(Painting) Clump Foliage in the Style of Armoured Ink

After nearly 16 years of blogging, I can't remember exactly what the first idea or project from another blog I stowed away into the drafts. To be honest, it was probably some Back of Beyond stuff on Tim's Miniature Wargaming Blog.

Armoured Ink was possibly a close second.

The blog had ingenious scenarios, the terrain wasn't museum quality, but I wanted to try things.  Alfrick seemed like a fun dude.

And then I noticed everything stopped, the last quote a random one about the then-recent Conan board game, now nearly ten years old.  And then the pictures started disappearing, post by post.  I know I couldn't save another man's blog, but I did make sure to save pictures as examples and inspiration.

I recently took a crack at some scratchbuilt trees from his post in 2009.  And this one still had pictures attached!

It's a simple concept: Varying sizes of nails, some glue, varying sized bases, and a robust assortment of Woodland Scenics.  I didn't have "Clump Foliage" but the "Bushes" seemed a smaller alternative that needed more hidden locations for glue.  

All in all, I made five stands of trees, and one bush, which was smaller nails lined up and coverage with material.  Next stop: how store these guys (and remove some straggler strands of glue)

Alfrik's Example from his blog.

In the Queue:  Gnomes and Zulus and Ducks(!) oh my!   And Star Wars figures seem to be escaping from their box, looking for a better life on my painting table.

Project 350: Continuing to drop, now 463 (295/168) from 469 (298/171), and the completion of the  #CharacterCreationChallenge for another year.  I don't know how long it's going to take me to drop down below 290 drafts,  but the next three months is pretty light, and many of the Actual Play and Holiday posts set to be replaced with similar posts in the near and long-term future.  I've got to take some inspiration and finish up these projects that just don't get completed, and play some games. 

(Hackmaster 4e) Kieran Crebbin - Half-Elf magic-user/thief #CharacterCreationChallenge

 It's the last day of the #CharacterCreationChallenge, and we end with a complicated Name-Level character for Hackmaster 4th Edition

Kieran Crebbin  - Half-Elf  11th Magic-User/12th Thief 

Age: 65 ,  Height: 5'1"   Weight: 129  Handedness: Right  Social Class: MMC

Both Parents Living (Mother, elf, loving - Father, human, loving), Siblings 3 Birth Order 2 

Hit Points 56

Armor Class: 0 

Strength: 15/28

Intelligence 17/83

Wisdom: 10/10

Dexterity: 13/49

Constitution: 16/02

Charisma  14/45

Comeliness:  14/66

Honor: 110

 

Quirks/Flaws: Obnoxious, Hemophiliac

Abilities: Infravision, 30% resistance to sleep and charm.

Talents: Acrobatic Skill Suite, Astute Observation 

Skills: Agriculture 37%, Alchemy 28%,  Ancient History 24%,  Appraisal (Gemstone) 65%  Appraising 54%  Arcane Lore 51%, Bargain Sense 15%,  Berate 53%, Blacksmithing 56%, Blacksmithing Tools 54%, Charioteering 22%, Customs and Etiquette: Albion 21%, Customs and Etiquette: Cymru 32%, Customs and Etiquette - Hibernia 16%, Customs and Eitquette - Lygresse 29%, Dirty Fighting 32%, Feign Toughness 27%,  Forestry 36%,  Gemcutting 29%, Geology 22% Glersee (Trail Markers)  23% , Groin Punch 20%;  Idle Gossip 43%, Jeweler's Tools 49%,  Metalworking 20%, Leadership (Basic) 40%, Spellcraft 31%, Taunting (Minor)  13% Shaving/Grooming, 

Thieving Abilities: 

Pick Pockets  65%

Open Locks  25%

Find Traps: 20%

Remove Traps 20%

Move Silently 25%

Hide in Shadows 55%

Detect Noise 35%

Climb Walls 75%

Read Languages: 60%

Spell Slots: 6 - 4 - 4 - 3 - 3 

Magic Items:  

1. Drayton's Tome of Magic 
2. Ring of Protection +3 
3. Ring of Spell Turning
4. Wand of Earth and Stone
5.  Rod of Passage
6. Elven Chain Mail, 
7. Medallion of ESP
8. Numerous scrolls and potions.

Kieran's elven roots left Agenmoor after the first incursion of Galmar barbarians, ultimately settling in Hibernia,  He’s run with Thormot since they were lads.  They worked the same fields and laborious jobs until in Cymru until Thormot had a bit of luck and quickly ascended the ranks of the church.  He's been the faithful companion of Thormot, dabbling in thievery and magicks, until he received a position on the Royal Court of Lygresse.  

Everyone know Kieran is a more powerful magic-user than he let's on.  He contains poweful artifacts, including Drayton's famed Tome of Magic.   He may have the greatest access to spells with the Five Kingdoms, possibly further.  His Medallion of ESP is uses regularly the cull the questionable and traitorous from the court, but he holds a far darker secret. 

During one of their early forays into the dungeons of Cymru, the duo found a small motherlode of treasure.  Thormot, a big tired and wounded, chugged the first potion he could find.  The potion made the cleric eternally loyal to Kieran, pledging his life and career to the man.  Kieran quickly found out the parameters of this permanent enchantment, and it was his motivations that allowed him to ascend of the church ranks so quickly.   And it was ultimately his suggestion to have Thormot accept the position in Lygresse.  Lygresse is riddled with generations of treasures, and Kieran's spell selection, and magic item should make excavations a piece of cake. 

Originally from Mark Meer's Twitter

When I learned of the existence of Mark Meer's picture of him and Colin Mochrie for a performance of Improvised Dungeons and Dragons back in 2018, it's floated in my drafts of my blog, waiting for me to develop them into something proper.  I have finally completed both characters, and while I probably will never have characters set foot in the Five Kingdoms, there's multiple levels of intrigue going on. 

(Hackmaster 4e) Thormot Wode - Cymru Cleric #CharacterCreationChallenge

Thormot Wode - 13th Level Cymru Cleric of Hibernia origin  -Archbishop of Lygresse

Age: 57,  Height: 5'9"   Weight: 174lbs  Handedness: Right  Class: LLC  

History:  Both parents alive through childhood, Honorable family both ill-equipped, only child

Strength: 14/35

Intelligence 15/75

Wisdom 21/34

Dexterity: 12/10

Constitution: 13/53

Charisma:  13/88

Comeliness:  15/65

Quirks and Flaws:  Flatulent, Socially Awkward, Missing Finger, Trick Knee

Proficiency: Staff,  4 others

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Spells Base 11/9/7/6/4/2/

Talent: Hit Point Bonus

Skills:  Agriculture 99  Religion 66   Dig Hasty Grave, General Laborer, Construction Tools 35 , Laborers Tools 32,   Maintenance Upkeep, Shaving Groming, Religion: The Daghdha 53, Brawler 38, Read/Write Keltic: 40, Glean Information 23, Divine Lore 51,  Administration 31, Culture (Lygresse) 40, Current Affairs 41, History: Local 31,  Language: Trade Prythax 27, Dig Proper Grave 32 , Knowledge of Courtly Affairs  50.

