Noble Roots
For generations, nobles have gathered at a scenic estate once per year to compete. What transpires there is spoken of only in rumors, save for the prizes. Potent, powerful, and precious; the winners are said to receive a gift from magic itself.
Reeling after their loss to Kalzidar, the adventurers from Maplebark can only press forward, following advice imparted by the gods. Their divine directions will lead them on a series of twisting paths, branching between old friends and new challenges, before ultimately pointing at a particular estate on a specific evening.
Thrust from the familiar comfort of the wilds, the party will have to navigate the perils of noble society while keeping themselves in the competition. Between scheming nobles, a hidden high priest, dangerous challenges, and too many familiar faces, just making it out alive will be a challenge. But surviving alone won’t be enough; not with a vengeful god scheming in the shadows, and a stolen soul waiting for rescue.
If the party wants their chance to strike back, they’ll have to find a way to emerge victorious.
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Drew Hayes
In the wild, often absurd corners of genre fiction, few voices strike the balance between sharp wit and sincere heart quite like Drew Hayes. Whether he’s sending up the tropes of superhero sagas in Super Powereds, crafting morally flexible adventuring parties in NPCs, or guiding reluctant vampire accountants through supernatural bureaucracy in Fred, the Vampire Accountant, Hayes brings a uniquely comedic lens to the fantastic and the far-fetched.
His stories rarely unfold in the expected way—and that’s the point. Hayes thrives in the gray areas: where power doesn’t always make you a hero, and side characters are anything but secondary. His humor isn’t just clever; it’s often quietly subversive, inviting readers to question the scaffolding of genre norms while still enjoying every beat of the ride. One minute you’re laughing at a deadpan joke about dungeon politics, the next you’re unexpectedly moved by a character’s growth or ethical dilemma. It’s satire, sure, but never without soul.
Spells, Swords, & Stealth
In a world where magic isn’t just a tool but a way of life, and where adventurers are often more concerned with personal goals than the greater good, Spells, Swords, & Stealth delivers a refreshing take on the classic fantasy narrative. Here, the line between hero and anti-hero is often blurred, and even the most unlikely companions must navigate complex challenges, shifting alliances, and the constant pull of personal ambition.
Spells, Swords, & Stealth consists of five books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
