Fantastic Locations: The Rock of Grimm

Place: The Rock of Grimm

Location: The Astral

Portals: the Outlands – The Gate City of Grimm

Description: Ancient history of the Rock of Grimm is slim at best and there is an old saying amongst the people of Grimm: lies are cheap but the truth is expensive. The Warlord Grimm captured a section of the Outlands and established a portal to the Astral where Warlord Grimm had seeded a large chuck of rock. The Warlord had seeded the chuck of rock with a plants and trees and found a way to sustain water in a series of wells. In the last two hundred years the Warlord Grimm has secured himself a dominate position for trade and access to the multiverse.

Now the Rock of Grimm is a port of call for the Astral. Hundreds of docks and warehouses litter the surface of the Rock as well as the homes, inns, and stores of the population. Travelers from thirty worlds pass through Grimm’s gate towns paying heavy taxes but for a benefit of a free port. The Rock of Grimm is very much a free port for pirates and merchants alike; paying host to what would seem an all most equal number. One can see odd sights like Mind Flayer and Beholder slave auctions, Githaynki, Elves, and all sorts of creatures seemingly mingling together. Fore all fear the Wrath of Grimm.

Legend has it that the Mind Flayers once sought to capture and dominate the Rock of Grimm and that the Warlord himself personal slew anywhere from one hundred to one thousand Illithid. But today the Mind Flayers are tolerated and that is just the odd life that is the Rock of Grimm.

Ruler: Warlord Grimm – Not much is know about this impressively tall and stoic creature. Some say he is a man, others a god, some a demon but all know not to cross the Warlord or feel his Wrath (that is right dear readers it is in capital letters). The Warlord holds court one day a week where he is attended by nine members of a council of advisers (all selected by the Warlord of course). The Warlord will hear everyone that comes to hear him on that day and there are many theories as to what time of day to solicit the Warlord depending on the topic. Most say to ask the Warlord in the morning for the bureaucratic matters, in the afternoon for maters of justice, and at night for personal matters. The common thought is that in the morning if one brings tribute one can get good deals, while in the afternoon one needs to present their case boldly to gain the attention of the Warlord, and a night one needs to appeal to the Warlord tastes (whatever that might be at the time).

Features of the Rock of Grimm

Water – Legend has that the Warlord somehow put water into the rock for people to be able to drill for wells. Stories go that it just might be a decanter of endless water, or water elementals trapped, or a portal to the Elemental Plane of Water, or other such nonsense. If one digs deep enough through the surface of the Rock one will spring a well of water. This has lead to different cultures either embracing the water or finding ways to divert it.

Either way this has led to some excavation which has turned up odd findings. Some have found Mind Flayer remains, both physical and cultural dating back at least four hundred years. About eighty to one hundred years after that remains of Beholders can be found but not as extensively as Mind Flayer. This has led some to believe that the Mind Flayers might have been the original occupants until wiped-out by Beholders. The Beholder remains do not last long and then one can find Dwarven remains dating back about three hundred years but those too disappear quickly. An odd note: the Dwarven cultural is big on burial customs and to date no tombs have been found, only Dwarven dwellings and forges; with most found having half completed weapons.

Law and Crime – There are three magistrates that administer the law: one deals with the merchants, one deals with the portal, and one deals with the general population. The magistrates employ lots of thugs along with the standard City Guard. The thugs do a lot of the grunt work, while the City Guard is for display. The word of the magistrates might as well be as good as law. The Warlord also selects a nine member council of advisers, usually a rotating group of people who are in the favor of the Warlord of the time being. While the council members do have the ear of the Warlord, the magistrates get the benefit of the doubt during the weekly court.

While there is some crime most is not petty. There is usually enough work at the docks or warehouses for a person to earn a living as to not to turn to theft. There is just not a pick pocket operator or beggar class in this society. The major crime is smuggling – not paying the hefty tax on the Rock of Grimm. The unforgivable crime is arson – the trees and plant life are vital to maintaining the atmosphere and if one is found to be an arson death is soon to follow, sometimes even in the case of an accident. Woe be to the wizard that unleashes a fireball spell, a few have even been lynched by the populous. Sometimes council members can buy freedom for a criminal for a lump sum of gold.

Provocation – thirty days hard labor

Common Theft – one year hard labor

-second offense – two years hard labor

-third offense – death, beheading

Burglary – one year hard labor

Armed Robbery – five years hard labor

Manslaughter – five years hard labor

Murder – death, beheading

Piracy (smuggling) – death, beheading

Negligent, Arson – ten years hard labor

Arson – death, impalement

Personalities – The Sages Three – one a former Red Wizard of Thay, one a former Wizard of the Red Robes, and one a former wizard of the Scarlet Brotherhood. All were once truly evil but turned toward neutrality in search of sage knowledge. The Sages are concerned with all things Astral, Magical, and Fantastic and are known to pay and require a high price for information. The Sages Three can be found in their headquarters: the Library of the Spheres.

The Arcane – A race of odd merchants, at least one can be found on the Rock at any given time. Most will lease a warehouse and host a store front but some like to hold up in an inn and have all their desires fulfilled. The Arcane act as the go-between for several races and the go-to-guy for adventures; always at a high price and of course no refunds on transactions (both Duke Nightmare and the High Cleric Kareem dealt with an Arcane before at the Infernal Bazaar).

The Sydnee Line – A specialty passenger service that can get one to most major cities in a dozen worlds for the right price. The specialty is speed at the cost of, well, cost.

The Chainmen – Human slavers that cross the Outlands gathering the lost as slaves to sell on the Rock of Grimm. The law states that slave is one brought in bound in service, so the Chainmen bind their slaves in chains and have them haul loads with most slaves being quickly sold to Drow, Beholders, and Mind Flayers. Chainmen do not dwell much on the Rock of Grimm, they like to get their money and leave. Some might be seen drinking at the more questionable taverns, gambling at pit fights, and in the employ of evil creatures.

Drugan’s Legion – Drugan the Old is the master of a mercenary company that makes the Rock of Grimm its home. Drugan convinced Grimm that the mercenaries should be allowed shelter between missions and that if the Rock ever be attacked the Legion would defend it. Drugan converted a warehouse into a barracks but some Legionnaires rent dwellings on the Rock and have families. Drugan’s Legion is known as one of the finest companies in the Astral but at a hefty price (do you see the picture dear reader?). The mercenaries are assigned into five units: marines, artillerists, and magical support (over 500 soldiers, mages, clerics, and rogues).

The Dwarven Boarding Company – Another mercenary company but they do not technically dwell on the Rock but these Dwarves love a good time and spending money and the Rock is good for that. The Boarding Company is a very large and complex organization but the Dwarves found on the Rock are more like marines on shore leave.

House Zudrick – Now here there be Dwarves, a merchant clan that settled on the Rock fifty years ago. House Zudrick specializes in seeking out other asteroids in the Astral and stripping them of their mineral resources.

The Entertainers Guild – By some a thieves guild by others a necessity, this guild represents any performer and makes sure they get top dollar for their service. How they do this might be a mystery but most do not bother to look into it because well the music is good, the dancing girls are good looking, and the jesters make fools of themselves.

The Honored Mages Guild – Large by most standards, this odd guild is a collection of wizards that teach apprentices and then move on. The apprentice then teaches another and moves on like his master before. There are times when a master might have one or more apprentices and some masters stay and teach for years but by most accounts it is a one and done system. The Council of the Honored Seven maintains a magical tower with a library, laboratories, and barracks.

The Shipwright’s Guild – This guild encompasses the majority of the year-round population of the rock the craftsmen and those associated with the docks. This guild will take on contracts to build Astral vessels but builds strictly by two rules: Grimm comes first and build for everyone else as the orders come in. Many have tried to bribe and con their way to get ships built or even move ahead in the list just to get turned over to Grimm to face punishment.

The Elven Forest – A section of the Rock, forest, Elves, bla, bla, bla. What is more interesting is that there is a Githyanki barrio, where a lone human is in the most danger.

The Arena of Frun – Should be called the arena of not fun dear reader because the only thing going on here are mock gladiatorial games, archery contests, jousts, and the like. So if one has a taste for blood one needs to look for the illegal pit fighting that pops up from time to time.

Eladar the half-elf Astral Cartographer – Known throughout Astral-space, Eladar has maps leading to hundreds of worlds. Eladar was once a bold adventurer and is now retired but enjoys learning of new locations. Many have come to Eladar to never return, some say this half-elf sometimes sends adventures to their doom for whatever reason others say Eladar gave them exactly what they wanted and never returned for other reasons. Those reasons either being the completion of one destiny or death.

The Lock and Key – Pry the Gnome maintains this human sized shop but has a gnome sized work table for herself amongst the human sized worktables for her apprentices. Pry sells three kinds of locks: common (30gp), superior (with -20% to Pick Pocket, 60gp), and the special (-40%, 240gp). Pry keeps a unique lock that has a standing reward of 20gp to any thief that can open it (-60% to Pick Pocket attempts).

