Blue Green Red

Continuing my telling of the tale of our Smurfs RPG  mini-campaign, 'The Smurfs and The Palace of the Silver Princess', here is Session Two, Part 1. 

You can find tour party of Smurf Adventurers here:

Blue Smurf Group

You can find the recap of Session One here and here:

Part 1: Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Part 2: Singing The Blue

I would like to point out, as I should have on my previous posts, that these recaps are obviously not a play-by-play of every moment in the game. I have edited out most of the 'rules talk', many discussions both in and out of character, and some of the finer points of world-building for the purposes of retelling the key parts of the adventure within a reasonable amount of words. 

If you dear reader have any questions about anything I have potentially glossed over, please feel free to ask me questions in the comments. 

Onward...

Our band of Smurf adventurers now stood on the damp forest floor facing a trio of green clad warriors an apple taller than themselves. They all carried swords, though the fairy in the center had a larger and fancier one than the others.

It was she who spoke first. "We are The Protectors of Haven. Who blows the Protectors' Whistle who is not themselves a member of our order?"

"I do! Brash Smurf!", exclaimed Brash as he quickly stood up and tried to achieve a heroic stance. Unfortunately his balance was more than a little wobbly, still in pain from being flung by the rat they'd encountered. Smurfcornflower came in his aid, subtly helping to keep him upright. 

Suave put his hand on Brash's shoulder, smiled at him and Cornflower, noddled reassuringly, and stepped forward. He removed his hat and bowed low with a deep flourish. "Enchanté! My name is Suave Smurf. These are my companions - Brash, Smurfcornflower, Apathy, and Smurfhoneysuckle. We have been sent here by our elder, Papa Smurf, who received a vision from...well I assume from you. We, the five of us, also had visions...dreams really...and we want to help. We want to aid Haven and The Princess Argenta. How may we serve?"

The First Fairy whispered, "Smurfs...so these are Smurfs."

The Third Fairy squeaked with joy, "Ah! Of course! It worked! The Mistress will be pleased."

The Second, Middle Fairy, spoke up with clarity and calm, "Well Smurfs, we are very happy to have you in our land. Follow us; we'll take you to the Mistress Knight Commander."

With that, the three Protectors stepped off the ground and floated a dozen apples or so over the Smurfs' heads, proceeding westward, trailing faint sparkles of pixie dust that twinkled in the late afternoon sun. The Smurfs exchanged glances and then proceeded to accompany the green fairies.

After some time, though it was impossible to say how much, they all arrived in a tiny clearing surrounded by small mushrooms and lit by hovering fireflies. There were a good number of Protectors in and above the clearing, all looking practically identical except for one:

With the kind of pomp and circumstance afforded royalty but abridged for time due to the dire situation, the Smurfs were introduced to The Mistress Knight Commander of the Protectors of Haven. She was in turn introduced to them, far more humbly, by Suave Smurf. While regal of bearing and disciplined in demeanor, the Mistress Knight Commander smiled warmly at the Smurfs. 

She spoke softly but clearly, "Long ago, when I was a Protector in training, I met a young Smurf who was wise and kind and we became fast friends. We were only in each others company for a short time but we connected. We shared dreams and formed memories. Sadly, it has been a tree's age since last we saw each other." 

"Papa Smurf?", whispered Suave to the rest.

"I guessed, and rightly so it seems, that if I called out to him he would hear my plea. I can not thank him, and all of you, enough for coming all this way to help us", the Mistress said sweetly. This was followed by her motioning them all to sit down on rocks or the forest floor. Other fairies, less armed and armored, brought tea and water to the assembly. Once everyone had settled and felt as comfortable as possible, the Mistress Knight Commander began to tell her tale...

The story was a sad and tragic tale; when Princess Argenta announced her pending marriage to Sir Ellis, The Dragon Rider Knight, the Dwarfs of Thundertop Mountain were so happy for her, for the couple, that they gifted her a spectacular gem. They called it the 'Lady's Heart', a round ruby the size of a large plum. What they didn't know is that the jewel already had a name...The Eye of Arik. 

Once used to replace the right eye of Arik the Vile, a powerful and terrible giant who terrorized these lands many centuries ago, the ruby 'waited' until the day of the wedding before it struck. It released a spell of dark magic that trapped all within the castle inside a crimson glow. Anyone trying to escape would be drained of their life essence, either driving them mad or transforming them into the undead. The same is true for anyone from the outside trying to enter through the deep scarlet veil. 

Well...aside from those with ill intent. 

Based on what the Protectors have witnessed, Bandits, Goeblins, and other nasties have been able to come and go as they please. Perhaps the purer of heart you are the harder it is to pass through the jewel's curse? Uncertain.   

"We faced a rat with a red glow in its eyes. It seemed more angry than hungry. When Brash blew your Protector's Whistle, it lost that glow and appeared confused", said Apathy quite plainly. 

"Hmm", Suave contemplated, "honored hosts, have you tried to blow those enchanting whistles near the castle? Perhaps if several of you sounded in unison it might weaken the barrier."

The Protectors (and Stephen the GM!) were taken aback by the Smurfs' idea. The Fairies admitted they had never tried that before but they were aware of their whistles' ability to free animals from madness and even drive off evil spirits and undead. 

