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Author: Michael Vail-Steele

Location, Location, Encounter

Bolgrad – City of Smoke

June 10, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Most people do not choose to live in Bolgrad; they merely have nowhere else to go. They say this is because Bolgrad was an unlucky city from the start. …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Castle Sirah-Mot

May 20, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Castle Sirah-Mot was once the seat of a minor dwarven lord. Many years ago the mountain fortress was overrun by a clan of ogres known as the Red Gnashers. …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Crolaburm Trench

April 8, 2018April 12, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Crolaburm Trench Located to the west of the Zandelos islands lies the miles long Crolaburm Trench. It was created nearly a thousand years ago in the same burst of volcanic …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Crypt of The Sparrow King

April 1, 2018April 12, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background In the land of Gorspa sparrows are considered bad omens that bring misfortune or death. This superstition goes back generations to the fearsome Sparrow King who many once ruled …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Dikarya Cave

July 1, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Dikarya Cave sits in the highlands nearly six miles away from Sanford Village. The elves that lived in Sanford were aware of the cave but rarely paid it any …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Ferrous Archipelago

July 15, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Over five hundred years ago a massive meteorite crashed into the sea of Allswellia. The tidal wave it created wiped out entire gnome coastal communities. The impact of the …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Fort Lazwel

March 25, 2018April 12, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Fort Lazwel Amongst the shifting sands of the Nerrab desert lies a large oasis. This oasis has been a major stop on all travel and trade routes through the desert …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Goblin Island

March 11, 2018April 12, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Goblin Island Goblin Island is an unclaimed island in The Western Sea just out of sight of land. Ships used to stop for provisions on the final leg of their …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Iniduoh Prison

April 22, 2018April 12, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Long ago the Atluvean army conquered the many smaller kingdoms of the southern continent and established what is today known as the Atluvean Empire. Maintaining control over an entire …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Monastery of the Undying Spirit

July 8, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Over seven hundred years ago the powerful lich Tohloc defeated the last of the valiant adventurers sent to slay him. He was finally free to pursue his arcane research …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Rustwater Canyon

August 5, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Rustwater Canyon lies along an arid plain far to the southwest of the more densely populated midland kingdoms. Less than a dozen small farms dot the surrounding countryside. Aside …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Silverstone Lake

June 3, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Silverstone Lake is located near the south-west edge of the kingdom of Lazrarian. The lake is bordered on all side by the Forest of Falswah, making it remote but …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The City of Vas Legas

April 29, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Vas Legas is a city where anyone can walk in with a handful of copper pieces and win a king’s ransom playing cards. They’re also just as likely to …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The Crystalline Vault of the Tourmaline Order

May 13, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Deep in the elemental plane of earth, there is a massive gemstone several stories tall. This immense gem serves as the base of operations for the Tourmaline Order. The …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The Fey Infested Jungle of Bolraz

April 15, 2018April 12, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background The Jungle of Bolraz was once a picturesque and peaceful place where small villages of vanara lived in harmony with the land. That peace was shattered some sixty years …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The Fortress of the Silver Sphere

June 24, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background In the Hills of Talos there lies a squat gray stone edifice. The Fortress of the Silver Sphere was built by Somallas the most notable alchemist of the age. …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The Frozen Forest of Tealato

July 22, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Long ago Firn, the Marquis of Winter, summoned his two sons to his court. Firn was one of the mighty fey lords known as The Eldest. His sons, Sekka …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The Inverted Mountain

March 18, 2018April 12, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The Inverted Mountain The Inverted Mountain is the result of a miracle performed by Thoang, a dwarven demigod, before his ascension to full godhood. One of his followers mentioned that …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The Library of the Blind Spider

July 29, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background The wizard Norabon was one of the most powerful and famous researchers in the land. He was a lover of knowledge and would scour the planes for information of …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Bounty Hunting Gear

September 14, 2018September 11, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Valcav nods at you from behind his counter. “So you’re going into the bounty hunting business are you? It is a very noble calling.” He taps his long stem pipe …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Caving Items

October 26, 2018October 27, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The mine cart tracks venture around a bend in the cave system and out of your field of view. From behind you comes the screeching protest of metal brakes as …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Circus Items

December 14, 2018November 27, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The air is thick with the sounds of roaring animals and the scent of greasy foods. “I just love circuses don’t you?” Valcav nudges you in the side. “Where else …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Cursed Items

November 2, 2018November 2, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The ornate sign directs you to a small stall at the edge of the market district decorated in purple cloth. Valcav stands behind the stall, carefully adjusting his items but …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Desert Items

February 8, 2019February 4, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The wind blows harshly off the dunes behind you, causing the lilac colored tent walls to strain against their poles. Valcav leans luxuriously over the wooden arms of his throne-like …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Dream-Based Items

December 7, 2018December 9, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The room around you seems to flicker and shift. Objects will disappear and then reappear on tables and shelves. Valcav, however, remains as solid and unchanging as ever. “They say …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Drow Items

January 18, 2019January 13, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Rain pounds on the shop’s roof as gusts of wind slam the shutters against the outside walls. The lamps have been turned down low and now only give off a …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Exotic Dragoncrafting

August 31, 2018September 12, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The sounds of the forest reverberate around you as you trudge through the underbrush. Birds flutter far above you in the tree tops and a river babbles just out of …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Gem Based Weapons

February 15, 2019February 1, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

You stand in the shadow of a gigantic statue carved out of the side of a mountain. Waves crash along the nearby beach as Valcav walks down wooden steps descending …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Giant Items