Morfgarr’s Reclamation – Morfgarr the Old was once known as Morfgarr the Bold and terror to all that faced him in battle. Now this wizened wizard buys and sells magical items. By chance there are usually five to twenty potions in stock and a random chance for any other item. There is a 30% chance that Morfgarr has any magical item under 2000xp in value and might sell it for two to twelve times the item’s xp value in gp. There is a 5% chance that Morfgarr has any item under 3500xp value at five to twenty times the item’s xp value in gp. [Note: Morfgarr is subject to DM discretion]

To Catch a Demon

Of the Layers of the Infinite Abyss, level sixty-five is home to a couple of evil gods. Most important to our dear readers is the New Dark God and his realm of the Fiendholme; a twisted mansion to the macabre. And dear readers in the Fiendholme the Herald of the New Dark God, the vampire/cleric, sorts through the treasures the Church of All and the High Cleric Kareem have paid in tribute to the New Dark God. The vampire/cleric needs to sort through the magical weapons, items, and gold that the Church of All has paid in tribute but dear readers there several pieces of loot that are going to get special attention. And that dear reader is when the Arch-Lich Planeswalker known as Sephiroth enters our story.

Of the loot give up as tribute by the High Cleric Kareem, one of them requires the attention and special talents that belong to the Master of the Past and Present, Sephiroth. The Herald of the New Dark God hands over a scrap of parchment that has the true name of a demon prince; namely Ebulon a former chief general of Graz’zt that was slain by the Demogorgon and tossed in a Well of Darkness on layer seventy-three of the Abyss, Sephiroth is given the quest to secure the release of Ebulon and to bring the demon prince back to the Fiendholme so the New Dark God can corrupt and transform Ebulon in the image of the New Dark God. While this might be a quest suited for an army of adventures, Sephiroth the Lich will handle this personally.

Sephiroth starts by teleporting himself to a plane of existence that he had not traveled to in ages, maybe in another life, definitely in time long past. The world of Abeir-Toril is home to some of the most fantastic cities and has spawned some of the multiverses greatest champions. But Sephiroth seeks not grand cities or epic adventures. No the Arch-Lich seeks one of his own kind: another lich.

And that dear reader brings us to Larloch, once sorcerer-king of Netheril, who created a powerful artifact that allowed him to summon and control beings from other worlds. This evil power eventually led Larloch down the path to lichdom and survived the fall the Netheril Empire to this day in the dungeon levels below the now ruined Warlock’s Tower. The story goes that hundreds of adventures have sought glory under the Warlock’s Tower to never return. They say dear reader that only Szass Tam was able to survive a trip under the Warlock’s Tower to emerge with an item known as Death Moon Orb. But they, and as you know dear reader you should never trust a they, but they say that Szass Tam while the mightiest of the Red Wizards of Thay cut a deal with Larloch that would result in Szass Tam becoming a lich under Larloch’s control.

Szass Tam tried to use Death Moon Orb to steal all the power of the tanari’ri Eltab, Lord of the Hidden Layer but was defeated by some of those epic adventures of Toril that I mentioned before dear reader. While Szass Tam was defeated, the Death Moon Orb was not recovered and believed to be back in the possession of Larloch. And that dear reader is where our hero Sephiroth comes in.

Though few will know the true dark bargain made the story that another survived a trip below the Warlock’s Tower will slip out. And most importantly dear reader that the second “person” was another lich and that for the second time Death Moon Orb was given out to use. What deal did Sephiroth cut to gain access to Death Moon Orb? What long term consequences will arise from dealing with a lich? And not to say what happens when Graz’zt finds out that his friend Ebulon has been freed only to be imprisoned again by the New Dark God?

Well dear reader these are questions for a higher power, concerns for those of have the stomach for it. Is that to say dear reader that you cannot handle the grim adventures of Sephiroth? And the answer is a simple yes, yes the adventures of Sephiroth and the New Dark God are going places that no mortal man care dare imagine.

Random Bits of Information

After the wizard Vecna, the next great wizard to rise to power was Zagig, whom then would be passed by Mordenkainen.

It is not know how but at some point the witch Iggwilv had Graz'zt under her control for awhile.

Lloth the Spider Queen always keeps an emissary in the court of the Dark Prince Graz'zt and the court of Iuz the Evil and in open trade cities like Sigil and Skullport.

The witch known as Baga Yaga raised two adopted daughters who turned out very different from one another: Elena the Fair and Natasha the Dark.

While the City of Greyhawk is a center of economic activity; the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk are a center of adventuring activity. Hundreds if not thousands have came over the years to seek their treasure in the ruins and few have come back. But those that do come back usually have enough treasure to keep inspiring more to make the pilgrimage.

Zagig was once mayor of Greyhawk; a position now held by the wizard Mordenkainen.

It is know that at some point Zagig was betrayed by his apprentice, a female sorcerers known as Tasha. (as in Tasha's Uncontrollable Hideous Laughter)

The Dark Prince Graz'zt had two children with a witch known as Iggwilv: Iuz the Evil and a vampire known as Drelzna. While Iuz the Evil is a demi-god with an empire, Drelzna was slain by good aligned adventures.

In Zagig's quest for ultimate magical power, Zagig would create a means to capture nine demi-gods. If not for Iuz the Evil's undying rage; the demi-gods might have been held by Zagig forever.

At one point Zagig had his apprentice summoned and bound an Abyssal Lord.

Iuz the Evil has seems to have an odd alliance with the Drow of the Underdark.

The witch Iggwilv can be found in her private manor somewhere in Gray Wastes of Hades.

The Company of Seven was Zagig's personal adventuring party. The other six where: Keoghtom, Murlynd, Nolzur, Heward, Tasha, and Quaal.

It is believed that Zagig lives on as a servant to Boccob, the Lord of All Magic.

Maps For Fun

This map is after the rise of Ghiere

This map I have been reffering to as the Kingdom of Trogdor

This Map might be called, "the Romance of the Four Kingdoms." With Boeruine, Mhoried, Elinie, and the Southlands as the Four Kingdoms. I guess that means Aerenwe is the odd man out. This Map might also be called the Empire of Duke Nightmare in some possible futures.

Journal Entries: Salim the Sailor 2045 M.A.

Day 15 I arrived in Albiele Town to find the Grand Casino closed by Raphael Sabersrike. How many times must I build up this guild? I will build it even stronger this time.

Day 27 Larry Diamond has been arrested along with Trogdor and Hermedhie, word has arrived from the Herald of the New Dark God that Kareem and Duke Nightmare where solving the problem. I will bide my time and see what happens.

Day 42 Raphael Saberstrike has started a great purge moving lots of soldiers and political positions around. With my forces secured in the Mieres, I think it is time for the Jack and Jill to branch out to every port city along the Straits of Aerele.

Day 65 Word from Kareem that Raphael Saberstrike is dead; Sedrie Bellamie will be running the Southlands, and the dragon Skiesbane has relocated. I will call for the Jack and Jill to have as many members of their clan join the Southland government in any fashion possible along with a handful of my own sailors who will join the Southland Navy.

Day 72 Under magical ruse, a false Raphael Saberstrike would surrender the Sword of Enlien back to Ruornil’s Celestial Spell for safe keeping as the Southlands where now protected. What a joke, the Southlands belongs to us and anyone not wanting to work for the Southlands wants to work for the Royal Flush Gang. The number of new recruits is massive everyday, I must secure more ships.

Day 77 I struck upon a brilliant idea; I must secure the other pirates and fight a false war with the Southlands but only pirate ships from other nations. Word is that pirates have turned the isle of Caelcorwynn into a safe haven, it its time to show the rabble how safe it really is.

Day 85 I will strike upon Caelcorwynn tomorrow, my spies have told me that four pirates lay in port. Word has also come that a terrible monster of death must dwell in the forests of Caelcorwynn; fore the people cling to the rocks and do not venture into the woods.

Day 87 What a fierce battle that was, we had to sink a ship and catch another on fire. One ship escaped us, Faelen’s Pride of the Gods Blood Clan. The ships that were sank were from the Sea Wraiths, I am sure they will come seeking revenge. One ship did join, Wild Owen with his ship the Sea Horse where useful but not well trained. I will maneuver around the island and lay in wait for the pirate clans to come to me.

Day 93 Larry Diamond has helped acquire four new ships and equip them with sailors and marines. These new recruits will be moved to the site of the future Naval Academy. I need to assign someone to survey the land and draft up building proposals. A new wave of initiations are required for the Royal Flush Gang to prosper: I am thinking of adding hundreds of new pawns, this reminds me of a plan that Kareem had for laying out a spy network with theme names based on the pieces of a chessboard. I need the Mystery Man to scour out the ranks looking for spies and lose ends but the Mystery Man is still abroad in Brechtur. With the aid of the New Dark God I will call upon the Church of All to supply me with several hundred loyal followers and place them around my units until such time that I can establish my own secret service.

Day 107 In the last few weeks several rogue pirates have aligned with my cause: Wild Owen has proved useful, Ibrahim the Bold and his old dhoua “My Lady’s Favor” have joined my forces in Caelcorwynn, and the pirate clan the Sea Wraiths have decided to join and not fight. The independent pirates are small fish but must not be overlooked as to not create a weakness. The pirate clans are another story; they do not know the extent of my power. The two remaining pirate clans, God’s Blood and Storm’s Heart, are the targets now and it will be do or die against them. I will tap my contacts with the Wizard’s Cabal to secure massive spells and wizards for individual ships.

