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
Forgotten Lore (Updated M-W-F)
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="Lazybones" data-source="post: 7205038" data-attributes="member: 143"><p>Today's update brings us to the end of Book 3. Book 4 will begin with the introduction of a major foe (thus it is entitled "BBEG," continuing the theme of naming the books after RPG tropes).</p><p></p><p>The village of Northpine is another of my scenario creations. I haven't updated it for 5e, but if you're curious the village and its various sidequests are posted on my Web site at <a href="http://lazybones18.tripod.com/dndpine3e.htm" target="_blank">http://lazybones18.tripod.com/dndpine3e.htm</a>. </p><p></p><p>* * * </p><p></p><p>Chapter 75</p><p></p><p>Bredan tried to ignore his headache as he made his way down the hall of the inn to the broad flight of wooden steps that descended to the common room. The inn was quiet. It was late, but not so late that there wouldn’t still be people drinking and enjoying themselves in any of the inns in Crosspath. Rural folk went to bed earlier, it seemed.</p><p></p><p>He made his way down the stairs, careful to hold onto the railing. His head seemed to pound with each step he took. The headache had been with him since they’d left behind the ruins, but it had gotten worse, enough that he couldn’t sleep despite his exhaustion. It had been about the only thing that had kept him from dozing off during their meeting with the village council earlier. Fortunately Glori and Quellan had done most of the talking and there hadn’t been any need for him to speak up.</p><p></p><p>A single lamp burned low in the common room, enough for him to negotiate the stairs without an accident. Its light revealed one other person still awake, seated at a table close to the lamp so he could read the book he had folded open on the table in front of him. Quellan was intent on his reading, but as Bredan stepped on the last step it let out a low creak and the cleric looked up and nodded in greeting.</p><p></p><p>Bredan went over to the bar and reached behind to grab a bottle of the local brandy that the villagers made from apples and pears instead of grapes. He took a silver coin out of his purse and left it in the space where the bottle had rested, then took a pair of glasses and went over to the half-orc’s table. It was still a strange feeling, having a full purse. And that wasn’t even counting what they would get when they got to Adelar and cashed in the sage’s letter of credit.</p><p></p><p>“Couldn’t sleep either?” Bredan asked as he put the bottle and glasses on the table.</p><p></p><p>“No. None for me, thank you,” Quellan said as Bredan poured out a measure of the spirits. The stuff was like the hard cider he’d sometimes drunk back home, but it had a decent kick. He hoped that it would help ease his headache.</p><p></p><p>“What are you reading?” he asked.</p><p></p><p>Quellan held up the book. It had a plain leather cover without even a title on the front or the spine. “It’s called <em>The Principles of Knowing</em>. It’s one of the core texts of my faith. I haven’t taken the time to read in quite a while, it helps me focus my thoughts.”</p><p></p><p>“I can understand why you might want to do that, after… after everything.”</p><p></p><p>“Is it what you thought it would be?” Quellan asked. “All this, the adventuring life?”</p><p></p><p>“Well, it’s not quite one of Glori’s stories. But it hasn’t been dull.”</p><p></p><p>“No, that is certainly true.”</p><p></p><p>“I don’t know. This can’t be typical. One village, with so many troubles.”</p><p></p><p>“It may be much worse in the north.”</p><p></p><p>“I know. I know that’s what everyone keeps saying, and I understand what we’re getting ourselves into. Or at least, I know it can be bad. But it’s necessary, right?”</p><p></p><p>“I am not trying to talk you out of your commitment,” Quellan said. “I know you have skill, and a good heart. The challenges we faced here will make a real difference in the lives of these people, even if we had nothing to do with finding the missing boy.”</p><p></p><p>“A fact that Kosk will no doubt never let us forget,” Bredan said. He finished off his brandy and considered the bottle.</p><p></p><p>The front door of the inn swung open and a familiar figure came inside. “I saw the light,” Erron Laddrick said. The sheriff wore his sword, and he had a small hunter’s bow slung across his back.</p><p></p><p>“Come, join us, sheriff,” Quellan said.</p><p></p><p>Laddrick’s boots sounded unnaturally loud in the quiet of the sleeping in as he crossed the floor to their table.</p><p></p><p>“Do you patrol the village often at night, sheriff?” Bredan asked.</p><p></p><p>“I do enjoy the quiet of the night,” Laddrick said. “Though I must admit, I have been taking evening walks more often since you arrived.”</p><p></p><p>“Understandable,” Quellan said. “Would you care to join us for a drink?”</p><p></p><p>Laddrick glanced down at the bottle. “Perhaps just a small one,” he said.</p><p></p><p>Bredan poured him a measure and refreshed his own glass. “Thank you kindly,” Laddrick said as he took his glass. He took a drink then glanced at each of them. “So,” he said, “are you planning on resuming your journey north tomorrow?”</p><p></p><p>Bredan paused in the midst of lifting his glass to his lips. “You’re the third person to ask me that today,” he said.</p><p></p><p>Laddrick put his glass down on the tabletop. “The folk who live here are simple folk, living simple lives,” he said. “Since you arrived here, things have been anything but simple.”