Jharun’s fingers twitched near the hilt at his belt, not out of fear, but instinct—an old habit from days when trust was a luxury he couldn’t afford. But the golem looked as if it hadn’t come to fight He studied it, the metallic gaze, the glow at its core, the silence behind the forged eyes. Whatever mage constructed this creature hadn't just shaped metal had given it a purpose. “All right then” he responded to the golem, not knowing what would be awaiting him as he crossed. He took a look at the town and back at the docks, seeing the ship he called home for years. Adventures like these are what he’s always known, exploring the unknown. He gave quick breath as he stepped forward, his coat flaring behind him as he crossed the threshold of cobblestones into the light.
DM:
Jharun steps forward, his boots sinking slightly into the soil. The air here carries a different weight—a subtle, grounding presence rather than the endless currents of the sea. He exhales, feeling the shift settle into his bones. The Ancient Wilds stretch before him, vast and untamed. To the north, the distant silhouettes of the Colony of Nature’s Majesty linger against the horizon, their structures blending into the land itself. But here, in the south, movement breaks the solitude. A traveling caravan is passing by, its steady pace sending soft vibrations through the ground. At its center, is a Merchant Golem. The Merchant Golem's palladium frame gleams under the filtered sunlight, hints of gold woven into its structure like veins of purpose. Its form is humanoid, yet undeniably mechanical, every motion calibrated for efficiency. Unlike the Canine Golem that summoned Jharun, the Merchant Golem actually speaks, and has personality just like a person. "Oh, hello traveler," the Merchant Golem says, its voice smooth, refined, and friendly. "Say, what brings you to the Ancient Wilds? Are you just exploring, or is the Canine Golem summoning you to the Colony?" The caravan continues its steady path, the Canine Golem unfazed by the dialogue, its focus purely on the road ahead. But the Merchant Golem? It waits for an answer—not out of necessity, but out of genuine curiosity.
DM tips: players can use sleight of hand to try stealing from merchants. However, I have a surprise in store for anyone who attempts theft near a Merchant Golem.
Jharun still had one hand brushing against the hilt at his side, not far from his revolver. As seen not in tension, but reflex. The Merchant Golem's voice caught him off guard, not just for the fact that it spoke, but how it spoke. It was curious to him how a creature like this worked, a golem of metal. “That's a very good question,” Jharun said at last, his voice edged with a familiar grit that came from being at sea with his crew. “I’d like to say I’m just wandering. That I’m here for the thrill, for the mystery. But the truth is … I do not know.” He crossed his arms in curiosity, but also second guessing himself if this was a good idea in the first place. “Your friend found me. Not much of a talker, just stared until I followed. Figured it meant something, or maybe I just wanted it to see if I’d fall in a trap.” He turned to face it fully, eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read something beneath its forged face.
Ralnor continues to walk East following the creatures. As boredom setting in, he has started to ask questions of the creatures knowing no response will come.
“How long will this take? … Who created you guys? … How old are you? … Is there something special about the number four? … I mean four is a good number but I much prefer three. … Am I going to meet others or do I need to learn how to communicate with barks? … Why could you not make the portal closer to our destination? … Did you make the portal or was it made by something else? … Do you have food? Do you eat? … Can you understand me? Can anyone in this realm speak common? … ”
Jharun still had one hand brushing against the hilt at his side, not far from his revolver. As seen not in tension, but reflex. The Merchant Golem's voice caught him off guard, not just for the fact that it spoke, but how it spoke. It was curious to him how a creature like this worked, a golem of metal. “That's a very good question,” Jharun said at last, his voice edged with a familiar grit that came from being at sea with his crew. “I’d like to say I’m just wandering. That I’m here for the thrill, for the mystery. But the truth is … I do not know.” He crossed his arms in curiosity, but also second guessing himself if this was a good idea in the first place. “Your friend found me. Not much of a talker, just stared until I followed. Figured it meant something, or maybe I just wanted it to see if I’d fall in a trap.” He turned to face it fully, eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read something beneath its forged face.
