Written by:
Lucian Stormcloak
Act 1 - Trouble in Paradise - Lunch at Stormcloak Manor
Chapter 1: A Storm Rises
The sunlight streaming through the cracked shutters of the tavern offered little reprieve to the hangovers of the Broken Banner. The remnants of the previous night—a tangle of upturned chairs, spilled ale at the clocktower, and vague memories of an impromptu drinking contest—were stark against the otherwise quiet morning. Buffman snored loudly from a corner, sprawled across three chairs, while Orvasa meticulously cleaned her spectacles, muttering about the irresponsibility of “these young ones.”
Lucian sat apart, nursing his own headache as the others came to. It wasn’t long before Buffman stirred and began recounting their escapades. “Who was it that challenged the barkeep to arm wrestle? Was it me? It must’ve been me.” His prideful tone earned a groan from Roknar, who grumbled something unintelligible about dwarves and egos.
Just as the camaraderie began to fill the air again, the sharp knock at the door snapped everyone to attention. A young woman in a crisp Stormcloak uniform stepped in, her demeanor stern but polite.
“Navora, at your service. Lady Isabella Stormcloak extends an invitation to the broken banner for lunch. She expects you all promptly.”
The name was a surprise to Lucian’s heart, as it had been a longtime since he had seen a storm cloak in years. Lucian accepted the invitation. As the group gathered their things, he hesitated. “Before we go,” Lucian began, his voice softer than usual, “I need to tell you something.”
Chapter 2: The Truth Unveiled
The room fell silent as Lucian took a deep breath. For the first time, he was about to share something deeply personal with his companions.
“My real mother, Valeria... She was taken years ago by the Sons of Avlar. I infiltrated them, thinking I could find her, thinking… maybe there was a way to bring her back,” he confessed, his voice trembling slightly. “I never told anyone before now. I didn’t want to burden anyone with it.”
The group looked at him, stunned into silence, their eyes softening with understanding. Orvsa was the first to speak, her voice warm but gentle. “Lucian, we’re with you. Whatever it takes, you’re not alone in this.”
Buffman leaned back in his chair, eyeing Lucian with a sly grin. “So… your stepmother, Isabella, huh? Does she strike you as the ‘evil stepmother’ type, or more like the overbearing kind?” His eyebrow raised in mock seriousness. “Should we address her as ‘Your Ladyship’ or ‘Step-lady’?”
Lucian shot him a glare, but the banter was a welcome distraction. Aldan grinned too, teasing, “Wait, wait—did you just say ‘half-sister’? Not your real sister?”
Buffman laughed, “Yeah, you heard him right, Aldan. Half-sister.” He gave Lucian a playful wink. “Guess that makes it a little less awkward, huh?”
Lucian groaned, rubbing his temple. “It’s still my sister, alright? Even if—”
Orvasa chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with empathy. She leaned over and gave Lucian’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you for shaing.”
The room erupted in laughter, the tension easing as the group fell back into their usual camaraderie. Lucian’s lips quirked into a reluctant smile, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all. Despite the heavy burden he carried, he was grateful for his companions’ unwavering support, even if it came with more than its fair share of teasing.
Chapter 3: Stormcloak Manor
The grandeur of the manor was a stark contrast to the humble tavern. Tall marble columns framed the entrance, and the Stormcloak crest glimmered above the door. Isabella greeted them with practiced poise, though her gaze lingered on Lucian, as if searching for something unspoken.
As they were led into the dining hall, Orvasa engaged Isabella in conversation, probing subtly about the family’s role in Trinity’s shifting tides. Isabella spoke of neutrality, of balancing power and maintaining order, but her words carried an edge that suggested deeper struggles.
Buffman, true to form, interrupted with a loud, “So what’s for lunch? I'm starving?” as his keen nose already leading him to the kitchen. His comment earned a glare from Isabella, though her lips twitched, betraying a hint of amusement.
Lunch was lavish and tense. Cedric Stormcloak, Lucian’s younger brother, I mean half brother, couldn’t resist barbed comments about Lucian’s absence and perceived disloyalty. “You show up after all these years, dragging your band of misfits, and expect us to welcome you with open arms?”
Before Lucian could respond, Lysandra gave a warm embrace to Lucian. “Lucian it is so good to see, we have missed you greatly” Alden chimed in. to greet Cedric and tighten his grip around Cedric arm. After a very tense hard gripping handshake and stares exchanged, Cedric returned to his seat leaving Isabella to smooth over the tension.
Chapter 4: Lunch Learnings
The room was set in the grand dining hall of the Stormcloak estate, a lavish setting where the finest dishes were laid out before the company. The scent of roasted meats, delicate pastries, and exotic fruits filled the air. Buffman Beefalot, unsurprisingly, had already doubled his portions, stuffing his face with an abundance of every dish served to him, making no attempt to hide his indulgence. His deep laugh echoed off the stone walls as he piled yet another helping onto his plate.