Magic Items:   

1. Chain Mail +1
2. Shield of Far-Reaching Defense
3. Flail +2
4. Iron Bands of Munari (Arwnn)
5. Ring of Perpetual Mojo
6. Lens of Detection
7. Philter of Love
8. Potion of Dragon Control
9. Potion of Healing
10. Potion of Invisibility
11. Scrolls 4 (Speak with Animals, Magical Vestment, Neutralize Poison, Forbiddance)
12. Scroll Protection from Devils
13. Wand of Wonder

Hit Points: 77

Armor Class:  -3

Thormot was born of a poor family so large he was simply sold off to the nearby farm to pay off old family debts.  He still had the opportunity to return to his family most nights, but the focus was entirely on agriculture.  He was a receptive lad who quickly absorbed all the tricks of the trade, and he was often loaned out to other lords to assist with blights or animal diseases.  His young prowess led him to Cymru, where  he perfected his agricultural knowledge, some general laboring skills, and a penchant for the Keltic faiths.  Gathering knowledge of the local faith as fast as he did crop rotations, he was quickly admitted in the ranks of the faithful, and as a cleric.  His devotion to his flock often resulted in drunken brawls in taverns, and his reputation as a pugilistic priest caught the attentions of his superiors.  

As his prominence grew, so did an awkward relationship with Kieran Crebbin, a half-elf refuge known  for his magic in polite society, but with a superior set of skills with infiltration, intelligence, and a healthy dose of outright thievery.  Thormot used him to gain a hand squelching enemies of the faith, and more than a handful of the Kingdom of Cymru.

Despite having the demeanor of the village priest, Thormot became Bishop of Abertiefi.  He was forced into formal learning to properly play his role, but overwhelming dominance of the Archbishop of Cymru, forced him to travel for his more knowledge.   Travel the courts of Lygresse, his folksy charm and truthfulness has convinced King Glydel II to make Thormot one of his trusted advisors in court.  Of course the first act of the former bishop is secure a spot for Kieran with the court, mainly as a lieutenant to the Royal Guard 

Thormot's folksy charm makes many underestimate his true wit and machinations.  He has the ear of the king at all times, even if proper protocols suggest who has the next line of advisement to him.   

(Kickstarter) A Place for All My Books by Smirk and Dagger

 Every once in awhile, there's a Kickstarter that hits at the heart of a loved one, rather than me.  

A Place for All My Books was either going to be a fun game about book collections, or the battle cry of my eldest daughter.

The game is all about acquiring books, taking them home, and organizing your collection.  

(Gamma World) Skul Cashew - Mutated Squirrel Enforcer #CharacterCreationChallenge

 Day 28 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge, and I'll be honest.  I have a huge collection of AI generated anthropomorphic bears that I've collected... and they'll need to wait for next year's challenge.  

My list of heavily armed mutant squirrels, on the other hand is only one....

Skul Cashew - 6th Level Mutant Squirrel Enforcer

Attributes:
Physical Strength:   10
Dexterity:                18
Constitution:             9
Intelligence:            13
Mental Strength:       6

Charisma:                13
Senses:                     13

Hit Points:      46

THAC Melee:  +6  THAC Ranged:  +9

Mental Defense:  0

Armor Class:  16 (19 to bullets) 

Health:  10

Remain Unseen: +3

Robot Recognition:  14

Stealth:    +2

Climbing: +3

Bite (1d3)

Speed:  12  (Bipedal 9)  

Skills:  Combat Leadership (9) Markeshift Weapon/Armor (6)  Size-Up Opponent (12)

Mutations:  Energy Absorption - Lasers (14), Gas Generation - Blinding (18), Heighted Mental Attribute, Mental Paralysis (15), Duality (Ambidextrous).

Equipment:  Bulletproof vest, assault rifle,  120 rounds of ammunition,  Smoke grenades, Radio Comm-link

Appearance: 4'9" grey-brown fut, bushy tail.

Background:  Skul was one of the many mutant animals using their base instincts to serve the Overlord of Bonparr.  The squirrel was near-human size, but easily used his stealth on missions, usually executing simple commands. 

One day, while visiting the Glow-Zones, Skul became ill and fell into a coma.  When he emerged, he had full human intelligence, possibly smarter than many.  He was able to better execute his order and his missions expanded from simple tasks, to scouting, to intelligence gathering, and to his newest role, wet work ordered by the Overlord himself.  Using his own gifts, and fully stocked assault rifle, he is not scared to make forays into the strangest lands, and return home victorious

(Gamma World) This is Not a Test #61 - Kent Ky-Ky

Our heroes, the De Facto Explorers,  are at the KIA Academy.  They have completed a task by venturing deep within the sub-levels below, and have returned to the surface...

================= 

Sneaky Pete: A mutated weasel scout.  Pete's telepathy and night vision take a backseat when he whips out his electrical powers.  

Sonny Helianthus: a sentient sunflower artifact examiner with trusted Restorationist ties. Knowledgeable,  but not a good one with device repairs or upgrades.  Very interested in a "Children's Alchemical Laser" he recently acquired.

Slitheran Wurmtail (aka Squiggles): a mutated earthworm scout, in impromptu power armor, looking for trouble, and finding it often.  Previously "gave birth" to a litter of sentient earthworm babies, but recently has been subject to genetic testing and developed super-human strength, a more human body, and a thick coat of shaggy white hair.

Lathar Bracken: A pure-strain human from River Bend.  He's got the muscle, the face, and a mount for most encounters.  Lathar's trusty beast of burden, No Name, travels wherever he does.  No Name has recently been fitted for a artillery device of the Ancients that chucks spears further than any human.  Looking for trouble in all the right places.  Former jousting champion of Fair-Town and has been awarded... a peacock he has named Chambray.  He's recently been struck by a weapon by a strange race of people and transformed into... something else... multiple times.