"May I...may we...keep this one Protector's Whistle Mistress Knight Commander? It could be of great use in freeing of the Silver Princess and her Palace", asked Brash, trying to rein in usual bravado. Many of the Protectors glared at him. Others, including their leader, gave a faint smile as they were impressed by the Smurf's bravery and cleverness. 

"Very well", the Mistress Knight Commander began, "You may."

The Smurfs, the Mistress, and a good number of her Protectors discussed the situation further and made plans to head to the palace at dawn. The Fairies invited the Smurfs to stay at their camp for the night. 

Honeysuckle was able to restock some provisions. The Protectors' Healers shared some of their medicinal herbs and mosses with Cornflower. Brash talked fighting styles and tactics with the Mistress' Second-in-Command. Suave filled in a captivated audience of Green Fairies on the finer points of Smurf Culture. Apathy was there as well (Haha!). *

As evening became night, all assembled had a meal together and then the Smurf party had a good night's sleep inside a surprisingly spacious tree trunk.

The next morning a troupe of Green Fairies from the Protectors of Haven escorted our Smurf adventurers to the Palace of the Silver Princess. Upon arrival our heroes prepared for the plan they devised the day before. As several of the Protectors took flight and positioned themselves near the portcullis at the castle's entrance, the Smurfs stood in a straight line, one after another. The front gate was raised half-way, giving anyone ample access were it not cursed by evil magics. 

Cornflower pulled out her last alchemy bottle, a Potion of Invisibility! I convinced the GM to let me have five uses of it instead of our agreed upon three at the cost of spending extra Mind Effort. Instead, the other players offered to pay 1 Heart Effort from each of their Smurfs so that I needed to spend only 3 Mind. Stephen loved the idea of the team working together like this that he approved it. The result was each PC was given one splash from the potion, rendering them Invisible** but only for half of the usual duration (in this case 5 moments).***

As coordinated beforehand, a half dozen Protectors plus the Mistress Knight Commander blew on their whistles, the high, clear, piercing sound causing the red glow at the entry way to waver. It rippled like a pond with a stone dropped into it. After a moment or two, a hole opened up, a portal through the crimson barrier. The hole wasn't large and it wouldn't hold long (since the Fairies would run out of breath) so the Smurfs ran through the opening, immediately scanning the entry to find a good place to hide. They saw soldiers coming down the hall towards them but as they came into the light it turned out they were Skeletons! Apathy whispered a "Psst!" to the group and ran down a separate hallway and tapped on a wooden door. The other raced toward the sound and hide instead a small Guard Post. 

The whistling sound faded and the red glow sealed the hole like it never was. 

The Smurfs were inside The Palace of the Silver Princess. 

Season Two, Part 2 coming soon...

AD

Barking Alien

*While the rest of the gang each did their thing, Apathy Smurf investigated the Protectors of Haven camp to learn more about them: the members, the structure, what they protected exactly, how they protected it, etc. It was Apathy's questions and observatiions that really got the team to accept the meta-context/world-building of an organization called 'The Protectors of Haven' that didn't seem to be able to protect Haven. If that paradox was on your mind dear reader, trust me it was discussed and explained and it made sense.

To summarize it, the Protectors guard the natural world of the Haven region and at first did not get along with the Humans there. The fairies resented the civilizations of Humanity and how they treated their surroundings. Eventually, when Princess Argenta became ruler, she took great strides to be conscious of the environment and work with the Fairies. She was very kind and generous to the animals of the woods, the fairy peoples, and in general how a good heart. 

When evil befell the Silver Palace and its residents, the Protectors were not present at the wedding but were ensuring the safety of local wildlife, plants, and the travel of people to the castle. They weren't at the wedding itself. After the Red Glow erupted and enveloped the palace, the fairies found the dark magic of it was more powerful then their own overall. After several unsuccessful attempts to penatrate the curse, the Mistress Knight Commander went out on a limb (literally! Haha!) and sent a vision to Papa Smurf and by accident the members of the party. 

**The party was only invisible in the first one or two Moments after getting the Potion of Invisibility poured on them. For the next two Moments they were essentially transparent, as if clear like glass but they were not impossible to see at all. For the final Moment they were barely semi-transparent, perhaps best deescribed as colored in camoflauge matching their surroundings.

***Moments are a vague measurement of time in the Smurfs game largely defined by and dependant upon the narrative of what is happening at the time. I love it.

Red versus Blue - The Grand Finale!

This is it! No really this time! The final recap of our mini-campaign based on the classic Dungeons and Dragons Module B3 using the upcoming Smurfs Roleplaying Game from Maestro Media...

Following this post there will be a single post 'After Action Report' talking about the game from a real life, out-of-game perspective but this - this right here - is how the story ended. For now! LOL I'd love to get back with this group and play another outing. Great GM, great group, and I absolutely adored the PC Smurfs, including my own character. I loved playing her! 

OK, the big finish...

Season Five, Part 3

When we last left our heroic Smurfs, Fellbane the Dragon had breathed a powerful stream of flames at the Sword of Arik and in the process set the entire Royal Armory ablaze! Everything within was either charred, melted, or on fire. The blade of the Sword was blackened but not completely destroyed. Unfortunately, in attacking the Sword, Fellbane burned the area around it and terribly so. Not far from the evil weapon, the five Smurfs had stood.

How could they have survived something like that?!?