“This is the life,” Buffman mumbled between mouthfuls.
Orvsa glanced at Isabella, then spoke up, her tone grave. “There have been reports of strange happenings in Trinity. A ritual being conducted, something to do with the soul crystals. We believe ‘Lord R’ could be involved.”
Isabella’s hand froze as she reached for her glass of wine, her brow furrowing. She set the glass down, her gaze sharpening. “Lord R… That name’s I am unfamilar with. I didn’t know of any rituals business. This is troubling news indeed.”
Orvsa leaned in, her voice low, as if sharing a dark secret. “It’s more than troubling. We believe these rituals could be tied to the power of the soul crystals. And given their impact… well, you know how volatile those things can be.”
Isabella’s expression darkened further, her eyes glancing briefly toward the dining hall’s entrance as though expecting someone to overhear. “Trinity is teetering on the edge of chaos. The High Prelate’s assassination, done so publicly, was meant to spread fear throughout the city. Commander Nathantial of the Trinity Guard is struggling to maintain order, and until the High Prelate’s successor is chosen, the city is locked in a fragile balance.” She sighed, looking weary. “My family’s influence keeps the Guard funded and maintained, but they can’t spare any resources for the front lines at this moment.”
Lucian’s eyes narrowed at her words. “And my father? Where is he in all of this?”
Isabella’s face tightened, and she shook her head. “He left on a mission beyond the city walls a couple of weeks ago. But he hasn’t been heard from since. No one knows where he is.”
A somber silence filled the room for a moment, until Buffman piped up again, his usual bravado returning. “And what about this Lord R fellow? You think he’s hiding out in Wallsend?”
Isabella hesitated, her expression thoughtful. “Wallsend… Yes, that makes sense. The city’s underworld is full of those with less-than-scrupulous tendencies. If anyone’s going to be able to hide there, it’s would be the like of him. But that’s a dangerous place, and not one we can just waltz into.”
Buffman gave a low chuckle. “I’d prefer not to waltz anywhere, especially into a rat hole like that. But if it’s necessary…”
Before anyone could respond, Buffman raised a question that caught Isabella off guard. “What about the Protector? Do you think they’re involved in all this?”
Isabella’s eyes widened for a moment, and her fork slipped from her hand. She caught it mid-air and placed it back onto the table. Her voice lowered, cold with seriousness. “That’s not a conversation to have in public, Buffman.” She glanced around the table, making sure no one else had overheard. “I’ll need to speak with you privately about this matter. It’s… far more complicated than you realize.”
Lucian could see the tension in Isabella’s demeanor, and the seriousness with which she took his words. The jovial atmosphere of the meal had shifted, and now there was a darker, weightier undertone to the conversation.
Isabella quickly took a quill and a piece of parchment, scribbling a few quick lines before sealing the letter. “I’ll send word to the Prelates in the Founding Fathers. I’ll share what we’ve learned, especially regarding these soul crystals and Lord R. Perhaps we can uncover more about their involvement. But for now, we need to stay vigilant.”
Chapter 5: Trouble in Paradise
As the lunch continued, Cedric’s irritation simmered, his glances toward Lucian growing sharper by the minute. The attention Lucian and his companions were receiving clearly grated on him. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he burst out.
“Do you think you’re worthy of this family name, Lucian?” Cedric’s voice dripped with disdain. “You’re nothing but a rat, a disgrace! You’ve brought shame, and this family is weaker because of you!”
A shocked silence fell over the table. Isabella, her composure now slipping, slammed her fist onto the table, her face flushed with rage. “Enough, Cedric!” she spat, her voice sharp and final. “You will leave. Now.”
Cedric, glaring furiously at Lucian, stormed out, leaving the room in a tense quiet. Lucian, pale and angry, stood and excused himself, Lysandra rising from her seat to follow.
Outside, Lucian and Lysandra stood near a familiar tree, one they had once played beneath as children. The air was heavy with unspoken words.
“I thought things might be different when I returned,” Lucian said, his voice cracking. “But it feels like everything changed for the worse, besides the food.”
Lysandra sighed, her eyes distant. “It’s not the same, Lucian. The family... it’s not the same. After you left, Father became someone else. He’s distant. Isabella—she’s the one holding everything together now. She’s made the family richer, more powerful, but the joy is gone. The Stormcloaks are more powerful but aren't the same joyous housee they used to be.”
Lucian’s heart sank. “Where’s Father? What happened to him?”
