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 LIVE! 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
Sniktch's Story Hour Prelude - From the Beginning (UPDATED 04/22)
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="Sniktch" data-source="post: 503428" data-attributes="member: 7704"><p><strong>Welby saved!</strong></p><p></p><p>Brother Duncan Rolwit was busy in the garden when the adventurers arrived. It was a beautiful spring day, one of those rare gems when the chill breath of winter still rode the wind but the sun shone clear and bright. A perfect day for gardening, one of the head priest’s favorite pastimes. </p><p></p><p>“Brother Rolwit, Brother Rolwit!” he was interrupted in his work by the call of Brother Montone, one of the three acolytes who served under him at the chapel. He pulled his gloves off and ran a chubby hand through his thinning hair before answering.</p><p></p><p>“Over here, Brother Montone,” he replied, thinking what now? </p><p></p><p>The youth raced over to stand over him, appearing very anxious about something. “Uh, visitors to see you. Its them, you know, the heroes from the wagon.”</p><p></p><p>Duncan’s gloves slipped from his suddenly nerveless fingers. Oh, no, he trembled inwardly, not them! Not that nasty little savage. He could still remember his last run-in with the group of travelers clearly; how the halfling showed up one day, banging on the door and growling and menacing him with that axe until he had lifted the curse the little one was under. The barbarian’s companions had brought him back later and forced him to apologize for his behavior and pay for the healing, but the damage had been done. He did not like that halfling and he could not help but feel intimidated in the feral warrior’s presence.</p><p></p><p>“Brother Rolwit?” Brother Montone still stood over him, an expression of concern on his face.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, Brother,” Duncan rose with a sigh and motioned for the acolyte to lead the way. “Take me to our guests and we will see what aid they require.” He fingered his holy symbol nervously as he followed his subordinate back indoors.</p><p></p><p>The strangers waited for him in the chapel, and they seemed to have increased in number, another dwarf and half-orc having joined the company. They wore grim expressions and were gathered in a cluster around a pair of statues, a detailed carving of a dwarven youth and…</p><p></p><p>The priest was forced to stifle a chuckle of relief when he beheld the frozen form of Welby Hilltopple. So the barbarian had gotten into trouble again, but this time he couldn’t come waving his axe around and threatening Duncan with dismemberment and worse.</p><p></p><p>“Good abbot,” one of the dwarves had stepped forward, a female he would guess by the voice and figure, although it was far from obvious from the face and braided whiskers. This one was a priest too, he guessed by the silver symbol of Dumathoin hanging about her neck. “Our companion Welby has unfortunately fallen afoul of a cockatrice and needs your aid,” the dwarf continued speaking. “After defeating the beast, we also discovered one of its previous victims in its lair, and now we must beseech you to restore these two to their natural condition, if it is at all within your power.”</p><p></p><p>Duncan mentally chastised himself for the joy he felt, knowing that his thoughts were not proper but unable to keep them from flooding his mind. He spread his hands and shook his head dolefully, apologizing, “I am sorry, but the curse of stone is beyond my poor abilities to lift. I believe the closest temples that would house priests of such power are located in Ravensdale.”</p><p></p><p>Filthy Ike jumped in at the mention of his last place of living. “Ravensdale? Surely we can find help without going there.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” Artimas concurred, “that town is a mess right now and under the complete martial law of the Crusaders. We would be better off journeying to Greystone, even though the capital is twice the distance. Are you sure you can do nothing, good sir?”</p><p></p><p>“Alas, I am but a poor country friar. It is rare to find someone with the ability to properly perform such a difficult ritual outside of the city walls. Believe me, if there was anything I could do –“</p><p></p><p>The younger priest, Brother Montone, cut him off. “Brother, what of the scrolls?” the acolyte whispered to his superior, although several of the companions overheard.</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, brother, what of the scrolls?” Jack’s gravelly voice held menacing undertones.</p><p></p><p>“Um, yes, well, there is that,” Brother Rolwit shot his subordinate a venomous stare as he explained. “What Brother Montone refers to are the last works of the greatest scribe of our order, Saint Markham. The saint retired to Travensburg in his dotage and spent the remaining years of his life building up a large stockpile of magical scrolls so that the villagers could continue to benefit from his good works even after he departed the earthly realms. The store has been greatly depleted over the centuries, but it is possible that we may find what you need among what remains.</p><p></p><p>“I’m sure Brother Montone would be good enough to entertain you while I go the library and peruse its contents.”</p><p></p><p>The rotund priest took his leave, abandoning the young acolyte to the group of fierce strangers. He did not notice the furry black form of the bat that flapped lazily after him in the shadowed recesses of the ceiling. Entering the library, Duncan immediately proceeded to a specific bookshelf and flipped a switch that caused a hidden panel to swing outwards. Within the exposed alcove were stacks and stacks of old scroll tubes, each carefully labeled with an identifying tag.