As the smoke and flame died down a bit, one could see a small glass sphere, or perhaps a soap bubble, sitting on the ground besides the Sword of Arik, or what was now left of it. Inside this bubble were the Smurfs, unharmed save for feeling very hot and sweaty. "How are we not smurfed to a crisp?", exclaimed Suave, "I was certain our smurfs were flambed for sure!"

Smurfcornflower shook a half-full potion bottle that looked to contain soapy water. As she spoke, tiny bubbles came out of her mouth. "Bubble Brew! A Potion version of the Bubble Block Spell." Honeysuckle gave her a hug. Brash tussled her hair. Suave bowed. Apathy squeezed her hand and smiled.

"Oh my Smurf! Ya'll, we gotta follow that Dragon! He's headin' for the Eye sure 'nuff!", shouted Honeysuckle, shaking with intent. Apathy and Suave tried to calm her down as Brash of all Smurfs caught on to what she was getting at. 

"She's right! The Dragon wasn't trying to destroy us, it was trying to destroy the Sword. It aimed right at it. He must have been saving up his strength and sensed we'd opened the secret panel", said Brash.

"Of course, " began Suave Smurf with a snap of his fingers, "the spirit told us 'The Sword is guarded by one who can not use it'. If Suffertooth opened the panel and used the Sword, the Dragon would've come at once! That encounter would not have been pleasant for the Ogre."

"Problem is, the Dragon's fire didn't destroy the Sword. The handle yes but not the blade. The Dragon is powerful but I don't think it can eliminate the Eye of Arik." Brash pulled out the sliver of broken red crystal he'd picked up. It was about the size of a toothpick, roughly a short sword for a Smurf. "I think only this can do the job."

Everyone nodded.

Following the charred footprints and thundering movements of the Dragon, the Smurfs eventually came upon the creature as it smashed through the double doors of a large bedroom further down the hallway. The Royal Bedchamber of Princess Argenta! As the Smurfs ran to the room as fast as their tiny legs could carry them, they saw the Dragon attacked and being rebuked by some unseen foe who was deeper into the room. The Dragon's massive size was a hinderance here, not an asset, as it couldn't get in close.

 

As this point I am going to summarize certain elements...

Suave Smurf focused his charm and eloquence on convincing the Dragon to back up and allow the Smurfs to assist. Master Magician Miribellis showed up at this point with a freed Rowena the Bard. Suave also negotiated here, as the Dragon, whose name was Fellbane, initially thought Miribellis was still possessed and wanted to tear him apart. After some deft social interaction, Fellbane backed away into the hall, Miribillis cast a protective spell on Rowena, and Rowena started playing and singing an uplifting song that irritated the person in the room to no end. Whoever it was shrieked in extreme discomfort at the joyful tune.

Into the room went the rest of the party - Apathy, Brash, Cornflower, and Honeysuckle - who found Sir Ellis within. He stood in front of a bed upon which the Eye of Arik lay, his own eyes as red as the ruby sphere. Within the facets of the red gem Princess Argenta could be seen in distress, shouting to break free. The Silver Princess was trapped inside the Eye and Arik had possessed her betrothed, The Dragon Knight!

By Papa Smurf's Beard!

Noting the possessed Sir Ellis' reaction to Rowena's music, our Smurf adventurers went into action immediately. Ellis shouted at Fellbane the Dragon, saying it was too late and his master was "Mine Now! Soon I will have the power to manifest fully. I will wed the Princess, making me The Ruler of Haven! Finally!" Periodically he would also yell out, "Cease that infernal song!"

Apathy and Cornflower distracted Sir Ellis, using the remaining Bubble Brew to protect them from his sword swings, which were far more powerful than that of any Human. Stronger even than the Ogre, leaving gashes in the rug and gouges in the stone floor.

Meanwhile Brash Smurf and Smurfhoneysuckle ran around him and tried to climb up onto the bed. Brash, now holding the red crystal shard he had like a sword, started to act a little strange. He was becoming more and more angry and aggressive. He suggested they should just stab Sir Ellis with the sliver of the Red Crystal Sword. Honeysuckle kept him focused and it was obvious from her dialogue there was a special bond between her and Brash at this point. It helped but he was clearly struggling with the weapon's corruption as the two of them neared the Eye.

After three solid hits, Cornflower's bubble shield popped. She and Apathy scattered. Cornflower dove under the bed while Apathy ran in the opposite direction to confuse Sir Ellis/Arik. Unfortunately, the possessed Dragon Knight kicked Apathy across the room. He lay crumpled near a dresser as Cornflower called out to him.

Sir Ellis suddenly realized the others were behind him on the bed and whirled around to try and slice Brash with his sword. To everyone's surprise, including Brash's, he was able to block the attack with the Red Shard! Brash gave and mad laugh as fought to push back the possessed Dragon Knight. The continuous music from the Bard made Arik/Ellis wince and groan. Suddenly, so irritated was Ellis/Ark by Rowena's music that he turned in her direction and insisted she stop, moving towards her and gesturing at her with his sword, momentarily ignoring Brash and Honeysuckle.

The latter told the former that this was their chance but the increasingly enraged Brash only wanted to stab Sir Ellis, forgetting the goal was to strike the Eye with the crimson crystal sliver. Then, in a flash of foolhardy brilliance, Honeysuckle taunted Brash, saying he was scared to face the Eye and that she could just destroy it without him. He lunged at her with a growl as she positioned the Eye of Arik between them.