RHA-9: A lab assistant piece of "Living Metal" that seems to have befriended the group... for now!  Currently getting repairs done by the Restorationists. Currently safely in their hotel room on KIA Academy Level Zero.

=================

The group was excited to have some spending money, but was more excited to have a letter arrive, addressed from their old compatriot, Ramsay Kallax, the mutant ram.

The letter was dominated by a large square, with many other squares randomly placed within.

"Get that you're here.  Here's the code to scan in the elevator # 7162

The group walked to the elevator, did as they were instructed, and the lift flew them upstairs.

Level 7 appeared to be a large residential area, which multiple sub-levels.  There are a wide assortments of human, mutant humans, and more animal mutants than down below.  Everything is very clean, and rather cordial. 

Level 7 of the KIA Academy

Taking some moving steps, they arrived in from of 7162.  Ramsay opens the door, not in his classic firefighter look, but a relaxed set of Ram sweatpants. 

"Hey guys, you made it! Come on in... Whoa, what is that? "

Sonny realized what Ramsay was looking at "That's RHA-9.  We got him from a Hisser village."

"Tell me all about it, man."

Everyone talked about their adventures, until a female voice erupted from another room, "Ramsay, are your friends here""

Ramsay introduced his friends to his parents, Dr Selene Kallax and Dr Thaddeus Kallax.

Selene Kallax

Thaddeus Kallax

Thaddeus, "It's good to see our boy developed a diverse group of friends.  He can be flighty at times."

The Kallaxes provided basic snacks and refreshments, they were quite intrigued by RHA-9, especially in the possession of this motley bunch. .  Much of the time the group stared out the 7th story windows showing downrivers.  The walls of shelves were filled with odd artifacts from the Ancients, many of which would better belong back at Station Petro. 

What draws their eyes the most, aren't the schematics, or city street maps.  Rather it is an ancient road map .  

Ramsay: "This is one of the last maps ever made by the Ancients."

Selene Kallax:  "The downfall of the Ancients civilizations coincided with the removal of the map from society. Fifty to one hundred years before the fall, paper maps seem to simply stop being made.   This is the transportation network for the areas, hundreds, perhaps thousands of years ago. It's one of our great mysteries."

Sonny tried to reconcile the map with his own knowledge.  It was much easier when he realized the river on the map ran right to left downriver.  None of the towns matched up.

Amongst all these different dead towns was a larger title across the bottom part of the map.  Everything on this side of the river was part of a civilization known as "Kent-Ky-Ky".  

"What a horrible name,"  Sonny exclaimed.  Sonny scribbled some of the map.  

The crew realized the Kallax's were a bigoted, group of intellectuals, looking down at the lower levels of the Academy, much the people in the sub-levels or outside.

Sonny inquired about studying at the Academy.  Thaddeus dissuaded him from enrolling, given their limited time in town, and the field duty obligation.    All students taking  classes would conduct real-world field work, either working alongside the construction crews, or collaborating with the engineers, designers, and architects of other projects.  

Sonny tried to gain access to any of the archives, and Thaddeus was willing to offer him a badge fo r access.  Of course Lathar and Pete wanted access, Thaddeus seemed to dislike the barbarian and weasel, and only provided the lone badge for the sunflower, accessible only during this odd concept called "Office Hours"

Lathar and Pete connived a plan to get access to Level 8 while Sonny was up there.... 

GM Notes: So, yes, the group is playing on a varying sized Ohio River, staying on the Kentucky side.  Of course, all the wilderness adventures are on the Ohio side of the river.  

Next: #62 - Divide and Conquer

(Gamma World) Ursus Dreamcatcher - Mutant Brown Bear Esper #CharacterCreationChallenge

 Four full weeks of the #CharacterCreationChallenge, and you can say, I'm having a "bear" of a time.  

Ursus Dreamcatcher - 4th Level Mutant Bear Esper

Attributes:
Physical Strength:  22   +5
Dexterity:             12 
Constitution:        17  +3
Intelligence:          8   -1
Mental Strength:   6    -2

Charisma:             7     -1
Senses:                11    

Hit Points:    66

THAC Melee:  +5  THAC Ranged:  0

Mental Defense:  14    

Armor Class:   6  (makeshift armor under robes)

Health:   13    

Robot Recognition:  14 

Stealth:    +2

Two claw attacks per round 1d6/1d6

Speed:  8  (6 Bipedal) 

Skills: Hypnosis (4), Identify Mental Power (6) , Photographic Memory (9)  Sense Mental Power (9)

Mutations: Nightvision (non-mutation),  Hostility Field (D), Directional Sense, Displacement (13), Telekinses (17), Will Force (19)

Appearance: Ursus Dreamcatcher is an imposing brown bear.  His massive frame is normally draped in vibrant, flowing gowns adorned with colorful southwestern-style jewelry. Beads, feathers, and trinkets dangle from his attire,  in an almost hypnotic way. 

Background:  After wandering the wastelands, Ursus settled in the pure, clean deserts of the west.  He has stumbled upon groups who still embrace the "spirituality" of the Ancients, and embraced it as part of his persona.  He doesn't fully understand these fragments imperfectly, but Ursus learned to exploit them for survival. He presents himself as a shaman or medicine man, earning food, shelter, and respect from communities desperate for guidance or protection.

Despite his facade, Ursus is no true believer. His reliance on his brute strength, cunning, and mutations makes him a pragmatic survivor first and foremost. However, his efforts to maintain the shamanic persona have granted him a surprising depth of knowledge about ancient rituals and traditions—enough to convince most of his audience.

(Gamma World) Myron - Toadstool of Chaos #CharacterCreationChallenge

 The last week of entries for the #CharacterCreationChallenge are some of the most difficult to finish,  but I must admit, I had the most fun with Myron.

Myron, Toadstool of Chaos  - 1st Level Mutated Plant (Mushroom) Esper

Attributes:
Physical Strength:  10
Dexterity:                 9
Constitution:           10

Intelligence:             6
Mental Strength:     10

Charisma:                15
Senses:                     11

Hit Points:  38

THAC Melee:   0    THAC Ranged:    0

Mental Defense:        +3

Armor Class:    0

Health:     10

Robot Recognition:  20

Stealth:          0

Remain Unseen: +1

No Ability to Command/Control Robots

Needs soils for nutrients

Mutations: 

Skills: 

Speed:  9

Swim: 3

 

Skills: Hypnosis 7, ID Mental Power 1, Photographic Memory 2, Sense Mental Powers 7.

