Hello there. I thought maybe I would expand the story on the my campaign walkthroughs a bit. The first one I am doing is an expanded version of the Shadow Rune. (I'll link the rules here.)

This log will detail the various adventures of our heroes, beefing it up with some storyline along the way. The quests themselves will actually be played and the storyline will reveal what actually happened in them. And so, I will start off with the first storyline.

Story One: The Shadow Rune

Intro: First Blood

“Excuse me sir Knight,” waved a tall fair haired traveler from the side of the heavily traveled dirt road.

A well conditioned man, clad in blue tinted plate armor acknowledged the Latari Elf standing on the roadside. He tugged at the reigns of the chestnut stallion that he rode upon, bringing the steed to a slow trot.

“I should hate to think I am the cause of any delay good sir,” spoke the Latari in a smooth, richly intoxicating voice,” however, I find myself in an awkward situation: I am in need of directions.”

The man on the horse gave the Latari a proper inspection. He was indeed tall and fair haired, his physique matching the soothing voice for of which the elf spoke. Long waist lengthed blond hair flowed through an eloquent ponytail and his clothes were polished clean. He carried a wooden Lute on his back and at his belt a simple slender blade, which led the knight to believe that the elf was no simple villager.

The Knight gave the Latari a smile followed by a slight bow of his head.

“ I am not delayed at all,” the Knight responded kindly in a deep gruff voice,” Moreover, I would find it a dishonor not to help a fellow traveler in need.”

The Latari grinned as the Knight drew near, the mare's hooves clomping at the dirt. Reflectively observing the knight's details, the elf noticed that he was only equipped with a wooden shield that he wore along his back along with a fairly worn scabbard at his belt. The armor as well appeared as though it had seen much use.

“Then I shall thank you in advance,” the elf said politely, holding his left hand to his chest while he respectfully bowed,” and now I shall ask my question, much to my embarrassment.”

The brown haired knight stroked his broad chin as he awaited the Latari's inquiry. The bright summer sun was beating down on them brightly and a calm breeze brushed their skin.

“ To explain good sir, I am on a journey to the Twin Baronies of Rhynn and Carthridge. I have heard tell of many stories and songs passed down among the citizens there. And so, there you have it. I have yet to spot any signs on this pathway that may indicate I have traveled in the right direction.”

The Knight chuckled slightly, causing his long brown hair of which he had tied up to sway in the breeze. The Latari's smile softened slightly, wondering what had caused the man's amusement.

“We just happen to be close to the border of Rhynn,” answered the knight pointing at the road,” just over the next few hills yonder in fact.”

“Oh. Spendid,”the Latari elf found his smile returning,” I am grateful then that I did not choose to turn back along the roadway.”

“ I have business there myself,”the knight informed,” I see no reason why I cannot escort you.”

“A ride? Well..,” the Latari nodded with agreement,” that is a very generous offer. One that I think I shall find myself accepting. My feet do indeed complain.”

The Knight offered an armored hand to the Latari, who grabbed hold, swinging his leg over the steed's back so as to sit behind the knight. The horse neither flinched nor complained as the extra weight of a second person was added upon his load.

“ Since we are to be traveling companions, I believe it would be polite to give you my name. I am Rendiel, seeker of melodies both joyful and sad.”

“ I am called Reynhart,” the Knight simply introduced, with little emotion,” The Unworthy.”

The gnome counted out several golden coins before quickly stuffing them inside a small brown

pouch. Pocketing the bag of money swiftly, he gave out a silent chuckle as he looked about the wagon for more interesting trinkets. The guards clearly hadn't noticed the small humanoid slip past their detail and jump into the back of the goods laden wagon.

“Hmm. This looks valuable,” the gnome known as Tomble Burrowell muttered. He opened a small glass display case and lifted the chain of a small silver amulet resting upon some cloth. It was perfectly round and shiny, which was good enough for Tomble as he quickly stuffed it into his vest.