Lysandra shook her head, her expression clouded with uncertainty. “I don’t know. He’s... gone. He left on some mission, and nobody’s seen him for weeks. Isabella’s been trying to manage everything on her own, but she is keeping everything tight-lipped.”
Lucian stood in silence for a moment, the weight of his family’s fractured state pressing down on him. The storm within him still raged, but the truth was undeniable. Things had changed, and perhaps not for the better.
Chapter 6: The Messenger Mishap
Leaving the manor, the group spotted a figure darting through the market—a familiar face from Tux zi time in the tavern. Tu Zi Ren was the first to react, pointing the man out. “That’s Urdan. A messenger for the Prelate of Avlar! We met him and bunch of his friends at a Tavern last night.”
The group sprang into action, though their coordination left much to be desired. Buffman charged ahead, his bulk scattering market stalls as he yelled, “Stop, in the name of… uh, us!” His clumsiness sent him sprawling into a cabbage cart, the vendor’s curses following him as Urdan slipped through the chaos.
Orvasa tried a subtler approach, casting a spell to trip the man, but Buffman, dazed from his fall, stumbled right into it. The spell misfired, and Buffman stood, suddenly overcome with an inexplicable urge to hug and become friends nearest person—which happened to be a very confused Urdan.
Caught in Buffman’s bear-like embrace, Urdan squirmed. “Let me go, you oaf! GUARDS”
“Not until you say you’re sorry, You are so cool!” Buffman retorted, squeezing tighter.
The sight was too much for Lucian, who buried his face in his hands. “This… this is why I never introduce you to family.”
Eventually, the group managed to extricate themselves from the mess, though Urdan escaped in the chaos. Their antics earned them glares from the guars, but the tension was broken by Buffman’s sheepish grin. “At least I got a hug out of it, still under the effects of the spell”.
Chapter 7: A New Mission
As they regrouped, Lysandra approached with grim news. “Ages Terra has fallen. The Forsaken have razed it to the ground. Survivors are at a Stormcloak hunting lodge, but their numbers are few.”
Buffman’s usual humor vanished, replaced by a determination that was rare for him. “We’re going. No arguments.”
Lucian nodded. “Then we leave immediately. Together.”
With that, the Broken Banner set out, their bonds tested but unbroken, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Act 2: Massacre at the Hunting Lodge
The journey through the Ancient Forest was a respite of beauty and mystery. Towering trees whispered secrets of a long-lost age, their roots weaving around ancient stone ruins barely visible under the moss. As the party walked, Lysandra regaled Buffman with tales of the townsfolk they had aided. She spoke of the refugees’ resilience and their laughter despite hardship, her stories pulling smiles from everyone—even Lucian, who managed a faint smirk at Buffman’s loud guffaws.
The camaraderie of the road evaporated when the hunting lodge came into view. At first glance, it was an unassuming cabin of rustic charm, its wooden beams blending into the wilderness. But the faint metallic tang of blood in the air shattered any illusions of peace.
Orvasa was the first to notice the door ajar. Her voice, low and tense, cut through the group’s chatter. “Something’s wrong.” Weapons were drawn as Buffman charged forward, stepping into a nightmare.
The massacre was grotesque. Blood painted the walls and pooled on the wooden floors. Refugees—men, women, children—lay strewn about, their bodies savaged beyond recognition. Claw marks marred the walls, and the stench of death clawed at their senses. Buffman’s fists clenched, his usual joviality replaced by a fury that burned in his eyes.
Lucian knelt beside a figure, his face pale. “This… wasn’t human.”
The only clue was a grisly one—a heart with a bite taken out of it, discarded in a nearby shrub. Beyond it, the forest loomed, offering no tracks or hints of the predator’s departure. The silence was deafening until a faint moan broke through.
In a corner of the cabin, Kent, the local baker, clung to life, blood seeping from deep gashes. The party scrambled to stabilize him, their collective effort barely keeping him from death’s grasp. Between labored breaths, Kent whispered of a woman in white with long hair. She had promised safety and led survivors into the forest before the slaughter began.
“There’s… more,” he rasped. “Some of the women… they had nightmares. A woman laughing in their dreams.”
Kent’s words lit a fire under the group. With grim determination, they set off into the forest, guided only by a desperate hope to save the survivors.
The Hag’s Trap
The moon was high when the party stumbled upon a clearing. In the center stood a cabin, its windows glowing with an eerie orange light from braziers outside. The forest fell silent, as if holding its breath.
Buffman’s face lit up as a figure stepped out of the cabin—a woman he recognized, an old friend. He surged forward, arms wide. “Leila! What are you doing here?”
“Buffman, wait!” Orvasa’s warning came too late. As Buffman reached her, the woman’s mouth began to bleed, her skin sloughing off in grotesque folds. The thing standing before him was no friend—it was a hag wearing a macabre disguise.
