BOOK I
BOOK I: DRAMATIS PERSONAE
I’m sure most of you just want to dive right into episode 1 and get this story rolling but for those of you possibly looking for a warm up we’ve a little “Hi, my name is” episode for you. Our players were asked a few quick questions about their characters so that you may get to know them a little better. You can always come back later if you want. You know, you’re more than welcome to come back and visit any time and as many times as you want…
I get lonely sometimes…
BOOK I, CHAPTER I: THE BEST CIGARETTE EVER MADE
Our story begins in the far southern realm of the Riverlands. Rumor has spread that the Company of Grey Wolves is in search of a new pack. Hogarth, the firbolg ranger, has recently begun a journey to learn what he can about the outside world so upon his return he and his people know how to best protect themselves from the continually growing threats around them. Althea, the elven blood hunter, has spent months on the road and in the Wilds with her strider party. Months spent in the company of her fellow elves only makes her feel more alone. Both Hogarth and Althea have just arrived in A’lelnan where the Grey Wolves are said to recently been seen. Grey Wolves have also recently been seen several days ride east in the city of Welveren where Ulfar, the dwarven cleric, has trying to make people’s lives a little more bearable and pain free.
BOOK I, CHAPTER II: I’M IRRITATED BY THIS
Our story continues in the far southern realm of the Riverlands. Rumor has spread that the Company of Grey Wolves is in search of a new pack. Valik, the tiefling warlock, has spent years breaking knuckles on the streets of Welveren when a message caught his attention. Ærch, the tabaxi monk, just arrived in Welveren on his monthly resupply run when rumor of the possibility of new knowledge caught his ear. Edmir, the human fighter, has been working in Welveren for several weeks when he gets word from a little mouse. Nhessa, the tiefling bard, has made her way to The Bull’s Head in Welveren for a short-lived respite.
BOOK I, CHAPTER III: ARE WE STAYING OR GOING?
Members of the Grey Wolves have gathered seven strangers to meet at the Bull’s Head in the town of Welveren. Each has a reason to consider becoming a member of the pack. Hogarth the Firbolg ranger, on a quest for knowledge. Althea the Elven bloodhunter, to find what has been lost. Ulfar the Dwarven cleric, to make the world a slightly better place. Valik “Knucklebreaker” the Tiefling warlock, on a search for justice and retribution. Ærch the Tabaxi monk, on the search for a purpose. Edmir the human fighter, to destroy what has destroyed his life. Nhessa the Tiefling bard, to reclaim what is rightfully hers. Will these seven become one, a new pack within the Company of the Grey Wolves?
BOOK I, CHAPTER IV: THAT’S NOT THE POINT THOUGH
The Grey Wolves have arrived in Heiligen. The first stop on their journey to Vollenrade. The stay in Heiligen is brief but needed as the strangers begin to find common ground. Laying the possible foundation for friendships to come. As they leave town their journey quickly becomes a job of duty and helping those in need.
BOOK I, CHAPTER V: THIS ISN’T FUNNY MOTHERF&#$ERS!
Shortly after leaving Heiligen the group encountered Lincoln, a merchant from Blackburn, his wagon broken on the side of the road. Helping repair his wagon Anthony then decides to sends Althea, Edmir, Valik, and Ærch to escort Lincoln back to Blackburn to ensure his safe return and that of their winter supplies. Along the way the cries of children echo through the rain. Ærch has been distrustful of Lincoln from the beginning and questions the authenticity of the cries for help. The others begin to question and doubt as well. They have all seen the face of darkness first hand and know better than to trust their eyes and ears so easily.
BOOK I, CHAPTER VI: I’LL COME BACK LATER
The Grey Wolves have discovered a group of children from Blackburn that somehow became lost in the woods. A woods they play in whenever they get the chance. Anna, a young human girl, is sick with an unknown malady which has blackened her feet and put her into a fevered coma. The children are quickly loaded into the wagon as Lincoln rushes to Blackburn in the hopes that it isn’t too late to save Anna.
