Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="doghead" data-source="post: 1849288" data-attributes="member: 8243">Shamutanti Hills a psionic gng short adventure.PrologueFar from the centers of civilisation and power that are the Three Empires, borded on two sides by mountains and the third by the Badlands of Kakhabad, the lands of the Kingdom of the Five Kingdoms are pretty much a backwater. The land itself is green but not particularly fertile. Agriculture, timber and minerals are the main resources. But they are exciting, much of the land is still covered with forests populated by wild beasts and more dangerous creatures. The Kingdom of The Five Kingdoms is a loose alliance of 5 kingdoms under one High King. The five kingdoms are Analand, Ruddlestone, Lendleland, Gallantaria and Brice. A new High King is selected every four years, or when a reigning High King dies, from one of the other Kings. For centuries, The Stone has been the cornerstone of this alliance. Possession of The Stone is the right of the High King.The Stone has several mystical qualities. Untruths are more difficult to tell, and more easily detected within its aura. But most importantly of all, it grants the one who places his foot upon it great wisdom, insight and charisma. It also compels that person to do what they honestly believe to be in the best interests of all who sit within The Circle of the Stone. It isn't perfect, but its been enough to keep peace for many years.Two days it was been stolen from the Great Hall of the King of Analand. The Stone Guard on duty were found unconscious and the doors still locked from the inside. The Hall Men heard nothing. There was only an open window on the upper floors, and some feathers. And since then there has been confusion. Some suspect the High King of seeking to extend his ownership of the stone. Some seek ways to use the event to their own advantage. Some maneuvour to prevent others from doing so. Most do all three. Lights burn late into the night, and cloaked riders stream in and out of the city.Bruscilious, the King's sage believes that it was the work of the Birdmen of Xamen. But the lands of Xamen lie far across the Badland of Kakhabad. In Analand, almost nothing is known of the Birdmen. So a small group of young warriors of good name and psotion are gathered to together to travel to the city of Khare and seek out Xanvier, a sage of great knowledge and an expert in the ways and deeds of the Birdmen and the lands of Xamen.Thus you find yourself standing before Bruscilious and your King, the High King. You wear you best clothes and carry your best equipment. But appart from yourselves and your mounts, the mage and the king, there is no one else there. The courtyard is quiet and subdued in the cold predawn. There will be no grand send off. You must slip out of the town like ghosts. Even your brothers and sisters are not to know exactly where you are going, or why.Bruscilious hands you a pouch containing a (woefully inadequet) map of the lands between here and Khare, a letter from himself to the sage (in the secret language of the sages), and a dozen of the feathers found in the Hall wrapped in silk and again in oiled leather."Remember, even with this letter, Xanvier is as likely as like as not to leave you standing on his doorstep. Although he was once from the Five Kingdoms, he has been given little reason to love them. Your titles and positions will carry little weight with him. Be patient, respectful and resourceful."The King wishes each of you God's speed as you kneel briefly before him in turn.</blockquote>

Verification