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
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Maissen: Shades of Grey [UPDATE 12/12, post 199]
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="Beale Knight" data-source="post: 1815199" data-attributes="member: 7033"><p><strong>01-08/02-01 Maissen the castle</strong></p><p></p><p>At last the boat made its way into Maissen’s port and docked. As the four gathered their equipment one question was finally taking shape.</p><p></p><p>“Just what are we supposed to do now that we’re here, anyway?” asked Ren. “Just make our way up to the castle gates, knock and say ‘we’re the heroes from Vaunth-on-the-Lake?’”</p><p></p><p>“I don’ see why not!” Killian said. “That’s what we are, that’s what they should expect from us!”</p><p></p><p>Madge cleared her throat, a sound something like a minor avalanche. “I believe our agenda from this point forward is set,” she said, pointing down the pier. </p><p></p><p>Striding toward the little boat were two imposing men. Tall and draped in elegant clothing, they wore power and confidence with the graceful comfort of people that had earned it the hard way. Even in rags they would have stood out as leaders. Without even noticing they’d done so, Ren and the others had stopped unloading their gear just to stare at them as they approached.</p><p></p><p>“You are Popa Thorson’s band from Vaunth-on-the-Lake,” the taller said. It wasn’t a question. </p><p></p><p>Madge spoke up. “We are. I am Madge Hannibal. This is Bessie Fisherman, Ren d’Hayson, and Killian.”</p><p></p><p>Both men nodded to each as Madge introduced them. “I am Kord,” the taller man said. </p><p></p><p>“And I am Kerros the Black,” said the other. “Leave your goods; porters will come for them. We have the honor to escort you to the castle.”</p><p></p><p>“Y’ are putting us up then?” Killian asked.</p><p></p><p>Kord and Kerros both raised their eyebrows at the question. “Of course,” Kord answered. </p><p></p><p>Ren nodded. “Good to hear. Our funds are about to nothing.”</p><p></p><p>Now their mouths dropped open. “You mean to say you’ve been charged for things?”</p><p></p><p>The four from Vaunth-on-the-Lake looked at each other and blinked at the odd question. </p><p>“Mm – yes,” Ren said finally. “At Towgar’s Ferry anyway, the inn and ride over did a….”</p><p></p><p>Kerros scowled at the boat pilot. “You charged Heroes of Maissen for transportation to their duty?”</p><p></p><p>The man stammered for several long moments, throwing out random words from time to time, but never actually managing to piece them together as a real sentence. </p><p></p><p>“Enough,” Kerros said. He placed his hand heavily on the pilot’s shoulder. “You will return what you charged them and you will apologize.” </p><p></p><p>The pilot meekly did as instructed, whispering an apology that could barely be heard over the waves lapping at the docks. It was enough to satisfy.</p><p></p><p>With that business concluded, Kord and Kerros led the four official Heroes up toward the castle. Maissen’s street were crowded with activity, but however thick the crowds, they always parted for the group. Every uniformed soldier they passed came to attention and saluted. Every other person that noticed the six of them, from the rag clad street sweepers to the fat men in their delicate, jewel-encrusted outfits, stopped what they were doing to give a slight bow, nod, wave, or some other polite acknowledgement. </p><p></p><p>In that way they were soon at the castle itself. It was more imposing up close, but in a different way. When seen from the dock the castle dwarfed everything else in view. Its gargantuan size was obvious but vaguely unreal, like a distant mountain you’ll never climb. However, once there, not only was its existence undeniable, but each part of it was proportionally huge. Doors twice as large as a coach, every inch featuring intricate carvings, draw chains with links the size of a man’s forearm, halls larger than houses, statues and paintings that towered over the people staring at them, braziers that must have demanded a cord of wood each day. </p><p></p><p>Ren thought it was simply amazing. The place was so large it was almost like being outside! What the others thought was hard to tell. They continued to keep silent as Kord and Kerros guided them through the immense castle. Madge might have had a scowl on her face, but the scars made it difficult to be sure. Bessie and her owl both looked a little nervous. In contrast, Killian wore a large smile and kept turning this way and that trying to see everything he could. The sorcerer seemed perfectly at home. </p><p></p><p>The tour at last brought them to a room so large it might have had its own weather. It was as if someone had cleared out the market square of Vaunth-on-the-Lake and put walls and a roof around it. For its size the room held only one object. </p><p></p><p>A ship.