#the isles inn campaign 2

[wisteriteeth]

the cgs i made for today's session of isles inn :--]

[briaryoung]

Not a lot to say abt this one, my friend just suggested I put him in a robe.

Oh, and the constellation in the back is Ara, the altar! It's where gods would pledge their allegiance. Semi relevant to the lore.

[iitcofficial]

i made two fanart

☁️— WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! that is so so so so awesome!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! i'm going to print it out and put it on my wall!!! :D

-two

[foxes-that-run]

2019 Haylor Timeline

Timeline Tag, Back to 2018

1 January - Taylors New Years Eve costume party she dresses as Ariel

3 January - MH asks to produce Harry's next album... via twitter.... and says Harry has blocked him.

6 January - Taylor in LA at Golden Globes afterparty

9 January - Harry still in Japan

Miss Americana filmed between Rep tour and Lover, released in 2020.

16 January - Kiko Mizuhara says she has never met Harry, then

2 February - Kiko at Harry's birthday party they may or may not have dated.

18 January - Taylor seen at recording studio in NYC (suggested Me!, but I think that's too late, it was released as a single in April)

26 January - Harry still in Japan

1 February - Harry's 25th Birthday “I had a very Murakami birthday because I ended up staying in Tokyo on my own. I had grilled fish and miso soup for breakfast, then I went to this cafe. I sat and drank tea and read for five hours.” (Harry Styles on his 25th birthday, Rolling Stone 2019)

10 February - Joe and Taylor go to Harry's local, the Spaniards Inn Hampstead Heath ...... Harry was in LA on the 12th. Seen walking in Paris in March and not again for 7 months.

12 February - Joe and Taylor attend the BAFTAS Taylor is photographed having dinner with Liam Payne

5 March - Taylor things before 30 article, includes that Andrea is again in treatment

14 March - Harry arriving at gym in London

28 March - Harry JFK airport, then hotel in NY

29 March - Harry and Xander dinner Ny

5 April - Harry in LOndon

23 April - Taylor plays Time 100 show setlist is Style, Delicate, Love Story, NYD and Shake it off

26 April Me! Video released, just before April 29 anniversary... Joe not seen with Taylor till October.

2 May - Taylor Zane Lowe Me! Interview

3 May - Harry in LA

5 May - Harry Anna Wintour's apartment, pre-met Gala dinner

7 May - Harry hosts his only met gala attendance, Taylor’s doesn’t go anymore. Adore you and Lights up written in May. Harry and Kendall have after party and both leave at 6am and both stayed at the Bowery hotel. Jeff and Xander also there.

May - 6 July Joe filming A Christmas Carol in Hampstead Heath and stays in London after. Taylor in US, billboard awards, Lover media

15 May Harry was in the studio, Harry writes Adore You, Lights up, Treat People with Kindness, starts Boyfriends.

18 May - Harry driving a bright yellow vintage ferrari in Malibu, you can practically hear golden in that photo.

20 May (Haylor anniversary #1), still in studio, Harry wears a white horses shirt and fearless gold shorts on the beach in Malibu. While Horse is a Fearless song he also references in the Daylight video. Fine Line then complete

21 May - Gucci Swan Campaign released

24 May - Taylor in Paris with Joe, she recreates scenes from Begin Again which are later in the TV version of Taylor Swift Live in the City of Lover, except the concert was filmed months later when Joe was not there.

3, 6 June - Harry in London,

9 June - Blind that Taylor & Joe double date was PR setup

30 June Big Machine Records sold with Taylor’s masters.

2-6 July - Taylor in Virgin Isles with her mum, Ashley and the Haim sisters, Joe still filming UK.

10 July Taylor Performs at Amazon Prime event in NYC, points at a figure in Delicate thought to be Joe.

15-17 June - Harry visits Xander in Philly, airport photos

18 July - Harry sells LA house at a loss after 2 years on market

20 July - Taylor in NYC

29 July - Harry in NYC for Rolling Stone shoot in Hawaiian shirt (the eternal sunshine of Harry styles story with Rob Sheffield)

1 August - Gucci fragrance campaign where Harry plays with a ring and leans his head on a blonde lady with a cat masks shoulder. This mask is vintage, there is a Tiktok of the guy who owns it. Taylor wore a similar mask in the LAWYMMD video and was filming cats. We don't know who's in the mask, Harris Reed is on the set and I wonder if it is her.

4 August - Harry shot Lights Up music video in Mexico

6 August - Harry in philli

19 August - stories that KK falling out was she threw a party in Taylor’s NY house

23 August - Lover released. Lover Video released with quite clear Haylor references. Taylor says relationship not up for discussion. in NYC Taylor poses next to a photo of One Direction backstage at a signing in Brooklyn New York.

29 August - Taylor films BBC Live Lounge in NY with emotional performance of London Boy, Lover, The Archer, I can’t stop loving you (Phil Collin’s), Holy Ground and YNTCD. Holy Ground and ICSlY are particularly emotional and Taylor talks about loving someone even if they don’t love you back and that she chose Holy Ground because it refers to NY.

2 September - Harry in London, then disappears for 10 days. Gucci Fragrance Campaign where Harry wore the Haylor Ring.

7 September - both at Ed Sheeran's wedding in a big top. Joe maybe there - Niall followed Joe 8 Sept; Joe back 21 Sept

9 September - Taylor records City of Lover in Paris. Live setlist #7 was DBAC and #13 was Style, also played Love Story, Delicate, ATW, Red, Style and Shake it Off. Joe in Toronto.

11 September - Blind that Joe wasn't able to talk about Taylor, about stilted showing at Favorite premiere

12 September - Harry seen in London and MIA till LAX on 17th

14 September - Joe and Taylor Rhode Island and fly to London

17 September - Harry private club Hollywood

24 September - Harry seen with Xander in LA

26 September - Harry Miami with Xander

28 September - Harry leaves Miami with Gucci Mickey Mouse suitcase.

29 September - Harry in London gallery with Georgia Ritz and her BF (Xander’s sister)

4 October - Harry seen with fans in London. Matty Healy says he wants to produce Taylors record (said about Harry earlier the year) and went on to say 'that taylor swift song about supporting gay people, when it came out we already knew that."

5 October Joe hold hands at Taylors SNL appearance, Elle comments 'their version of PDA at least' which is holding hands. Do you know who you are starts. Taylor performs Lover at SNL, the arrangement is acoustic and slow, she's wearing green, with a green piano and green floor, walls and nails! The music sheets look like paper planes. False God also.

11 October - lights up released

14 October - Harry at John Mayer concert at O2 London, John posts backstage photo.

21 October - A Fashion designer said they met Harry at the Bowery Hotel

27 October - Harry goes on stage at Kasey Musgraves last concert, wearing an all black version of the Fine Line Outfit.

28 October - Taylor's tiny desk concert, her CD is still in the background for Harry's in March.

5 November - Harry announced Fine Line

12, 17 November - Harry in New York

13 November - Joe and Taylor Thai restaurant Hampstead

16 November - Watermelon Sugar released as promotional single. Harry with Xander NY

20 November - Harry filmed the cross walk concert

22 November - sponsored tweets for Eroda Tourism started ❤️ Scooter wrote open letter to Taylor wanting a resolution saying his family was being threatened

23 November Harry's Zane Lowe interview (SNL 16 Nov)

1 December - Taylor on cover of British Vogue

3 December - Harry announced Adore you confirming Eroda is related.

7 December - Harry performs at Capitals Jingle Bell Ball, London

8 December - Taylor performs at Capitals Jingle Bell Ball, London

11 December - Kendall and Harry on Spill your guts

13 December - Fine Line released, Taylor’s birthday, Harry performed it in LA that night Harry Styles ‘Fine Line’ Concert at Forum in L.A. – Rolling Stone. Photos of Harry in Japan released. Taylor also performed that night but at MSG NY, making of photos. Rumour Xander there. Taylor performs in NY for Jingle Bell Ball and tells Fletcher "She had mentioned to me how much she loved the lyrics [to Undrunk]. I nearly fainted and passed away at that moment." Undrunk is about wanting to be over an ex.