Buffman recoiled in horror as the hag let out a bone-chilling cackle, her voice echoing through the clearing. From the dark waters of a nearby stream, a massive serpent emerged, its scales glinting in the firelight. The battle began.
Act 3: Inferno at the Lake
As the Broken Banner steps into the blood hag's cursed domain, tension thickens. The oppressive heat radiates from the dilapidated cabin, with its windows streaked in soot and shadows dancing like malevolent spirits. The Blood Hag emerges from the doorway, her fiery hair flickering like embers in the wind. She snarls, her voice a rasping blend ofmenace and glee.
"Fools," she sneers, her claws glowing with heat. "You've come to die!"
From the lake beside the cabin, ripples erupt into waves as a giant anaconda rises from the depths. Its shimmering scales glint with malice as it coils in preparation for a strike.
A Chaotic Clash
Buffman charges at the hag, his war cry echoing across the battlefield. He closes the distance but is met with a searing swipe of her claws. Her attack is brutal - a critical hit that sends him reeling as she pulls him into a fiery embrace. Case darts in, her claws gleaming as she slashes at the blood hag with unrelenting ferocity. Rocknar, never one tohesitate, barrels through the window, shattering glass in a cascade oflight. He hurls the hag, managing to pin her to the floor having tied her town with rope and after exclaiming “she is a slipery bitch” and missing all of his attacks, he proceeded to attempt to fuck her.
Lucian and Aldan, meanwhile, confront the snake. Lucian calls upon his dark magic, summoning an undead festrog from the discarded bones scattered across the area.
The festrog lunges for the snake, its grotesque maw snapping hungrily, but it is no match for the serpent's immense size and strength. The snake constricts Aldan, its coils crushing him. Aldan grits his teeth, fighting to stay conscious as Lucian's piercing missiles and Tuzi's curses weaken the creature
The festrog makes one last charge but is devoured whole by the anaconda. Lucian watches as the abomination is swallowed, its mangled form disappearing into the serpent's maw. "Damnable beast, well he was fucking ugly," he mutters, invoking blood magic to curse the snake. The spell takes hold, filling the creature with dread. It loosens its grip on Aldan, who slashes at it with a desperate fury. With a triumphant cry, Aldan leaps and drives his blade into the snake's vulnerable underside, severing its head. The lifeless body collapses into the lake with a resounding splash.
The Blood Hag Unleashed
The blood hag's laughter rings out as flames erupt from her body, burning through the ropes that bound her. She transforms into green inferno, her form now a volatile mass of fire and wrath. Rocknar, unfazed by his now-tattered clothing, he grins, naked and leaps into the fray. He rains blows upon her, but the fire's heat sears his skin.
Try this on for size!" Rocknar shouts, delivering a powerful uppercut that momentarily disrupts her fiery form
But the hag is relentless. She launches herself toward Lucian and Orvsa, unleashing waves
of fire that scorch them both. Orvsa struggles to maintain her footing as she channels healing magic to the wounded, but the flames overwhelm her. Lucian feels the blood hag cast a spell on him. He tries to resist, but fails and falls to the ground in, rolling back and forth in a fit of uncontrollable laughter.
Kace and Buffman charge back into the fight, coordinating strikes as Aldan joins them, his axe gleaming with the blood of the snake. The hag lashes out wildly, her laughter echoing through the clearing. One by one, the party begins to fall. Lucian, Case, Orvsa, and Aldan collapse under the onslaught, their bodies charred and motionless.
A Desperate Victory
The remaining fighters rally. Tuzi, from her perch, channels a curse that weakens the hag's defenses. Buffman lunges with reckless abandon, distracting her enough forRocknar to deliver another flurry of attacks. His fists connect, driving through her fiery essence.
The blood hag howls in rage, flames licking at her surroundings as she unleashes a final surge of power. Rocknar, with burns covering his body, lands one last devastating blow. His uppercut pierces her core, extinguishing her fiery form. Her laughter fades into the wind as her essence dissipates, leaving only smoldering ashes.
Aftermath
Tuzi, Buffman, and Lysandra work quickly to stabilize their fallen comrades. The battlefield is littered with scorched earth and the remains of the snake. The air is heavy with smoke and the faint scent of sulfur. Exhausted and battered, the Broken Banner gathers in silence, each member aware of how close they came to death. As Lucian remembers his close encounter with death, he alrealises that the incapacitation spell that blood hag had used on him, was similar to the one that Lysandra told him about that killed the High Prelate.
Despite their injuries, a sense of relief washes over them. The blood hag is vanquished, and the cursed land is silent once more. Together, they tend their wounds, ready to face the trials that await
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