Mutations: Beguiling (16),  Confusion (11), Life Leech (14), Telekinesis (11), Teleportation (17)

Equipment: Collar with name on it.

Background:  With it's adorably big blue eyes, it's excited personality, and it's unwavering loyatly, most people mistake Myron as a pet.   The mushroom does not have the ability to speak, and may walk on all fours, but it does possess just below-average human intelligence.  

Myron had one true master, a far traveling mutant who showed love and respect, as well as the one who gave them their true name.    When the master died unexpectantly, Myron  sat by his side, guarding them, but soon used their decomposing corpse for nourishment.    For yeas, Myron has found new masters, only to lead them each down bad paths, using Beguiling, Confusion, Life Leech, and Telekinesis towards their doom, and in many cases enjoying their downfalls for much-need nutrition.  If there's ever an ambush, the mushroom pup is an expert in teleporting back to safety.  

(D&D 5e) Faerona Ravenlight - Elf Ranger #CharacterCreationChallenge

Don't know if I pulled these two pictures off of Pinterest or someone's fantasy-themed phase using AI art, but they're worthy of another PC for my Saltmarsh game.  

Faerona Ravenlight, 1st Level Wood Elf Ranger 

Age, 89 5'6" 105lbs
ST: 10   (+0)
DX: 14  (+2)
CN: 14  (+2)
IN: 14  (+2)
WS: 17 (+3)
CH: 11 (+0)
Hit Points: 12

Armor Class: 13  (Leather plus Dex Bonus)

Initiative: +2  

Speed:  35 

Alignment:  Chaotic Good

Skills: Insight +5, Stealth +4, Survival +6,  Perception +5, Athletics +2, Performance (Song) +2

Languages: Read/Write Trade Prythax (Common), Read/Write Elvish

Speak: Common, Elvish

Equipment: Leather Armor, 2 short swords, explorer's pack, Longbow and 30 arrows. Staff, a hunting trap, traveler's clothes.  10gp, a small silver skull the size of a coin (a trophy you took off the first hobgoblin you killed)

Special Abilities: Mark of the Wild,  Favored Enemy (Hobgoblin), Natural Explorer, Outlander (Wanderer)

Proficiencies: Longsword, Longbow, Shortsword, Shortbow, Light Armor, Medium Armor, Shields, Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons

Personality: I'm always fiddling with things, picking things up, sometimes breaking them.

Ideal:  Life is like the seasons, in constant change and we must change with it.

Bond: One day, I will bring horrible wrath down upon the evildoers who destroyed my homeland.

Flaw:  Don't expect me to save those who can't save themselves. It's nature's way that the strong survive while the weak perish.  I would not be here today if I was not stronger than all the other elves that died around me. 

Faerona never knew of the hatred of elves when she was young,  Her family tended the dying forests of Agenmoor, and rarely did anyone encounter a non-elf.  

With the invasion of the Shadow Elves, bursting forth from beneath the surface, she encountered the hatred first hand.  First the Shadow Elves killing the females and enslaving the males, then the tribe of hobgoblins that hunted her extended clan down as they escaped.  Faerona was the last survivor, protected or hiding most of the time during the escape, finally joining the fray and hunting down the last of the hobgoblins, but at the cost of everyone she had loved perishing.  

The reactions of the humans she encountered as she wandered the human Kingdom of Crosedes confused her more.   Some provided some meager help, but others were outright cruel, blaming her for some injustice grandfather's generation had made.  All humans looked alike, until it was too late, so it was smarter for her to stay in the wilderness, honing her skills.  

Visiting the Duchy of Sworin, she realized these humans interacted with all races, usually keeping their opinions and preferences to themselves.  She learned that the village of Saltmarsh was a booming port town, looking to pay gold for fine persons with great skills.  And the stories she heard of the ocean felt just as calming and comforting as her youth in the forest. 

One day she'd like to hunt down every hobgoblin in the Eastern Crosedes.  Heck, if she could meet up with some like-minded folk, elf or not, she'd be delighted to drive the Shadow Elves back into the bowels of the NetherDeep from which they came.  

For now, it was time to emerge from the forests and rejoin society.... anyone's society.  

(D&D 5e) Link and the Seeds of Serenity #CharacterCreationChallenge

Another day in the #CharacterCreationChallenge , another day to address the piles of bad AI art, and why Link is holding a watermelon that grew from a tree.... or is that a lime...

Name: Link
Race: Half-Elf

Class: 4th Level Fighter (Eldritch Knight)

Background: Folk Hero

Alignment: Lawful Good

Ability Scores

• Strength: 16 (+3)
• Dexterity: 14 (+2)
• Constitution: 14 (+2)
• Intelligence: 12 (+1)
• Wisdom: 13 (+1)
• Charisma: 10 (+0)

Proficiencies & Skills

• Proficiencies: Light armor, medium armor, heavy armor, shields, simple weapons, martial weapons
• Tools: Smith’s tools, Land vehicles
• Saving Throws: Strength, Constitution
• Skills:
  • Animal Handling (background)
  • Athletics (class)
  • Perception (class)
  • Survival (background)

Combat Stats

• Hit Points: 28 
• Armor Class: 18 (Chain Mail + Shield)
• Speed: 30 feet

Features & Traits

• Fighting Style: Defense (+1 bonus to AC while wearing armor)
• Second Wind: Bonus action to regain 1d10 + fighter level HP once per short rest
• Action Surge: Take one additional action on your turn, once per short rest
• Eldritch Knight Spellcasting: Ability to cast spells from the wizard list (up to 1st level spells at 4th level fighter)

Spells (2 spell slots, save DC 11, spell attack +3)

• Cantrips:
  • Booming Blade
  • Green-Flame Blade
• 1st-Level Spells:
  • Shield
  • Magic Missile

Equipment

• Weapons:

  • Master Sword (Longsword)
  • Shield (Shield)
  • Longbow with 20 arrows

• Armor:

  • Chain Mail
  • Adventurer's Pack

• Special Items:

  • Bottled Fairy (Potion of Healing)
  • Seeds of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air (special quest items)

Background Feature: Rustic Hospitality

Link has the respect of common folk, allowing him to find a place to rest, hide, or recuperate among them. They shield him from law or anyone searching for him, though they will not risk their lives for him.

Personality Traits

• I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success.
• I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find the most equitable solution to arguments.

Ideals

• Respect: People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Responsibility: It’s my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me.

Bonds

• I will always protect those who cannot protect themselves.
• I have a special connection to the natural world and the elemental forces within it.