15 December - Taylor’s 30th birthday party in NY with all the famous people, tiny pupils and a cat face cake. Media says Joe there, but:

16 December - Joe is in London, not at Taylor's birthday

18 December - Cats premiere, Taylor has a swollen lip. Joe attends holds hands as they leave. Flakes answering about holiday plans. Joe does Christmas Carol interview where he says he jumps in Hampstead Heath Pond every year. What convenient cross marketing, the film is shot in Hampstead, Paper Rings refers to icy outdoor pools. I wonder if he ran into Harry there. Harry at BBC Live Lounge recorded Juice cover

31 December - Joe, Taylor and friends at Maldives for New Years, Harry first wore the But Daddy I love him shirt on New Years Eve video of him dancing with no shoes and tipped a bartender $2020 in Anguilla in the Caribbean

Continue in 2020

[rpgsandbox]

Welcome, traveller, to the fungus-wracked tangle of Dolmenwood, and beware, for all here is not as it seems…

Dolmenwood is a fantasy adventure game set in a lavishly detailed world inspired by the fairy tales and eerie folklore of the British Isles. Like traditional fairy tales, Dolmenwood blends the dark and whimsical, the wondrous and weird.

Streamlined rules and helpful introductory materials guide novice players, while unique new magic and monsters bring a fresh sense of the unknown to veteran role-players. We’re launching the three Dolmenwood core books, plus a range of delectable extras.

Check Out a 76-Page Preview PDF!

Check out our free 76 page preview PDF of material from the 3 core books!

Preview also available at DriveThruRPG and necroticgnome.com (no account required).

Rife with intrigue, secrets, and magic, Dolmenwood draws travellers of adventurous spirit, daring them to venture within.

Explore the wild places of the Wood, travelling through bramble-choked dells, fungus-encrusted glades, and foetid marshes, bedding down among root and bracken amid the nocturnal babbling of strange beasts.

Unearth treasure hoards in forgotten ruins, haunted fairy manors, dripping caverns, crystal grottoes, unhallowed barrow mounds, and abandoned delvings.

Confront fell beasts, roving fungal monstrosities, terrible wyrms, tricksome fairies, and restless spirits of the long deceased.

Recover saintly relics and shrines lost in the befuddling tangle of the Wood, gaining the favour of the Church by returning them to civilisation.

Forage for weird fungi and herbs in the untrod depths of the woods, many with useful magical powers—and many that can be sold for profit.

Strike against Chaos, defending civilisation from the encroaching forces of the wicked, half-unicorn Nag-Lord who lurks in the corrupted northern woods.

Unravel secrets of deep magic, charting the obelisks, dolmens, and ley lines littered throughout Dolmenwood—but beware the sinister Drune cult that wards them.

Seek the counsel of witches and hags, masters of magic that can heal, hex, or divine the future.

Meddle in the affairs of the nobility, allying with a noble house in its intrigues and power plays in the courts of High-Hankle and Castle Brackenwold.

Journey along fairy roads, ancient magical paths bordering on the ageless realm of Fairy that allow travel throughout Dolmenwood—and perchance to realms beyond.

Return to the homely hearth to share tales of peril with quaint locals over a mug of ale and a well-stoked pipe.

The Dolmenwood Player’s Book (A4 size, Smyth-sewn hardcover, 192 pages approx., 1 ribbon marker) contains the complete game rules plus all character options.

Player’s introduction to the intrigues and mysteries of the forest realm of Dolmenwood.

Familiar character creation with the six classic stats, level and XP, Hit Points, and Armour Class.

6 playable kindreds: goat-headed breggles, starry-eyed elves, tricksome grimalkin cat-fairies, everyday humans, fungus-riddled mosslings, and bat-faced woodgrues.

9 character classes: cleric, enchanter, fighter, friar, hunter, knight, magician, minstrel, and thief.

4 kinds of magic: mighty arcane workings, fairy glamours and runes, holy prayers to the host of saints, and the odd knacks of mosslings.

Detailed, flavourful equipment with lists of adventuring gear, armour, weapons, mounts, hounds, inn lodgings, tavern fare, beverages, pipeleafs, fungi, and herbs.

Simple core rules: roll a d6 or a d20 plus modifiers versus a target number.

Easy-to-follow procedures for travel, camping, foraging, dungeon delving, encounters, combat, and downtime.

Full examples of play and introductory materials make the game easy to learn.

The Dolmenwood Campaign Book (A4 size, Smyth-sewn hardcover, 464 pages approx., 2 ribbon markers) presents a lavishly detailed campaign setting, ready for years of adventure.

Referee’s introduction delving into the regions and history of Dolmenwood.

Mysterious lore of the lost shrines, standing stones, ley lines, fairy roads, Wood Gods, and fairy nobles.

7 major factions: the Chaos-godling Atanuwë, the wicked fairy Cold Prince, the sorcerous Drune, the human nobility, the breggle nobility, the monotheistic Pluritine Church, and the enigmatic witches.

12 settlements detailed with major sites and NPCs and beautiful maps.

Expanded procedures for weather, getting lost, encountering monsters, fishing, foraging, and hunting.

200 pages of fantastic locations waiting to be explored.

Over 280 NPCs with their own desires and schemes.

Referee advice on starting and running campaigns, awarding XP, designing adventures, and creating dungeons.

Starter adventure to get you right into the action.

Hundreds of magical artefacts from enchanted oddments to mighty relics.

Over 250 rumours to drive adventure.

Easy-to-reference presentation designed to minimise page flipping and prep time.

The Dolmenwood Monster Book (A4 size, Smyth-sewn hardcover, 128 pages approx., 1 ribbon marker) details a bestiary of creatures that lurk under Dolmenwood’s eaves.

87 fully detailed monsters dripping with flavour, including encounter seeds and beautiful illustrations.

48 mundane animals including unique Dolmenwood fauna such as gobbles and gelatinous apes.

9 types of of normal humans: anglers, criers, fortune-tellers, lost souls, merchants, pedlars, pilgrims, priests, and villagers.

27 NPC stat blocks for common adventuring classes.

Adventuring party generator for rolling up NPC adventurers on quests of their own.

Over 300 rumours describing monsters as featured in local folklore.

Monster creation guidelines to keep players on their toes.

Easy-to-read stat blocks and bullet point presentation for quick reference.

Dolmenwood uses a lightly customised version of the acclaimed Old-School Essentials rules system, tailored to Dolmenwood and with some major quality-of-life upgrades. Players of all editions of Dungeons & Dragons will find the Dolmenwood rules very familiar.

Ability Scores: Roll for 6 ability scores: Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Dexterity, Constitution, Charisma.

Kindred, Class, and Level: 6 kindreds, 9 classes, levels 1–15.

Hit Points (HP): Roll 1d4, 1d6, or 1d8 (determined by Class) for HP. Re-roll 1s or 2s. 0 HP is dead!

Armour Class (AC): AC 10 = unarmoured, better protection raises AC.

Initiative: Streamlined side-based initiative makes combat fast and exciting: each side (monsters / adventurers) rolls 1d6 each Round—highest roll acts first.

Attacking: Roll 1d20, add Attack bonus and modifiers, try to beat the target’s AC, roll damage.

Saving Throws: Roll 1d20, add modifiers, try to beat a fixed target number on the character sheet.

Ability Checks: Roll 1d6, add ability modifier, 4 or higher succeeds.

Skill Checks: Roll 1d6, add modifiers, try to beat a fixed target number on the character sheet.

As an adventure game in the heritage of the RPGs of the 1970s and 1980s, Dolmenwood espouses the danger and excitement of the old-school play style.

Emergent character creation: Unique and surprising Player Characters emerge from quick random rolls, rather than from detailed character build optimisation.

Exploration, puzzles, and tricks: Players’ ingenuity and creativity are challenged by devious puzzles, traps, and tricks. Simply rolling dice to succeed is often not an option!

Creative thinking encouraged: Easy-to-learn rules for exploration, encounters, and combat provide referees with a robust framework from which to make impromptu rulings on players’ outside-the-box antics.

Fast, exciting combat: Combat encounters are quick to play out, leaving plenty of time in game sessions for exploration and role-playing. As in real life, combat is not fair or balanced—players whose clever tactics tip the balance in their favour will prevail!

Zeroes to heroes: Characters advance from humble beginnings to heights of great power.

Open-ended sandbox play: Campaigns focus on freeform stories evolved over the course of play, with players driving the action.

Kickstarter campaign ends: Sat, September 9 2023 4:59 AM BST

Website: [Exalted Funeral] [facebook] [twitter] [instagram] [youtube]

[prwizard]

Ab Number 1 Banega Dharwad: Ashoka Family Group

Rajesh Shindhe, a son of Police Constable is the youngest entrepreneur to be part of multiple businesses in DHARWAD city. He got his BBA degree from JSS College, Dharwad and later on went to pursue his MBA in Marketing at PES University, Bangalore.

