Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
A Lonely Path: a Shackled City Story Hour (the old version, see last post)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="hbarsquared" data-source="post: 2467083" data-attributes="member: 4550"><p><span style="color: deepskyblue"><strong>Chapter Two, Part One</strong></span></p><p></p><p>First, silence. Abrina waited a few moments before raising her hand to knock on the oaken door again, but a muffled voice finally called from inside. “It’s open!” it said. “Please, come on in!”</p><p></p><p>Abrina pushed open the door and stepped into the small shop. <span style="color: white">The store front smelled of wood and pipe smoke, tickling her nose with a spicy aroma. Two burgundy padded chairs flanked a hearth containing a small yet lively fire. The fireplace’s carved mantle bore a tinderbox, a small vase of dried smoking leaves, and a finely wrought collection of pipes.</span></p><p><span style="color: white"></span></p><p><span style="color: white">A burgundy stretch of carpet, a shade darker than the chairs, led from the entrance to the wall across from it, where Abrina could see dozens—perhaps hundreds—of keys hanging from tiny hooks. A handsomely engraved mahogany counter stretched along one wall, and behind it hung a red curtain neatly hiding the rest of the store.</span> From around the corner of the counter came a dour man with bushy eyebrows, creased face, and graven frown. His salt-and-pepper hair was cut short and he sported a well-trimmed moustache and goatee, in a fashion that Abrina had only seen among gnomes. He wore long pants with a flowing shirt and walked stiff-legged as he came to greet her.</p><p></p><p>“Welcome, welcome,” he said. Abrina quirked an eyebrow, for he looked like a gnome, but he was nearly as tall as she. “I am Ghelve of Ghelve’s Locks. What can I interest you in, today? A lock for your door? Something fancy?”</p><p></p><p>“You’re a gnome.” Abrina said, almost accusingly.</p><p></p><p>The man took an awkward step back and chuckled. “Why yes, I am,” he replied. “And you’re a half-elf.”</p><p></p><p>Ghelve bent over slightly and lifted the edge of his pants to reveal the stilts underneath. “It’s easier to speak with customers when you see them eye to eye.”</p><p></p><p>Abrina nodded, blushing. “Why yes, yes, of course.” She turned away and tried to casually glance around the room. “Well,” she replied, “I am looking for a set of locks for my home. A pair for the front and back doors.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh yes, yes,” he said with a disarming smile, moving back behind the counter. “I have just what you are looking for. Wait but a moment?”</p><p></p><p>Abrina nodded and watched him disappear behind the red curtain. She walked around the store, tracing her fingers along the intricate carvings of the main counter, continuing along to the wall with the uncountable number of keys. She noticed that more than one key hung on each tiny hook. Reaching up, she took three from a single hook and examined their notched edges. She was no locksmith, but even she could see that each key was unique, each pattern different from the rest.</p><p></p><p>“What are you doing?”</p><p></p><p>Abrina whirled around, surprised, with keys clenched in one hand. “Oh, um, noth . . . Nothing,” she stumbled, scrambling to place the keys back on their hook. The gnome approached the end of the counter, two simple locks in hand and a sly smile.</p><p></p><p>“You need to match the key to the lock, my lady. Not the other way around.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, yes, yes. I understand.” Abrina reached out for the locks and examined the keyholes. They looked normal enough, as had the ones at the orphanage. Just like any other keyhole.</p><p></p><p>“I noticed that you have quite a number of keys already made,” she said, gesturing to the wall. “If I were to purchase these locks, would I have to worry about a duplicate key?”</p><p></p><p>“No, no need to worry,” he said, as if recounting a rehearsed speech. “You see, each key is made expressly for the lock, and I make only one set at a time. One key, one lock.”</p><p></p><p>“Can you guarantee me that?” she asked pointedly.</p><p></p><p>“Why, yes.” He replied, though with a short hesitation. “Uh, sure.”