Meanwhile, Smurfcornflower reached Apathy and with the help of Suave, moved him just past the threshold of the doorway. Cornflower took out a Healing Draught, one of her two remaining potions, and helped him drink it down. As his head cleared, Apathy looked up at her and she smiled down on him. Cornflower asked if he was OK and he replied by giving her a big hug. The two stayed embraced for a good, long moment as Suave and Mirabillis looked on with smiles of their own. 

As Ellis/Arik moved towards the young troubadour intent on stabbing Rowena with his blade, Fellbane the Dragon swifty came to her aid. It moved incredibly fast for a creature so large, hindered by so confined a space as the Palace hallway and blocked the strike with its head! This caused it pain and it roared so fiercely it shook the walls. 

Back to Brash and Honeysuckle, the two danced around each other as Brash tried to get at her with his weapon while she tried to move the Eye in the way so he would hit that instead. Finally, in an appeal to their friendship and their bold natures, Smurfhoneysuckle got close enough to Brash Smurf to tell him to fight the sword sliver's corruption, to remember why they were they, and to be the hero she knew he was. With all the smurf he had in him (as well as an expediture of Effort, a Smurfberry, AND Smurf Power!), Brash overcame his weapon's evil sway and he struck it against the Eye of Arik as Honeysuckle held it steady...

The 'Lady's Heart', the Eye of Arik, Ruby Red Crystal of Ill Omen, EXPLODED in a flash of scarlet light and billion tiny pieces of now colorless gravel! Brash's sliver sword blew up as well, becoming little more than a fine powder. Lighting burst forth from the exploding sphere and traced the edges and corners of the room, running over Sir Ellis, Brash, and the figure of a woman who was otherwise invisible. When things calmed down and a feeling a stillness fell over the assembled, the figure was revealed to be none other than Princess Argenta! The Silver Princess was free! 

"Princess? Argenta my love? What have I done?!", Sir Ellis cried out, dropping his sword, falling to one knee, and grasping the hem of her dress. He sobbed quietly into it, becoming vaguely aware of what he'd done. 

"Rise my love. It was not you. I knew the entire time your heart was true. It was the evil of the spirit of Arik. A spirit that is still present", said Princess Argenta, fighting to keep her voice even. She raised her head and all the others looked up to meet her gaze.

Floating high in the center of the room was shadowy, red-hued spirit...all that remained of Arik the Vile. Thinking quickly, Smurfcornflower remember something she'd seen in a book in the Court Magician's workshop. She instructed the Princess to raise her necklace, which had upon it a bright blue crystal. She then called out to Master Magician Mirabillis to trap the spectre in the crystal, just as Arik had done to Argenta with the ruby 'Eye'*. "Brilliant!", Mirabillis called out, as he quickly cast the necessary spell. Converted into red lightning, the bolts flew into Argenta's amulet and with a shower of azure sparks, Arik's essence was stuck. 

"HURRAY!", cheered the Smurfs and Rowena. Mirabillis beamed. Fellbane let out a joyful roar! Princess Argenta and Sir Ellis held each other ever so tightly. Everyone hugged in fact and collectively let out the breaths they'd all been unknowingly holding.  

Within moments, sounds filled the castle. The petrified Wedding Guests were restored to normal. The Skeletons walking the halls all collapsed to the ground. The castles' hounds barked and chased out the Goeblins who ran for their lives. Green light sparkled in from the windows as the Fairy Protectors of Haven arrived to aid the people of the palace now that the curse of the Eye was lifted. 

"Princess Argenta, Sir Ellis, and all those present," began Mirabillis, his voice echoing loudly off the Palace walls, "three cheers for our heroes, the ture saviours of the Silver Palace, and the bravest of the brave - The Smurfs!" Clapping and cheering came forth from those gathered and it quickly spread, sweeping throughout the castle. Sir Ellis and Princess gathered the Smurfs up and carried them downstairs to the Grand Ballroom. Each person they passed sang the praises of the little, blue adventurers. 

***

EPILOGUE:

Many Humans young and old, four Dwarves, three Green Fairies, a Pale Dragon, and of course a party of Smurfs - plus Papa Smurf and Smurf Willow - all assembled in the courtyard of the Silver Palace of Haven to see Princess Argenta and Sir Ellis finally wed. They kissed to much fanfare and a great celebration followed, the likes of which had not been seen in the Lands Beyond, let alone Haven, in decades. 

The Goeblin were gone, the Ogre arrested, and the Blue Crystal containing the remains of the spirit of Arik the Vile sat in a locked metal box, engraved with runes and double enchanted by Mirabillis and Papa Smurf. Smurf Willow had helped with the food and drink and a few enchantments of her own to ward off any future evil phantoms. 

At the party, Suave entertained Humans and Dwarves alike recounting the adventure of the Smurfs and their allies. Brash Smurf and Smurfhoneysuckle played games, competed to see who could in the most cake the fastest, and laughed their little blue tails off. Apathy saw Cornflower standing around and watching everyone with a big smile on her face. He tapped on the shoulder and asked, "Would you, um, that is...care to dance?" Her smile widened, almost too wide for her face, as she took his hand and skipped to the ballroom floor.