</p><p></p><p>“This is the one remaining ship of the three that delivered our ancestors to these shores,” Kord said, solemn respect heavy in his voice. </p><p></p><p>Just then for some reason, Ren remembered a joke his uncle had once pulled. The hunter was very tempted to adapt it and break the moment by pointing to the very important ship and asking, “why’d they spell the name wrong?” He fought the urge down. Even if his town mates laughed, Ren was pretty sure Kord and Kerros wouldn’t. </p><p></p><p>From there the two led the way to the chambers the Heroes from Vaunth-on-the-Lake would be using. The goods promised them by Popa Thorson were there waiting on them.</p><p></p><p>“One group has already arrived,” Kord said. “When the third arrives we will hold the feast.” He went on the explain a few general rules, where they could go, where they couldn’t, who they could ask for what they wanted, and so forth. </p><p></p><p>What followed was day and a half of unabashed luxury. There was more food and drink than any of the four could consume. There were scented baths with small flowing waterfalls built into them. Elegant clothing so light and airy it felt weightless. Beds as soft as clouds or as firm as stone. Chambers where music was performed at all hours. There was no want for activities or anything else. </p><p></p><p>The second night was the grand feast. As requested by their hosts, the Heroes wore the outfits they planned to wear in the wild. Once in the feast hall, their clothing made them easy to pick out, and made the other two groups just as easy to notice. The three groups were kept separate from each other, even being led into the hall through different entrances. But each had no shortage of well dressed people coming up to them, shaking their hands, and giving them thanks and blessings for taking on the mantle of Heroes. Only when they finally got to their table did the four have opportunity to speak to each other. </p><p></p><p>“Those four must be the group from Kern,” Bessie said. She pointed to a group dressed much like themselves, in leathers and with bows and mostly small hand weapons. “Portis said there were four.”</p><p></p><p>Killian was pointing at the third group. “I’d like to know why that group gets t’ have more folk in it. Doesn’t seem right t’ me.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s the team from Balos,” Madge said. She was frowning. “Popa Thorson said nothing about a set number per group. And that one obviously has some coin behind it.”</p><p></p><p>There were six at that third table, all trying very hard to seem above and bored by the whole feasting business. They wore different outfits, some in leathers, some in chain, some in robes – it was plainly a group well balanced in talents - but there was one thing in common. Each one of their outfits was red. </p><p></p><p>“Hmph,” Ren said. “Redbreasts. Obviously all the better to blend in with the grassland.” He reached across the table to the spice jars and took three of them. </p><p></p><p>“What do you think you’re doing?” Madge hissed at him. </p><p></p><p>“We’re going to be in the wild awhile,” Ren answered. “Spices can go a long way to making a poor meal grand. And we might find them useful if we meet someone who wants to make some trades.”</p><p></p><p>Madge frowned again but didn’t say anything.</p><p></p><p>The courses then began to arrive. Once Ren began eating, it was to him one of those odd instances when time seemed to flow fast and slow at the same time. The courses never seemed to stop. He would barely, if at all, finish one when the next would be at his elbow. Ren’s glasses of wine, water, and ale, never went empty.</p><p></p><p>And then all of a sudden it was over. Then it seemed as if only moments had passed. One of the twelve people at the head table then stood up for a speech that was blessedly short. He made a few of the now usual remarks regarding the Heroes, their bravery, the importance of what they were about to do, and the grand traditions of Maissen. The final blessing ceremony, and presentation of the Badges would be tomorrow, he said, and then the Heroes would be on their way. </p><p></p><p>With that the feast was over. Their escort came up to the table and Ren expected they would be led back to their chambers. “Not just yet,” the escort explained. “First you must meet with the council, as will the other two groups.”</p><p></p><p>“What’s this all about?” Ren asked.</p><p></p><p>“Tradition,” the escort said. “I also imagine they’re curious about your plans.” She led them down the same wide hall they’d traveled to the feast, but then turned off into a hall so small it had gone unnoticed when they passed it earlier. From there, the group was led to a room about the size of Popa Thorson’s entry hall, which made it the smallest room they’d yet seen in the castle. </p><p></p><p>“Wait here,” their escort instructed. “The far door will open when they’re ready for you. They’re meeting with each group separately, so it may be a little while. Make yourselves comfortable.”