Before starting his journey as a businessman, Rajesh worked at DNA Entertainment networks Bangalore as Stand Manager for IPL, ISL, PBL, PKL, KPL, and other sporting events & was slowly falling in love with the work of Event Management, but life had a different story written for him. He had to leave his work at DNA to come back to his hometown to look after his Uncle Late. Mr. Ashok Shindhe, who was the first person from the Shindhe family to venture into business line, and who is always considered a Great businessman, wonderful human being, social worker, and philanthropist; Sadly, the family lost him to cancer at a young age of 43. He was an inspiration & a Legacy for generations to come.

Rajesh has seen a fair amount of failures at the beginning of his career and his life. Rajesh had failed in class 11th, failed to raise funds for his very novel startup idea even after struggling for 2 years and finally had to quit fundraising. His first business Foodel a Quick Delivery Restaurant, failed even after a delivering the best of quality & service due to financial crunch, road dug up for renovations for years and many other operational difficulties.

With the support of his brother Mr. Mahesh Shindhe, who always stood by his side and was the main leading character in his & his trusted partners Mr. Avinash Kulkarni, Mr.Shrinivas Shindhe and the Philosophies of Late. Shri Ashoka Shindhe guiding who was like a light for every member of the Ashoka Family Group. Today, they are on a quest to become the most trusted Business in Dharwad and remain vital for the next 100 years and beyond.

Today the Business under Ashoka Family Group where Rajesh is CMO & Co-owner:

Hotel Ashoka the Great – War Theme Restaurant Hotel Parkview inn – Lodging Dsocial – Banquet hall V L’oreal – Salon & Spa Hotel Dwarawata – Lodging Skybar – Rooftop bar & Restaurant D Social – Banquet Jurassic – Jungle theme restaurant Vijay Sales Company – Hardware and Paints Vijay Tiles & Sanitaryware Ashoka Mineral Water V Loreal – New branch Mr. Rajesh shares that his passion is Marketing and Promoting. “It excites me when Marketing campaigns work and when I see customers and sales growth and people talking about things and recognizing the business.”

His favourite quote which has guided him towards light in every dark phase of his life is from Holy book Srimad Bhagavad Gita. “Karmanye vadhika raste, Ma phaleshu kadachana Ma karma phala he tur bhuh, ma te sangotsva karmanye.”

Website: www.ashokafamilygroup.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rajeshshivajishindhe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=4xsbg51hpjjh&utm_content=n0q3fz

[dndeed]

Critical Role Miniature Rollout: C2E63

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and review of the miniatures used on Critical Role.

The best laid plans of goblins and Sam. This party can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to heists, hijinks, and other forms of planned tomfoolery. I am totally on board with this paragons of Xhorhas plot development, I sincerely hope they can salvage this mission!

Do your best David Hayter impersonation and put on your finest sneaking bandanna, it’s time for Critical Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 2 Episode 63!

The Party

Folks, we got a new Fjord mini! This marks the first adventuring party miniature lineup change in over six months! Episode 39 was the last time any of the core party member minis were replaced. The Fjord figure we see this episode (pictured on the left) is the same style as the finalized Mighty Nein Steamforged figures. The new one looks sharp and the paint is more dynamic. I'm very pleased with every aspect of this model update, say for the grass and rock flocking effect on the base.

I am a staunch anti-flocker. It is my opinion that the fine appearance of sand, moss, grass, etc. clashes with the appearance of painted plastic. They are so fundamentally different. The stark contrast between plastic and other material is very off putting to me. Now I’m fully aware that many, many people like flocked bases. I’ll admit that this is a pretty subjective aesthetic topic. However, I would argue that at the very least Fjord’s base does not match with the other bases of the Mighty Nein members and in that respect is an unfitting choice. Not to mention Fjord is a nautical themed character, but here he is with this deserty, dry sorta base decoration. On the upside, unlike the old base, this one actually fits on a 1 inch grid.

The List

Campaign Coins DEVEN RUE COMPASS ROSE

Mats by Mars: Swamplands

Dungeon Lair Pots and Urns

Dungeon Lair Small Treasure Chest

Dwarven Forge City Builder

Dwarven Forge Tavern Accessories Add-On Pack

Dwarven Forge Wicked City Smuggler’s Wagon

Dwarven Forge Wicked City Water Barrel

Dwarven Forge Stone Rubble

Dwarven Forge Castle Stairs Pack

Mantic Games Terrain Crate Dungeon Debris Barrels

Mantic Games Terrain Crate Dungeon Debris Crates

Hirst Arts Stone Arch Wall Mold #88

Legendary Realms Wooden Large Open Crate

Legendary Realms Wooden Chest

D&D Icons of the Realms Miniatures: Waterdeep Dungeon of the Mad Mage - Halaster's Lab Premium Set

Hirst Arts Stone Arch Wall Mold #88

Hirst Arts Dish Mold #59

D&D Icons of the Realms Adventurer’s Camp Case Incentive

Axe N Shield Single Flyer Risers - Clear Mithril

4Ground Sleevigal Fort

4Ground Jwar Isle Dwelling

4Ground Valian's Stables

Steamforged Games Critical Role Miniatures

Master Steamforged Games Critical Role Miniatures

Steamforged Games Frumpkin and Cat Claws

Rage of Demons #051 Human Wizard (Invisible)

Monster Menagerie #024 Illydia Maethellyn (Invisible)

Monster Menagerie 3 #006 Goblin

Rage of Demons #013 Drow Scout

Rusty Dragon Inn #025 Riding Horse

Dragoneye #28 Baaz Draconian

Savage Encounters #21 Hobgoblin Hand of Bane

Unknown Debris

The Terrain

A pretty stellar set this game session. The buildings are Dwarven Forge Dwarvenite plastic and 4Ground laser cut wood. 4Ground brand buildings made their CR debut several episodes ago in the giant fight at the steelworks. It’s good to see them back. Located on the right side of the Overcrow entrance, the Hirst Arts Legendary Realms Wooden Chest keeps showing up (going all the way back to the start of the campaign). And yet no one ever tries to loot them! Surely there are great riches to be had in these derelict alleyway treasure chests, get with it Mighty Nein!

The Monsters

Hobgoblin Bodyguard Savage Encounters #21 Hobgoblin Hand of Bane

Just a single new miniature here, but it’s a goodin’. Killer kinetic posing, metal metal whip whipping action, and a hardy armor paint job. The one knock against this miniature is the face. It’s quite simple. All the better for decapitation and taking on the road I suppose.

Closing Remarks

Please let the Dwarven Forge Battle Cam be a permanent feature. It is such an improvement. The sheer number of compositions is grand and the fidelity of the zoomed shots is unlike anything we’ve seen to this point. Thanks Dwarven Forge!

#criticalroleminiaturerollout

[askfuneraldirge]