Day 124 The pirate clans are massing in the harbors of Baerghos Isles now that everyone knows that the Seadrake has killed by Skiesbane. (But what of the loot, dear reader, you might ask? Well dear reader; the answer the most simple is usually the most accurate: Atriums Thief of Tartarus.) Soon all of the Straits of Aerele will belong to us. The rulers of the west coast do not want to participate in any pirate conflict, but what of Prince Avanil? I think the prince will not want to weaken any part of the Avanil military fore that would give the advantage to Duke Trogdor. What I worry about is someone thinking they can wipeout all the pirates at one time, the intervention by a major power.

Day 133 I have lost my victory, I might as take my loot and retire. What am I saying? What do I have to complain about? I needed a win, I got a win. A big win. Right when I had the captains picked, marines trained, and a target ready for a whopping the Lich steps in and says that the New Dark God commands that I follow the Lich’s orders. Word came that I am to take my fleet and sail for the Baerghos Isles. I am told that the pirate clans are defeated and their ships will be sitting empty of their crew. I am to order my men to not set foot on the land and wait for the clerics of the Church of All to bless the pirate clan ships before boarding.

Day 136 It is hard to believe, I play it up for the troops. The loot we get is incredible, thousands of pieces of gold, sliver, and gems. Treasures from a dozen cultures. And best of all, twenty ships. The breakdown is thus: four galleons, one zebec, one roundship, two knars, two dhoua, six caravels, and four tiny coasters. I can only imagine that the Berghaus Isles are now home to roughly two thousand undead pirates. What horror did the Lich unleash upon the pirate clans to wipe them out but keep the ships and the loot intact? Some might lose sleep over it and I expect dozens of my men to go mad. I must change some of my tactics to match with the power I am dealing with. I must enact a plan like I did before in Mieres, a plan that will deprive a powerful person of their station, treasure, and blood.

Day 158 Construction of the Naval Academy is coming along nicely and plans to expand from four buildings into six are underway as well. A few skirmishes have not gone well clashing with the Prince of Avanil. I have to concede a few of the shipping lanes to allow for the natural flow of traffic but all the short routes belong to me and along with all the ports now having their own branch of the Royal Flush Gang I have great position to start several ventures. The Brothers Investment Groupe has expanded to Mieres and is experiencing a boom in trade despite operating in pirate invested waters. I am working with Larry Diamond to secure even more ways to make profit and expand the Royal Flush Gang’s influence in the government of the Southlands. I will take loyal members with the cleanest records and have them enter the Southlands Navy and Army. I have heard that Church of All members have been encouraged to enter into civil service for the Southlands.

Day 165 Looking over my vast loot I noticed the ring I acquired from defeating the Rake: a ring bearing the state seal of Brosengae. The ruler is Eriene Mierelen, a half elf of questionable background. Eriene came to the throne after her grandfather died two hundred years ago. Now traditionally the family Mierelen carried a taint of elvish blood past down when the Brosengae tribe first settled the region before the times of the Empire. The story goes that the ancient king of Brosengae married an elven madden signifying their claim to the land. Now anyone who has ever set foot in Brosengae will tell you that no elf would ever claim rain-swept hilly region as theirs. So the rumor goes is that Eriene has a true elf as one of her parents and the rumor goes further that her parent elf is related to Rhoubehe Manslayer or even the Elf himself. The Brosengae Royal Guild controls a sizable portion of the market and her merchant fleets are well protected. What I notice is that in the two hundred years of rulership; Eriene has never sired an heir. Now the rumors go that Eriene has had so many lovers that some think she must be a vampire and is feeding going through so many lovers so quickly. But I believe that Eriene would not want to be bogged down by the problems that motherhood brings: mainly the time it would take to even birth a child. I will have to look into this more.

Day 207 So it must be soul for a soul! Every agent that was sent into Brosengae has died. I issued an order to terminate any and all Brosengae agents abroad.

Day 211 More deaths than would be considered tolerable have occurred in Mieres but so far there has been no overt response from Mhistecai government; She must understand who is being killed.

Day 256 The contest of power between me and Eriene has reached a high water mark, the first report from a field agent about the holdings of the Brosengae Royal Guild. I have dried up the labor force by hiring away all the dockworkers, miners, foresters, and mercenaries. I have planted my own people in Brosengae and where quickly hired by the government. The Church of All has also been busy influencing the local population.

Day 288 Things turned out more disastrous than could have been anticipated. I was summoned to the Underground Forest by Duke Nightmare, and that is never good. When I arrived it was to odd company. The Lich was in court sitting on Duke Nightmare’s thrown, Duke Nightmare himself was with Eriene Mierelen. Now what came next I could not anticipate. Eriene had figured out the connections between the Royal Flush Gang, the Church of All, and the Kingdom of the Southlands and came to strike a deal. And the deal we all struck was odd indeed. I seem to keeping getting windfalls when in the presence of the Lich. I wanted to control myself but the deals seemed so good that I was caught up in the furor that I did not even care that I lost hundreds of men and thousands of pieces of gold in a war with Eriene. Eriene has ruled Brosengae for hundreds of years and wants to keep it that way but must have an heir to keep the family line going. Who would think that Salim Shpaga Karamazov would rise from a mere bandit along the Zhange River would father the heir to one of the Twelve Duchies of Anuire?

The Church of All would be allowed entry into Brosengae. Eriene would be given the honorary title of Queen of Diamonds and her spy network would be shuffled into the Royal Flush Gang. The Royal Brosengae Guild was a tricky spot but of course the offer from Duke Nightmare was too good to refuse. Eriene’s guild interests will be incorporated into the Brother’s Investment Groupe with Eriene getting a share.

Day 315 el-Hadid remains one of the few sore spots in the Straits. Every major port but a few along the strait are in my hands: the Imperial City, Ilien, and Sonwyn. I should put more focus on the assets in Stormpoint. One of Prince Avanil’s allies has changed sides; the Royal Flush Gang should lay the ground work for the New Dark God to challenge another.

Day 327 Word has come that a pirate fleet from the Great North is waging a war in the Bay of Tael Firth. I have sent orders to assemble a strike force and within a week I will set sail for the Sea of Storms. I sent word to the Underground Forest and I see this as another possible great victory.

Day 331 In no subtle display, Duke Nightmare arrived amongst my armada to communicate with me. The crews of a dozen ships went into war-mode at the sight of a flying horse of death. Duke Nightmare just played it off saying what is the good of having a pirate fleet if one cannot display one’s true power. Duke Nightmare seemed bitter about the situation and left me with an odd warning. I estimate that in another three days we should enter the Bay of Tael Firth.

Day 335 The ship that we spotted yesterday that got away must have given warning to the Boeruine Navy because we have been trying to out maneuver seven ships for the better part of the day.

Day 336 The Anuirean style ships are out of sight but we have been drive West and North, I will have to wait for night to calculate our position. I do not want to drift to West and end up near Dantier Island. The men are on edge, they understand that everyone is out to get us and we are the strangers in the strange land. The warning from Duke Nightmare keeps ringing in my ear, “You have nothing to fear from the other pirates but everything to fear from everything else.”

Day 337 Now that is how it should be done, Duke Nightmare might have an elaborate entrance, the Mystery Man reappeared in an elegant manor. I called for my cabin boy to bring hot water and I did not even notice who handed me the pail. The cabin boy asked if I needed anything else, I said no but the cabin boy asked if I wanted information about the other pirates. And that is when I noticed the cabin boy was the Ace of Spades. The Mystery Man had obtained the title of Master Thief in Brechtur and then stole a whole fleet and sailed it half way around the continent. Our fleets will merge and sail for the Southlands.

Day 339 The celebration was glorious, Pirates from Bechtur drinking with Anuireans. The Mystery Man had hired every Rjurik mercenary, marine, and sailor and bought anything that could float. The Mystery Man had even befriended a band of goblin thieves that had build an improvised flotilla and have kept adding to it to keep it afloat. Men from many races drank for a day and a night. I think the sound of their singing kept the Boeruine Navy away. The Royal Flush Gang now has a fleet of ships to be feared.

Day 345 I was not sure what to do with the goblins. I did not think it fair to the creatures to turn them over to Duke Nightmare but I did not want goblins amongst the navy. I can use the better thieves in the spy network but the flotilla is laterally their whole clan. So with that in mind I have ordered the goblin clan to seize the Baerghos Island. I am going to make sure the flotilla makes land and leave them with a sizable amount of food, lumber, and other supplies. I will also give the goblins all prisoners of war and any men under discipline as slaves.

Day 351 The combined fleet of the Royal Flush Gang has surely sent shockwaves up and down Anuire and now I will sit back and watch what happens. With the return of the Mystery Man I now have nothing to worry about and soon all my enemies will either be dead or bent to the will of the New Dark God.

Day 377 Nothing really went the way I planned it this year but everything turned out in my favor. Maybe the joke was on me the whole time.

A Monsters Ball

Oh dear reader the story must be quick to get it in on Halloween: that of the Duchess Alyza’s Monsters Ball. A grand and elaborate event: the castle in Caerlinlien was adorned with pavilions and gardens attended by servants, musicians, and artisans. Guests came from far and wide to attend Alyza’s costume party fore the event coincided with a popular day of the Eloele. But unbeknownst to the guests, Alyza arraigned the event to mock Eloele and give honor the New Dark God.

