Shadows of Metphire: A Dance with Destiny (Ableth the Rogue part 2)

 As Ableth the Rogue approached the podium, her senses remained on high alert. The faint, growing sound of goblins echoed from the doorway at the beginning of the columns, their rhythmic clatter of footsteps and guttural chatter bouncing off the ancient stone walls. The goblins themselves were not yet in sight, but their presence was palpable, like an approaching storm. Ableth quickly assessed her surroundings, noting potential hiding spots among the towering columns and planning her next move with the precision of a seasoned thief.

The ancient scroll beckoned to her, its parchment whispering secrets of a time long past. She knew she must act swiftly and decisively to secure it and avoid being overrun by the approaching horde. With a swift, practiced motion, Ableth snatched the ancient scroll from the stone podium. Her fingers brushed against the cool, weathered parchment, sending a shiver of anticipation down her spine as she tucked it securely into her pack. The air in the chamber felt heavy, charged with the weight of whatever secrets the scroll held, as if the very atmosphere was imbued with ancient magic.

Without wasting a moment, Ableth drew her short bow, the familiar feel of the polished wood bringing a sense of readiness to her heightened senses. She moved with the silent grace of a shadow, her footfalls barely making a sound on the rough stone floor as she crossed the room. Reaching the column nearest the entrance, Ableth pressed her back against the cold stone, blending into the darkness. She took a steadying breath, her eyes narrowing as she listened to the goblins drawing closer. The echo of their guttural voices and shuffling feet grew louder, reverberating off the chamber walls, a symphony of impending danger.

Her heart pounded in her chest, but her hands remained steady on her bow. She positioned herself just out of sight, hoping the dim light and the imposing column would mask her presence as the goblins entered. Every muscle in her body tensed, ready to strike if necessary, but for now, she waited, hidden in the shadows, her breath slow and controlled. The scent of damp earth and the faint tang of ancient magic filled her nostrils, grounding her in the moment.

Ableth waited until the goblins’ voices grew loud and distracted as they stepped into the chamber. Then, with the stealth of a whispering breeze, she slipped from behind the column, her movements fluid and soundless. The goblins, unaware of her presence, continued their chatter, their eyes scanning the chamber for the prize they sought. Ableth moved like a phantom, her every step calculated, her every breath measured. The dance with destiny had begun, and Ableth the Rogue was ready to take the lead.

The adventure of Ableth the Rogue was far from over, and the secrets of the ancient scroll were only the beginning. The Shadows of Metphire held many mysteries, and Ableth was determined to unravel them all, one stealthy step at a time.

Shadows of Middlepass: Vhid's Stormy Encounter (Vhid part 2)

 

Vhid was overcome with a profound sadness as the realization of his likely demise settled in. Yet, dwelling on his fate would not change the past. His only path forward was to find Morgath and unravel the mysteries of his existence. He pulled his hooded robe over his head, concealing his skeletal form, and stepped out of the barn.

It was the fifth day of the third week in the first month of the year 89, after the year of The Walker, on the planet of Metphire. As Vhid emerged, he understood why the townsfolk were hastily retreating to their homes. A thunderous storm was rolling in, accompanied by a biting snowstorm. The air was below freezing, but Vhid felt none of it. The sky was a mix of clouds and clear patches, and a strong gale whipped the thunder and lightning clouds in swiftly. An unnatural, heavy fog clung to the ground, casting an eerie glow over the town.

Vhid made his way to The Rusty Anchor Inn, his bony feet crunching on the frozen ground. The townsfolk, preoccupied with the storm, paid him little mind. Inside the inn, the warmth from the hearth was a stark contrast to the icy chill outside. The scent of roasted meats and ale filled the air, and the hum of conversation provided a comforting backdrop.

Vhid approached the barkeep, a jovial man with a round face and a ready smile. "Hello, I'm looking for a room and some information, my friend," Vhid said, his voice a hollow echo.

The barkeep, Pip, nodded enthusiastically. "Hello! I'm Pip, happy to help you with a room. What kind of information are you looking for?"

Before Vhid could respond, a voice from the corner of the room interrupted. "Come over here to my table, my friend. I can answer your questions!" The speaker was a mysterious figure known as The Silent One, his voice deep and resonant.

