4. Server Story Arcs
Your one stop shop to keep up to date on server arcs
Draconic Secrets
Shadows have been seen flying over Luna Pines at night in recent weeks. Glimmers of colour, flashing in the sky distract merchants and entrance children. One resident even found a small purple scale in their chicken coop one morning. Something draconic is afoot, but what could it all mean?
Draconic Secrets
Story Tracker
Shadows have been seen flying over Luna Pines at night in recent weeks. Glimmers of colour, flashing in the sky distract merchants and entrance children. One resident even found a small purple scale in their chicken coop one morning. Something draconic is afoot, but what could it all mean?
Plot
The following is a list of important and current plot points that are occurring throughout the Witch King server event. If you have questions or believe that something is missing then reach out to either an Admin or Edgelord.
| Plot Hooks | Notes | Resolved (Y/N?) |
|
The Dragons are coming! |
A Metallic, Chromatic and Gem dragon have landed in Luna Pines, seemingly out of no where! What do they want? Will this be our demise? | Y |
| Archery | Three dragon's have touched down in Luna Pines and are determined to find out which dragon is the best! Therefore, they have set up an archery contest to test the mettle of their champions. |
Y |
Threads
The following is a list of unresolved plot threads that are occurring throughout the server event. These differ to plot hooks as there is not a defined ending. Some example may include the farmers cows escaping because the front gate was left unlocked or a powerful relic was lost by a player because they rolled a nat one while crossing a ravine. If you wish to explore one of these plot points then grab a couple of friends and reach out to either an Admin or Edgelord and they will help kick off a scene.
|
Threads |
Notes |
Resolved (Y/N?) |
| Fowl scales | Why is there a purple scale in a chicken coop? | N |
NPCs
Information on NPCs can be found here.
Factions
Information on Factions can be found here.
Story Summary
The Dragons have landed!
Introductions
Three dragons called Synndra, Protector of the Underground, Dah'kyn, The Fiery Serpent of Sound, and Duchess Anastraxia Valeria Wilhelmina Von Sweetling have landed down in the town square in Luna pines. After an initial wave of fear washed over the town, the mystery would soon start to unravel as the dragons made it clear that their mission is to grab the attention of passers by to determine once and for all which race of dragons is superior to all others. After some feasting, some gem-cutting, and some incredible musical talent, teams were chosen by most of the adventurers and the dragons were off, with promises to return once the events started.
The teams were determined through some...less than conventional means and Talon gourged themselves on most of the seafood. Choosing the gleaming amethyst dragon Synndra would be Irmisz, Velda, Falner, Gasheous, Ruigh, Kerr, Ashgar, Bloop, Fenix, Pophit, Einar, Mileva, Lezelar, and Memory. Others chose to put on their best metal hair and rock out with Dah'Kyn like Kuld, Sam U. Rai, Ferren, Silver, Moon, Marielle, Icarus and Neith. While some preferred a more tempered approach and sided with the regal Duchess Anastraxia like Torrin, Gethin, Bronwyn, Rathorford, Vern, Willem, Jesper, Carlo, Bryzka, Silent Leaf, Maeve, Talon
Archery
After several weeks, the sound of wings thumping can be heard, approaching Luna Pines from far off. In the distance, three shapes can be seen, easily recognizable as the dragons who visited Luna Pines previously. The dragons land gracefully, save for a large green one who drops onto a trampoline and then begins ordering kobolds around. The kobolds rush around, planting big wooden planks with targets painted on them, and then running a hundred feet away and placing a longbow with arrows jammed into the ground next to it. The purple dragon, once the kobolds are done, sits up and lets out a roar, alerting everyone to their presence.
Kobolds quickly rushed out to make a number of stationary wooden targets in the expansive fields outside of Luna Pines. The dragon's chosen champions that turned up were given the opportunity to participate in an archery competition with magical bows. The arrows flew from their quivers with skilled precision or wild abandon to strike the hastily erected targets off in the distance. The area was divided into four quadrants and the targets were particularly small which made them fairly difficult to hit. After three full days of invigorating competition the Metallic team came a full snout and head over the Gem team and Chromatic team which came in second and third place, respectively. Not deciding to clean up after themselves, the dragons hastily flew away, to return with a new game another day soon!
Factions!
Faction Overview
The following is a brief summary of every important faction that has made an appearance during the server event. Some are towering monoliths spanning countries while others stick to the shadows or perhaps they may even employ you!
Currently for Draconic Secrets there are no established factions
Faction one
Faction Name:
Leader:
NPCs (Titles):
Motivation:
Enemies:
Allies:
Flaw:
NPCs!
NPC Overview
The following is a brief summary of every important Non-Player Character (NPC) that has made an appearance during the server event. Some are fearsome foes, others are allies while some are trying to mind their own business. More details of these NPCs will be found below in the NPC card section.
|
Name |
Race |
First Encounter |
| Purple Gem Dragon | ||
| Red Metallic Dragon | ||
| Green Chromatic Dragon | ||
NPC cards (players)
The following is a visual representation of the character and essence of a particular NPC. This is to allow players, and DMs, to quickly jump into the action and pick up right where they left off even when the the petite forest troll has not left their home for several months. More information can be found here
Major NPCs
The following are the NPC cards for the major NPCs for the Draconic Secrets server arc. These are currently the main players in the games and if there was anyone to be aware of then it would be these big lizards!
All NPCs
The following would be a list of every other NPC that has made an appearance in the Draconic Secrets quest line from the second most important NPC below the main trio to the lowest of foot soilders.
NPC Mind Map
The following image is a relationship chart between the various NPCs and factions for the Draconic Secrets server arc. This way you will know of every public relationship and dynamic between the various NPCs or groups of NPCs
Blightspore Beckons
Like many of the heroic legends of old, this story begins in a time of relative peace. Children excitedly run through the streets, screaming with mirth, while elves, humans, the fey, and people of countless other backgrounds stuff their faces with meat mies, fight against the current of the river, and herd ravenous gargantuan gees all in friendly competition. You would find yourselves in the midst of Luna Pine's annual Festival of Harmony filled with excited festival goers. Though not all is as it seems as many powerful and unknown figures choose this moment to step into the light and make themselves known and would entwined their fates with yours.
Story Tracker
Story Tracker
Like many of the heroic legends of old, this story begins in a time of relative peace. Children excitedly run through the streets, screaming with mirth, while elves, humans, the fey, and people of countless other backgrounds stuff their faces with meat mies, fight against the current of the river, and herd ravenous gargantuan gees all in friendly competition.
You would find yourselves in the midst of Luna Pine's annual Festival of Harmony filled with excited festival goers. Though not all is as it seems as many powerful and unknown figures choose this moment to step into the light and make themselves known and would entwined their fates with yours. What could this mean?
Plot
The following is a list of important and current plot points that are occurring throughout the Blightspore Beckons server event. If you have questions or believe that something is missing then reach out to either an Admin or Edgelord.
| Plot Hooks | Notes | Resolved (Y/N?) |
|
The Festival of Harmony! |
The annual Festival of Harmony is underway in Luna Pines and offers a variety of games from pie eating to geese herding and riddles to rice harvesting. Then there is the race to retrieve the Crystal Flower! Who will excel in the games and who will be deemed champions of the Festival of Harmony! | Y |
| Rivals | Several people calling themselves Umberlee's Wave have made an appearance in town and are making a splash in the Festival of Harmony. Who are they exactly? |
N |
| The Melencholic Scholar | Upon claiming the Crystal Flower, several adventuers were transported to a strange realm where they encountered a vision - a woman named Regna pleading for help. Who is she and what happened? |
N |
Threads
The following is a list of unresolved plot threads that are occurring throughout the server event. These differ to plot hooks as there is not a defined ending. Some example may include the farmers cows escaping because the front gate was left unlocked or a powerful relic was lost by a player because they rolled a nat one while crossing a ravine. If you wish to explore one of these plot points then grab a couple of friends and reach out to either an Admin or Edgelord and they will help kick off a scene.
|
Threads |
Notes |
Resolved (Y/N?) |
| High Magister Seraphina | An important fey figure who has never made a public appearance before decides to take lead in a recently festival. Could there be more to this or could she simply have changed her attitude? | N |
| The Silent Treant | A figure assembled with various moss covered sticks and twigs would silently stand by Seraphina's side at all times, silently observing, unless they were making appearances in the final race. A simple guardian, or is there more than meets the eye? |
N |
| Miscellaneous Nobles | A number of distinct nobles watched the race from the stands. It appeared almost ceremonial. Who are they? Or were they simply bored and made an appearance. |
N |
| Golden Tome | A golden tome that was locked shut seems to be tied to a mysterious figure named Regna. What exactly is this book? Is it a book at all? | N |
| N |
NPCs
Information on NPCs can be found here.