Oh dear reader, if you could see it. The guests spent fortunes on their costumes to win the prize for best dressed. The guests all brought gifts that would equal a commoners lifetime wealth hundreds of times over. But what did the guests get in return dear reader? A very wicked treat indeed, Alyza arraigned the gift exchange to net her all profit and give out next to nothing but a curse of the New Dark God. The party was marred by bad music and food, foul pictures and odd entertainment. A wicked joke to the usual festivities of Eloele.

But Alzya did more than through a bad party to make gold and spread curses; well she just spread more curses for some of the notable guests. One in particular was a gift given to Gunther Brandt of the Oaken Grove of Aeric: that of the necklace belonging to the hierophant of the heartland region (the area including the Riverport Marsh system). The necklace was given back by Alyza to Gunther but it carried a curse that would corrupt the next druid who wore it.

As time drew ever close to the change of the day, the costume winner was announced and that too carried a cruel joke. The pumpkin headed man’s costume was a little to real and when the pumpkin headed man removed the pumpkin head; several guests died of fright on the spot. And those souls would go to the New Dark God. All in all a good party.

The Extra-planer Adventures of Duke Nightmare

With the rise of the New Dark God, Duke Nightmare had to sacrifice many personal freedoms for power. But Duke Nightmare was always instilled with a few key goals that would not stand in the way of any god. First: Duke Nightmare sought blood power. Second: Duke Nightmare wanted to breed a whole generation of evil children that one day would be pitted against one another until only one true scion of Duke Nightmare survived. Third: Duke Nightmare sought a stronghold for protection.

One of the Dracolichs was dispatched to the surface world to terrorize the population and the Dracolich’s lair would serve as another safe house for Duke Nightmare. The Dwarf was made a captain of the Monster Society of Evil, an elite group dedicated to Duke Nightmare, and the Dwarf would serve as an ambassador of sorts for Duke Nightmare. But Duke Nightmare sought to expand his power past the material world and stretch his hand into the extra-planer.

Oh dear reader, once Duke Nightmare had in his possession a lovely necklace that would allow him to travel to the City of Doors. But dear reader, like most things, Duke Nightmare squandered the power and lost the item to the Lady of Pain. But Duke Nightmare did retain a few things: Duke Nightmare was still considered noble. Though Duke Nightmare never could plea for favor from the Lady of Pain a new opportunity awaits.

But dear reader the City of Doors is not where Duke Nightmare starts his extra-planer adventure. No dear reader for that we need yet another story. A story of love maybe?

///

The Bedazzlement of a Beast

Place: the throne room of Duke Nightmare’s castle

Characters: DN-Duke Nightmare, K-Kareem, O-Otto the Rake

ACT 1

DN: Ah my former master, Otto, how I do hear about your exploits!

O: Lord Nightmare, you do favor me, but least you forget my brother Salim

DN: No, no. I mean no jest against you or your kin. So where is your other brother? Word came that he intends to fulfill a promise of old

O: That is up to you, I can deliver my brother whenever you would like and where ever you would like. Are you not master of your house? You pick and we will deliver as promised

DN: You make it out like you are brining me something dangerous. What did you do? Capture one in the wild? Have it bound in chains? Think I am going to do the old in-out and be done?

O: No insult to you, I am just keenly aware of your discretion

DN: Hardly master thief, hardly. But be it as it is, just summon your brother and let us be done with this

K: I am here Lord Nightmare and I brining your newest concubine

Succubus: Hail Lord Nightmare

DN: Good, good. Now leave. Escort them to the surface personally

Dwarf: Yes sir

K: That will not be necessary

DN: Oh but it is. One does not just appear in my court. And Otto one does not come with to court without a present

O: I mean no offense…

DN: The next time I will see you, I will have a present for you. One that you will like. Think about that for our next encounter

Dwarf: Come on you two, we got a ways to go

DN: Now what do I have here?

Succubus: I am here to serve. I will provide you a child and your “friend” their has paid me very handsomely

DN: Never talk like that in my presence. You do not know who I am. Yet

Succubus: Yes, of course, but I just saw how you treated them…

DN: Exactly. You do not know me; those two mortals have saved me in several tight spots and always come out on top. And I know this; like I know that they must have given you something real good do come here

Succubus: Yes and now lets get on to the good stuff

DN: Settle yourself; fore I have one question I want to ask you. Do you think you will get out of this alive?

Succubus: What ever do you mean?

DN: After all the dust settles and you think you fulfill your promise. Do you think you will get out of this alive?

Succubus: Do you?

DN: I know I will survive whatever challenge I face: I am immortal. Now I ask you again: do you think you will get out of this alive?

Succubus: I want to

DN: That is the right answer. Now, how do you work for?

Succubus: Red Shroud

DN: Good, that should make this easy on all of us. I am familiar with your master, now will you serve me in guiding me to her court?

Succubus: It would seem I have no choice

DN: Good, I think you are beginning to understand me. How much do you think you can carry?

Succubus: What do you mean?

DN: Think you could carry a tun of grain or wine?

Succubus: I suppose I could carry a tun of wine if it was in a cask

DN: Come, we will carry material supplies for profit along our journey

ACT 2 - Place: the fortress of Broken Reach

DN: Come Succubus, which of these merchants should we deal with?

Succubus: There, that one flies the flag of Lolth

Dark Elf: eh, what do we have here?

DN: I have a tun of wine and sacks of grain

Dark Elf: eh, the wine? That is good! But grain! That is bad!

DN: You must eat it or do I need to talk to another merchant?

Dark Elf: eh, no wait, I will buy both! Give you gold!

DN: Good, I brought scales

Succubus: Now that you made your gold, can we leave?

DN: Do not be in a rush. Broken Reach is known as the place to get any kind of poison to be found on any layer of the infinite abyss

Succubus: Fine, I know someone who you want to talk to

///

Succubus #2: What present surprise did you bring me? What do you want do double up on him? Oh, he looks so strong, this should be fun

Succubus: He is not under my control, I am under his and all we can for was poison

Succubus #2: oh rats, but you could always stay for more

DN: I will take as much poison as this amount of gold will buy

Succubus #2: Aren’t you worried that I could rip you off?

DN: No, I have her

Succubus #2: Good point, what do you want?

DN: Give me a good mix, just tell me how each is used

Succubus #2: Dealers choice? Nice Call, I have few treats for you then

///

DN: Hail Red Shroud. I am the glorious king, Duke Nightmare

Red Shroud: Well meet, Duke Nightmare. What brings you to my humble court?

DN: Humble indeed, to have such luxury in the midst of the Abyss!

Red Shroud: You flattery me, Pazunia is hardly the most treacherous parts of the Abyss

DN: Still, you should let the compliment stand for commanding such a handsome fortress

Red Shroud: Well meet again, Lord Nightmare, your flattery has won me over. What can I do for you?

DN: Very good, but first I want to let you know about the traitor in your midst. The very succubus that brought me hence

Succubus: I do not…

Red Shroud: Silence! Continue

DN: This succubus entered into a deal with a very good friend of mine for this succubus to give me a child. Now do not go blaming my friend, fore it was in their best intentions and my instruction that they sought out such a deal to begin with. But my dear lady, this succubus knew what she could gain and I bet she did not tell you a thing?

Red Shroud: This is true, I was not aware of any deal. But if I could dare my dear Lord Nightmare, what makes this succubus a traitor?

DN: This succubus knew of my heritage and was eager to gain that power and would keep it secret.

Succubus: I honestly do not know of what he speaks!

Red Shroud: I said silence, be you quite or I will have crows eat your tongue out of your very head! Continue

DN: You asked me what you could do for me? Trap this succubus soul in a gem and give it to me

Succubus: No! Listen to me...

Red Shroud: There, take her. Now what do you have to offer me?

DN: I am a personal friend of Firebeard Blackaxe, Malik of the Efferti. I have bested Graz’zt and the witch Baba Yaga in deals. I have slain lichs and dragons. I have the blood of gods running in my veins. Not just one, but several. I serve the Master of the Past and Present. I am a herald to the New Dark God. I am a destroyer of worlds

Red Shroud: I see

DN: I appreciate the gift.

DN (aside): Did you think you would get out of this alive? I think not!

DN: I look forward to your offer

Red Shroud: My offer?

DN: My stud services. I have an Infernal Attorney in the City of Doors. I look forward to your offer

Underling #1: Boss, he is leaving

Underling #2: I do not think the Boss cares

Underling #1: Why you say that?

Underling #2: Boss doing something I have never seen Boss do

Underling #1: Yeah, what that? What you doing Boss?

Underling #3: She is smiling

Underling #2: Smiling, what is that?

Underling #1: Remember when you broke that vase last week? And Tim got blamed? Smiling is what you did when Tim got whipped

Underling #2: Oh that, I have never seen Boss like that

Underling #3: It has been a long time

Red Shroud: You broke my vase!

Underling #2: oh no!

