of iron, bolted to the boards.

Alright, let’s see if I can do this.

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This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing. If you like this story, support us at our Patreon!
Thank you: Chet Cox, Genevieve Springer!

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95 - “Sending a Message” - Granthurg - A Tale of Heroes

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Late in the day, the hot summer sun was finally drooping down behind the horizon, sending reds and purples across the bottoms of the few high clouds in the sky over Dirae. The last of the street vendors along the waterfront were gathering up their wares, and the glow of lanternlight was starting to shine in the windows of the pubs and inns along the street. The few trade barges that were there at the docks that day were being tied securely in place.

Granthurg sat at a public table above the piers along the waterfront, just above his own barge. They had been built and set there by the town for the convenience of the river runners. These were the ones that drove the trade barges up and down the Wynne River, from the elvish lands in the northwestern forests and swamps, through the city of Twynne Rivers, and on to Portstown on the eastern coast. The southern fork of the Wynne, or the Lesser Wynne, also came from the west, but further south, out of the mountains.

His thoughts drifted along the river. I miss Graemalan. My city. I need to go back. I need to see my family, my home.

The Graemal mountains were high, sharp, and rocky. Granthurg pictured them in his mind. The sight of them is probably what inspired the name. It meant “Dragon’s Teeth” in a more ancient version of the Giantish language. Many times, as he and Rinkmorr rode the waters of the Lesser Wynne upriver toward them, he would see the peaks rise up over the hills and meadows of the landscape.

Rinkmorr. My boss, my friend, my brother. Where are you? What’s happened to you?

Granthurg looked down at the table before him. It was small and uncomfortable. It would probably have been fine for a human, but it was a bit clumsy for a giant. It had been built by humans, to be used by the river runners, who were mostly giants, like Granthurg and Rinkmorr. He smiled as he thought about it. Humans don’t always think things through that way.

The magical oculus gem on a tall post above him began to glow in the encroaching twilight, shining down over the street and the table. On the table before him was a single sheaf of paper, unrolled. Next to that was an unrolled leather pouch with Granthurg’s writing supplies.

With a breath, he twisted open the tight cork lid of the ink jar and set it aside, picking up the reed pen.  He dipped it and wrote.

Rinkmorr.

Greetings. I hope this letter finds you well. 

I am also well, if a bit confused. The last time we spoke, you were quite worried about something, and told me to take the barge west, along the northern Wynne. You told me that you would meet up with me. You were a bit rushed at the time, and I was a more than a bit baffled, so I didn’t have the presence of mind to set a meeting date or place. 

I’ve been waiting for you upriver in Dirae for over a month, now, and have not seen any sign of you coming this way. I’ve asked a few of the rivermen that have come from Twynne Rivers if they’ve seen you, and none of them have, or they didn’t know you.

I fear for your safety. At the time of our departure, you said that there was something that someone wanted. I’ll not talk about that in detail, since I’ve learned that there are people willing to kill for it, and I don’t want to put you in any further possible danger. At least, no more than you’re possibly already facing.

Dirae is, for the moment, peaceful. I would encourage you to make your way here and rest, and we can come to decide what you would like to do next.

Your friend and help,

Granthurg.

He let the ink dry for a moment, then rolled the paper into a thin scroll, pressing it flat. On it, he wrote: Rinkmorr, Riverman, The Old Steersman Inn, the WaterFront Quarter. He slipped the letter into a folded leather cover and tied the binding cords tight.

He stood, and carried it down the pier.

Granthurg called out to one of the other giants on a barge. “Hey, friend. You said earlier that you were traveling to Twynne Rivers. Do you do courier work?”

“I do, for a silver shard.”

Granturg stepped forward and handed him the pouch and a half-coin. “Here you go. Thanks.”

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This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing. If you like this story, support us at our Patreon!
Thank you: Chet Cox, Genevieve Springer!

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94 - “A Bad Report” - Tonklyn - A Tale of Heroes

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By the time they finished their search of the grounds, stables, larder, and the winery, the sun was set and darkness was closing in. They began to set up a small encampment in the grass between the buildings.

Tonklyn returned to the manor house, and stood again in the great hall, trying to assess what had happened. The oculus hanging from the end of his staff lit the room very dimly, allowing him to only barely make out the shapes of things in the space.  He will not be pleased.