High above on one of the tall towers of the Palace, Fellbane swayed to Rowena's music playing below, and shot a burst of flame into the air. Green Fairies flew past him sprinkling magic dust into the fire, creating brilliant fireworks that could be seen for miles. 

The Smurfs had saved the Silver Princess and her Palace and they all lived happily ever after.

THE END

Created by fans, for fans, this was in no way officially connected to Maestro Media, TSR, or Wizards of the Coast. Just a bunch of Smurfs smurfing around for the smurf of it.

Thank you everyone for following this series. As noted, there will be a post-campaign write-up with some additional thoughts, notes, and art coming very soon. 

Until then, I smurf you all a wonderful smurf,

AD

Barking Alien

*When Smurfcornflower (my Smurf PC if you recall) was making Potions back in Mirabillis' lab, I looked at a Spellbook and Scrolls he'd left out in the open. It was there that I noted and learned the Reverse Petrification Spell and saw references to a 'Spirit Jar' type rote as well.

I assumed it might have something to do with Arik's essence being inside the Eye or trying to trap someone inside it but as Cornflower is an Alchemist and not a Wizard or Witch I let it be, simply making a mental note. I remembered it at the climax of the adventure and, funny enough, the GM had all but forgotten that he mentioned it. LOL

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

I am so smurfed I can barely smurf myself! I got to smurf the Smurf RPG as a Smurf!

What? Why are you confused? It's simple...

I am part of a private Discord Channel dedicated to the SMURFS tabletop RPG and this past Saturday I got the chance to play as a Player in a game run by one of my fellow group members, the great Stephen R. (I think you're great Stephen. That's what's important). I've run the game a number of times now but this is the first time I've gotten to play my own character (I also helped one of the others create their character and kind of inspired the name of another. I helped!). 

The adventure may be somewhat familiar to some of you...heheh.

Inspired by the Dungeons and Dragons Module B3 Palace of the Silver Princess, the tale has been seriously reworked for use as a Smurfs adventure and so far its a blast. Literally in the case of my character. 

The original module has a fascinating history, with its original printing in 1980 being recalled and all copies disposed of (I kid you not). The second version came out in 1981, the same year as the Smurfs Animated Series, which is one of the reasons Stephen chose it for this mini-campaign. 

Another factor that drew Stephen to this adventure is that its leans more towards a Fairy Tale in the flavor of its setting and narrative and not D&D's typical Sword and Sorcery vibe. It is therefore much easier to adapt and modify to the world of the Smurfs than 'Slave Pits of the Undercity' or 'Tomb of Horrors' might be. 

Finally, unlike many modules from back in the early days of the hobby, Palace of the Silver Princess has a distinct story. It's less of a sandbox and more an adventure designed to tell the tale of a fallen kingdom, a magic curse, and a trapped princess. 

Session One, Part 1:

Our first session opened with a narration by Storyteller Smurf (the GM that is):

'Once upon a time, in a place known as 'The Cursed Lands', there lived tiny, blue people known as the Smurfs.

Late one cold night in early Spring, Papa Smurf awoke in a fright..."

Papa Smurf immediately runs downstairs and throws open the front door of his cottage. He shouts, "My Smurfs! My Smurfs! Come quickly please!"

Within three hoots of an owl the entire village is standing in front of Papa Smurf's house, all whispering and murmuring and wondering what's going on.

"Are you alright Papa Smurf?", asks Smurfette.

"Is it Gargamel?", questions Hefty, crackling his knuckles.

"Now, now everyone", Brainy begins, "I'm sure Papa Smurf has a reasonable explanation for calling us here in the middle of the night. As Papa Smurf always says..."; before he can finish Papa Smurf clears his throat loudly and says...

"I had an awful nightmare...no, a vision! I must ask, did any of you have bad dreams tonight? Did you see images of Green Fairies, a Red Eye, or a White Dragon?"

A hush fell over the gathering at that moment before three hands went up - one quickly, one politely, and one reluctantly. Papa Smurf requested those three Smurfs step forward and so they did: Brash Smurf, Suave Smurf, and Apathy Smurf.

"Hmm. I expected two more...but this will do for now". With this, Handy walked over and gave Papa Smurf a box to stand on so he could address everyone even more clearly. 

"In the Land Beyond to the West of the us, there is a kingdom called Haven. It was ruled by Princess Argenta of the Silver Hair. The Silver Princess was kind and wise and beloved not only by her people but by the Dwarfs of Thundertop Mountain and The Fairy Protectors of Haven Woods. 

One day, a handsome young man with golden hair and black armor flew down on a White Dragon. He courted the Silver Princess who quickly fell in love with him and the two planned to wed. 

On the day of the wedding, the Dwarfs of Thundertop gave Argenta a gift to show their adoration for her and their hope for her happiness. They called it 'The Lady's Heart'; a ruby sphere as big as a large plum. Moved by their kindness, she accepted."

"WOW! What a story!", said Brash Smurf aloud. "This is the first I've ever heard of Haven."

"I must say dear Smurf, I have not heard of it either. This Silver Princess sounds most delightful and charming to be sure", whispered Suave Smurf.

"So...is that it? Can we go back to sleep?", Apathy asked under his breath, trying to stiffle a yawn. 