Portheous

Portheous lays to the fringed North west of the Immaculate isle at the center of the world. Portheous is known for its harsh cold climate and hearty people. Portheous is a natural place of conflict which is just fine for its people. Competitions,small scale wars between cities and more mark Portheous’s social identity. Porthians tend to be on slightly larger side and are famed for there raw durability and sense of community. In Portheous the individual only matters so much, for the lone wolf dies. Only the pack survive. Thusly this has lead to a unique social structure of groups or ‘Companions’ When a group of companions accomplishes something everyone gets a piece of the credit and reward. Each city and village is a self contained and sufficient entity in the land of Portheous, though some cities specialized all are expected to be able to defend and supply itself incase of being cut off from the rest of the country. It is not to say the porthians are ill educated but much like the rest of the country even academics tend to lead toward brute force and more practical applications. Though fighting between cities is common this is seldom malicious, its often a mix of keeping the warriors skills sharp and wagers between the heads of cities offering rewards and prizes to the victors. Political Hierarchy Chief- A chief can be seen as the lowest form of individual who holds true political sway. Though he might have underlings who might talk better then him and be a bit book smarter, the chief is a mix of a merchant,politician and warrior. He is meant to overlook the well being of his village in all regards. Lord-A lord plays a role very similar to a chief, but for a province. A Lord on average has anywhere between 10-20 chiefs who answer to him in the province. Where a chief levy’s his taxe’s from the residence of there village the jarl levy’s his taxes and if needed able bodies from the chiefs who answer to him. Cardinal 8 jarls- The 8 Jarls are a step above the lords. Living in the grand cities of Portheous, hailing the largest and best trained troops in the land. The Jarls represent the mightiest line of defenses for the land. Jarls are the leaders of grand campaigns, famed for there wisdom and strength. to sit upon the seat of a jarl is to command utter respect from ones lesser’s. But the Jarl tends to spoil the companions who helped him upon his seat. There can only ever be 8 Jarls but there tends to be large stretches of time between a seat becoming vacant and it being filled. The seat does not merely belong to the descendant of a Jarl, you must prove you are truly worthy of its mantle. Gaining the support of 80% of the lords who fall with-in the seats region or by having 6 of the existing Jarls approval. War Master- When the in fighting and bureaucracy of Portheous cannot be tolerated and in times of great desperation. The jarls will turn to the tried and true method of naming a War Master. The Master is given absolute Authority during his reign, but before he can take the mantle terms for there rule are set down and they make a solemn pledge before the 4 great immortals of Portheous. When the crisis ends that requires the War Master’s presence he returns power to the jarls and steps down. The master may return to his previous life knowing the good deeds he has done. Sometimes the master even originates from a humble beginning. Though an officially unpaid position that doesn’t give any true political power. Non forget the War masters deeds, and the gifts they tend to receive for there service tends to outweigh any pay they might of asked for in the first place. Trade Major Exports-Mead,Honey,pelts,Metal Crafts,apples,Precious metals,Cheese, Necromantic servitude, mercenary bands Major Imports-Fine Clothing,Enchanted items,jewelry,gemstones,fish.spices,silk, Corpses, Glass, Salt,Sugar Vilkata The View on vilkata are extremely grim in the lands of Portheous, They haven’t been on the receiving end of the deadly companions like those of Zoartis but they are the most constantly attacked by the foul creatures. There Are a few recognized tribes who have relationships with the country but it is wary at best. The vast majority of Vilkata are treated with the same merciless views as the vilkata themselves. Porthians do not take prisoners or spare any in there conflicts. When waging war and battle against the hordes Porthians find the best answer is that non survive to fight again. This has lead a few commanders to sacrifice more of there soldiers to make sure no vilkatan can escape there wrath. The soldiers smile from there grave’s to have made that possible. Education Portheous lacks standardized education. Most commonly children are raised and trained in the craft of there parents or seek apprenticeship under a master. Though there is not a known Porthian who cannot read, though central libraries are few and far between, Portheous has no shortage of books on nearly any subject. This is a double edged sword for there is little regulation on what can be printed and sold. Magic Those with the capacity for magic can often find themselves shuffled off to an academy to further there study of the arts.  Every larger city has some type of facility to help mages hone there craft like a finely tuned sword.

Unique laws Blood Debts-Blood debts are taken in record by the local authorities then held by a lord in the area. Certain crimes or grievances can enact a blood Debt. A certain price is set based on how drastic the grievance was, this is often far to much for anyone to pay. Small payments are made monthly on the debt to the one you owe it to. When you die your debt is then transferred to your next of kin. Continuing until the debt is paid in full. Favorable Guests- Certain disputes especially among the wealthy tend to be settled or at least set aside by sending a member of one house to serve the other while things are worked out. Though the ‘Guest��� Does work for the family they are staying with, there are laws in place to protect the guests from unreasonable abuse by the family who is watching over them. Hospitality-These laws generally regard treatment of individuals away from home more so then anything with-in one’s own community. These laws are enforced more harshly during Winter, when one cold night can find many dead.

1.Shelter:Due to the harsh climate of portheous, if one seeks shelter for the evening they must be provided so. The shelter does not need to be necessarily great but well enough against the elements. Opening up your stable, letting the drunkards pass out in the tavern main lobby till morning and other basic shelter. 2.Food:Should you host a guest, whether for business or welcoming them into your homem you are to offer your guests food. This is not to be your leftover bread, you must treat your guest to a meal as you would expect to have. You do not need to let them leave with said food, but you must make them as reasonably comfortable as you are. This law is not enforced in places of business, though many inns and common houses will include stew and bread with room and board. 3.Jager’s:All must reasonably accommodate a jager to the best of there capacity as long as the jager is acting in good faith to the town. Should the Slayers lodge be full the wealthy of the town must accommodate the Jagers first and foremost. Jager’s who take advantage of there hospitality instantly lose there license. 4.Slayer’s Lodge: Every settlement, from the smallest village to the largest city, is expected to maintain a Slayer’s Lodge. These way-stations are communally funded, serving all travelers who visit that particular settlement. Despite this openness, licensed Jagers are given priority. This is keeping with the Lodge’s traditional role as a gathering and resting location for Jagers. The Lodge is to be maintained to the best of the towns capabilities as the embodiment of Porthean hospitality, though this serves a few important purposes. In truth, these way-stations are vital to communication and travel within all three lands, serving everyone from couriers to diplomats. Improving a town’s Lodge is a simple way to attract travelers, even beyond the vital Slayers themselves. To them, the Lodge serves as a place to acquire bounties, meet companions, and recover from hunts. Finally, all Lodges are considered Sacrosanct in any conflict, as they are important to the continued existence of Portheus as a whole. The lodge and all within are to be left alone in times of war, and intentional failure to abide by this has led to one singular act of divine retribution. Stygia Von Stroud made clear the cost of future offenses against his followers and his temples. To further prevent temptation, Jagers are not to intervene in military conflicts other than to protect the lodge and those with-in.

[wisteriteeth]

so when the cattle fall dead,

and the waters run red,

i'll be your lamb's blood on the wall

[briaryoung]

gonna speedrun these uploads wahoo

oc by @wisteriteeth !

[iitcofficial]

✒️ — I don't know what inn you're talkin' about.

📋 — Did you hit your head on the way here?

— T.D. & S.M.

[cosmicrecluse]

I wanna hear what you have 2 say!

OK OK So, I’ve been wanting to talk about the campaign I’ve been playing for only about 3 sessions but I feel like I’ve been planning for forever! I’m going to put it under a cut cuz oof it’s long and nerdy.

It’s set on this tiny ass island off the coast of the mainland called Deloquis Isles. It’s home to the original gods: God of Time, God of Progress, God of Life, and God Nothing. They’re named Sycus, Raetum, Leonidus, and You in order. The island exists in all realities on all planes to the gods and used to be their base of operation while they explored everything that they’d created. But when the siblings eventually ran into mortals, the mortals saw them as gods- as beings that could change their realities and make them better through worship. At the time, the siblings only saw themselves as travelers and as the children of the void, but as mortals insisted, offering tribute in exchange for gifts from these beings, they let themselves be given the title of god, in turn diminishing themselves. That is, except for You. Time is easily felt and easily worshipped, progress is inevitable and equally easy to worship, and life is the easiest thing to worship of all. But how does a mortal worship nothing, what gifts could nothing give? Since You was never diminished, it still contains all the power it once shared with its siblings and cuts the island off from all but the prime material plane as punishment for its siblings ignoring it. The gods blame each other, claiming that the others are trying to weaken the others so that one god can rise above the rest, they never suspect You because they long ago forgot their sibling. The island is slowly dying, not only because the warring gods are tearing it apart but also because this island was the beginning of everything, without its connection to the rest of the planes, it will return to the void and the rest of existence will with it. Things can come INTO the barrier surrounding the island, but no one can leave, meaning the energy given off by all the gods cannot be released into the planes to keep them living. Think of a heart where blood is coming in but nothing leaves, eventually you’ll run out of blood.

Now that’s all background stuff! Here’s where the players come in! 

Players arrive on the island for one reason or another, and land in the town of Odith, a small town made famous due to its major advances in technology! This town has almost all of the wonders of a 20th-century city and has expertly fused magic and tech to create a new way of life! For a long time, it was a tourist attraction! But since the barrier went up, the town is much quieter. They’ve not only lost the man who helped found their town but have also lost all but one of their guards. Players, after being trapped, are given a choice: Somehow pay the high fee to live in the inn that was forced to raise prices due to no traffic, go into the largely unknown wilderness to live, or become new guards and gain a free home in the form of the barracks. 

As things go on, the gods are going to interact with the players A LOT because they’re desperate to find replacements for the champions they currently have and people in the town always have rather…interesting…backgrounds that are suited very well to the gig. Temptations will be presented in the form of mythical items that will slowly change the players. 