As he thought this, the warm summer air was suddenly blown through with a chilling wind. This was a wind that Tonklyn knew well, and feared. The wind picked up dust and clutter in a swirling vortex at one end of the hall. Darkness gathered around it, as if the wind was sucking the shadows themselves off of the walls and the floor, and blending it with the ash, dirt, and sticks being blown through the air. Slowly, the dark took form and the winds eased. The shifting mists coalesced into a large body with huge black shoulders, out of which grew a long, shifting neck, ending with a large dragon’s head.

Tonklyn immediately dropped to one knee. “Lord Kirraxal, My Master!”

The misty, shadowy, swirly dragon head focused directly on Tonklyn and spoke with a voice that hissed and reverberated through the shadows, “And what is it that won’t be pleasing to me?”

“There is much to report,” Tonklyn began, uncertain how to explain.

“Yes. Well. Go on, and report it.”

Tonklyn sighed, and bowed lower.

“SPEAK! It has taken much of my will to reach out to you, and my patience is low as well!”

“The Dragon’s Flame Chapter here is gone! The manor is a burned out hulk of a building.” Tonklyn took a deep breath. “And we only found five bodies.”

“Five!” The dragon roared, “Five? That chapter had over a dozen men!”

“Yes, my liege. There are signs of a struggle. There are no prisoners. No children, only empty shackles.”

The smoky dragon head looked from side to side. “Did you find the blade?”

Tonklyn shook his head, and mumbled, “No, sire.”

“SPEAK UP!”

“No, My Liege!” Tonklyn held his breath, then, “Nor the books. The treasury was empty as well!”

“And the stables?”

“Also empty.” The wind began to blow through the ruins again, whipping Tonklyn’s cloak and hair into his face.

“So.” The voice rasped with barely controlled rage, “There was a fight, and the prisoners escaped. Whoever was left decided that there was no point in staying, and made off with what they thought was valuable.”

“So it would seem, Sire.”

“And they didn’t think it wise to SEND ME NOTICE!”

Tonklyn struggled to maintain his position on the floor as the wind spiraled around him. “Apparently not, Sire.” He shouted, above the noise.

The winds blew and the mists darkened, and Tonklyn felt his heart racing with fear. Oh, this is it. It’s all over. I’m done for. He held his hands in front of his face as dust and debris flew past him. The rushing in his ears was deafening and he sank low to keep stable.

Then, as quickly as they had risen, the winds calmed and the shadows fell, back into the walls and the corners of the room. The dragon began to lose its shape, dissipating into the breeze. As it faded, it hissed, “We will deal with them as we find them. They have failed me for the last time. This is but one insignificant chapter of The Dragon’s Flame, and there are many more. Those in Twynne Rivers are preparing. You will leave to go to them with all haste in the morning. You, alone, have served me well, at the very least.”

The dust settled, the tumultuous winds calmed, and silence returned. Only the calls of the forest birds could be heard. Tonklyn raised his face, then his shoulders. He stood and dusted off his cloak. He picked up his staff and steadied the shining oculus hanging from the tip. He slowly walked out of the hall and into the yard. There he saw the incredulous and horrified faces of his guard.

“Well, then. I guess you heard. We’ll leave in the morning.” He swallowed hard, then stepped past them, toward his tent. “Sleep well.”

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This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing. If you like this story, support us at our Patreon!
Thank you: Chet Cox, Genevieve Springer!

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93 - “In the Still After the Battle” - Tonklyn - A Tale of Heroes

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Story Three

Of Wizards and Dragons

Part 8

Return?

Despite the lateness of the evening, the sun was only beginning to set behind the trees surrounding the shell of the manor house. It was a large building, one of several, that had sat in a clearing in the midst of the deep of the Umbrawood Forest. Now, it was only a hollow emptiness surrounded by charred and smoky walls of brick and stone. The roof was gone, collapsed into the interior. The windows were broken, with char marks swirling up the rock above them.

Time had not yet allowed nature to overwhelm it, though. The walls, though streaked with soot, were fairly complete.

Tonklyn waved away the mosquitoes that were beginning to gather in the early summer evening. The damp spring had given them lots of opportunity to grow and cluster. He got off his horse and began leading it toward the building. The others riding with him followed suit. As they crossed the clearing, he stepped through the knee deep grass and weeds that had grown around the hill surrounding the building. No-one had been there for a while, obviously.