</p><p></p><p>She closed the door behind her, leaving the four Heroes from Vaunth-on-the-Lake alone. Each sat in one of the comfortable chairs provided and took a deep breath almost simultaneously. </p><p></p><p>There was a brief moment of tense silence, which Ren finally broke.</p><p></p><p>“I suppose we need to decide what we’re going to tell these people, don’t we?”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Beale Knight, post: 1815199, member: 7033"] [b]01-08/02-01 Maissen the castle[/b] At last the boat made its way into Maissen’s port and docked. As the four gathered their equipment one question was finally taking shape. “Just what are we supposed to do now that we’re here, anyway?” asked Ren. “Just make our way up to the castle gates, knock and say ‘we’re the heroes from Vaunth-on-the-Lake?’” “I don’ see why not!” Killian said. “That’s what we are, that’s what they should expect from us!” Madge cleared her throat, a sound something like a minor avalanche. “I believe our agenda from this point forward is set,” she said, pointing down the pier. Striding toward the little boat were two imposing men. Tall and draped in elegant clothing, they wore power and confidence with the graceful comfort of people that had earned it the hard way. Even in rags they would have stood out as leaders. Without even noticing they’d done so, Ren and the others had stopped unloading their gear just to stare at them as they approached. “You are Popa Thorson’s band from Vaunth-on-the-Lake,” the taller said. It wasn’t a question. Madge spoke up. “We are. I am Madge Hannibal. This is Bessie Fisherman, Ren d’Hayson, and Killian.” Both men nodded to each as Madge introduced them. “I am Kord,” the taller man said. “And I am Kerros the Black,” said the other. “Leave your goods; porters will come for them. We have the honor to escort you to the castle.” “Y’ are putting us up then?” Killian asked. Kord and Kerros both raised their eyebrows at the question. “Of course,” Kord answered. Ren nodded. “Good to hear. Our funds are about to nothing.” Now their mouths dropped open. “You mean to say you’ve been charged for things?” The four from Vaunth-on-the-Lake looked at each other and blinked at the odd question. “Mm – yes,” Ren said finally. “At Towgar’s Ferry anyway, the inn and ride over did a….” Kerros scowled at the boat pilot. “You charged Heroes of Maissen for transportation to their duty?” The man stammered for several long moments, throwing out random words from time to time, but never actually managing to piece them together as a real sentence. “Enough,” Kerros said. He placed his hand heavily on the pilot’s shoulder. “You will return what you charged them and you will apologize.” The pilot meekly did as instructed, whispering an apology that could barely be heard over the waves lapping at the docks. It was enough to satisfy. With that business concluded, Kord and Kerros led the four official Heroes up toward the castle. Maissen’s street were crowded with activity, but however thick the crowds, they always parted for the group. Every uniformed soldier they passed came to attention and saluted. Every other person that noticed the six of them, from the rag clad street sweepers to the fat men in their delicate, jewel-encrusted outfits, stopped what they were doing to give a slight bow, nod, wave, or some other polite acknowledgement. In that way they were soon at the castle itself. It was more imposing up close, but in a different way. When seen from the dock the castle dwarfed everything else in view. Its gargantuan size was obvious but vaguely unreal, like a distant mountain you’ll never climb. However, once there, not only was its existence undeniable, but each part of it was proportionally huge. Doors twice as large as a coach, every inch featuring intricate carvings, draw chains with links the size of a man’s forearm, halls larger than houses, statues and paintings that towered over the people staring at them, braziers that must have demanded a cord of wood each day. Ren thought it was simply amazing. The place was so large it was almost like being outside! What the others thought was hard to tell. They continued to keep silent as Kord and Kerros guided them through the immense castle. Madge might have had a scowl on her face, but the scars made it difficult to be sure. Bessie and her owl both looked a little nervous. In contrast, Killian wore a large smile and kept turning this way and that trying to see everything he could. The sorcerer seemed perfectly at home. The tour at last brought them to a room so large it might have had its own weather. It was as if someone had cleared out the market square of Vaunth-on-the-Lake and put walls and a roof around it. For its size the room held only one object. A ship. “This is the one remaining ship of the three that delivered our ancestors to these shores,” Kord said, solemn respect heavy in his voice. Just then for some reason, Ren remembered a joke his uncle had once