Pip pointed with his chin to the table where The Silent One sat, and Vhid made his way over. As he sat down, The Silent One slapped a pair of gloves onto the table. "Put these on first. I know what you are. Let's not alarm anyone else. I'll answer your questions, but let's go to my room. I have some clothing that can better cover you up to hide what you are."

Vhid complied, pulling on the gloves to conceal his bony hands. The two of them rose and made their way to The Silent One's room, the mystery of Vhid's existence growing with each step. The room was dimly lit, the air filled with the scent of old parchment and a faint hint of incense. The Silent One closed the door behind them, sealing them off from the rest of the world.

"Now," The Silent One said, his eyes meeting Vhid's glowing sockets, "let's talk about Morgath."

Vhid felt a mix of trepidation and hope. Perhaps, in this stormy night, he would find the answers he sought. The room seemed to echo with the promise of secrets about to be revealed, and Vhid braced himself for whatever truths were about to be uncovered.

"Lone Wolf Adventuring: 10+1 Tips to Master Solo Roleplaying (with a nod to Me, Myself, and Die!)"

 Alright, grab your dice and let's roll with these tips for solo roleplaying!

1. You're the Whole Shebang: You're the player, DM, and most importantly, the audience. It's like being the star, director, and popcorn-munching spectator of your own movie. Don't forget to whoop and cheer for yourself!

2. Stick with What You Love: Use a system that you know and like. Trying to solo with a system that's not your jam is like trying to dance a tango to polka music.

3. Trust the Oracle (and Your Gut): Trust the oracle and your instincts. They're like your GPS and gut feeling. You wouldn't ignore them on a road trip, so don't ignore them here.

4. Style It Out: Have a style for your game. Are you gritty and realistic, or lighthearted and whimsical? Remember, you're the star, so pick a style that makes you shine.

5. Record Your Adventures: Write it, record it, video it. Think of it like your adventure journal, or better yet, your own personal bard singing your tales. Plus, it's a great jump-off point for next time.

6. Start in the Action: A great starting point is in the middle of the action. It's like jumping into a pool instead of dipping your toes. You're already wet, might as well swim!

7. Play What Interests You: Play what you are interested in. If you're not interested, it's like watching paint dry. And let's face it, even if it's magical paint, it's still boring.

8. Conflict is Key: Very importantly, always have conflict. No conflict equals nothing is happening. It's like a soap opera with no drama. Who wants that?

9. Don't Drown in Charts: Do not use too many charts and guides. All you will be doing is flipping through books. It's like trying to cook with too many recipes. Just stick with the basics and have fun!

10. Fun is the Name of the Game: HAVE FUN! If not having fun, look at the above list and find out why. It's probably something on this list. If you're not having fun, why are you doing it? It's like eating a pizza with no cheese. Just... why?

Bonus: Don't Throw in the Towel: Don't give up, it takes a while to find a style you like and a mix of system, note retention, oracles, and charts. Remember, even the folks over at Me, Myself, and Die! had to start somewhere.

So, grab your dice bag, put on your adventure hat, and let's get rolling!

Shadows of Metphire: Ableth's Quest for the Ancient Scroll (Ableth the Rogue part 1)

 On the 10th day of the fifth month of the 89 years after the Year of the Walker, under the crimson skies of Metphire, the uncharted lands of Heahaxan hummed with an ancient, eerie energy. In a goblin cave nestled just outside the bustling town of Morgansfort, Ableth the Rogue moved through the shadows like a specter, her every step a testament to her seasoned thievery.

Ableth was no ordinary rogue. Her Half-Orc heritage granted her a powerful physique, but her features were a striking blend of rugged strength and delicate beauty. Her dusky skin seemed to absorb the dim light, while her emerald-green eyes pierced through the darkness like beacons. Her raven-black hair, tied back to reveal chiseled cheekbones and a defined jawline, added to her allure. Many who crossed paths with Ableth were taken aback by her stunning appearance, a rare trait among Half-Orcs. Her athletic build and fluid movements only added to her mystique.