He felt the wagon suddenly come to a stop. Several guards started speaking to each other outside, which probably meant the Baron's caravan had reached the border gate leading into Rhynn. Knowing the wagon would most likely be inspected, Tomble spied out of the back of the canvas roofed wagon, seeking the right moment to depart. Baron Greigory's guards had their weapons drawn however, alert and their backs to the wagon.

It was in that next moment that Tomble realized the caravan was under assault! Volleys of arrows flew from the nearby trees, striking at the guards armor. A guard was felled by an arrow that pierced his helmet.

“Goblin ambush!” yelled a soldier,” protect the caravan!”

An arrow pierced the roof of the wagon and embedded itself into the wood right between Tomble's feet. He gave out a yelp, nimbly jumped toward the back of the wagon, toppled out the back and landed on the dirt road. One of the guards pulled his head back in shock as he noticed the thief's exit.

“Stop!”, he commanded.

“I believe I've worn out my welcome,” spoke Tomble.

But before he could move a step further, a massive form lumbered out of the woods toward the wagon. A giant two headed Ettin, bearing scars of battle and carrying a large wooden nailed club, made two huge strides toward the wagon and brought the weight of his club down upon the canvas.

Tomble and the guards scattered as the debris from the wagon flew in various directions. Tomble scurried up along the pathway as the guards circled around the Ettin. Loosed arrows sailed out at him from the woods as he ran up along the road. He glanced back at the Ettin and watched as he swung his club in a wide arcing circle, catching two of the guards in the torso. The impact tossed them through the air like ragdolls.

Tomble paused a moment, as he grabbed at the small blades he had hidden in his waistband. It was then that another massive Ettin, almost equal in size, emerged from the trees to join it's brother. Tomble turned away. What could he do against those creatures? Another arrow whizzed past his red hair.

He turned then and ran...

Reynhart's steed followed the road as it entered into a clump of dense forest. His heart grew anxious as he realized he was nearing his destination. Soon he would be in Rhynn and it was there that he would finally begin to restore the honor that had been lost.

“It would seem that we are not alone,” Rendiel indicated as he pointed to the small gnome that was busy rushing forward from the opposite direction.

“Help!,” he cried, as the gnome spotted the two travelers,” there's an ambush!”

“Did I hear you right?”, Reynhart questioned as he became more alert to his surroundings.

“Aye sirs! Goblins are ambushing a caravan just ahead. The guards are fighting them, but..,” Tomble explained.

“I shall go and help,” Reynhart decided,” I am sorry Sir Rendiel, but I believe we shall part ways here. I have no wish to place you in danger.”

“Nonsense,” Rendiel answered tapping the hilt of his blade,” I believe I can be of use as well. Besides which, tales of valiant courage makes for great song.”

Reynhart nodded with a smile and then commanded his horse to break into a run. As the two men galloped towards the caravan, Tomble waved his hands and called out to them.

“But sirs! I did not speak about those huge Ettins...,” Tomble desparately shouted.

He took but a moment to ponder and then started to make his way back toward the caravan, saying with a mutter, “ Drat it all.”

Reynhart and Rendiel came upon the terrible scene. Smoke was now rising from the burning caravan wagons and the bodies of guards and merchants were strewn about. There were still a few guards attempting to drive back two lumbering Ettins, careful to keep out of range of their massive clubs. Scores of greened skinned Goblins were running toward a gate.

“**** it all. We can't let those Goblins through there,” yelled one of the guards,” if enough of them make it through the border, they'll cause even more problems!”

Reynhart and Rendiel leapt from the chestnut stallion, both drawing their weapons. They joined the guards at their side, readying themselves for battle.

“Let us do the fighting sirs,” said Reynhart as he sized up the Ettins,” we shall protect you while you get the rest of the citizens and the wounded out of danger.”

“Adventurers,” acknowledged one of the guards and then confirmed,” It was an ambush. That Ettin- Mauler he said his name was- is sending his goblin followers straight into Rhynn through the gate. We need to stop him!”

“This battle seems like it will make a great song my friend,” Rendiel mused as he steadied his blade,” but I believe we may be in over our heads with two large Ettins and a host of Goblins aside.”

