“Curses take many forms. The seemingly impossible quest of a fey lord can puzzle PCs and send them on far reaching quests, or the scarring hex of a hag could totally change the way a hero is viewed, both by others and personally. The curse of lycanthropy is particularly well familar, and tales tell of those strong enough to break through the curse, and command their new forms, instead of being slaves to it. Sometimes though, things get harder. Sometimes hell is here on earth.”
The murderous, uncaring, huntress known only as Rollin is feared in all the lands around the lich king’s grand nation. The Lich King sends her on errands, almost always assassinations, far and wide. Sometimes she travels alone, and other times her fell pack accompanies her in the great hunt. A woman of few words, but loud actions.
Death without Warning: Part of the fear are the tales that she almost always strikes without warning or mercy. Her human form is unassuming. An average-sized woman with raggedy dark hair, and never dressed in finery or looking particularly clean. She easily slips into a community as an unassuming traveler.
A sharp eye can spot her early on in one of two ways. Her cape is of a crimson red, and was once of the finest quality, though now it is dulled, dirtied and torn. Many years ago it belonged to a high ranking cleric of Sindress, and rumors whisper that the two shared a personal connection before she was dominated by the lich king. Those who know what to look for can still make out the old signs of the goddess woven into the garment.
The second sign is her axe itself. While it is not unusual for a traveller to be armed, even that of an unassuming female, Rollin’s axe was forged long ago and is quite unique. Those that have seen it once, may easily make its shape out again. While she travels she keeps the head well-covered by her cloak.
A Shrouded Heart: Destiny can be cruel, so it is said by many, and so it is known to Rollin the hunter. In her time (her mortal time), she had broken through base perceptions and became a fierce warrior and adventurer. One of those adventures brought her into conflict with a pack of werewolves who were stealing away with livestock, and sometimes villagers, in the middle of the night. She did not survive that conflict unscathed.
Through strength of body and will she fought against her curse, and eventually learned to control it and use it as a tool. She became a hunter of those who crept in the darkness and tried to use people as food or sport, even though she was often shunned by those she protected. Her greatest target became the Lich King, though he had no kingdom at the time. She tracked him across the continent, wherever he reappeared, always a thorn in his side, until one day he was more than ready. He trapped the hunter and enacted a dark and risky ritual. He transferred his phylactery to her still-beating heart, creating a dark bond between them. She became an extension of his will, and was bound to obey, and he granted her a piece of his immortality. Any who dared to destroy the Lich King now, would first have to destroy his greatest foe.
Curse of the Guardian: Rollin’s origins are all but forgotten, snuffed out by the Lich King over many years. He wants no one to know that his enemy is kept so close and fewer than none to know the location of his phylactery. Still, it is possible to learn the tale, and noble heroes may wish to find the binding ritual and find a way to counter. It would be a difficult quest indeed, requiring stealth, wisdom and trapping the huntress herself, but should anyone be successful, they will have gained the a great weapon in bringing the Lich King to his knees.
Brian Liberge
Brian Liberge is a father of one, living in Boston, MA. Introduced to AD&D at an early age, he’s continued to update with the editions, and new games. He loves home-brewed ideas, is honest to a fault, and thinks that ideas and mechanics should absolutely be shared between systems. With a B.S. Degree in Theatre Arts, a job in Information Technology, and a love of strategy gaming, he tries to bring the best of each into his new creations for StufferShack.
Check out his latest book the Midgard Bestiary for 4e, available now. Profile Page / Article Portfolio
Oh. My love for this is only enhanced by my current reading of ‘Red Hood’s Revenge’ by Jim C Hines. Tempting to take this, convert the undead parts to fae and create an adventure around it.
Werewolves have a special place in my devious heart. I love the beastly, ferocious, vile demonic vibe they give off.