Factions
Information on Factions can be found here.
Story Summary
A Call to Adventure!
Introduction
As you step into the outskirts of Luna Pines, the verdant canopy of the dense forest provides a natural ceiling for the lively scene below. The air is infused with the aroma of wildflowers and the distant melody of a lute. A dense crowd have gathered in anticipation for the Festival of Harmony.
Elven families adorned in vibrant attire move gracefully through the crowd. Children with pointed ears chase each other, weaving through the legs of adults. The air is filled with snippets of conversations, creating a tapestry of voices. A firbolg mother urging her three children not to go near the baby dire geese, a drow guard in shining insectile armour complaining to his partner that his gauntlet was crushed by a hulking orc while arm-wrestling, and a pair of young dryads in swimwear hollering as they rush toward the banks of the azure waterfall. Throngs of people, most of them elven or fey weave their way through the crowds, laughing, singing, running, and sightseeing.
The Festival of Harmony
The festivities kicked off with a pie-eating contest that drew laughter and cheers from the crowd. As participants dove face-first into sweet, fruity concoctions, the aroma of freshly baked pies wafted through the air. Moon, Myzcali, Tap Tap, Manhik, Zylnaera, and Torrin would emerge victorious over the day.
Herbert and Elspeth, the lovely firbolg couple, hosted a rice harvesting event under the azure sky of Luna Pines. Some teams of two struggled to cut down the rice stalks, while others chose a more...fiery approach. Torrin and Mini (7 min), Zylnaera and Masson (8 min) , Falner and Tap Tap (6 min) where able to encourage one another to victory and embodied the spirit of teamwork.
The arm wrestling challenge, overseen by a local guard saw contestants pitting strength against technique. The ring echoed with cheers and groans as competitors showcased their might, creating an atmosphere of friendly rivalry. Bronwyn, Gethin, Zylnaera, and Blyze were able to show off their muscles!
After a rocky start where Yensen had to calm down a rising mob against a very punchable goblin, a race against the river's current tested the agility and determination of participants. Navigating through the water, they vied to retrieve a spear. Yensen, Velda, and Moon as an Orca were able to set new course records. Moon also cheekily created a large wave to push everyone else across the line.
A labyrinth, masterfully crafted and watched over by a diligent aarakocra, invited participants to test their wit and agility. The twists and turns of the maze mirrored the unpredictable nature of life....Luckily few people lost their way this year.
A strange creature, a male hag, curiously watched over a small riddle games of dragons, celestial objects, and poison. Though it is uncertain how much attention they could possibly have paid as they were asleep the entire time! Nevertheless, the adventurers proved their wit and Icarus had a lovely conversation with the hag.
A pack of predatorial, gargantuan geese were let loose to challenge fair goers to herd them back into their pen. Luckily, no one was seriously maimed but who honestly thought that this would be a good idea? Numen will have her hands full for a while.
Race for the Crystal Flower
As the sun dipped lower, the climax of the festival unfolded—the race for the Crystal Flower. Even the nobles and the High Magister Lady Seraphina came to witness this grand spectacle. The points were tallied, teams were formed and at the beat of the drums, the adventurers were let loose one by one to fly into the sky and scale the mighty pine tree and traverse through enchanted fey landscapes.
The teams faced the gargantuan pine tree, its branches reaching towards the sky. Verdant, bioluminescent arrows guided them along the trunk, through clouds and branches, and into a realm where the mid-afternoon sun mingled with silvery moonlight.
Thick branches animated to block their path and after some trial and error everyone was able to push through tiny gaps while Ferren tried to set the place on fire. Hopefully, that was taken care of... Soon afterwards they reached a split in the path, each direction marked by arrows, one delving into mid-afternoon sun, while the other darkness. The choices were evenly divided.
Some people took the path to the left which spiralled high into the sky and they were blocked by a pair of pillars guarded by ravenous bone white vines. Unfortunately, this is were Icarus had to part with their mighty steed. Pushing through, they would find themselves in an enormous cavern blocked by a landside to one side and a crack in the 100 ft tall dome leading somewhere. Marielle and Moon were even able to find a secret treasure. Most opted to clear the landslide while Moon, Effie, Sam risked flying towards the crack where they discovered a rainbow road filled with hundreds of voices vying for their attention and discovered a shortcut. Effie would hear one voice asking them to find a hidden sanctuary.
Marielle and co. pushed past the landslide and after a brief swim in some very questionable ponds, uncovered a scroll and encountered several schools of vicious flying fish! Nope! Get right out of there!
Meanwhile, down the shadowed path, the contestants would find areas to be bathed in darkness. Velda noticed a glint at the bottom of a deep hole and flew down to investigate. This is where they encountered a pink flying dolphin which telepathically sung sea shanties. Their team immediately fled and left the carnage of the dolphin to the trailing teams.
Next they would have encountered a steep, narrow, verdant tunnel that blasted all with a devastating gust of wind. Unfortunately, this is where Bronwyn, Gethin, and Myzcali had to throw in the towel. However, with some rope play from Irmisz they would help their team cross the wind tunnel. Meanwhile, Mathias would destroy the tablet and turn off the magical wind, allowing everyone else to pass. What a great guy!
Not all was bad though, Moon was able to jump into a pond where they temporarily gained an enhanced polymorph and Sam found a sentient blade that was convinced they were a weapon. Weren't the nicest either...
The adventurers then slowly converged in a crystal chamber where the saturation was turned up to 11! This is where they met the Autumn Fey Lirael and their Moon dragon companion Nalunthir. They fiercely fought the adventurers while offering words of advice. Icarus and Masson helped out the other teams, there is no I in team afterall, while Umberlee's wave returned the favour. Though not all was good times as Marielle made an enemy of Valshoon. Many people tried to claim the Crystal Flower around Nalunthir's neck, Irmisz and Yensen came close but it was Marielle who was able to snatch victory and claim their team the title!
Nalunthir transformed into a humanoid creature and summoned a verdant portal which must have been tampered with as several people found themselves inside a cavern that opened up to the midnight, starry sky. Here they would find a locked golden tome that instigated a vision where a female human, adorned in a peculiar leather armour and tattered white dress, with a shield strapped to her back, and curly auburn hair framing a face that bears unspeakable melancholy would call herself Regna and plead for help from the adventurers. She would pray to the Knowing Mentor and the Dawnfather as she asks for salvation. She requests that they take the tome and visit the site of an evil temple....
Then they would be back in the town centre where they would celebrate their victory in the race and celebrate late into the night. The winners of the race would even receive a golden meddalion depicting a solar eclipse poking out from a mighty tree.
Part 2
Background
The party is drawn to the ominous Betrayers' Rise, a place of torment and mystery. Guided by visions of a kneeling woman in chains and armed with the "Trine of Memory," a powerful relic, they are determined to uncover its secrets and rescue Regna, a figure trapped in an unknown plane of existence.
The Reversed River
The group, consisting of Effie, Ruigh, Lyndon, Sam, and Alaric, would venture through the uphil flowing babbling brook filled with multi-coloured fish that would effortlessly pass through the river bed. They would encounter an overturned and ransacked travellers caravan with several bodies and some loot. Ghostly wisps would pull them away deeper into nature.
The Dense Forest
The group, consisting of Ulgo, Torrin, Funakoshi, Elora, and Orix push through a humid, dense rainforest with a sweet, intoxicating aroma. They would come across a tiefling and their Moorbounder Rice Pudding surrounded by forecious moorbounders that threaten to eat them alive. They are able to save the tiefling easily!
