STORYTIME: The first time I cried in D&D

Greetings, adventurers.

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WARNING: This story contains some gore and disturbing images.

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My boyfriend, being the amazing person that he is, came up with the idea of the two of us creating solo campaigns for each other so we could practice DMing without the criticism of unhappy players.

For my solo campaign, I decided to play one of my newer character creations: Runt, the Firbolg Barbarian.

As you can see, there's a reason he's called "runt".

Now, what you're about to hear is a recap of the Session 0 BF had planned for me. We decided to play out Runt's backstory so it was more impactful in the rest of the campaign. This next parts gets pretty graphic, so brace yourselves...

After a quick trip into the woods to feed the local wildlife, Runt and his newfound friends, Long-Ears and Stub-Nose (Firbolgs don't really have names) are making their way back up the hill to their village.

But there's some unwanted visitors.

Two goliaths stand at the entrance of the village, with smoke rising in the background; their presence means trouble. They notice the three Firbolg children and start to move towards them. At first, Runt attempts to flee with his Invisibility attribute, but soon, his Barbarian rage takes over when the goliaths start hurting his friends.

With the three of them, and with Runt's strange new powers, the goliaths topple to the ground. It appears to be a victory... but when Runt attempts to run in and warn his family of the invasion...

he realizes that it's already too late.

Firbolgs are running rampant, screaming and trying to escape from the carnage. The sky is clouded in smoke as multiple homes have been set ablaze. Runt sees old Firbolgs being torn limb from limb--young Firbolg heads sprawled on the green grass. Now, more than ever, he knows he has to get home.

But...a goliath standing 9 feet tall has his mother by the neck, while two other goliaths are holding his father by the arms, preventing him from saving his wife. At first, Runt is tempted to flee, but the bellow of the clan leader stops him in his tracks.

"Boy!"

Runt says nothing.

"I see you're covered in blood. Are you a warrior, boy?!"

Lip quivering, Runt still says nothing. The goliath turns his mother to face him, her face turning blue.

"Is this your little milk-drinker?!"

Mother quakes and nods her head quickly. The goliath snorts and turns back to the terrified Firbolg child.

"I am Gahena! Leader of this clan. it well, little boy-"

"Run!" Runt's father suddenly cries out, kicking at the goliaths that hold him back, which triggers a chain reaction:

Father is torn apart...

Mother's head is shattered in his fist...

...and the goliath grabs Runt by the shoulder, pulling him dangerously close.

"I hope you never forget this day. Now, run!"

He runs.

Like a coward.

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Artwork of Runt by me.