“Then be thankful that I saw the smoke and thought to investigate,” chimed in a cheerful feminine voice.

The two men looked behind them to gaze upon a young beautiful black haired woman. Her garments were a loud yellow color and her exposed left thigh bore a bright golden tattoo. In her palm she readied a glowing rune.

“Amidst the foulness of these monsters, a beautiful mage appears before us. This song is getting better all the time,” Rendiel commented with a smile.

“Your flattery is not unwelcome elf,” spoke the girl,” though best you keep your attention to the business at hand.”

Reynhart gave a nod to the woman and then readied his blade.

“Right then,” Reynhart said,” Mauler is the one leading this attack. I will duel with him while you both attempt to cut off the goblin advance. Try not to let any more of them slip through the gate.”

As the heroes began to rush forward, a small gnome moved in behind them unnoticed. Tomble sighed as he readied his daggers.

“ I suppose I have no choice in the matter,” grumbled the gnome.

Reynhart, Rendiel and the mage rushed forward, attempting to cutoff the Goblins's route toward the gate. Reynhart cut into a goblin with his Iron Longsword, easily felling him, while the girl used her Stasis Rune to injure another. It was a simple matter for Rendiel to finish the injured Goblin with his own Wandering Blade as he moved past.

“The three of them strangers, now comrades in battle. Their swords and their magic all singing a song,” sang the elf. The melody had a strange effect, all of them feeling energized.

Tomble cautiously ran behind, but a glint caught his eye. He momentarily stopped to pick up an Archaic Scroll off the ground.

The remaining Goblins, sensing the danger present, put on a burst of speed, Dashing toward the exit. Two Goblins managed to get through the gate as both Ettins lumbered forward. Picking Rendiel as an easy Target, they swung their clubs at him. He was not quick enough to dodge and felt the weight of the clubs against him, grimacing.

“Oh no you don't,” warned Tomble, quickly closing the distance on a fleeing Goblin. Crossing into a pool of water, he embedded his knives into the back of the monster.

It was then that the mage noticed his presence. She threw two shots of magical energy at a goblin, missing with the first but injuring it on the second. A split second later she had disappeared into thin air, moments later appearing right next to the gnome.

“Aack!”, Tomble jumped.

“My, what a cute little gnome,” she commented,” But this is no place for one such as you. You should run along and hide.”

Meanwhile Rendiel and Reynhart each picked an Ettin. Rendiel swung his blade at the lesser Ettin, but the Ettin blocked his attack with his rock hard forearm. Laughing, he caused the elf to take a step back. Reynhart however swung his sword, slicing at Mauler's flesh. The massive creature howled in pain.

Another Goblin rushed by behind the two men, attempting to slip by the mage and the gnome. Both Ettins raised their clubs at Rendiel. The lesser Ettin caught Rendiel again, causing the elf to stumble. He could not avoid Mauler's attack, which sent him to the ground with a mighty thud. Reynhart shouted toward his new friend, watching his comrade fall as Mauler's mighty hand reached to grab hold of him. Reynhart pushed away from his grubby mitt, readying his sword.

The mage let off another shot with her Stasis Rune that killed another goblin as she watched the elf fall. She started to run toward her fallen comrade in arms, but failed to notice the ground giving way beneath her feet. She tumbled flat onto her face, the ground slamming all sense out of her.

Tomble ttok a moment to chuckle at her after snatching a health potion he had seen laying in the pool of water.

“My dear, perhaps you should speak for yourself,” Tomble retorted towards the woman's exposed back as he noticed the elf's limp form beneath the Ettins' large feet.

He ran forward and grabbed Rendiel's collar, splashing water onto his face.

“Wake up man,” Tomble yelled.

Rendiel blinked at the gnome and then was once again on his feet. Standing between Mauler and the gnome, he joined Reynhart as they both slashed at the Ettin with their swords.

The massive Mauler roared, wildly swinging back with his club. He caught Rendiel again, causing the elf to slump back onto the ground. Another swing cracked Reynhart's armor. As the knight stumbled back, Mauler's massive left hand enclosed around him. The Ettin tossed Reynhart over his head in spectacular fashion. He landed on his back with a thud though he quickly rolled about to face the Ettin.