The Mushroom Desert
The group, consisting of Savitri, Atlan, Bromir, Moonsilver, and Zylnaera, advance with caution through a desert comprised of towering singing mushrooms. There is a putrid scent from an immense, fallen body of an ape-like monstrosity surrounded by dead guards. Above, a vrock circles the scene, The group make short work of the demon
The Loop and the Acorn Sisters' Grove
The adventurers, having traversed various terrains and faced numerous trials, find themselves at the Acorn Sisters' Grove, a mystical druidic sanctuary protected by Lanata and Robur, high priestesses of Melora, the Wildmother. This grove serves as a temporary refuge in the demon-infested lands of Xhorhas, offering weary travelers a place to rest, trade, and share knowledge.
- Elora, Aster, and Alaric speak with Justice, a Tiefling traveler who explains the purpose of the grove as a safe haven amidst the demon-infested wastelands. They inquire about the Acorn Sisters' customs and how to show proper respect.
- Orix, Ruigh, and Zylnaera interact directly with the Acorn Sisters, who speak cryptically about the balance of nature and require offerings that carry personal meaning and essence rather than simple material goods.
- Orix constructs an intricate stone tower, an homage to the cycle of nature, knowing that time and the elements will inevitably topple it.
- Elora offers a song from her homeland, singing a haunting melody about war, loss, and remembrance, reflecting the burden of history carried by many in the party.
- Zylnaera presents nut and syrup cakes, a staple of her people, representing survival, community, and shared labor.
The Acorn Sisters accept these tributes, and by morning, Elora, Orix, and Zylnaera awaken to find charms woven from wildflowers, bark, and thread around their necks, subtle boons granted by the Wildmother’s favor.
As the adventurers prepare to leave, Zylnaera approaches Justice, presenting him with a broken flute engraved with the initials J.S., which she found at the site of a battle between Aurora Watch soldiers and a massive ape-like fiend. Justice recognizes it as Piccola, his cherished flute from childhood, which he thought had been lost in the Moorbounder attacks.
Meanwhile, Orix copies maps and gathers intel from the Aurora Watch, confirming that the Betrayers’ Rise is located in Dro’Kan, the very epicenter of demonic incursions. The adventurers realize that their path forward will be fraught with danger, and Dro’Kan is ground zero for the horrors they have been chasing.
Arrival at Dro'Kan
The adventurers arrived in the war-torn town of Dro’Kan, a bleak and crumbling outpost set against the looming backdrop of the Betrayer’s Rise. The settlement was constantly under siege by horrors spilling from the fortress, its defenses maintained by the battle-weary Aurora Watch, led by Taskhand Verin Thelyss. From the start, Verin was skeptical of the adventurers’ abilities but allowed them to prove their worth.
Their investigation led them to several factions vying for control or knowledge within the Rise:
- Aloysia Telfan, an ambitious occultist with unclear motives.
- Prolix, an archaeologist from the Allegiance of Allsight, obsessed with deciphering an ancient puzzle box.
- Question, a quirky but brilliant researcher from the Cobalt Soul, eager to uncover the truth of a lost Calamity-era Champion tied to the Rise.
Unraveling the Secrets of the Betrayer’s Rise
Before venturing into the fortress, the adventurers prepared by gathering intelligence from the Ready Room Inn and the barracks. They encountered a wounded triton named Yesnen and her companions, who had survived a previous skirmish with the gibbering mouthers.
- The party were attacked by gibbering mouthers
- They helped the Allerton brothers are the crematorium and uncovered a cubic relic thanks to Prolix
- Aided Bautha in the healing of the injured at the infirmary.
- Delivered Naevyn's trinket and prayed at the wall of the unforgotten.
- Met a druid named Foghome and witnessed a vision of Regna and her friends.
- Delivered their case to Verin and gained access to the Rise.
- Encountered Aloysia and Question at the Tavern and made friends with Delez while annoying his sister Prima
The Rift and The Trine of Memory
Their journey led them to a mysterious relic known as the Trine of Memory, an ancient tome that seemed intrinsically linked to Ruidus, the Vermilion Moon. According to Question’s research, it was part of a mythic cycle connected to a lost Champion, who may have wielded divine power before being imprisoned. The adventurers speculated that Regna, the woman they sought to rescue, could be this Champion.
The Ready Room: Preparations and Conflicts
The adventurers spent the night at the Ready Room inn, where they encountered notable scholars and researchers, each with their own agenda regarding the Rise. Among them was Question, a bright and eager researcher from the Cobalt Soul, Prolix, a determined archaeologist from the Allegiance of Allsight, and Aloysia, a sharp-minded elf with her own occult interests.
After a night plagued with terrifying visions of the Rise—featuring twisted corridors, relentless demonic pursuers, and a statue of a kneeling man bound in hooked chains—the adventurers woke to strategize their approach. Ultimately, they chose Question as their primary ally, trusting her scholarly curiosity and noble intentions over the more self-serving ambitions of the others. Aloysia, displeased with the rejection, ominously vowed to find her own way into the Rise.
The Puzzle Box and a Risky Heist
While Prolix remained fixated on deciphering the arcane puzzle box, the adventurers devised a daring plan to steal it. Elora orchestrated a well-timed distraction by spilling breakfast and hot tea over Prolix, sending him into a flustered panic. Meanwhile, Orix deftly swapped the cube with an illusory duplicate, slipping away with the real artifact unnoticed.
Arrival at the Betrayers' Rise
Ascending the steep, winding staircase leading to the fortress, the party was met by a contingent of Aurora Watch guards, wary of letting outsiders enter such a dangerous site. However, Ulgo, with his commanding presence, asserted their purpose and invoked Verin Thelyss’ approval, convincing the soldiers to allow them passage.
Before they could proceed, however, chaos erupted. The massive onyx doors of the Rise groaned open, unleashing two monstrous winged creatures wreathed in living shadows. With glowing crimson eyes and razor-sharp talons, the demons shrieked and descended upon the group, heralding the beginning of a deadly confrontation. The soldiers scrambled into action, shouting warnings as the creatures dived with terrifying speed, forcing the adventurers into battle at the very threshold of their perilous journey.
To Be Continued…
Factions
Faction Overview
The following is a brief summary of every important faction that has made an appearance during the server event. Some are towering monoliths spanning countries while others stick to the shadows or perhaps they may even employ you!
Umberlee's Wave
Faction Name: Umberlee's Wave
Leader: Yesnen
NPCs (Titles): Yesnen (unknown), Tap Tap (unknown), Minimrie (unknown), Valshoon (unknown), Gavin (unknown)
Motivation: Adventuring?
Enemies: Unknown (Partially Marielle)
Allies: Icarus, Masson
Flaw: Unknwon
High Magister
Faction Name: Unknown
Leader: Unknown
NPCs (Titles): Seraphina (High Migister), Treant (Unknown)
Motivation: Unknown
Enemies: Unknown
Allies: Unknown
Flaw: Unknown
Allegiance of Allsight
Faction Name: Allegiance of Allsight
Leader: Unknown
NPCs (Titles): Prolix Yusaf (unknown)
Motivation: Knowledge to use
Enemies: Aloysia
Allies: Tentatively the Desert group
Flaw:
Cobalt Soul
Faction Name: Cobalt Soul
Leader: Unknown
NPCs (Titles): Question (Unknown)
Motivation: Knowledge for record keeping
Enemies: Aloysia
Allies: Unknown
Flaw: Unknown
Unknown
Faction Name: Unknown
Leader: Unknown
NPCs (Titles): Aloysia Telfan (Unknown)
Motivation: Unknown
Enemies: Cobalt Soul, Allegiance of Allsight, Tentatively the adventurers.