Papa Smurf fixed them with a glare before continuing. "Moments after saying their vows, the Silver Princess and Dragon Rider Knight - along with everyone else in the Kingdom of Haven - were engulfed in a brilliant red flash! Each and every person, animal, and being present at the time...vanished! At least in my vision. I do know...somehow...they were never seen again."

The crowd of shifted nervously and gave each other frightened looks.

"That was ten years ago apparently. I have learned from my vision, my dreadful dream, that the people of Haven are still there, trapped in a magic curse. The Green Fairy Protectors continue to watch over the valley where Haven resides and have told me a great evil has been building within the Palace of the Silver Princess. It will be released soon unless those destined adventurers with heroic hearts can free the Kingdom."

After a few heartbeats, Apathy, Brash, and Suave realized all the other Smurfs were looking at them. 

"Who...us?!?", blurted Apathy.

"YES! Of course us!", exclaimed Brash, slapping Apathy on the back and nearly knocking him over.

Suave spoke up next, tossing back his head and flashing a debanoir smile. "Dare I say, a smashing idea! I'll need a few days to figure out what to wear and prepare a speech for when I meet this Silver Princess."

"No, you must go tomorrow at first light! Time is of the essence my little Smurfs!"

As if on que, the gathering of Smurfs heard the foot falls and tail swish of an approaching Marten, with two Smurf Girls from Smurfy Grove riding on its back. Dismounting and thanking the creature, they walked up to Papa Smurf. One nodded firmly, while the other did a clumsy curtsey.

"Papa Smurf! Papa Smurf! Smurfwillow done sent us here. She had a vision tonight and the two of us had strange and scary dreams", said one of the Smurf Grove Girls. She was dressed in a red checkered shirt and blue cotton pants. Her friend had a tan dress and looked uneasy. "Oh dang, sorry, where are my manners...?"

"Where indeed?", whispered Suave Smurf disapprovingly.

"I'm Smurfhoneysuckle and this here's Smurfcornflower. Smurfwillow said ya'all'd know what this was all about."

"Of course! You two were the others in my vision! Now the quest to save Haven, and perhaps all of us, can truly begin!", exclaimed Papa Smurf.

Smurfcornflower raised an eyebrow. "Save what now?"

The next morning our five 'Chosen' Smurfs met at the North Western edge of Smurf Village, along with Papa Smurf, Brainy, and Smurfeffe. They stood together near a secret path through the Sarsaparilla Fields that would eventually lead to the Land Beyond.

The group chatted a bit, trying to get to know each other better and discuss this fantastic situation. Each had pouches and backpacks filled with travel and camping essentials. They all planned to stop off at Smurfy Grove so Honeysuckle and Cornflower could pick up a few things from home, as well as get extra food for the journey.

They were given a map by Brainy that gave the quickiest and safest route to Haven. Papa Smurf warned of dangers they might face, from difficult terrain to strange beasts. Smurfette gave them each a hug (except Suave, to whom she gave a curtsey as he in turn bowed to her). 

"Good luck my little Smurfs", said Papa Smurf, "Safe travels!"

AD

Barking Alien

Behind Blue Eyes

Hello my little Smurfs!

Welcome to my totally smurfy 'Behind the Smurfs' look at our 5 session Smurfs RPG mini-campaign, 'The Smurfs and The Palace of The Silver Princess', based on the Basic Dungeons & Dragons adventure of a similar name, designated module B3. 

As I've expressed in [too few of] the posts recapping the game, this was an amazing games and one of the best Tabletop RPG experiences I've had online. In fact, given my commemorating 48 years of gaming last month, I would place this short campaign among the Top 20 of all time. It was that much fun. 

This is the part where I attribute much of the game's success to the incredible efforts of our Storyteller (Stephen) and my fellow players (Andrew, Brandon, Heather, and René) and yes, they do deserve tons of credit for how well they pulled off their respective roles.

At the same time, I don't want to be remise in failing to give kudos to the game itself. The Smurfs Role Playing Game is a really, really good game. I mean REALLY good. I try out a lot of new RPGs each year. I like too few of them lately but a small number definitely have an impact on me. There aren't many I fall in love with. This game, this ridiculous premise for a licensed TRPG, is one such game. I absolutely adore this system and its handling of the IP. Fan-Smurfing-Tastic! 

B3 or not B3? That is the question!

Palace of the Silver Princess is a module with a fascinating and sordid history. I highly recommend reading up on this most peculiar adventure if your at all interested in 'inside baseball' stories about the TRPG industry from 'back in the day'. 

Stephen revealed that he'd initially picked this adventure because he'd wanted to "Run a group of Smurfs through a classic D&D scenario". He had played through this particular module years ago and recalled it having a distinctly fairytale quality. 

All that said, our version of this scenario was a huge overhaul of the old adventure. The final result was definitely more 'inspired by' the original than a faithful rendition of it. In all honesty, as Stephen himself put it, "The adventure is Palace of The Silver Princess in name only. Many elements were burrowed but playing through this as we did was a completely different endeavor and experience from playing through the real B3 module."

Order of the White Drakes

Sir Ellis is a Knight of the Order of the White Drakes, though we never really learn much about who they are and what that really means. I forget whether or not the original module goes into it but our Storyteller Stephen worked out some details should the subject come up. 