Underling #3: oh, that did not last long

///

Oh dear reader, what did I promise? The adventures, as in plural. Oh dear reader do you have the constitution do deal with another story of Duke Nightmare in different dimensions? Let us make it a quick one.

Duke Nightmare travels from the Pazunia, through a portal in the fortress of Broken Reach. The portal takes Duke Nightmare to the Outlands, the gate-city of Plague-mort. Duke Nightmare hires a guide and travels to the City of Doors. In the City of Doors, Duke Nightmare secures a rental property and hires a lawyer to represent his business interests.

That was pretty quick dear reader. But I wonder what kind of lawyer Duke Nightmare hired? Duke Nightmare did refer to an Infernal Attorney. One would need a good consul when dealing with demons. Duke Nightmare has money to burn and abolitions abound, so Duke Nightmare will probably hire a lawyer like in Scarface or Carlito’s Way and the craziness will ensue.

Master of the Past and the Presen

Duke Nightmare was holding court in the throne room of his castle in the Underground Forest when a familiar figure appeared in the room: that of the Lich, master of the past and present. The Lich ordered Duke Nightmare to bow before him and of course dear reader; Duke Nightmare did not comply. The Lich would cast a spell that in game terms would reduce Duke Nightmare’s hit points in half so Duke Nightmare would bow. The Lich would sit in Duke Nightmare’s throne and start to conduct business as the new master of the house. Duke Nightmare would watch as the Lich would summon all his servants and soldiers and some how scared them even more. Which dear reader is quite a feat in and of itself: fore Duke Nightmare kept all below him in a constant state of terror. The Lich routed out spies and weaklings, promoted the bold and reckless, and to take command of the undead like never before.

Duke Nightmare would have to accept the presence of the Lich and benefit from it. The Knights of the Underground Forest would be equipped with the best equipment, accommodations, flying mounts, and privilege. The Wizard’s Cabal would benefit from the instruction of the ancient mage and begin to conduct even darker experiments. The undead under the control of the dracolich would begin to organize and assist in the purges in the Underground Forest. The monstrous city in the valley of the Underground Forest would benefit by the spread of the new religion to the New Dark God. The above ground coliseum would benefit greatly from the ability of the Lich to summon outrageous monsters to fight in spectacular battles. The coliseum would also begin to function as the junction to the shanty town district. The shanty town district reputation as a thief’s hideout would begin to spread and all sorts of ill-types both benign and hostile. All and all dear reader the holdings of Duke Nightmare would begin to grow, under the title of Duke Nightmare but by the hand of the Lich.

The Lich would also have a great impact in the life of Kareem. Over the course of the last several years Kareem has watched the church’s he founded grow in power and influence. Using cunning and intrigue, Kareem got his church legalized in the Imperial City and got the Militant Order to back down on their threats of war. Kareem also grew his own political power by marring into a prestigious family and placing others in key positions in various governments. It all seemed to be going Kareem’s way and with plans for ultimate power over four worlds: Kareem life plan would seem to be narrowing down.

The vampire cleric of the New Dark God and the Lich would present Kareem with an offer he could not refuse. Fore Kareem to retain his life, Kareem would have to pledge to build the religion in to a furor and war against the enemies of the New Dark God. And in return for this service: Kareem would be allowed to grow his family and after Kareem’s physical life ends the Lich would raise Kareem up as undead. Kareem had no real choice in the matter: fore that dear reader if the price you pay when dealing with gods.

Messages from the Second Sword Mage

A sealed letter is delivered to Duke Nightmare at his castle in the Underground Forest. The herald of the letter is reveled to be a demonic rutterkin; which Duke Nightmare had the demon promptly captured and snap-tong weapon seized. The rutterkin would suffer many fates: death in the gladiatorial arena, autopsy research, and finally components in dark rituals or foul concoctions.

A sealed letter is delivered to Duchess Alyza of Cariele: the rutterkin was disposed of by the golem guardians.

A sealed letter is delivered to Count Stiele Ghieste: word was that the messenger was allowed to depart unobstructed.

A sealed letter is delivered to Assan ibn Daouta, King of Elinie. The rutterkin messenger was dispatched by the scion of Elinie in one fell sword strike. The King would order paladins of the Life and Order of Avanalae to investigate the new Sword Mage and the region of Ghoere in general.

Oh dear reader was that all the letters that the Sword Mage would send out? Defiantly not less; probably maybe. What bitter fruits will the Second Sword Mage reap from sowing in fields populate by friends and foes alike? Some would say: only the Shadow knows.

Tales of the Mystery Man

Otto the Rake travels back to Muden upon receiving the crown jewels of Cariele to claim the title of Master Thief. Otto, master of disguise, sneaks into the region and secures passage on a princely vessel. The yacht that Otto secures sails out of port waits a week, and then travels back carrying Otto the Gentleman.

Otto’s yacht sails gallantly into the noble section of the ports and is instantly seized upon by the Muden guard. Otto masterfully talks his way past the lowly patrol ship and avoids inspection under the assumption that Otto has documentation securing him diplomatic privilege under Raphael Saberstrike, the King of the Southlands. The yacht is greeted by a bit more dominating guard and Otto is lead under custody to meet the Captain of the Guard.

The documentation that Otto presents is hard to dispute because of the foreign Anuire script and seals. What the Captain of the Guard really wants to know is what a Brecht “diplomat” representing a new Anuirean kingdom thinks he is going to be able to pull off. Without missing a beat, Otto replies that as a third party negotiator he could conduct the release of the Pirate King. Oh dear reader, I wish you could have seen it, when Otto said that quip to the Captain; whomever was about burst into laughter.

The Captain asked why she would want to give up her favorite prisoner; her crown jewel? Otto responds that she knows, he knows, they all know that the Pirate King is in a most comfortable position. Because no matter how much you torture him, or supposedly keep him in isolated quarters: the pirate fleets still operate and at a very efficient element at that. Oh dear reader, I wish you could feel it: the gathering of people grows cold and silent: an eerie, truthful calm falls over the crowd.

The Captain embraces Otto and takes him, arm in arm, and thus an odd alliance was formed. Otto’s yacht was never inspected. Otto was extended privilege, access to quarters and the docks, and extended whatever guard he chose.

On the cusp of daybreak in the secret shrine of Ela, the Master of the Temple was performing the customary parting of the night ceremony when perchance the Mystery Man appeared but not in the guise of Otto the Gentleman, no dear reader that is not what the Mystery Man looked like. Did the Mystery Man come in the guise of his former mentor Kareem? No dear reader, he did not come dressed as the Shade. The Mystery Man appeared as King Raphael Saberstrike and declared that Otto the Gentleman would serve as his ambassador to conduct the release of the Pirate King. The Master of the Temple quickly got into a defensive position and cohorts where summoned.

The Mystery Man under the guise of Raphael laughed off the defensive moves and proceeded to spill the beans as it where: that he was Otto the Rake come to claim his reward. Otto took the crown off his head, the State Crown of Cariele, and tossed it over to one of the Master of the Temple’s pawns who then handed it over to the Master. Otto the Rake explained his plan: to release the Pirate King alive under the guise of Otto the Gentleman. The Master of the Temple had to be most impressed but what would the cost be she asked? The Mystery Man set his conditions very firm: 2 tuns of gold or equivalent to be determined before any other phase of the negotiations could move forward. The Master would have to speak to the Pirate King but nevertheless Otto the Rake was given the honorary promotion to Master Thief and all powers that go to that position.

Otto would spend his days in the court of Muden, wining and dining the politico algesio, while nights where spent in the thieves guilds of Ela building a powerbase. Otto would start to collect allies everywhere, start to find ones that could serve him as henchmen. Many odd plots would start to circulate about what Otto the Rake was really up to but until the 2 tuns of gold could be secured Otto was near untouchable.

Because of course dear reader the Pirate King would jump at the chance for any attempt at a release and with the upfront offer of gold from Otto, the Pirate King knew what kind of release it was going to be: the Pirate King was going to be used as bait to lure the pirate fleet out into the open where the Muden Royal Fleet would no doubt want to clash. And that dear reader was just fine with the Pirate King, payoff Otto to do the dirty work, use the Master of the Temple to communicate with his fleet, and prepare to set a trap for a trap.

But dear reader do you think that is the end of our story? That Otto the Rake gets 2 tuns of gold and heads back home? Sure, but a few more things happen before that. You might ask yourself: what of the henchman that Otto recruited. One foul bunch was the Goblin Flotilla but they did not start off their life like that, no dear reader it took a bit of scraping and skullduggery to take a band of rag-tag goblin highway men and convert them into a naval unit but that is what Otto did in part of the year long negotiations.

Oh dear reader, I wish you could have seen it: Otto convinced the Captain that the pirates would hand over treasure equal in weight to the Pirate King and that they should begin to feed him non-stop. It was cartoonist in its gluttony: plate after plate after bowl after bowl of food was brought to the Pirate King. And the Pirate King ate and oh how he ate dear reader; it was as if Otto was fatting him up to eat like Otto was a wicked witch or something.