BOOK I, CHAPTER VII: I WILL OFFER THE HAND, IT WON’T BE THE FIRST
Ulfar arrives to discover what it is that ails Anna and hopefully help heal her. Nhessa helps comfort the other children and possibly find some answers as to what has occured. Hogarth discovers an interesting goblin and a place for some good stew. Ærch, Edmir, Valik, and Althea continue to discuss what aren’t the Grey Wolves telling them and can they be trusted.
BOOK I, CHAPTER VIII: NICE 0F THEM TO CARRY TORCHES FOR THEIR HUMAN FRIENDS
Corruption has found its way into the secluded town of Blackburn. As Anna lies in deepening darkness conversations arise about what the Grey Wolves should do next. How do they bring this young girl back from Corruption’s grip? What is the key to her release? How will they know when it is too late to save her? When is hope lost?
BOOK I, CHAPTER IX: I HAVE ENOUGH NIGHTMARES OF MY OWN
After a day of dark discovery and tension, the Grey Wolves partake of much needed rest before heading into the Blackburn Forest. Upon awakening they fight the remnants of their dreams and the brevity of their situation.
BOOK I, CHAPTER X: YOU JUST HAVE TO BE READY KILL ME
Valik has yet to be seen. What happened to Ulfar? Time is running short. The remaining Grey Wolves enter Blackburn Forest to find answers in their attempt to save Anna from Corruption’s Final Kiss. Where did the children get lost? How did they lose their way in a place they so often frequented? Why? What lies beyond Blackburn’s fields?
BOOK I, CHAPTER XI: PINEAPPLE!
Valik has yet to be seen. Ulfar is still missing or if he’s even still alive. With time running out the Grey Wolves decide to continue without them. After several hours journey into the Blackburn Forest the Grey Wolves come upon something they’ve never seen.
BOOK I, CHAPTER XII: HOW DO YOU STOP IT FROM COMING?
Ulfar finds himself in a place unlike any other. A meadow where the sun shines and the birds sing. Then he hears a familiar voice.
The Grey Wolves find themselves in a vast meadow surrounded by tall trees. At the far end a large tree of flaming red leaves that they all seem to recognize. As Valik appears and reunites with them the ground begins to shake.
BOOK I, CHAPTER XIII: PROVE IT!
“Halt!” The word echoed through the air as the Grey Wolves caught their breath from their battle with root, branch, and vine. Where did the voice come from? What does it want?
Meanwhile, Ulfar begins his journey back to his Grey Wolf packmates through dark, shadowed trails. Can he get to them in time or has the trap already been sprung?
BOOK I, CHAPTER XIV: STAB YOU IN THE MOUTH
Ulfar has found his way back to his Grey Wolf companions. It’s time to find out where they are and what has been occurring.
BOOK I, CHAPTER XV: I’M GOING TO LORAX THIS SHIT
After their visit with the gnome elder the Grey Wolves spend time gathering supplies and information before they enter the Prairie Gate.
BOOK I, CHAPTER XVI: CAN’T YOU JUST WAKE ME UP LIKE A NORMAL PERSON
The Grey Wolves awake to the sound of tolling bells and shouts outside their quarters. They attempt to shake off another night of unsettled dreams. Except for Ærch who can’t seem to be shook awake at all. What shall his companions do? What awaits them in the halls? Can someone please quiet that bell!?
BOOK I, CHAPTER XVII: BLACKBURN DREAMS
On the first night of their visit each Grey Wolf had disturbing dreams as they slept. Memories? Fears? Omens? No matter their origin they continue to haunt them. This is the telling of their Blackburn Dreams.
BOOK I, CHAPTER XVIII: THE SOLE DARK, COLD GODDESS THAT HE KNEELS BEFORE
Has their journey come to an end? Is this where the corruption is bleeding from? Is the sphere the source and the hag the master?
BOOK I, EPILOGUE: TIDAL FIRE DREAMS, PT I
Several days ride to the south of Blackburn, after a job well done Rex and Muse enter the city of Briarsmeet for a little R&R, unaware of the events that have transpired to the north.
BOOK I, EPILOGUE: TIDAL FIRE DREAMS, PT II
After a day of shenanigans with the likes of Buttercheeks and an orc, Rex and Muse run down the waterfront deciding on their next move.