My Master was correct. A month ago, they had received their last contact from the worshippers here. Not that there had been a lot of contact, but they had supplied the Master Dragon with a fairly steady stream of humans, particularly young ones. The Master considered them especially delicious. Obviously there was trouble.

Tonklyn and his three companions left the horses out in the grass and stepped through the main doorway into the foyer. Burned timbers from the floors above and the roof were scattered all over the finely-tiled floor. It was very dirty, and he could see the results of the spring rains washing away much of the ash. Still, there was still a whif of charcoal in the breeze dancing through the windows. Above him, he could see the few clouds in the darkening sky slowly turning a rosy purple.

Master Kirraxal had told me that this chapter had fallen. That had been a sensible conclusion, of course, but they needed to be sure.

“Search the building, and the grounds.” He ordered. The other three nodded. “Look for bones, bodies, and anything of value. See if you can find their library.” His companions dispersed, each into a different room or building.

Almost immediately, one of them called out from his right.

Tonklyn stepped through the doorway where he had gone. It was a great hall, with fewer burned timbers scattered across the floor. Higher window spaces implied that this room had a higher ceiling as well. He cautiously moved further into the hall. His guard was standing in the center looking down at some rubble on the floor. “Here’s one,” he said, pointing away, “And there’s another.”

There were two sets of skeletons on the floor, partially covered by rubble and dirt. Tonklyn knelt closer over one, moving a few pieces of burned wood. There was a dirty and crusted sword on the ground near it. “Looks like this one died fighting.”

“Here’s a third!” His companion called out, after shoving aside a long timber.

Tonklyn rose and walked over. The falling weight of the burning roof had crushed much of the skeleton, especially the rib cage and the shoulder bones. He sifted through, finding a few personal effects scattered nearby, such as coins, belt clasps, buttons, and a dagger. He saw a chain that had been around what would have been the skeleton’s neck and picked it up, jarring the skull loose. The amulet was ornately crafted. A circle surrounding a dragon breathing fire.

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This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing. If you like this story, support us at our Patreon!
Thank you: Chet Cox, Genevieve Springer!

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“The Story So Far” - A Tale of Heroes

Welcome to "A Tale of Heroes"! In this entry, you can catch up on the story so far, before you dive into story arc 3. This will introduce you to the characters and help you understand the story, before we start introducing even more characters! Also, here's how you can read the story a week (two scenes) ahead of everyone else!

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Story 1 - Getting It All Together

DeFrantis, a rogue with shadow magical powers, lives on the streets of Twynne Rivers with some other homeless kids. One rainy night she tries to steal some chickens for everyone, but is arrested by the city guard. While in the guard tower, she meets Antonerri, who has been charged with heresy. Together they escape, but are chased by Karendle, who has been hired to hunt and capture wizards.  Meanwhile, Thissraelle, the daughter of the Master of the city’s wizard’s guild, has run away, and met Granthurg, a giant and river runner, driving commerce barges up and down the Wynne Rivers.

DeFrantis finds that the children she had been protecting have been sold off into slavery while she was gone. She and Antonerri book passage on Granthurg’s barge to go upriver to look for them, meeting Thissraelle. Some ruffians attack the boat to get an item that Granthurg doesn’t know about, at the same time that some wizards attack, trying to capture Thissraelle and bring her home. They all fight to defend themselves, and Karendle joins in, capturing one of the wizards. They float the barge west, upriver, to escape.

Story 2 - The Kids Aren’t Alright

The group docks in Dirae, west of the big city. Karendle decides to take her captured wizard back to Twynne Rivers for payment. She’s told to stay and capture Thissraelle as well.  The pouch with her magical gems (called “oculi”) is stolen, and she pursues the thief.

The rest of the group decides to help DeFrantis find her kids. They split up and begin looking for the slavers’ dark market. DeFrantis and Antonerri get into the market in the guise of slave sellers, Granthurg and Thissraelle creep up outside. Karendle is there, also, having followed the thief. She attacks the thief, throwing a fireball at him, and the market erupts in chaos. Karendle is wounded, and DeFrantis heals her. Antonerri is separated from DeFrantis, and, in trying to find her, saves a few slave children with some help from Granthurg and Thissraelle. DeFrantis and Karendle are captured by the slavers and taken away.