Throughout the whole island, the players also have to worry about 8 gnoll clans who are on edge due to their leading clan falling to the hands of Raetum, a nomadic group of werewolves who worship Leonidus, half-forged and warforged squadrons who will try to convert them, thri-keen settlements seeking to gather organic material in order to try to extend their lives, animals coming back from extinction, enemies coming back to live in mere hours rather than years, and You, offering cosmic boons in order to screw over its siblings even more. 

hhhhh….I wanna talk about people in the town too but this is……a lot already…..so I’ll stop lmao

[rpgsandbox]

Legendary Dungeons & Dragons® game author Frank Mentzer presents his own fantasy world, 40 years in the making!

Philadelphia PA, 1978: Singles and spouses gather to tell stories together in a game that has run for 2 years, half as old as the rules themselves. These are the new Role Players, choosing cooperative games over competition. They love the epic tales from Frank’s D&D® game...fun and exciting, the dawn of an era!

Lake Geneva, 1983: Working at TSR, publisher of the game, Frank writes the D&D “Red Box” set and a full line thereafter, selling tens of millions of copies in 14 languages.

Near Lake Geneva, 2017: After a lifetime of gaming experience, the creator of that original campaign offers it for everyone’s use.

Loxley inc proudly presents—Frank Mentzer’s Worlds of Empyrea.

Producer & Wordsmith Frank Mentzer Executive Producer, Map, and Graphics Darlene Design & Development Ted Fauster, Tim Beach Editing Steven Winter, Anne K. Brown Art Team Peter Bradley, Don Higgins, Mark Quire, Ogmios Cartography Alyssa Faden, Anna Meyer Business Christopher Wiese, Kevin “Doc” Wilson Crowdfunding Engineer Mike Myler Legendary Guest Authors David "Zeb" Cook (D&D Expert, AD&D 2e), Ed Greenwood (Forgotten Realms), Allen Hammack (Ghost Tower of Inverness), Tracy Hickman (Dragonlance, Ravenloft), Harold Johnson (Lost Shrine of Tamoachan), Tim Kask (Dragon Magazine), Len "Leomund" Lakofka(Lendore Isles), Steve Marsh (D&D Expert), Douglas Niles(City of Greyhawk), James M. Ward (Deities & Demigods, Gamma World), “Skip” Williams (Sage Advice, D&D 3e), with a Foreword by Margaret Weis (Dragonlance)

Legendary Guest Artists

Clyde Caldwell, Liz Danforth, Jeff Dee Jeff Easley, Larry Elmore, Jennell Jaquays “Diesel” LaForce, Erol Otus, Stephen D. Sullivan

Approved by Judges Guild

Whether your game* is Dungeons & Dragons, RuneQuest, Savage Worlds, Pathfinder, Castles & Crusades, Dungeon Crawl Classics, Hackmaster, or Swords & Wizardry, this box set has the 'crunch' you want. Fans of every fantasy game system will now have a common world to share.

In the future we hope to support more game systems. Loxley welcomes contact with all fellow creators and publishers.

When you have the same scenery, it's easy to try the Intro version of another game system. It's a big world of tabletop gaming out there—take a look around!

Far across the great Ocean lies the new world... birthplace of the original people, full of history, as old as the Sea Mother herself. It is heroic adventure, despair and hope, tragedy and victory! But its future will soon be the target of great forces, with results that extend beyond the planet.

With the Quick Start Guides (presenting character backgrounds from city, farm, and wilderness life) and starter Adventures, you’ll be playing immediately and learning fast. Supporting materials include the Empyrea Core Book, Player’s Handbook, full color Darlene maps, 3 "Little Brown Books", and a System Book with your preferred FRP rules.

Imagine a game world that we all share, and one that youcan shape. All subscribers can add their own designs to the official Worlds of Empyrea—realms that are mostly empty, waiting for you.

See your own inn or tavern come to life! Or is it a shop within a Royal City? Maybe it's an entire dungeon! (Guidelines coming soon.)

With names like Darlene, Elmore, Easley, Jaquays, Otus, Dee, and more, you know the artwork will be of the highest caliber with that "old-school" feel. From full-color imagery to clean inks, we’ve dared to reach for the Best.

You will receive

at least

350* pages of goodness:  

Empyrea Core Book (perfect bound softback, full color, UV laminated)

Empyrea Player’s Guide (perfect bound softback, full color, UV laminated)

Full Color 2-part Darlene Map detailing the entire Realm of Empyrea

Three "Little Brown Books" with special details for players and game masters

A System Book with rules for playing in Empyrea using the RPG of your choice

* 350 pages or more; we reserve the right to add more cool stuff if we can. The bigger the Kickstarter, the more you get. Spread the word!

Lots of additional goodies are in the works, including but not limited to:

City Guide Series

Treasure Chest specials

Adventure Modules for all 10 Game Systems

Interactive Empyrea Website  

Novels based in the Worlds of Empyrea

And lots more!

This is the first major setting to be released for a wide spectrum of fantasy roleplaying games. Game publishers can't afford to support their competitors. By contrast, Loxley inc is a Design House, supporting the roleplaying Hobby. We sincerely hope that similar projects will follow from other creators. In Empyrea or elsewhere, please support Tabletop Hobby Gaming!

This is an historic step... many game systems, many legendary names. Look past the differences in your preferred fantasy games, and embrace our common interests. Empyrea is offered as a small step toward that goal.

Thank you once again for your support. Remember that some pledge levels can only accept a limited number of backers and will quickly lock. Once these rare opportunities are gone, they will never be repeated.    

* Legal Note: All game system names cited herein, and all proprietary parts thereof, are the property of the respective owners. Usage herein shall not constitute any challenge to the ownership or rights thereof. No express permissions are implied or claimed.

Kickstarter campaign ends: Mon, November 13 2017 5:59 AM UTC +00:00

Website: Worlds of Empyrea

[probablyottrpgideas]

Game Recap Series: EIS 0

Since I started this series I’ve only been playing my Dungeonbowl campaign, which has meant I had completely forgotten to do an Up-to-Speed post for the actual real proper campaign I’m running. Since we had our first session of that game in over 2 months last Sunday, I need to do a recap, so I’ll push through the update as quickly as possible before I get to that session. Here goes:

In the land of Caerwyn, there is one central government, the Tyrian Empire, and the largest institution within the Empire is the Imperial military. Given this juggernaut of resources, many people enlist as a means to pull themselves out of debt or receive training they otherwise would have to pay a lot of money for.

Through a variety of reasons, a pool of new recruits all join at the same time, and underwent basic training. 

Group A (PCs)

Avoyelles Isani: Drow, Circle of Twilight Druid, Charlatan (Feygate) Arner Diomal’st’ano: Eladrin, Sorcerer/Cleric, Archeologist (Encarlin) Nerra: Half-Elf, Skirmisher Rogue, Criminal (Imperial) Eleric “Relic” Mort: Human, Champion Fighter, Gladiator (Imperial) Jimothy Tames: Githyanki, Battlemaster Kensai, Merchant (Imperial)

Group B (NPCs)

Nichollo Gioirdani: Eladrin, Evokation Wizard, Folk Hero (Feygate) Sorel Conera’st’ona: Deva, Storm Cleric, Outlander (Encarlin) Errol Goddard: Pixie, College of Maestro Bard, Artist (Imperial) Farren Selch: Feytouched Githzerai, Path of Brawn Barbarian, Urchin (Imperial) Robert Tames: Razorclaw Shifter, Inquisitive Rogue, Charlatan (Imperial)

During their training, rather than be transferred to one of the many formal units, they are instead put through a rigorous induction test (involving being dropped with minimal resources and separated from one another in the middle of a blizzard) to join the mysterious and prestigious Empire Intelligence Services.

After their induction the two teams were assigned separate senior agents; Group A would be led by Celia Sapienza (Eladrin, Shinobi Kensai, Guardsman, Feygate) and Group B would be led by Glymmer d’Embry (Elf, Wyrmling Shogun, Scion, Imperial). Group A were then given their first mission; investigate a series of disappearances in the northern town of Farren’s Landing that had the local guard puzzled. 

Arriving in Farren’s Landing and setting up their temporary base in the top level of a local inn, the group began investigating the three disappearances that they knew of, as well as organising a meeting with a locally known smuggler who might be able to provide them with information. Within the course of their investigation they discovered a number of details; all three disappearances featured a paw print as of a large dog, and two of the three featured closed and locked doors. They also discovered that one of the disappeared was a member of the local crime family, and that all three had interacted in some way with the local manor. Arner and Relic visited a local dog training yard with a mould of the paw-prints and confirmed Arner’s suspicion that the culprit was using some kind of Blink Dog. 

