tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34438811304392684132024-03-16T08:15:41.458-07:00Leicester's RambleVance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.comBlogger534125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-86956210961441083952024-03-13T19:42:00.000-07:002024-03-13T22:05:13.218-07:00D66 Cult Creeds and Credos<p>Another D66 list? What sorcery is this? Or perhaps it's some ineffable power granted by those nice young men and their convincing pamphlets who visited the house last week...</p><p><b>D66 Cult Creeds and Credos</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51rdiN5wo1J50uefBtYJdr5tYfPm-RLsbSmQOalsOsqBX1SI_o7JojRLuDntLIGvg8MZ-ytSquPrITLdgDRn0NcAWH9HecYf9ufC2ulOomobC6-FagXNd8Pc86TuXjN9gyPNq6nzsUa5lerTH6BKQtdsKescqloehwMl7Nei97vndOFOesYMya-QaOtE/s4388/15847213899_5ece847412_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4388" data-original-width="3152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51rdiN5wo1J50uefBtYJdr5tYfPm-RLsbSmQOalsOsqBX1SI_o7JojRLuDntLIGvg8MZ-ytSquPrITLdgDRn0NcAWH9HecYf9ufC2ulOomobC6-FagXNd8Pc86TuXjN9gyPNq6nzsUa5lerTH6BKQtdsKescqloehwMl7Nei97vndOFOesYMya-QaOtE/w288-h400/15847213899_5ece847412_o.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Clarke <br /><i>Mephistopheles: "Come - she is judged!"</i> Art for Goethe's <i>Faust</i>, 1927</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b>11: Comet: </b>The wandering ones bring
portents and harbingers to those who watch.<br /><b>12: Mathematics:</b> Through logic and
geometry we will discern the truth.<br /><b>13: Old Gods:</b> Those who are forgotten
are andescedent in their wisdom.<br /><b>14: Star Signs:</b> The rotation of the
heavens are windows into that which is to occur.<br /><b>15: The Tree:</b> Roots reach down while
branches reach high, drawing the elements together.<br /><b>16: Birds: </b>By flight does the body
escape the toil and pain of the ground.<br /><b>21: Dragon:</b> By their ineffable age, they
hoard not just gold but wisdom.<br /><b>22: Giant Stones:</b> Placed by forgotten
men and forgotten methods, we worship their strength.<br /><b>23: Burrowing Creatures:</b> Under the earth we will
they find the truth if we can just hear the words.<br /><b>24: Ascetics:</b> For through self denial
is enlightenment.<br /><b>25: Naked: </b>Exposed and unprotected from
the world do we find wisdom.<br /><b>26: Gluttony: </b>You never know how much
is enough until you understand how much is too much.<br /><b><span></span></b></p><a name='more'></a><b>31: Cannibal:</b> Wisdom and strength is
gathered through consumption of our brethren.<br /><b>32: Sports:</b> By this body's strength and skill
shall we know god.<br /><b>33: Warrior:</b> Through bloody arms and victory I shall be
devoted to the one.<br /><b>34: Inebriation:</b> By the brew does
wisdom speak through me.<br /><b>35: Hallucination:</b> I will push the mind past
its own barriers to see the one true light.<br /><b>36: Meditation:</b> By my own breath and
calm shall I know the peace within.<br /><b>41: Drowning:</b> Only by the call of the
depths do we glimpse truth.<br /><b>42: Sex: </b>We meld our bodies in pleasure
and communion in a step towards true unity.<br /><b>43: Assassination:</b> By the blackened
blade do we tip the scales of the world.<br /><b>44: Storms:</b> Nature's fury shows us our
meager place and humbles our greatest intentions.<br /><b>45: Gambling:</b> By chance we are here, by
chance we will remain.<br /><b>46: Self Mutilation:</b> My mortal vessel
must be scarred to show its inward imperfections to the world.<br /><b>51: Flagellation:</b> By pain I shall see