The basics were that the Order was from a nation far to the Northwest of Haven (likely the Netherlands or Germany), known for a rare breed of albino, fire-breathing dragons that live in their Southern mountains. Prospective Knights connect with one of these dragons and bond with it, enabling the two beings to sense each others whereabout and condition. 

Though the Order is a bit secretive, they are also known to fight on the side of the good and the just.

Whistling While They Work

Originally, Stephen intended to have the Dwarves play a larger part and did some research on how the folklore and mythology of France and Belgium treat these now iconic Fantasy beings. 

What he found was the Alsatian Dwarves, named for the Alsace region of Northeastern France, who are craftsman and artisans living deep underground. Heavily influenced by German and Norse legends, they are not too different from the concept of them we generally think of. There are some minor differences but more interestingly, there are other dwarf-like beings more akin to the German Kobold that might be fun to use in future Smurfs games.

Three Apples High

I made this image using a combination of Midjourney AI and my own art skills, through Photostudio, during the course of our third session and then continued to modify it up to the very end of the campaign. I eventually presented it to the group to a very positive reaction. 

Beginning with Brash Smurf at 3 apples tall and going left to right, we have a Green Fairy Protector of Haven, a Growler, a Goeblin, a Dwarf, two average Humans, and an Ogre. In the upper left hand corner we have the original creature known as the Decapus, a monster created specifically for and appearing in B3 - Palace of The Silver Princess. In the background is Fellbane, the 'White' Drake. 

As for the Player Character Smurfs, a funny running gag throughout the game was related to their heights; they were all repeatedly referred to as '3 Apples Tall' even though they're also very clearly not the same size. Apathy is the shortest, followed by my character, Smurfcornflower. Brash is specifically noted as being 'average or standard height for a Smurf' so he alone is three apples high. Next is Smurfhoneysuckle and finally, Suave is the tallest. 

***

Got to play a one-shot not too long ago but other than that I am definitely missing this game and really hope to be able to play Smurfs again in the near future. I would also love to game with this group again. What a great bunch!

Anyway, smurf you all soon,

AD

Barking Alien

The Thin Blue Line

This is it! The first half of a two-part breakdown of the fifth and final session of the Smurfs TRPG five session mini-campaign, The Smurfs and The Palace of The Silver Princess. 

Based on/Inspired by the Dungeons and Dragons module B3 Palace of the Silver Princess and using the upcoming The Smurfs Roleplaying Game from Maestro Media, the sessions were run over Discord with five players (Andrew, Brandon, Heather, René, and myself) and a Gamemaster/Storyteller Smurf (Stephen).

While the first three sessions were roughly 4 1/2 hours each, Session Four was about 5 1/2-6 hours, and Session Five was about 5 hours. 

To catch up check out this post on the Player Character Smurfs and for the recaps of the previous sessions, you'll want to read:

Something Burrowed, Something Blue - Session One, Part 1

Singing The Blues - Session One, Part 2

Blue Green Red - Session Two, Part 1

Cry Blue Murder - Session Two, Part 2

Tangled Up in Blue - Session Three

Blue Blazes - Session Four, Part 1

Blues Clues - Session Four, Part 2

OK, here go...

Session Five, Part 1

With the Court Magician Mirabillis freed from the influence of The Eye of Arik's dark magic, the next logical step was to obtain Arik's Sword. When the two items - the Eye and the Sword - touch each other, both will be destroyed. 

The problem of course was that the Sword was being kept in the Royal Armory protected by a mighty Ogre. Then there was something about a Dragon...

"YES, the Dragon! I should have mentioned the Dragon right away" said Mirabillis in a somewhat embarrased tone. 

"Yes, you should have", said Apathy Smurf flatly. 

"I mean really, it is just proper etiquette you know", added Suave Smurf.

Mirabillis cleared his throat, "The Princess' betrothed is Sir Ellis, a Knight of the Order of the White Drakes. This isn't just some fanciful title. Sir Ellis landed in the castle's courtyard astride a pale dragon the length of the four horses nose to tail. It had red-pink eyes and a look of cunning intellect. It breathed a burst of bright flame in display, to the excitement and terror of the crowd."

This started a short discussion about how or why a White Dragon might be able to breath fire. We quickly came to the conclusion that this may be A) an important element to the mystery of the adventure, B) evidence this isn't really a White Dragon,  or C) it doesn't really matter and here White Dragons breath fire. All good. 

"When the crimson light of the Eye of Arik flashed its awful brilliance, the White Dragon - called Fellbane - took off into the castle. Strangely, during my time walking the Palace's halls as both a sane man and my corrupted self, I never again saw the Dragon. It may have been corrupted by the Eye's evil, it may have fled, or it may be hiding somewhere within the these walls", Mirabillis finshed, concern etched on his face. 

"OK...", Apathy began, "So who else is really excited to keep going?", finishing with a mocking 'hurrah!'.

The gang decided there was nothing to be done regarding the Dragon for the time being (other than being on alert for its potential presence). Instead, the Smurfs would proceed to the Royal Armory to face the Ogre and obtain the Red Sword of Arik...somehow. We suggested to Mirabillis that he use the cure to the Petrification Curse to free Rowena the Minstrel, as we recalled the information from an earlier clue that 'merry music' irrated Arik and might weaken his power. There was agreement, the wishing of luck, and off we went.