DM / Dialogue:
"Ah, well..." The Merchant Golem says. "The only traps there would be random monsters coming through portals that randomly appear. Say, that's probably why you were summoned: we need your help with the threat of the portals."
Ralnor continues to walk East following the creatures. As boredom setting in, he has started to ask questions of the creatures knowing no response will come.
“How long will this take? … Who created you guys? … How old are you? … Is there something special about the number four? … I mean four is a good number but I much prefer three. … Am I going to meet others or do I need to learn how to communicate with barks? … Why could you not make the portal closer to our destination? … Did you make the portal or was it made by something else? … Do you have food? Do you eat? … Can you understand me? Can anyone in this realm speak common? … ”
DM:
The underbrush rustled first—a telltale sign of movement before the attack. Then, in a burst of chaotic energy, mischievous kobolds sprang forward, their grinning maws and scrappy weapons revealing their intent: disruption. Small but cunning, they darted through the foliage, attempting to block the path ahead, eager to throw Ralnor off course.
But the Canine Golem did not waver. It moved decisively, shifting its stance in a way that suggested combat was merely another function in its vast repertoire. With smooth, calculated efficiency, it fended off the kobolds effortlessly—a swipe here, a perfectly timed step there, each movement precise enough to drive them back without losing its momentum.
As the last kobold scattered, disappearing into the brush with a yelp, the Canine Golem picked up the pace—its urgency now undeniable. There was no victory celebration, no pause to assess what had just happened. It had a destination, and now, it wanted to reach it faster.
Ralnor, caught in the sudden shift, had no choice but to match its speed. His pace quickened into a steady jog, boots kicking up dirt as he kept up with his silent guide. The rhythmic pulse of their movement echoed through the wild terrain, with nothing but the occasional rustle in the trees and the remnants of distant, annoyed kobold chatter lingering behind them.
DM tips: whenever you encounter kobolds or ratkin, try your best to ignore them. They're considered to be part of nature, so they're protected by the Naturalists' Collective. If people in the Colony find out you killed a natural animal, or a kobold or ratkin, you will have to pay a fine in gold. (And most things sell for copper or silver.)
DM tips: whenever you encounter kobolds or ratkin, try your best to ignore them. They're considered to be part of nature, so they're protected by the Naturalists' Collective. If people in the Colony find out you killed a natural animal, or a kobold or ratkin, you will have to pay a fine, in gold. (And most things sell for copper or silver.)
*what's this?*
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Male: 16
Take the log out of your eye before you take out the splinter in someone else's eye.
DM tips: whenever you encounter kobolds or ratkin, try your best to ignore them. They're considered to be part of nature, so they're protected by the Naturalists' Collective. If people in the Colony find out you killed a natural animal, or a kobold or ratkin, you will have to pay a fine, in gold. (And most things sell for copper or silver.)
*what's this?*
Ooc: this, Silver_Moon_Turtle, is my dungeons and dragons campaign. You're welcome to view the campaign, if you want,
The Colony of Nature’s Majesty unfolded before Ralnor, its towering trees and woven pathways forming a sanctuary within the untamed wilds. The scent of damp earth mingled with the freshness of green life, while distant voices—quiet, measured—carried on the wind like whispers of knowledge.
Beside him, the Canine Golem shifted, its posture more upright, its movements charged with urgency, no longer merely guiding, but propelling. It picked up the pace, weaving through the colony’s natural corridors with renewed purpose, its excitement evident in the way its tail-like appendage flicked, the way its glowing eyes pulsed slightly brighter.
Ralnor narrowed his gaze—this was no ordinary escort. Something waited inside.
The Naturalists' Collective workplace loomed ahead, a structure built into the land itself, its wooden archways flowing with the organic design of the colony’s nature-driven philosophy. The door stood slightly ajar, as if anticipating his arrival, as if his presence was already expected.
The Canine Golem didn’t hesitate. It moved directly toward the entrance, pausing only for a moment, turning its head back toward Ralnor—as if saying, This is where you need to be.
Ralnor stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the Collective’s heart, where the whispers of leaves gave way to voices waiting within.