</p><p></p><p>Abrina raised an eyebrow. “And what about the kidnappings that I have been hearing about? And the orphanage? They all had your locks and there was no sign of forced entry.” Ghelve’s eyes widened as he began to shake his head. Abrina took a step forward. “Someone found their way inside, and that someone had a key. Tell me how they got a key?”</p><p></p><p>“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he choked, stepping back around the counter, taking the two locks with him. “I don't appreciate being accused of kidnapping in my own shop. I think you had better leave.”</p><p></p><p>Abrina came to the counter, putting her hands on the mahogany. “I have not accused you of anything, Ghelve. Should I? I am <em>not</em> going to leave. Did you kidnap those children?”</p><p></p><p>“No!” he said emphatically. “Of course not! I would never do such a thing?”</p><p></p><p>“And the other kidnappings? What happened to them? Where are you hiding them?”</p><p></p><p>Ghelve lowered his head, shaking it furiously from side to side. “Nothing,” he mumbled over and over to himself, “I didn’t do anything.”</p><p></p><p>Abrina sighed and stepped back from the counter. Ghelve knew something, but she didn’t think he would kidnap three children. The kidnapped victims were all human children, probably nearly his size. How could he have managed to do it? No, someone else was involved. She turned to face Ghelve once again.</p><p></p><p>“I know you did not take the children,” she whispered. Ghelve looked up at her and nodded silently.</p><p></p><p>“But you do know who did.”</p><p></p><p>“No, I don’t” he replied stoically. Then, he nodded, and arched an eyebrow.</p><p></p><p>Abrina tilted her head. Was someone else here? “Then how do you explain the kidnappings?”</p><p></p><p>“How should I know?” he said, still arching an eyebrow and jerking his head toward the curtain. “Perhaps someone picked the locks. I make good locks, but maybe an expert got to them.”</p><p></p><p>Abrina forced herself to relax and changed the direction of her questioning. “Well, how can I know I’d be kept safe if I purchased one of your locks?”</p><p></p><p>Relieved to have the conversation return to purchases, he smiled. “How about I show you. I have quite a selection back here.” He nodded toward the curtain and invited her to follow him.</p><p></p><p>Abrina reached behind her shoulder to touch the shaft of the spear still slung over her back. Prepared, she stepped behind Ghelve’s counter and lifted the curtain to the room beyond.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="hbarsquared, post: 2467083, member: 4550"] [color=deepskyblue][b]Chapter Two, Part One[/b][/color] First, silence. Abrina waited a few moments before raising her hand to knock on the oaken door again, but a muffled voice finally called from inside. “It’s open!” it said. “Please, come on in!” Abrina pushed open the door and stepped into the small shop. [color=white]The store front smelled of wood and pipe smoke, tickling her nose with a spicy aroma. Two burgundy padded chairs flanked a hearth containing a small yet lively fire. The fireplace’s carved mantle bore a tinderbox, a small vase of dried smoking leaves, and a finely wrought collection of pipes. A burgundy stretch of carpet, a shade darker than the chairs, led from the entrance to the wall across from it, where Abrina could see dozens—perhaps hundreds—of keys hanging from tiny hooks. A handsomely engraved mahogany counter stretched along one wall, and behind it hung a red curtain neatly hiding the rest of the store.[/color] From around the corner of the counter came a dour man with bushy eyebrows, creased face, and graven frown. His salt-and-pepper hair was cut short and he sported a well-trimmed moustache and goatee, in a fashion that Abrina had only seen among gnomes. He wore long pants with a flowing shirt and walked stiff-legged as he came to greet her. “Welcome, welcome,” he said. Abrina quirked an eyebrow, for he looked like a gnome, but he was nearly as tall as she. “I am Ghelve of Ghelve’s Locks. What can I interest you in, today? A lock for your door? Something fancy?” “You’re a gnome.” Abrina said, almost accusingly. The man took an awkward step back and chuckled. “Why yes, I am,” he replied. “And you’re a half-elf.” Ghelve bent over slightly and lifted the edge of his pants to reveal the stilts underneath. “It’s