When the 2 tuns of gold and treasure where presented to Otto, he took his time sorting through the jink and finding the real jewels, past the fool’s gold and gold plated items. The 2 tuns Otto would secure for himself would be that: 2 tuns worth. The money was shipped around a lot of interesting places to disguise its whereabouts from the thief’s guild. It was literally like Otto would sort through a new pile of loot, find what he wanted, document it’s value against the 2 tuns he was owed and then instantly take it put it back on the street or invest it in ways the thieves guild would not see directly. And that is how after one year in Muden Otto the Rake got 2 tuns richer.

But how did Otto the Rake manage to secure a battered fleet sailing through the straits of Aerele one year, and thousands of miles after setting out from Cariele? That dear reader is how the release of the Pirate King would play out; with our boy the Mystery Man one-upping all the competition: coming out with the gold, with the temple of Ela in ruins, and parts of the pirate fleet and Royal Muden Fleet combined with his princely yacht and goblin flotilla. What is that dear reader? You want to know how Otto the rake pulled such stunts? How one mortal man could spit in the eye of a god, trick not one but two warlords into a losing situation, and come out on top rich as all get-out? Well dear reader, we would not call him the Mystery Man if you knew everything about how he worked. But let us just say this dear reader: Otto the Rake’s return to Muden really did secure him the title of Master Thief.

The State of Things

Place: The Hall of the Cloud Giant King

Actors:
CGK: The Cloud Giant King
CM: The Planeswalker known as the Cloud Mage

Scene 1
[CGK sits on a throne, when CM appears out of nowhere, standing motionless]

CGK: ah, my old friend has come! Why do you stand there as such? Come friend I have news for you! What is this? Why do you not respond, what has become of you? What queer apparition is this to appear before me? Slayer of Tran’ix, Master of the South Wind, Dominator of the Sky, who dares to stand speechless before me? Answer now or I will have your tongue!

CM: I responded to your call and I know what must be done, farewell old friend.

[CGK rises from his throne]

CGK: That is not what you are supposed to say! But could it be, that in your time spent journeying the outerworlds might you have the power to part the shadows? Could now be the time for man to get his revenge? Tell me old friend, what must I do, what can I do?

[CM moves his head to look around]

CM: Keep on living.

[CGK rises from his throne]

CGK: You dare to speak to me like that? I will summon my hammer and strike you down, letting you know the fury of the Thor!

[With that, CGK summons a powerful two-handed hammer and moves to strike CM but CGK is frozen mere feet from striking the human wizard]

[CM begins to hover, then moving to leave out of a window]

CGK: I must tell the Master of Magic what has happened.

Scene 2

We see the Could Mage leave the beautiful castle built upon clouds in the sky, heading ever upward, moving between layers of existence to arrive in the Shadow World. There the Cloud Mage makes haste, moving to the most dominate landmark on the horizon: that of the Cold Rider. The Cold Rider stands miles tall, pure white, with devil red eyes and it is those eyes that light up with the power of a thousand suns and burn the Cloud Mage as he approaches.

The question has been posed before in other places: in space, can you hear a person scream? Well dear reader, we are not here to answer that so how about we phrase the question more suited to our topic: in the Shadow World can anyone here you scream? And the answer dear reader is a simple yes: yes you can hear the Cloud Mage scream. The Cloud Mage screams because not only is his life being drained from him, but his very essence as well.

But who dear reader could hear the death knell of the Cloud Mage (considered to be the most powerful wizard ever known)? The answer can be found in the odd unnatural occurrence that happened when the Cloud Giant King’s message was received. The night sky lit up with the Moon in full effect, and then followed by the rising sun but that was not all: with the full Moon and the sun the stars began to shine bright. And that dear reader was the effect of the coming together of three of the most power deities, to late to intervene but able to bear witness to the death of perhaps their most powerful mortal champion. The Cloud Mage killed by the Cold Rider.

Labor Day Indeed

paperwork and red-tape

Strange Visitors

The Player Characters Alexander Roesone and Kareem Wali-jabbar had a chance encounter with Seoras of the Crystal Staff who directed them to travel to the Shadow World. Alexander and Kareem then encountered a very upset Moon God who demanded that they return his stolen sword immediately. And that dear reader was how the cat got out of the bag. Oh it had all been milk and marmalade for the Player Characters. Why didn’t the Stormlord do more against Alexander Roesone? What would you have done dear reader? Slain Alexander outright for the act of murder? Does not an eye for an eye leave us all blind?

Alexander Roesone was spared his life but stripped of his clerical power. The Player Characters wondered: why didn’t the god also take Alexander’s holdings or possessions? Those material things are kinda beneath a god’s notice so it is kind of insulting that you dear reader even had such questionable thoughts. For if Alexander would have been slain in retribution what lesson could he have been taught? None, so second chance was given and for that Duke Nightmare will make them pay.

But what was the real importance of the quest to retrieve the sword that Kareem had sold in the Infernal Bazaar: that Haelyn and Rournil got to lay their very own eyes upon Duke Nightmare and the Shade. And that dear reader is how the cat got out of the bag and dear reader if you could hear it now, Duke Nightmare would be screaming for Seoras’ head on a pike. You know; to put on the front lawn to look pretty.

If only dear reader, Seoras of the Crystal Staff had never directed the Player Characters to the Shadow World at the same time that two gods were meeting they might have had a few more years of obscurity. What could be the odds. On a related note for the Player Characters, Seoras Bhailie is Hermedhie’s father (so there is that to look forward too). I would figure Seoras of the Crystal Staff to be a planeswalker of some talent; obviously not level 30 but well over level 20.

the Brave & the Bold: Haelyn & Ruornil

Place:

the Shadow World, Swamp of Spiritsend, at the nexus of a channel of power from the Temple of the Elder Goblin God to the Abyss.

Principle Actors:

Haelyn, Patron of Anuire

Rournil, the Moon God

Script:

H, “he watches us”

R, points out at the Cold Rider, “that thing there”

H, “indeed. Can you not feel it?”

R, “I can tell a lot of things are watching me, you, us…”

H, “Do not be cryptic in dealing with me Silver Prince”

R, “I do not try to waste your time but at least seven of your followers lay in wait close by keeping watch”

H, stands firm

R, “that thing is what the outsiders call the Cold Rider”

H, “Indeed. I have been fighting a new plague of demons coming in from this hole in the Shadow World”

R, “Indeed, you see this nexus for what it is, a rip in the Shadow World. A strike at the curse of Azari”

H, “so tell me Silver Prince where did this rip originate?”

R, “what you should be more concerned with is what effect it will take”

H, “Do not play games with me, speak tell me what I came to know”

R, “what does seem certain is that the Cold Rider is indeed the legacy of the curse of Azari. But what is cloudy is from where hence the rip did start and what damage it will cause”

H, “Silver Prince tell me what must be done and it will be so”

R, “oh Lord of Noble War when I do figure it all out you will be the first to know the name to bring swift justice to those that seek to do harm to your Empire”

H, “What is this? Am I to be run afoul?

R, “Strange things are afoot at the Circle K”

H, “Indeed”

R “Have you ever heard of a witch known as Yaga Baba?”

H, “No but if you tell me where pretence this hag can be found I will procure her for you”

R, “I have already dispatched agents to investigate”

H, “Hark! If the witch is the cause of this I will track her down personally and bring her to you!”

R, “It could be that simple but it never is”

H, “Indeed Silver Prince you are wise and I have always enjoyed your council. Tell me, about the danger the rip”

R, “the Queen of the Seelie think that they can tame the chaos over time. But the danger comes from what happens to the curse of Azari. There remains a possibility that the curse will not simply be erased and my hypothesis is that the negative energy is not being destroyed but being channeled into the creature known as the Cold Rider. The worst case scenario being that the Shadow World condenses and Azari is reborn’

H, “tell me it is not so…”

R, “Do not sound defeated. Anduiras and Vorynn defeated Azari once before”

H, “Indeed. Now tell me what news of my Empire?”

R, “What is easily gathered is that the witch Yaga Baba was some how able to manipulate nature itself down to the very seasons and time of day, even effect of the Moon. This wicked manipulation let the hag lay in wait guarding herself from notice but what reason the witch did this still remains a mystery to me. Fore years Yaga Baba remained in are world and besides the petty affairs of humans only one thing sticks out to me personally. A century ago I imbued a sword with mighty power to liberate my followers near the ancient sight of Deismaar (for our players that is the land of Medoere). But recently when a petty wizard/thief regent tried to claim the sword and he succeeded by using a false sword.”

H, “But what does this have to do with my Empire?’

R, “this petty regent, Raphael Saberstrike has rise to a king of your Empire”

H, “I know not of who you speak!”

R, “Yes, rather recent in time, a few years, barely a grain of sand in the infinite hourglass. But using the false sword the petty regent has rise to the title of king”

H, “Well then I will unleash the dogs of war and wipe his family from the map”

R, “my I request oh great Lawmaker, that I be allowed the honor of deliver the justice that goes with stealing from a god”

H, “Indeed Silver Prince if it is your wish to purge this evil from my Empire then the honor and glory is yours alone”

R, “Oh a million thanks to the Lord of Noble War. But what is this? Hark, a message from a well-wisher. Lawmaker conceal yourself I am about to receive strange visitors”

End Scene

the Brave & the Bold: Raphael Saberstrike and the demi-god known as Deth

Raphael Saberstrike came into contact with a new source of power and new allies. The New Dark God was very much interested making deals with everyone including the dragon Skiesbane. Raphael used the ally of the demi-god known as Deth to try and spring a simple trap on the dragon when it would come seeking tribute next. But things did not go as well as could be hoped for: the avatar of Deth was defeated and Raphael was captured by the dragon.