Ralnor’s boots press against the smooth wooden flooring as he steps fully inside, the scent of aged parchment and fresh earth mingling in the air. The room is alive, not with chaotic movement, but with a quiet, deliberate energy—the hum of scholars, the rustling of notes, the subtle sounds of nature integrated into the very structure.
Waiting at the center of it all stands the recruiter, a figure clad in earth-toned robes, her eyes sharp with both knowledge and assessment. Her posture is poised, but there’s something in her expression—perhaps curiosity, perhaps certainty—that suggests she has been expecting him.
“Ralnor,” the recruiter greets, her voice measured. “You’ve arrived. The Canine Golem never falters in its guidance.” There’s a brief glance toward the construct, a quiet nod of acknowledgment.
The atmosphere is actually quite warm, inviting him to join the Naturalists' Collective, and help with the threat of the portals.
“summoned, huh?” he scratched at his chin, gazing toward the sky as if expecting to see one of those portals open then and there. “that would explain the scary that I find myself in now, surprisingly.” He looked back to the golem, tone sharpening “I’ve had my fair share of monsters. Sea beasts, pirates, even men who looked civilized until the knives came out. And now the enemy among us is portals?”
The Merchant Golem’s golden veins pulsed ever so slightly, as if considering the weight of Jharun’s words. It adjusted its posture, folding its arms behind its back in a deliberate motion—one that mimicked the thoughtful stance of a scholar rather than a mere machine.
“Portals,” it repeated, the word carrying an odd weight now that it had been spoken aloud. “They were not always an enemy. In times past, they were gateways—tools used by those who knew how to shape them, control them. But something has shifted. Now, they tear through reality without command, unhinged and unpredictable. And what crawls through them…”
The Golem hesitated—not out of fear, but in consideration.
Ooc: go ahead and roll a perception check, this will determine how your character views the Merchant Golem's current stance. I did realize I can roll dice on player character sheets, so if you want me to do it I can.
“uncontrolled portals you say … that’s not just a threat. But a pattern waiting to be understood” he responded, having a calculated look, folding his arms in front of him and having a stern but hesitant look to the Golem. “you said they used to be tools. So who controlled them? And who lost control?” his voice said firmly. “if I’m in this, I’m not just swinging swords at shadows. I want to know the why.” (perception check roll: 12)
Out of breath, Ralnor leans against the wall before registering what the woman said. After a second a look of suspicion flashes over Ralnor's face before he can compose himself.
“I feel at a loss. Here I am not knowing anything about who you are or why I am here. Yet you seem to be well informed about who I am. I would be eternally grateful if you could give me some answers.”
The Merchant Golem pauses, its golden veins pulsing subtly, almost as if considering how much to reveal.
“The ones who controlled them…” It exhales—not out of breath, but as a calibrated hesitation, a moment to calculate its response. “They were scholars. Manipulators of space. Architects of thresholds between realms. But control is a fragile thing. And when one bends reality too many times without understanding its limits…”
The glow from its core dims slightly.
“…reality bends back.”
It steps forward, adjusting its stance as if shifting under the weight of old knowledge.
“The ‘who’ that lost control is far less important than the ‘how.’ That is what we seek now—the answer to why the order of things has unraveled.”
The Caravan continues its steady path. Jharun has the choice to push harder for details or let the layers of mystery unfold in their own time.
The woman watches Ralnor carefully, her sharp, analytical gaze not missing the flicker of suspicion before he gathers himself. Her posture remains composed—not defensive, not aggressive—just a presence of confidence and certainty. She had been expecting him.
A faint smile crosses her lips, not quite warm, but assured. “You're not wrong to be cautious,” she admits. “Anyone in your position would be.”
She moves with deliberate ease, folding her arms, her stance unwavering as she studies him. “But you aren’t here by accident. And I suspect, deep down, you know that. The Canine Golem does not summon without cause. You are meant to be here, whether you understand why yet or not.”
She allows a pause, giving Ralnor space to process, but not enough time to withdraw entirely.
“You asked for answers,” she continues, tone measured. “Then let’s begin.”
