Rise n' Shine: Good Morning Nocturnus
Monday, December 8, 2025 | 6:00 AM
6:00 AM. The coffee is hot, black, and absolutely necessary.
Good morning to all my fellow monsters, night-shifters, dream-walkers, and early risers. Welcome back to the cabin.
Outside my window here in the Cypress Swamp, the Louisiana rain is hammering against the tin roof with a rhythm that usually signals a warm, humid day. But this morning, something is different. If you step out onto the porch, you can feel it—a bite in the air that doesn't belong in the South. The humidity has crystallized. The moss is stiff with an impossible frost. The wind is howling with a voice that sounds like ancient history.
If you are waking up shivering this morning, don't blame the local weatherman. Blame the portals.
It is time to tune the Scope of the True Meridian to our local frequency. It is time to clear the static from the crystal receiver and broadcast to the hidden corners of the world. It is time for Good Morning Nocturnus.
For those of you new to the feed, this is the sunrise broadcast for the Tygerian Isles and the shadowed streets of Nocturnus City. This is the show for the goblins finishing their graveyard shift, the vampires settling into their coffins before the sun breaches the horizon, and the Tygerians just waking up to prowl the perimeter. Whether you are drinking coffee in Shreveport or sipping nectar in the Ether, we are all sharing this frequency.
And today, that frequency is vibrating with a lot of interference.
We have a massive weather system moving in, but it isn't coming from Canada or the Gulf. We are tracking a severe Arctic Blast pushing in directly from the Winter Wonderlands of Thrivaldi. It seems that when our special guest—the Great Ether Dragon Zephyr—opened the portal to visit us for the holidays, he left the door open a crack too wide. Now, the bitter winds of the Ice Queen’s domain are spilling out, causing meteorological chaos across the U.S. and plunging Nocturnus City into a deep freeze.
But here on Good Morning Nocturnus, we don't hide from the chaos; we monetize it!
I’m seeing reports coming in that the streets of Nocturnus are already blanketed in white. So, before we get to our guest, I want to remind everyone that the Commercial-Free Sleigh Rides are officially running. If you want to brave the Zephyr-induced Arctic Blast, there is no better way than gliding through the frozen streets under a heavy wool blanket, listening to the silence of the snow without a single interruption from a goblin merchant trying to sell you rusty armor.
So, grab your mug. Wrap yourself in your cloak. Ignore the fact that the timeline feels a little "wobbly" today (it is Time Traveler Day, after all). The laundry at the Lovewell Center can wait for another hour. The portal is open, the dragon has landed on the roof, and the broadcast is live.
Let’s go to the microphones.
Good Morning Nocturnus: The Dragon on the Airwaves
Monday, December 8, 2025 | 6:00 AM
6:00 AM. The laundry is sorted, but before I head out the door to deal with reality, we have a scheduled broadcast to make for The City of Nocturnis then on to Thrivaldi.
It’s time to tune the Scope of the True Meridian to the local frequency. It’s time for Good Morning Nocturnus.
For those new to the feed, "Good Morning Nocturnus" is the sunrise broadcast for the Tygerian Isles—the show for the goblins finishing their night shift and the Tygerians just waking up to prowl.
Today, we have a very special episode. In the real world, today is Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day. In Zimrala, we don't have to pretend. We have the real thing.
The Guest: Zephyr, The Ether Dragon The studio (located in the high tower of the Hedge Wizard’s mental cabin) is currently vibrating. That’s because our guest doesn't quite fit in the booth. Zephyr is an Ether Dragon—one of the ancient guardians who control the multiverse portals. He isn't made of flesh and blood; he is made of starlight and probability. One moment he is solid; the next, he is a cloud of nebula gas.
He is here to celebrate the Wintermis Season and to remind us of the Evacuation of Troll World—the day he held the portals open so refugees could escape to safety.
The Interview
The Host (Hedge Wizard): "Zephyr, welcome to the show. You’re vibrating a bit—are you currently in the past or the future?"