Allies: Unknown
Flaw:
Placeholder
Faction Name:
Leader:
NPCs (Titles):
Motivation:
Enemies:
Allies:
Flaw:
NPCs
NPC Overview
The following is a brief summary of every important Non-Player Character (NPC) that has made an appearance during the server event. Some are fearsome foes, others are allies while some are trying to mind their own business. More details of these NPCs will be found below in the NPC card section.
|
Name |
Race |
First Encounter |
| Yensen | Triton | Calming down the crowd at the Crystal Relay |
| Tap Tap | Kenku | Joining in at the 3rd round of the pie eating contest |
| Minimrie (Mini) | Firbolg | Speaking to the old firbolg couple at Rice Rush Rumble |
| Valshoon | Tiefling | Being forced into the pie eating contest |
| Gavin | Human | Patiently waiting at the pie eating contest |
| Glasha Smellingpot | Orc | Cook and host of the pie eating contest |
| Clap | Aarakocra | Watchful eye at the Labyrinth of Wonder |
| Herbert and Elspeth | Firbolg | Lovely old couple that watched over Rice Rush Rumble |
| Arealel | Dryad | Confident animal wrangler watching over Gathering the Geese |
| Sybbyl | Hag | Snoozing and overseeing Answer me these Questions Three |
| High Priestess Numen Aureum | Tiefling | Announced the end of the first half of the Harmony Festival |
| Misc Minor Noble 1 | Winter Fey | Assembled after Numen made her announcement |
| Misc Minor Noble 1 | Wood Elf | Assembled after Numen made her announcement |
| Misc Minor Noble 1 |
High Elf |
Assembled after Numen made her announcement |
| Misc Minor Noble 1 | Human | Assembled after Numen made her announcement |
| Misc Minor Noble 1 | Drow | Assembled after Numen made her announcement |
| Misc Minor Noble 1 | Herragon | Assembled after Numen made her announcement |
| Misc Major Noble 1 | Winter Fey | Assembled after Numen made her announcement |
| Misc Major Noble 1 | Summer Fey | Assembled after Numen made her announcement |
| Misc Major Noble 1 | High Elf | Assembled after Numen made her announcement |
| Stoic Treant | Treant (?) | Silently stood beside Lady Seraphina |
|
Lady Seraphina Galathaniel, High Magister
|
Winter Fey | Announced the beginning of the race for the Crystal Flower |
| Regna | Unknown | Came as a vision at the end of the Crystal Flower race pleading for help |
NPC cards (players)
The following is a visual representation of the character and essence of a particular NPC. This is to allow players, and DMs, to quickly jump into the action and pick up right where they left off even when the the petite forest troll has not left their home for several months. More information can be found here.
Major NPCs
The following are the NPC cards for the major NPCs for the Blightspore Beckons server arc. These are currently the main players in the game!
NPC Mind Map
The following image is a relationship chart between the various NPCs and factions for the Blightspore Beckons server arc. This way you will know of every public relationship and dynamic between the various NPCs or groups of NPCs
Events
5 Year Anniversary 2024 - Reflections
Esper and Fyruss bickering about Esper falling in a sewer
The playful, teasing banter between Esper and Fyruss. One of the players left, and the other is pretty much inactive now, but they brought a lot of entertainment when they were here - both in general RP and quests they were in together. Here’s they are bickering about Esper falling in a sewer
- Jay
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/1006551458633756772/1007402189213409290 [Cottonwood]
Aralyn and the Noobs
It was a part of the Underground server plotline and we had all formed groups for different parts of the invasion of the fortress. I chose the courtyard because not many people were going for it. It was only as the battle was starting that I realized that my character, Aralyn, was the highest leveled character there and she was only level 5. The rest of the characters in the courtyard were 3rd level. This was a tough battle, and though Aralyn almost died on a roof that day and saw her god rejuvenating her faith, no one who was a player character died. This was one of my favourite combats ever, and that's saying something because I've been in a lot of really, really good combats in my time here.
-EclaDragon
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609277774770995200/753946499582263317
Moon the Avatar (Relkath Battle)
The entire Relkath battle was amazing! But I will forever remember the moment I got to turn Moon into the Avatar.
-Geak78
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/1083196932106752100/1090114229278879825
Finny’s Mustard Purchase
An RP that always sits fondly in my memory is when we bullied poor Finny (gryphon) into RPing with themselves for a Mustard purchase and they absolutely delivered more than we could ever have hoped for. Truly a hilarious occasion and well worth the RP voting victory it won at the time.
- ryanbreadinc
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609280822523985921/1166704263251116072
The Origin of Johnson (The Creature in the Pond)
An RP moment that will live down in server history is the origin story of Johnson, the "interesting" vegetative creature that inhabits the pond.
- Gryphon
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609277989775212544/1095149616267272304https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609278093244366848/1096176063744319679
Red and Silent Leaf Deal with a Drug Dealer
Another unforgettable moment for me was way back when our local caped-crusader sent Red and Silent Leaf to deal with a local drug dealer, but they were surprised to find themselves empathizing with the drug dealer.
- Gryphon
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/671310598235095072/713073591092248686
Kuld vs. the Hydra
That time Kuld (CmdrGlork) single handedly took down a hydra in the middle of town after an interesting holiday wish.
- Geak78
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609277576468365312/1067752691310272583
Jordy’s Story
It started as a fight in the arena ran by Neith (LightningNevan) Where they fought Mordekainen and his evil band. At the end of the battle Mordekainen hit him with a spell that ultimately ripped out half his soul. Though he didn't fully understand till a couple weeks later.
- Twitch
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609278728610250773/758695998087757835 [Arena 3]
Time went on before the angel Galadriel worked with him to open a portal to avernus. Where he and his family tracked through hell to retrieve his soul. Along the way. He confessed to his sister Aralyn about his feelings for Vellia. Along the way they were lured in by a young 5-7 year old succubus girl named Akta. Who was being used by two others to lure in souls to feed. The group defeated the older ones. And took Akta along with them because she was an orphan and wanted to keep her safe. Towards the end of the trip. Jordy had to fight his missing half of soul to combine again. Almost dying in the 1 on 1 battle he came away victorious. When they left for the material realm he brought Akta with him and together He and Vellia adopted her as their own.
- Twitch
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/615141456142663690/788640878905393182 [Redwood]
Several Legends of Heracles
I've had the pleasure of being a part of the MacGuffins community for 4 out of 5 years now, and I'm having trouble trying to pick a handful of highlights when there's just so many. Which is why I'll be sharing a whole lot of them, and hoping people don't mind the clutter! For now, I'll focus in on my first character! For those of you who didn't have the misfortune pleasure of meeting Heracles, a brief overview of his top hits. Ecla mentioned earlier our grand battle in the courtyard. One of my first times in a large scale RP combat. After the battle, we were all quick to secure the spoils of war, including the ballista we stole confiscated from the fortress. To this day, it can probably be found at Kyrgos (Kommizar)'s shop. Major props to Finny (gryphon) for letting us do this, and for making the licensing fee so reasonable. There's when he first donned the crimson cape, and became a vigilante.
- Mushroom
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609277774770995200/756239919432859659
I am thankful to all who put up with the shenanigans he got up to, especially Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon), Aster⁴(Twitch), Bromir Firebeard (iDarkelf)🍺, Kyrgos (Kommizar), and Mathias the Undying (K-Mac). To give you an idea of how things went, a look at the time several of Herc's friends gathered to get him to sign a contract swearing not to lie anymore.
- Mushroom
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/671310598235095072/833065136515973190
I also had great fun pursuing the Coin Legion as Heracles, an organization which played a large part in Mathias the Undying (K-Mac) overarching story which I had the joy of participating in. This next link is Herc's last quest, when he finally signed himself up to be the new Liason of the Coin Legion, and becoming part fiend: (Need the Banyan Role)
- Mushroom
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/615141105973067795/930990037082976276 [Banyan]
The Book of Grim
In my earliest days on the server I had the joy of embarking on a rather dark and tragic overarching storyline. Sadly it was one that never reached a proper ending, but it had a lasting impact on my PC at the time. It also opened me up, as a DM, to the possibilities for long-term storytelling on the server. This is the story of the Stroganoffs, part of the "Grim" series, a questline run by former server DM Ryder. His quests have always been known for being rather grimdark and gut-punching with its use of tragedy and emotional storytelling.
The story started out rather simple, a grim retelling of classic fairy tales. The quest my character, Myrghion, had been introduced to involved tracking down a missing girl. But this story quickly became much more involved with lycanthropy, grim experiments, and eldritch "old one" implications. And it all played into a larger overarching narrative that predated the Relkath and Sick Children storylines
- Kmac
The Witch King was a mysterious BBEG being slowly developed within the greater lore of MacGuffins. Not much was known beyond his affiliations with the Red Wizard of Thay. Now, anyone who is familiar with classic D&D might recognize that group. At one time they were about as notorious within D&D lore as the likes of Vecna. But even they were just one piece of the puzzle. Other DMs were interweaving other storylines with other BBEGs, such as the Umbral Darkness, a magical organization working in opposition of Mystra. This was a grand story of long-form storytelling thag sadly never reached a conclusion as several of the DMs involved would eventually leave the server for various IRL reasons. Despite the story left unfinished, it should not be forgotten as it has arguably left quite an impact on several of our players and characters. For a good place to start, I highly recommend looking through the quest "The Book of Grim".