Portals. Once tools of discovery—crafted by scholars, controlled by those who understood their intricacies. But now, they appeared without command, tearing holes into existence, letting creatures spill forth unchecked.
Ralnor’s breath steadied, yet there was an edge to his stance, a sharpened awareness as he absorbed the implications.
The recruiter’s voice was measured, yet beneath it lay a tension unspoken. “Few still hold the knowledge of their creation,” she admitted. “Fewer still claim to understand why they have begun appearing on their own.”
Ralnor narrowed his gaze. There was a rumor.
“And the rumor?” His voice was firm, expectant.
She hesitated—not out of uncertainty, but as though debating whether the words themselves were worth speaking aloud. “It suggests that something—someone—is calling them forth. That these portals are not simply unraveling…but being summoned. The details are outlandish, so nobody believes the rumor.”
“It seems you wish to maintain your secret ways of gaining knowledge of others who are not of this realm. I will accept that and work to help solve your predicament. Are there others that you have extended the same offer too or am I to work alone?”
Ralnor becomes a little pensive as he finishes speaking.
“Though a rumor may seem impossible, there is normally a hint of truth in all rumors.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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DM:
Jharun steps forward, his boots sinking slightly into the soil. The air here carries a different weight—a subtle, grounding presence rather than the endless currents of the sea. He exhales, feeling the shift settle into his bones. The Ancient Wilds stretch before him, vast and untamed. To the north, the distant silhouettes of the Colony of Nature’s Majesty linger against the horizon, their structures blending into the land itself. But here, in the south, movement breaks the solitude. A traveling caravan is passing by, its steady pace sending soft vibrations through the ground. At its center, is a Merchant Golem. The Merchant Golem's palladium frame gleams under the filtered sunlight, hints of gold woven into its structure like veins of purpose. Its form is humanoid, yet undeniably mechanical, every motion calibrated for efficiency. Unlike the Canine Golem that summoned Jharun, the Merchant Golem actually speaks, and has personality just like a person. "Oh, hello traveler," the Merchant Golem says, its voice smooth, refined, and friendly. "Say, what brings you to the Ancient Wilds? Are you just exploring, or is the Canine Golem summoning you to the Colony?" The caravan continues its steady path, the Canine Golem unfazed by the dialogue, its focus purely on the road ahead. But the Merchant Golem? It waits for an answer—not out of necessity, but out of genuine curiosity.
DM tips: players can use sleight of hand to try stealing from merchants. However, I have a surprise in store for anyone who attempts theft near a Merchant Golem.
Jharun still had one hand brushing against the hilt at his side, not far from his revolver. As seen not in tension, but reflex. The Merchant Golem's voice caught him off guard, not just for the fact that it spoke, but how it spoke. It was curious to him how a creature like this worked, a golem of metal. “That's a very good question,” Jharun said at last, his voice edged with a familiar grit that came from being at sea with his crew. “I’d like to say I’m just wandering. That I’m here for the thrill, for the mystery. But the truth is … I do not know.” He crossed his arms in curiosity, but also second guessing himself if this was a good idea in the first place. “Your friend found me. Not much of a talker, just stared until I followed. Figured it meant something, or maybe I just wanted it to see if I’d fall in a trap.” He turned to face it fully, eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read something beneath its forged face.
Ralnor continues to walk East following the creatures. As boredom setting in, he has started to ask questions of the creatures knowing no response will come.
“How long will this take? … Who created you guys? … How old are you? … Is there something special about the number four? … I mean four is a good number but I much prefer three. … Am I going to meet others or do I need to learn how to communicate with barks? … Why could you not make the portal closer to our destination? … Did you make the portal or was it made by something else? … Do you have food? Do you eat? … Can you understand me? Can anyone in this realm speak common? … ”
DM / Dialogue:
"Ah, well..." The Merchant Golem says. "The only traps there would be random monsters coming through portals that randomly appear. Say, that's probably why you were summoned: we need your help with the threat of the portals."
DM:
The underbrush rustled first—a telltale sign of movement before the attack. Then, in a burst of chaotic energy, mischievous kobolds sprang forward, their grinning maws and scrappy weapons revealing their intent: disruption. Small but cunning, they darted through the foliage, attempting to block the path ahead, eager to throw Ralnor off course.