</p><p></p><p>He quickly located the two he needed but paused, reluctant to return to the adventurers’ presence. While he stalled, the tiny bat silently exited the room and flew back to the chapel to rejoin its master. Finally, Duncan gathered his courage and wits and slowly meandered back to his visitors.</p><p></p><p>“So you’ve found what we require?” the elderly, scholarly-looking gentleman demanded as soon as he re-entered. “The scrolls you’ve brought back will aid these two?”</p><p></p><p>“Y-y-yes,” he stammered, startled by the man’s insight. “I have found two scrolls that should be able to break the enchantments. Now, all that is needed is to discuss a suitable donation to the church. As you well know, I am not authorized to dispense aid or part with Saint Markham’s work without the proper compensation.”</p><p></p><p>Negotiations followed and in the end the group was able to procure both scrolls, although it cost them nearly all of their accumulated wealth thus far. As Ike and Artimas counted out the coins and handed them to the young Brother Montone, Duncan handed the two aged scraps of parchment to the dwarven priestess and stood back, waiting. Quinn studied the papers for a long time and then indicated that she believed she would be able to successfully unlock the prayers contained within and restore the halfling and dwarf.</p><p></p><p>Everyone watched with held breath as Quinn stepped before the frozen form of Welby and began intoning the words from the scroll, her hands tracing mystical symbols in the air. When she finished the parchment burst into flames and fell to the floor, rapidly consuming itself until only a faint trace of ash remained. Nothing happened for a moment, and then the halfling’s skin changed back to its normal, pinkish hue and he fell back, roaring, “No! No! Bad chicken, bad!”</p><p></p><p>The Crow rushed forward and embraced the struggling figure in a crushing bear hug. “Welby, you’re back!”</p><p></p><p>“Let go me. Can’t breathe!” The halfling managed to squirm free and repeatedly insisted that he was alright as the other members of the party took turns fussing over the restored warrior. At last they calmed down and then turned to the second statue, again forgetting to breathe as Quinn stepped towards it and began reading from the second scroll.</p><p></p><p>As she completed the incantation cracks formed and spread across the surface of the stone figure, then the outer layer of stone crumbled away to expose a young, wary dwarf standing in the center of the room, kneading his arms and legs as if he could not believe that they were indeed flesh again. Shocked that it had actually worked, no one spoke for long minutes, and the silence was eventually broken by the dwarf when he finished his self-inspection and noticed their presence for the first time.</p><p></p><p>“Ho, burr, oim a-roit glad t’bay meself agin. Oi thankee fer rescoon me.” The squat figure extended a hand and continued, “Fredegar Ir’n’ammer, atcher service. Oo’re yew?”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Sniktch, post: 503428, member: 7704"] [b]Welby saved![/b] Brother Duncan Rolwit was busy in the garden when the adventurers arrived. It was a beautiful spring day, one of those rare gems when the chill breath of winter still rode the wind but the sun shone clear and bright. A perfect day for gardening, one of the head priest’s favorite pastimes. “Brother Rolwit, Brother Rolwit!” he was interrupted in his work by the call of Brother Montone, one of the three acolytes who served under him at the chapel. He pulled his gloves off and ran a chubby hand through his thinning hair before answering. “Over here, Brother Montone,” he replied, thinking what now? The youth raced over to stand over him, appearing very anxious about something. “Uh, visitors to see you. Its them, you know, the heroes from the wagon.” Duncan’s gloves slipped from his suddenly nerveless fingers. Oh, no, he trembled inwardly, not them! Not that nasty little savage. He could still remember his last run-in with the group of travelers clearly; how the halfling showed up one day, banging on the door and growling and menacing him with that axe until he had lifted the curse the little one was under. The barbarian’s companions had brought him back later and forced him to apologize for his behavior and pay for the healing, but the damage had been done. He did not like that halfling and he could not help but feel intimidated in the feral warrior’s presence. “Brother Rolwit?” Brother Montone still stood over him, an expression of concern on his face. “Yes, Brother,” Duncan rose with a sigh and motioned for the acolyte to lead the way. “Take me to our guests and we will see what aid they require.” He fingered his holy symbol nervously as he followed his subordinate back indoors. The strangers waited for him in the chapel, and they seemed to have increased in number, another dwarf and half-orc having joined the company. They wore grim expressions and were gathered in a cluster around a pair of statues, a detailed carving of a dwarven youth and… The priest was forced to stifle a chuckle of relief when he beheld the frozen form of Welby Hilltopple. So the barbarian had gotten into trouble again, but this time he couldn’t come waving his axe around and threatening Duncan with dismemberment and worse. “Good abbot,” one of the dwarves had stepped forward, a female he would guess by the voice and figure, although it was far from obvious from the face and braided whiskers. This one was a priest too, he guessed by the silver symbol of Dumathoin