- Kmac
I wanted to mention Red in the post, but given all the drama that surrounded him I was a bit hesitant to mention him. That whole thing still stings. Red's death had quite an impact on Myrghion.
- Kmac
I had a few quests with Red and ... the monk ... can't believe I've forgotten his name, but I don't think I interacted with any of the 'others' and was mostly just bummed to see him go.
- Ashwand
The Death of Dr. Lawson (Hemlock)
Speaking of character changing moments. Dr. Lawson's death in one of Moon's first quests forced him to reevaluate his life in many ways. Wildcat didn't want to go against Dr. Lawson's strong beliefs and so chose to let the death stand. Geak wasn't a fan because I loved the interactions with them and Irri. But it was a true moment of growth for Moon. Honorable mentions to Willem Layne Cragson (Moop) and Jexios (Nahir) also in that quest
- geak78
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/1023033344247742504/1023585913030312078 [Hemlock]
Town Square Snowball Fight
This snowball fight from almost 5 years ago. An impromptu back when I think we used to run the weather command every day, and a random snowfall turned into a scene of out of quest fun times. Really opened my eyes to the kind of open nonsense that can happen on play-by-post. That kind of RP have been amusing but challenging to do in a tabletop without feeling like "Okay, anyway, let's get back on track."
- Kaution
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609277576468365312/651876798577115166
Death of a Friend
Wilco was a particularly hilarious character to me. I think given most of my other favorite moments somehow involve death, this one is one of the most lighthearted ones that still stays in my mind.
- Kaution
Irri the Pillow-Throwing Dragon!
I love the time that Irri, the kobold, briefly became a pillow throwing dragon!
- geak78
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609277657674416147/1022188354370031626
The Sudden Death of Darner
One of those good scenes that involve a death...The abrupt and highly dramatic killing of Darner in a downtime-rp scene. The quick work from an assassin (which is very hard to do at higher levels) and an example of how dice tell a story. A set of very unfortunate rolls ended the old man's adventuring, until he was shortly thereafter reincarnated as a young drow female. I know that Moonsilver (CloakedSage) leaned into the scenario with the openness and interest that makes them a forever fantastic player, aided by Finny (gryphon)'s masterful storytelling. I know Sage noted how this unforeseen outcome actually helped revitalize his interest in the character, and he played the reincarnated Willow for many years. Death scenes are hard to do well in a world where resurrection is just a diamond away. Everyone involved really nailed it, though, and it was a fantastic read.
- Kaution
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/673459360881704964/705815847532232734 [Downtime RP]
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609277290337009667/705885438694654004 [Continued in Temple Services]
One Ring
Can't forget @Finny (gryphon) putting a hag cursed ring of three wishes in front of Moon. While Fyruss (Jinx (HugglesVonD) 🍸 ) Kirsikka (Dalia) Talon (JackNine) ♦🦆 and Cemis 🐌 (Snezhana) tried to dissuade him but then Kirsikka gladly cut his finger off 😈 after he killed and injured everyone around with a 9th level flame strike!?!?
- geak78
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609278124672417823/1043641931030331492
Bubbling Below
One of the stories that has intertwined with my own characters to some extent - but is MUCH larger than that - is @Mathias the Undying (K-Mac)'s connected otherworld - which seems to encompass his own characters (who often become NPCs), other people's characters (who often become NPCs eventually!), town-RP, quests, re-Quests and everything in-between! I love the world kmac creates, even if I don't pretend to understand half of the lore or goings-on. I love that it all connects. For example, I put in a request to explore Luna Pines criminal underworld - and we ended up on a major heist for the Coin Legion - who are tied to the overarching story he is creating. I could go on - but honestly, there is too much to describe in a post here. But a shout-out to K-Mac - and a shout-out to his ridiculously cheesy (in the best tradition of dnd!) 'Don't Go Inn' (which we tried to save from burning down on the current quest - and will be sorely missed from other town-RP events)
Jay
This one time in the Shadowfell...In the spring of 2020, there was some stuff going on with the pond. There were bubbles coming up from a crack in the pond. Previously Red had gone through it and had this traumatizing experience with two voices in a floaty void-like place. He managed to escape, but after that he was keeping an eye on the pond. He did some research and found some potential entities the voices could belong to. Aralyn and Grant, also Alron and Grant, were at the pond for some reason. Looking back it looks like they had all come to the pond to help look for the Autumn maiden which was a different server storyline. They all investigated the crack. Aralyn tried to get through, but she couldn't quite make it. Grant then went through to see what was on the otherside. After several minutes Grant hadn't returned and everyone was growing worried, especially Aralyn. Alron and Quinton tied a rope around Aralyn and this time she managed to get through. She ended up in Nevan's dms in the floaty void-like place where she
heard two voices, a man and a woman. They talked about her like she was a plaything and were amused about her asking them loudly where Grant was. She refused to leave without Grant and ended up being paralyzed so she couldn't return on her own. Grant came out shortly after she went in and told the others to pull her back right then. At that moment the rope went taut, and they began to pull with all their might. Red arrived shortly after and offered to help. They were very close to failing, but somehow they managed to pull her free. She was terrified. Bane arrived because he wanted to go fishing and he ended up going after Aralyn in a sense after she went off to her camp to pray. This then led to another scene where Bane spends some time with Aralyn as they hunt and make snow angels. In the end Bane gets Aralyn a room so she doesn't have to sleep outside anymore. These two scenes led to some development from Aralyn, and the one at the pond created one of her worst nightmares
- EclaDragon
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609278093244366848/720835402789027870https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609278113276493855/721922274751545394
Death of a Poet
Beating Kaution to the punch, and tied to the pond mentioned, here's a throw back to when Quote and Relinquish perished at the hands of something within the pond. A sad day for sure, when we lost our town's resident kenku poet. Even sadder yet, that Relinquish lived on as Relish. (A reminder of the dangers of a fireball)
- Mushroom
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609278093244366848/787466641239310337
Undead Pool Party
I fondly remember having an Undead Pool Party.
- Rivers
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/1104177596146663544/1134452165675602020
Finny’s Final Gambit
What about that time gryphon killed Finny? Quite the noble sacrifice!
- Geak78
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/1083997728977191003/1087342195129991228
That entire [Relkath] arch was phenomenal, and the sacrifice and following search for Finny and Neith was quite fun. I said it to Nevan at the time, the idea of trudging through different arenas to try and catch Relkath as he gets closer and closer to Luna Pine was an epic battle masterpiece. Finny sacrificing by intentionally using the "negative" effect of a weapon was just a beautiful and well played scene.
- Kaution
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/1083997728977191003/1103795935454167150
Elaf’s Shenanigans
One of the most fun quests I've run (in which, most of the members are still on the server, too!) I'm going to explain a few things for context: Elaf Kutarirfe (Laendri) and Icarus (Mushroom) 🍄 are the most joyfully chaotic players I've ever had the pleasure to DM. Kyrgos (Kommizar), Orbin (Robinart), Benji, and Moonstone were all fantastic and good balance who could play along with shenanigans while also keeping the party moving forward. This was marked as a Deadly quest, because I wasn't pulling punches in terms of the traps. It was very likely that not getting a trap could result in a death. This particular trap was a giant chasm of lava. A single lever that needed a DC 30 STR check to pull, which Kyrgos almost hit (and probably would have, I believe, if he had drank the Potion of Fire Giant Strength I gave them earlier in the dungeon). The alternative solutions included flying past some challenging fireball-based activity or climbing the wall with a series of 3 DC 20 Athletics checks. Failing would mean falling in and failing in the lava. Laendri only asked in OOC: "Could I make an athletics check to check how hard would it be before crossing?" I said yes, he could make an athletics check. Then the above happened in character, in which Laendri takes it upon himself to defy the odds several times. I think being reckless with a character is hard to not also make annoying. Somehow, I just always appreciated the way that Laendri could ride that line and push the envelope and even putting the party at reasonable risk without it being problematic. Part of the joy is that it is putting the character in challenging situations for any reason, and when things go south (like an impossible Dex Save), accepting fate. That's also the quest where I gave Heracles a clicker and I think where I made my first Damassian to justify an OOC race change for Laendri.
