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
The darkness in us all
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="thejc" data-source="post: 5431053" data-attributes="member: 100006"><p>To The Fort of Last Fire</p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">The Road grew colder as the farther North and East the party travelled. Snow and frost dotted the countryside and grew thicker the farther they pressed the road. Three days out from Halder’s tomb they came upon the small town of Eidelfast, there they were able restock supplies and trade for some warmer attire. They took rest at the Worn Blessing a simple but comfortable inn with a well renowned brewery. This place is a hotspot in the summer of well to do families from the empire and both the Griffon Lands and the Rose Republic. The distillery “Scriptures Best” produced fine liquor notably the Chipped Ice Whiskey, Volcano Brandy, and Fey Gin. They also brew a seasonal set of ales in various flavors and styles simply known as “The Rogues Brew”.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">Utah was deep in a game of daggers with a few of the villagers and enjoying the atmosphere when one of the men started to press him about the parties business. “Just heading north going to see a priest friend of ours” Utah answered. The commoner shook his head “Good sir I mean no offence you and your friends look more than capable of holding your own, but these are not empire roads. The road brings many dangers here in the north. Be careful” Titus who for whatever reason had been dreary and depressed since the tomb of Halder had been drowning himself in the Fey Gin. He stumbled from his corner accusing the men of treachery and his usual preposterous schemes and scenarios. This time however the liquor was talking and there was malice in his voice. Utah was the only other from the party there, the rest long since retired. The villagers with their own liquid courage spat back. Some shoving back forth started. Then it happened. As Utah inserted himself between Titus and the town one of the commoners caught hold of the leather sleeve on Titus arm and pulled it most of the way off. There was silence in the common room. Then shouts of “Undead”, “Demon”, “Unholy” went up followed by “Kill him” “Get them” and “Burn the creature”.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">Luckily for the men of the town all weapons had been checked at the door. That did not stop Titus from breaking off a chair leg and brandishing about like a club. Utah tried to steer them towards the door or a window but they were cornered. Titus had madness in his eyes fueled by the alcohol. They commoners rushed them. Everyone became a big pile. Utah’s eyes flashed and suddenly there were a few villagers on the Titus and Utah’s side. Someone managed to sneak a dagger in and sliced Titus on the cheek. Titus swung the makeshift club down breaking the man’s arm. Another villager grabbed a log out of the fire then went flying smacking into the wall. A few more went spilling out of the way. Morganis had joined the fray. “Men of Eidelfast here me now. We know you to be a good and hearty people. Do not let the strong spirits steal your hearts this night. My companions and I are warriors of the light and we bear the scars of doing battle with the darkness. The only difference is we bear our marks on the outside. Go home to your families go home to your wives. Wake in the morning and repent. Vatan will forgive you.” The crowd diffused. Morganis watched as Titus still full of hate went upstairs. “Flaming pubes of Azers” Utah breathed as he too went to his room. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">The next morning as the party set out. Titus leaned in and whispered a question to Utah. “Do you think that’s true?” Utah shrugged and looked to him for further information. “That we are warriors of the light?” Titus continued. Utah looked forward grimly “I don’t know”.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">They day was little more than half over. The snow had really started to deepen and blanketed ground. Titus sat sulking in his saddle. Utah seemed very annoyed and Morganis was also silent. The other three however were oblivious. Thorn pulled his horse up short. He started to sniff the air. The rest of the party stopped too. Titus came peered around at the landscape. “I see nothing” he said. Thorns eyes went wide as the snow piles lining the road erupted. “Giants!” Thorn cried. “They are Cyclops actually!” Roland countered as he dismounted. “Black blood and hairy <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=":)" /> they are giant one eyed monsters!” Utah cursed aloud. “I count four” August called out. “One more at the treeline!” Thorn answered. As if in answer to Thorn a large ice ball lobbed into the party. The projectile hit like a Trebuchet’s stone taking Morganis from his saddle. “Form up, two single columns. Thorn take the thrower.” The party held their ground and let the Cyclops move first. August ducked under the first ones legs. Coming out behind him he struck twice. The first blow took a meaty chuck out of the back of the giant’s leg then August leapt and sunk his axe into the small of the one eyes back. The Cyclops bellowed in pain and dropped to one knee. Morganis found his footing and came to his line just