Flaws

• I’m quick to act and often jump into situations without fully thinking them through.
• I can be stubborn and insist on doing things my way.

Additional Details

• Backstory: Link grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Hyrule, always feeling a deep connection to the land and its elements. His bravery and natural fighting talent led him to be recognized as a hero by the local folk. When called upon by Princess Zelda to save Hyrule, Link did not hesitate to embark on the perilous quest to find the Watermelon Trees and restore balance to the kingdom.

• Quests & Goals: Restore balance to Hyrule by retrieving the elemental watermelons from the Groves of Serenity and defeating Malgath, the dark sorcerer threatening the land.

(Painting) Fountain and Washtub

Over New Year's I picked up some of the new Fairy Garden pieces from Dollar Tree. I finally got around to repainting the village fountain and washtub.

I did keep the brick on the fountain, with some red brick drybrushing, but everything else was back to square one.  Not to shabby for a $1.25 and an hour or so.

In the Queue:  Gnomes and Zulus and Ducks(!) oh my!

Project 350: Some maneuvering at 469 (298/171)  from 472 (305/167).    The #CharacterCreationChallenge has another week,  I'm current with my actual plays, and there should be something showing up every Friday in the painting corner for some time. 

(Gamma World) Ken-Juan Balboni, Mutant Human Esper #CharacterCreationChallenge

Day 24 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge ,  I avoid AI and traditional fantasy art for something even scarier.  

Evangelical religious artwork. 

My very first thought, like many of you, was "Gamma World Jesus, with a twist." 

"Gamma Juan" Ken-Juan Balboni, Mutant Human Esper  (LEVEL 10)

Attributes:
Physical Strength: 12
Dexterity:        10
Constitution:   8
Intelligence:    12
Mental Strength:   10

Charisma:   13
Senses:       11

Hit Points:  63

THAC Melee:  +8  THAC Ranged: +2

Mental Defense:   20

Armor Class: 16

Health:  10

Use Artifact: 0

Robot Recognition:   20

Stealth:  0

Speed:12 , Swim: 3 , Flight 0

Skills:
Hypnosis:     24

Identify Mental Power:  22

Photographic Memory:  20

Sense Mental Powers:  22 

Read/Write: 50%

Swim:  25%

Ride:  10%

Mutations:

Electrical Generation  18

Telepathy                    20

Plant Animal Control  19

Mental Invisibility      25    

Mental Paralysis         23

 

Equipment:
Electronic Speller

Rope

Metal Washbasin

3 Weeks Rations

Binoculars

Energy Cloak

MedKit (Level VI)

Vibroblade  (+10 to Hit,  8d6 damage)

Appearance: Beard, longer hair, robes, and boots.  

Background: "Gamma Juan" is a legend within the Thunder Swamps.  Born with the innate ability to control plants and animals, known to intelligent animals as a "Primal Presence", Ken has kept himself alive while working with creatures, big and small for harmony, or as much natural harmony the swamp can afford its inhabitants.  He has learned how to use MedKits on all living creatures, cleanses the masses with his metal washbasin, dazzles the lesser lifeforms with his energy cloak, and if all that fails, slices them up with his vibroblade (+18 to hit, 8d6 damage).

If Ken can't keep an advantage with mental mutations, he is not afraid of running away.  He is a mere mortal mutant man who prefers to avoid conflict... until he can't.

(Punk's Been Dead Since '79) Tommy "Tetanus" Mazur #CharacterCreationChallenge

When I kicked off #RPGaDay2024 back in August of last year, the first RPG mentioned was Punk's Been Dead Since '79.  Despite probably never getting the chance to play it, I might as well go crazy and make up a character, a venue, and a line-up... or whatever.

Tetanus  (Inclusive Punk)
Feel    3
Fight  3

Find   4

Flesh  2

Fuck  2

Stuff:  Tanker Boots, 1970 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon

Age:  18

Face:  3

Edge: 6

Venue:  Fairgrounds

Celina Dog & Pony Show  

"Dog and Pony-looza for Losers"  Band Line-up:

1. Static Rock   (Metal)

2. yoURMOm  (Pop Punk)

3. Sharpie Shar Pei  (Metal)

4. 69 Balloons   (Pop Punk)

5. Waco Kid Massacre   (Ska)

6. Seattle Purgatory (Metal)

7. Distinguished Gents   (All Female Ska)

8. Mayo  (Alternative)

(BECMI D&D) Priscilla Dropwater - 4th Level Halfling #CharacterCreationChallenge

Priscilla Dropwater -  4th level Halfling

3'2"  60lbs

Strength        11

Intelligence   12  

Wisdom        13   +1

Dexterity      16    +2   5% xp bonus

Constitution  11

Charisma        7   -1 

Hit Points: 20

Armor Class 4  (Leather + Shield)

Proficiencies:  Shortsword, Dagger, Sling

Skills: Danger Sense 13; Snares 12; Stealth (Forest) 16; Survival 12.  

"Diviner"  Shortsword +1 Detect Evil on Command  Int7 Empathy.

Silver Daggers x2

20 Sling Stones

Sling

Garlic, Holy Water, Ancient Holy Symbol

 Priscilla is in a position she does not want to be in.  As a woodland guide, she's responsible for guiding travelers all throughout the Barony of Gulluvia, and with the dominions odd request restricting male overnight travel unless accompanied by a female, she is high demand.  

The problem is, Priscilla has been doing this so long, she knows just how corrupt the land is, and how corrupt the Barony is.  Ever since she acquired her sword "Diviner"  the taint upon the land is simply too obvious.    The ground, the creatures, heck, even many of the official and guards have a streak of evil in them.  It's better to stay out of town, but during a full moon, every sort of evil nasty is moving through the wilderness.  

Priscilla has gone to stockpiling every device, potion, tincture, and relic she can get her hands on to fight off this evil.    What's worse?  The recent influx of dwarves seem to be 50/50 good and evil, and outside of Diviner's power, recognizing it, she hasn't been able to tell the difference. 

(In the Heart of Oz) Drupe the Languid Nap'ricot - #CharacterCreationChallenge

Today's entry into the #CharacterCreationChallenge takes a different turn.  I've taken some AI generated art from Nightcafe and will not stat them out.  Rather, I'm using  In the Heart of Oz to flesh out a PC sandbox adventuring in the Land of Oz.