- Kaution
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/661540743512588288/809130557355196436 [Weeping Willow]
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/661540800664043541/809126053531615292 [Weeping Willow]
Kautionary Tale on Free Will
Speaking of memorable quests, had to dig up this one which I specially advertized as a puzzle quest in all caps to make sure the right kind of players signed up. But no plan survives first contact with the enemy, and Relish (kaution) happened to use Polymorph on a modron contruct, allowing it to experience free-will which slowly corrupted the overseer of the puzzles and spawned a whole second follow-up quest about the rat-worshipping free-will rebel modrons and the Mad Prime trying to exterminate their "defectiveness".
- Gryphon
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/661540743512588288/871982182275637309 [Weeping Willow]
Through the Looking Glass
After successfully dealing a blow to Relkath's army, Kyrgos (Kommizar), Quinton, Orbin, Heracles, and Tark decided to follow after Relkath through his portal, only to end up having gone way off the rails, and gotten lost in another dimension. Luckily, the Raven Queen bailed us out. I swear, in the moment, it seemed reasonable to pursue…
- Mushroom
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/615141027749167124/820433502805033021 [Bamboo]
A Word of Thanks
I’d like to say thank you to everyone who’s helped me and made me feel welcome on the server. I started here a little over a year ago and it’s been so much fun! I was completely new to Discord, Avrae, and PBP, though not to RP by text or 5e in general. Everyone has been very patient with me as I learned (and continue to learn!) Neith (LightningNevan) , thank you for starting and maintaining it and giving me such a good place to start! You do so much to keep everything going! Many thanks to Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒 for all his help with Avrae and D&D Beyond. Several times I’ve had issues or questions that he’s taken the time to help solve. Beyond technical issues, he responds to posts in such a friendly and helpful way, and Moon often helps other PCs in character as well. Irmisz ☁ (ryanbreadinc) has also answered a lot of questions for me and was quick to join a scene with me when I arrived, which I appreciated!
A huge thanks to Atlan Uskar (Rivers) for taking on my Re-Quest, and the revamped Re-Quest board in general! I can’t wait to see where this goes! Also many thanks to everyone who’s DM’d for me, including Kuld (CmdrGlork), Icarus (Mushroom) 🍄, Atlan Uskar (Rivers) , Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon), and Neith (LightningNevan) . Ezra Silkstra (Lufty), Moonsilver (CloakedSage) , Bronwyn 🌨 (Pare) , Gethin (Jesse) , and Avery ☀🏹 (arson) have also been really helpful to me with both Avrae and general questions. Thank you!I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone, but I probably have. Thank you all for all the fun so far! 💙
- Song_Sparrow
Aquatic Prank Gone Wrong
Panacea would like to apologize to Effie Amillorna (Rin)☀ for nearly drowning her in the name of a prank
- EverClear
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/1144785992507736195/1269134265451413565 (The Incident)
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/1276715014014763051/1278990802260856863 (Consequences)
Assorted Dumb Adventuring Ideas:
The scene where Kyrgos, Danton and Bromir jumped off a cliff the-edge-1
- iDarkElf
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609278113276493855/843436818061590578 (Cliff Diving)
Then there was also the time we loaded Usk into a ballista and fired him at the temple.....the-edge-1
- iDarkElf
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/609278113276493855/816124365905199115 (Iron Usk)
LOL, that reminds me this moment when the players failed an Arcana check to teleport themselves home at the end of a quest despite advantage and bardic inspiration
- Gryphon
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/615141244108013587/637310893251756042 [Stranded, Dragonblood]
Kyrgos vs. John Locke
That time Kyrgos (Kommizar) gave away Aralyn's restaurant to a succubus.
- Kmac
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/673459360881704964/894252020603682896
Pride and Eldritch Abominations:
As Ecla suggested, linking our original big final fight with Pride. This was Icarus (Mushroom) 🍄, Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon), Kyrgos (Kommizar), Slyfoot (Ashwand) 🫘 and Arkonheim, DMed by Neith (LightningNevan). Actually, context is required. First we fought an Elder Brain Dragon thing. Followed by heavy debate on whether we can afford to rest, before finally relenting there is no rest for the wicked. And then the bloodbath that was fighting Pride herself, all while our blood seemed to be going to some ritual, terrifying us further. A classic example of how taxing adventuring can be, and what Nevan means when advertising a quest as deadly. It was hard work, but also a lot of fun, and I'm grateful to have gotten to be a part of the Sick Kids story line from early to the end!
- Mushroom
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/615140948330020874/960361512571138058 [Eldritch Dragon, Angel Oak]
https://discord.com/channels/609125617467916309/615140948330020874/962995501446348820 [Pride, Angel Oak]
Reminising of Baumer
That being said, I'll never forget my (Butch's) time here. I knew who Butch was as a character, but always struggled to find his "class". He was a fighter, and a lover. He loved his brewery and its employees. I'll never forget my first arena fight. I was new to PbP, and had no idea how to navigate Avrae. What I do remember is Butch going up against some very angry Santa's Elves (Redcaps) mounted on Reindeer. Butch, being a lover of all things Winter's Crest, didn't want to harm Santa's reindeer, but those mean elves had to be put down. After taking care of the elves, Butch decided he was going to tame one of the reindeer, which just happened to be Rudolf. I rolled well, and the arena master (finny maybe?) let me ride out of the arena on Rudolph. He then worked it out so Rudolf could be a mount for me (same stats as a horse), and even let his nose glow 🤣 There were other memorable moments on the server. Another involving Santa in a Neith (LightningNevan) quest even. At the end of the day, I just got busy with life, and fell away from this place, but I'll never forget the special place in my heart this place will hold because this server got me through some tough times.
- Baumer
Happy to be Here
Just to chime in a little bit - I've been a member of the server for 2 years now. I'm not nearly as interactive as many people are - my life doesn't really let me be on discord a lot, and I don't have a great memory, and so I try not to put myself in positions where that will delay or inconvenience people. But, at the same time, I do enjoy getting the chance to role play, to slip into someone else's being and try to think about what that means, and to get to play a game with some people, to roll some virtual dice and kill some monsters. So to everyone who's had to wait for me to take a turn - sorry! I appreciate everyone who contributes to the server - all the official administrators and mods and helpers from LightningNevan on down, who keep things running and create the systems and functions, from characters to arenas to shops to rules to plots and more, as well as all the people who enjoy playing in that world, whether that means having tons of interesting situations roleplaying, or whether that means tackling an interesting combat puzzle, or any other way that they have fun together. So - I don't really have any big and awesome or hilarious moments to mention. I have a few moments I remember, and I hope I've helped others to have a few memorable moments. But I do very much like it here, and that's thanks to everyone. So thanks!
- Beardog
5 Year Anniversary Collaborative Story Telling
Story One
A gnarled and decrepit old woman shuffles onto a bench she calls for those who would listen to her tale. "I am Agatha, Once a beautiful woman full of arrogance and pride. Now a withered old lady cursed by a hag for insulting her. To undo the curse I am here to collect a tale to bring back to her. Will you help me tall the Tale of The laughs of the darkest forest?"
The sun sets over the darkest forest, but the sounds of laughter fill the air.
Aster⁴(Twitch)
A small Elvin child walks with her puppy. Picking some night blooming flowers and placing them in a basket hanging on her arm.
Lyndon Plaincrest (FF9)
The child is distracted and misses the big rectangular sign warning not to enter the dark forest. The sun is setting, and the innocent Elf laughs alongside her companion as they get deeper into the trees.
Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon)
The deeper they get into the trees, the more nervous the puppy grows. The child doesn't stop until she notices her companion too scared to take another step. Worried now, she looked around in the dark forest and realized she didn't know where she was.
Duncan Idaho (Tidlz)
After a moment of panic, the child notices the soft flicker of lantern light deep in the woods. She breathes a sigh of relief as she heads toward the light, her pup eagerly following close behind.
Zylnaera Winterwander (Sparrow)
It seems as if the lantern must be close, that any moment the girl will reach the source, but it seems to stay the same distance ahead of her as the bushes rustle and laughter floats on the wind that stirs the branches. She hurries after the lantern and finally catches up to it--and the cloaked figure carrying it. The figure half-turns, their face hidden in the shadows, and says, “Oh good, you’re just in time!”