Zephyr: "I am in both. The coffee you are drinking? I saw you brew it an hour ago, and I see the empty mug an hour from now. It was a good cup."
We talk about the evacuation. We talk about how the Ether Dragons held the portals open so the refugees of Troll World could escape to the safety of Zimrala. It wasn't just a military operation; it was a miracle of timing.
The Wintermis Message Before he departs, Zephyr shifts his form, his scales turning a deep, festive crimson to match the season. He has a message for the listeners: "Time is not a straight line. It is a river. You can fight the current, or you can float. Wintermis is the anchor. It is the one time of year where the past, the present, and the future all sit at the same table."
The Departure He can't stay long. The Feast at Castle Cryzelle is starting soon, and he smells Magma Squares. With a sound like a thunderclap played in reverse, Zephyr vanishes from the studio. He teleports directly to the Castle using the Zimrala Key on his scepter, leaving behind only the scent of ozone and cinnamon.
Keep your dials tuned.
Happy Monday, Sentinels.
THE MONSTERARY: ZEPHYR, THE CHRONOMANCER WYRM
Below are the statistics for Zephyr in three different game systems, released under the Open Game License.
I. GPM ICON VERSION (Monsters! Monsters! 2.7 / Zimrala)
ZEPHYR, THE CHRONOMANCER WYRM (GPM Icon) - FINAL MASTER CONSOLIDATION Zephyr is the named Elder Ether Dragon who controls the stability of the multiverse portals. He is known for his role as a Chronomancer, specializing in time manipulation and strategic interference.
GPM ICON CORE STATISTICS (Chronomancer Tier)
Monster Rating (MR): 450
Attribute Scores: STR 50, CON 75, DEX 40, SPD 50, INT 120, WIZ 100, CHR 15, LK 0
Armor Protection (AP): 10 (Dimensional Scales)
Universal Deadliness Rating (UDR): 5
UNIQUE MASTERY & SPATIAL ABILITIES
Temporal Shunt (Core): Active (1/combat): Spend 15 WIZ. The Wyrm forces one foe to make a L4 DEX SR (Target 40). If failed, the target is Slowed (loses their next move action).
Millennia-Deep Memory: Passive: Gains Advantage on all INT SRs related to portal stability.
Portal Weaving (Core): Active (1/day): Spend 50 WIZ. The Wyrm can instantly open or close a specific minor Kindred Portal.
Spatial Deflection: Active (1/combat): Spend 10 WIZ. Redirect one incoming physical attack to a random location within 10 feet.
Etheric Breath: Active (1/turn): 8d6 WIZ Damage cone (L6 CON SR to halve).
Final Artifact: The Chronomancer's Scepter. Contains the Zimrala Key and reduces teleportation costs.
II. OPEN D6 VERSION
System: Open D6 / D6 Fantasy Variant Type: Elder Ether Dragon (Chronomancer)
Attributes:
AGILITY 5D (Flight 8D, Dodge 7D)
STRENGTH 9D (Stamina 12D)
KNOWLEDGE 10D (Scholar: Multiverse 15D)
PERCEPTION 7D (Search: Portals 12D)
MECHANICAL 2D
TECHNICAL 4D (Portal Manipulation 10D)
MAGIC 12D (Alteration: Time 16D, Apportation: Teleport 15D)
Special Abilities:
Dimensional Scales: +4D to Strength for resisting damage.
Etheric Breath: 8D Energy/Magic damage cone.
Temporal Shunt: Moderate Magic roll to remove target's actions for one round.
Spatial Deflection: Use Magic die (12D) to parry physical attacks.
III. 5th EDITION (5e) VERSION
Type: Gargantuan Dragon, Lawful Neutral Challenge: 22 (41,000 XP)
Stats: AC 20, HP 370 (20d20+160), Speed 40ft/80ft Fly. STR 22 (+6) | DEX 20 (+5) | CON 26 (+8) | INT 28 (+9) | WIS 18 (+4) | CHA 16 (+3)
Traits:
Legendary Resistance (3/Day).
