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
Menexenus's Age of Worms Campaign Journal
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="Menexenus" data-source="post: 3305687" data-attributes="member: 8951"><p><strong>Killick's backstory</strong></p><p></p><p>Killick was raised by his father, a miner, after Killick's mother died in childbirth. As he was growing up, Killick watched his father's health deteriorate over the years of toil underground, and the child became determined never to work in the mines himself. Left to his own devices for long stretches of time, Killick explored the surrounding countryside with his boyhood friends. Unlike his friends, however, Killick never outgrew this phase. He became fascinated with the world of Nature, so unlike the lawlessness, deception, and corruption of Diamond Lake. In the world of plants and animals, almost anything could happen, but at least you knew when your were predator and when you were prey. The rhythms and cycles of Nature comforted Killick as his father grew sicker and sicker.</p><p></p><p> When he was barely a teenager, Killick had to begin supporting himself and his father, who had become too ill to work in the mines. Rather than sign up for a mine company himself, Killick became somewhat of a maverick in town by hunting for a living. He taught himself to track and kill small animals, then brought the meat and skins back to Diamond Lake for food and trade. At first, only friends and neighbors would purchase Killick's offerings, and considered it charity, but as he grew older and more skilled, Killick was able to trade with many across town, including innkeepers, and make a living for himself and his father.</p><p></p><p> Killick had thought that all human society was as raucous, disorderly, and crime-ridden as Diamond Lake, but as he ranged further from the town hunting larger game, he made contact with other groups in the surrounding area that showed him how civilization could be. A secretive band of monks from a far-off land began to trade with Killick, after he hunted a wounded bear almost to the door of their monastery. Also, Killick found and befriended the druids of the area, and it was they who taught him to revere Beory, Goddess of the Earth, who represented the things he loved best about Nature. Killick asked to be included in the druidic rituals, but they told him that he would be needed in Diamond Lake when the time came, and to return to them when he was older, if he still desired it.</p><p></p><p> Killick's father has recently died. The young man is filled with grief, but also with hope of escape from the dreariness and chaos of Diamond Lake, now that his last link to the place has been severed. When Tarric comes to him with the idea of an exploring the old "Whispering Cave" of their childhood, it seems like as good a way as any to gain the wealth needed to begin his travels.</p><p></p><p><fast forward to the second day of the campaign> </p><p></p><p>It is late in the evening of the 12th of Planting. Killick is on guard duty in the old abandoned mine office. He has just finished skinning his wolves and is resting before the fire. Suddenly, he hears a familiar call from out in the woods. It is the distinctive bird call that Killick's mentor, Merris Sandoval, makes whenever he wanted to get Killick's attention without others knowing. </p><p></p><p> Killick takes a torch and wanders out into the night without alerting his comrades. He follows the sound of the bird call for about 150 yards until he finally hears Merris's voice from above. "I thought that was you, young Killick!" Killick looks up and sees Merris sitting on a tree branch about 10 feet above the ground. Merris continues, "You should probably know that we in the Greyhawk Militia keep a relatively close eye on this abandoned mine office. It seems to be a magnet for bandits, vagabonds, and other ne'er-do-wells." He pauses. Then with an impish smile and a wink he says, "You haven't decided to take up a life of banditry, now, have you lad?"</p><p></p><p> With catlike grace, he makes his way quickly and quietly down from the tree. And in moments he stands before Killick, a thin man with weathered features. His hair is almost completely gray now, but he retains a boyish charm that makes him seem younger than he is. Merris goes on, "If it were anyone but you, lad, I'd be required to ask about your business out here in the middle of no where. But since it *is* you, I'll forget I saw you and your companions and mind my own business. Was that Killian and Alexander I spied in there with you?" Before Killick can answer, Merris puts his hands up and says, "Nope, don't answer that. Never you mind. Tain't none of my business, now, is it?"</p><p></p><p> He begins digging around in his backpack for something. "I'm glad I happened upon you out here in the middle of no where, Killick, as I've been meaning to give you something. I've spoken on your behalf at the Bronzewood Lodge, and they've agreed to allow you to attend our next communion service. After they've had a chance to look you over and ask you a few questions, they'll most likely induct you as a member, if that's still what you want. The service will be held starting at sundown on the night of the next full moon, which as I'm sure you know by now will be the 4th of Flocktime, 20 days from today. It'll be best if you come with me, but if I'm sent out on a mission and can't attend the service for some reason, this brooch and a password will grant you access to the meeting." He hands Killick a very simple wood and leather brooch with the figure of a bronzewood tree etched upon it. "The password is 'Yin Maega un Dorada'. It means something like 'Nothing is more sacred than Nature' in the language of the Druids. I'm told it is a common greeting among them. I'm not a druid myself, so I don't know their secret language." Suddenly Merris's face beams with mischievous humor again, and he exclaims, "For all I know, it could mean 'I'm a <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing idiot who can't speak Druidic'!" Merris indulges in some quiet laughter at his own joke. Then he continues, "But if it gets you in the door, I guess it doesn't really matter what it means." He winks.