The Dice Roll Dispatch
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Greg Bluecap
- 4 minute read.
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In the heart of Glimmerwood, within his parents' cosy gnome home, Greg Bluecap embarked on renovations. While tearing down a false wall near the grand fireplace in the living room—a place of cherished memories—he stumbled upon a hidden safe. As dust settled, he gazed at it, a vague memory stirring within him.
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Chapter 1:
"Breaking down walls"
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The safe had the initials LB and NB embedded in gold. With his parents in mind, he turned the dial and entered his birthdate—a combination of numbers his mum always said were her favorite. But the lock remained stubbornly shut. Frustration crept in as he racked his brain for another clue.
Then, like a long-forgotten whisper, a memory resurfaced. He remembered a playful game he used to play with his parents, a game that involved taking them to various addresses on Christmas Eve. His heart raced as he considered trying the combinations of the addresses they had visited.
He dialed in the numbers. A smile crept on to his face with loving memories of his Nanna, Jenny Bluecap or Cappy as he lovingly called her. CLICK! The lock finally surrendered to the combination, The safe creaked open.
Inside, Greg discovered a trove of personal treasures—amungst bundles of handwritten papers and some childhood toys, was a light blue leather booklet embedded with the names ‘Landon & Nyla Bluecap’, tied closed with some red ribbon. Blue from his dad and red from his mum.
He opened it to find that the journal was a trove of cryptic writings, sketches of fantastical creatures and old maps. But one thing stood out. Capturing his attention like a siren's call. The recurring mention of a name he knew well. The Starheart Amulet.
The very name sent shivers down his spine. Legends whispered that the amulet held unimaginable power, tied to the heart of the enchanted forest itself. It was also rumored to be the cause of his parents' mysterious disappearance when he was just a child.
As he delved deeper into the journal's pages, an excitement coursed through him. Each entry hinted at a secret path through the forest, marked by cryptic symbols and clues that only someone deeply attuned to the ways of Glimmerwood could decipher.
Greg's heart raced as he realised that this journal might hold the key to unraveling the mystery that had cast a long shadow over his life. It was a chance to reconnect with the parents he barely knew and perhaps even to discover the fate that had befallen them.
Without hesitation, Greg began to pack the needed equipment and resources into his trusted bag, one that had already been on many adventures with him.
He was prepared to embark on a journey that would take him deep into the heart of Glimmerwood. To venture into the unknown, guided by the fading ink from history, the cryptic maps that hinted to unveil long lost secrets.
- 4 minute read.
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Guided by the cryptic journal, Greg ventured deeper into the enchanted forest, following the clues described within his parents Journal. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows beneath the towering trees, he sought refuge in a secluded grove adorned with bioluminescent mushrooms and rare herbs. The grove provides shelter and a defensible position, making it an ideal place to rest. With his trusty sword and crossbow within arm's reach, Greg lay down to sleep, ready for any nocturnal threats. The forest was alive with the sounds of the wild, a reminder of its untamed nature.
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Chapter 2:
"Chance Encounter"
​Suddenly, the unmistakable sounds of animals drew nearer. Greg's senses went on high alert, and he prepared himself for a potential attack from hungry creatures. Yet, oddly, the sounds gradually receded, leaving him unscathed. He breathed a sigh of relief, convinced he would spend the night undisturbed.
But just as he began to relax, a cacophony of animal noises broke out. Amidst the discord, a child's cry pierced the night, and a flash of light illuminated the darkness. Puzzled, Greg couldn't fathom why a child would be out in the heart of the enchanted forest at this hour.
Curiosity lured him from his shelter, and he followed the commotion, eventually stumbling upon a shocking scene. A pack of wolves circled a large tree, snapping at the base of it as if trying to reach something inside. Heart pounding, Greg observed from a concealed position behind a rock. He couldn't bring himself to harm the wolves, especially with their younglings present.
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Thinking quickly, Greg reached into his bag of holding and produced a peculiar horn-shaped contraption. He raised it to his lips and released a blood-curdling sound—the very call of the Block, the wolves' only true predator in this forest. The pack grew frenzied, half-afraid of the Block's potential arrival, yet unsure of its direction.
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Greg started to move positions each time he would unleash the horns cry of the Block. He did this again and again until the wolves were in a state of utter chaos. At last, he loaded an arrow into his crossbow, aimed at a cluster of rocks between him and the pack, and released. The arrow erupted in a silent burst of blue light, shattering the rocks and showering the wolves. Panic-stricken, they fled into the forest, leaving Greg with an eerie quiet.
Cautiously, Greg approached the tree, realising the "child" was, in fact, a small four-legged creature trapped within. No coaxing could lure it out. Greg attempted food and drink, but it remained unmoved. He made a resolute decision that he could not leave the creature alone. He arranged some rocks and set up a fortified camp outside the tree, ready to repel the wolves with the horn of mimicry or more lethal tactics if needed. While also being ready to defend himself against the creature in the tree if it turns out to be hostile.