The kids that Antonerri rescued are not the ones DeFrantis was looking for, but now they have to rescue her and Karendle as well. The two captured ladies use the oculus to contact Thissraelle, and she, Grathurg, and Antonerri set off into the Umbrawood forest to find them. While held by the slavers in the abandoned manor house, DeFrantis and Karendle release the wizard captured in the oculus, who helps them break free. The find the children they were looking for and begin to fight for their freedom. Thissraelle opens a portal into the manor, and Granthurg and Antonerri step in and begin fighting as well. Thissraelle joins them, healing the wounded. Antonerri finds the power of his light and they defeat the slavers.

They return with the children, and at the summerfest, DeFrantis and Antonerri finally declare their love for each other. But life is starting to get difficult for wizards and those that use magic...

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This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing. If you like this story, support us at our Patreon!
Thank you: Chet Cox, Genevieve Springer!

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92 - Winds of Change - Karendle - A Tale of Heroes

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The Inn was noisy, crowded, and a little dim, in spite of the candles on the walls and the tables. Night had fallen on the last day of the SummerFaire, and so before going back to the monastery in the woods, the team sat down for a grand meal. The air was filled with the smattering of conversations mixed with the smell of stews, breads, and roasts. Many others who were there for the faire had also gathered to eat or to stay a night before leaving town to return home.

Karendle sat with her companions around a long, oval table. She picked up her ale and took a swig, while listening to the conversations.

“Where’s the food?” Granthurg complained, “I’m hungry”

“You’re always hungry,” Thisraelle chirped.

I can’t quite figure them out. They seem almost inseparable, but yet they don’t quite fit together. I don’t think Thissraelle likes me much. I’m not sure why. It’s nice that she’s trying to teach me magic, but she’s not very patient with me. Maybe that’s the problem.

“At least we have plenty of ale!” Eddiwarth drew deep on his tankard.

I do wish he would leave me alone. I think I would learn a lot faster without him interfering. He’s just fixated on Thissraelle. Maybe Granthurg will finally get fed up and take him out behind the stables someday. He could sure use a good thrashing.

Antonerri just laughed. He sat near DeFrantis, with his arm across her chair, around her shoulders. She was leaned in close to him.

Karendle took another drink. The inkeeper’s wife stepped up to the table, and said, “Here we are! Thanks for waiting!” She started putting bowls on the table. “Stew! Bread! And lots of seasoned apples!” Everyone leaned in and picked up bowls and plates, passing them around the table.

“Oh, this is great!”

“Careful, it’s hot”

“Here’s the bread”

Karendle took in the scene as the aromas drifted up from her bowl. She glanced up at DeFrantis. I owe her my life. I owe her everything. I still don’t understand why she helps me. Maybe she just helps everyone.

DeFrantis held up her hands and spoke, “Hello, before everyone starts eating--”

“Too late!” Thissraelle said, laughing at Granthurg.

DeFrantis smiled, and Granthurg awkwardly set his bowl down. She continued, “This last month has changed my life. Everyone seems to look at me when we talk about our adventures, but we all brought the children home. We all fought together. Now, for the first time, I truly have a home.” She smiled at Antonerri, who gave her shoulder a squeeze. She stood and lifted her tankard. “Thank you all. Each of you risked your life for mine, and for the sake of the kids. Thank you, my dear friends!”

Everyone drank and cheered as she sat back down. Karendle nodded before drinking. I have never felt this before. I have never felt this... closeness... this belonging. 

She took a bit of bread, dipped it in her stew and began eating. What am I to do, now? I can’t return to Twynne Rivers. I’m not sure how long the monastery will let me stay there.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the cry of “Hear, ye! Hear, ye!”  Everyone turned toward the main door to see the source of the interruption. It was the pubcrier, there to call out the week’s news. As he started, people in the inn returned to their dinners. Karendle quickly tuned him out as well, until she heard him mention the Twynne Rivers Wizard’s Guild. She and Thissraelle both snapped up their attention and turned around to listen.

“...The Wizard’s guild has long opposed any attempt by the Royal Court to impose laws limiting the use of magic. However, King Hastone III, of House Twynham, may he live long, and protect us all, has issued a decree of a tax of 5 coppers to be levied against anyone using magic powers in a public place. Anyone using such powers and refusing to pay the toll will be arrested. His majesty decrees this as necessary to regulate the wanton chaos brought about by uncontrolled wizardry!”

