Hatred Unbound

Cleaning up the apartment today and outside of finding a bunch of cards for fantasy and other RPG use, came across a few pages that I have no idea where they came from or where they belong to. Looks like I never finished whatever it was that had started...

Hatred Unbound

"As you have reaped, so shall you sow." These are the words Anar uttered when he walked into Blackford. No one knew what to expect from the boy who'd left the village so many years ago.

"You all knew how Rykin used to torment Jarris and me. You all stood back and let it happen because he was the son of Baron Tordan. Poor Jarris and Anar you'd always say. If only we could do something.

"It took the death of Jarris at Rykin's hands before you did anything. And then what did you do? You exiled me! Not Rykin for pushing Jarris off a cliff, but for me for wanting revenge!

"This I might have lived with, but what's this?" Anar pulled forth a yellowed crumpled paper. "That bastard Tordan wanted me hung and all blamed for Jarris' death placed at my feet!

"And if not for Roland, that's what would have happened... Who would have guessed that a wandering mage would happen to be traveling in these lands? Who would've guessed that he not only saw the fight, the so-called prank, but that he would take in an outcast? Certainly not Tordan..."

Anar raised one hand, the sun gleaming off an obsidian rod with runs of fire dancing about it. "It's often been said that all that's required for evil to win, is for good men to do nothing. I know I'll find no good men here..."

Anar lowered the wand...

Synopsis

Hatred Unbound is a combination site/event based module. The party will have to explore Alstin Manor, ally themselves with Rykin, and battle Anar and his fiendish allies.

The ruins of Blackford should attract the players' attention with waves of black smoke dancing visible in the sky.

Upon investigation, the party encounters evidence of demonic infestation that grows clearer with each step they take into the town. When the party moves into the town square, where a statue of the God of Law and Justice once stood, they'll encounter a powerful force that torments them and asks, "Are you good men?"

Anar is so sure that no one will oppose his violent revenge against Blackford that he's left a messenger to deliver his proclamation. If the party claims that they are of noble heart and survive, then they'll have the opportunity to explore the manor

After their encounter with the newly created undead, they'll have a decision to make. Find Rykin and inform him of what has happened, or battle Anar on their own.

The party will have to fight their way through Anar's cavernous dwelling where he makes his last stand against "A few good men."

Background

The small town of Blackford never knew great hardship or prosperity but did know the lax hand of a long line of barons who felt they should be more than the lowest rung of noble society. The town endured in silence, hoping that hard work and perseverance would pay off.

For the most part, this plan worked. When abused, the workers found small ways to ensure that the Baron felt the pinch come tax time or when men were needed for military duty. The Barony learned to work within these boundaries and for the most part, everyone was satisfied.

Not all benefitted from this unofficial arrangement though. One small family, the Bryonbowers, had the misfortune to be Fate's unlucky victims.

One summer, the men of the household fell to a plague that spared only Sharla. Some say she lived because she was rarely home, dallying in the tower proper as opposed to her home, living on the outskirts. Within a summer, she was the last living Bryonbower.

Baron Tordan felt not only pity for the young girl but lust. The Baron was already married and intent on keeping his family line intact. Still, he felt that he was above the petty concerns of those beneath him, above the morality of the common folk.

He went to her one night while his retinue was out hunting. Under a mask to hide his identity, he offered her gold to keep her in comfort for the rest of her life, if she would but sleep with him one night.

With no relatives to turn to and no one to take her in, she accepted.

Their affair became more than a one-night affair, continuing well into the fall with her slowly and with no show of wealth, buying her way into the town with gifts from 'concerned' relatives out of town. A few in Blackford suspected the truth but the Baron hadn't been in such a jovial mood in years and no one cared for his wife. They often hoped that she would die and that the Baron would take in Sharla so that they might have the beginning of a new barony.

That didn't happen.

Instead, Sharla became pregnant with child and the Baron stopped the affair, never letting Sharla know that it was him.

She took it in good stride. Baron Todran paid her well for the companionship and she had no complaints.

She hired a nursemaid to help her through her pregnancy but Fate held off almost a full year not, struck and took her life during the childbirth.

Thuys was Anar, bastard son of Baron Tordan, born into Blackford.

Endar: Scene Two

SCENE TWO

Endar goes to his childhood village. Thinks of all the misfortune he suffered there.

The village is out of the way. A small, self-supporting town with no outsiders. Intermarriage is common. Outsiders who are taken in, are never seen after mating is complete.

The village shows signs of decay and corruption. The smell of the sea is putrid and rotten. The town is in need of repairs. The people move about slowly, their heads hung low. They rarely speak to one another. The whole town is muddy as rain has continued to pour.