But the Canine Golem did not waver. It moved decisively, shifting its stance in a way that suggested combat was merely another function in its vast repertoire. With smooth, calculated efficiency, it fended off the kobolds effortlessly—a swipe here, a perfectly timed step there, each movement precise enough to drive them back without losing its momentum.
As the last kobold scattered, disappearing into the brush with a yelp, the Canine Golem picked up the pace—its urgency now undeniable. There was no victory celebration, no pause to assess what had just happened. It had a destination, and now, it wanted to reach it faster.
Ralnor, caught in the sudden shift, had no choice but to match its speed. His pace quickened into a steady jog, boots kicking up dirt as he kept up with his silent guide. The rhythmic pulse of their movement echoed through the wild terrain, with nothing but the occasional rustle in the trees and the remnants of distant, annoyed kobold chatter lingering behind them.
DM tips: whenever you encounter kobolds or ratkin, try your best to ignore them. They're considered to be part of nature, so they're protected by the Naturalists' Collective. If people in the Colony find out you killed a natural animal, or a kobold or ratkin, you will have to pay a fine in gold. (And most things sell for copper or silver.)
*what's this?*
Male: 16
Take the log out of your eye before you take out the splinter in someone else's eye.
Claimed by SilverRaccoon3
---------> JADE MOUNTAIN <--------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ooc: this, Silver_Moon_Turtle, is my dungeons and dragons campaign. You're welcome to view the campaign, if you want,
DM / after the kobolds' disruption:
The Colony of Nature’s Majesty unfolded before Ralnor, its towering trees and woven pathways forming a sanctuary within the untamed wilds. The scent of damp earth mingled with the freshness of green life, while distant voices—quiet, measured—carried on the wind like whispers of knowledge.
Beside him, the Canine Golem shifted, its posture more upright, its movements charged with urgency, no longer merely guiding, but propelling. It picked up the pace, weaving through the colony’s natural corridors with renewed purpose, its excitement evident in the way its tail-like appendage flicked, the way its glowing eyes pulsed slightly brighter.
Ralnor narrowed his gaze—this was no ordinary escort. Something waited inside.
The Naturalists' Collective workplace loomed ahead, a structure built into the land itself, its wooden archways flowing with the organic design of the colony’s nature-driven philosophy. The door stood slightly ajar, as if anticipating his arrival, as if his presence was already expected.
The Canine Golem didn’t hesitate. It moved directly toward the entrance, pausing only for a moment, turning its head back toward Ralnor—as if saying, This is where you need to be.
Ralnor stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the Collective’s heart, where the whispers of leaves gave way to voices waiting within.
Ralnor’s boots press against the smooth wooden flooring as he steps fully inside, the scent of aged parchment and fresh earth mingling in the air. The room is alive, not with chaotic movement, but with a quiet, deliberate energy—the hum of scholars, the rustling of notes, the subtle sounds of nature integrated into the very structure.
Waiting at the center of it all stands the recruiter, a figure clad in earth-toned robes, her eyes sharp with both knowledge and assessment. Her posture is poised, but there’s something in her expression—perhaps curiosity, perhaps certainty—that suggests she has been expecting him.
“Ralnor,” the recruiter greets, her voice measured. “You’ve arrived. The Canine Golem never falters in its guidance.” There’s a brief glance toward the construct, a quiet nod of acknowledgment.
The atmosphere is actually quite warm, inviting him to join the Naturalists' Collective, and help with the threat of the portals.
“summoned, huh?” he scratched at his chin, gazing toward the sky as if expecting to see one of those portals open then and there. “that would explain the scary that I find myself in now, surprisingly.” He looked back to the golem, tone sharpening “I’ve had my fair share of monsters. Sea beasts, pirates, even men who looked civilized until the knives came out. And now the enemy among us is portals?”