Now that dear reader could have been the end for Raphael and in some ways it was. Skiesbane took Raphael back to a lair where a magical mirror was kept. Skiesbane was enormously large in comparison to the man-sized mirror but cast no reflection into it when Skiesbane approached to release Raphael. But dear reader Raphael did cast a reflection and the mirror image came to life, stepping out of the mirror. Now here we had two identical copies but different in one key game mechanic way: the original of Chaotic Evil alignment and the copy now having the trait of Lawful Good. But dear reader that did not last long as the dragon Skiesbane squashed the evil Raphael under one might heel.

Now the dragon Skiesbane cut a deal with the new Raphael. Skiesbane could gather that Raphael would quickly fall back to chaotic ways and cause trouble for all those that would have sought Skiesbane harm, so Skiesbane spared the life of Raphael for the deal that upon the unification of the southlands under the good-aligned Raphael the dragon Skiesbane would receive annual tribute of one ton of precious metals (and that at least 1/3rd would be gold).
Raphael Saberstrike has much to do. Raphael is allowed to teleport back to his largest castle where he begins to coordinate his navy to intercept key officials of the Southland government and orders troops on Albiele Isle to raid the Royal Flush Gang’s casino. Raphael then teleports to his castle in Abbatour and issues yet more orders.
Raphael learns that a one Larry Diamond is returning from Mieres and instructs that new orders be dispatched to the navy to intercept Larry Diamond. Raphael issues a decree that would outlaw worship of Haelyn along with any god of the Vos or non-human deities. Axe-Man Bones is ordered to call a meeting of every member of the Crimson Guard (for the players information: Lil’ Boozie was never a member of the Crimson Guard).

When all the members of the Crimson Guard are assembled (excluding those on foreign espionage missions) Raphael instructs Axe-Man Bones along with the entire company of Crimson Guard to drink a special concoction that would vitalize them. With some hesitation they all drank and felt no ill effects, to the pallet the mixture tasted rather good. It would not be until Raphael unleashed a magical spell upon the company that the tonic would take effect: reducing the Crimson Guard’s ability to resist magic. And powerful magic was unleashed indeed; a veritable cloud of killing sent every last soul to the dead book including one of the original killers: Axe-Man Bones.

Raphael now had to deal with even more direct lieutenants; the Wizard’s Cabal must be summoned. Raphael could not directly kill or even confront the other members of the Wizard’s Cabal but Raphael could use magic to deceive them and issue odd orders to them. For titular Sedrie Bellamie a decree was handed down for Sedrie to deliver in person: Alexander Roesone must never reveal his true identity and must never travel to the surface even under the guise of Duke Nightmare or Sir Lancelot. Hermedhie was to be placed under house arrest: she is to remain in her wizard tower until such time that Raphael deems another audience with her (in effect removing Hermedhie as court wizard).
Raphael would later travel by drake to visit Trogdor the Duke of Diemed. But before departing his castle in Abbatour, Raphael issued orders to the priests of Rournil’s Celestial Spell to send two units of Knight Templar to the city of Aerele. Raphael plotted his flight to Aerele to arrive at the time the holy warriors were being greeted by Duke Trogdor. Raphael appeared in the sky above the assembled warriors and spectators, slowly descending upon the back of a battle-drake (maybe a slight insult to Trogdor?).

Raphael was greeted by Trogdor and the marshal of Rournil’s knights but the greeting was cut short when Raphael unsheathes his sword of office and ignites it aflame. Raphael informs Trogdor that the Duke must be placed under house arrest upon investigation into war crimes committed during the liberation of Diemed. Now dear reader what did Trogdor do or not do? Well that is not really Raphael’s real intent, sure Raphael is good-aligned but slowly Raphael is moving from lawful to chaotic and what serves Raphael best for the here and now would to be to put the screws to Trogdor so Raphael can solidify power. Trogdor will be investigated and the clerics will not find much evidence for war crimes but the time spent will allow Raphael to put new officials into the civic and military branches throughout Diemed.
Larry Diamond, just by mentioning his name the Player Characters get nervous; fore Larry Diamond was the trusted NPC placed in charge of the Brothers Investment Groupe (a bank for the Player Characters). Larry Diamond was sailing across the Straights of Aerele when his private yacht was intercepted by a naval vessel belong to the King of the Southlands. Larry Diamond was informed that King Saberstrike was in desperate urge for communication and that his presence was requested at the closest castle.

Under naval escort Larry Diamond proceeded to Albiele Isle and then on to the large castle of Raphael’s. Larry Diamond was told to wait until would Raphael teleported to the castle allowing two figures would meet face to face. Larry Diamond was informed that him and his family were going to be put under house arrest and that Larry Diamond would have to comply with a thorough audit of the Brother’s Investment Groupe. Raphael did let on though that if all looked good with the audit that Larry would be allowed to retake his post.

Now dear reader let us go over Raphael’s checklist of good deeds. Dispose of murders and spies under employ, suppress upstart religion, force allies to acquiesce to transition of power, and keep old secrets secret. Raphael has to be deceptive fore after all he is using a magical sword that is a fake allowing him to claim to be King of the Southlands. Raphael has to do some chaotic things to maintain his kingdom.

What is What?

(1) King Raphael Saberstrike needs nothing from the Player Characters: they need everything from him

(2) Sephiroth the Lich will return in one year from his awakening: how long has that been Lord Nightmare?

(3) the vampire/cleric herald of the New Dark God has relocated her holdout back to the Fiendholme on layer 65 of the Abyss

(4) the demi-god known as Deth still waits in Spiritsend for the Adventure there to unfold

(5) Duke Bellamie has solidified his powerbase and is now interested in what his apprentice has been up too

(6) Duke Trogdor grows in strength but lacks fifth column information: foreign consults assail the new ruler; whom should Trogdor choose from to listen to advice?

(7) the wizard Hermedhie will continue the Adventure from the last session through to the next session by having a confrontation with Baba Yaga

(8) Larry Diamond is going to ask the Player Characters once more if they have any new deposits for the BIG firm before he departs to Mieres to negotiate new routes

(9) Count Ghieste is going to summon Lady Alyza to plot about the New Sword Mage

(10) the dragon scion Skiesbane has the fever: the only prescription is tribute

(11) the New Sword Mage? I tried to scry him. Set some demons after me.

(12) the Gorgon is not at war with anyone and that is bad for everyone

the Mask

First Things First (Part Three)

Oh dear reader you have come for part 3 because I have side tracked from the original intent of this story: that of Duke Nightmare visiting Grand Ma-ma after accepting the position of Proxy for the New Dark God. Where our story was last at, Duke Nightmare was in the City of Doors learning of Hiddukel, Jay Oaker, and the Master of the Past and Present. So dear reader, let us along with Duke Nightmare take our leave of Sigil and head for the Court of the Unseelie.

Duke Nightmare rides into the Court of the Unseelie on his namesake steed and is greeted by his Grand Ma-ma. But Grand Ma-ma is taken back by Duke Nightmare’s new pedant: revealing him as agent of the New Dark God. Grand Ma-ma takes her seat on her throne and has Duke Nightmare stand before her. Grand Ma-ma uses dark magic to explore Duke Nightmare’s very soul and finds some interesting things.

Duke Nightmare’s soul has a black spot from where the god Cuiraecen stripped Duke Nightmare of his cleric powers. Duke Nightmare also trace amounts of evil left over from the magical geas placed by the Sword Mage. Grand Ma-ma can also see that an outsider has a claim on Duke Nightmare’s soul (that of the favor Duke Nightmare owes Firebeard Blackaxe). Grand Ma-ma can also point out several unique intersections on Duke Nightmare’s soul: one that goes from the worship of the demi-god known as Deth that flows out into the pure evil of Azari. But the most important change on Duke Nightmare’s soul is that of the investiture into Raphael Saberstrike and how that continues on into the proxy-servitude of the New Dark God.

All this information confuses and angers Duke Nightmare and asks what if anything him or Grand Ma-ma can do to change or improve Duke Nightmare’s situation. Grand Ma-ma tells him that any deal with any devil is dangerous but they must be completed. Duke Nightmare must complete the favor for Firebeard Blackaxe and the seven unnamed vile deeds for Jay Oaker. Duke Nightmare informs Grand Ma-ma that Jay Oaker would like to meet her and Grand Ma-ma is interested to meet the New Dark God as well.

But what else does Duke Nightmare learn, what else does he discuss with Grand Ma-ma, and what about the taint of Azari upon Duke Nightmare’s blood. Well dear reader, those things and much more are still yet to come for Duke Nightmare. A whole new world of evil opportunities and adventures has opened up for Duke Nightmare and what lies ahead is hard to see.