pulled. The hunter was very tempted to adapt it and break the moment by pointing to the very important ship and asking, “why’d they spell the name wrong?” He fought the urge down. Even if his town mates laughed, Ren was pretty sure Kord and Kerros wouldn’t. From there the two led the way to the chambers the Heroes from Vaunth-on-the-Lake would be using. The goods promised them by Popa Thorson were there waiting on them. “One group has already arrived,” Kord said. “When the third arrives we will hold the feast.” He went on the explain a few general rules, where they could go, where they couldn’t, who they could ask for what they wanted, and so forth. What followed was day and a half of unabashed luxury. There was more food and drink than any of the four could consume. There were scented baths with small flowing waterfalls built into them. Elegant clothing so light and airy it felt weightless. Beds as soft as clouds or as firm as stone. Chambers where music was performed at all hours. There was no want for activities or anything else. The second night was the grand feast. As requested by their hosts, the Heroes wore the outfits they planned to wear in the wild. Once in the feast hall, their clothing made them easy to pick out, and made the other two groups just as easy to notice. The three groups were kept separate from each other, even being led into the hall through different entrances. But each had no shortage of well dressed people coming up to them, shaking their hands, and giving them thanks and blessings for taking on the mantle of Heroes. Only when they finally got to their table did the four have opportunity to speak to each other. “Those four must be the group from Kern,” Bessie said. She pointed to a group dressed much like themselves, in leathers and with bows and mostly small hand weapons. “Portis said there were four.” Killian was pointing at the third group. “I’d like to know why that group gets t’ have more folk in it. Doesn’t seem right t’ me.” “That’s the team from Balos,” Madge said. She was frowning. “Popa Thorson said nothing about a set number per group. And that one obviously has some coin behind it.” There were six at that third table, all trying very hard to seem above and bored by the whole feasting business. They wore different outfits, some in leathers, some in chain, some in robes – it was plainly a group well balanced in talents - but there was one thing in common. Each one of their outfits was red. “Hmph,” Ren said. “Redbreasts. Obviously all the better to blend in with the grassland.” He reached across the table to the spice jars and took three of them. “What do you think you’re doing?” Madge hissed at him. “We’re going to be in the wild awhile,” Ren answered. “Spices can go a long way to making a poor meal grand. And we might find them useful if we meet someone who wants to make some trades.” Madge frowned again but didn’t say anything. The courses then began to arrive. Once Ren began eating, it was to him one of those odd instances when time seemed to flow fast and slow at the same time. The courses never seemed to stop. He would barely, if at all, finish one when the next would be at his elbow. Ren’s glasses of wine, water, and ale, never went empty. And then all of a sudden it was over. Then it seemed as if only moments had passed. One of the twelve people at the head table then stood up for a speech that was blessedly short. He made a few of the now usual remarks regarding the Heroes, their bravery, the importance of what they were about to do, and the grand traditions of Maissen. The final blessing ceremony, and presentation of the Badges would be tomorrow, he said, and then the Heroes would be on their way. With that the feast was over. Their escort came up to the table and Ren expected they would be led back to their chambers. “Not just yet,” the escort explained. “First you must meet with the council, as will the other two groups.” “What’s this all about?” Ren asked. “Tradition,” the escort said. “I also imagine they’re curious about your plans.” She led them down the same wide hall they’d traveled to the feast, but then turned off into a hall so small it had gone unnoticed when they passed it earlier. From there, the group was led to a room about the size of Popa Thorson’s entry hall, which made it the smallest room they’d yet seen in the castle. “Wait here,” their escort instructed. “The far door will open when they’re ready for you. They’re meeting with each group separately, so it may be a little while. Make yourselves comfortable.” She closed the door behind her, leaving the four Heroes from Vaunth-on-the-Lake alone. Each sat in one of the comfortable chairs provided and took a deep breath almost simultaneously. There was a brief moment of tense silence, which Ren finally broke. “I suppose we need to decide what we’re going to tell these people, don’t we?” [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Maissen: Shades of Grey [UPDATE 12/12, post 199]
Top