The pubcrier continued on, “SummerFaire celebrations will continue throughout this month in various towns and hamlets throughout the Realm.  Those travelling the roads will be subject to th...” The attention the group paid to the pubcrier faded as they all turned back to the table to look at each other with questions on their faces. Bits of conversation drifted from other tables, “It’s about time they did something to stop them!”, “They should lock all the wizards away, I say!”...

Thissraelle seemed particularly disturbed. Eddiwarth asked, “So, what does this mean? What’s happening?”

“My father would never allow this!” Thissraelle crossed her arms, her head down. “Never!”

Karendle felt a chilly draft blow across the table, and shivered.

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This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing. If you like this story, support us at our Patreon!
Thank you: Chet Cox, Genevieve Springer!

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The Book of the Story of A Tale of Heroes!

The Book of the Story is Here!

I’m very excited to announce that the story so far is now available in print at Amazon.com! The first two story arcs, “Getting it Together” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright” have been edited, tweaked, and compiled (with illustrations) into a paperback book!

Almost one year since I posted the first scene where DeFrantis, in the rain, snuck up to an inn house to reluctantly steal some chickens, launching her into a full adventure, and the fight of her life. Along the way, she meets Antonerri, the heretic soldier; Granthurg, the studious giant; Thissraelle, a hesitant wizard; and Karendle, an even more hesitant wizard wannabe. Each one brings their own fears and skills to help rescue the captured children.

How to get the book without paying up front!

If you have ever used Patreon.com, it’s a great site where those who love creativity pledge a few bucks a month to help a writer, artist, musician, or some other creative work. Each patron doesn’t have to give much, but if a creator gets enough patrons, they can actually make some useful, steady money being creative!

So, if you join Patreon and sign up as my patron at any level, then send me a delivery address, I’ll send you a copy of this new book, in addition to whatever benefits are set up at the level you join (for example, if you sign up at the $3/month level, you get access to future story a week ahead of the public at the blog!). This is a limited time, introductory offer!

So, go ahead and patronize me! I’ll send you a book!

91 - A Sunny Day - Antonerri - A Tale of Heroes

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“Your beard has come back in very nicely,” DeFrantis said, running her fingers across his chin. They relaxed under a tree in a field not too far from the faire. The sun was high in the mid-afternoon, warming the grounds and the air.  Somewhere the clack of wooden swords and the shouts and music of the celebration rang out, but the two were oblivious. She was half sitting, half lying on the grass as he rested his head in her lap, on the folds of her linen dress.

“I'm keeping it trimmed, but...,” he paused for a breath, “But the last time I actually shaved was over a month ago.”

He went quiet for a moment, as he thought back on all that happened that morning. A lot has happened since then. A lot has changed. She’s not so timid any more, not so likely to hide her beauty in the shadows. She’s brought me into light as well.

“I remember that day,” she chuckled, “You tried to sell me into slavery!”

“You told me to! It was your idea!”

He listened to her musical laugh. He also remembered that day. He remembered the fear. I remember the explosion, and the fight. Trying to find you, and find the children. That was a very dark day for me. I was so lost, so confused. Then at the cathedral...

Her voice got quiet, “There were many times, when we were in the manor, in chains, and then later, in the fight... Many times that I as good as gave up. I felt so alone. I didn’t know if you would ever find me. But I had to get out. I had to save the children. I gave all I could in the fight, but it wasn’t enough. I thought we were done. I thought it was over.”

A breeze blew across them, bringing a bit of cool in the warm shade. He started to speak, but she shushed him with a finger on his lips. “And then you stepped through Thissraelle's portal and I heard you call my name.”

She breathed deep and looked down on him, “That was all I needed. I heard you call my name, and it was like I could breathe again. Somehow you had found me, and that was all that mattered. I knew we would do it. I didn't know how, but I knew we could win.”

She continued, “And then I saw him hurting you, and I knew how much that pained you. I remembered from the dungeon. I wanted to take the shocks like you had done for me. And then I saw you alight with power...”

Antonerri sat up and faced her. He reached his arm around her. “It was your determination that saved the kids. I had to find you. It was you that saved me.”

He kissed her once, then again, then held her, face-to-face.

She reached up, embraced him, and held him, close and tight, not letting go.