</p><p></p><p> "Well, my boy, I'm on patrol duty this evening. I still have a ways to go tonight before I can head back to the garrison and make my report. You and your friends be careful out here, alright? Good night."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Menexenus, post: 3305687, member: 8951"] [b]Killick's backstory[/b] Killick was raised by his father, a miner, after Killick's mother died in childbirth. As he was growing up, Killick watched his father's health deteriorate over the years of toil underground, and the child became determined never to work in the mines himself. Left to his own devices for long stretches of time, Killick explored the surrounding countryside with his boyhood friends. Unlike his friends, however, Killick never outgrew this phase. He became fascinated with the world of Nature, so unlike the lawlessness, deception, and corruption of Diamond Lake. In the world of plants and animals, almost anything could happen, but at least you knew when your were predator and when you were prey. The rhythms and cycles of Nature comforted Killick as his father grew sicker and sicker. When he was barely a teenager, Killick had to begin supporting himself and his father, who had become too ill to work in the mines. Rather than sign up for a mine company himself, Killick became somewhat of a maverick in town by hunting for a living. He taught himself to track and kill small animals, then brought the meat and skins back to Diamond Lake for food and trade. At first, only friends and neighbors would purchase Killick's offerings, and considered it charity, but as he grew older and more skilled, Killick was able to trade with many across town, including innkeepers, and make a living for himself and his father. Killick had thought that all human society was as raucous, disorderly, and crime-ridden as Diamond Lake, but as he ranged further from the town hunting larger game, he made contact with other groups in the surrounding area that showed him how civilization could be. A secretive band of monks from a far-off land began to trade with Killick, after he hunted a wounded bear almost to the door of their monastery. Also, Killick found and befriended the druids of the area, and it was they who taught him to revere Beory, Goddess of the Earth, who represented the things he loved best about Nature. Killick asked to be included in the druidic rituals, but they told him that he would be needed in Diamond Lake when the time came, and to return to them when he was older, if he still desired it. Killick's father has recently died. The young man is filled with grief, but also with hope of escape from the dreariness and chaos of Diamond Lake, now that his last link to the place has been severed. When Tarric comes to him with the idea of an exploring the old "Whispering Cave" of their childhood, it seems like as good a way as any to gain the wealth needed to begin his travels. <fast forward to the second day of the campaign> It is late in the evening of the 12th of Planting. Killick is on guard duty in the old abandoned mine office. He has just finished skinning his wolves and is resting before the fire. Suddenly, he hears a familiar call from out in the woods. It is the distinctive bird call that Killick's mentor, Merris Sandoval, makes whenever he wanted to get Killick's attention without others knowing. Killick takes a torch and wanders out into the night without alerting his comrades. He follows the sound of the bird call for about 150 yards until he finally hears Merris's voice from above. "I thought that was you, young Killick!" Killick looks up and sees Merris sitting on a tree branch about 10 feet above the ground. Merris continues, "You should probably know that we in the Greyhawk Militia keep a relatively close eye on this abandoned mine office. It seems to be a magnet for bandits, vagabonds, and other ne'er-do-wells." He pauses. Then with an impish smile and a wink he says, "You haven't decided to take up a life of banditry, now, have you lad?" With catlike grace, he makes his way quickly and quietly down from the tree. And in moments he stands before Killick, a thin man with weathered features. His hair is almost completely gray now, but he retains a boyish charm that makes him seem younger than he is. Merris goes on, "If it were anyone but you, lad, I'd be required to ask about your business out here in the middle of no where. But since it *is* you, I'll forget I saw you and your companions and mind my own business. Was that Killian and Alexander I spied in there with you?" Before Killick can answer, Merris puts his hands up and says, "Nope, don't answer that. Never you mind. Tain't none of my business, now, is it?" He begins digging around in his backpack for something. "I'm glad I happened upon you out here in the middle of no where, Killick, as I've been meaning to give you something. I've spoken on your behalf at the Bronzewood Lodge, and they've agreed to allow you to attend our next communion service. After they've had a chance to look you over and ask you a few questions, they'll most likely induct you as a member, if that's still what you want. The service will be held starting at sundown on the night of the next full moon, which as I'm sure you know by now will be the 4th of Flocktime, 20 days from today. It'll be best if you come with me, but if I'm sent out on a mission and can't attend the service for some reason, this brooch and a password will grant you access to the meeting." He hands Killick a very simple wood and leather brooch with the figure of a bronzewood tree etched upon it. "The password is 'Yin Maega un Dorada'. It means something like 'Nothing is more sacred than Nature' in the language of the Druids. I'm told it is a common greeting among them. I'm not a druid myself, so I don't know their secret language." Suddenly Merris's face beams with mischievous humor again, and he exclaims, "For all I know, it could mean 'I'm a :):):):)ing idiot who can't speak Druidic'!" Merris indulges in some quiet laughter at his own joke. Then he continues, "But if it gets you in the door, I guess it doesn't really matter what it means." He winks. "Well, my boy, I'm on patrol duty this evening. I still have a ways to go tonight before I can head back to the garrison and make my report. You and your friends be careful out here, alright? Good night." [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Menexenus's Age of Worms Campaign Journal
Top