as the Cyclops attacked. Morganis called upon the power of Vatan uttering a battle blessing. Roland dodged the fist of another giant and fired two pistols right into its exposed armpit. Titus whirled his arms blurring as he pumped three arrows into the Cyclops Roland had wounded. It succumbed to the wounds and fell. The one eye attacking Utah was stricken blind as Utah’s eyes flashed. August continued his assault this time attacking the Achilles heel of his giant. The giant fell forward on his face screaming in agony. Morganis waited for the last Cyclops to attack. The burly cleric met the giants club with his own hammer then slammed the large mallet onto the one eye’s foot. As it doubled over in pain it was peppered with shot and arrows. It cried out, close to death. Utah eyes flashed with power as energy started to coalesce around him he let out a grunt as he pushed the energy out forming a giant fist slamming into the giant knocking back into its ambush trench. Thorn reached his Cyclops catching it unaware his sword slicing its throat then he shoved it into its eye cavity. Morganis let out a cry to Vatan as he struck his Cyclops and turned its head so hard it broke its neck. August focused the power of Bahamut. Then he ran and planted off his giants back leaping into the air and landing on the beasts head, looking as a demented child jumping in mud puddles. He crushed its skull. Utah’s energy fist came down not once but twice crushing the beast’s lungs and heart of the giant.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">The rest of the journey was fairly uneventful aside from the occasional skirmish with a small patrol of trollborn. Finally they arrived at the Fort of the Last Fire. Fir et Omega loomed in the distance. It was quite large for a wilderness fort. It was here the ancient Ossorian Empire would stem the tide of northern barbarians, trollborn and savage sorcerers. It was also here that the battle of the dragon forged was fought. Here that the earth ended. You could walk farther to the North East if you wanted. The Shining awaited. A vast expanse of frozen waste, a place said to exist both here and the spirit world. And now here they would find answers to The Other. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">The Fort was opened to them once Morganis was established as a member of the Vatan faith. The party was escorted where they waited for the Frost Hammer. Soon the Frost Hammer entered or rather took up the room. The man dwarfed Morganis. Not only was the giant man large in stature, but his presence was palpable. It was if an avatar was standing before them. “Brethren, The Hammer Lords blessing on you all. Morganis by the hammer it is good to see you old friend.” The bassy voice boomed as they greeted one another. Watching this exchange Utah’s jaw hung open. “Well I’ll be a black toothed bar wench” he exclaimed “You’re a giant.” </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">The Frost Hammer guffawed “Nay brother. I am a humble servant of the Hammer Lord. I have been through the rite of might though, resulting in the Hammer Lords blessing of increased vigor and strength.” Roland adjusted his monocle “Interesting. Morganis did you take the rite of might as well?” Morganis shook his head “No, upon the anointing of Vatan’s Hammer Priests, which is my official rank, they choose a rite to go through. You may choose between the rite of Might, Cunning, Resilience, Power, or Counsel. I chose counsel. Seeing to the morale and well being of your fellow soldiers is as important as to any damage you could ever inflict on the enemy.” The Frost Hammer nodded his face jovial. “Aye, well said Brother. Now tell me what brings you here. Surely ‘tis not our sandy beaches.” Morganis chuckled “Surely not. This is Thorn. He is a good man, a valuable ally. Once he was on the dark path with the Brothers of Rhone. Those who skulk in the shadows and steal children out of the night, black fletched arrows and daggers unseen slid between ribs are their calling cards. Now he is on the path to repentance. However he finds himself oppressed by an ancient and powerful spirit. Not of the Panther as is the custom of those of Rhone, but of a Demon. Of…The Other”</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">The Frost Hammer thought to himself then looked at Thorn “Boy I make no guarantees, but I can attempt to expel this taint from your soul. In my order I have been trained in dealing with things not of this earth. It is a long ritual and I must consult the scroll of Anvil and Stars. But if you are truly repentant then Vatan will bless it.” Then in unison Morganis and the Frost Hammer boomed together. “For He would have mercy on us all”</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">Three days the party waited for the Frost Hammer when finally he sent word he waited for them on the northern battlements. The party approached the Holy Behemoth. He looked at them grimly “I have found the rite. I however will need a powerful reagent to provoke The Other into manifesting. The ancients said that here at lands end, before The Shining that giant snakes with the heads of bulls would consume the dead to carry them to the afterlife. I need the blood of such a creature.”