Endar approaches the town from the north. The town is situated on a low beach. The sands are black with red flecks in them. Bleached bones are buried in the fields.

Endar had one other friend, a woman who awaits him. She is intended to be his mate. She is a creature of inhuman beauty. Like the rest of the town, she has pale skin, but hers is like white marble. She is the high priestess of the Dark Dweller (alien/monster)

She poisons him.

Writer Notes:

Back in the day I read a lot of different books on how to write. One of them suggested setting up scenes before diving into the writing process itself.

This is the results of one such scene.

Short Story Outline: Mage

Mage One relates his bargain to Rogue.

“My people had been slain. I called out to the Powers to help me. They answered.

“Roman himself appeared before me. How can I describe a god to you? I can’t. Suffice it to say that he seemed to me all that magedom represented.

Goes on to describe accepting of power and the responsibilities that accompanied it.

Rogue reciprocates by telling how she saw Mage I burn her mother into ash when she was only ten years old.

Mage I explains that the rogue’s mother was a dark priestess hiding out in a family life. She intended to sacrifice her daughter and husband to dark powers and use that act as a stepping stone to even greater power.

Mage: Has accumulated vast amounts of power and lost his humanity.

He is cursed with the gift of foresight and uses this power to slay those who might become dangers to the world.

Believes in Order but sees himself above any man made laws.

Harbors distrust to all others as they may eventually be “seen” and die at his hands. He fears to become attached to anyone.

Female Rogue: Her mother was killed by Mage, and she seeks vengeance. The mage spotted her as his killer, but for some reason, was unable to find her. She is given the task to destroy the Mage and is joined by several adventurers. She is given an item that will drain the Mage of his power if he voluntarily uses it. During the journey, she is captured by Mage and comes to see some of his thinking.

Two fall in love and the Mage sacrifices power and regains humanity.

Warrior: A warrior hired by the same people who hire the Rogue. He and the Rogue begin to have a romance, but she is captured. Warrior swears to find her and slay the wizard.

Mage Two: A seeker of ancient power, he goes along on a quest to protect Rogue, but is hoping to apprentice himself under Mage One. He winds up betraying his comrades for power by taking Mage One’s power and then decides to kill them all. Warriors kills Mage Two but is also killed in the process.

Roman: God who makes Mage One power and latter realizes that the power has corrupted his minion to the point where Roman cannot wrest the power away from him.

Dragon: A friend of Mage One. In Mage One’s early days, the two disagreed about methods of preventing those who would rise to power. The Warrior and Mage Two seek the dragon out to gain information.

Warrior Two: Female warrior, tough as nails. Mercenary in it solely for pay. Is loyal but simple. Thinks that actions speak louder than words. 

Written probably in early 90's late 80s. Didn't have to correct too much when I put it into electronic format. Funny how some of this is basically Civil War 2 Storyline eh? Precog is a bitch!

Country of Zarlas

Country of Zarlas

Ruled by a king with support fnrom the Church of the True Faith. The country is very old and has advanced beyond most of the surrounding countries. At one point, Zarlas ruled most of Tarnill.

The country of Enkol, with its horse raiders, was the first to fall.

The main battles were waged through the Giant Spine Mountains with giants acting as mercenaries for both sides. Giants were betrayed by wizards of Tarnill and many were trapped in the mountains.

The resistance of the country was broken in the Battle of the Dead Men’s Hills.

The Firelands fell next, the Kiln Elves, never an aggressor race, gave several noble children as hostages and a champion to earn Zarlas’ trust. It was the last of these champions who helped put down one of the Grey Lords rebellions.

Borlan has always been on friendly terms with Zarlas and the two have often been at peace. Only once in the long history has Brolan attacked Zarlas and that was under the influence of Par Lethas. 

One of the reasons the two countries don’t get along. The second reason is that the True Faith declared magic heresy. Those mages who did not die fled to Par Lethas. They helped the natives master their magics, cutting their studying time in half.

Zarlas lost its hold on the land due to the Three Grey Lords. During the First War, the Kiln elves suffered massive casualties and retreated. Soldiers were recalled from Enkol. The natives of Enkol helped in exchange for their country’s freedom.

Running through my old notes and found this brief summary of one of the countries I made for my old fiction writing. As bad as this is, it's better than when I actually wrong it. There were numerous misuses of words that sounded similar but are different. It's good when you're able to catch these things without the computer telling you so I know my knowledge or at least editing skills have improved.

Alranis Fragment

Artan-Ennui

Magic. The word came easily to Serok’s lips but even so, he wondered if he was making the right choice.

Not twenty feet from him, a youth, sat studying an ancient text on the God Kings

Smiling, Serok approached his only pupil. “Greetings Alranis. How goes the study?”

Despite his youth, Alranis’ short hair was bone white and his hazel eyes surrounded by crow’s feet.

“Ah Serok. Have you come to test me anew on your mysteries?” Alranis waved his hands at the shelves and the books lining them.

“Why do you always think that’s my purpose in tutoring you? Can I not merely come by to observe your studies?” Serok pulled back his black hair with a wrinkled hand.

Seeing the serving girl waiting at the entrance, Serok sat and waved her near. “I’ll have a cup of tea. For you Alranis?”

Placing a gold covered book mark onto his tome, ALranis smiled. “The same.”

Folding his hands, Serok eased back into his chair with a sigh.

“So old teacher, do you honestly mean to tell me that for once there are no tests? No quizzes?”

                “Why bother? You’ve always worked yourself harder than I ever could.”

                Alranis remained quite for a moment expecting Serok to continue with a “but” or “or” but his mentor said nothing.

                “Well, perhaps I do push myself harder because I’m privileged enough to be here.” Alranis poked the table with a slender finger.

                The maid returned with a stainless silver tray and two large cups filled with tea. On the side, a decanter rested next to a round silver half orb filled with sugar.

                Alranis sipped his tea without tasting it. Serok was too quite. What could his mentor truly want? Had he fallen behind in his studies? Failed some unknown test?

                Serok’s eyes narrowed as he placed one gnarled hand over his cup. “It is time for the truth.”

                “The truth? Have I been doing so poorly in my studies that you’ve had to lie to me to encourage my failures?”

                Serok smiled. “No pupil, nothing so simple as that.” Rising from the table, Serok straightened his back.

                “Nothing so simple?” Alranis followed his mentor in rising, his eyes burning with anger. “I’m no longer as stupid orphan boy Serok. My thoughts and feelings are not to be dismissed like some serving dog!”

                Serok stopped smiling. “Alranis, your anger does you no good here. I’ve always allowed you to follow your own path, even when I felt it wrong. It’s time I told you why I’ve allowed you such freedom.”

                “You mean I’ve been allowed to pick my own path not out of your lack of interest but for your own purposes?” Alranis eyes rounded with confusion. He always felt privileged but at the same time, trapped.

                Trapped by obligation to his mentor. Trapped by feelings of inadequacy. All in all, traps of his own making.

                “Well Serok, you have indeed made me everything I am today. I’ll try to listen without interrupting.” Alranis lifted his tea and eased back into his chair.

                “No need to be totally silent pupil. This is a story about you, indirectly at least.” Serok slowly sipped his tea. Still too hot.

                “It beings at the dawn of humanity. Our race has always been plagued by creatures of a hateful nature. They originally came from dark planes where light has no power and no influence. You would call them demons.

                “Now the gods saw these creatures creep into Allore, their home, and were not pleased.”

                Alranis frowned and sat up. “Pardon me, but I have studied them. The gods  setup puppet rulers called God Kings who fought against dragons, demons, and eventually each other.”

                Serok nodded, pleased that Alranis knew this but annoyed at being interrupted. “True. There were however, other power groups during this time. One such group was the Overlords. It was they who created the order of Demon-Slayers.” He paused anticipating another interruption. When none was forthcoming, he continued.

                “The overlords consisted…

 So that's a fragment I found from way back in the day. Probably late teens, early twenties. Makes it over twenty years old.  Pretty generic setup if I recall. Alranis has a brother whose a sword master and there were some other vague thoughts and bits. Inspired in part by one of my friend's home brewed 2nd Edition Dungeons and Dragons campaign. 

       

Historic Notes

While cleaning up, I ran across some old notes I had scribed from some books. Of course I didn't actually, you know, write down the books. That would have made too much sense. These must come from another really old notebook as they're on the tiny paper.

The Mongols kept power in the Eastern Steppes and the Khanates of the Chagati and the Golden Horde survived at the end of the 15th Century.

In the Middle East, many of the Mongols turned to Islam and were assimilated by their Persian and Turkic subjects.

Timur the Lame (Chingis Khan?)

Ilkkhanate

Delhi Sultanate

1420-1432 Bohemian Crusade: Emperor Sigismund, Hussite Heresy

1454 Construction of the Topkapi palace is begun at Istanbul.

1467-1477 Rise of the daimyo and feudalism (Onin War)

1478 Moscow refused to pay Golden Horde.

1478 Foundation of the Spanish Inquisition

1480 Ivan III stops payment to the Golden Horde

1484 Papa Bull Summis desiderantes affectibus

1492 Jews expelled from Stalin


1492 The Fall of Granada is the final piece of Christian Victory in Spain.

1449 Oirat Mongols capture the Ming Emperor at Dumv.

1502 Final breakup of the Golden Horde

1517-1526 Babur- descendant of Timur and Chingis Khan invades India and founds Mughal Empire.

Mamluke Sultanate
Alexandria
Giza
Damietta: Sugar, Cotton
Cairo
Ivory from central and southern Africa.

Silk, gems, spices, drugs, ivory, aromatic gums, dyes, Arabia, India, Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa.

Alamut: Assassin stronghold

Al-Qadmus
Khawabi
Tripoli

Isfahan: Towres from Skulls

Timur the Lame

Matrix

Matrix

In the underworld, many horrid and terrible creatures live and prosper. Among those are trolls, skeletons and the drow.

Matrix is the last of these horrid beings and loves it. The drow are dark elves who were driven to the lands below the surface but only became stronger.

Recently a great war of light and darkness tore through the core of the planet. Matrix's parents were but a few of those slain. Thus Matrix practiced both fighting and shadow skills or thieving skills.

Now three years after his initial training, Matrix was ready to leave his clan. Yet the House of Sodidl would not allow him to, for assassin fighters were rare, and those with his fiery determination were fewer.

But the will of Matrix was not to be denied...

And Matrix knew of a resting place for a great old troll. This would prove to be the perfect chance to escape unto the surface world, and extract harsh vengeance.

The troll's eyes awakened. Blood red with sleet and an erie look of tiredness. It had slept long but now, it was awakening, it was awakening to the scent of fresh meat, of drow.

It burrowed into stone with claws able to rend metal into dust. It completely surprised the drow party, save for one with two daggers and a sadistic smile.

Writer's Current Notes

WOW. That's terrible for me to read. I have no clue what this one was, I'm suspecting the background to a drow fighter assassin NPC I had called Matrix. Now that may seem obvious, but I don't know if this was actual NPC background or if I was attempting to write something inspired by the character.

I was at the height of Drizzt is terrible and you should feel bad for liking him so I made a drow NPC. This had to be around the time 2nd edition first started as I'm sure this guy would have been rolled up using the old Unearthed Arcana rules where you got something like 9 Dice for your primary stat.

I keep meaning to pick up that reprint of Unearthed Arcana  for 1st edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons just for S&G sake.

On the other hand, it could very well have been the old Polyhedron magazine where it had customized xp charts for multi-class characters combined with the Dragon magazine that had the Unearthed Arcana methodology for rolling races or multi-class characters? Been a while.

That fragment was found on a folded sheet inside of another piece of paper. Ancient writings indeed!

Matrix Fragment 2

The now defeated wizard, Hork Thesis, slayer of a legend, and the scourge of truth, now found himself being stalked.

The strange human body he gained control of with the now useless bloodstone grew tired. Hork turned around to see if the hunter was still alive. The fireball he had cast should have totally burned the flesh off it.

Yet only fiery eyes and a shrewd smile was behind him when he turned. Matrix the dark grand father had come to take vengeance for an act committed decades ago.

Panic filled Hork's heart as he lifted his hands to unleash mystical bolts, yet Matrix leapt upon Hork screaming oaths of a horrid nature.

Somehow Hork managed to hit Matrix with one of the bolts. Matrix screamed as shattered chain mail pierced drow flesh.

Now a surge of confidence arose from the high elf. His foe was one of the cursed ilk of elves, a drow. He arrogantly stood over the wounded drow and drew his magical longsword.

Even in his pain, Matrix could smell the magic. Quickly he called upon the natural ability of all dark elves. The ability to cast darkness, and aimed at Hork's head. He could barely stand much less attack.

Matrix kicked Hork in the groin and unsheathed his own magic sword. Hork fell to his knees with bears beginning to fill his eyes.

Hork slashed in a blur of agony and desperation and was easily blocked by Matrix who was ignoring the shrapnel in his left side.

Now it was HOrk's turn to scream as Matrix attacked and severed his hand.

Blood flowed freely and Matrix relished in his almost too easy victory for Hork was crawling away.The taste of victory almost became those of ashes for with the one good hand, Hork hurled a dagger at the dark elf's heart.

Writer's Current Notes II

Oh man, it only gets worse in that second fragment. I have no clue if I had an actual story going on here or was somehow involving the PC's in a quest to kill a corrupted high elf or what.

It looks like Hork was a high elf who used a magic item called a bloodstone to transfer from body to body, and that Hork was responsible for the original catastrophe that claimed the lives of Matrix's parents and that Matrix would have vengeance!

The fight scene is also terrible. It reads almost like an anime in how quickly the character goes from so wounded he can't stand to cutting Hork's hand off.

Ah well. Interesting to see what the writing was like back in the day.