In the Heart of Oz is a system-neutral sandbox zine rules for adventuring through Oz.  It has a LOT of fabulous charts.  It seems fitting that the character that capture my whimsy is a "Nap'ricot"

Drupe the Languid Nap'ricot

Motivation - Love of Sleep
Trick - Incredibly Lucky
Flaw - Can't be trusted with stuff (will loose/forget/give it away)
Flaw - Fear of Lollipops/Lollypops

The Nap'ricot arrives in Oz, and through a series of events where they dispatch some unwitting guards to the Emerald City, the Wizard believes the fruit is trying to assassinate him, so he hires three bumbling body doubles to confuse this ruthless killer.

For campaign background, the Gillikins have invaded the Winkies for specific territories. It seems that the invasion will be quick and extremely successful if not thwarted. Secretly, they have recruited the services of TranceDance, a Sexdecapus, (16-armed octopus) that has the ability to use all its arms to mesmerize living creatures.

TranceDance, AI art in the style of W. W. Denslow

(Star Wars d6) Ronnie Devereaux, Space Merc Pilot #CharacterCreationChallenge

Time to figure out why I'm not making Star Wars Characters left and right for the #CharacterCreationChallenge

Ronnie Devereaux, Experienced, but still Brash Pilot

Dexterity 3D

• Blaster
• Brawling/Parry
• Dodge           3D+1
• Melee Combat
• Vehicle Blasters

Perception  3D

• Command    4D
• Con            3D+1
• Gambling
• Persuasion
• Search        5D

Knowledge  2D

• Intimidation
• Planetary Systems
• Value           3D+1
• Willpower   3D

Strength  3D

• Brawling    5D
• Stamina
• Swimming

Mechanical 4D

• Astrogation           4D+2
• Communications   5D
• Sensors                  4D+1 
• Space Transports
• Starfighter Piloting   6D
• Starship Gunnery      8D

Technical  3D

• Blaster Repair      
• Droid Repair
• Repuslorlift Repair
• Starfighter Repair      4D

Equipment:  Merc Company flight suit, med pac, vacuum suit, 500 credits, blaster pistol (4D damage), Q-Fighter

Ronnie remembers being part of a training company, even as a young child.  The units letters "VS" was all she could recall.  This training company focused on turning her all-female company into merciless and well-trained pilots.  

There had been some mysterious explosion, and everyone was forced to flee for their lives.  Ronnie got off planet, wandered the outer rims, and held her own in some seedy underbellies around the galaxy.   

With her old group, they uncovered an extremely fast and highly maneuverable starcraft, the "Q-Fighter"  Although the ship didn't have a hyperspace drive, the crew threw it into the cargo bay and Ronnie would terrorize their targets before they even knew what hit them.  

After one of the these engagements, she ran into the Void Sirens, an all-women mercenary company,  Ronnie discovered most of the merc company was populated with girls like her, girls who were trained by the empire, before they fled for their lives.  Many were simply ground mercs, with blaster rifles and no fear.  Some, like Ronnie, had discovered the ultra-experimental Q-Ships and were pilots.  

She had finally had her time with her people again.  

(How to Survive Zombies If You're a Zero) Eleanor Whitby - Library Sciences Student /Zombie Killer - #CharacterCreationChallenge

 Day 19 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge, and we're hitting a good patch, starting with Eleanor Whitby, Library Sciences student... and Zero Hero from How to Survive Zombies If You're a Zero.

Those who went home.... died.    and then those who lived in town... finally it made it to campus.    Some of the facilities guys, the professors, they thought they knew everything, and quickly, the zombies overwhelmed them.  Eleanor didn't know everything... but she knew where to find the answer, and safely at that.

Eleanor Whitby - Library Scientist - The Planner

Force    +3
Nimble +1
Speed   +2
Smarts       +3
Judgement  -2
Attention    -1

Wits

All According to Plan  (+1 to any check used to make a plan.

Weapon
Makeshift Spear (+2 Bonus, Damage 4, smarts/judgement to fight,  force or nimble to throw)

A basement full of books that were outdated even before she was born... but they're all logged into the card catalog system, collecting dust in the basement.  

Diamond Comics Distributors Declares Chapter 11.

I was going to save this until after the #CharacterCreationChallange was over, but in three weeks time I could be lamenting a different part of this saga. 

Diamond Comic Distributors, who used to the 800-lb gorilla in the comic book marketplace in the 90's  has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. 

Diamond has suffered as the big two comic companies self-distribute, and other companies jump exclusive contracts for de facto self-distribution.  

While this affects a lot of independent comic publishers, my main concern is the fate of the subsidiary I mention once a month, Alliance Game Distributors.  While they aren't as dominant as the past, the company formed by the merger of Chessex and The Armory in the 90's is just about to celebrate the 300th issue of the monthly game solicitation magazine, Game Trade Magazine.  I review the monthly game solicitations from it every month, From Issue #1, when I still worked retail, and beyond, is was and still is, far and away the best solicitation form in the industry, 

It appears the Universal distributors out of Canada are making a bid for Alliance.   Universal deals with sports and non-sports cards, gaming, hobby, and manga, and manga-related products.  I really like the product transparency on their website, but it's also very 2002 internet formatting.    If everything goes forward the next few weeks, we'll see what changes are coming down the pike.

(Toon) Thomas Pickle #CharacterCreationChallenge

Day 18 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge and I'm pulling AI art off of the net and have forced myself for the best purchase in awhile, Toon by Steve Jackson Games. 

Name: Thomas Pickle

Species:  Pickle

Natural Enemies: Delicatessens 

Beliefs and Goals:  "Everyone's Kosher with pickles"   "Everyone should return to the fridge."

Hit Points: 7

Plot Points: 0

Possessions: None

Muscle:  4

Break Down Door -  4

Climb                     - 4

Fight                       - 6 

Pick Up Heavy Thing - 4

Throw                     -4 

Zip:    3

Dodge                    6

Drive Vehicle        4

Fire Gun                3

Jump                      6

Ride                       3

Run                        6 

Swim                      5

Smarts    4

Hide/Spot Hidden         5

Identify Dangerous Thing     3

Read                           4 

Resist Fast-Talk          5

See/Hear/Smell           4

Set/Disarm Trap          4

Track/Cover Tracks     4

Chutzpah!  5

Fast-Talk                       8

Pass/Detect Shoddy Goods   7

Sleight of Hand           7 

Sneak                           7

Schtick:

Incredible Luck  (3 points)

(Painting) Transnitrian Light Tanks and a GEV for OGRE Miniatures

A few more items that have been perennials on my painting bench are finally off... 