DM / dialogue:
The Merchant Golem’s golden veins pulsed ever so slightly, as if considering the weight of Jharun’s words. It adjusted its posture, folding its arms behind its back in a deliberate motion—one that mimicked the thoughtful stance of a scholar rather than a mere machine.
“Portals,” it repeated, the word carrying an odd weight now that it had been spoken aloud. “They were not always an enemy. In times past, they were gateways—tools used by those who knew how to shape them, control them. But something has shifted. Now, they tear through reality without command, unhinged and unpredictable. And what crawls through them…”
The Golem hesitated—not out of fear, but in consideration.
“…is no longer welcome.”
Ooc: go ahead and roll a perception check, this will determine how your character views the Merchant Golem's current stance. I did realize I can roll dice on player character sheets, so if you want me to do it I can.
“uncontrolled portals you say … that’s not just a threat. But a pattern waiting to be understood” he responded, having a calculated look, folding his arms in front of him and having a stern but hesitant look to the Golem. “you said they used to be tools. So who controlled them? And who lost control?” his voice said firmly. “if I’m in this, I’m not just swinging swords at shadows. I want to know the why.” (perception check roll: 12)
Out of breath, Ralnor leans against the wall before registering what the woman said. After a second a look of suspicion flashes over Ralnor's face before he can compose himself.
“I feel at a loss. Here I am not knowing anything about who you are or why I am here. Yet you seem to be well informed about who I am. I would be eternally grateful if you could give me some answers.”
DM / dialogue:
The Merchant Golem pauses, its golden veins pulsing subtly, almost as if considering how much to reveal.
“The ones who controlled them…” It exhales—not out of breath, but as a calibrated hesitation, a moment to calculate its response. “They were scholars. Manipulators of space. Architects of thresholds between realms. But control is a fragile thing. And when one bends reality too many times without understanding its limits…”
The glow from its core dims slightly.
“…reality bends back.”
It steps forward, adjusting its stance as if shifting under the weight of old knowledge.
“The ‘who’ that lost control is far less important than the ‘how.’ That is what we seek now—the answer to why the order of things has unraveled.”
The Caravan continues its steady path. Jharun has the choice to push harder for details or let the layers of mystery unfold in their own time.
DM / dialogue:
The woman watches Ralnor carefully, her sharp, analytical gaze not missing the flicker of suspicion before he gathers himself. Her posture remains composed—not defensive, not aggressive—just a presence of confidence and certainty. She had been expecting him.
A faint smile crosses her lips, not quite warm, but assured. “You're not wrong to be cautious,” she admits. “Anyone in your position would be.”
She moves with deliberate ease, folding her arms, her stance unwavering as she studies him. “But you aren’t here by accident. And I suspect, deep down, you know that. The Canine Golem does not summon without cause. You are meant to be here, whether you understand why yet or not.”
She allows a pause, giving Ralnor space to process, but not enough time to withdraw entirely.
“You asked for answers,” she continues, tone measured. “Then let’s begin.”
DM / dialogue:
Portals. Once tools of discovery—crafted by scholars, controlled by those who understood their intricacies. But now, they appeared without command, tearing holes into existence, letting creatures spill forth unchecked.
Ralnor’s breath steadied, yet there was an edge to his stance, a sharpened awareness as he absorbed the implications.
The recruiter’s voice was measured, yet beneath it lay a tension unspoken. “Few still hold the knowledge of their creation,” she admitted. “Fewer still claim to understand why they have begun appearing on their own.”
Ralnor narrowed his gaze. There was a rumor.
“And the rumor?” His voice was firm, expectant.
She hesitated—not out of uncertainty, but as though debating whether the words themselves were worth speaking aloud. “It suggests that something—someone—is calling them forth. That these portals are not simply unraveling…but being summoned. The details are outlandish, so nobody believes the rumor.”
Ralnor remains resolute as the woman speaks.
“It seems you wish to maintain your secret ways of gaining knowledge of others who are not of this realm. I will accept that and work to help solve your predicament. Are there others that you have extended the same offer too or am I to work alone?”
Ralnor becomes a little pensive as he finishes speaking.
“Though a rumor may seem impossible, there is normally a hint of truth in all rumors.”