In the distance, music played on, and people danced in the summer sun.

<<<>>>

This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing. If you like this story, support us at our Patreon!
Thank you: Chet Cox, Genevieve Springer!

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Monthly Monster - Shadow Magic Demon

Over the holidays, we got to spend some really fun family time together. One of the things we did that was the highlight was playing a game of The Hero’s Tale, as a full family. By that, I mean, my good wife Jodi joined in! We made her a quick character, a lady swordswinger and my youngest son made a one-off adventure for us to do. Some evil witches (shadow mages) were kidnapping children from the city. We ventured into the forest, and found an old manor house where they were hiding. 

My wife’s character surprised us all by winning over the giant guard dog in front of the manor! “Who’s a good boy? Who’s a good boy?”  

When we finally met the witches in the fight, they sent some of these nasties at us. For a bit, it looked like we weren’t going to make it, but we used nature magic to power up our blades and went in swinging (and barking). Our mage froze a couple of the witches up in ice crystals, delaying their efforts in the fight, so, in the end, we not only took out the demons, but the witches as well.

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Name:  Shadow Magic Demon

Description: The Shadow Magic Demon is summoned from out of darkness by a wizard using shadow powers for the duration of the scene, then dissipate. It is partly sentient, in that it can move and attack on its own, but it will serve the command of its summoner. It can appear in two forms, it’s moving form and it’s attacking form. In it’s moving form, it appears as a swirling wind of darkness and shadow. In this form, it will move across the ground very quickly, moreso than a normal humanoid. When it attacks it transforms into a vaguely human form of shifting shadow and darkness, with the shape of a head, body, arms, and legs. It has an unworldly scream as it attacks, slashing with its clawing hands.

Good, Bad, etc. : Very bad. While it does serve the desire of its summoner, it also enjoys causing harm and pain. Only shadow mages bent on evil would consider summoning it.

Hearts: 2

Difficulty: Normal

Attributes: 
Str:   0    Dex:   +2    Frt:    -1   Awr:   0   Soc:   0   

Attacks\Combat Skills: Slash attack at +2 that do 1 heart of damage. Also, see special rules, below. 

Armor/Protections: Since it’s incorporeal, it requires magical attacks or empowered weapons to damage it.


Powers (including WP): While it doesn’t have powers and will points of its own, it can Move Through Shadow like the power action described on p 104 of the rules.

Other possible skills: 

Special Rules:  When it successfully attacks, if the defensive roll fails, the demon has attached itself. Successive attacks to this same defender get an additional +1. The defender also immediately loses 1 will point of any kind, and 1 additional will point at the end of every round that it’s attached. The defender can make a normal fortitude roll as an action to disattach the demon.

It will avoid bright lights, especially sunlight or light powers. Sudden flashes of light may startle it and force it to make a morale check or possibly disattach from defenders. Objects and weapons empowered with light power will attack the demon with an easier difficulty level, and the demon will make defensive rolls with a higher difficulty level.

Possibility of treasure: Since it’s a creature that’s summoned for the duration of the scene, it will bring no treasure with it. However, defeating the wizard that summoned it, who is probably nearby, might yield some loot.

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If you’re using these in some other system, just adapt the core abilities. For example, instead of draining will points, maybe they take away spell slots, or some other way of sucking the magical power out of your PCs. 

Happy Gaming!

90 - Dance the Circle - Antonerri - A Tale of Heroes

Here's how you can read the story a week (two scenes) ahead of everyone else!

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“DANCE THE CIRCLE!” The jester called out, “EVERYONE! JOIN IN! YOUNG AND OLD!” The bells dangling from the points on his hood jangled as he spun. His shirt was a loose pattern of colored triangles, and his baggy pants flapped with the motion of his prancing legs.

It was a hot, sunny, and muggy day. It was the time of the SummerFaire, three days of celebration. Dirae was not a large city, but neither was it a tiny village. It was an important trading spot between the palaces, shops, and slums of the City of Twynne Rivers, and the western hamlets along the Wynne River. The faire brought in celebrants from many miles, drawn to the festivities by the diversion from their labors as well as the chance to buy and sell.

The streets along the city plaza, not too far from the waterfront, were lined with tents, and full of people. There were more children out now, as parents felt safer in the town. Colorful streamers were strung from tree to building and building to tree. The smells of roasting nuts and newly-baked breads blew through the plaza with the breezes.