Using Celia’s cover story that they were the retinue of a minor Feygate noble to establish an audience with the Duke, the team investigated the manor and discovered that a number of scholars from the arcane library had been recently dismissed. One of those figures, a young sorcerer named Dareg Shille, had been messing about with Blood Magic, and after discussing with the senior arcanist what sort of mutations could be achieved using blood magic the team began to believe that Dareg Shille had twisted a once good-aligned fey into assisting him in abducting townsfolk.

Using both the Pollan crime family and the local guard for assistance, the team tracked Shille to the flood-water tunnels under the city and, despite being forcibly separated by the Blink Dog’s ability to grab hold of them and teleport them away, they slew the dog and Shille, although they were too late to rescue any of the abductees. 

While in town, they received a message from command of a new mission; the late brother of the Duke of Farren’s Landing had apparently been having an affair with the young sister of the Empress, and the two had been trading letters that, should they be made public, would embarrass the royal family. The team had to track down the hiding place of the letters and bring them back to command. By discussing the details of the Lord’s personal life with the residents of the Duke’s manor, the group identified a hunting lodge deep in the nearby forest, and travelled out there to retrieve the letters. However, as they pulled the letters from their hiding spot, the group was ambushed by unknown assailants, who used blinding and stunning alchemical explosives to temporarily subdue the party. When they recovered the assailants were gone and the letters still remained, and no-one was quite able to work out what had been taken/done. Still, they returned the letters to command, and their CO Warren Caine told them not to worry about it, as without more to go on they couldn’t really do much more anyway.

Returning to the field base the team had a week of rest before being sent off on their new mission; a mercenary guard for a lord of the royal court had been accused of the murder of the lord’s son. Ma Wei, a talented and dangerous arcane archer, had resisted arrest and fled, heading north. The last word anyone had was of her boarding a boat at Farren’s Landing.

The team geared up and returned to Farren’s Landing, without Celia (who was on another mission at the time), finding the docks and asking around to see if anyone had seen an elf matching Ma Wei’s description. A few people mentioned they had seen her getting on an ice-cutter, implying that she was heading further north into the frozen polar continent of Kalteheim, although they could not remember the name of the ship she had boarded.

Needing passage to the north for themselves, the team went looking for someone with a similar ice-field ready ship, and were directed to Emilie Greys (Shade, Nightstalker Shadowblade, Pirate), captain of the Viaggiatore. Greys turned out to be a Shade, and what’s more her entire crew were comprised of the dregs of mortal races, be they shadow creatures or shapeshifters or even an ogre. After a minor scuffle with sahaugin saw the team step in to protect the crew, they were accepted as friends and the journey continued much more congenially.

Halfway to Kalteheim, the Viaggiatore stopped off at a small island town called Isla Helado to restock, and the team, with nothing else to do, decided to investigate a local haunted castle. Once there they destroyed the ghost of the old Imperial commander and the skeleton soldiers, broke the enchantment on the armoury, and cleared the place out. In the process, a ghost of a dog imprinted on Relic, and now follows him around (the team now call him Zero, after the ghost dog from The Nightmare Before Christmas).

While stuck on Isla Helado, the team were treated to a story/mass hallucination by the skaldic ships quartermaster, Lucas Rimeweather AKA Old Man Exposition. Through his storytelling the team got to live through the story of how Captain Greys became a shade, 1000 years previously when the Viaggiatore crew were only six;

Captain Ysalt Margaine: Deva, Shugenja Cleric, Pirate, Imperial E4-G13 AKA Birdbot: Warforged, Path of the Eagle Totem Barbarian, Gladiator, Imperial Amaya DeSaad AKA Goldfist: Lightborn, Sweet Science Pugilist, Vigilante, Imperial/Fallow Elena Willow: Hamadryad, College of Courtship Bard, Courtesan, Feygate Everett McCree: Changeling, Shadow Spy Rogue, Cultist, Imperial Emile Greys: At the time, a regular human

The story went that Emilie, seeking the power to wreak vengeance on those who had killed her family, had tried and failed to become a Shade. So the crew went to Marnati City and sought out the expertise of a non-binary Elven magician called Maester Delver. Delver told the crew that the only way to save Emilie was to complete the full ritual, turning her into not only a Shade but a Shadowblade. The ritual could only be found in the Isle of the Lost in the Shadowfell, and to get there they would need to be able to travel across the planes. They suggested that the best way would be to bind the soul of a planar travelling creature to their vessel, and they provided the crew with some soul-binding artifacts. Meanwhile, the crew tracked down rumours of a Shadow Dragon hiding in the islands south of Caerwyn, and so travelled there. They got the location of the Shadow Dragon, found it, slew it, and bound its soul to the Viaggiatore. Once complete, they travelled into the Shadowfell and found the Isle of the Lost. 

Retrieving the correct ritual required them to complete the challenge of the seven virtues. The first room was a puzzle, testing their wisdom, where they had to solve a riddle to find the key to the next room. The second was a large battle arena with a cage door that only allowed a single combatant through. Birdbot went through and faced off against an Earth Elemental on his own, testing his courage. After this was completed the cage lifted and Birdbot was attacked by a fearsome dracolich, forcing the others to rush to his aid, testing their loyalty. Once they realised there was no way they could defeat the dracolich the team had to lay down their weapons, testing their humility. They then passed into the next room, which was filled to the brim with treasures untold, which they had to walk past without touching, testing their temperance. At the end they had to place something of value in the empty chest in front of the door, testing their charity. The last room was a gigantic library of scrolls; this, a test of their faith, simply meant they had to select one scroll without looking at it and continue on. Here, at last, they messed it up, and while they retrieved the ritual they were forced to leave Birdbot behind. They rescued Emilie and the story ended there.

Finally arriving at Fort Rast in Kalteheim, the team signed on as crewmembers of the Viaggiatore so that their names could be withheld from the ships manifest and then quietly came ashore, seeking out a local inn named the Frozen Hearth. There they asked around with the locals to see if anyone had seen Ma Wei, and they were directed to a local Bard who had been away for a while and recently returned. Av and Jimothy interrogated the boy, and found that he had indeed come through on the ship Illusion of Choice, where he had been friends with Ma Wei. He directed them to the hunting paths north of the fort, and the group decided to see what they could find. While this was happening, Nerra thought she saw someone following the group, but said nothing.

On heading out for a look around, the team became acquainted with the peculiarity of the local fauna of Kalteheim; largely, that everything was giant. Proximity to high magical fields had caused all natural creatures to take on colossal sizes, with rabbits the size of lions and wolves as big as mountains. Also at around this time, Celia appeared with bad news; Robert, Jimothy’s husband and member of the B team, had been badly injured on a mission. Jimothy left to be with his husband while he recovered, and the team were joined by Kitt Delkatt (Human, Hunter Ranger, Consort, Imperial), a new recruit. 

While out on the Hine Plain, a frozen wasteland north of the fort and the apparent direction Ma Wei had travelled, the group encountered an Ice Titan, a snow fox three or four times the size of an elephant. They tried everything, from hiding to running to fighting, but the creature seemed to barely notice their attacks. In the end, the group were saved by an unlikely ally; another Ice Titan, a wolf so large that its head was a mere shadow in the sky, which crashed out through the snow and snapped up the fox in its jaws like it was nothing. 

The team continued on until they reached a gorge, where they found evidence of someone having climbed down inside. Following the trail, the team was attacked by a hail of magical arrows, and they might have been in danger had Celia not revealed that they were there on behalf of the Intelligence services, not the police. Ma Wei, nervous but now curious, allowed them inside the old Stealth Corps. fox-hole she was hiding in. The two groups discussed their positions and came to the conclusion that someone was setting Wei up; the best bet would be to take her into EIS protective custody while they looked into the frame job.

While they were discussing things, however, they were attacked by pursuer that Nerra had almost seen; a Chaotin (homebrew elvish subtype) assassin with powerful psychic abilities. The team were all, barring Avoyelles, paralysed by the assassin and would have died, were it not for Zero possessing an Ice Titan and eating him. 