November 9, 2018November 9, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

“So you’re looking to slay giants?” Valcav nods his head knowingly. “It admirable quest. Difficult but still quite admirable.” He claps his hands and three items come floating from a backroom, …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Goblin Items

November 30, 2018November 29, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

“Goblins. Am I right?” Valcav gives a hearty chuckle. “They do have persistence, I’ll give them that much. No matter how many you defeat, there’s always a few more out …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Legendary Swords

January 25, 2019January 14, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The sound of hammers hitting anvils rings out all around you. You feel a sudden blast of steam as a nearby smith quenches a blade in water. Valcav is nodding …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Library Items

March 15, 2019February 25, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The library is quiet and the only sounds you hear are the rustling of pages and the shuffling of feet several shelves away. You turn left at the bust of …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Lovecraft Mythos Items

February 22, 2019February 21, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The ruins of the cyclopean city spread out into the distance as far as you can see. The non-Euclidean architecture gives you a headache if you focus on any single …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Magical Tattoos

December 28, 2018December 11, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Before you read the following, yes, we are aware of the Inscribe Magical Tattoo feat. Unfortunately, the source in which that feat first appears is unavailable for third-party publishers to …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Mobile Blacksmithing Equipment

September 7, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Sweat trickles down your brow as the sun blazes overhead. You’ve been walking for what feels like days through this desolate terrain. Scanning the horizon you spy a shimmering shape …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: New Figurines of Wondrous Power

October 5, 2018September 29, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Your footsteps echo across the cavernous hall. Valcav leads you to another pillar with a glass display dome. “…and here we have the pride and joy of my figurine collection.” …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Ooze Based Items

December 21, 2018December 17, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Valcav gestures to the shelves of bottles, jars and glass terrariums behind him. Each one contains a different variety of ooze. “I see my collection has caught your eye. Unfortunately, …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Orc Heirlooms

October 19, 2018October 19, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The tavern is crowded and there is a constant hum of conversation all around you. From across the room, Valcav makes eye contact and begins to saunter over. Once he …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Pirate Items

November 16, 2018May 23, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The waves crash along the pier as you approach the moderately sized merchant’s ship. Walking up the gangplank you see Valcav locking up a chest before turning around to greet …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Prosthetic Hands

January 4, 2019May 23, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Valcav nods towards the ships sailing into in the harbor. “It looks like my next big rush of customers just dropped anchor.” He begins to rummage under the counter for …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Random Effect Items

September 21, 2018October 19, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Sitting cross-legged on a pile of pillows Valcav gestures at the three items before you. “Many philosophers claim that it is possible to plan too much.” He sips from a …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Snake Inspired Items

April 26, 2019May 2, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

You wipe the sweat from your brow as the desert sun beats down mercilessly. In the distance, you spot Valcav sitting on a half-buried stone pillar. As you approach, you …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Sound-based Items

September 28, 2018October 3, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Valcav struggles to make himself heard over the din of the surrounding marketplace. “I said, sound is easily one of the most powerful elements!” He shoos away a potential shoplifter …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Treasures of the Elemental Plane of Fire

March 1, 2019March 10, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The heat shimmers before your eyes as you feel another blast of steam. Wrapped in a purple towel Valcav splashes another cup of water on the burning coals. He grins …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Treasures of the Elemental Plane of Water

February 1, 2019January 14, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The sun shines brightly off the sand, and you can hear the calming sound of waves crashing against the shore. Valcav leans against the warped counter of his seaside stall …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Treasures of the Ethereal Plane

August 24, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Crystal of Ethereal Conjuring Incense hangs thick in the air as you enter the cramped shop. The bustling sounds of the city outside instantly cease as the door shuts behind …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Treasures of the Positive Energy Plane

October 12, 2018September 29, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

A crowd has gathered around the wagon draped in yellow cloth. Valcav struts across a small stage extending from it while the crowd revels in his presence. “Come one! Come …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Undead Hunting Items

January 11, 2019January 3, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Wind rustles through the bare tree branches of a nearby tree and a crow caws in the distance. You spot Valcav leaning against a gravestone, shovel in hand and a …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Undead Items

March 8, 2019March 3, 2019 - by Michael Vail-Steele

The sound of the main boulevard grows fainter as you wind your way through the dark alleyways. The paved lanes slowly give way to dirt covered streets. At the end …

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Miscellaneous

The Magic Shoppe: Unseen Ioun Stones

November 23, 2018November 13, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

“You can never have too many ioun stones.” Valcav grins at you from behind a cloud of dozens of stones orbiting his own head. “True, it does get a little …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The Monastery of the Untouchable Mind

May 27, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background The Monastery of the Untouchable Mind is found near the base of the Muninn waterfall. People come from far and wide to expand their minds at the monastery. Prospective …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The Slavers Cloud

August 19, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background The provincial kingdoms of Dogoda have been under siege for years. Their attacker is not an invading foreign army, but a cloud that moves against the wind. The cloud …

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Location, Location, Encounter

The Town of Grover’s Mill

August 15, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Long ago the site that would one day become Grover’s Mill was visited by a squad of anunnaki. The otherworldly beings experimented on local fauna before returning to the …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Trelindor Swamp

May 6, 2018April 20, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Once long ago the area known today as Trelindor Swamp was a verdant valley. A group of lizardfolk discovered the valley and claimed it for themselves by building a …

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Location, Location, Encounter

Yomin Valley

June 17, 2018September 5, 2018 - by Michael Vail-Steele

Background Deep in the heartland of the southern continent lays Yomin Valley. The verdant valley is bordered on all sides by the Sybok mountain range. This keeps the climate in …

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