The Glimmerstone Enigma [Epic Fantasy] [D&D Inspired][Book 1+2 - Complete]

"Always know who you're stealing from." — Teffel’s Fourth Rule of Modern Thievery History elevates grand gestures, champions, and legends, ignoring the actions of ordinary people and their pivotal impact. This is their story. When demonic forces turn an isolated monastery in the Glimmerstone Mountains into a killing ground, the world beyond remains blissfully oblivious to the coming darkness. Hoping only for a bit of revenge and a retirement fund, two driven survivors align with a quirky mix of amateur spies, treasure-hunting thieves, and an elven ranger, more wine merchant than mercenary. Isolated and underpowered, these unremarkable heroes quickly learn that raw steel and sorcery won’t be enough to succeed. To unravel the enigma behind the slaughter, their plan escalates into a high-stakes grift: steal a mysterious prize right from under the nose of an unseen adversary—violating Teffel’s cardinal rule in the process. What could possibly go wrong? For fans of the high-stakes chemistry of Six of Crows, the sharp wit of The Lies of Locke Lamora, and tactical, D&D-inspired party dynamics, The Unexpected Vanguard is a witty, high-stakes fantasy adventure. What to Expect: A Richly Woven Narrative from Diverse Perspectives: Dive into the minds of multiple main characters – imperfect non-human adventurers with varied skills and backgrounds – as their individual journeys interweave to confront a looming threat. Collaborative Problem Solving: A group of desperate underdogs struggle to combine wits in an intricate heist to outmaneuver a powerful foe. Exploration and Discovery: A world with history, magic, and cryptids waiting to be discovered, understood, harnessed, and overcome. Authentic Character Progression (without the stats): MCs develop personally and professionally within the story's context, honing themselves and their craft as they go. Dungeons and Dragons flavor: A homebrew world that follows the magical system, mechanics and constructs of the game. Book 1 and 2 Complete - Book 3 coming soon! New chapters publishing every Friday around 7pm Eastern. Read and Support External Links: Read chapters directly via email posts on my Substack Newsletter. Purchase and download the complete novel files at Buy Me a Coffee.