My Dear Lords and Ladies, I fear I bring terrible tidings! Due to an early Giving of Thanks, our November session was postponed! And worst, I just received a missive that our December session is now on winter hiatus! But fear not, once again, for your literary enjoyment, education, and edification, I shall attempt to regale you with another exciting episode of: Tales of the Crimson Empire!
These short, fictitious tales will focus on the backstories and histories of the npcs, battles, politics, and events that shaped the current campaign today. Today’s tale relates the origin of everyone’s favorite, avuncular, curmudgeon; the ranger known as Conrad Frost, as well as a few surprise guest stars.
So without further ado: Raise the curtain! Start the music, something exciting if you would. Aaaaaand. . . Action!
The Origin of Conrad Frost
Conrad wondered what had happened to the rest of their party. They had split up earlier; the Dwarven Cleric, Lillehammer, and the Eladrin Paladin, Epiphany, went to recon the prison, while he and Christopher scouted ahead to locate the Mummy Wizard, Akbaz. Neither group was to engage the enemy. They were supposed to meet back and formulate a plan. But they failed to account for Akbaz’s mystic third eye discovering them. An ancient gong began to chime. Akbaz confronted Conrad and Christopher and swarms of undead appeared out of every crevice.
Conrad was concerned for Epiphany. He cared, more than he would like to admit, for the beautiful Eladrin. At first he had thought it mere lust, and tried to dismiss it. But whenever they spoke, he could swear that her gaze lingered upon him, her touch was warm and welcoming. But what was he thinking, a human in love with a High Elf? A princess no less? It was like a horrible cliché out of a book.
There at the head of the staircase, stood Epiphany and Lillehammer. Using their combined abilities to Turn Undead, the pious pair had vanquished the entire Skeletal hoard. Standing behind them was a huge, feral looking humanoid, the Orc prisoner they had been sent to retrieve: Prince Mork.
Conrad and Christopher extracted themselves from the bony morass and joined the others at the top of the stairs. “I see you found the young prince.” Christopher beamed. Turning to the Orc, “You really should be more choosy about your accommodations. This particular Innkeeper left more than a little something to be desired.”
The hulking gray barbarian was not amused. Barring his impressive canines, he snatched up a weapon in either hand from out of the bony mosaic . “Where is Akbaz? I have a debt of honor sorely in need of repayment!” Snarled the Orc Prince, as he brandished a scimitar and battle axe.
“I’m afraid all debts have been canceled.” Christopher intoned, as he reached into a bulging satchel on his side. Raising his hand, Christopher produced Akbaz’s decapitated head.
“Well, truth be told, I kind of snuck up behind Akbaz, as he was busy, and started poking holes. Big Brother here did most of the upfront fighting.” Christopher related, as he put one arm around Conrad’s shoulders.
“Naturally, Conrad is as capable a fighter as any I have ever seen. His skills are rivaled only by his courage.” Epiphany exclaimed in her sing-song voice. Her coquettish smile made Conrad blush. He prayed no one noticed in the darkened chambers.
Christopher exchanged a quick glance between Conrad and Epiphany, and a sly smile spread across his lips. Hoping to extricate his sibling from his embarrassment, he grabbed an end of a moldering bandage and, with a deft flick of the wrist, sent the decapitated skull twirling out of its centuries old coverings to shatter into dust, as it struck the marble floor. “I believe we unraveled Akbaz’s plans.” Christopher chuckled.
Conrad began to protest, but suddenly, Epiphany was at their side. She gently patted her saddle and beckoned to him. “You should take the saddle, you’re much too large to be comfortable behind me. Besides, Eladrins are taught to ride bareback.” Epiphany chirped through her moist, red lips. From the corner of his eye, Conrad could see Christopher barely containing his laughter.
As they rode for home, Conrad could feel Epiphany’s arms around his waist tighten. She pressed her body against his as she began to fall asleep. Even through his leather armor, he still felt her warmth, still felt every curve pressing against him. He glanced over his shoulder, and saw her delicate features. Still as beautiful as the day he first saw her.
10 Years Ago
Conrad slowed his pace, as looming figures on the horizon came into view. More undead stood blocking his path. Zombies! He looked down upon Christopher, he had stopped crying, and his head was buried in his chest. Conrad rushed forward, cleaving a Zombie in two. He deflected a blow from what looked like a dead Knight. Sinking his axe into the Knight’s helm, Conrad struggled to remove it with one hand and a foot, as the undead horde approached from either side.
“Please, no need for titles, call me Epiphany.” She spoke in a sing-song voice. She surprised Conrad with an embrace and gently slipped Christopher into her arms. “And who is this?”
“That’s my brother, Christopher. I’m Conrad. Conrad Frost. You have our gratitude for saving our lives. I’m afraid there’s no one else left to rescue.” He said motioning to the burning village.
Captain Sterling gritted his teeth. “I had hoped to recruit more troops from the area. Your village is renowned for its Rangers. Lord Chronos is on the march. Individually, we don’t stand a chance against him. I need to recruit more soldiers to challenge him.”
Captain Sterling nodded slowly as he surveyed the smoldering village, as if finally realizing the massive stakes and magnitude this war presented. “Yes. . . yes, I see your point. We’ve been concerned only with the Human and Elven territories.”
Her superior Elven vision let her see far beyond the immediate village, to the once populated lands that Conrad had mentioned. The sights chilled her to her very core. “We have all been myopic and xenophobic concerning this war. Thank you for enlightening us Mister Frost.” Epiphany half whispered.
“Call me Conrad.” Surveying the ruins of his once prosperous village, he faced Captain Sterling and Epiphany. “There’s nothing left for us here. We’ll accompany you, and I’ll fight by your side in this war. I’ll fight to make sure this never happens to anyone. . . ever again.”
Christopher raised his head from Epiphany’s chest. “I want to fight too.” There was a steely strength in both his eyes and tenor of voice that Conrad had never seen or heard before. A strength that saddened Conrad. A strength that signaled the end of innocence.
And so ends the first chapter of Conrad Frost’s humble beginnings. Sharp-eyed followers of this blog may recognize some familiar names and faces. Conrad Frost was introduced way back in Chapter 2 when he saved The Heroes from an icy demise; he returned to aid The Heroes through their Mini-Adventure in Chapters 17-19. We got to meet a younger version of the Orc King, Mork, who we first met back in Chapter 8 with his daughter, Buttercup. We also are introduced to a younger version of General Sterling, the human warlord in charge of The United; and saw how Conrad was the impetus behind the unsteady alliance. Several other new characters also debuted in this first chapter. What effect will they have on Conrad’s life? Stay tuned!!!