It took us a fairly short time (roughly a random encounter with rat skeletons and a scene transition) to locate the Royal Armory. Readying ourselves for battle - or possibly talking our way through this - the team smurfed themselves up mentally and went to unlock the door.

"Who goes there!?", he bellowed. "I smell not beast, nor man, nor fairy. A scent I do not know? Be wary! Whomever you are come forth but be warned! You face the might of Suffertooth's scorn!"

"Suffertooth?", whispered Smurfcornflower, a look of both anxiousness and skepticism on her face. Apathy shrugged in response.

The door had a normal keyhole but the Smurfs took a chance and used the Magic Key with the Blue Crystal to try and open the door. It worked! Brash, Honeysuckle, and Apathy slowly pushed the door open, largely because it was big and heavy, as Suave and Cornflower readied themselves for whatever would be revealed.

The latter were under no delusion that the two of them could handle the Ogre themselves. Quite the opposite. The team decided it was best for the tougher Smurfs to enter the room first, placing them closer to the Ogre sooner. It was the group's hope that Smurfcornflower and Suave Smurf might be the best to assess the situation and think of a plan...from a slighter safer distance.

What they saw was... 

A collective 'Gulp' was made by all [the Smurfs]. 

Suffertooth was massive. He stood two heads taller than the tallest knight they'd ever seen and nearly three times as wide. His hands could hold two or three Smurfs within them and crush them easily by making a fist. He carried a long handled club with a heavy head studded in spikes.

For his part, Suffertooth the Ogre took a ready stance but his face twisted into an expression of confusion. He definitely wasn't expecting five tiny, blue people and yet he didn't immediately laugh nor did he ignore them. He was clearly wise enough to not take any chances. 

Suave and Cornflower each had an idea which came to them at the same time. Their eyes widened, they looked at each other, smiled, and turned back to the Ogre at hand. Suave stepped forward with his characteristic charismatic charm as he gave a deep bow. Smurfcornflower on the other hand stepped backward, allowing the focus to be placed squarely on Suave so she could slip a Potion out of her bag. 

"What manner of invader enters this room? What creatures are these that come to their doom?", Suffertooth called out, ending with a droll chuckle.

"Greetings mighty Suffertooth! My name is Suave Smurf and on behalf of my colleagues and I, may I say what an honor and a privilege it is to be in the presence of such a magnificent warrior as yourself!"

Suffertooth starred hard at Suave, a grimace etched into his rough and leathery face. He then smiled what could only be called a polite smile and said, "You may! You may I say! Tell me now small blue one, what brings you here? Why don't you run? I am mighty that is true and could easily smash the lot of you." Once again the Ogre chuckled.

All the while he failed to notice Cornflower handing a Potion to Brash, making sure Honeysuckle was right beside him, and gave the two of them quick instructions. Apathy looked around for the Sword of Arik, though the room was surprisingly big and full of weapons of all sorts, he was certain a blade of such terrifying power wouldn't be too difficult to notice.

"Why we came to marvel at your might and majesty m'lord. We have heard that you guard the great Sword of Arik the Vile. Certainly only the strongest of wills and most battle-hardened men-at-arms would be charged with such a task.We have come to pay homage and congratulate you on a task well executed." Suave spoke with air of admiration, doing his best to hide his building fear of Ogre. 

"I see, I see but you can't fool me. You have come to try and steal the blade. Perhaps so the Eye may be unmade? Well then, well met my brave foolish friends. Sadly you have come to meet your end. My strength is real, my prowess true. The time has come to smash each of you." Looking almost disappointed, Suffertooth raised his mace above his head such that it scrapped the ceiling of the Armory. As he swung it down, sparks flew where weapon met stone.

It hit the ground with a thunderous sound but missed each and every Smurf. Apathy, Cornflower, and Suave were knocked back a bit by the sheer force of the blow but were otherwise unharmed.

"NOW!" shouted Cornflower. 

Brash Smurf drank half of the contents of the Potion bottle she'd given him. He than handed it off to Smurfhoneysuckle who downed the other half. At first, nothing happened. Everyone started to get very, very nervous. 

Suddenly the two Smurfs shook in place, vibrating and trembling, before they grew and grew...six apples tall, then twelve, then twenty-four! Within seconds Honeysuckle was the height of the Ogre and Brash (proportionally) just a bit less so. "Cornflower!", Suave practically squealed her name, "You clever, clever girl! A Growth Potion! Genius!" For her part Smurfcornflower blushed and did a slight curtsy-bow. 

"Now then...", Brash said with a serious look and just the faintest of grins, "let's see who smashes who, huh?"

AD

Barking Alien

I was originally going to try and right up this session in a single post but between some of the fun dialogue I wanted to include and my giving more description in the retelling then was present in the actual game, I ended up with a lot more material then I intended.

That is also why this post has taken so long to come out.

My apologies. See you soon!

Incidentally, you may be thinking...

"Hey, how did Smurfcornflower know to make a Growth Potion? She didn't know they'd be facing an Ogre until they freed Mirabillis. We call shenanigans!"

A Growth Potion was one of the potions I had Cornflower brew in the Magician's laboratory and it had nothing to do with the Ogre or any other single monster in particular. I simply noticed that as we went on many of the obstacles and opponents we were facing were really big and we Smurfs were really small. It only made sense to even the playing field by making a Growth Potion and putting us on the same level (roughly) as our adversaries.