More of the original plastic OGRE Minis, namely, three light tanks and a GEV, with the light camo, dirty wash style of the Transnitrian Scientific Republic (TSR)

I believe this clears OGRE Minis off the painting bench, as well as the next bag of "filler" minis.

In the Queue:  Gnomes, Zulus, and more Death Planet Iota terrain.

Project 350: A nice drop (finally) to 472  (305/167)  from 480 (311/169).   The #CharacterCreationChallenge is going smoothly, I'm current with the actual plays, and some other projects will see the light of day shortly.

(BECMI D&D) Bronte, New Acolyte of Mere

 Kicking it old school for Day 17 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge, a little Basic D&D action.

Bronte Argento - 3rd Level Lawful Cleric of the Church of Gulluvia

Strength:       12

Intelligence:  12

Wisdom:        17   +2  (10% xp bonus)

Dexterity:      14   +1

Constitution:   9

Charisma:     17    +2

Hit Points:   7

Armor Class: 0  (Banded Mail +1, Shield,  ROP +2)

Weapon Prof:  Mace (Skilled), Hammer 

Skills: Acting  17, Ceremony (Church of Gulluvia) 17 ,  Law and Justice (Gulluvia)  17 ,  Persuasion 17.

xp: 5,000

GP: 25

Weapon: 

Mace (2d4 skilled damage, -1AC/1)

Spells, 2 1st level. 

In town:   Detect Evil, Detect Magic

Dungeoneering:  Cure Light Wounds x2 or Cure Light Wounds/Light

In the Barony of Gulluvia, the good Lady D'hmis has absolute power over the military, over the church, and over all her subjects.   Bronte is the third child of a petty noble, destined for an administrative post in the church, and to be honest, her frail health and personable charm destined her for an influential post after a long career.  

Bronte had other thoughts, participating in numerous trainings not only with the martial clerics, but the feared baronial knights.  Sure she's taken her lumps, but she's earned the respect of the others... and the preferential treatment of the armorer's.  Compared to even the sergeants and captains of the Guard, she's nigh impenetrable against goblins and kobolds, and is apt enough to dispatch one after a single swing, two at worst.  

Word has trickled through the network, that werewolf may have ventured through the Village of  Mere and killed a well-liked acolyte of the church, Brother Barry Manaslow.  The faithful flock was relying on the declining wisdom of Father Joseph, and his new acolyte, a mere girl, no more than thirteen at best.   It would be up to her, with papers from High Priest Carathmus, no less. to be an a new protector of the village, and find why there had been so much activity with the Baronial Guard in the past year...

(D&D 5e) Helene Pilsner - The Key Mistress #CharacterCreationChallenge

Day 16 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge and I may have discovered my fatal flaw for failing to complete last year's challenge.  No, it wasn't apparent absence of alliteration, rather the the challenge being bereft of 5th Edition D&D characters.

If notes that this 2024 edition is more akin to 1st-to-2nd Edition evolution than the latter ones, and upon viewing all the 5e PHBs on store shelves, I think I'll stick with 5e for awhile, warts and all.  

With that said, here's Helene Pilsner, The Key Mistress of Saltmarsh

Helene Pilsner,  The Key Mistress, 3rd Level Human Burglar

Age, 21 5'7" 140 lbs
ST: 12 (+1)
DX: 16 (+3)
CN: 13 (+1)
IN: 14 (+2)
WS: 12 (+1)
CH: 13 (+1)
Hit Points: 25

Armor Class: 14  (Leather plus Dex Bonus)

Initiative: +3  

Speed:  30 

Skills: Deception +3, Intimidation +3 , Investigation +4, Perception +3, Sleight of Hand +5, Stealth +5

Languages: Read/Write Trade Prythax (Common), Read/Write Halfling

Speak: Common, Thieves Cant

Equipment: Thieves Tools, Leather Armor, Shortsword, 2 Daggers, Burglar's Pack, Crowbar, set of dark common clothes, hammer, 2 locks,  1-inch cube, with each side painted a different color,  21 gp.

Special Abilities: Expertise, Sneak Attack, Cunning Action, Fast Hands, Second-Story Work

Proficiencies: Simple Weapons, Light Armor

The success in Saltmarsh hasn't lured all of the finer citizens to the port. Some persons of ill-repute like Helene tag along on the journey and set up shop quite cozy.  

Helene isn't yet twenty, and she's renowned for her ability to get most things open.  Whether picking it, bashing it, our somehow finding a match on the numerous keys on her body, she will open things to the highest bidder. 

Helene has gotten in trouble with Kreb Shenker at the Empty Net.  The conniving thug has double-crossed her and held onto a chest that was always hers.  What Kreb doesn't realize is that Helene's not interested in the gold and personal effects in the chest, but rather a certain something in a hidden compartment that only the finest thieves would be able to notice, much less open.

Personality Traits:  I always have a plan for when things go wrong.

Ideals: I don't steal from others in the trade.

Bonds: "Something important has been taken from me, and I vow to get it back."

Flaws: "Innocent people are in prison for numerous crimes I've committed.  I'm okay with that."

(Mini-Review) Gamer's Edge - Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

The Dating Life of ViscountEric (TM) continues, and this past weekend, I descended upon Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, after a long time away.  

Stroudsburg is the directionally deficient neighbor to East Stroudsburg, and my college stomping grounds at East Stroudsburg University.   Many a trip was taken over both bridges for the local comic book shop, some non-BK fast food, or a trip to the Main Street Jukebox.  We would never visit drinking establishments.  

Stroudsburg had already been invaded by New Yorkers 25 years ago, but now you can call it fully gentrified.  Traffic for a Saturday night was insane, parking problematic compared to my arrival time, but the trees were still lit with white Christmas lights, making things bright and cheery.

I was super-early for meeting up, and not wanting to give up a perfect parking spot, I wandered down the street to Gamer's Edge to peruse for 15 minutes.  

I reviewed Gamer's Edge almost 7 years ago.  and once prior to that in their original location.  

So, my thoughts after being away for 7 years.  

It's improving. 

Wargaming:  GW (and D&D minis)

Board Games: solid but not overwhelming inventory. 

RPG:  Mostly D&D with some odd ducks, and a few USED RPG books at reasonable prices.

CCG:  Pokemon/Yu-Gi-Oh/Magic. Packs and Singles.

Video Game:  Used systems and games.

Open Gaming: Large area in the back for various forms of tournaments.   The clientele for a Saturday night seemed to match my crew from my 2018 review, and probably every iteration of a FLGS in Stroudsburg leading from the late 20th Century on.  I don't know if "Warhammer Moms" are still a thing, but I felt uncomfortable going back there, so I can't imagine anyone else who would be out of their element. 

