:: Random Item—The Grand Design ::

The Grand Design

by Wm Jay Carter III, 5/19/15

Scroll: Diagram

Color: Tan

Conditions: Charred, Wet

Keyword: Grand

Extinguishing the fire at last, you look over what remains of the valuables in the room. Only the solid metal objects remain salvageable; everything composed of less-durable materials has been completely consumed. Everything, that is, except an ashwood scroll case. The tan case is charred from the fire, and the parchment that unrolls from inside has been completely soaked, but is nevertheless entirely intact. With astonishment, you find umber-ink diagrams on the paper that are not only clearly visible, but moving to display their subjects from many angles, and even expanding to reveal the interior workings.

:: Random NPC—Nanny Gregoria ::

Nanny Gregoria

by Wm Jay Carter III, 5/17/15

Homeland: Benevento

Age: Old

Gender: Female

Stature: Short

Physical: Muscular

Eyes: Gray

Hair: Blonde

Outwardly: Livid

Inwardly: Lazy

Profession: Hairdresser

Money: Poor

Catchphrase: “Get out or I’ll rip that sorry excuse for a mane off your head one hair at a time!”

You step inside the cathedral and cast your eyes about to find your contact. “Get out you worthless no-accounts!” a woman’s voice echoes around the nave. To your right, a short old woman leans forward in her chair. Despite her age, her biceps are surprisingly well-developed. “Get out or I’ll rip that sorry excuse for a mane off your head one hair at a time!” You pause warily, certain that the woman could make good on her threat, but uncertain as to whether or not she will.

:: Random Location—Puerta del Diablo ::

Puerta del Diablo

by Wm Jay Carter III, 5/16/15

Land Area: Harbor

Weather: Snowy

Conditions: Large, Pristine

Color: Dark Purple

Keyword: Devil

The ship pitches to starboard and aft, then fore and port. Ahead, the vague suggestion of an opening in the coast offers hope to all aboard that they might not perish on the rocks, or under the waves. As soon as the stern enters the mouth of the bay, the sea immediately calms, the winds cease, and the sky rains only large tufts of quietly-falling snow. The bay is spacious, and the harbor lights inviting. When the ship is docked at last, you see a fort on the nearby hill, decorated with banners of imperial purple and untouched by the ravages of war. A hush overtakes the crew. “By the Gods, who lives there?” you hear a sailor whisper. “The Devil himself,” comes the reply.

:: Random Item—Diamantaire's Rouge of Decimation ::

Diamantaire’s Rouge of Decimation

by Wm Jay Carter III, 5/16/15

Tool: Gemcutting

Color: Jungle Green

Conditions: Broken, Cold

Keyword: Decimation

The gemcutter’s worktable is coated in a thin layer of red dust that smells of dried blood. To one side, you locate the slashed remains of a pouch made from tightly-woven jungle grasses, out of which has spilled a sprinkling of the crimson powder. Beside the pouch lays the rusted skeleton of a jeweled silver knife, the metallic components—blade, handle, and fittings—having completely disintegrated. The gems that had once been set in the handle, however, remain intact and brilliant as ever. A chill races up your spine as you hold your breath and clutch your own metal weapons a little tighter.

:: Random NPC—Duchess Fendrel ::

Duchess Fendrel

by Wm Jay Carter III, 5/15/15

Homeland: Burgundy

Age: Middle-Aged

Gender: Male

Stature: Short

Physical: Clean-Shaven

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Auburn

Outwardly: Happy

Inwardly: Focused

Profession: Fisherman

Money: Working-Class

Catchphrase: “Good day to you, fellows! Sit with me awhile, for the air is fine and the catches are willing!”

You pause by the gangplank for no more than a moment when a fisherman hails you from the edge of the docks. His auburn hair is pulled back into a stylish tail, and his clean-shaven face makes him appear far younger than he really is. “Good day to you, fellows! Sit with me awhile, for the air is fine and the catches are willing!”

:: Random Location—Temple of Ulemu ::

 Temple of Ulemu

by Wm Jay Carter III, 5/15/15

Monument: Pyramid

Weather: Rainbow

Conditions: Occupied, Wild

Color: Pastel Yellow

Keyword: Honor

The wall of dense jungle vines seems to thicken the further you proceed. At last you tumble out into the open. Picking yourself up, you behold a large squat step-pyramid of expertly carved sandstone sitting in the exact center of a perfectly square clearing. Silence pervades. The long, untidy grass does not even sway a little, and a bright rainbow arcs overhead, completing the idyllic scene. But your attention is suddenly drawn away as scores of dark-skinned warriors soundlessly present themselves on the pyramid’s steps, weapons drawn, fierce gazes levelled at you. One warrior advances a few paces—body decorated with paint the color of chick’s feathers—and speaks in an unknown tongue. When she sees that you don’t understand, she repeats herself in your language, but with a heavy accent: “Speak: whom do you honor by your actions here?”

:: Random Item—The Bull Brand Missive ::

The Bull Brand Missive

by Wm Jay Carter III, 5/14/15

Scroll: Letter/Message

Color: Brown

Conditions: Small, Glistening

Keyword: Bull

Leaving town far behind you, you take in the smells of the country air. Among these, unfortunately, is the stench of nearby cattle. You turn around and notice that a free-roaming bull is trotting after you at a fair pace. You ignore the wayward animal, but after several bends in the road it appears to be fixated on you and will not relent. Giving in, you finally stop and let the thing catch up. It bawls and flicks a glistening ear in your direction, damp with sweat, where a fresh brand has been made. Looking closer, you immediately grasp the symbol’s meaning, and know that it is unmistakably meant for you...