Posts in Ten-Second

Star Chaser

Star Chaser lies under a curse (reputedly). Crew and passengers seem to die on every voyage, and the ship’s owner has fallen on hard times as a result. She offers cheap berths, and needs a successful voyage to repair her finances.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 26, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

The Customs Tower

The Customs Tower overlooks the docks. From its lofty roof, the dockmaster notes the coming and going in his domain. He then despatches his servants to collect the appropriate fees, excises and taxes. Scorch marks on the tower doors speak to its master’s popularity.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 23, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

Vonya Urzak

Vonya Urzak (NG female dwarf) suffers from crushing headaches. Often seen clutching her head, she hates light and loud noise. Some children think she is a vampire and call her the “Whispering Lady”. Vonya dresses well, has pale skin and a short, straggly beard.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 22, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the DocksComment

Seawing

Seawing boasts a figurehead of a majestic parrot carved with its wings outstretched as if in flight. Painted in a riot of gaudy colours, Seawing is an immensely wealthy merchant’s personal craft. He uses it for pleasure cruises and fabulous parties.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 21, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

The World’s End

The World’s End boasts a gigantic mural depicting a kraken chasing a sailing ship over the edge of the world. Mariners of all types come to the inn to drink, swap stories and find a new berth. Two talkative parrots roost on the common room’s rafters.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 20, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

Vilppu Tulo

Vilppu Tulo (LN male human) trembles at the thought of his fate. A reluctant guard, he knows things he should not know. His enemies will do anything to silence him, and he is on borrowed time. Tall, gangly and red-haired Vilppu is conspicuous in the extreme.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 19, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the DocksComment

Kraken

Kraken looks to be a dangerous ship; all sleek lines and taut sails she has the look of a predator. Her crew are tough, rugged folk. Her half-elven captain, Milo Ilanen, has a fearsome reputation as an enthusiastic duelist.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 16, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

The Gilded Anchor

The Gilded Anchor caters to rich merchants, their agents and guests. This member’s only club is a place of business and fine dining. Vigilant door wardens keep out riffraff and non-members. Vast fortunes have been made and lost at the Gilded Anchor.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 15, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

Rideth Aldarrae

Rideth Aldarrae (N half-elf female) searches for her confused and erratic human mother. Some folk believe an evil sea spirit possesses her elderly mother. Soon a mob will form. Rideth is frantic with worry, and begs for help.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 14, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the DocksComment

Horizon Walker

Horizon Walker rarely lies at anchor. Her captain is an intrepid soul happiest out at sea. Horizon Walkerspecialises in long sea voyages to far-flung locales. She is quick and heavily armed. Her crew includes several powerful spellcasters.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 13, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

The Bucket and Chain

The Bucket and Chain tavern stands hard against the docks. Popular with unsavoury nautical types, it features in many dark tales of smuggling, murder and odd religious beliefs. A wide brick-walled well in the cellar leads to a sea cave under the docks.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 12, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

Lydia Miela

Lydia Miela (CG female human) carouses with breathtaking enthusiasm. Few have her stamina for dancing or capacity for drink. Lydia knows every barkeep and serving wench in the vicinity, and could be a useful friend. She wears the latest fashions and always needs money.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 9, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the DocksComment

Far Wanderer

Far Wanderer lies docked amid a hive of activity. This caravel’s poop deck and hull shows signs of fire and crush damage. Sailors swarm about her making repairs. Her crew tell of a terrible battle against a fearsome fire-breathing kraken.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 8, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

Raita’s Candles

Raita’s Candles opens at dusk and closes at first light. Its owner, Tuure Raita (NE old male human), prefers working at night. The shop’s cellar displays a macabre collection of lifelike waxen figures. Tuure shows his work to those paying for the privilege.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 7, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

Kauko Ilma

Kauko Ilma (CN old male human) staggers about haranguing seagulls, stray cats and annoying children. Mad, and crippled in a boating accident, Kauko leans on an ornate carven walking stick. He thinks, the seagulls and the cats are out to get him. He's right.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 6, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the DocksComment

Amma

Amma—sleek and dangerous—has a reputation as a smuggler’s ship. Captained by the blackguard Ambro Kontio this galley has a foul crew. Notable crew include Kaija Kiekka the Sea Witch and Otava Himottu, “the Strangler”. Several adventuring bands seek the Amma.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 5, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley runs parallel to the docks. Heaps of fishmongers’ leavings and so on make this a foul-smelling, slippery place. The stench of rotting fish, excrement and worse keep most folk away. It is a good place for dark doings and secret meetings.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 2, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

Albin Tovia

Albin Tovia (N male human) composes frightening poems hinting at unseen dimensions beyond the material. With wild, unkempt hair, and a scratching, haunting voice, Albin clings to the very edge of sanity. He has no friends.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 1, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the Docks Comments

Penna’s Grave

Penna’s Grave stands in a hollow by the trail. Fresh cut flowers often appear on the low burial mound, no matter the weather. Folklore tells of a silent, grey-hooded figure seen kneeling at the grave. Recently, an apple tree has sprouted from the mound.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstMarch 24, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten-Second on the RoadComment

Watersmeet

Watersmeet surrounds six lofty crags of remarkable geometric alignment. Four rivers flow into the lake, churning up the water, making casual boating dangerous and difficult. Folklore tells of mysterious winged humanoids seen visiting the crags.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstMarch 23, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second on the Road, Ten-Second LandmarkComment

Dec 17, 2024

One-Pager, Urban Locale, Urban Dressing

Urban Locale: Fence

Successful thieves need a fence—someone willing to buy and sell their ill-gotten gains. Like their customers, such folk must keep their true business secret, and thus, they often openly practise some other legitimate trade.

A free GM’s Resource for any fantasy roleplaying game.

Dec 10, 2024

Urban Locale: Warehouse

Merchants, traders, artisans, and some ordinary folk, need somewhere to store their bulky goods. Some own their own warehouses, while others hire the requisite space on a temporary basis.

Nov 20, 2024

Urban Locale: Monastery

Houses of worship and quiet contemplation stand in or near many settlements. Within, the occupants seek spiritual enlightenment in the service of their patron.

Nov 19, 2024

Urban Locale: Boarding House

Normally places for the poor or the penny-wise, boarding houses offer lodgings and food; most such places offer only the barest of essentials to their guests.

Nov 12, 2024

One-Pager, Dungeon Backdrop, Dungeon Dressing, Ashlar

Deeper Delvings of the Nameless Mage

Far below the sunlit surface lie places and things undreamt of by decent commonfolk. Some such things have never seen the light of day, while others have escaped into the Underlands to escape the hated sun.

Dressed vs. Undressed: An Example of Play

Nov 5, 2024

Dungeon Dressing

Dressed vs. Undressed: An Example of Play

It’s no secret that at Raging Swan Press, we are big fans of dressed dungeons. A dressed dungeon feels more real than an undressed dungeon. A dressed dungeon engages your players’ imaginations, promotes creative play and helps them immerse themselves in the adventure.

Nov 1, 2024

News

November 2024 at Raging Swan Press

It’s always the perfect time to game, and we hope you can find something below that will help you have more fun with your friends!

Oct 29, 2024

One-Pager, Hamlet, Ashlar

The Hamlet of Slaughterford

Slaughterford has a foul reputation.

Oct 22, 2024

Urban Locale: Roadside Shrine

Small roadside shrines appear in many towns and cities. They venerate important saints, local deities, or gods without a formal church in the area and are often tended by a small group of dedicated lay worshippers.

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