easier to speak with customers when you see them eye to eye.” Abrina nodded, blushing. “Why yes, yes, of course.” She turned away and tried to casually glance around the room. “Well,” she replied, “I am looking for a set of locks for my home. A pair for the front and back doors.” “Oh yes, yes,” he said with a disarming smile, moving back behind the counter. “I have just what you are looking for. Wait but a moment?” Abrina nodded and watched him disappear behind the red curtain. She walked around the store, tracing her fingers along the intricate carvings of the main counter, continuing along to the wall with the uncountable number of keys. She noticed that more than one key hung on each tiny hook. Reaching up, she took three from a single hook and examined their notched edges. She was no locksmith, but even she could see that each key was unique, each pattern different from the rest. “What are you doing?” Abrina whirled around, surprised, with keys clenched in one hand. “Oh, um, noth . . . Nothing,” she stumbled, scrambling to place the keys back on their hook. The gnome approached the end of the counter, two simple locks in hand and a sly smile. “You need to match the key to the lock, my lady. Not the other way around.” “Oh, yes, yes. I understand.” Abrina reached out for the locks and examined the keyholes. They looked normal enough, as had the ones at the orphanage. Just like any other keyhole. “I noticed that you have quite a number of keys already made,” she said, gesturing to the wall. “If I were to purchase these locks, would I have to worry about a duplicate key?” “No, no need to worry,” he said, as if recounting a rehearsed speech. “You see, each key is made expressly for the lock, and I make only one set at a time. One key, one lock.” “Can you guarantee me that?” she asked pointedly. “Why, yes.” He replied, though with a short hesitation. “Uh, sure.” Abrina raised an eyebrow. “And what about the kidnappings that I have been hearing about? And the orphanage? They all had your locks and there was no sign of forced entry.” Ghelve’s eyes widened as he began to shake his head. Abrina took a step forward. “Someone found their way inside, and that someone had a key. Tell me how they got a key?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he choked, stepping back around the counter, taking the two locks with him. “I don't appreciate being accused of kidnapping in my own shop. I think you had better leave.” Abrina came to the counter, putting her hands on the mahogany. “I have not accused you of anything, Ghelve. Should I? I am [i]not[/i] going to leave. Did you kidnap those children?” “No!” he said emphatically. “Of course not! I would never do such a thing?” “And the other kidnappings? What happened to them? Where are you hiding them?” Ghelve lowered his head, shaking it furiously from side to side. “Nothing,” he mumbled over and over to himself, “I didn’t do anything.” Abrina sighed and stepped back from the counter. Ghelve knew something, but she didn’t think he would kidnap three children. The kidnapped victims were all human children, probably nearly his size. How could he have managed to do it? No, someone else was involved. She turned to face Ghelve once again. “I know you did not take the children,” she whispered. Ghelve looked up at her and nodded silently. “But you do know who did.” “No, I don’t” he replied stoically. Then, he nodded, and arched an eyebrow. Abrina tilted her head. Was someone else here? “Then how do you explain the kidnappings?” “How should I know?” he said, still arching an eyebrow and jerking his head toward the curtain. “Perhaps someone picked the locks. I make good locks, but maybe an expert got to them.” Abrina forced herself to relax and changed the direction of her questioning. “Well, how can I know I’d be kept safe if I purchased one of your locks?” Relieved to have the conversation return to purchases, he smiled. “How about I show you. I have quite a selection back here.” He nodded toward the curtain and invited her to follow him. Abrina reached behind her shoulder to touch the shaft of the spear still slung over her back. Prepared, she stepped behind Ghelve’s counter and lifted the curtain to the room beyond. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
A Lonely Path: a Shackled City Story Hour (the old version, see last post)
Top