First Things First (Part Two)

Oh dear reader, this is part 2 and you have read part 1, correct? As you remember dear reader, I was soothsaying the story of Alexander Roesone’s rise to the title of Duke Nightmare but I overtook Alexander’s brief but important dabble into worshiping strange powers. Firebeard Blackaxe served as a captain in the guard for a one Malik Deth. What is most unusual about Malik Deth was that he was not an efreet like all other nobility in the City of Brass; no dear reader, Malik Deth was once a mortal from the world of Aebrynis (the same world as our Player Characters).

Alexander Roesone dreamed of the innumerable treasures that awaited him at the Infernal Bazaar in the City of Brass. When Alexander and his compatriots traveled to the Elemental Plane of Fire they were allowed to meet Firebeard Blackaxe’s master: Malik Deth. The evil mortal Player Characters were impressed by the home of Deth and his treasure room; Deth compared weapons with Alexander: Alexander’s blood-silver spear and Deth’s blood-silver two-handed sword.

The spear and the sword were both made by the same blacksmith; both were of an elite lot that most thought were lost in time. Deth asked if Alexander would serve him as an Agent of Deth and Alexander agreed and would spend a great deal of time before the Infernal Bazaar learning and adventuring for the Agent’s of Deth. What was most important for Alexander at this time was gaining levels as a cleric: max level of five for demi-gods. But Alexander leveled to seven before departing for the Forest of Poisoned Dreams and his chance encounter with Kareem Wali-Jabar.

It was only after the “Quest for the new #10” that Duke Nightmare meets Grand Ma-ma. Alexander accepted the fate of being Prince of the Fairies and sought tutelage from Grand Ma-ma. Lussina loved her time with her grandson, teaching him how to ride his namesake nightmare steed with supreme skill. Grand Ma-ma regaled Duke Nightmare with stories of the Unseelie history and teaching him the language of the dark fairies.

So dear reader, after being locked in a padded cell in the Fiendholme on level 65 of the Abyss for an indiscernible amount of time Duke Nightmare would seek out his beloved Grand Ma-ma to seek council. For Duke Nightmare had made a new deal: a deal signed in blood. Duke Nightmare agreed to act as “the New Dark God’s” proxy for the opportunity to be given consideration for promotion to serve in a new evil pantheon of gods over Aebrynis. The New Dark God demanded seven unnamed evil deeds to be preformed whenever desired.

It was one of Alexander’s oldest and most trusted colleagues, Raphael Saberstrike, which brokered the final deal and let Duke Nightmare (with all his equipment) out of the padded cell in the asylum wing of the dungeon in the Fiendholme. Duke Nightmare left the dungeon level and proceeded through the main level with Raphael giving some parting instructions and a pendent bearing the symbol of the New Dark God.

Duke Nightmare had choices on how he could travel to visit his Grand Ma-ma so in typical fashion Duke Nightmare choose the easiest choice. With a necklace purchase from the Infernal Bazaar, Duke Nightmare activates a magical gate and steps through. Guards of The Lady’s Ward like usual were surprised anyone would come through the special gate they were assigned to guard. Duke Nightmare stands in full force awaiting what comes next; the usual treatment for arriving unannounced in the City of Doors.

Squads of guards surround Duke Nightmare and eventually an emissary for The Lady of Pain will request that Duke Nightmare meet The Lady in the room that had been previously assigned in the accompanying palace for the special gate. Duke Nightmare struts out of the courtyard were the special gate rests and heads for his room. In the guest room Duke Nightmare discovers The Lady of Pain in a form that Duke Nightmare had not seen before: that of a female humanoid with a porcelain mask and of course accompanied by another emissary.

Duke Nightmare’s conversation is relatively short and to the point. The Lady of Pain requested that Duke Nightmare meet her in private; that was to save face for Duke Nightmare. The Lady of Pain reveals that the necklace Duke Nightmare has in his possession belonged to someone once important to The Lady of Pain and demands it’s return immediately. Duke Nightmare will comply but be insistent that he still be given royal treatment.

The Lady of Pain makes a special deal for Duke Nightmare: (1) in exchange for the necklace, Duke Nightmare is given a special writ that will enable him to negotiate with the Master of the Portals, (2) Duke Nightmare can never return to the palace that has the special gate and cannot investigate about it’s history, (3) normally The Lady of Pain does not allow avatar-level creatures in her realm but as Duke Nightmare is operating on proxy-level he is given the warning that her realm is for mortals; not powers, (4) Duke Nightmare will be allowed in Sigil as per standard treatment in most cases, (5) The Lady of Pain instructs Duke Nightmare to consult the priests of Zivilyn about the dead god Hiddukel.

Duke Nightmare leaves the guest room and the palace of the special gate altogether and heads into Sigil, the City of Doors. Now dear reader, Duke Nightmare is a stranger in a strange land and in past occasions either traveled discretely or with a retinue of guards assigned to him from the palace, so Duke Nightmare had to dig down real deep in his dark soul and pull up some gold and silver to pay for a mob of guards (go big). So dear reader, here we have Duke Nightmare decked out in near full majesty (no nightmare fore when he tried to summon it there was no response) parading through the city with a dozen guards marching there way to one of the most magnificent temples in The Lady’s Ward; that of Zivilyn the Tree of Life.

The temple to the Tree of Life of course would look like a giant-ass tree but all decked out with inner workings of a hive of temple-bees. So when Duke Nightmare and his procession neared, they are of course an intimidating sight, and only one brave priest ventured out to seek audience with Duke Nightmare.

The lone priest of Zivilyn recognized a twisted mockery of Hiddukel in the pendant that Duke Nightmare wore and invited Duke Nightmare to have a conversation in the shade of a sprouting branch of the tree shaped temple of Zivilyn. Duke Nightmare learned many interesting things from this priest, things that Duke Nightmare would have to investigate later. Duke Nightmare gained information on: (1) the world of Krynn and the mega-continent of Ansalon (2) some of the names and alliances of the gods of Krynn (3) the stories about Hiddukel before his death, and most importantly, (4) the gods of Krynn fear Jay Oaker.

The story that Duke Nightmare could learn a lot from was about the death of Hiddukel. The Wizards of High Sorcery gave a young mage named Sephiroth the Staff of Magus because while take The Test, the masters discovered that these foreign born adventures could lead to the death of a god of evil if given the opportunity. So the Masters of High Sorcery gave the Staff of Magus to Sephiroth and allowed the mage to gain the title of Master of the Past and Present.

Sephiroth completed The Test along with his trusted accomplice, Jay Oaker, and took the Staff of Magus and the power that came along with it. Sephiroth and Jay Oaker, along with their other sinister friends, Deth and Pestilence, sat about to change the world of Krynn forever. But not in the way that the powers could ever see coming.

Jay Oaker had his crew thieves would wreck the economy of Ansalon with the aid of Sephiroth transporting into Krynn very valuable steel and taking out of Krynn gold and silver. The powerful warrior Deth would strike a blow to Ansalon by killing one of it’s greatest defenders, while the fiend known as Pestilence would strike at the very core of one of the greatest knightly organizations by defiling a sacred abbey.

All these activities began to attract the attention of Hiddukel the god of lies and deceit. Hiddukel believed, and rightfully so, that these foreign born invaders were pests and needed to die. But the combined might of Sephiroth, Jay Oaker, Deth, and Pestilence would defeat Hiddukel time and time again until they attracted the attention of the Dark Queen Takhisis.

Takhisis was impressed by the evil that four mortals could wreck and laughed at Hiddukel’s constant failures. Sephiroth used his access to the Dragon Portal in the Tower of High Sorcery to travel to Takhisis realm were Jay Oaker made the Dragon Queen a sweet deal. If Jay Oaker could defeat Hiddukel in a fight (legitimately or otherwise) then Takhisis would elevate Jay Oaker to the position of God of Deceit.

So Takhisis summoned her alley Hiddukel to her realm in the first layer of Baator and made Hiddukel do battle with Jay Oaker. Hiddukel brought the pain to Jay Oaker but through sneaky actions, Jay Oaker was able to suck Hiddukel up in a Sphere of Annihilation and win the duel. So as the Master of the Past and the Present, Sephiroth was able to help in the death of a god and the rise of a new god but as his namesake goes, Jay Oaker would have the last laugh. Because for all the power and might that was given Jay Oaker; all was used to gain personal power for himself and his friends. Jay Oaker cared not for the world of Krynn and would slowly let it fall more and more into chaos.

Eventually Takhisis could not form an alliance amongst the evil gods so Takhisis took the guise of Mina a new god and plotted a new war on Krynn. But without proper balance in Krynn and without the Master of the Past and Present, Takhisis’ plans almost came to full fruition. Takhisis positioned herself as Mina the new god and began to form new cults all over Krynn; some doing good, most doing evil. Paladine saw how much effort and engery Takhisis was putting forth this time and how it reminded him of when they first built the world. So to save the world, Paladine offered Takhisis a second chance, a chance to start over new: the two elder dragons would leave Krynn and form a new world and a new pantheon.

Thus the Age of Mortals began on Krynn, the elder gods of Paladine and Takhisis left the world they created to their children and companions. The stars that made up the constellations of Paladine and Takhisis left the night sky along with Mishakal. Some say that Mishakal left over a broken heart, others point out that the constellation for Branchala has shifted a bit as to represent that Branchala’s harp is playing a different tune: maybe trying to lure Mishakal back to the people she once ruled over.