The lesser Ettin moved forward towards the still dazzled mage. She still managed to avoid most of it's blow as she rolled to her side, the stumbling back up to her knees. She caught a goblin rushing past her through her dizzied vision and held out her stasis rune to blast him in the back.

Tomble slapped Rendiel in the face, in an attempt to wake him again. Then he jumped back, kicking Rendiel away as the lesser Ettin placed a foot directly overtop Rendiel's limp form. Tomble leapt up and slashed at the Ettin to little effect. The Ettin looked at him, almost amused.

“Yes. Well...,” spoke the gnome,” Terribly sorry.”

Rendiel however stirred from the kick and was able to pull himself up from behind the Ettin. He watched as Reynhart cut into Mauler again, this time bringing the massive Ettin to his knees. Seeing the opportunity, Rendiel brought out his sword and delivered a fatal stab to the Ettin's neck.

Mauler howled, flailed and then slowly slumped to ground. Upon seeing his leader felled, the lesser Ettin anxiously whirled about, quickly retreating into the dense forest. The goblins halted their advance as well and the sounds of small feet scurrying away from the scene filled the air.

Mauler still struggled to stand on one knee, his left head giving off a dying gurgle. His right however struggled with words.

“ You think you have won,” threatened the Ettin,” But we are just servants, here to die at our master's command. In the end, he will succeed and Arhynn will burn.”

Both of the heads grew silent as the Ettin drew his last breath, toppling over in a heap.

The group gathered themselves together, with Rendiel brushing the dirt from his clothes as he hitched his sword back onto his belt. He stood over his fallen foe and began to inspect the Ettin for any more signs of life. Reynhart sheathed his blade and girded his shield upon his back, taking a few steps towards the fallen girl. He offered the young mage a hand as she still struggled to get to her feet. Tomble silently pocketed his blades.

“Well fought. Is anyone seriously injured?,” Reynhart asked as the mage took his proffered hand.

“Only my pride. And maybe my back,” Rendiel winced as he held his right side,” Those Ettins were indeed strong.”

“Aye,” Reynhart agreed pulling the girl up to her feet, placing another hand at her side to steady her, “I wish you had not put yourself in that kind of danger friend.”

Finding her feet under her, the mage brushed herself off as Reynhart took a step back, the cobwebs still making her feel a little dazed. She cursed herself inwardly for her clumsiness as she pocketed her rune.

Reynhart softly watched the mage and then bowed slightly when her eyes met his, blinking at him awkwardly.

“I must thank you as well. It is nothing short of bravery to jump into a fight with monsters. You have my deepest respect,” he stated.

“Ah. oh. Well.,” she simply spoke, her right hand coming to her mouth, feeling a tint come to her cheeks.

Tomble rolled his eyes upwards as he began to slink between their boots towards the open road. He at first felt put out about how he had been completely overlooked but then laughed to himself when he remembered how his size was a blessing in disguise.

Several of the guards marched over toward the adventurers. They looked more relieved then anything, but Reynhart could see the sorrow they kept inwardly inside for the comrades they had lost today.

“ We must thank you all. Daqan knows what may have happened here had you not arrived,” spoke the central guard.

“Think nothing of it,” answered Reynhart, his attention diverted from the mage as he waved a hand, “ but I must ask of the people in the caravan.”

The guard told the group of several soldiers that had lost their lives as well as the caravan owner. He had been an official that worked under Baron Griegory. Apparently he had just been returning from a trip to Greyhaven when the caravan had arrived at the border gate.

“It was like those Goblins and Ettins were waiting to ambush us here,” spoke the guard,” As soon as the gate opened, they poured out of the woods like insects.”

“Then it would seem that what this Ettin spoke of may not have been some random threat,” Rendiel worded cautiously from where he was now finishing his inspection of the now dead Mauler.

They all silently agreed.