</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: white">As one the party set its face toward The Shining. </span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="thejc, post: 5431053, member: 100006"] To The Fort of Last Fire [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]The Road grew colder as the farther North and East the party travelled. Snow and frost dotted the countryside and grew thicker the farther they pressed the road. Three days out from Halder’s tomb they came upon the small town of Eidelfast, there they were able restock supplies and trade for some warmer attire. They took rest at the Worn Blessing a simple but comfortable inn with a well renowned brewery. This place is a hotspot in the summer of well to do families from the empire and both the Griffon Lands and the Rose Republic. The distillery “Scriptures Best” produced fine liquor notably the Chipped Ice Whiskey, Volcano Brandy, and Fey Gin. They also brew a seasonal set of ales in various flavors and styles simply known as “The Rogues Brew”.[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]Utah was deep in a game of daggers with a few of the villagers and enjoying the atmosphere when one of the men started to press him about the parties business. “Just heading north going to see a priest friend of ours” Utah answered. The commoner shook his head “Good sir I mean no offence you and your friends look more than capable of holding your own, but these are not empire roads. The road brings many dangers here in the north. Be careful” Titus who for whatever reason had been dreary and depressed since the tomb of Halder had been drowning himself in the Fey Gin. He stumbled from his corner accusing the men of treachery and his usual preposterous schemes and scenarios. This time however the liquor was talking and there was malice in his voice. Utah was the only other from the party there, the rest long since retired. The villagers with their own liquid courage spat back. Some shoving back forth started. Then it happened. As Utah inserted himself between Titus and the town one of the commoners caught hold of the leather sleeve on Titus arm and pulled it most of the way off. There was silence in the common room. Then shouts of “Undead”, “Demon”, “Unholy” went up followed by “Kill him” “Get them” and “Burn the creature”.[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]Luckily for the men of the town all weapons had been checked at the door. That did not stop Titus from breaking off a chair leg and brandishing about like a club. Utah tried to steer them towards the door or a window but they were cornered. Titus had madness in his eyes fueled by the alcohol. They commoners rushed them. Everyone became a big pile. Utah’s eyes flashed and suddenly there were a few villagers on the Titus and Utah’s side. Someone managed to sneak a dagger in and sliced Titus on the cheek. Titus swung the makeshift club down breaking the man’s arm. Another villager grabbed a log out of the fire then went flying smacking into the wall. A few more went spilling out of the way. Morganis had joined the fray. “Men of Eidelfast here me now. We know you to be a good and hearty people. Do not let the strong spirits steal your hearts this night. My companions and I are warriors of the light and we bear the scars of doing battle with the darkness. The only difference is we bear our marks on the outside. Go home to your families go home to your wives. Wake in the morning and repent. Vatan will forgive you.” The crowd diffused. Morganis watched as Titus still full of hate went upstairs. “Flaming pubes of Azers” Utah breathed as he too went to his room. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]The next morning as the party set out. Titus leaned in and whispered a question to Utah. “Do you think that’s true?” Utah shrugged and looked to him for further information. “That we are warriors of the light?” Titus continued. Utah looked forward grimly “I don’t know”.[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]They day was little more than half over. The snow had really started to deepen and blanketed ground. Titus sat sulking in his saddle. Utah seemed very annoyed and Morganis was also silent. The other three however were oblivious. Thorn pulled his horse up short. He started to sniff the air. The rest of the party stopped too. Titus came peered around at the landscape. “I see nothing” he said. Thorns eyes went wide as the snow piles lining the road erupted. “Giants!” Thorn cried. “They are Cyclops actually!” Roland countered as he dismounted. “Black blood and hairy :):):):) they are giant one eyed monsters!” Utah cursed aloud. “I count four” August called out. “One more at the treeline!” Thorn answered. As if in answer to Thorn a large ice ball lobbed into the party. The projectile hit like a Trebuchet’s stone taking Morganis from his saddle. “Form up, two single columns. Thorn take the thrower.” The party held their ground and let the Cyclops move first. August ducked under the first ones legs. Coming out behind him he struck twice. The first blow took a meaty chuck out of the back of the giant’s leg then August leapt and sunk his axe into the small of the one eyes back. The Cyclops bellowed in pain and dropped to one knee. Morganis found his footing and came to his line just as the Cyclops attacked. Morganis called upon the power of Vatan uttering a battle blessing. Roland dodged the fist of another giant and fired two