"The Adventurers" Ep. 1: Luck of the Dice

Ep. 1: Luck of the Dice

As promised in last weeks "Spotify Me," I have recently played some D&D. So instead of an article on music this week, I will start turning the campaign into a story told as the game is played. Before the story gets started, a few words on the 5th edition of D&D: it's good! Just by looking at the character sheet you can already tell that this edition has switched the focus back on the roll play. With two pages on attacks, abilities, and spells, the new character sheet offers an additional 3 pages on character backstory and personality alone. Additionally, the Players Handbook offers more guidance on developing a backstory and personality than the 4th edition ever did. It does this through the use of a "Background" mechanic that sets up a series of suggested equipment and personality traits for players who are new to this aspect of the game. t has me more excited then I have ever been to create the more in depth aspects of my character that I have over looked in the past. So, with all that said, here is the first episode of "The Adventurers".

In town called Black Tree, near the Sword Coast, a mayor was in a crisis. The northern bridge out of town had been blockaded in order to prevent dangers from the north from invading and pillaging his small town. With guards spread thin, and trade with most other towns becoming difficult, the people of Black Tree would start to feel like prisoners in their own homes. The mayor felt he had but one last hope: four adventurers had recently been attracted to his town. The Mayor didn't necessarily trust any of them to compete the mission on their own, as all of them seemed fairly green, but perhaps together they would be able to complete a common goal.

Meanwhile, a wizard by the name of Ezekiel had wandered into town upon noticing the commotion. A family in desperate need of selling their wears in a nearby town flagged him down. Upon further discussion, Ezekiel found himself headed in the direction of the Mayors house. Upon reaching the house though, a Goliath figure ducked out of the doorway, and began lumbering towards the nearby tavern. Interested in this outlander, Ezekiel fell into the shadows, and tailed the small giant.

Uthal the Goliath wandered in the direction of the tavern. The mayor had informed him that in that tavern he would find two well known adventurers in the town. They were panning on heading north soon, but were looking for more muscle to add to their team. As Uthal entered the tavern, he came upon a somewhat depressing scene. Patrons who hadn't made it home from the previous nights revelry were strewn through out the bar. One in particular drew his attention, a man sitting casually playing with what appeared to be a set of dice. As he approached, he noticed that the trinket was in fact a peanut still in this shell.

"OH! Did you wan to play with my peanuts?!" the man yelled in a drunken slur. As Ulthal backed away he heard another sound.

"Hey! You're probably looking for us!" Ulthal turned to see a small child and a paladin sitting in a booth near the corner of the room. "The mayor send ya?" the child yelled. As Ulthal approached the table he found the child to actually be a small man with fey features on his face, a gnome. The Paladin was a human, tall and plain looking. He was heavily armored and, but looked nervous as more attention was drawn to him. Ulthal chose to focus on the gnome.

"I'm Wrenn Mola," the gnome stated "and this here is Nolan. We're the two looking to head north and investigate the crime spree. Mayor seems to think we need extra muscle, and you look like you fit the bill. You think you're up for a trip?"

Ultal stared at the two. They were a strange pair, but the gnome seemed confident, and the Paladin at leased looked the part. Ulthal nodded an affirmative. "All right then. We should supply up and head out quickly. How about a drink for the road?"

"Sounds good to me," the gnome smiled, looking over at his companion.

"Sure, sounds good to you. We aren't all hauling entertainer money" the Nolan muttered.

"Fine then, I'm buying" Wrenn stated with a smile as he stood up to walk to the bar. Halfway across the room though he made a sudden change of direction and made a b-line for a small performance area in the corner of the room. Seeing this, Nolan suddenly stood up with a look of panic and made for the exit. Instead of making it all the way, Nolan bumped into a table, right on the most sensitive spot, and sent the table flying. All eyes in the tavern were on Nolan as he grunted in pain. Suddenly, a the strum of a Dulcimer broke the silence. Heads turned to find Wrenn's small figure standing on a bar stool just as he erupted into song.

Let me introduce you all,
To Nolan the clumsy Kinght!
And though he's not that dexterous,
He'll not run from a fight!

A great many a year ago,
His country was at war!
And so Nolan did his duty,
And took to the fields of Gore.

One evening in the campsite,
Nolan answered natures call
And wandered in the darkness
Beyond his armies wall.

But in the still of darkness,
Nolan didn't bring a lamp,
And taking a few wrong turns,
Wandered to the enemy camp!

Nolan stumbled into the site
And tripped upon a tent wire!
And knocking down a lantern
Started up a fire!

The enemy camp went up in flames!
The battle had been won
By Nolan's late night bathroom break
Before the fighting had begun!

The tavern erupted in applause, refilled with an energy seemingly out of nowhere. The barkeep became so distracted meeting the sudden demand for drinks he forgot about the broken table. As Nolan, red faced and flustered, slunk back to the table, Wrenn collected a complimentary beverage and two more for his friends. As he reached the table, a cold rush of air filled the room, as the dark imposing shape of a Tiefling filled the doorway. The happy atmosphere created by the song drained as people hid from the demonic figure. The adventurers stared at the newcomer with suspicion.

"Where are the adventurers heading north?" the Tiefling demanded, glaring around the room. His eyes landed on the strange looking trio at their booth. While the Uthal glared and Nolan stared with suspicion, Wrenn waved the stranger over to their table. Before the Tiefling arrived, he noticed a shadowy figure in the other corner of the room. "You there! Who are you?"

Ezekiel the wizard removed his hood, revealing a green Genasi face, and approached the table. "I am Ezikiel, and I am also here to investigate the north. Who are you demon?" the Genasi requested.

The Tiefling took no notice of the intended insult and responded "My common name is Torment. I am a druid of these woods, and also have investment in their protection. I wish to join you on your mission."

The five looked at each other. It was a strange alliance, but it had a common purpose. "Very well," Uthal the goliath stated. "We shall work together on this."

"And what then," Wrenn announced with a mischievous grin, "Shall we call ourselves? Every group needs a name after all." The gnome, always looking for his next story, placed his hand in the center of the table, inviting others to place theirs with his. One by one their hands met his. Even the Tiefling found he was unable to resist the Gnomes instance.

"The adventurers?" Uthal suggested, a bit confused.

Nolan started up "Thats a really stup-"

"The Adventurers!" Wrenn shouted, lifting his hand in the air, leading the others to do the same. The group stood up and took to the door of the tavern, exiting the dark room and stepping into the mid-day light.

So that is about half of our first session. The next half is soon to arrive I hope. But the introductions seemed like a good place to round up the first chapter. This will update as we play, so hopefully we set up a good adventure for you. Hope you keep reading so that I keep writing!

-Mark