On the way back to the Fort, half the team fell into a fresh ravine and discovered an ancient, abandoned temple, where a gauntlet of necromantic power was killing any wandering traveller and turning them into skeletons. One such skeleton had retained his mind, Mac Bonney (Awakened Undead Skeleton, Marksman Rogue, Archeologist, Imperial) and he assisted the team in fighting off the hordes of skeletised bugbears, minotaurs, ogres and a powerful bone naga. In return, Mac was brought back with them to the EIS camp.

After this lengthy trip the party were paid their salary and given the chance to come stay in the Imperial Capital city of Tyria for a while, which would give them the ability to visit Robert and catch up with Jimothy. While in town they got to know their fellow spies, including getting better acquainted with Errol, Farren, Warren and Glymmer on a personal level, as well as go shopping and generally explore the metropolitan excesses on display. Jimothy, who had begun to develop a reverence for Kord, found a temple to the thunder god and explored the possibility of becoming a paladin. He also got into an underground boxing match with Relic and handed the fighter’s ass to him.

Their leave was cut short however when Warren received word that the two cultists who had been captured after the attack that had left Robert injured had revealed something in their interrogation; something terrible was going to happen in the small town of Brattenhome, east/south-east of Faelmarch. The team were dispatched there as quickly as possible.

When they arrived, Relic detached himself from the group; Avoyelles, who had been flirting heavily with the fighter, took this as an opportunity to sulk following the recent revelation that he had a wife, and so no-one questioned it. In truth, he was spending his time on a separate mission for Warren, looking for an old equipment cache hidden somewhere in Brattenhome which contained some documents Warren needed retrieved in secret.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team filled his spot by befriending another traveller passing through the town, a copper dragonborn named Alketh (Dragonborn, Evokation Wizard, Sage, Imperial). They began their investigation, and quickly discovered that a young elvish storehand, Yushiro Nakai, had disappeared. As it was late when they arrived they turned in shortly after, but the next morning Yushiro reappeared, shortly before mutating into a horrifying spider creature. The team dispatched her, and then spoke with the sheriff of the town to discuss what had happened. He asked them to keep the investigation quiet, but that he would help them out if they needed it. 

The team then took a quick trip into the forest to follow up a lead (dead-end; the Walshes were not cultists at all but vryloka isolationists, and while they were antagonistic towards the team intruding onto their land they were not investigated further). On their return to town, however, they found that five more townsfolk had been kidnapped in the night, and the town was now in uproar. Getting a meeting with the mayor, the team identified what they were in town to do and the mayor gave them access to whatever resources they wanted. The group split up to conduct parallel investigations into a number of leads, including the homestead of one of the disappeared folks, the fishing boat of another, and a creepy warehouse at the edge of town. The group in the warehouse were attacked by another mutated villager, a trio of giant spiders and a swarm of regular spiders, and they barely escaped with their lives.

Which brings us, at last, to the most recent session...

[celebritylive]

If you’ve never visited Walt Disney World during the holiday season, let’s just say it’s…a feast for all the senses. Jolly Christmas tunes follow you everywhere you go. Elaborate gingerbread houses—yes, made with real gingerbread—are erected throughout the parks and resorts (the one at Disney’s Grand Floridian truly can’t be missed), perfuming the air with warm spices. Signature rides and landmarks, like Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom and the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, get full makeovers with holiday decorations and overlays.

And of course, no feast is complete without food. Disney has continued its never-ending race to outdo itself in the culinary realm, creating new themed treats for special occasions, holidays and movie releases year round—but the Christmas season really shines above the rest.

This year, there are a sleigh-load of new foods that are exclusive to the holidays, and some that are even more exclusive, only being offered during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is a special ticketed event that takes place during certain evenings at the Magic Kingdom for an additional fee.

After eating my way through all the treats at the Magic Kingdom, sacrificing my tooth enamel for the sake of journalism, I’ve come up with the top five treats that are worth your time and money should you find yourself in the park during the next few weeks and in need of a sugar rush.

RELATED: 55 Magical Mickey-Shaped Foods You Can Eat at Disney Parks

1. Santa Mickey Waffle Sundae

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, $7.79

View this post on Instagram Breakfast was a Santa Mickey red velvet waffle with mint chip ice cream and peppermint powder. A pure delight. Please follow along on my story today as I make myself ill trying all the Disney holiday snacks for you. (Epcot International Festival of the Holidays preview! Very Merry Christmas Party! Everything!)

A post shared by Shay Spence | Cruise & Amuse (@theshayspence) on Nov 22, 2019 at 9:53am PST

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This was my first stop on this oh-so-sweet journey (waffles are technically a breakfast food, right?), and was absolutely one of the top eats of the day. The waffle is everything a waffle should be: crisp enough to make a light crackling sound when you cut into it, but soft in the center, like a slightly-fudgy red velvet cake. For red velvet, it was heavy on the chocolate and light on the food coloring—just a mild tint—which was also appreciated. With a dusting of peppermint powder and mint chip ice cream, it could have been easy to go overboard and taste like Colgate, but the minty flavor was restrained and provided just the perfect holiday accent.

2. Kakamora Float

Aloha Isle, $6.99 (exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)

View this post on Instagram I ate approximately 3.5 million desserts tonight but all you need to know right now is that the COCONUT DOLE WHIP is an absolute jam and I will dream of it for decades to come

A post shared by Shay Spence | Cruise & Amuse (@theshayspence) on Nov 22, 2019 at 6:49pm PST

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It’s named after the pirate warriors in Moana, but let’s call this what it really is: Coconut Dole Whip! If you take away nothing else from this article, just know that if you’re at the Very Merry Christmas Party, you simply must eat this. Even as someone who is only mildly interested in coconut, the impossibly creamy soft serve sparked so much joy. It comes with pineapple juice and non-alcoholic blue curaçao below the ice cream, but honestly I’d rather just eat it straight up. Unfortunately, this is exclusive to the party, but perhaps we can create a demand to make this a year-round thing? Consider this my campaign announcement.

3. Orange Bird Christmas

Sunshine Tree Terrace, $5.99 (exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)

Die-hard Disney fans recognize this bird as the official mascot of Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland, and now he takes edible form in the most delightful way. Once you crack through the orange shell, the spherical dessert is filled with orange-scented white chocolate mousse and orange curd. The whole thing rests atop a citrus-almond cake. It has a heavenly citrus scent and the center is very tangy—but when you eat everything together, the creaminess balances it out, creating a flavor reminiscent of an Orange Julius.

4. Christmas Cookie Sundae and Gingerbread Sundae

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies and Storybook Treats, respectively, $6.49 each

Okay, these two piled-up boats of soft serve were both so good, I couldn’t choose between them. I’m sorry! The Christmas Cookie Sundae is made with cookie butter ice cream, which is absolutely rich and delicious, while the gingerbread version delivers on its promise and packs a huge punch of warm flavors that are bolstered by real bits of gingerbread and ginger candy bits on top. I can’t pick a favorite—but if you like things a little spicy, try the gingerbread. Or both! You can always try both.

5. Jolly Tamales

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café, $11.99 (exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)

Because we can not live on sugar and sprinkles alone, something savory was necessary to include—and this snack certainly fits the bill. That was a pun because they come from a restaurant called Pecos Bill. Not as fun when I explain it. Anyway, they’re good, particularly when completely smothered with all the fixings offered at the toppings bar. The dough-to-filling ratio was perfect, so they didn’t dry out like tamales so easily can when they have too much masa. Definitely a welcome break from all the sweets, even if the price is a little steep.

Other New and Noteworthy Treats

I’ve already listed my top five, but there are plenty more to choose from at the Magic Kingdom. If you have a serious sweet tooth, the Snowflake Brownie at Casey’s Corner comes with a rich layer of frosting that’s about an equal ratio to the brownie itself. Not being a frosting lover, it wasn’t totally my vibe—but hey, maybe it’s yours! The Holiday Mickey Cinnamon Roll from Main Street Bakery (a.k.a. Starbucks), on the other hand, was restrained in its sweetness. The flavor wasn’t quite powerful enough to stand up to some of the other, more exciting desserts in the park, but for an Instagram opportunity on Main Street, look no further.

Disney has a full list of all the exclusive treats at the Magic Kingdom this year on their blog, so don’t forget to peruse that before making your final decisions.

And if you’re in need of a nightcap after all the eating, head over to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa—you can check out that massive gingerbread house, and also pop in to the new Beauty and the Beast-themed Enchanted Rose for a seasonal cranberry old fashioned.

from PEOPLE.com https://ift.tt/36olPQk

[journeydb]

July 8 2018 London and Windsor

Today our guide picked us up at the hotel and drove us out to Windsor to visit Windsor Castle, one of Queen Victoria’s favorite residences.  According to Wikipedia:

“Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire.  It is notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture.