This was from the 2018 review, this section, and this clientele remains the same.

Gamer's Edge is at 580 Main St in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.  I do feel it's gotten a wee bit better, but it still retains my 3 1/2 out of 5 gnome rating. 

I'm not starting up a competition with Barstool, but two extra reviews:

Bovino's Brewery - 610 Main St Stroudsburg - Small brewery, bar, and restaurant.  We had flights of various beers and sandwiches.  Beers are varied, all were well made, some just not to our liking.  Sandwiches hit the spot.  Staff was super nice.  Date was superpicky at prior brewpubs, and loved everything.   4 1/2 out of 5 gnomes. 

The Renegade Winery - Far trendier feeling place that was packed when we went to Bovino's.  We stopped in after dinner and the place was empty at 8:30pm, and they were open to 10!  We tasted some wines, and despite completely different palates, most of of the wines we tasted were horribly bitter, and much to my date's chagrin, the lone wine I picked, simply because it had "unicorn farts" in the description was only one we both liked. What was advertised as an overload and fruity and sweet, was more of a refreshing summer wine.    2 out of 5 gnomes.

(RISUS) El Guerrero Serano, Mariachi of the Rising Sun #CharacterCreationChallenge

Day 15 and it's time to steal a classic RPG meme, whom I'm naming El Guerrero Serano, "The Serene Warrior."

El Guerrero Serano, Mariachi of the Rising Sun

Famous musician from a desert land of fanciful outfits (4)

Honorable swordsman, trained from the isolated islands of the East (3)

Shy nobleman whose culture is JUSTICE (2)

Stuttering poet (1)

Equipment:  Guitar, Katana, Mariachi costume

(Gamma World) Beyond the Eastern Barrier #1 - A Rescue in the Nightwood

The town of Cliffside was bustling, loads of bricks getting moved to be dried, others moving into storage, further teams downriver harvesting lumber for charcoal. 

With most of the adults doing the work of the town, there were few available for de when a pack of children, already in trouble for ditching school, run back into town with even graver news.  

After getting a stern hollerin' to by one of the elder constables, moreso about waking him up from his nap than ditching school, he assembled the town council that was available and small search parties were formed, with a more concerted enough getting organized when folks got back from their shift, if little Timmy hadn't shown up all by himself by then.  

Montese the Hamster Scout's job was finding people, but there was no way he was getting lumped in with a random search party.  He would work solo, or better yet, with the help of a friend.

Montese the Hamster

While a steep cliff separated Cliffside from the Infernal Run below, there was also a substantial cliff to above the town.  Attempts at quarrying it yielded mixed results, so it was largely abandoned, save a few vagabonds and loners who live atop or even within the cliffs.

One such entity was Soul'Miz, a Mutant Venus Fly-Trap.  

After Soul'Miz agreed to help, the duo traveled straight in the depths of the Nightwood. 

"I know exactly where he'll be," Montese proudly declared.

Once a month, the lumberjacks of Cliffside would stop harvesting down along the Infernal and stay up near town to "manage" a small section of the Nightwood.  It was much harder than their normal work, but the yield of fine and rare trees, as well as an open buffer to protect the town, benefitted all. 

But once the duo got through that open buffer zone, the world almost went dark.  The Nightwood got its name from the thick canopy it created, nearly blocking out all sunlight.  Bioluminescent mushrooms and moss dotted the ground, giving the whole region a mysterious tone on top of the random creatures that lived within.  

They had cautiously walked a bit of woods, when Montese cried out,  "Soul'Miz, duck!"

A series of rocks, tied to ropes, swung down from the high branches.  The Venus Fly Trap was not prepared for fast action, but luckily her short stature was enough to save her.  Each rock peaked and swung back and forth innocently until they stopped.  

A ghastly little trolls barreled down the hill where they had been hiding, their hoots and hollers piercing the eerie quiet of the woods. 

These were Um'brallers, once the fiendish races that somehow from the Nightwood liveable, if not completely pleasant.   They rarely visited Cliffside, but they were the number one suspects on Soul'Miz's list.

The base of the plant began to expand, forming bags of gas that allowed Soul'Miz to float above the reach of the creature.  

Montese, always a secondary target, and somehow vanished from everyone's sight.  While the Um'Brallers were jumping up, trying to touch the plant, the hamster re-appeared between them and bashed their heads together.  

"I really wished you weren't such a pacifist."  was all Montese could get out.

"Hey, if they accidently fall into a coma and land in my mouth, I'm not adverse to slowly digesting them.  I just don't want to hurt them.  We're on their land."

"With our kid..." 

A bit further, and they had another encounter with a lone Um'Braller, a much larger monstrosity, probably keyed to the previous ruckus.  Soul'Miz stared the beast down, raised a tendril, and suddenly the Um'Braller was floating.  She barely had enough energy and focus to move the creature into a nearby tree.  The smaller Um'Braller were quite nimble, but the larger "Gum'Brallers" developed a fear of heights for some reason, and they would frozen in fear for a number of minutes until they would start to cry out for help.   That gave the pair enough time to make a hasty exit from the area.

The Um'brallers (Two from the rock trap, and the one that chased our heroes)

They travelled for most of the day, although they could barely tell the sun had already set, until they fell upon a rare "bald", an opening the Nightwood.  A New Moon in the sky barely changed things, but the bald did create an interesting sight.  

Dozens of small tents and few small fires filled the void.  It appeared the Um'Brallers, who were afraid of most light, took advantage of no moon and decided to camp out amongst the stars.  

Located on the edge of the camp were three woven cages, a mixture of branches and briars.  One of them had little Timmy.  

Montese moved up undetected, and opened all three cages, quieting waking up and coaxing out Timmy, a woman with glowing eyes, and a man with very pointed ears.  The three prisoners making even the most mild stretching actions, as the cages were quite tight, was enough the alert some of the guards.  

A long chase commenced.  Our duo grabbed Timmy with them, but the other two prisoners split off in opposite directions. 

For most of the night, the Montese and Soul'Miz dodged search party after search party Um'brallers, no small task with a scare seven-year old human boy in their possession, but near dawn they stumbled upon one of the Cliffside search party that foolhardily decided to make camp inside the Nightwood.  Together they made it back to the buffer zone, where the human woman with glowing up was sitting on a falled log...

The Mystery Woman

Next: For now, we return to the "Not a Test" Campaign, with #61 - Kent Ky-Ky