Clad in dark, supple leather armor, Ableth moved silently through the night, he
r short bow slung over her shoulder, ready to strike with precision and disappear without a trace. She favored the bow for its efficiency and stealth, wielding it with deadly accuracy. Despite her intimidating presence, there was an undeniable magnetism about her—a blend of danger and charm that made her impossible to ignore.

As she entered the last chamber of the cave system, Ableth found herself in a vast, imposing room. Six stone columns, three on each side, rose from the rough-hewn floor to the jagged ceiling above. The flickering light from her torch cast long, dancing shadows that played across the walls, adding an eerie ambiance to the chamber. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint tang of ancient magic.

With a swift, lethal strike of her sword, Ableth dropped the last goblin that dared to challenge her. She caught her breath, her heart pounding in her chest like a war drum. Her keen eyes scanned the room, locking onto an ancient scroll resting on a stone podium at the far end of the chamber. The podium was weathered, its surface etched with arcane symbols that suggested the scroll’s significant age and importance.

Ableth approached the podium with cautious reverence. The scroll seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, its parchment whispering secrets of a time long past. She reached out a hand, her fingers tracing the intricate symbols etched into the stone. A shiver ran down her spine as she felt the power within the scroll, a power that could change the course of her journey and perhaps the fate of Metphire itself.

As she carefully lifted the scroll, the chamber seemed to hold its breath, the shadows growing darker and the air growing colder. Ableth knew she had found something extraordinary, something that would test her mettle and her cunning. With the scroll secured, she melted back into the shadows, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The adventure of Ableth the Rogue was far from over, and the secrets of the ancient scroll were only the beginning. The Shadows of Metphire held many mysteries, and Ableth was determined to unravel them all.

Awakened in Middlepass: Vhid's Uncanny Journey (Vhid part 1)

 The human skeleton was once a common person, until they met their untimely demise. However, a powerful necromancer, with arcane whispers and dark incantations, brought them back from the beyond in the form of an animated skeleton. The bones were held together by magic, giving the skeleton a partially translucent appearance and an eerie, otherworldly quality. Its empty eye sockets seemed to glow with a dim inner light, while its bony fingers were adorned with arcane markings and enchanted talismans that shimmered with an ethereal glow.

The skeleton wore a tattered, hooded robe that concealed its skeletal form, allowing it to move among the living undetected. Despite its frightening appearance, the skeleton moved with a graceful, fluid motion, suggesting that it still possessed some remnants of the life it once had. The exact purpose for which the necromancer resurrected the skeleton was unclear, but it was clear that this bony figure was now a force to be reckoned with.

This skeleton was Vhid. His head felt groggy, and he was sure about nothing except that his name was Vhid and that he currently found himself in a worn-down barn. The scent of old hay and damp wood filled his nostrils—or what remained of them—as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings. The creaking of the barn's timbers and the distant murmur of voices from the town outside added to his confusion.

Vhid had no clue how he got here or any events from the past few days, weeks, months, or even years. He listened to the passersby and found out he was in a town named Middlepass. Vhid did not remember any town named Middlepass, but then again, he really did not remember anything right now. One name, however, lingered in his memory: Morgath. What did that name mean? And why did he have visions of being in a graveyard amongst dead bodies? What did all this mean, and who was Morgath?

The first thing Vhid knew he needed to do was get up and exit this barn to find out who Morgath was and where she was. So, Vhid rose to his feet, and as he did, he caught sight of his arm. He did a double take—it was just bones. He was so confused. Was he dead? And if he was, how was he walking? Why did he not remember anything of what happened to him and how he got here? Was he dead, and if so, when did he die?

The barn's dilapidated door creaked open, revealing a world that was both familiar and alien. Vhid stepped out into the sunlight, feeling the warmth of the day on his bony frame. The town of Middlepass stretched out before him, a mix of stone buildings and thatched roofs, bustling with life. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, and the sound of children laughing echoed in the distance.

Vhid knew he had to find answers, and the only way to do that was to venture into this strange new world. With a sense of purpose, he pulled his hood up to conceal his skeletal features and set off into the heart of Middlepass, determined to unravel the mysteries of his past and the enigmatic figure known as Morgath.