“It is true that Goblin raids have been more commonplace as of late,” mentioned another one of the guards,” If any of you are heading to Arhynn, then you should seek out an audience with Baron Griegory. I'm sure he would be happy to have the assistance of some adventurers looking for a job.”

“Well now,” Reynhart nodded again with agreement,” my current business was to be just that. It seems there is ever more reason to speak with him now.”

“ I am also traveling to Arhynn,” chimed in the mage,” though my intent there has nothing to do with meeting the Baron – or agreeing to fight goblins.”

Rendiel moved towards the pair audicously. He gave the mage a courtly bow and then took her hand.

“It would seem that we all have a common destination,” the Latiri's voice smoothly swam in almost melodious fashion,” will you not join I and yonder knight on the road to the capital city? I believe as they say... strength in numbers. “

She inwardly laughed at the elf's gestures and somehow began to find her embarrassment over her fall giving way to an inner confidence.

“I see no reason why not,” she agreed.

“Get your paws off of me!,” a small voice suddenly shouted angrily.

Everyone's attention was diverted to the small gnome who was now struggling against the grip of two tall armored guards. Each of them had a firm lock on one of the gnome's wrists as he struggled vehemently to escape.

“What's all this soldier?”, the guard who had been talking to the adventurers asked.

“ I saw this one sneaking out of the back of the wagon when we were attacked sir,” spoke the soldier on Tomble's right,” He's a thief. Or worse. A spy.”

“How dare you call me a spy?,” Tomble shouted as he kicked at the dirt, struggling to pull his wrists away,” I just had the misfortune of taking a nap in the back of the wagon.”

It was then that a silver amulet slipped from his pocket and landed with a soft plop onto the ground. A guard, upon noticing, picked it up and inspected it.

“How do you explain this then?,” he shouted at the gnome, turning the amulet over to show the engraved crest of the Baron upon it.

Tomble stopped his struggles, clearly realizing he had been caught.

“Don't think of it as you being robbed. Instead, think of it as you donating to a worthy cause.” he simply said.

Rendiel however stepped forward cautiously.

“Excuse me gents,” he cut in,” but the little fellow is with me.”

The guards all gave their attention to the elf, while Tomble helplessly looked on.

“Bit of troublemaker that one... though he does make a good assistant,” Rendiel explained.

“Assistant?!”, Tomble retorted.

“Of course. I thought I had lost you,” Rendiel curtly responded to the gnome,” Sleeping in strange wagons. Really now.”

Rendiel sighed and then gave the guards a polite smile, finishing with almost a song ,” he's more trouble then he's worth.”

The guards looked at each other and then as if in silent agreemenet, released their grasp of the gnome's wrists.

“Take him. But don't let us catch him doing anything suspicious,” one of the guards warned.

“ Unscrupulous. Uncivilized. Really now,” Tomble yelled at the guards as he rubbed his wrists,” Is this how you thank people?”

Rendiel stood over him, casting a shadow over Tomble that was twice as tall as the gnome himself. The elf motioned for the gnome to follow as he began to walk toward the rest of his companions.

“ Come sir. I trust you will find less opportunity to cause mischief in our company,” Rendiel spoke to the gnome as he walked,” and I will find myself in a much better mood once I can retire to a proper bed.”

Reynhart mounted his chestnut steed. Once all were ready, they walked through the gate into the Barony of Rhynn. As they departed the forested area, a massive walled city loomed before them on the horizon.

“ Travelers, now bound by battle and the blood of foes,” Rendiel commented as he looked upon the fields of Rhynn,” yet, still our names unspoken.”

“Astarra,” introduced the mage.

“Tomble,” said the gnome.

Reynhart and Rendiel both introduced themselves as well. The elf pulled the lute from his back and started to strum a tune. Tomble peered at him incrediously, though Reynhart and Astarra watched him with interest.

“ Our meeting is destined I feel, to be put to song,” Rendiel laughed and with that he began to sing about the exploits of a Kind hearted knight, a mysterious yet beautiful mage, a small quick witted fellow and the bard who counted himself fortunate to meet them all.