“WHO’LL JOIN ME?” The jester called out, continuing his swirls. He stopped, smiled across the crowd that had gathered, and slowly looked around. From his left, a drummer sitting on the ground began to slap out an energetic beat and, in a moment, a fiddler and a piper jumped into a melody.

“YOU WILL, WON’T YOU?” He pointed at DeFrantis. She barely had a moment to object before he had leapt over to her and taken her hand, dragging her forward. She laughed and shrieked, then reached out to grab the hand of Lilia, the young girl standing next to her. The girl, and two others, skipped into the circle, shouting and laughing.

Granthurg called out to them, as Thissraelle and Eddiwarth began clapping along with the music. Antonerri watched them go with a thin smile on his own face, wanting to jump in, but holding back, a little bit timid. They fell into the rhythm of the music and the many people in the plaza stepped aside to make room for the circle. Others grabbed hands and joined the line as it passed them. More children got in the line, along with their parents.

Antonerri couldn’t help but stare at DeFrantis as she danced, hand-in-hand with the jester and the kids. Her dark hair also danced as she looked back and forth from the jester to the children. She had tried to braid her dark hair that morning before they left, but it just wasn’t long enough yet. She had been quite a bit frustrated in trying, but in the end had settled for a simple cloth and bead headband. When they had arrived at the plaza, some of the girls had handed her some flowers they had picked and those were now twisted into that band and her hair. Those flowers now bounced with her locks against her forehead and down over her laughing eyes. The tune was familiar, and she and most of the dancers began singing along.

As the chain of dancers circled around to the music for the third time, the Jester reached out and grabbed Antonerri’s arm, giving him a shove into the line. Jerked out of his trance, Antonerri shouted and stumbled his way along.

The musicians picked up the pace, making it even harder for him to keep his proper footing. After a few moments, he gave up trying to match the steps and just jumped along in the line. In the confusion, he glanced over and saw DeFrantis laughing at his fumbling feet.

The music changed up again, and the jester stepped aside and closed the gap by bringing the two hands he was holding together. He spun away into the center, shouting, “DANCE THE CIRCLE! CIRCLE ROUND AND ROUND!” Antonerri suddenly realized the hand he was now holding was DeFrantis’. Instantly, he caught his breath, his mind went blank, and he almost lost his balance. A few quick side steps and he was back on his feet, jumping along.

“Try and keep up, old man!” He heard her say, and her voice mixed with the melody and the singing. He had to look down at his feet and catch his balance. He happened to look up and matched the jester’s eyes. They had a knowing smile that seemed to say, “You’re welcome!”

“Hey-o, hey-o...” DeFrantis’ sang with the crowd. He smiled at her, but didn’t know the melody. He didn’t have the breath to sing, anyway. “Hey-o, Hey-o,” The kids sang with her, as the musicians brought the tune and the dance to an end. The children began cheering, and everyone dropped their hands, clapping and laughing.

Except Antonerri. He just stared and smiled at her, and she at him. He didn’t let go. He gently tugged her closer.

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This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing. If you like this story, support us at our Patreon!
Thank you: Chet Cox, Genevieve Springer!

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89 - Stables and Stability - Granthurg - A Tale of Heroes

Here's how you can read the story a week (two scenes) ahead of everyone else!

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The smell of the warm summer night in the stables lingered with Granthurg as he crossed the courtyard to the main hall of the monastery. The cluster was surrounded by the trees of the Umbrawood Forest, keeping it well isolated from the rest of the world. Still, it wasn’t too far from Dirae, and the cathedral there.

The lantern he carried shone brightly on the ground surrounding his feet. It was a traditional oil lamp, not a magical oculus gem, making the flickering glow. He stepped up onto the back patio of the abbey hall, and began to remove his large soiled boots. He knocked the dirt and muck off of them and set them by the back door, slipping some sandals onto his feet in their place.

In the two short weeks since they had returned from their battle to save the children, the monks of the abbey had been quick to figure out a way to make him sandals. Being a giant, about eight feet tall, his feet were easily twice the size of the largest human in the monastery, if not more. Making him a bed had been much more involved, so in the end, they gave him a thick pad of straw that they refreshed frequently. Being used to sleeping on the hard deck of his barge, he felt that to be the height of luxury.