As the night brightened and the morning light began to filter through the trees, Greg gathered wood and lit a fire to ward off the chill. Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, the trapped creature emerged from the tree and jumped into the fire, sending hot embers flying. Acting swiftly, Greg stomped out the embers and peered into the flames, where he discovered a miniature dragon, its scales as black as night.
As the dragon basked in the warmth, its scales shifted from a wary black to a reassuring shade of yellow. Greg sat on a rock, observing the creature, its tiny wings unfurled, and its eyes locked on Greg. The fire slowly waned, and the dragon began to venture away from Greg. It spread its wings and attempted to fly, only to crash to the ground.
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Greg, standing atop a log, watched in silence as he realised the dragon was missing a wing, likely lost in its battle with the wolves. As the dragon continued to struggle to take flight, Greg added more logs to the fire, producing a high flame. He whistled and pointed to the fire, attempting to coax the dragon back to its warm haven.
Reluctantly, the miniature dragon returned to the flames, realising that life had taken a dire turn. As they both listened to the distant howling of the wolves, it became evident that the tiny dragon's fate had intertwined with Greg's. Prone to attack and vulnerable, the forest had become an even more dangerous place for the dragon.
What would become of this miniature dragon, and how would Greg handle this unexpected companion in his quest for the Starheart Amulet? With the wolves lurking in the shadows, a new chapter in their journey had begun.
Chapter 3
“A Friendship Formed In Fire"
- 7 minute read.
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As Greg perched on a log beside the hollow tree and the dragon absorbed the dwindling warmth of the fire's embers, they maintained a stillness, locking eyes as a myriad of unanswered questions swirled in their minds. Greg's journey had been fraught with problems even before departing his home, and now, it seemed, the situation had only worsened. Amidst the uncertainty of what lay ahead, they remained motionless until the pangs of hunger began to gnaw at them. With the fire's last embers fading, Greg rose to his feet, commencing the task of packing his belongings, poised to resume his journey. The dragon observed Greg's movements, attempting to peer around him as he packed his bag. Greg, catching glimpses of the dragon's gaze through the reflection in his impeccably polished sword, would frequently glance back. However, each time the dragon caught him looking, it would avert its eyes, feigning disinterest.
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As Greg perched on a log beside the hollow tree and the dragon absorbed the dwindling warmth of the fire's embers, they maintained a stillness, locking eyes as a myriad of unanswered questions swirled in their minds. Greg's journey had been fraught with problems even before departing his home, and now, it seemed, the situation had only worsened. Amidst the uncertainty of what lay ahead, they remained motionless until the pangs of hunger began to gnaw at them. With the fire's last embers fading, Greg rose to his feet, commencing the task of packing his belongings, poised to resume his journey. The dragon observed Greg's movements, attempting to peer around him as he packed his bag. Greg, catching glimpses of the dragon's gaze through the reflection in his impeccably polished sword, would frequently glance back. However, each time the dragon caught him looking, it would avert its eyes, feigning disinterest.
Once Greg had finished packing, he swung his bag over his shoulder, grasped his sword, and set off. After a few steps, he turned back and addressed the dragon, "Well, are you coming?" The words lingered in the air as the dragon remained motionless. After a few moments, Greg resumed his journey, scanning his surroundings upon hearing a noise, only to discover that the dragon had vanished, leaving no tracks behind. Unsure if the dragon would choose to accompany him, Greg pressed on, leaving the decision in the dragon's hands.
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Continuing his trek, Greg arrived at a narrow, unfamiliar path, absent from his journal. Aware of his need to head north toward the glowing river, he opted to follow this track, presuming it would facilitate quicker movement in his intended direction. Traversing the seemingly well-trodden path, he was interrupted by the approach of a cart from behind. Swiftly diving into the foliage at the side, he concealed himself, recognizing that most traversing this forest harboured intentions beyond admiring the picturesque trees.
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As the cart drew near, Greg observed its horseless movement. Rain seemed to hover in the air, an illusion mimicking the presence of horses' reins. Intrigued, Greg scrutinised further, detecting a faint glimmer of arcane magic as the cart passed beneath a tree's shadow. As it traversed past him, Greg glimpsed the cart's rear, laden with rare animal skins and items—poachers' plunder. Greg was filled with a mix of anger and distress. Since childhood, Greg had cherished animals and was incapable of causing them harm. At the age of ten, while attempting to rescue an injured creature, he found himself stuck halfway down a cliff. It took almost a day before the village search party discovered him. His injuries confined him indoors for nearly a year. Despite the hardships, he cherished this time, relishing his solitude with his parents. His mother taught him about plants, while his father devised puzzles that Greg enjoyed solving.
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Greg continued his journey, encountering another horseless cart shortly after. It was propelled by the same arcane force, carrying similar animal parts in the rear, this time with a captive tied down. Greg, once again, chose to take no action. Poaching remained an ongoing issue in the enchanted forest. He resolved to inform his village upon reaching a settlement, enabling them to address it with their Sky Ship and local law enforcement.
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Deciding that hiding would negate any potential advantage in speed due to the cart's well-used trail, Greg resumed his journey through the forest.