Innate Spellcasting: Time Stop, Teleport, Plane Shift.
Actions:
Multiattack: Bite (+13, 2d10+6 piercing + 2d8 force) + 2 Claws (+13, 2d6+6 slashing).
Etheric Breath (Recharge 5–6): 90ft Cone. DC 23 Con Save. 18d6 Force damage. Fails by 5+ causes aging.
Temporal Shunt: DC 24 Wis Save or target is shunted from time (incapacitated/untargetable) until end of next turn.
Reactions:
Spatial Deflection: +5 AC against one attack; if miss, redirects attack to another creature within 10 ft.
DESIGNATION OF PRODUCT IDENTITY
The following items are designated Product Identity of Arthur Earl C. Hedges Jr. / The Adventures of Captain Hedges: The world of Zimrala, The Tygerian Isles, The Ether Dragons (specifically Zephyr), The Tiger Force Shadow Saga, The specific "Hedge Wizard of the Shreveport Cabin" persona, The "Royal Cartographer" archetype. Specific Wintermas PI: The Spirit of Wintermas, Isdis the Tygerian Ice Queen, Baby Tyger Claws, The Jolly Red Wizard, Gralga, The Dwarven Molemaster. Unique Items: The Ink of Anticipation, The Compass of Lost Things, The Chronomancer's Scepter.
DESIGNATION OF OPEN GAME CONTENT
The game mechanics described in Section I (GPM Icon) are derived from the 13th Age SRD (specifically the Icon relationship dice and Archmage Engine mechanics). The game mechanics described in Section II (Open D6) are derived from the Open D6 System. The game mechanics described in Section III (5th Edition) are derived from the 5.1 System Reference Document (SRD). All other text is Product Identity.
OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc ("Wizards"). All Rights Reserved.
1. Definitions: (a)"Contributors" means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b)"Derivative Material" means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) "Distribute" means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)"Open Game Content" means the game mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) "Product Identity" means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f) "Trademark" means the logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the Contributor (g) "Use", "Used" or "Using" means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) "You" or "Your" means the licensee in terms of this agreement.
2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License.
3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License.
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content.
5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original creation and/or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License.
6. Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holder's name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game Content you Distribute.
7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity.
8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content.
9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version of this License.
10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute.
11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written permission from the Contributor to do so.
12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any Open Game Material so affected.
[SCENE START]
[SOUND of howling wind and a roaring dragon]
ANNOUNCER (V.O.): The weather report said it would be cold in Nocturnus City... but they didn't warn us about the Arctic Blast from Thrivaldi!
[SOUND of magical crackling energy]
ANNOUNCER: When the great Ether Dragon, Zephyr, opened the portal to the Winter Wonderlands, he let a little too much of the frost through. Now, the temperature is dropping fast across the U.S.!
[SOUND of cheerful sleigh bells jingling over the wind]
ANNOUNCER: Don't hide from the cold—embrace the magic! Book your Commercial-Free Sleigh Ride around Nocturnus City tonight!
Glide through the snow-covered streets, cozy under warm blankets, and see the city lights twinkling in the magical frost. It’s the perfect way to experience the Arctic Blast... in style.
[SOUND of a horse snorting and bells jingling happily]
ANNOUNCER: No interruptions. No commercials. Just you, the snow, and the spirit of Wintermis. Book now before the portal closes!
THE WEATHER REPORT
with The Weather Mistress, Courtney Cline
.jpg)
Hedge Wizard: "Before we let Zephyr get back to the feast, let's go over to the weather desk. Courtney, what is it looking like out there?"
Courtney Cline: "Thanks, Captain. It is officially a tale of two worlds this morning.
"Here in the Swamp: You can hear it on the roof. We have a heavy low-pressure system parked right over Shreveport. Expect gray skies, 100% humidity, and enough rain to float a pirogue down the driveway. It’s a good day to stay inside and do laundry.
"Over in Thrivaldi: The Wintermis High is in full effect. We are tracking clear, auroral skies over Castle Cryzelle thanks to Queen Isdis’s protection barrier. Perfect conditions for the feast.