pistols right into its exposed armpit. Titus whirled his arms blurring as he pumped three arrows into the Cyclops Roland had wounded. It succumbed to the wounds and fell. The one eye attacking Utah was stricken blind as Utah’s eyes flashed. August continued his assault this time attacking the Achilles heel of his giant. The giant fell forward on his face screaming in agony. Morganis waited for the last Cyclops to attack. The burly cleric met the giants club with his own hammer then slammed the large mallet onto the one eye’s foot. As it doubled over in pain it was peppered with shot and arrows. It cried out, close to death. Utah eyes flashed with power as energy started to coalesce around him he let out a grunt as he pushed the energy out forming a giant fist slamming into the giant knocking back into its ambush trench. Thorn reached his Cyclops catching it unaware his sword slicing its throat then he shoved it into its eye cavity. Morganis let out a cry to Vatan as he struck his Cyclops and turned its head so hard it broke its neck. August focused the power of Bahamut. Then he ran and planted off his giants back leaping into the air and landing on the beasts head, looking as a demented child jumping in mud puddles. He crushed its skull. Utah’s energy fist came down not once but twice crushing the beast’s lungs and heart of the giant.[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]The rest of the journey was fairly uneventful aside from the occasional skirmish with a small patrol of trollborn. Finally they arrived at the Fort of the Last Fire. Fir et Omega loomed in the distance. It was quite large for a wilderness fort. It was here the ancient Ossorian Empire would stem the tide of northern barbarians, trollborn and savage sorcerers. It was also here that the battle of the dragon forged was fought. Here that the earth ended. You could walk farther to the North East if you wanted. The Shining awaited. A vast expanse of frozen waste, a place said to exist both here and the spirit world. And now here they would find answers to The Other. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]The Fort was opened to them once Morganis was established as a member of the Vatan faith. The party was escorted where they waited for the Frost Hammer. Soon the Frost Hammer entered or rather took up the room. The man dwarfed Morganis. Not only was the giant man large in stature, but his presence was palpable. It was if an avatar was standing before them. “Brethren, The Hammer Lords blessing on you all. Morganis by the hammer it is good to see you old friend.” The bassy voice boomed as they greeted one another. Watching this exchange Utah’s jaw hung open. “Well I’ll be a black toothed bar wench” he exclaimed “You’re a giant.” [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]The Frost Hammer guffawed “Nay brother. I am a humble servant of the Hammer Lord. I have been through the rite of might though, resulting in the Hammer Lords blessing of increased vigor and strength.” Roland adjusted his monocle “Interesting. Morganis did you take the rite of might as well?” Morganis shook his head “No, upon the anointing of Vatan’s Hammer Priests, which is my official rank, they choose a rite to go through. You may choose between the rite of Might, Cunning, Resilience, Power, or Counsel. I chose counsel. Seeing to the morale and well being of your fellow soldiers is as important as to any damage you could ever inflict on the enemy.” The Frost Hammer nodded his face jovial. “Aye, well said Brother. Now tell me what brings you here. Surely ‘tis not our sandy beaches.” Morganis chuckled “Surely not. This is Thorn. He is a good man, a valuable ally. Once he was on the dark path with the Brothers of Rhone. Those who skulk in the shadows and steal children out of the night, black fletched arrows and daggers unseen slid between ribs are their calling cards. Now he is on the path to repentance. However he finds himself oppressed by an ancient and powerful spirit. Not of the Panther as is the custom of those of Rhone, but of a Demon. Of…The Other”[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]The Frost Hammer thought to himself then looked at Thorn “Boy I make no guarantees, but I can attempt to expel this taint from your soul. In my order I have been trained in dealing with things not of this earth. It is a long ritual and I must consult the scroll of Anvil and Stars. But if you are truly repentant then Vatan will bless it.” Then in unison Morganis and the Frost Hammer boomed together. “For He would have mercy on us all”[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]Three days the party waited for the Frost Hammer when finally he sent word he waited for them on the northern battlements. The party approached the Holy Behemoth. He looked at them grimly “I have found the rite. I however will need a powerful reagent to provoke The Other into manifesting. The ancients said that here at lands end, before The Shining that giant snakes with the heads of bulls would consume the dead to carry them to the afterlife. I need the blood of such a creature.”[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white] [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=white]As one the party set its face toward The Shining. [/COLOR][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
The darkness in us all
Top