hanging about her neck. “Our companion Welby has unfortunately fallen afoul of a cockatrice and needs your aid,” the dwarf continued speaking. “After defeating the beast, we also discovered one of its previous victims in its lair, and now we must beseech you to restore these two to their natural condition, if it is at all within your power.” Duncan mentally chastised himself for the joy he felt, knowing that his thoughts were not proper but unable to keep them from flooding his mind. He spread his hands and shook his head dolefully, apologizing, “I am sorry, but the curse of stone is beyond my poor abilities to lift. I believe the closest temples that would house priests of such power are located in Ravensdale.” Filthy Ike jumped in at the mention of his last place of living. “Ravensdale? Surely we can find help without going there.” “Yes,” Artimas concurred, “that town is a mess right now and under the complete martial law of the Crusaders. We would be better off journeying to Greystone, even though the capital is twice the distance. Are you sure you can do nothing, good sir?” “Alas, I am but a poor country friar. It is rare to find someone with the ability to properly perform such a difficult ritual outside of the city walls. Believe me, if there was anything I could do –“ The younger priest, Brother Montone, cut him off. “Brother, what of the scrolls?” the acolyte whispered to his superior, although several of the companions overheard. “Yeah, brother, what of the scrolls?” Jack’s gravelly voice held menacing undertones. “Um, yes, well, there is that,” Brother Rolwit shot his subordinate a venomous stare as he explained. “What Brother Montone refers to are the last works of the greatest scribe of our order, Saint Markham. The saint retired to Travensburg in his dotage and spent the remaining years of his life building up a large stockpile of magical scrolls so that the villagers could continue to benefit from his good works even after he departed the earthly realms. The store has been greatly depleted over the centuries, but it is possible that we may find what you need among what remains. “I’m sure Brother Montone would be good enough to entertain you while I go the library and peruse its contents.” The rotund priest took his leave, abandoning the young acolyte to the group of fierce strangers. He did not notice the furry black form of the bat that flapped lazily after him in the shadowed recesses of the ceiling. Entering the library, Duncan immediately proceeded to a specific bookshelf and flipped a switch that caused a hidden panel to swing outwards. Within the exposed alcove were stacks and stacks of old scroll tubes, each carefully labeled with an identifying tag. He quickly located the two he needed but paused, reluctant to return to the adventurers’ presence. While he stalled, the tiny bat silently exited the room and flew back to the chapel to rejoin its master. Finally, Duncan gathered his courage and wits and slowly meandered back to his visitors. “So you’ve found what we require?” the elderly, scholarly-looking gentleman demanded as soon as he re-entered. “The scrolls you’ve brought back will aid these two?” “Y-y-yes,” he stammered, startled by the man’s insight. “I have found two scrolls that should be able to break the enchantments. Now, all that is needed is to discuss a suitable donation to the church. As you well know, I am not authorized to dispense aid or part with Saint Markham’s work without the proper compensation.” Negotiations followed and in the end the group was able to procure both scrolls, although it cost them nearly all of their accumulated wealth thus far. As Ike and Artimas counted out the coins and handed them to the young Brother Montone, Duncan handed the two aged scraps of parchment to the dwarven priestess and stood back, waiting. Quinn studied the papers for a long time and then indicated that she believed she would be able to successfully unlock the prayers contained within and restore the halfling and dwarf. Everyone watched with held breath as Quinn stepped before the frozen form of Welby and began intoning the words from the scroll, her hands tracing mystical symbols in the air. When she finished the parchment burst into flames and fell to the floor, rapidly consuming itself until only a faint trace of ash remained. Nothing happened for a moment, and then the halfling’s skin changed back to its normal, pinkish hue and he fell back, roaring, “No! No! Bad chicken, bad!” The Crow rushed forward and embraced the struggling figure in a crushing bear hug. “Welby, you’re back!” “Let go me. Can’t breathe!” The halfling managed to squirm free and repeatedly insisted that he was alright as the other members of the party took turns fussing over the restored warrior. At last they calmed down and then turned to the second statue, again forgetting to breathe as Quinn stepped towards it and began reading from the second scroll. As she completed the incantation cracks formed and spread across the surface of the stone figure, then the outer layer of stone crumbled away to expose a young, wary dwarf standing in the center of the room, kneading his arms and legs as if he could not believe that they were indeed flesh again. Shocked that it had actually worked, no one spoke for long minutes, and the silence was eventually broken by the dwarf when he finished his self-inspection and noticed their presence for the first time. “Ho, burr, oim a-roit glad t’bay meself agin. Oi thankee fer rescoon me.” The squat figure extended a hand and continued, “Fredegar Ir’n’ammer, atcher service. Oo’re yew?” [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Sniktch's Story Hour Prelude - From the Beginning (UPDATED 04/22)
Top