Mercy is something of a complicated subject within the borders of Renuvia. Although technically governed by a human kingdom, centuries of petty quarrels have carved this land into a number of uneasy ethnostates, enforced by warfare and authoritarian rulers. Combine that with magic, monsters, and your typical fantasy shenanigans, and it's safe to say that life sucks here.
One day, In an attempt to rectify this, a council was formed. Each of the region's great rulers would sign a contract enforced by a magical outsider (a devil overjoyed at the occasion), who would ensure that their nation followed its decree in both letter and spirit. Of course, you're unlikely to convince anybody to sign a permanent peacetime agreement... which this was not! Rather, every four years, one nation was now beholden to host citizens from all over Renuvia in an spectacle of their choosing — essentially the Olympics.
This year is the Kingdom of Renuvia's turn, and Man-King Ferdinand has had his best idea yet: the exact same event as the last four kings before him. Welcome to the Steel Run Ball!
The Premise
.png) |
| Each hex is approximately one day's travel, though I'm sure there'll be complications. Ever gotten stuck in a gorge before? Colored paths are "suggested" courses — make 'em official if you want! |
Our heroes begin at Riesling Village, where athletes from across the region gather in preparation for the Steel Run. This is a mounted ultramarathon, requiring a team of racers (led by a captain) to race through all manner of treacherous terrain—fetid swamps, dense forests, and canyons. Their objective? To be the first to reach the Kingdom of Renuvia in ten day's time. Not only will the first three teams receive a sizeable prize pool, but first place will be regarded as the guest of honor for the Steel Ball immediately following the race, and the captain shall receive the honor of cavorting with The Maiden: Princess Catherine. She might even grant you a favor if you can woo her ;).
There are only a few hard-cut rules, though you're free to make up your own. If you need to actually enforce any of these, it shall be the contract-holding Devil that intervenes. Whether or not he's omnipotent is unclear, but all I know is that he fucking loves this gig, so act accordingly.
- No overt acts of homicide against race captains; sure, accidents happen, but you're going to have to explain why you've got Finger of Death prepared in your spellbook.
- Sustained flight, as well as teleportation, is strictly forbidden. Levitation is cutting it close.
- Use of enchantment magic against a race captain may be subject to a foul and subsequent time penalty.
But what's the point of rules if you've got nobody to break them?
The Race Captains
 |
| Photographer Unknown |
Nzxiriti, Scourge of the Black Marsh
Who are You?: An insectoid general; honored champion of their hive. Wears a dress uniform that would put Geordy Zhukov to shame, with accessories made from chitin and gemstones.
Vehicle Of Choice: Enormous beasts of burden: pill bugs, Hercules beetles, centipedes, etc. Rides with an entourage, though always atop the largest mount available.
Why Are You Here?: Although genuinely proud to serve his homeland, success has brought with it a lot of stress, not to mention unwanted attention. He's also somewhat confused by the distinction between queen and princess. Hopes to serve a hive that'll be softer on him (or start one himself, if necessary).
 |
| "Hermit In His Cell" by Andrey Shishkin |
Balthazar the Patient, Orthodox Wizard
Who are You?: Eccentric old man & former advisor to the Renuvian court. Loud-mouthed, hot-headed, and exceedingly dangerous.
Vehicle Of Choice: After an argument involving the Wizard's insistence that he should be allowed to "fly [his] wrinkly ass over the finish line", officials assured Balthazar that he had to ride something, causing him to subsequently dump the contents of his carriage. After some preliminary tests, he is now officially competing with a Swarm of Animated Spellbooks.
Why Are You Here?: Believes that winning will place him back into the good graces of the king, who he threatened to liquefy last they spoke. Could not care less about the princess.
Quirk: Balthazar is the Reed Richards to Lady Van Vrishen's Sue Storm: she is head over heels with him, and he is far too autistic to notice.
 |
| "Dwarf Folks" by Sergio Artigas |
Harald Wolftongue, Patriarch of Clan Wolftongue
Who are You?: Spiritual leader, face of the Dwarven warband, and an impressive soprano.
Vehicle Of Choice: A subspecies of Dire Ram — prized for their agility and strength by members of Clan Wolftongue, even if their leisurely nature leaves something to be desired. Virtually indistinguishable from other Dire Rams to anybody but an expert in animal husbandry.
Why Are You Here?: Seeks a diplomatic marriage between the Kingdom of Renuvia & the many hill tribes, ending a years-long blood feud, with Clan Wolftongue sitting at the helm. Believes that coupling The Maiden with controlled opposition will ease internal tensions.