"The Warning: However, pilots and Gryphon-riders need to be careful near the Northern Peaks. Zephyr’s arrival has kicked up some severe 'Chronal Turbulence.' We are seeing gusts of 'Last Tuesday' mixing with 'Next Friday.' If you fly through the purple fog, you might land before you took off.
"Current temperature at the Castle is a crisp 20 degrees, but it feels like Joy. Back to you, Captain."
📰 Good Morning Nocturnis: BLOOD, MONEY, & THE BRACKET
🚨 The Grimiron Chronicles: Week 14 Playoff Quarterfinals Begin TONIGHT
(Date: Monday, December 8, 2025) – The air in Nocturnis isn't just cold—it’s pressurized. After a scandalous Week 13 conclusion, the Grimiron League (GRL) has roared into its single-elimination playoffs. Two top seeds earn the right to watch from the shadows, but for the rest, the Quarterfinals begin tonight with a double-header that promises to be just as dirty as the streets.
I. The Scandal That Stained the Bracket
The Divine Wind (7-6) clinched the final playoff spot after defeating the Azatar Tribe (6-7) in a contentious Week 13 finale. While the Jade Dragon Tongs’ team celebrated, the Azatar Tribe’s camp was left with the bitter taste of defeat—and, allegedly, arsenic.
The official report blames a case of "severe food poisoning" for sidelining the Azatar’s star runner, "The Stone Hand" K’Darr, during the crucial final quarter. However, the whispers out of the Wedjet Crimson District point to the Jade Dragon's known preference for leverage over luck. The Tongs didn't just win a game; they bought their way to the table.
II. The Final Four Seeds
The top two teams, the most powerful and ruthless of the city's Founding Families, earn a vital first-round bye:
| Seed | Team | Owner (Family/Faction) | Status |
| 1 | Blackwood Ravens | Blackwood Family (11-2) | Bye: Waiting |
| 2 | Templar Knights | De la Cruz Family (10-3) | Bye: Watching |
III. Tonight’s Grimiron Quarterfinal Double-Header
The fate of two family empires will be decided under the neon glow tonight in two simultaneous, winner-take-all Quarterfinal matches:
Quarterfinal #1: The Bank vs. The Blade
Matchup: (4) Silverbacks vs. (5) Divine Wind
The Stakes: This is the most financially significant game in GRL history. The Stirling Family (Silverbacks) and the Jade Dragon Tongs (Divine Wind) are shadow partners in a vast, illegal banking and gambling ring. Tonight's match is rumored to be the true litmus test of who will dominate the other—the family of bankers or the king of crime.
The Angle: Will the Stirling's defensive discipline be enough to stop the Tongs' reckless, hyper-aggressive, and suspiciously effective offense?
Quarterfinal #2: The Brawn vs. The Brain
Matchup: (3) Knights of Hedges vs. (6) Thronebrue Maulers
The Stakes: A classic clash of industrial brawn against quiet, tactical genius. The Thronebrue Maulers, fueled by the brute force of the Foundry District, are dedicated to overwhelming opponents. The Hedges, guided by the shadowy "Royal Cartographer", are masters of deception and strategic strikes.
The Angle: If the Cartographer can't devise a truly unique way to neutralize the Maulers' relentless physical pressure, the Knights of Hedges' season ends tonight in a mess of spilled blood and broken bones.
IV. The Shadow Bet: MNF Tonight
Beyond the local drama, tonight’s real-world Monday Night Football game is the biggest liquidity crunch facing Nocturnis's underworld this week.
The Global Contest: The Philadelphia Eagles at The Los Angeles Chargers
The Pressure Point: The Jade Dragon Tongs have taken a colossal, over-leveraged bet on the Eagles to win by a landslide. If the Chargers and their injured quarterback, Justin Herbert, manage to stage an upset, the Tongs' ability to pay out their massive Week 13 gambling winnings—and thus, their financial foundation—will be severely cracked. Every illegal betting parlor in Nocturnis is holding its breath.