However, his progress was abruptly halted by a sudden thud. In a flurry of mechanical sparks and magic, Greg found himself ensnared, incapable of moving a single muscle. Despite attempting his limited knowledge of magic to free himself, his efforts proved futile. Trapped in one of the poachers' devices, he remained stuck for some time while the trap projected a light in the sky, signalling his discovery by the poachers.
Emerging from the forest, a small group of goblins trailed by larger animals, the Poachers, revealed themselves. Their appearance was almost human in their crude guise, marked with the symbol of the Darklights—a notorious group known for brutality. Originating from Port Lintel, a smog-laden port town serving as a bustling hub of trade and industry, it cast a menacing silhouette against the forest's bioluminescence. A younger goblin dashed toward Greg, eager for the kill and boasting rights, as if Greg were to be his inaugural conquest. Greg tensed his muscles, bracing for the impending strike. Suddenly, another burst of bright sparks and magic ensued, ensnaring the goblin.
The remainder of the pack erupted in laughter at the sight of the young goblin caught in the magical trap. Amidst the mockery, one of the men chuckled, "It's always amusing the first time they encounter it." An older, burly man approached Greg, pulling out an item from his bag—a glowing blue rod, possibly a key. As the man drew closer, Greg caught the mumbles of an incantation, feeling the weakening of the restraining field. He slowly manoeuvred his head, glimpsing other goblins poised for the kill. Aware he had only one opportunity to retrieve his weapons and attempt an escape.
With the field collapsing, the goblins charged, nearly injuring the frozen young goblin in their frenzy. Greg swiftly evaded the immediate danger, deflecting one goblin's attack and using his position to trip another, briefly stalling the onslaught. Employing an item from his bag, a bang and a puff of smoke filled the area. He reached for his crossbow, tensing the rope to release a pre-loaded arrow into the cloud of smoke. A flash of blue light revealed the enemy's silhouettes, enabling Greg to strike one target, causing it to scream in pain before he dashed into the densest part of the forest, facing a group of goblins unaccompanied by a leader.
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Engaging in combat, Greg's 2nd arrow impacted, causing a large explosion that hurled goblins from the clearing. He clashed with a goblin who deftly deflected his attack, yet Greg's skill allowed him to wound another behind, rendering it motionless. However, the adversaries, more determined than before, closed in. Greg realised the party behind him had caught up, leaving no escape from any direction. Despite exploiting the uncoordinated attacks, he found himself falling amidst the goblins, losing his advantage. Surveying for the poachers' intervention, he noticed their absence from the clearing, possibly awaiting the outcome, relishing the spectacle.
In a desperate moment, the young goblin, previously frozen, lunged at Greg with a vicious intent. Preparing for the end, Greg shut his eyes, contemplating the unfinished journal. Abruptly, a blinding light, intense heat, and screeches filled the air. Upon reopening his eyes, the once-green clearing now lay blackened and smoking. The goblins fled, the youngling charred black on one side, now a bizarre half-black, half-green creature. Realising their mistake was his salvation, Greg rose to his feet, halting as he encountered the piercing gaze of a young red dragon.
Feeling the residual heat from its breath, he staggered to his feet, realising why the goblins had fled. Intent on following suit, he observed the dragon's weird state—a yellow-tipped tail and a single wing. The dragon had returned to rescue Greg.
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In the background the poachers' voices urging for Greg's demise 'KILL HIM' they shouted. The dragon, its head now blackened, spewed a small burst of fire, barely reaching the goblins but enough to deter them. Greg, acknowledging their inability to fight, suggested fleeing. On hearing this the dragon seemed to transform, almost taking the form of a snake with legs, sprinting towards the forest's edge, prompting Greg to follow. They ran, evading the poachers until they believed they had outmanoeuvred them, but continued their journey until nightfall.
They found a good location and Greg began to settle onto the ground, extracting some food from his bag and breaking it in half before tossing a portion to the dragon, which swiftly devours it. Finding a spot that appears secure and defensible, Greg turns to the dragon and advises, "Get some sleep, you'll need it." He proceeds to dig a pit, filling it with sticks, then retrieves his flint to ignite the fire. The dragon contributes by breathing a flame, igniting the tinder. As the fire crackles to life, they draw near for warmth, the dragon's tail cautiously dip's in to the fire absorbing the heat, gradually shifting the dragons hue back to yellow.
Observing the dragon slumber and undergo a chromatic transformation, Greg expresses gratitude, murmuring, "Thanks." The dragon momentarily opens an eye, glancing at Greg before shutting it once more. Greg leans against a tree, crossbow primed, sword in hand, pulling down his blue cap and maintaining a vigilant stance, drifting in and out of sleep but remaining ever alert.
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The gentle glow from his cap intensifies slightly. The faint blue radiance from his hat, blending with the fiery glow on the leaves, bathes the area as the two find respite. A burgeoning bond between them forms, as they prepare to embark on tomorrow's adventures, now just a brief slumber away, both drifting into a well-deserved rest.
The Dice Roll Dispatch
Monthly newsletter by The Game Master's Keep
Upcoming events, News, deals, Stories and more.