The original castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry I, it has been used by the reigning monarch and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe. The castle's lavish early 19th-century State Apartments were described by the art historian Hugh Roberts as "a superb and unrivaled sequence of rooms widely regarded as the finest and most complete expression of later Georgian taste". Inside the castle walls is the 15th-century St George's Chapel, considered by the historian John Martin Robinson to be "one of the supreme achievements of English Perpendicular Gothic" design.

Originally designed to protect Norman dominance around the outskirts of London and oversee a strategically important part of the River Thames, Windsor Castle was built as a motte-and-bailey, with three wards surrounding a central mound. Gradually replaced with stone fortifications, the castle withstood a prolonged siege during the First Barons' War at the start of the 13th century. 

Henry III built a luxurious royal palace within the castle during the middle of the century, and Edward III went further, rebuilding the palace to make an even grander set of buildings in what would become "the most expensive secular building project of the entire Middle Ages in England". Edward's core design lasted through the Tudor period, during which Henry VIII and Elizabeth I made increasing use of the castle as a royal court and center for diplomatic entertainment.

Windsor Castle survived the tumultuous period of the English Civil War, when it was used as a military headquarters by Parliamentary forces and a prison for Charles I. At the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Charles II rebuilt much of Windsor Castle with the help of the architect Hugh May, creating a set of extravagant Baroque interiors that are still admired.

After a period of neglect during the 18th century, George III and George IV renovated and rebuilt Charles II's palace at colossal expense, producing the current design of the State Apartments, full of Rococo, Gothic and Baroque furnishings. Queen Victoria made a few minor changes to the castle, which became the center for royal entertainment for much of her reign.

Windsor Castle was used as a refuge by the royal family during the Luftwaffe bombing campaigns of the Second World War and survived a fire in 1992. It is a popular tourist attraction, a venue for hosting state visits, and the preferred weekend home of Elizabeth II.

I have always been a fan of Queen Victoria, and particularly after we began watching the PBS Masterpiece series “Victoria” .   According the the official UK website:

“Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace, London, on 24 May 1819. She was the only daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent, fourth son of George III. Her father died shortly after her birth and she became heir to the throne because the three uncles who were ahead of her in the succession - George IV, Frederick Duke of York, and William IV - had no legitimate children who survived.

Warmhearted and lively, Victoria had a gift for drawing and painting; educated by a governess at home, she was a natural diarist and kept a regular journal throughout her life. On William IV's death in 1837, she became Queen at the age of 18.

Queen Victoria is associated with Britain's great age of industrial expansion, economic progress and, especially, empire. At her death, it was said, Britain had a worldwide empire on which the sun never set.

In the early part of her reign, she was influenced by two men: her first Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, and then her husband, Prince Albert, whom she married in 1840. Both men taught her much about how to be a ruler in a 'constitutional monarchy', in which the monarch had very few powers but could use much influence.

Albert took an active interest in the arts, science, trade and industry; the project for which he is best remembered was the Great Exhibition of 1851, the profits from which helped to establish the South Kensington museums complex in London.

Her marriage to Prince Albert produced nine children between 1840 and 1857. Most of her children married into other Royal families of Europe.

Victoria bought Osborne House (later presented to the nation by Edward VII) on the Isle of Wight as a family home in 1845, and Albert bought Balmoral in 1852.

Victoria was deeply attached to her husband and she sank into depression after he died, aged 42, in 1861. She had lost a devoted husband and her principal trusted adviser in affairs of state. For the rest of her reign she wore black.

Until the late 1860s she rarely appeared in public; although she never neglected her official Correspondence, and continued to give audiences to her ministers and official visitors, she was reluctant to resume a full public life.

She was persuaded to open Parliament in person in 1866 and 1867, but she was widely criticized for living in seclusion and quite a strong republican movement developed.

Seven attempts were made on Victoria's life, between 1840 and 1882 - her courageous attitude towards these attacks greatly strengthened her popularity.

With time, the private urging of her family and the flattering attention of Benjamin Disraeli, Prime Minister in 1868 and from 1874 to 1880, the Queen gradually resumed her public duties.

In foreign policy, the Queen's influence during the middle years of her reign was generally used to support peace and reconciliation. In 1864, Victoria pressed her ministers not to intervene in the Prussia-Denmark war, and her letter to the German Emperor (whose son had married her daughter) in 1875 helped to avert a second Franco-German war.”

To read more about Victoria (and there IS much more), visit this website:

https://www.royal.uk/queen-victoria

Another way to learn more, and for you it might be more enjoyable, as it has been for us, is to watch the PBS series starring Jenna Coleman, seen below, as the queen and Tom Hughes as Prince Albert.

It’s a wonderful series and we’re waiting with “baited breath” for the next installment, the third season.  If you haven’t seen it, you might want to watch this trailer to get a glimpse of it:

https://www.pbs.org/video/masterpiece-victoria-official-trailer/

Our guide took these photos of us in front of the castle’s chapel, St. George’s, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married in May.

Here are five interesting facts about the chapel from its website:

“1. The term chapel is deceptive, as St George’s is more like a cathedral in size. It occupies a large part of the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle and has been hailed as one of the finest displays of Gothic architecture in Britain today.

2. Although the chapel is known as St George’s, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Edward the Confessor as well as England’s patron saint, according to the chapel’s website. King Edward III founded the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348 and in the same year founded the College of St George ‘to the praise of God and in honour of Blessed Mary, St George and St Edward’.  

3. Construction of the chapel began in 1475 by Edward IV. It was completed in 1528 under the reign of Henry VIII.

4. The chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, an order of chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III. Every June, the Garter Day procession takes place at Windsor Castle, accompanied by a marching band and Officers of the Order, who attend alongside the Queen and the royal family wearing grand ceremonial dress.

5. It’s an important place for pilgrimage. Today, only Henry VI’s tomb remains among the early pilgrim sites in the south-east corner of the chapel. “

After touring the castle we briefly went into the village of Windsor for a peak, then headed out to Carnarvon for lunch.

The restaurant our guide chose was close to Highclere Castle, the setting for the much-beloved ITV series “Downton Abbey” and the next stop on our tour. 

From the Carnarvon Arms website:

“Steeped in history and a favorite among those looking to indulge in country pursuits, the Carnarvon has a rich heritage of noble service. Originally a coaching inn built some 200 years ago to provide a pit-stop for travelers to nearby Highclere Castle, the stunning set of ITV’s blockbuster drama, Downton Abbey, the Carnarvon continues to offer a warm welcome for those looking to explore this beautiful area of Berkshire.

With the North Wessex Downs right on our doorstep, we’re the ideal starting point to enjoy all that this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has to offer, including ancient woodland and downs, famed as the inspiration for the classic novel, Watership Down.”

The ambiance and the food were both very good and revived us for our next adventure visiting Highclere Castle.

If you have never seen “Downton Abbey” and you like history and drama, you might want to consider “giving it a look-see”.  We  watched all six seasons twice.  We were thrilled to be able to visit the castle, the current home of the Eighth Earl of Carnarvon and his real family, whose ancestors were the inspiration for the series.

From the Highclere Castle website about the book, which I, of course, purchased in the castle’s bookstore, and which led to the series:

“Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey tells the story of the beautiful American girl who lived at Highclere Castle, the setting for Julian Fellowes' award winning drama "Downton Abbey". Glamorous and wealthy, Catherine became the toast of London society and married the son of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, Lord Porchester, or 'Porchey', as he was known.

At just 19, Catherine had to learn how to organize and host the lavish banquets and weekend house parties that Porchy so loved. She found herself suddenly in charge of the more than eighty staff working at Highclere Castle. One of the first challenges they both had to face was to save Highclere Castle from being sold to pay enormous death duties for which they were liable after the death of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.

As the decade of the 1930’s developed their marriage sadly did not survive and Catherine moved to London. The book follows the lives and challenges of upstairs and downstairs as World War two became imminent. Highclere was transformed into a home for evacuee children and the whole estate was turned over to the war effort to survive the German blockade and helped train allied soldiers.”

If you have never seen Downtown Abbey, and you like historical dramas, here is a photo and a link to the trailer of the first season to pique your interest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOM3y4P8TEM