Quirk: Has brought his son Ulric along, who he hopes will prove himself to be a formidable warrior — the boy is secretly smitten with Princess Catherine. Should they win, he will likely attempt to propose.
 |
| "Dragon Knight" by Sas Milledge |
Lady Sagmartha, Former Heir to the Opaltine
Who are You?: A kidnapped princess from a foreign kingdom. Once imprisoned, now free of both title and responsibility.
Vehicle Of Choice: The serpentine dragon that held her hostage, Corinthian. Following an encounter with a particularly boisterous knight, he has become somewhat brain-damaged & docile — going along with Lady Sagmartha’s plan because it means “collecting” more princesses.
Why Are You Here?: Wants to offer The Maiden the same freedom she now possesses. If nothing else, she’d make for a clean ransom.
Quirks: Promises really, really hard not to fly. Probably going to anyways, but Corinthian's injuries means it cannot sustain lift for very long. If anybody calls her out, she'll say that its gliding.
 |
| "Halfling Priest" by Sergey Gurskiy |
Aeryn, Favored Cleric
Who are You?: A Halfling nun; a cloistered soul. Favored by the Goddess of Luck for her peity (plus she's just so entertaining). Has an incredible knack for getting out of trouble, even if that means getting into it first.
Vehicle Of Choice: A yearling, gifted to her by the monastery.
Why Are You Here?: A combination of wanderlust and accident. She had zero intentions of joining the race until she arrived at Riesling Village by chance, but hey, when in Rome?
 |
...Huh? |
Vasquale Alonso de Panza Cervantes, Knight
Who are You?: A Renuvian royal. A virile old man. Gone a bit mad from the relative lack of warfare (fighting the dwarves doesn't count, in his book), and so has adopted a Don Quixote-esque persona in the process
Vehicle Of Choice: His trusted mule, Ciruela.
Why Are You Here?: Has competed in the last three Steel Runs, winning one. Finds the whole debacle quite entertaining and it's a way to pass the time, not to mention an "easy" way to soothe his mindrot. Besides, who would want to miss a royal ball?
 |
| Lava Monster from Samurai Jack |
Tika-Raitahu, Scar Incarnate
Who are You?: An elemental spirit, recently awoken from its volcanic slumber; a minor deity. Currently possessing the body of a worshiper.
Vehicle Of Choice: Itself; melts through earth and stone like a hot knife through butter, leaving ogre-sized tunnels behind. Only as fast as its slowest disciple, who ride a pack of stolen Wargs.
Why Are You Here?: Believes the princess would make a fine addition to its sacrificial altar, and has every intention of dragging her there itself — regardless of who wins.
 |
| Account Deleted, but Art by Skiz0h / @Stepponalego_(?) |
Xander Thul, Knife-Biter
Who are You?: Notorious(ly mute) mercenary-for-hire. Dresses like a shadow, about as transparent as one.
Vehicle Of Choice: {Unintelligible}, a Nightmare adorned in red-and-black leather.
Why Are You Here?: To SLAY THE PRINCESS, FOR HE MUST BATHE IN HER BLOOD AS PART OF AN UNHOLY RITUAL, DESTINED BY PROPHECY, AND SET ABOUT DUE TO THE EVENTS OF HIS TRAGIC AND MYSTERIOUS BACKSTORY!!!!!
...Allegedly. Nobody's really bothered to ask, nor should they expect a straight answer from him, if one at all.
 |
| Artist Unknown, Full Art Found In Brancalonia |
Orphelia (Odessa) Van Vrishen, Bane of Naraxxmus
Who are You?: A wandering Necromancer. Back from a failed expedition to challenge the Great Terror, she is both well-practiced and itching to prove herself.
Vehicle Of Choice: A carriage drawn by skeletal unicorns.
Why Are You Here?: Hopes to gather enough prestige to her name that she can construct a tower within Renuvia, to which she can retire without persecution (whether out of respect or fear). She's also secretly smitten with Balthazar, the wily old wizard, and hopes to mingle with him throughout the race.
Quirks: Composed of nearly a dozen identical carriages (albeit driven by horses instead of unicorns), Odessa's entourage carries her ultimate trump card: the bones of a massive Wurm. She has left the possibility of using it to win the Steel Run as a last resort, unable to guarantee even her own safety in the aftermath.
Afterword
This is not—by any stretch of the imagination—a proper module. I've had this idea stuck in my head for months, and the post in my drafts for even longer, so this is more of an attempt to throw some fun ideas out of my brain for somebody else to adapt. As you might also be able to tell, the various race captains were my favorite part to write.