After dinner this night, he had helped them get the draft animals in the stables, and put the carts away. It was often easier for him to just push the various carts and wagons into place, where it would often take two or three of the monks much more time to do the same work.

Now, as he entered the building, he turned down a hallway toward the great library. This was the time of the day he enjoyed the most. All was quiet, and he could relax by himself...  ...and just learn! There are so many books and so many scrolls here! There is so much to for me to learn!

With a click and a creak, he opened the great oaken doors and stepped into the room. He walked to the large table in the center and set the lantern down. He stepped over to one of the walls. They were covered, except where the windows stood, with shelves of books and racks of scrolls. Next to each window was a candelabra. Granturg carefully removed one of the candles and carried it back to the table to light it from the lantern’s flame. Then, he began stepping around the room, lighting each of the candles mounted by each window.

He was about half-way around when he stopped. In one corner of the room there were some large and comfortable chairs. Thissraelle was sitting there, waiting for him.

Granthurg smiled. Her small high-elven frame seemed to be almost swallowed up in the huge seat. Her whispy, light hair and white tunic contrasted sharply against the deep red-brown leather. She smiled, too, but less enthusiastically.

Oh-oh. Something’s bothering her. I can tell.

He carried on lighting the candles. “It’s been a beautiful summer’s day, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, beautiful.”

Granthurg laughed. “I wasn’t serious.”

She tossed her head back onto the chair and let out a long sigh. “You know me too well.”

Yes, I know you pretty well. He’d only known her about a month. But in that time, they’d travelled and faced dangers together, and shared many secrets. They had become very close friends. “Let me guess: Karendle’s not getting it.”

“No! Not at all!” Thissraelle blurted out. “She doesn’t have a magical bone in her body! There! I said it! She wants it so bad, and she tries so hard, but she just can’t do it!”

“No matter how you show her...?”

“I’ve tried so many different ways to explain it. I’ve tried to teach her so many things.” She wiped her eyes with her hands in a vain attempt to find some clarity, or at least to ease away the tiredness. “Nothing I try works. She gets so tense!”

“What about those flying stones I had to dodge the other day?” He asked, “That seemed to be working.”

“Yes, but that was using the oculus. As long as she’s using the gems, she can use magic. It’s like she has no will of her own. And Eddiwarth! I shouldn’t even start talking about him!”

Granthurg sat down next to her. “He’s not helping?”

“No! Definitely not helping. He jumps in and starts using his own powers to mess with her. He thinks he’s helping, but he just frustrates her more. Today, they got in a big argument. I just left them out in the forest.”

“Maybe you could just turn them both into rocks that they could toss at each other.” The look that she gave him showed that she did not at all think that was funny. “...Or not.”

“I’m not helping them. I don’t know why I’m trying, really.”

There’s more to this. I can tell. He turned in the chair to face her and looked with a skeptical eye.

“I’m serious! Really! Why am I helping them?” She put her head in her hands, then looked up at Granthurg. Her voice got quiet. “You were there. You heard them tell their stories. They were both after me, trying to capture me. Karendle would have sold me off, and Eddiwarth was going to fetch me back to my father. So, why am I helping them?”

I want to tell her that it’s all going to be fine. That they’re a part of the team, and they’ve changed. But I don’t know that for sure, either. He put a hand on her shoulder. It looked awkward, as large as it was, but it seemed to soothe Thissraelle. She leaned into it. “I think you’re the only one I can fully trust, here.”

“You’re helping them because you have a large, kind heart. Really, you’re the heart of the team. It’s true that without any of us, we wouldn’t have been able to rescue the kids. But without you drawing us all together, it wouldn’t have happened in the first place. DeFrantis and Antonerri would have tried on their own.” He let out his own sigh. “And you know how that would have ended.”

“Yes. I guess.” She nodded and leaned up against him. “...But is it safe for me here?”

“It may not be.”

I wish it were, but it might not be.

<<<>>>

This continues the story of the heroes in Wynne, in Twynne Rivers, in the world of The Hero's Tale, Family Friendly RPGs. Here's more info on The Hero's Tale, and family friendly RPGing. If you like this story, support us at our Patreon!
Thank you: Chet Cox, Genevieve Springer!

Previous Scene, Next Scene
Start the whole story from the beginning. Start from where this current story arc begins. Start from where the current story part begins