</p><p></p><p>Bredan put his glass down with rather more force than the sheriff had. “Are you suggesting it’s our fault that all this happened? If we hadn’t come along those monsters would still be there, and the danger to your village would be greater than it is now.”</p><p></p><p>Quellan leaned forward to interject, but Laddrick forestalled both of them with a raised hand. “Peace,” he said. “I’m not saying you’re wrong about any of that. I’m just telling you that people are nervous, and scared.”</p><p></p><p>“These events are likely related to the war,” Quellan said. “Those orcs, at least, they came from the north. We’re just lucky they faced the elves first instead of coming directly south through the Dry Hills. From what the elves told us, there were over a hundred of them at one point.”</p><p></p><p>Laddrick nodded. “We are grateful for all you’ve done. In fact, some of the local figures took up a collection, as a gesture of thanks.” He reached under his cloak and took out a small pouch that jingled slightly as he set it on the table.</p><p></p><p>“That’s not necessary,” Quellan said, but now it was Bredan’s turn to hold up a hand. “Don’t be too hasty,” the smith said. “You know Glori would never forgive either of us if we turned down a reward.”</p><p></p><p>“It’s less than you deserve,” Laddrick said. “And after everything with the boy… well, it would be a relief to some folks if you took it, along with my personal thanks.”</p><p></p><p>Quellan looked at Bredan and nodded; the smith took the pouch and tucked it into a pocket of his coat. The sheriff stood. “Thanks for the drink,” he said.</p><p></p><p>Quellan stood as well, followed by Bredan. “We are glad we were able to help,” the cleric said. He offered a hand, and after a moment the sheriff took it. “As for your first question, I think we will be moving on in the morning. Our dwarven friend has been quite… impatient, and events are no doubt moving swiftly in the north.”</p><p></p><p>“Good luck,” Laddrick said. “If I were still a young man I’d be envious of you, but I’ll be honest… I’m glad I’m not walking your path this time around.”</p><p></p><p>“We’re just doing what has to be done,” Bredan said.</p><p></p><p>Laddrick nodded. “I bid you good evening then, gentlemen.” With a final nod he retraced his steps, his boots clattering upon the empty floor before he reached the door and disappeared the way he had come.</p><p></p><p>The two adventurers let the silence recover a bit before Quellan said, “Well. I suppose I should try to get some sleep, if we’re to have a long day tomorrow.” He nodded toward the bottle. “You may wish to do the same.”</p><p></p><p>Bredan’s eyes lingered on the bottle a moment before he replaced the cork, but he brought it with him when he turned back to the stairs. Quellan walked with him, the half-orc’s steps causing the smooth floorboards to creak heavily under him.</p><p></p><p>The two reached the stairs before Bredan turned suddenly. “I wonder what’s been happening in the north while we’ve been here,” he said.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lazybones, post: 7205038, member: 143"] Today's update brings us to the end of Book 3. Book 4 will begin with the introduction of a major foe (thus it is entitled "BBEG," continuing the theme of naming the books after RPG tropes). The village of Northpine is another of my scenario creations. I haven't updated it for 5e, but if you're curious the village and its various sidequests are posted on my Web site at [url]http://lazybones18.tripod.com/dndpine3e.htm[/url]. * * * Chapter 75 Bredan tried to ignore his headache as he made his way down the hall of the inn to the broad flight of wooden steps that descended to the common room. The inn was quiet. It was late, but not so late that there wouldn’t still be people drinking and enjoying themselves in any of the inns in Crosspath. Rural folk went to bed earlier, it seemed. He made his way down the stairs, careful to hold onto the railing. His head seemed to pound with each step he took. The headache had been with him since they’d left behind the ruins, but it had gotten worse, enough that he couldn’t sleep despite his exhaustion. It had been about the only thing that had kept him from dozing off during their meeting with the village council earlier. Fortunately Glori and Quellan had done most of the talking and there hadn’t been any need for him to speak up. A single lamp burned low in the common room, enough for him to negotiate the stairs without an accident. Its light revealed one other person still awake, seated at a table close to the lamp so he could read the book he had folded open on the table in front of him. Quellan was intent on his reading, but as Bredan stepped on the last step it let out a low creak and the cleric looked up and nodded in greeting. Bredan went over to the bar and reached behind to grab a bottle of the local brandy that the villagers made from apples and pears instead of grapes. He took a silver coin out of his purse and left it in the space where the bottle had rested, then took a pair of glasses and went over to the half-orc’s table. It was still a strange feeling, having a full purse. And that wasn’t even counting what they would get when they got to Adelar and cashed in the sage’s letter of credit. “Couldn’t sleep either?” Bredan asked as he put the bottle and glasses on the table. “No. None for me, thank you,” Quellan said as Bredan poured out a measure of the spirits. The