The fate of Nocturnis, both financially and in terms of family control, will be decided by the end of tonight.
To continue the narrative for the Knights of Hedges vs. Thronebrue Maulers game:
What is the specific, unique, and deeply cerebral tactical maneuver that the "Royal Cartographer" (the Hedges' coach) uses to completely destabilize and dismantle the Maulers' raw power in tonight's Quarterfinal match?
📰 CHANNEL 6 NEWS GOOD MORNING NOCTURNIS: THE GRIDIRON REPORT
🚨 FINAL BREAKING NEWS BULLETIN
DECEMBER 8, 2025: THE NIGHT OF THE WAR CHAMBER
(Broadcast opens with the standard Channel 6 News graphic, overlaid with flashing neon text reading: "GRIDIRON REPORT: WAR CHAMBER IMMINENT.")
I. THE SEASON TURNS TO BLOOD: GRL PLAYOFF WEEK 14
The regular season of the Nocturnis Grid Iron League (GRL) is history, and the Playoff Quarterfinals commence tonight, Monday, December 8, 2025. The entire city has been plunged into a state of high tension, defined by a massive scandal and a shocking inter-family war.
THE SCANDAL OF WEEK 13
The most talked-about event remains the Divine Wind's Week 13 victory over the Azatar Tribe. The Tongs-owned team secured the 5th seed after the Tribe’s star, "The Stone Hand" K’Darr, was sidelined by "severe food poisoning." The whispers are deafening: the Jade Dragon Tongs paid for the win, solidifying their dangerous influence over the GRL and the city's financial markets.
GRL PLAYOFF BRACKET: QUARTERFINALS
The top seeds, the Blackwood Ravens (11-2) and the Templar Knights (10-3), watch from the safety of their Semifinal berths. Tonight, these two matches will determine the rest of the Final Four:
II. THE MAIN EVENT: ONEW vs. NWL - THE WAR CHAMBER CROSSOVER
The Royal Cartographer has turned the GRL playoff game into the most extreme sporting event in Nocturnis history. The Quarterfinal between the Hedges and Stone families is officially branded as ONE KNIGHT OUTLAW WRESTLING LEAGUE (ONEW) PRESENTS WITH NOCTURNIS WRESTLING LEAGUE (NWL) in THE WAR CHAMBER WINTER WARFARE! The GRL fantasy score is tied directly to the physical outcome of the brawl.
👑 The Hedges Family Stable: THE ROYAL GUARD
The Hedges' strategy is one of absolute, immovable defense, relying on a legendary core and a metaphysical shield:
💎 The Stone Family Stable: THE GRANITE BLOC
The Goliaths counter with raw, industrial might—a stable built to smash, crush, and break all opposing momentum.
III. THE SHADOW BET: MNF TONIGHT
Tonight’s real-world game, The Philadelphia Eagles at The Los Angeles Chargers, holds the keys to the underworld's coffers. The Jade Dragon Tongs' enormous bet on the Eagles is the lynchpin of their Week 13 financial operation. An Eagles loss would trigger a cash crisis that could unravel the Tongs' influence throughout the entire GRL playoff schedule.
Product Identity & Legal
The following items are designated Product Identity of Arthur Earl C. Hedges Jr. / The Adventures of Captain Hedges: The world of Zimrala The Tygerian Isles The Ether Dragons The Tiger Force Shadow Saga The specific "Hedge Wizard of the Shreveport Cabin" persona The "Royal Cartographer" archetype and the character "Emperor Rajah" Unique Items: The Ink of Anticipation, The Compass of Lost Things, Parchment of Echoes, The Scope of the True Meridian, The Rod of Infinite Spanning, and The Plumb of Gravity’s Anchor. Monsters! Monsters! and Humans, Humans (1st Edition) are trademarks of Ken St. Andre and Troll Godfather Press and are used with permission. The statistics and game mechanics provided herein are designated as unofficial playtest material for the Tygerian Isles campaign setting. © 2025 Arthur Earl C. Hedges Jr. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment