Written by John Fiore using the Dark Fate campaign world and the World vs. Hero solitaire rules

HEROES


Young Rigby, son of a ne’er-do-well con artist, has had an abysmal career as a sellsword. He’s not very good with a weapon, prefers quirky strategies to straightforward attacks, and too often can be found drowning his sorrows in cheap ale at the dingiest taverns. Chief among his sorrows is his love for Countess Carlyn Narmuth, whose political ascension came all too early. Once secret friends, Rigby and Carlyn are now distanced by her duties and his lowly rank in society. Whether pining away for Carlyn or undoing the damage his father Digby still manages to cause, Rigby longs for the chance to prove he is worthy of the Countess’s affections.




Claiming an ancestral connection to Deora, last Grand Mistress of the Crimson Order, the women of the Saramanda line have had a natural affinity for wielding magic, and Bliss has been no exception. Trained by her mother, Bliss became quickly adept at enchantments, a proficiency aided by her bewitching beauty. Bliss serves as a member of Queen Alissa’s secret covenant, engaging in covert operations to maintain the stability of Dunir. Tempted to use her charms for her own gains, Bliss’s overconfidence in her abilities swells her ego. Her relationship with the female elf Attheaeldre helps to ground her from taking her powers too far.





Though Atti’s family had left Amtal for scholarly pursuits in Griphinn long before Amtal’s fall, the Daesgesage elves maintained their spiritual allegiance to their lost city, swearing to avenge the defilement one day. Today, 200 year-old Atti maintains her race secret from all but Bliss and Queen Alissa with the help of Alissa’s gifts of disguises. Employed as a combat trainer for Dunir’s royal infantry, she hones the skills of others as she sharpens the fiery passions raging within her. The lack of her own kind around her has left Atti vulnerable to a primal savagery long forgotten in elves. Her relationship with Bliss Saramanda and her loyalty to Queen Alissa help to control that rage.






Within the castle that is the seat of power in the County of Tynor, all is not well. The duties of the inexperienced young Countess Carlyn Narmuth have been made more trying by reports of goblins within the castle walls! Though no goblin has been captured yet, staff members have seen them skulking about in the shadows numerous times. Their presence in Tynor’s secured holding bodes ill; they say what happens in Tynor is a reflection of all of Dunir. If that is so, and if goblins have returned, what new horror is awaiting to be unleashed on Dunir’s unsuspecting populace?

ADVENTURE LOCATIONS
Castle Tynor [known, recurring] – average fortified stone construct; features typical room arrangement of medieval-styled castles.

Other locations [spontaneous] – will be generated by Mythic GME as the story progresses.

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When the royal chamber of Griphinn Palace was sealed and only two young women remained, the unremarkable dusty brown exterior of Bliss Saramanda’s cloak melted away revealing luxurious crimson fabric embellished by silver moons and stars. The cloak flowed majestically around Bliss’s lithe body as she turned around to face Queen Alissa Beatrix, ruler of Dunir.

“This must be serious,” Bliss remarked, her piercing blue eyes probing the Queen’s face for a clue. “We’re taking a chance meeting at noontime.”

“Someday, they’ll all find out about my role in the Crimson Order,” Alissa said, “and your role as one of my agents. Until then, let them keep debating whether I’m an unusually wise twenty-two year old or an unusually lucky one.” Alissa moved closer to Bliss, her hands clasped tightly together. “A messenger just arrived from Countess Carlyn of Tynor. Apparently, she’s been having a problem with goblins in her castle.”

Bliss smirked. “So? Can’t her soldiers root them out?”

“They’ve tried…and found nothing.”

Bliss’s smirk did not disappear. “Then it’s a trick of some sort, Alissa. For Berilla’s sake, even I’ve convinced people they’ve seen bogeymen from time to time.”

Alissa shook her head. “No, Bliss. There may be more to this. The Old Scrolls say that goblin infestations of castles and forts foreshadow a terrible doom to come. When the spiritual bulwark of Good begins to tear, goblins are the first to squeeze their way through. Their magic keeps them hidden from all but the eyes of heroes.”

“But there aren’t any magical creatures in Dunir!”

“Then what do you call us?” Alissa exclaimed. “What would you call the undead of Amtal?” The Queen began to pace. “What if magic is really coming back and Evil uses it first?”

Bliss’s smirk was completely erased by Alissa’s last remark. “Alright,” Bliss said, “so you’d like me to go to Tynor.”

“Not alone. Bring Atti with you. Her elven heritage might help you to uncover the goblins more quickly. Along the way, you’ll pick up…another.”

“Another?” Bliss’s spine stiffened with suspicion. “Who else?”

“Rigby Wynter of Tynor,” Alissa said.

“Rigby Wynter? Is he a Warrior of Faith?”

“No.”

“A Prismatic Knight?”

“No.”

“Then, who is Rigby Wynter?”

Alissa smiled. “Rigby Wynter is an unfortunate loser in life, but he truly loves Carlyn and that makes him her greatest defender if the worst has happened. Take this assignment seriously, Bliss. I know that you and Atti have vanquished some terrible foes in the past on my behalf, but this might be the beginning of the worst challenge Dunir has ever faced.

“Go now. Find Rigby Wynter. Save Tynor, if saving is what it needs. Remember the old saying: what happens to the County of Tynor is a reflection of all of Dunir. If Tynor falls, our entire kingdom will follow.”


ROUND ONE – Tynor Castle (and getting Rigby there)

“I have a monkey in my pants,” stated Rigby Wynter plainly to the toothless old coot three stools away.

The old coot slurped his ale and dropped the mug onto the filthy surface of the bar. He turned to Rigby and stared hard at him.

He kept staring.

Rigby stared back quizzically. “I said that wrong, didn’t I?”

The old coot really kept staring.

“There’s a proverb or a motto or whatever about when something really bothers you and it won’t go away,” said Rigby, “and this saying, it uses an animal that’s tickling you in an entirely inappropriate place. You know. Monkey. In your pants. Maybe it’s a duck on your head or a frog up your nose. I really don’t remember. Suffice to say, if it was indeed a monkey, it would most certainly be in my pants.”

The old coot kept staring.

“In my pants. Right now. And all because of a woman.”

“Rigby Wynter?” asked a stunning blonde girl in a dusty brown cloak standing in the doorway of the Sister’s Goat Tavern. Beside her was an exotic-looking woman the likes of which Rigby had never seen before.

“If you’ve come to hire Rigby the Sellsword,” Rigby said, “I regret to inform you that he’s utterly incompetent, but he will take your job anyway in the hope that the task requires minimal skill and maximum nothing else.”

“That’s him?” Atti whispered to Bliss.

“I’m afraid so,” Bliss answered.

“My last job,” continued Rigby, “was in defense of innocent sheep. I had to stand in a field and watch out for – Hang on…was I a shepherd? I was! Son of a – ”

“Rigby Wynter! Listen to me!” Bliss’s eyes glowed like bright blue stars. “Carlyn is in danger! She needs help!” The blueness of her eyes blazed supernaturally. “She needs you!”

Rigby gaped at Bliss dumbly. The blood rushed to his cheeks.

“I’ll help you sober up quickly,” Bliss said, “and then we’re going to Tynor Castle.”




Castle Tynor Conflict List

1. JUNIOR TYNOR COURT MEMBER(S), noble, looking for any excuse to gain the Countess’s favor.
2. The Countess’s STAFF MEMBER(S) suspicious of unfamiliar people moving about the castle.
3. Adventure-specific conflict generated by Mythic.
4. TYNOR SOLDIER(S), Fighter; Physical Abilities – Sword Wielder; eager to perform their duties to secure the castle.
5. At least two TYNOR HONOR GUARDS, Fighters; Physical Abilities – Sword Wielder, Shield Bearer; Metaphysical Abilities – Patriot; will fight to the death for Countess Narmuth.
6. Adventure-specific conflict generated by Mythic.
7. CHIEF ADVISOR(S) to the Countess, left over from her father’s reign.
8. COUNTESS CARLYN NARMUTH, noble; young and inexperienced, sweet, but will try to appear strong in front of others.
9. Adventure-specific conflict generated by Mythic.
10. Adventure-specific conflict generated by Mythic.

World, Access 9H – Locale, Deliberate/Block/A Plot, High Impact
Interpretation: A notice disallows visits into Tynor Castle.
Is this an official edict? (50/50) – Yes
Has it been ordered by Countess Carlyn? (Very likely) – No
Has it been ordered by a Chief Advisor? (Very likely) – Yes

Upon arriving that afternoon at Tynor Castle, sober Rigby, beautiful Bliss, and elf-in-disguise Atti were met by the sight of a small crowd of Tynorian citizens muttering amongst themselves as they gawked at a newly posted royal edict. The edict read, “By order of Lord Bainbridge, Chief Chancellor to the Countess, visitation privileges of the citizenry to Tynor Castle will be revoked to all save essential personnel until further notice.” The Countess’s seal on the document and several soldiers stationed about the front gates gave much to the Tynorians to ponder.

“So, this goblin problem you’ve told me about is being taken seriously,” Rigby said to Bliss. “But does this new rule mean we can’t get in, either?”

“We’re not to tell them that we are working for Queen Alissa,” Bliss said. “We’d hoped your status as citizen could get us right in. Now, that seems unlikely.”

Hero, Access 3D – Bliss, Magic-user, Low Impact

“We’ll have to try something else,” Bliss said.

Leaving behind Rigby and Atti and sauntering toward the soldier closest to the gate, Bliss readied a Charm spell.

“Hello, sir,” Bliss said to the young soldier. Her eyes flashed blue. “Would you mind answering a question for me?”

The Charm spell washed over the soldier in a cascade of warmth and sociability.

“Of course,” he replied, smiling. “I’ll tell you whatever you’d like to know.”

“Is there a way that I can enter Tynor Castle without that pesky edict stopping me?”

“From what I’ve heard, only a special order from Lord Bainbridge or the Countess will do. I wish I could take you in myself.”

“I know you would, sweetie.”

World, Access 3C, use 3D – Being, Passive/Control/Failure, Moderate Impact
Interpretation: A Tynorian of the court has been ordered to ensure the edict is enforced
Is it Lord Bainbridge? (Somewhat likely) - No
Is it a castle staff member? (Likely) – Yes
Is it the head of the staff (Very likely) – Yes

“Soldier!” shouted an older man in robes of the official Tynorian colors. “I expect you to maintain your vigilance, not fraternize with the public!”

“Yes, Sir Wallace!” answered the soldier as Bliss’s Charm spell wore off.

“Sir Wallace,” said Bliss, “you’re the Countess’s Chief of Staff. Yes?”

Sir Wallace barely acknowledged Bliss’s existence as he hurried by quite preoccupied.

“Madam,” Sir Wallace grunted, “please follow the edict. Good day.”

Hero, Access 3C – Bliss, Blonde Beauty, Low Impact

“But, Sir Wallace,” Bliss called to the harried gentleman, “I really could use your assistance.” She shifted her posture and facial expression to communicate vulnerability. “I was hoping to talk to a man in power…a man like you.”

World, Access 3D, use 3C – Sir Wallace, Chief of Staff, Moderate Impact
Is he angered by Bliss’s request? (50/50) – No.
Is he just overwhelmed with responsibilities? (Very likely) – Yes

“Oh, believe me, I’d love to stay and chat with you,” Sir Wallace said, “but there’s so much that I have to get ready! So much to prepare! Please, madam, be kind enough to leave the front gate…now!”

Hero, Access 10H, use 9H – Rigby, Bricoleur, Moderate Impact

“Hello, Sir Wallace!” Rigby announced as he snuck up behind the stressed officer of the court. “Sorry I’m late!”

Sir Wallace screwed up his face at the sight of Rigby. “What? Late? Who are you?”

“I believe you were preparing for me!”

Sir Wallace’s eyes rolled up as if he was trying to look inside his own inundated head. “Wait a moment…if you’re one of them, where’s the thing you were supposed to be bringing? Or are you with Lord Bainbridge’s fellows? I’m sorry, but I have a lot going on today and I just don’t have everything straight.”

Rigby smiled. “Say no more! Why don’t you take care of everything first, then come swing back round here and we’ll go in together!”

Sir Wallace pursed his lips. “Well…”

World, Access 10H – Thing, Concrete/Triumph/Expectations, Extreme Impact
Interpretation: Something is being brought to Tynor Castle to help find goblins.
Is this indirect impact? (50/50) – No
Is the thing living? (50/50) – Yes
Is it coming in willingly? (50/50) – No
Is it being brought in by soldiers? (Likely) – Yes
Is it non-human? (Very likely) – Yes
[Check Dark Fate text] Is it a Night Elf? (50/50) - Yes

Suddenly, Sir Wallace turned away from Rigby to witness the newest sight to stir the mutterings of the astounded Tynorian citizenry. Being brought up to the front gates of the castle, bound in shackles and with its mouth gagged, was a Night Elf. The creature appeared helpless and weakened by its exposure to the daylight.

“My goodness,” exclaimed Sir Wallace, “they do still exist! Lord Bainbridge was right!”

“Is that an elf?” Rigby asked as he stole a shared glance with Bliss. “A Night Elf?”

“Yes,” Sir Wallace answered. “Lord Bainbridge says that in ancient times, Night Elves were natural trackers of goblins. This one should be able to help us get rid of the pesky beasties!”

Rigby pointed to the shackles. “I suppose it doesn’t have much choice.”

Hero, Access 9H, use 10H – Rigby, Bricoleur, Moderate Impact

“Then again,” Rigby added, “that’s what experts like me are for. When it comes to exotic creatures like goblins and Night Elves, I know quite a bit, and I can tell you that I don’t think that binding it like that is a good idea.”

“Why not?” asked Sir Wallace.

“Well, for starters,” Rigby said, “Countess Carlyn would not appreciate any person – human, elf, or otherwise – being treated so badly. She’s a very good-natured and sweet young lady.”

World, Access 8S – COUNTESS CARLYN, High Impact
Is this indirect impact? (50/50) – No
Is Carlyn upset at the Night Elf’s treatment? (Very likely) – No
Does she accept the treatment? (Unlikely) – Yes
Is Lord Bainbridge with her? (Very likely) – Yes

The front gates suddenly opened, and there stood Countess Carlyn flanked by Lord Bainbridge and a small contingent of soldiers.

Much to Rigby’s dismay, the young woman whom he believed above reproach in every way summoned the guards holding the Night Elf to bring the unfortunate creature into the castle.

She did not seem upset at all about the Night Elf’s dismal plight.

Hero, Access 8S – Rigby, Rogue, Low Impact

While Sir Wallace watched in awe as this mythical creature was dragged into Tynor Castle, Rigby patted the man on the shoulder to distract him from feeling Rigby’s hand in his pocket.

“Well, Sir Wallace, looks like I was wrong and the Countess isn’t the sweet young thing I used to know. Maybe they won’t be needing my services after all. Good day.”

Rigby walked away from Sir Wallace and joined Bliss, beckoning her to follow him back to Atti. He opened his hand, showing Bliss the list of activities Sir Wallace was to perform this day.

Bliss asked, “What good is that?”

“I’m not sure,” Rigby admitted, “and, after what I just saw Carlyn do, I’m not sure of anything.”

ROUND TWO – Tynor Castle, exterior

“I can’t believe Carlyn would go along with enslaving anyone or anything,” Rigby said. “She must be in serious trouble.”

“As is the Night Elf,” Atti added. “They don’t get captured easily. I’d like to add rescuing him to our list of things to do today, please, Bliss.”

“Fine,” said Bliss, “but first we need to get into that castle. With the whole place on edge, it’s a lot tougher than it ought to be.” She turned to Rigby. “Is there anything we can use on the list you pinched?”

“It’s Wallace’s work itinerary for today. It’s all pretty boring stuff, poor guy, but there is mention of a cache of cold-iron blades to be delivered soon.”

Atti scowled. “Weapons to use against the Night Elf!”

“Or the goblins, if the Night Elf finds any,” Bliss said. She reached into her cloak and removed a cold-iron dagger. “Alissa gave me one in case we needed to use it. Maybe it can be part of a ruse, Mr. Wynter?”

Rigby smiled. “That’s not a bad idea…”




World, Access KC – NIGHT ELF, Extreme Impact
Is this indirect impact? (Very likely) – Yes
Is it the citizens’ reaction to the Night Elf? (Likely) – Yes
Are they angry? (50/50) – No
Are they scared? (50/50) – Yes

But before Rigby could be inspired by Bliss’s suggestion, the once-muttering crowd around them began to get louder and more anxious, shouting words expressing abject fear.

“The dark creature brings evil!”

“Goblins and elves take children!”

“Our countess is possessed!”

Quickly, the crowd formed a larger crowd, and the larger crowd became a mob. The mob moved about the area before the front gates with threatening agitation. The soldiers positioned around the periphery of the castle converged quickly to protect the main entrance.

Within seconds, there were more soldiers blocking the front gate than ever before.

Hero, Access AC, use 2C, 4C, KC – Ally, Charmed Soldier, Extreme Impact

Among the soldiers deployed to suppress the mob, Bliss could see the young man whom she had earlier charmed. She waved to him, hoping that he was still feeling the positive effects of her magic, or at least the effects of her natural beauty. Upon seeing Bliss, the soldier immediately ran toward her through his comrades and the mob.

“Are you alright?” the soldier asked Bliss.

“I need your help. Do you see this woman with me?” Bliss pointed to Atti. “She is the true elf that was meant to enter Tynor Castle.”

Atti tipped her hood, showing her pointed ears to the soldier.

“Please,” Bliss implored with doleful eyes, “help me get through this crowd and get her inside! The Countess is depending on us!”

The soldier puffed up his chest, flared his nostrils, and unsheathed his sword. “On my word, I will help you! Let’s go!”

The soldier charged forward with Bliss, Atti, and Rigby close behind.

“Make way! Make way!” he shouted at everyone in his path. “Open the front gates! Open them now!”

The soldier waved his sword at anyone in his path, and all moved aside, alarmed by his fanatical behavior.

Better still, the front gate was being opened for him.

World, Access 2C, use 2S – STAFF MEMBER(S), Moderate Impact
How many are there? 2
Are they carrying out Sir Wallace’s orders? (Near sure thing) – Yes
Would they want to stop the charmed soldier? (50/50) – Yes

“Stop! We’re following different protocol today!” shouted one of Sir Wallace’s staff at the front gate. “The gate should not be opening!”

“That’s right! It shouldn’t!” shouted another staffer. “The rest of the deliveries should be through the servants’ entrance.”

“This is most irregular,” the first staffer said to the charmed soldier whose chest heaved with the intensity of his purpose. “Why don’t you clear up the crowds with the other soldiers?”

The charmed soldier remained steadfast, and the gate was still opening.

Hero, Access 2S – Rigby, Rogue, Low Impact

“Nothing irregular about it!” cried Rigby. “This business with the cold-iron delivery needs proper security!”

The staffers looked at each other, betraying their surprise at Rigby’s knowledge of the upcoming delivery, but the two still did not budge. Rigby’s ruse had been a weak one, and he knew his father would have mocked him for it.

World, Access 4C – TYNOR SOLDIER(S), Moderate Impact
How many are there? 5
Are they called by the staffers? (Very likely) – Yes

“Guards!” shouted one of the staffers. “Guards, help here!”

Five nearby soldiers who had not yet engaged the mob responded to the staffer’s summons. Quickly, they ran toward the front gate and, upon seeing the tense situation and their comrade’s unsheathed sword, prepared their own weaponry for a confrontation.

Hero, Access 2C, use 4C, KC – Attheaeldre, Fighter, High Impact

“I’ll hold them back!” Atti said to Bliss. “Just get us in!”

“Non-lethal, please, dear!” Bliss shouted.

The elf smiled, tightened her hood, armed herself with sword and dagger, and leapt forward to engage the five soldiers.

The first soldier had his sword and wrist stuck between the crossed blades of Atti’s weapons almost immediately. She deftly twisted the soldier’s torso and threw herself over his head, twisting him upside down and sending him crashing into the second soldier. Both men tumbled to the ground.

The third and fourth soldiers struck out at Atti, slashing toward her midsection with all of their might. Atti turned her back on their blades, but parried both with her own sword. She flattened herself on the ground, stabbed the earth with her dagger, and then used its handle as leverage for a sweeping kick that sent both soldiers falling backwards. She finished the maneuver by kicking herself back up to her feet.

By the time she was standing again, her sword was ready to engage the fifth soldier. Before the young man could prepare his own attack, Atti’s longer blade disarmed him.

The fifth soldier wisely ran off in the opposite direction.

World, Access 2S, use 2C – STAFF MEMBER(S), Moderate Impact
Are they shouting for more guards? (Likely) – No
Are they shouting for the gates to be closed? (Likely) – Extreme yes

“Close the gates! Close the gates!” shouted the first staffer.

“Let’s just do it ourselves!” suggested the second who moved toward the mechanisms that controlled the gate.

Hero, Access 4C, use 2C – Bliss, Blonde Beauty, Moderate Impact

“Gentlemen, please,” Bliss said to the staffers. “There’s no need to close these gates. There’s nothing to fear, here.” She smiled and licked her lips. “Do I look dangerous?”

World, Access AC – JUNIOR COURT MEMBER(S), Low Impact
Is this indirect impact? (Very likely) - Yes
Do the staffers think Bliss is a junior court member? (50/50) - Yes

“We’re tired of you junior nobles bossing us around!” the first staffer said.

Bliss tried to correct him. “But I’m not – ”

“Spoiled brats, the lot of you!”

Hero, Access KC, 2C - Bliss, Blonde Beauty, Moderate Impact

Bliss decided to go with their mistake.

“Well, if you think you’re better than we are, then go ahead and close the gates on me! I wonder how the Countess will feel when she finds out that you’ve left her fellow nobles outside with all of this…this violence!”

The staffers scowled and turned away, opting to go about their business and leave the responsibility of the front gate to the charmed soldier.

The charmed soldier was more than happy to let Bliss, Rigby, and Atti through. He conveniently closed the gates behind them once they had finally made it into Tynor Castle.

ROUND THREE – Tynor Castle, interior

Atti quickly threw her hood back and sheathed her weapons as Bliss and Rigby took the lead upon entering the receiving hall of Tynor Castle. Their appearance did not go unnoticed, but so eventful and unusual had the day been thus far for the folk of Tynor that reactions to the newcomers were less than swift. The nobles within the hall merely whispered to one another, the soldiers remained alert and poised, and the junior court members laughed with one another like the spoiled brats the staffers had accused them of being.

“After they’ve seen a Night Elf,” Bliss said, “we’re pretty unremarkable.”

“Right,” said Rigby. “Now let’s get to Carlyn.”




World, Access 4S – TYNOR SOLDIER(S), Moderate Impact
How many are there? 4
Would the soldiers draw swords within the castle? (Unlikely) – No

“Halt!” shouted one of the soldiers. Four of the armed men approached the trio but did not draw swords.

“No one goes through the castle today without an escort. State your business!”

Hero, Access 4S – Rigby, Rogue, Low Impact

Rigby pulled out the list he had stolen from Sir Wallace, cleared his throat, and read from the agenda the cold-iron item.

“One very expensive case of assorted cold-iron weapons is needed today. Yes? We are the purveyors of cold-iron implements. You have been expecting us. My assistant,” he said, nodding toward Bliss, “can show you a sample.”

Bliss revealed the cold-iron dagger from her sash.

The soldiers seemed almost ready to allow Rigby entry, but they hesitated since no case of weapons was actually in hand.

“Time is money!” Rigby demanded. “Now, take us to the Countess!”

World, Access JH – NIGHT ELF, Extreme Impact
Is this indirect impact? (50/50) – No
Has the Night Elf escaped? (50/50) – Yes

Before the soldiers could consider whether they trusted Rigby or not, a loud crash resounded through the receiving hall, and the screams of men filled the castle!

“He’s escaped!” cried the unseen soldiers. “Stop him!”

As the bodies of two bloodied Tynor Honor Guards stumbled into the receiving hall near Rigby and the others, the Night Elf leapt on top of his victims, sending them face-down into the stone floor. Onlookers screamed and huddled in a corner.

The enraged dark creature, its long, opal-hued hair slicked back, stood atop the men and stared at Rigby and the soldiers surrounding him. It hissed defiantly, pulled a mace from one of its victims, and leapt away.

The soldiers at the front gate immediately forgot about Rigby and took off in pursuit.

Hero, Access AS, use 4S, 10S – Ally, Junior Court Member, High Impact

Rigby ran toward the scared witnesses, a group of young nobles.

“I need to find the Countess!” he said. “She’s in great danger!”

“I’ll help!” one of the young nobles declared. A slender youth, no more than 16, stood forward.

“What’s your name?” Rigby asked.

“Justin, sir,” the youth answered. “I heard Lord Bainbridge say they were going to the Council Chamber. My friends and I can take you there.”

“Lead on, then, Justin!” Rigby said, and Bliss and Atti followed along.

In minutes with Justin and two other junior court members in the lead, they had wound their way through the castle while the sounds of the Night Elf’s battle with his captors echoed through the stone halls.

“There,” Justin said, pointing to a large oaken door at the end of a vestibule. “That’s the Council Chamber.”

World, Access 10S – NIGHT ELF, Extreme Impact
Is this indirect impact? (50/50) – No
Is he exiting the Council Chamber? (Somewhat likely) – Yes

The door to the Council Chamber suddenly swung open, and there stood the Night Elf, brandishing the mace.

The junior council members gasped in terror at the creature as it surveyed the group that now blocked its path. The eyes of the Night Elf finally landed on Atti.

“I see what you are beneath your disguise,” the Night Elf said, sneering. “Another elf. What are you doing here? What game is this?”

Atti pulled down her hood. “We can help you.”

“Help me?” the Night Elf laughed. “It is you who need the help!”

With ferocious speed, the Night Elf launched itself at Atti. As if aided by every shadow on the wall, the Night Elf’s attack was impossible even for Atti to follow. Within the space between two seconds, the Night Elf’s motions melted in and out of darkness, and his mace only flashed into view at the moment it connected with Atti’s stomach and skull. She fell to the floor, and the Night Elf used the rest of his momentum to disappear down the hallway.

[Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]

Hero, Access 10S – Atti, Character Assumption, Elven Agility, Low

As Atti lie prone on the floor, she noted in the seconds of consciousness she had left that had it not been for her elven agility, the Night Elf’s strike to her head would have been a deathblow. He was much faster than she had expected, and he was much more aggressive toward her than he should have been. Something was not right here.

She had a theory, and she muttered it just as all was going dark.

[Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]

World, Access AS – JUNIOR COURT MEMBERS, Low Impact
Are they in a panic? (A sure thing) – Yes

But Bliss could not hear what Atti was trying to say. The two young courtiers who had accompanied Justin were babbling in fright, and they urged Justin to come with them. Justin remained with Rigby and Bliss, but the other two ran screaming through the halls.

Hero, Access 6S – Rigby, Fighter, Low Impact

As Bliss tended to Atti, Rigby steeled himself and drew his sword.

“Here,” Bliss said to Rigby as she held out her cold-iron dagger for him to take.

Rigby accepted the weapon and rushed into the Council Chamber hoping to find Carlyn safe.

World, Access 6S – Being, Aggressive/Negligence/Investment, Moderate Impact
Interpretation: A lord of Tynor is angry at those who have interfered with his functions
Is it Lord Bainbridge? (50/50) – Yes
Has he been injured by the Night Elf? (50/50) – Yes
Is it a mortal wound? (50/50) – Extreme No
Is he angry because the Night Elf escaped? (50/50) – No
Was the Night Elf meant to escape? (50/50) – Yes
Is he angry at Rigby? (50/50) – Yes

“Who are you?” exclaimed Lord Bainbridge as Rigby entered the chamber. The room was a mess of debris and bodies. Three Tynorian soldiers lay severely wounded and unconscious on the floor. Bainbridge himself sported a small cut on his cheek, but it was nothing compared to the injuries inflicted by the Night Elf on the others.

“Where’s Carlyn?” Rigby demanded.

“You’ve no right to be in here! Now, get out!” The Chief Chancellor pointed toward the door through which Rigby had just entered.

“My name is Rigby Wynter. I’ve been friends with Carlyn since we were children. I just want to make sure she’s safe.”

Bainbridge walked closer to Rigby and could see Bliss, Atti, and Justin in the hallway. “It was you! You people distracted the Night Elf!”

“What?”

“Because of you, Carlyn is gone!”

Rigby’s eyes widened. “Where is she?”

“She used an escape tunnel that none of us knew about,” Bainbridge said. “One of her father’s little secrets, I suppose. She’s underground, now, and easy prey for a Night Elf!”

Hero, Access JH – Rigby, Bricoleur, Low Impact

“And it sounds like that’s the way you wanted it,” Rigby said to Bainbridge, his eyes flashing with accusation. “I know a scam when I see one. That cut on your cheek wasn’t caused by a mace. It was self-inflicted.”

“Prove it,” Bainbridge said with a smile. “I’m the Chief Chancellor and you’re Rigby Wynter, a trespasser who is soon to be the most wanted man in Tynor.”

Rigby ignored the threat and studied Bainbridge’s facial features carefully. “There were never any goblins. It was a ruse to justify bringing a Night Elf into the castle so it could escape…to kill Carlyn!”

ROUND FOUR – The Secret Tunnels

Rigby frantically searched the Council Chamber. “Where is it?” he yelled at the Chief Chancellor. “Where is the escape tunnel?”

“I don’t know!” Bainbridge replied. “One minute, the Countess was here. I heard the sound of stone moving, and then she was gone! But I’m sure the Night Elf will be able to find an alternate way down there. They’re very good at that sort of thing.”

“Bliss!” Rigby called out. “Get Atti in here, now!”

“Give her time!” Bliss angrily replied. “She’s hurt, Wynter!”

Rigby glared at Bainbridge. “When everyone finds out what you’ve done – ”

“No one will believe you,” Lord Bainbridge laughed. “I’ll make certain of that! I’ll ruin you!”

Rigby stomped over to the Chief Chancellor until his nose touched Bainbridge’s. “Listen, chuckles, I’m so far down the social ladder, village idiots make fun of me. I’m broke, I’m terrible at my job, and I have the reputation of a Pontadian slug. So, save the intimidation for someone who actually has something to lose because nothing is going to stop me from kicking your ass after I find Carlyn! And – let me make this clear – I will find her! Got it?”

Lord Bainbridge snarled, but said nothing.

Bliss entered the chamber supporting Atti who was finally on her feet.

“That Night Elf,” Atti gasped, “moved like a trained assassin. I don’t know if I can take him.”

“And my magic,” added Bliss, “is charm-based. He might be immune to it.”

“Yeah, sounds terrific,” Rigby said. “Let’s just find the escape tunnel and worry about everything else later. Can you see a secret door, Atti?”

Atti’s elven eyes pierced the spectrum as she carefully surveyed the wall and floor of the chamber.

“There!” Atti cried as she pointed to a corner of the chamber. She moved toward the area and planted her foot on the adjacent edges of two stones.

The wall tilted, and the darkness invited them into the escape tunnel.

The subterranean world waited.




The Secret Tunnels Conflict List
To be generated entirely by the Mythic GME

World, Access 6S – Thing, Concrete/Move/Failure, Moderate Impact
Interpretation: Something physically makes moving through the tunnels difficult.
Is it the ground? (50/50) – Yes
Is it the angle of the ground? (50/50) – No
Is it vegetative growth? (50/50) – Yes

As Rigby, Bliss, and Atti entered the dark passageway, they almost immediately discovered that the absence of light was going to be the least of their maneuverability problems. The earth beneath Tynor Castle was carpeted by networks of roots that easily caught feet and ankles.

Atti pulled one out of the ground and lit the end of it with a spark of lightning from her fingertips. The flickering light from the flame she created illuminated the small cavern down which they were traveling.

“Here,” Atti said to Bliss, handing her the makeshift torch, “you need this more than I do.”

Bliss shared the flame with Rigby, who did as Atti had done by pulling up a thick root.

“What are these roots?” he asked. “There aren’t any trees around the castle.”

“I’ve no idea,” Bliss answered, “but they’re slowing us down.”

Hero, Access 10C – Rigby, Fighter, Low Impact

Rigby swung his sword through the roots in front of him. The blade cut through them cleanly.

“Most are easy enough to chop through,” he said. “A few are tougher. Follow me and we’ll be able to move through more quickly.”

Atti and Bliss got behind Rigby in a single file.

“Carlyn!” Rigby called out. “It’s me, Rigby! Where are you?”

World, Access 10C – Being, Aggressive/Excitement/Exterior Factors, Extreme Impact
Interpretation: Something once dormant is being stirred up by the group’s activity.
Is it related to the roots? (50/50) – Yes
Do the roots belong to a living creature? (Likely) – No
Do the roots belong to many living creatures? (Likely) – Yes
Are the roots appendages? (Very likely) – Yes

There was no answer from Carlyn, but the roots beneath Rigby’s feet began to respond! Each started to move and, soon, the mass of thick roots suddenly became an underground sea of writhing, woody tentacles!

The root-tentacles whipped about, reaching out for the legs of its victims. Once grasped, the root-tentacles began to pull, drawing its victims down into the earth!

[Rigby, Bliss, Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]

Hero, Access 8D, use 10D – Attheaeldre, Magic-user, Moderate Impact

Atti summoned her innate elven magic and fired a bolt of lightning at the ground. The electrical charge lanced through the roots and paralyzed them in place.

The root-tentacles stopped dragging down the trio, but still did not let go.

[Rigby, Bliss, Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]

World, Access 10D – ROOT MEN, Extreme Impact
Do the roots start pulling again? (50/50) – No
Does the lightning provoke a new tactic? (Somewhat likely) – Yes
Do bodies rise out of the earth? (Unlikely) – Yes
Are they plant creatures? (Very likely) – Yes
Are they carnivorous? (50/50) – No
Are they defensive? (Very likely) – Yes

Suddenly, right in front of Rigby, the earth swelled, and several roots stretched out as if to reach for the earthen ceiling. As the roots lengthened, trunk-like torsos were birthed out of the ground!

Within seconds, a half-dozen sentient root creatures blocked the path of progress into the tunnel system, as if deliberately trying to stop the trio from continuing on their journey.

And more were beginning to writhe out of the earth all around them!

[Rigby, Bliss, Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]

Hero, Access 10D, use 8D – Attheaeldre, Magic-user, Moderate Impact

“I’ve got one lightning bolt left!” Atti cried. “Run through them when you can, Wynter!”

“What about you two?” Rigby asked.

“Don’t worry about us! Just get ahead and let us know if you find Carlyn!”

With all of the power within her, Atti launched a lightning bolt at the root creatures directly in front of Rigby. Just as she thought, the spell was able to slow down a few of the creatures.

Rigby hacked his ankles free and pushed forward through the paralyzed beasts.

[Bliss, Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]

World, Access 8D – Being, Passive/Befriend/Stalemate, High Impact
Interpretation: Someone weaker than the trio “controls” the root creatures.
Is it Carlyn (who is also #8 on previous list)? (Near sure thing) – Yes
Is this indirect impact? (50/50) – No
Does she know how to completely control the creatures? (Very unlikely) – No
Is she being protected by them? (Very likely) – Yes
Does she know why they protect her? (Likely) – Yes

Once past the sentinels blocking his way, Rigby could make out the faint flicker of a torch around a curve in the tunnel. He followed the light, making sure to sidestep the writhing roots that tried to stop his progress.

Around the corner, he found Carlyn flanked by fully uprooted Root Men. The creatures stood by her like bodyguards. She appeared unharmed, but very scared.

“Carlyn!” Rigby cried. “Are you alright?”

“Rigby? I’m fine, I think. What – How did you get here?”

“I came to help you with your goblin problem, but now it looks like you’re having more of a gardening issue.” He slapped away a root-tentacle that went for his throat. “Oh, and Lord Bainbridge is plotting to assassinate you.” He tried to move closer to Carlyn, but more root creatures emerged out of the ground ahead of him. “So, what’s all this with the tree stump people?”

“My father told me that if I was ever in danger, I should use one of the secret escape doors and I’d be safe with the Root Men. They were grown to protect all members of the Narmuth family.” Carlyn eyed her bodyguards suspiciously. “But the ones down here seem to be a little more overprotective than he said. I don’t think they want to let me go.”

Rigby sliced through a root twisting up his right ankle. “You said escape doors. There’s more than one?”

“Four,” Carlyn said. “Rigby, what’s happening? Did they catch the Night Elf?”

“They weren’t meant to catch it. Lord Bainbridge set this whole thing up. He faked the goblin problem and used it as an excuse to bring a Night Elf into the castle. The elf is an assassin.” Rigby looked down at the ground, pretending to be slicing a root. “I wish you hadn’t gone along with capturing it.”

“I didn’t!” Carlyn said. “I didn’t know a thing about it until the very last minute! Then, I watched the soldiers bring in the Night Elf to make sure it wasn’t hurt. I still can’t believe this is happening.”

“You’re the last Narmuth, Carlyn. With you gone, Bainbridge rules Tynor.” Rigby looked around the dark passageway nervously. “We’ve got to get you away from these Root Men. With four escape tunnels, the Night Elf will eventually find his way down here.”

Hero, Access 6S – Rigby, Rogue, Low Impact

“There’s got to be some way to trick them,” Rigby said, eyeing the Root Men while shooing away the wriggling roots at his feet. “They don’t have eyes, so how do they know that you’re a Narmuth?”

Carlyn shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Let’s test something,” he said. “I remember my father telling me about a treasure room in Cirdum that had a floor that was impossible to walk across. At the least vibration, spikes would be released wherever even a little toe touched down.” Rigby looked at the earthen ceiling above Carlyn. “Can you jump up and hang off one of those vines?”

Carlyn put her hands on her hips and scowled at him. “Are you going to make a short joke if I can’t?”

“Of course. It’d be irresponsible of me not to.”

Carlyn tried to reach the hanging vine, but she was too petite to succeed.

“Right,” said Rigby. “Let me try.”

He sheathed his sword, hopped a few paces over angry roots, and jumped up toward another vine. As he hung with his feet suspended over the ground, the roots seemed to no longer take an interest in him.

“I was right!” he exclaimed. “Now, please acknowledge my incredible rightness!”

Carlyn sighed. “How is this going to help me, Rigby?”

World, Access AH – Thing, Abstract/Dominate/The physical, Low Impact
Interpretation: A feeling comes over a person because of the physical surroundings.
Is it claustrophobia? (50/50) – Yes
Does it affect Carlyn? (50/50) – Yes

“It’s a way to get around the Root Men if we can figure out how to make it work,” Rigby said.

Carlyn began gasping for air.

“What’s wrong?” Rigby asked, still dangling.

“It just feels like…like the walls are closing in on me.”

Hero, Access AH – Rigby, Character Assumption, Fond Memories, Low Impact

“The walls aren’t closing in on you,” Rigby said still hanging from the vine. “Just shut your eyes and imagine when we used to play in the courtyard, running around in that big space in front of the castle. Remember the fountain that used to be out there? We’d keep jumping through it until your father yelled at us…well, actually yelled at me. I was such a bad influence!”

Carlyn laughed. “Yes, and I don’t think you’ve changed much.” Her breathing was improved already.

“How dare you! You ought to see the company I’m keeping these days. Very impressive! They’re with me to rescue you, so can we get on with that now, your Countessness? My arms are starting to hurt.”

ROUND FIVE – The Secret Tunnels

Rigby leapt to a spot on the ground that was the most rootless and explored further down the tunnel, his torch thrust forward.

“No more frisky roots here. Where do these tunnels lead?” he asked Carlyn.

“I don’t know,” Carlyn answered as he jumped up repeatedly trying to grab a vine. “My father was a very careful man. He probably had a route mapped out to somewhere away from the castle.”

Atti and Bliss soon joined Rigby and Carlyn. Both kicked or swung at root-tentacles every few moments.

“Countess, are you alright?” Bliss asked.

“She is,” Rigby answered, “but the Root Men have grown fond of her. They won’t let her out without a fight. Plus, there were three other ways for the Night Elf to get down here. It won’t take long for him to figure that out.”

“Do we go back up to the castle?” Atti asked.

“I think that’s what Bainbridge would expect and want,” Rigby said. “It’d be better if we go deeper into the tunnels and find old Osram Narmuth’s secret exit.”

Carlyn finally found a vine low enough to grab and she gracelessly threw herself closer to Atti and Bliss. The Root Men began to follow.

“Are you sure there is an exit?” Bliss asked as she watched the Root Men close in. Even more were sprouting out of the ground.

“No,” Rigby admitted, “but do we have a choice?” Rigby looked into the darkness of the deeper tunnel. “Let’s go!”




World, Access 5H – Locale, Incidental/Cruelty/Illness, Moderate Impact
Interpretation: Some sort of natural growth is a hazard, probably from toxins.
[Check Swords & Wizardry] Is it Yellow Mold? (Likely) –Yes

Rigby led the way, Carlyn and Bliss were next, and Atti kept to the rear. Only Rigby had a torch now to minimize the flickering light that would be blindingly obvious to a Night Elf underground.

For the first several minutes, the tunnel was an unsettling passageway to traverse. Damp dirt was all around them, as were thick worms, bloated bugs, and strange vines. Clearly, Osram Narmuth had secured the secrecy of the escape tunnels by keeping their construction aesthetic to a minimum. As such, moving through them gave Rigby the occasional feeling of being buried alive.

As he shook away the morbid notion and turned another corner, Rigby walked forward into the dark tunnel, and his right foot stepped in a large patch of yellow mold. Instantly, the fungus spewed out a cloud of deadly spores.

Hero, Access 4H, use 7H, 5H – Rigby, Bricoleur, High Impact

Rather than leaping back, Rigby placed the flame of his torch directly in front of his face. Though Rigby’s brows were nearly singed, the fire consumed the spores.

For a few seconds, he held his breath anyway, not really being sure what danger he had just escaped. He knew that it was certainly something that Carlyn would be better off not knowing about.

“Why have we stopped?” Bliss whispered.

“Sorry,” Rigby answered, “had a rock in my shoe.”

He then proceeded onward.

World, Access 4H – Thing, Mysterious/Propose/Pain, Moderate Impact
Interpretation: Something with strange purpose in the tunnels appears dangerous.
Is it alive? (50/50) – Yes
Is it a type of animal? (50/50) – No
Does it look humanoid-ish? (50/50) – Yes
Is it still? (50/50) – No
Is it moving toward them? (50/50) – Yes
Is it moving slowly? (50/50) – Extreme Yes
Is it armed? (50/50) – No
Is its form dangerous in appearance? (50/50) – Yes
[Check Dark Fate] Is it undead? (50/50) – Yes
How many are there? 2

After a few more minutes of careful navigating, Rigby stopped the group when indistinct shapes appeared in the distance. Along with the shapes came an occasional scraping sound.

“There’s something moving up ahead,” he whispered.

“The Night Elf?” asked Carlyn.

Atti laughed. “If the Night Elf was up ahead, we wouldn’t know it.”

“Something’s moving up there,” Rigby said. “It’s slowly coming this way, but it’s not trying to be quiet about it.”

Atti moved ahead of Rigby and squinted in the darkness.

“I don’t see anything with my darkvision,” she said.

“I’m telling you, I saw something,” Rigby insisted. “Like two men, only deformed.”

Bliss sighed. “Deformed men that an elf can’t see with darkvision…they’re undead.”

Carlyn shrank back. “Oh, gods! You mean from Amtal?”

“Maybe,” said Bliss.

“We can’t go that way!” Carlyn pleaded. “Please! Let’s just go back to the castle! Rigby! Please!”

Hero, Access 7H, use 4H, 5H – Rigby, Bricoleur, High Impact

“Actually,” Rigby whispered, “this could be a good thing!”

“How?” asked Carlyn, shocked by the notion.

“If we can get past them, they could act like a warning if we’re being followed by the Night Elf. We have to defend ourselves without injuring them.”

“You’re crazy!” Carlyn hissed.

“No, he’s not,” Atti said. “At least, he isn’t right now. All elves despise the undead, even the Night Elves. The assassin won’t pass up an opportunity to destroy them.”

“Agreed,” Bliss said.

Carlyn was outnumbered.

Quickly, Rigby led the others forward extending the torch as far out in front of him as he could. He moved slowly toward the two undead beings, putting the torches right in front of their grotesque visages.

As Bliss, Atti, and Carlyn ran past, the undead leered at Rigby with their putrefied faces. The two foul creatures were similar in deformity – elvish skeletal abominations with thin layers of rotting flesh stretched between their bones – and they were definitely from Amtal. Worse still, their hands were abnormally huge with fingers ending in tremendous and filthy claws that looked capable of scooping out Rigby’s guts with one pass.

Running right behind the women, Rigby passed both slow-moving creatures without incident. Certain the creatures weren’t following them, Rigby mentally congratulated himself on another bright idea.

World, Access 3S – Locale, Deliberate/Separate/Environment, Low Impact
Interpretation: There is a troubling deviation in the tunnel.
Is it a fork in the tunnel? (50/50) – No
Is it a new tunnel? (50/50) – Yes
Was it just made? (50/50) – Yes

“Which way?” whispered Atti, whose elven eyes had spotted a secondary tunnel on the side of the one they had been following.

“What do you mean?” Carlyn said fearfully.

“There’s another tunnel. It looks fresh,” Atti said, “like it’s just been dug open.”

Bliss realized Atti’s implication. “By Berilla’s book!”

“Why have you stopped?” Rigby asked as he came up to the front of the group.

Atti pointed to the new tunnel. It was narrower and more haphazardly constructed than the original, but it was wide enough for travel.

“What?” Rigby asked. “What is it?”

“Don’t you get it, Wynter? Those undead we just passed dug that tunnel, and they’re probably from Amtal!”

“But Amtal is at least 100 miles away!”

“And they’re the undead!” Bliss shouted. “They could have been at this with their long claws for 100 years! Don’t you see? This is an invasion tunnel from the Necropolis! Amtal can invade Tynor!”

Hero, Access JC – Attheaeldre, Fighter, Low Impact

“Cursed Gwyanna!” Atti cried, and she ran past the others with her sword and dagger at the ready.

“Atti! No!” Rigby hoarsely whispered, but he could not stop the enraged elf.

The sound of steel on bone resonated in the dark tunnels.

Seconds later, Atti returned looking quite satisfied.

“I only took off their legs. The Night Elf can have the rest, so your warning system is fine,” she said, and she walked ahead of the others following the original tunnel.

World, Access 7H – Being, Aggressive/Harm/Business, High Impact
Interpretation: The Night Elf assassin is determined to complete Carlyn’s assassination.
Is this indirect impact? (50/50) – Yes
Does he stop to finish off the undead first? (Near sure thing) – Yes

Suddenly, as if on cue with Atti’s words, new sounds of steel on bone reverberated through the tunnel. The Night Elf was destroying the undead burrowers.

Before Rigby and the others could register the sounds, all was silence.

He was on the way.

Hero, Access 5H, use 4H, 7H – Rigby, Bricoleur, High Impact

Hoping to throw the Night Elf off their trail, Rigby ran into the new Amtal tunnel and planted his torch into the ground. He then quickly stumbled back to the group now thrust into complete darkness.

“Everyone grab hands!” he whispered. “Atti, lead the way!”

The elf squinted, and her darkvision took them through the tunnel as quickly as possible.

World, Access JC – ROOT MEN, Extreme Impact
Do the Root Men grab the four? (Likely) – Yes

After successfully getting through several yards of the dark tunnel, Rigby crashed to the ground, his ankle stuck on something.

The sounds of his companions’ struggles and the crunching of earth pierced by root-tentacles gave him all the clues he needed to figure out what was happening in the pitch black underworld.

The Root Men had them caught, and the Night Elf was surely close behind!

[Rigby, Bliss, Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]

Hero, Access 3S – Rigby, Rogue, Low Impact

Using the trick wrist action his father had taught to him, Rigby was able to free one hand from the root-tentacles.

He reached into his belt and removed the cold-iron dagger.

[Rigby, Bliss, Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]

ROUND SIX – The Secret Tunnels

All heroes were incapacitated at the end of the previous round; therefore the Adventure Location cannot change. The action picks up where it left off.

[Rigby, Bliss, Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]




World, Access AD – CLAUSTROPHOBIA, Low Impact
Does it affect Carlyn again? (Very likely) – Yes

As the Root Men continued their attack on Rigby, Bliss, and Atti, they held even more tightly to Carlyn and pulled her away from the others in a mindless attempt to “save” the Narmuth.

“Rigby!” she cried, but then her words failed her. Tightness in her chest constricted her breath, and the darkness around her felt like a suffocating wall.

Rigby heard the terrified countess gasping of air and crying for help, but there was nothing he could do about it. The root-tentacles around his body held him fast, and the cold-iron dagger in his hand was too fragile a weapon to slay a Root Man.

[Rigby, Bliss, Attheaeldre: Incapacitated]

Hero, Access 7D, use, AD, 6D – Bliss, Magic-user, High Impact

Desperate and unsure if it would work, Bliss concentrated as best as she could and focused all of her Crimson Order training on a Charm Plants spell. She had no idea if the Root Men were indeed plants, but, with seconds left before they were all pulled under the earth, it was worth a try.

Her magic stretched outward and she felt the connection. The Root Men were falling under her spell!

“Release us!” she stated with authority.

The Root Men obeyed, their root-tentacles slackened, and Bliss was the first to stand. Her blue eyes glowed softly in the darkness.

Atti could see Bliss through the blackness with her darkvision. “You have them?” she asked.

Bliss grinned. “I do.”

“Is this you, Bliss?” Rigby asked.

“Yes,” she answered, “but not for long. We need to go.”

World, Access 6H – ROOT SYSTEM, Moderate Impact

Are new roots trying to take the place of the ones Bliss controls? (Likely) – Yes

Slowly, new roots began to emerge out of the earthen floor. Atti could see them, and the others could feel them beneath their feet.

“Bliss, new ones are coming,” Atti said. “Can you get them, too?”

“No,” Bliss answered. “I have a dozen or so right now – and that’s all. Find all of us, Atti, and lead us out of here!”

Hero, Access 6H – Rigby, Bricoleur, Low Impact

Rigby groped his way through the darkness to Carlyn, and he held her hand tightly once he found her.

“Before we take off again, can you tell the Root Men that Carlyn isn’t a Narmuth? They only come after us because they think she’s in danger.”

“I can tell them that,” Bliss said, “but if they’re attuned to her in some other way we can’t understand, it might not work.”

World, Access 7D – NIGHT ELF ASSASSIN, High Impact
Is he going directly for Carlyn? (Very Likely) – Yes

As Bliss was commanding the Root Men to ignore Carlyn, they became instantly agitated, and she could feel the reason why.

“The Root Men sense another!” Bliss cried. “The Night Elf!”

The Night Elf heard Bliss and knew stealth was useless now, so he charged forward making a direct line for Carlyn!

Rigby extended the cold-iron dagger blindly in front of him, slashing vainly through the darkness, but the Night Elf’s darkvision was too much of an advantage, and the assassin easily disarmed Rigby. The cold-iron dagger was lost in the damp earth.

The Night Elf moved in for the kill.

Hero, Access AD, use 7D, 6D – Bliss, Magic-user, High Impact

“Stop him!” Bliss commanded, and the Root Men whipped their root-tentacles in unison around the Night Elf just inches away from Rigby and Carlyn.

“He is an enemy of Narmuth!” Bliss uttered. “He must never be allowed to hurt them! He must never be allowed to leave these tunnels!”

The Night Elf struggled with all its might, but the imperative charmed into the Root Men by Bliss was just as strong. For every root-tentacle crushed under his mace, another took its place.

Now, with an acknowledged Narmuth enemy in their grasp, the Root Men were energized with purpose.

World, Access 9C – Locale, Incidental/Release/Exterior factors, High Impact
Interpretation: The movement of the Root Men loosens the earthen ceiling.
Is the tunnel caving in around the charmed Root Men? (Likely) – Yes

The Night Elf assassin used every bit of its training and natural prowess to escape the grasp of the Root Men, but the creatures met each of his struggles with equal force. The battle between the elven assassin and the thrashing tentacles began to loosen the earthen ceiling.

Atti was the first to feel dirt on her face. “Oh, no!”

And the entire section of the tunnel began to cave in around everyone.

Hero, Access 6D, use 7D – Attheaeldre, Magic-user, Moderate Impact

Atti quickly cast a Shield spell at the ceiling just as the crushing force of the earth began to rain down on them.

“What’s happening?” Rigby called out, still blind in the dark.

“We’ve got to go, now!” Atti yelled. “Take my hand! Come on!”

Rigby held Carlyn’s hand tightly as he and Bliss reached out for Atti.

Atti easily found each one of them in the dark and guided them through the tunnel as her Shield spell kept them safe.

She turned back around to see the Night Elf still fighting to avoid being dragged down into the earth by the Root Men.

Atti knew he would never be able to manage in time. Her spell would soon dissipate, and the assassin’s doom would swiftly follow.

World, Access 6D – ROOT SYSTEM, Moderate Impact
Does this trip up the group? (Likely) – Yes

As Atti and the others stumbled through the tunnel, the roots were increasing in frequency, and they kept tripping over them. It was a struggle to continue through the dark tunnel knowing that the coming cave-in could possibly collapse the entire structure.

Hero, Access 9C – Attheaeldre, Character Assumpiom, Darkvision, Low Impact

Fortunately, Atti was able to reach the end of the tunnel before disaster struck.

“We’re here,” the elf announced. “We’re at the end of it.”

“Is there a way out?” Rigby asked.

Atti’s elven eyes easily made out the hatch above them. “Yes. Looks like a stone marks the entry – or is the entry. There’s a rope here, too.”

“Then, this is where my father wanted us to go,” Carlyn said, the sound of fear having left her voice.

But Bliss wondered – they hadn’t really traveled that far – so, what waited for them on the surface?

ROUND SEVEN – Pontadunir Ruins

When Rigby, Carlyn, Bliss, and Atti climbed out from old Count Narmuth’s tunnel, the cool breeze and evening sunlight that greeted them was wonderful. Though they had emerged from the subterranean system inside of some sort of structure, it was an incomplete edifice with many places for the outside light and air to enter.

“We must be in the Old Pontadunir Ruins,” Carlyn said, “still quite close to the castle.”

“I remember this place,” Rigby said. “Wasn’t this supposed to mark the very first civilized settlement?”

“Yes. That’s why it was never cleared away.”

“Or maybe that’s what your father wanted everyone to think,” Bliss said musingly. “This was his escape route, although it didn’t take him very far from danger.”

Carlyn moved toward one of the openings in which a window might be set. “They say you can see sprites dancing around here during the night.”

“Cute,” said Bliss. She scanned the interior of the ruins carefully. On the surface, there was nothing remarkable about the stonework, all of which was in varying states of decline. The surface of one wall was decrepit and brittle while another seemed as strong as the day it had been erected. Some columns were sturdy and straight; some were reduced to a heap of fragmented segments. As a historical remnant, the Pontadunir Ruins was a lovely memento near a grassy hillside. As a ruler’s hideout, it was less than ideal.

“We’ll need to alert the people about Bainbridge,” Rigby said, “and the invasion tunnel from the Necropolis.” He looked fondly at Carlyn. “Care to lead on, Countess?”

“My pleasure,” the girl replied with a flourish of her dirt-crusted gown.

Bliss did not move. “Something’s not right, here,” she muttered to herself.




Pontadunir Ruins Conflict List
To be generated entirely by the Mythic GME

World, Access 3H – Being, Aggressive/Adversity/Ambush, Low Impact
Interpretation: Someone has the ruins surrounded.
Is it Bainbridge and others? (50/50) – No
Is it someone alerted by the group’s entrance? (50/50) – Yes
Did the group trigger something? (Very likely) – Yes
Is this part of the king’s escape plan? (Likely) – Yes

Arrows suddenly flew out of the nearby trees and into the ruins. None seemed aimed for a deliberate strike, only for warning, but the shock of the sudden attack sent Rigby and the others crouching behind stone tablet fragments and any debris that could provide cover.

“Bainbridge?” Rigby exclaimed. “How could he have known?”

“I don’t think it’s Bainbridge,” Bliss said. “I think this is part of the king’s escape plan.”

“To be shot with arrows?” Rigby asked. “Well, that’s a stupid plan.”

“I think the arrows are meant for the people kidnapping the Countess,” Bliss said. “That would be us.”

Hero, Access 2D, use 5D – Attheaeldre, Magic-user, Moderate Impact

Atti waved her hand in front of her and the air began to shimmer.

“Casting a Shield, Bliss,” she said. “It’s my last one. I’ll put it in front of you and then you put something in their heads.”

“Good idea,” Bliss said, and she watched as Atti’s magic created a barrier of protection directly in front of her. The arrows began to bounce harmlessly off the Shield spell.

World, Access 8C – Being, Mysterious/Adjourn/Leadership, High Impact
Interpretation: Someone claims a special authority in Tynor.
Is this indirect impact? (50/50) – No
Is this a man? (50/50) – Extreme Yes
(Extreme?) Is this a man of legend? (50/50) – Yes
Is this the leader of the attackers? (Very likely) – Yes
Is he part of the king’s escape plan? (50/50) – Yes

Suddenly, a man appeared behind Bliss. He was cloaked in green and brown, almost imperceptible against the natural surroundings. The hood over his head completely concealed his face. No arrows came anywhere near him.

“Release the Countess, and you shall go unharmed,” the man said as he disappeared into the background.

“We are here to help the Countess,” Bliss asserted.

The man appeared to the side of Bliss, now almost perfectly camouflaged against a wall of the ruins. Again, no arrows came near him.

“Only the Narmuths know of the tunnels,” he said, “and only they shall use them in times of trouble. That has been our secret mandate.”

The man disappeared again.

“Keep your eyes open, Atti,” Bliss said. “Their leader is a Master Ranger.”

Hero, Access 5D, use 2D – Bliss, Magic-user, Moderate Impact

Bliss allowed her cloak to show its true nature of deep crimson fabric decorated with silver moons and stars. “I am of the Crimson Order,” she announced defiantly, and her eyes glowed bright blue.

The archers suddenly began firing their arrows in every other direction but the ruins. Bliss’s Confusion spell worked well on them.

“Again, I say we are not here to harm the Countess!”

World, Access 2H, use 2D – Thing, Concrete/Expose/Messages, Moderate Impact
Interpretation: The Master Ranger has proof of his authority.
Is it of Osram? (Very likely) – No
Is it of an ally? (Very likely) – Yes
[Check Dark Fate] Is it from Siarit? (50/50) – Yes
Is it from the Emperor of Siarit? (50/50) – Yes

The Master Ranger’s cloaked form suddenly appeared near Rigby and Carlyn, and then dodged into obscurity, leaving behind a disk of metal that clanked on the stone floor with deliberate loudness.

“What is it?” Rigby asked.

Still huddled against Rigby, Carlyn could tell immediately what the object was.

“It’s the seal of Emperor Tallendor of Siarit! They’re our allies!”

“That was Osram’s plan,” Bliss realized. “Traveling through the tunnels triggered something that brought Siaritan rangers to the rescue. They must be keeping covert watch over Tynor and Dunir all the time.”

“What does this mean?” Rigby asked.

Bliss frowned. “It means if we play this wrong, we’ll have a serious political situation on our hands.”

Hero, Access 3H, use 2H – Rigby, Bricoleur, Moderate Impact

“Okay,” said Rigby, “then let’s play it right!” He raised his arms above his head and stood tall, hoping that saying something totally unexpected would turn the situation around – something he had always wanted to say out loud.

“I’M IN LOVE WITH CARLYN NARMUTH!” he shouted much more loudly than the thousands of times he had muttered them into a tankard of substandard ale.

His voice echoed off the walls of the ruins.

The archers stopped shooting arrows uselessly around them.

Atti rolled her eyes.

Carlyn blushed.

“Yeah, I said it! That was me! I have loved this girl for a long time, but then she became the countess, and I couldn’t get near her anymore. So, I stayed away and got drunk a lot and now her chief chancellor is plotting her assassination! That’s why she used the tunnel – and that’s why my friends and I are with her. If Bainbridge takes over Tynor, Pontad will have its strongest ally right near Siarit’s borders!

“But I don’t care about that! All I care about is Carlyn! So, if you guys are true allies to the Narmuths, you’ll help us!”

World, Access 5D – Being, Passive/Propose/A representative, Moderate Impact
Interpretation: A member of the Siaritan group comes forward.
Is this indirect impact? (Very unlikely) – No
Is he male? (50/50) – Yes
Is he a ranger-type? (50/50) – No
Is he a magic-user? (Unlikely) – No
Is he a fighter? (50/50) – Extreme No
(Extreme?) Is he a child? (50/50) – Yes

Out from behind a wall – as if he’d been there all along – emerged a boy of about twelve whose footfalls were as silent as the paws of a cat.

“My grandfather wants to know something,” the boy said to Rigby. “What makes you worthy of Countess Narmuth?”

Rigby looked down at the child with complete bewilderment. “Uh…who’s your grandfather?”

“He’s our leader, and a very old friend of Count Osram,” the boy answered. “He also said that if the witch or the elf tries to hurt me, he’ll kill them very quickly.”

“Well, what a wonderful role model your granddad is!” Rigby said.

“So,” the boy said, “what makes you worthy of Countess Narmuth?”

Hero, Access 2H, use 3H – Rigby, Bricoleur, Moderate Impact

“Well, financially speaking,” Rigby said, “not much. Things haven’t worked out for me the way I’d hoped, mainly because my father is a jerk, but more because I haven’t quite found my place in the world. I’m not much of a fighter, and I don’t like stealing, which makes me not much of a rogue, so I’m just me – and sometimes ‘me’ is a tough sell to prospective customers.

“As for every other reason anyone could ever think of, I’ve got it all!” Rigby turned away from the boy and looked Carlyn in the eyes. “This girl is my best friend, and when I’m with her, I forget every lousy smack across the head the Hand of Fate has given to me! When she’s happy, I’m happy, and I always want to see her happy! I don’t know how great this countess-thing is working out, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make things better for her, like, say, fighting root monsters and a Night Elf assassin in a secret tunnel or getting back at traitorous Chief Chancellor who wants her dead.

“Did I mention he’s in league with Pontad, Dunir and Siarit’s mutual enemy?” Rigby boldly lied.

World, Access 2D, use 2H – SEAL OF SIARIT, Moderate Impact
Does the boy use it? (50/50) – Yes
Is the seal used physically? (50/50) – Yes

The boy’s grandfather’s cloak appeared behind him and seemed to lean over, whispering in his ear. He handed the boy a blue candle that burned excessively brightly, and then he disappeared again within his superior camouflaging.

Without a word, the boy picked up the Seal of Siarit from the ground. He held it up at an angle toward the castle in the distance. With sharp wrist movements and waves of the blazing blue candle, the boy began sending flashing signals to the castle.

Carlyn’s eyes widened. “There never were sprites! It was you communicating with my father!”

From the castle, a flashing light was returned.

“We have people in your castle. They say they have been told that the Countess was kidnapped by spies from Pontad. We have told them that the Countess is here. They will reveal our presence to Lord Bainbridge, and he will come – and then we’ll know the truth.”

Hero, Access 8C – Attheaeldre, Fighter, Low Impact

Atti gritted her teeth and held back the fury welling up within her. They were surrounded by rangers who were experts at ambush, and, soon, Tynorian soldiers led by Bainbridge would be there as well.

Out of spells, Atti readied herself for physical confrontation, imagining which targets she’d hit first – but who was friend and who was foe?

Deceptions. Secret allegiances. Politics. This was the stuff that Bliss was good at, not her. If Atti had to fight her way through all of them to save Bliss, she’d do it.

Unfortunately, the odds now were worse than they had been in the tunnels.

ROUND EIGHT – Pontadunir Ruins

Rigby, Bliss, and Atti stood together. After everything that had happened so far, to lose Carlyn to a force of Siaritan rangers who would just hand her over to Bainbridge would be a terrible defeat. Then again, Rigby’s claim that Bainbridge was in league with Pontad, the aggressive nation to the east for which the Siaritans had no love, might buy them a chance to expose the Chief Chancellor’s betrayal – despite the fact that Rigby’s accusation was a complete lie.

Tynorian soldiers on horseback were the first to arrive at the ruins. Tynor’s soldiers were not many, but the best were riders and typically loyal to the Countess. Behind them on foot was a small group of well-armed footmen led by Lord Bainbridge and a few other nobles.

“So, how do we get out of this one?” Rigby asked.

Bliss smiled. “I really don’t know.”




World, Access 4D – Being, Aggressive/Return/Trials, Moderate Impact
Interpretation: A noble with judicial clout wants Rigby and others arrested.
Is the noble male? (Near sure thing) – Yes
Is he a Siaritan agent? (50/50) – No
Is he part of Bainbridge’s conspiracy? (50/50) – Yes

Lord Mulgrave, chief justice of the Tynorian courts, pointed toward Rigby and the others and shouted, “There! Those three! Arrest them for freeing the Night Elf and kidnapping the Countess!”

“Lord Mulgrave,” Carlyn said, “I was not kidnapped! They tried to help me!”

Mulgrave waved dismissively toward Carlyn. “The girl is still frightened for her life. Arrest those three and take the Countess for her own safety!”

Hero, Access 5C, Rigby, Fighter, Low Impact

Rigby drew his sword and stepped forward, placing himself between the soldiers and his friends.

“No one is taking anybody anywhere until we’ve straightened this out!” He stood defiantly as if he had a chance of fighting the lot of the soldiers on his own. “The Countess is the one in charge, here, so we’ll listen to her!”

World, Access 5S – MASTER RANGER’S GRANDSON, Moderate Impact
Does he remain impartial? (50/50) – No
Does he not trust Carlyn’s rule? (Likely) – Yes

“You may listen to the Countess,” the boy said, “but my grandfather sometimes doubts her ability to rule Tynor. Tynorians may find her charming, but times are growing more difficult.”

Hero, Access JD – Bliss, Character Assumption, Agent Briefing, Low Impact

“But everyone knows that Osram preferred Carlyn to take his place!” Bliss said. “Her brothers Gilram and Wolram should never have gone off so quickly to fight Pontad in the Battle Forest. In a few more years’ time, Carlyn would have had sufficient experience to be the leader her father knew she would be.” Bliss put her hand on Carlyn’s shoulder. “What is most important is that her people love her.”

World, Access JD – Being, Aggressive/Vengeance/Failure, Extreme Impact
Interpretation: Bainbridge wants to settle the score for his failed coup.
Is he enraged? (Likely) – Yes
Is he worried about his plan failing? (50/50) – Yes
Is he part of something bigger? (50/50) – Yes

“Love is not enough!” Bainbridge cried. “The people need stronger leadership, here and in all of Dunir!”

The other nobles grunted in agreement. Even the soldiers seemed to side with Bainbridge.

“Do we dare risk another Reconquest War,” Bainbridge asked, “or do we strike first?”

Again, there was accord among the nobles and some of the soldiers. Bainbridge’s call to arms was shared by those around him.

“Now, Countess,” Bainbridge said with a malevolent smile, “come with us. I’m sure after everything that’s happened you’ll be more willing to see things with a new perspective.

“Get her!” he said to the soldiers.

Hero, Access 4D, use 9D, JD – Bliss, Magic-user, High Impact

Bliss’s eyes glowed bright blue, and the fingers on her right hand twitched in mysterious rhythm. “Not even the boldest warrior will stand against Rigby Wynter, Champion of Tynor!” she exclaimed as she cast a Fear spell on the Tynorian soldiers.

“Really?” said Rigby, worried that he would have to back up Bliss’s claim.

“It’s safer back at the castle,” Bliss added. “Tell them that Rigby Wynter is the Countess’s champion!”

The soldiers on horseback and on foot could not conceal the awe and terror they felt for Rigby, nor could they ignore the urgent feeling to return to the castle.

“Stay where you are!” Bainbridge shouted. “Stand your ground!”

But the soldiers could only obey the fear gripping their souls. They did not want to tussle with the great Rigby Wynter, and they did not care what Bainbridge commanded. All at once, the soldiers retreated with great haste back to Tynor castle leaving Bainbridge, Mulgrave, and the other few nobles on their own.

“Now, Lord Bainbridge,” Bliss said, “what’s this about needing stronger leadership in all of Dunir?”

World, Access 5C – MASTER RANGER’S GRANDSON, Moderate Impact

“No more magic, witch,” the boy said. “If you confuse this situation any more than it already is, my grandfather will be very unhappy.”

The boy moved between the two parties, keeping one foot on a stone slab of the ruins and one on the earth.

“Who are you?” Bainbridge asked, aggravated by the continued unraveling of his plans.

The boy showed the seal to Bainbridge.

“Ah, good,” Bainbridge sighed. “We have friends in Siarit.”

“And we have friends in your castle,” the boy replied. “Yet, it is only now that we are learning of your plans. That surely makes my grandfather uneasy. Clearly, you are not an ally of Pontad, but you may not be a true ally of Siarit, either.

“My grandfather wonders if what the Countess needs is advisors who will help her find her innate leadership, rather than force another’s point of view on her.”

Hero, Access 9D – Bliss, Character Assumption, Agent Briefing, Low Impact

“I think your grandfather can see,” Bliss said, pointing to Bainbridge, “the Countess has been fleeing from this man’s plans. He’s probably wanted to usurp her position ever since she took the rule of the county.

“What’s more, he may be part of a greater conspiracy. I know from very credible sources that Queen Alissa herself has heard rumors of a cabal of plotters who think they can strike preemptively at Pontad. But such an act would be tantamount to suicide for the citizens of Dunir. Pontad’s military is far too strong.

“Carlyn is very much like Alissa, but she just needs more time to grow into her role.” Bliss glanced over at Rigby. “She needs an advisor who has her best interests at heart.”

World, Access 9D – Locale, Incidental/Create/Outside, High Impact
Interpretation: The ground beneath the ruins exposes to the surface a tunnel.
Is it the Amtal tunnel? (Likely) – Yes

Suddenly, a sinkhole appeared in the ground near the ruins. The hole exposed to the outside world a small black pit of dark earth.

The smell that escaped with the opening of the hole was the smell of death.

Hero, Access 5S – Attheaeldre, Character Assumption, Elven Agility, Low Impact

Atti leapt over the wall of the ruins and tread carefully to the edge of the hole. She lightly leaned over and peered into the depths with her darkvision.

She then delicately raised herself up and said, “It’s the tunnel from Amtal.”

Bainbridge and the other nobles muttered to one another.

Rigby put his arm around Carlyn.

The boy stealthily camouflaged himself into the ruins and then disappeared.


The royal chamber of Griphinn Palace was lit with a modest number of candles. The glow of those candles was just barely able to cut through the darkness of midnight which enveloped all of Dunir. Queen Alissa Beatrix, ruler of Dunir, sat at her seat, a furrowed brow spoiling her natural beauty.

Out of the gloomy shadows around her emerged Bliss Saramanda. Bliss’s crimson cloak appeared blood red in the dim light, and the silver stars and moons on the cloak seemed to have lost their luster.

“I read your message,” the Queen said. “So, the only goblins in Tynor were the ambitions in the hearts of some warmongering old fools?”

“Yes,” Bliss said, “but fools I fear who are part of a larger group…one that may have designs on your throne.”

“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am.”

“The Countess is back safely in her castle, and her new chief advisor is the great Champion of Tynor, Rigby Wynter.”

“Champion?” Alissa asked with a smile.

“Yes, well, one of my Fear spells may have gone a bit too far. The soldiers it affected sort of spread the word that they had met a great champion, and then, when Carlyn got back to her people, she told them that Rigby had saved her. Rigby made sure it all got out of hand from there. I think he tried to plan a parade for himself, too.”

“And, what about Bainbridge?”

“He and his cohorts took off when they realized an attack from Amtal was a possibility. Atti talked to some of her contacts, but no one has heard them turn up anywhere. She thinks the rangers from Siarit may have gotten them.”

Queen Alissa’s eyes burned a bright yellow, and from out of her hand came a globe of light that filled the room with a warm brightness that illuminated every dark corner.

“Conspirators, spies, and evil beneath our feet…dark times are ahead of us, Bliss, but with good people like you and Atti and Rigby Wynter, we’ll dispel that darkness. We’ll start with the tunnel from Amtal. I want it destroyed.”

“The Countess and her Champion are already on it.”

“Good. Then I have another mission for you.” Alissa’s grin seemed playfully wicked in the bright light. “Ever heard of East Tower?”

“In Siarit?”

“Yes. I’ve word that something is about to happen over there, and I think it would be most appropriate for you and Atti to investigate.”

“Really?” Bliss laughed. “Will it be dangerous, my Queen?”

“Extremely.” Queen Alissa raised an eyebrow and extinguished the light