Duncan Idaho (Tidlz)
The girl freezes in her tracks, her pup nearly bumping into her leg from the sudden stop. "Who are you? Just in time for what?" she asks hesitantly.
Aster⁴(Twitch)
"Why, just in time to help me gather some night blooming iris's. The pixies in the area have become such a dreadful bother and these will help keep them away."
Seeing the girl tense up she chuckles softly
"I'm Auntie Ethel deary. No reason to worry. And what's your name?"
Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon)
The girl speaks quietly. "My mother said not to give strangers my name."
Zylnaera Winterwander (Sparrow)
“Very smart, your mother,” Auntie Ethel agrees. “What shall we call you, then?”
As she speaks she slowly drifts further down the path into the dark woods. Sparks of colored light in shades of violet and silver blink, flit, and streak in the brush and branches, and the laughter grows louder, along with the burble of gently running water.
Lyndon Plaincrest (FF9)
The girl feels somewhat lighter and happier and follows the figure. Her puppy is not happy at all.
Duncan Idaho (Tidlz)
Not knowing why, the girl suddenly feels compelled to speak to Auntie Ethel. "My name is Arya," she says. "I was out here collecting flowers when I got turned around. Do you think you could help me get home?"
Aster⁴(Twitch)
"Well. Arya. You have been out here for a while. How about. You help me with these flowers. I'll make ya a nice cup of soup. Then I will walk ya back home." *She says with a cheery lilt as a couple more little bright flashes dance around the little girl. Soft giggling is heard around them.*
Lyndon Plaincrest (FF9)
The dog barks but no sounds comes out. He looks back to where they come from, wondering if he should go back or not. He does not like Auntie Ethel.
Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon)
But then he remembers something his mother once told him, "a dog who abandons his friends will never be a good dog." Reluctantly he follows so he can protect the girl from whatever is to come
Zylnaera Winterwander (Sparrow)
Auntie Ethel keeps an eye on the dog, trying to get between him and the girl as she leads Arya toward the water. The laughter is louder here, and there are so many twinkling lights that they shine like stars in the trees, their light sparkling on the moving water in mesmerizing patterns. Along the stream, the night-blooming irises unfurl their petals in the darkness and their thick scent hangs heavy and sweet in the air.
Aster⁴(Twitch)
Arya looks around as they enter. "Wow...this is so pretty. Are those the pixies?" As she watches the patterns the sparkling lights make across the water.
Lyndon Plaincrest (FF9)
The child's eyes spark with unnatural blue light. The dog looks where she is pointing and sees something that looks dark and nothing like a pixie.
Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon)
The dog growled at whatever it was. It knew that whatever it was, it wasn't good.
Duncan Idaho (Tidlz)
Auntie Ethel raises her voice, drowning out the pup’s growl. "Yes, dearie, those are the pixies. If you go to them, they’ll have a gift for you."
Lyndon Plaincrest (FF9)
The child's eyes spark more and more as she starts to move slowly towards the apparent pixies. She does not hear the pup.
Aster⁴(Twitch)
the pup. Growling. Grabs and pulls on her clothes. Trying to stop her
Duncan Idaho (Tidlz)
As the pup tugs on her clothes, the girl snaps back to reality, almost as if waking from a dream. Suddenly, she realizes that the creature Auntie Ethel was guiding her toward is not just a harmless pixie.
Lyndon Plaincrest (FF9)
She recognizes the creature from one of her mother's books: an Imp!
Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon)
The dog in a panic leaps at the imp and clamps it's jaws around the creatures throat to protect it's person.
Aster⁴(Twitch)
Arya screams as her dog leaps at the imp.
"What is this?"
Looking at auntie Ethel with wide eyes.
Lyndon Plaincrest (FF9)
The auntie seems annoyed and starts to mouth a few words. At the same time a swoosh of energy comes from back and beyond and whatever was forming in the hands of auntie Ethel, disappears.
Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon)
She is surprised be this. She is even more surprised when the girl looks toward where that energy had come from only to see Auntie Ethel step out from beneath the trees. "Goodness me, it looks like a hag stole my place. Sorry about that, I got lost and only found my way back by the sound of your pup there barking."
Duncan Idaho (Tidlz)
The hag, disguised as Auntie Ethel, snarls at the real Ethel as her illusion dissolves, revealing her true form. She raises a hand and hurls a ball of green energy toward Auntie Ethel, but it is effortlessly deflected. In response, Auntie Ethel unleashes her own magic—a beam of light shot from her hand, striking the hag directly, causing a brilliant flash to envelop the small glade.
Lyndon Plaincrest (FF9)
A deep scream is heard and the hag seems to do a last spell before disappearing.
Marielle 🟣🟢 (EclaDragon)
The dog runs towards the girl and whines at her as she looks to Auntie Ethel. "What did she do?"
Aster⁴(Twitch)
"She had waited till I left to go look for some mushrooms. Then sent those imps to capture me. Sorry little one. It took me a while to get away."
Lyndon Plaincrest (FF9)
Agatha holds the book with the new story. "Thank you! this sounds great! Who knows what might have happened next!"
Story Two
A gnarled and decrepit old woman shuffles onto a bench she calls for those who would listen to her tale. "I am Agatha, Once a beautiful woman full of arrogance and pride. Now a withered old lady cursed by a hag for insulting her. To undo the curse I am here to collect a tale to bring back to her. Will you help me tall the Tale of The Race between The Pixie and The Devil?"
A Pixie and a Devil stand in the midst of a great open field. Each sitting upon a large toadstool with parchment laid out between them.
Moseph Jerrick (Edward Current)
The pixie amuses itself by rolling the parchment into a cone. Then they try to try it on as a hat, but since the cone is larger than the pixie's entire body, they slink underneath and out of sight. Pixie lets out a surprised high-pitched yelp, muffled by the parchment-cone.
Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒
A much deeper voice responds in disdain. "I'm not going to put that hat on and carry you to the finish line, unless you're trying to hide and teleport ahead..."
Kuld (CmdrGlork)
The pixie lifts the cone and sticks out her tongue at the devil. "As if I need to teleport to defeat a silly imp like you in a race! I bet I can get to that tree over at the end of the field in half the time as you!"
Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒
"Bet...Half the time? I'll wager 48 hours of servitude." He gives a side eye to the fairy, wondering if they'll bite.
Moseph Jerrick (Edward Current)
"But if I win... it grinned ...you will have to spend AN ENTIRE HOUR serving me. And the devil thought to itself, but didn't say out loud: 'First command will be: polymorph into something filthy. Perhaps a rat?’
Kuld (CmdrGlork)
"And if I win you will spend an entire hour serving me!" The pixie begins to dance around at the idea of having an imp as a servant. "I accept your bet!"
Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒
Official Super Regulations of the Foot-Powered Competitive Running Event
Commencation of Velocity Mobilization: All foot-flyers must positionate themselves behind the starting stagnation line until the go-eriffic whistle makes the sound of beginification.
Leggular Propulsification: Participants must ambulate utilizing bipedal locomotification at all times. No flying, floating, or wheelifying allowed unless you want a disqualificational.
Directional Continuity Principle: Runners must maintain a forward trajectorination. Backward movementation or spinning in circlocity will result in instant stoppification of your race performantics.
No Boostificational Devices: Any mechanized augmentimations like jet shoes, rocket socks, or spring-loaded ankle-fortifications are strictly prohibified.
Finality of Arrivalication: The first individual to cross the completion-al line, without excessive jumpification or teleportation, will be declaired the victorination!
Kuld (CmdrGlork)
The fey and devil went back and forth trying to decide who should be the judge for their race. In the end, they decided on a modron, a being of pure law, to be the fairest choice. Putting their powers together, they opened a gate to the plane of Mechanus and a spherical creature with one eye, a monodrone, popped out, who agreed to do it.
Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒
573\/3 agreed and warned both of them that mind altering effects would not work on him. He proceeds to draw a line in the dirt with his long spindly hand, repeating the process at the other end of the field.
"On your mark... get set...go!"
