Zarrin was a priest of Life who struggled with his seeming powerlessness over the tragedy of Death. His obsession to defeat death led eventually to his fall from grace (a well-known tale across the barony). In grief, he turned to the foul art of necromancy. Instead of protecting the people, he terrorized them, becoming the beast which mothers described to their children to keep them out of the forest. Some believed him to be merely legend, others thought him a long-gone fugitive hiding in the dark places; but now he has been identified and detained in the village of Coppice. The constable contacted the baron, who has sent deputized marshals to collect the criminal for trial. You are those marshals. Plucked from the best of the militia, your reputation for getting the job done precedes you. Collecting a prisoner and returning him to justice almost seems too easy . . . almost.

 

This game is focused on NOVICE players wanting to learn D&D.  However, necromancy is a messy business and not for the faint of heart.  There will be some gore and elements of suspense (hopefully).

 

Only the pre-generated characters provided are allowed:

 

• Corporal (Dwarf Fighter 2)

A well-liked fighter who is more quick and smart than strong, the Corporal is a young and unusual Dwarf but a classic leader who aspires to be a knight in service of the Duke (or even the High King) someday (he doesn’t even mind riding a horse but prefers large ponies).  Serious but quick with a smile and an encouraging word for companions, s/he is a good teacher and cares for those in his/her charge.  S/he is also good but reserved friends with the Half Elven Mage Carric/Caelynn. Preferred weapons/armor:  Spear, long sword, hand axe, crossbow.

• Church Representative (Human Cleric 2)

Zasheir (or Yasheira) is not a part of the militia but has been assisting in the investigation and hunt for Zarinn for at least a year.  S/he has perhaps the best working knowledge of the evil necromancer.  S/he therefore was a natural to accompany the guards of his transfer back to the capital.  S/he is outwardly a very stern person who abhors necromancy and seeks to stamp it out where s/he can.  Of course, to do so, one must carefully study the enemy. Preferred weapons/armor:  Mace.

• Ministry of Magic Official (Half-Elf Mage 2)

Carric/Caelynn is extremely proud of his/her Elven heritage and can come off as aloof or arrogant on first impression.  However, s/he is very task oriented and gets things done.  An excellent and intelligent student, Carric/Caelynn has impressed both the Ministry of Magic and the Militia enough that s/he serves as a somewhat permanent advisor to the decidedly non-magical Corporal and has been through several investigations and assignments at his/her side despite the typical Dwarf/Elf rivalry.  Perhaps Carric/Caelynn is less frivolous than most Elves and the Corporal is less serious than most Dwarves so that they meet in the middle.  Preferred weapons/armor:  Staff.

• Baron’s Representative (Halfling Rogue 2)

A fast talker with a silver tongue who is known for an ability to get out of any sticky situation (whether physical or metaphorical) and a genuinely delightful personality, Finnan/Phaela actually impressed the Minister of Protocol enough to gain a position as a representative.  However, the boring life didn’t suit so Finnan/Phaela talked his/her way into a position with the Ministry of Justice, a much more exciting and profitable role.  S/he is not a member of the militia but knows the Corporal and the twins quite well.  S/he often practices with the rapier against Jorah (or Johanna). Preferred weapons/armor:  Rapier, dagger.

• Soldier (Human Fighter 2)

Jorah (or Johanna) is kind of a showoff. However, s/he is also very good at swordsmanship so can back up his/her flashiness with real skill.  S/he often practices with the rapier against Finnan (or Phaela).  S/he is also always the life of the party, eminently capable of small talk, charming everyone around and enthralling them with tales of daring.  It’s a trait that s/he knows gets on the Corporal’s nerves but s/he has always been able to get back in his/her good graces.  S/he believes in three things in life:  the Corporal, his/her twin sibling and the finesse of a good rapier in the right hands.  While issued a long sword as part of the militia, s/he rarely carries it since s/he prefers the rapier.  Due to their close relationship as twins, Jorah (or Johanna) and Morn (or Miri) have some unique skills that only they and their Dwarven companion know. Preferred weapons/armor:  Spear, long sword, rapier or crossbow.

• Soldier (Human Fighter 2)

Morn (or Miri) is a twin to Jorah (or Johanna) but in personality is very much an opposite.  S/he is reserved and observant, preferring to assess situations before jumping into them and if violence is necessary, s/he likes to resolve it as quickly as possible with minimal risk to him/her or allies. In battle, s/he moves in quickly and dispatches enemies without flourish.  S/he is stronger than his/her sibling due to long days of practice with heavier weapons but does not have the finesse.  Due to their close relationship as twins, Jorah (or Johanna) and Morn (or Miri) have some unique skills that only they and their Dwarven companion know. Preferred weapons/armor:  Spear, long sword, short sword or hand axe.