stuff was like the hard cider he’d sometimes drunk back home, but it had a decent kick. He hoped that it would help ease his headache. “What are you reading?” he asked. Quellan held up the book. It had a plain leather cover without even a title on the front or the spine. “It’s called [i]The Principles of Knowing[/i]. It’s one of the core texts of my faith. I haven’t taken the time to read in quite a while, it helps me focus my thoughts.” “I can understand why you might want to do that, after… after everything.” “Is it what you thought it would be?” Quellan asked. “All this, the adventuring life?” “Well, it’s not quite one of Glori’s stories. But it hasn’t been dull.” “No, that is certainly true.” “I don’t know. This can’t be typical. One village, with so many troubles.” “It may be much worse in the north.” “I know. I know that’s what everyone keeps saying, and I understand what we’re getting ourselves into. Or at least, I know it can be bad. But it’s necessary, right?” “I am not trying to talk you out of your commitment,” Quellan said. “I know you have skill, and a good heart. The challenges we faced here will make a real difference in the lives of these people, even if we had nothing to do with finding the missing boy.” “A fact that Kosk will no doubt never let us forget,” Bredan said. He finished off his brandy and considered the bottle. The front door of the inn swung open and a familiar figure came inside. “I saw the light,” Erron Laddrick said. The sheriff wore his sword, and he had a small hunter’s bow slung across his back. “Come, join us, sheriff,” Quellan said. Laddrick’s boots sounded unnaturally loud in the quiet of the sleeping in as he crossed the floor to their table. “Do you patrol the village often at night, sheriff?” Bredan asked. “I do enjoy the quiet of the night,” Laddrick said. “Though I must admit, I have been taking evening walks more often since you arrived.” “Understandable,” Quellan said. “Would you care to join us for a drink?” Laddrick glanced down at the bottle. “Perhaps just a small one,” he said. Bredan poured him a measure and refreshed his own glass. “Thank you kindly,” Laddrick said as he took his glass. He took a drink then glanced at each of them. “So,” he said, “are you planning on resuming your journey north tomorrow?” Bredan paused in the midst of lifting his glass to his lips. “You’re the third person to ask me that today,” he said. Laddrick put his glass down on the tabletop. “The folk who live here are simple folk, living simple lives,” he said. “Since you arrived here, things have been anything but simple.” Bredan put his glass down with rather more force than the sheriff had. “Are you suggesting it’s our fault that all this happened? If we hadn’t come along those monsters would still be there, and the danger to your village would be greater than it is now.” Quellan leaned forward to interject, but Laddrick forestalled both of them with a raised hand. “Peace,” he said. “I’m not saying you’re wrong about any of that. I’m just telling you that people are nervous, and scared.” “These events are likely related to the war,” Quellan said. “Those orcs, at least, they came from the north. We’re just lucky they faced the elves first instead of coming directly south through the Dry Hills. From what the elves told us, there were over a hundred of them at one point.” Laddrick nodded. “We are grateful for all you’ve done. In fact, some of the local figures took up a collection, as a gesture of thanks.” He reached under his cloak and took out a small pouch that jingled slightly as he set it on the table. “That’s not necessary,” Quellan said, but now it was Bredan’s turn to hold up a hand. “Don’t be too hasty,” the smith said. “You know Glori would never forgive either of us if we turned down a reward.” “It’s less than you deserve,” Laddrick said. “And after everything with the boy… well, it would be a relief to some folks if you took it, along with my personal thanks.” Quellan looked at Bredan and nodded; the smith took the pouch and tucked it into a pocket of his coat. The sheriff stood. “Thanks for the drink,” he said. Quellan stood as well, followed by Bredan. “We are glad we were able to help,” the cleric said. He offered a hand, and after a moment the sheriff took it. “As for your first question, I think we will be moving on in the morning. Our dwarven friend has been quite… impatient, and events are no doubt moving swiftly in the north.” “Good luck,” Laddrick said. “If I were still a young man I’d be envious of you, but I’ll be honest… I’m glad I’m not walking your path this time around.” “We’re just doing what has to be done,” Bredan said. Laddrick nodded. “I bid you good evening then, gentlemen.” With a final nod he retraced his steps, his boots clattering upon the empty floor before he reached the door and disappeared the way he had come. The two adventurers let the silence recover a bit before Quellan said, “Well. I suppose I should try to get some sleep, if we’re to have a long day tomorrow.” He nodded toward the bottle. “You may wish to do the same.” Bredan’s eyes lingered on the bottle a moment before he replaced the cork, but he brought it with him when he turned back to the stairs. Quellan walked with him, the half-orc’s steps causing the smooth floorboards to creak heavily under him. The two reached the stairs before Bredan turned suddenly. “I wonder what’s been happening in the north while we’ve been here,” he said. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Forgotten Lore (Updated M-W-F)
Top