Moseph Jerrick (Edward Current)
As the imp sprung forward, pixie sprinkled her magic dust... and just like that, the imp toppled forward. It started snoring as it hit the ground. The pixie giggled and laughed and burst into a joyful dance, mocking the devil.
(Pixie casts Sleep on the Imp)
Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒
573\/3 gives a withering glare at the pixie. Then tosses an acorn, nailing the devil between the eyes. Their snoring ends as a look of confusion washes over their face. Why are they looking up at a tree?
Kuld (CmdrGlork)
The pixie pouts, but not for long. "Bub-bye, sleepyhead!" she says to the devil mockingly before dashing off towards the finish line.
Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒
Cursing himself for omitting a rule against magic, the devil scrambles to his feet. "Turnabout is fair play." He yells as he turns the pixie into a turtle hoping the lead they earned while he slept can be overcome.
Kuld (CmdrGlork)
The pixie in turtle form silently curses, not knowing how to curse out loud as a turtle, as their pace slows to, unsurprisingly, a turtle's pace. Still, they don't want to serve a smelly devil so they keep on towards the finish line.
Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒
The devil runs as fast as he can. Getting closer and closer to the turtle and the finish line. One crawls and the other dashes across the line. Both runners look to the monodrone who simply replies, "Tie" and with his job done, vanishes.
Kuld (CmdrGlork)
Transforming back to a fairy, the fey looks at the devil. "A tie? It can't be a tie! Which of us has to serve the other?"
Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒
"And your nose might have tied with mine but my body cleared the line looong before yours." He pulls out the rules contract. "And rule 5 clearly states 'the first individual to CROSS' the line not REACH the line. So you should be serving me! You can start in the latrine."
Kuld (CmdrGlork)
"Nuh-uh! The monodrone said tie so it was a tie! I think I'll believe one of them over a boot-licking, two-faced fiend!" The fairy stuck their tongue out again. "Besides, I don't even know what a latrine is!"
Alaric Starfury (geak78) 🌒
The devil continues walking away, convinced of his own victory. Besides enforcing contract violations is so much fun! He steeples his fingers in eager anticipation.
Story 3
A gnarled and decrepit old woman shuffles onto a bench she calls for those who would listen to her tale. "I am Agatha, Once a beautiful woman full of arrogance and pride. Now a withered old lady cursed by a hag for insulting her. To undo the curse I am here to collect a tale to bring back to her. Will you help me tell the Tale of Three heads are rarely better than one?"
"Being the first of his companions to grab the long coat when the town came into view, Klack mocks his companions as he climbs up Klank and further up onto Klick before trapping them both in the darkness of the coat."
Orix Rumplecap (Ertai)
“The three Kobolds could not believe that none of their kind had thought of this before, and no doubt it will be their path to riches and fame. A fake beard and moustache. a low brimmed hat, polished shoes and sleek black leather gloves completed the disguise; even though all of these things were itchy or uncomfortable in third own unique ways.”
Bromir Firebeard (iDarkelf)🍺
The trio shifted and wriggled beneath their disguise as they ambled down the road. Trying their best-est to not draw attention to themselves, they make their way to the nearest concert hall where the Grateful Dracoliches would be playing. Surely now, all they needed was a single ticket.
Savitri (Kashim)
Grateful Dracoliches! By popular demand!' the words shriek from posters on the walls while grand illusions of the band lures the ever growing masses to the ticket offices.
Bromir Firebeard (iDarkelf)🍺
The adrenaline pumps in the kobolds' veins. From excitement mind you and not nervousness for kobolds are never nervous. Poppy, at the very top, clamped her knees tight around Maurice's head in the middle and forcefully turned his head in the driection they needed to go. Maurice then in turn did the very same to to Rico at the bottom, steering them in the right direction. Alas there was one flaw, they had not quite figured out how to stop and the ticket booth was fast approaching.
Orix Rumplecap (Ertai)
*Poppy, clearly the brains of the operation as she was the head of this lumpy creature shambling down the street like a possessed scarecrow, decided on the clearest way of communication; Koboltney rhyming slang.*
“I sure hope they have BOTTLES of POP in there.” *she barks under her breath*
Savitri (Kashim)
"BOTTLES of... BOTTLES of... POP... POP" - comes an echo from down, quickly dissipating into the space around, creating the feeling of an unknown source, just like when a skilled ventriloquist starts up a flashmob.
Bromir Firebeard (iDarkelf)🍺
Just when the sound dissipates, it suddenly begins a new. The words 'BUBBLES OF POP' begins to settle into a cyclic yet rhythmic beat. The beat is infections and Rico can’t help but start to tap his feet in time, the vibrations of which puts the stability of their formation at risk.
Orix Rumplecap (Ertai)
From inside the venue the sound of the Grateful Dracoliches’ hit single Bubbles of Pop reverberate into the street, the concert must already be starting, they’re late! Poppy chastises the other two kobolds for taking too long pre-drinking and is met with a hiccup-burp from Rico. The surly looking elf girl with a buzz cut and more metal in her face than a Waterdeep armoury cocks an eyebrow at Poppy and the strange sound coming from their… stomach? “Whatever.” She says, and taps the counter in front of her where the price is listed: 5gp per ticket, and Poppy realizes the coin pouch is still in the inside jacket pocket. They have to get going though or else they’ll miss the best songs!
Bromir Firebeard (iDarkelf)🍺
As Poppy is wondering what to do, a suddenly and violent hiccup bursts fort from Rocco. This causes the trio's trench coat cosplay to double over as Rocco bends forward. So so very close they are to exposing themselves, their entire disguise in danger of coming apart. It is only through Maurice's herculean effort that they are kept together. Maurice's legs wrap around Rocco's head in a vice like grip, almost chocking the hiccupping kobold as his hands hang on to Poppy's legs for dear life. Somehow he manages to keep them together and in the midst of the crisis, Poppy keeps a clear enough head to use her proximity to the pocket to withdraw the coin. When the trio are upright once more, Poppy nervously places the 5gp on the counter. Did the girl notice?
Orix Rumplecap (Ertai)
The girl at the counter; however, is looking right past Poppy as she puts the gold down. Apparently, while doubling over, the three kobolds unknowingly revealed the magnificent punk elf behind them, with spiked pink hair and a leather vest, she winks at the girl at the counter and the girl sweeps the gold off into the cash box and shoos the kobolds away and into the venue, variably throwing the pale blue glowing wrist band at them in her haste to interact with the spiked punk.
Bromir Firebeard (iDarkelf)🍺
Grateful for the distraction, the kobolds do not dwell on their good fortunes. Instead, Poppy grabs their ticket and with a sharp twist of her knees points Maurice's head in the right direction. This gets passed down to Rocco via an equally sharp twist and the trio make their way into the concert hall much to their relief.
Savitri (Kashim)
The party already ongoing and even though still in its very early stages, the masses are mostly standing in their seats shouting and cheering and applauding, and every place seems to be full! But oh! In the front row, where the real party is down in the arena in the section closest, right in front of the stage there is A SINGLE EMPTY PLACE in the middle of an ocean of people! In the ULTRA HYPER VIP ANCIENT GREATWYRM SUPPORTER section!!! And the party already storming in the concert hall, no one seems to be caring about the tickets, places, or the wrist bands at all...
Orix Rumplecap (Ertai)
Poppy sees it, and so does Maurice peeking through the buttons of the coat, and Rocco is already moving towards it; but IT’S ONLY ONE SPOT! Poppy breaks first, wings wiggling free of the coat collar and flapping like a bat out of a sweaty, itchy hell. Maurice abandons ship too, vaulting off Rocco’s shoulders and across the heads of the crowd! Rocco is already running full tilt, now with a coat dragging behind him like an upside down cape, arms flapping as he ducks around legs and through the throng. Who will get there first!
Savitri (Kashim)
They run, they jump, they push their way through the masses, all the while screaming BOBBLES OF POP but in the end being three goblins none can gain advantage over the other two. With the final chords Poppy, Maurice, and Rocco slams into the last place at the same time, their cloak flying and billowing behind their backs, but catching up to the goblin-storm only a single moment later....
Bromir Firebeard (iDarkelf)🍺
In a surprising twist of fate, they suddenly find themselves atop one another once again, in the very same order. The trio barely have time to register this before their forgotten cloak finally catches up wrapping around them once again and as they had started, our kobold trio are once again as one.