the truth.<br /><b>52: Stylite:</b> Exposed to the wind and
elements my mind's eye shall see beyond other mortals.<br /><b>53: Endurance:</b> The world moves beneath
my feet as I pursue revelation.<br /><b>54: Dark Gods:</b> We are naught but
playthings for those uncaring beings in the Void.<br /><b>55: Serpent: </b>As that which sheds its skin to make itself anew, so shall we shed our innocence and frailty. <br /><b>56: Ocean:</b> The abyssal depths hold
great, dark secrets from our pathetic awareness.<br /><b>61: Primitivism:</b> Only by looking
backwards will we find purity.<br /><b>62: Mountains:</b> The lands pushed above
us into the rarified air reach toward the heavens and enlightenment.<br /><b>63: Madness:</b>
Blahabahdawithpthpthhthtbt!<br /><b>64: Death:</b> It comes for all us us,
therefore we must embrace the end and welcome the grave.<br /><b>65: End of World:</b> The closing of the great cycle is
foretold, and so we prepare.<br /><b>66: Rebirth:</b> We are but a moment in the
life of the universe, and so we will be again and again.<p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f_W5mozANl_k7vWE5G8Qmtq-6IgGeu5Ytufc9a-0O622ClFxcMpZmlzzoQhFvt_akzqTKN2wyXZ5E0db1TXZUlCtJoyUl3mUgWUyxdWIZ2HQgy-LINdJBt5x5M8dmhB1INB7tXkaGu90aXzu1kbVPuPVhVureobKsntpexeWQERVuA3pQ1YKYFQgtKU/s1200/Cardwell_Higgins_Elements_Involved.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="798" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f_W5mozANl_k7vWE5G8Qmtq-6IgGeu5Ytufc9a-0O622ClFxcMpZmlzzoQhFvt_akzqTKN2wyXZ5E0db1TXZUlCtJoyUl3mUgWUyxdWIZ2HQgy-LINdJBt5x5M8dmhB1INB7tXkaGu90aXzu1kbVPuPVhVureobKsntpexeWQERVuA3pQ1YKYFQgtKU/w266-h400/Cardwell_Higgins_Elements_Involved.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardwell Higgins, <i>The Elements Involved</i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Bonus: 6xD6 Cultist Attributes:</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b>Robes:</b><br />1. Red<br />2. Yellow<br />3. Black<br />4. Brown<br />5. White<br />6. Nekkid!<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b>Signature Weapon:</b><br />1. Wavy dagger<br />2. Staff<br />3. Iron-bound club<br />4. Garotte<br />5. Scythe<br />6. Bohemian Ear Spoon</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b>Cosmetic Feature:</b><br />1. Scarred<br />2. Branded<br />3. Tattooed<br />4. Bald<br />5. Body Paint<br />6. Masked</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b>Mind Alteration Method:</b><br />1. Chanting<br />2. Drugs<br />3. Meditation<br />4. Drinking<br />5. Fasting<br />6. Sleeplessness</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b>Unholy Symbol:</b><br />1. Star/Astronomical<br />2. Demon<br />3. Geometric<br />4. Dragon<br />5. Tree/Natural<br />6. Beast</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><b>Unholy Symbol Material:</b><br />1. Iron<br />2. Black Stone<br />3. Jade<br />4. Silver<br />5. Bone<br />6. Obsidian</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhuctTfN93UeBeJWO76BzWYizQ3aKItM7hSpIh7NQcfIjcXROKLrIhueRSQEA4YjBiteRIPWQiuzwD32QV1OHtoNHXvqzXAGEvv0eTte7qCOx1EVwA9KFdxo3mxcTNmHFUrwFKizf9YYkLQQoXJBN-3iuAEK9QfjrN5raVkqeLFo3SViYvXAekOZ5J98/s1673/Hannes_Bok_Dragon_Moon_Weird_Tales_January_1941.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1673" data-original-width="1648" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhuctTfN93UeBeJWO76BzWYizQ3aKItM7hSpIh7NQcfIjcXROKLrIhueRSQEA4YjBiteRIPWQiuzwD32QV1OHtoNHXvqzXAGEvv0eTte7qCOx1EVwA9KFdxo3mxcTNmHFUrwFKizf9YYkLQQoXJBN-3iuAEK9QfjrN5raVkqeLFo3SViYvXAekOZ5J98/w394-h400/Hannes_Bok_Dragon_Moon_Weird_Tales_January_1941.png" width="394" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannes Bok, <i>The Dragon Moon, </i>from Weird Tales January 1941</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14SOymc2BJyQQV6bIi-JjyCM2hLo-GOSK/view?usp=sharing">Download the list here</a></b></i></p>
Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-89683871298228799242024-03-11T18:24:00.000-07:002024-03-11T18:24:35.627-07:00Zelkor's Ferry, Reimagined <p>Ok, I don't have a copy of the Rappun Athuk megadungeon, so I don't know who lives in the settlement of Zelkor's Ferry. But I found<a href="https://www.wistedt.net/2019/01/12/map-of-zelkors-ferry/"> Paths Peculiars'</a> redrawing of the town map on his blog while I was trolling about for some town and building maps. I don't know who the residents are, except for a few names on the map legend, and one can often find a place for one more small huddle of buildings in their hex campaign. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDbB3iKg3mQXtFCKfSZ9sGMxFt_yw1MEucnQ4mEIdDqsHkfYpxg4iaH_q1YFLDGUR-taYxKE57Rz5b_wDYf6dKGddNoXFCZzhlgNoRsOQ2Bp44Iveqa0yVtgHCwEgXn-omy8Qily0XVKKYcZp6u-D7iMzfRRl3eMKwNeox21sjvC9BFvFGQ_k_qtq8IE/s1667/zelkors_ferry_map_rappan_athuk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="1475" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDbB3iKg3mQXtFCKfSZ9sGMxFt_yw1MEucnQ4mEIdDqsHkfYpxg4iaH_q1YFLDGUR-taYxKE57Rz5b_wDYf6dKGddNoXFCZzhlgNoRsOQ2Bp44Iveqa0yVtgHCwEgXn-omy8Qily0XVKKYcZp6u-D7iMzfRRl3eMKwNeox21sjvC9BFvFGQ_k_qtq8IE/w354-h400/zelkors_ferry_map_rappan_athuk.png" width="354" /></a></div><br /> So without any other embellishment, <b><i><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pm7HwiLCkv8Ds59IWvS9IntHW6_01H4l/view?usp=sharing">here's who I think</a></i></b> lives there. More later....<p></p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-74338284952694808452024-03-07T19:13:00.000-08:002024-03-07T19:28:45.484-08:00Campaign Journal: Along the East Road<p>Tonight's band of merry mushroom harvesters:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Frederick</li><li>Slick</li><li>Jax</li><li>Rondel</li><li>Orzu</li><li>and their various groupies</li></ul><p></p><p>Watched by an inordinate number of town guards and zealots of the Paragons of the Comet, the party departed Opharel for points south the following morning. They had acquired, among other things, a few retainers for camp and horse-guarding duty including a cook, a drover, and a young dwarven man-at-arms who still carries a rag doll.</p><p>It was a crisp autumn day, and the party observed several armed patrols along the road, as well as caravans, both moving provisions for winter preparation, and rushing to Opharel to contract ships to move cargo before the winter storms.</p><p>Around midday, they came upon the hamlet of Huni, another wide spot in the road of perhaps 100 souls. They settled in at the well-appointed inn, and were greeted by the ebullient and portly proprietor. He set the party up with small beers and bread trenchers of stew. The party did the usual asking for rumors thing, and found that the settlement had been started by a few adventurers who had retired after a few scores. Interestingly, the thorpe's headman was a mage, a class not typically respected by the Theocracy. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnIlird1WWwr0jyP7Xl7h1Kzpv7La75erOY0hi5shERz1uPPVjFGYVEF7sYfBMou2n4TAEzxudkH87ww-efum1r8bylyt7FEV8YBBalVFrWqTagcDEqof63tGvBabs67_D4lQvTH0Hun8ZI1g3bAWX6XeD4PgZV2Lk-xukXf9vJ-E2OkXylN9cCg2QmY/s828/gondorian_hamlet_by_sabin_boykinov_d6nildy-414w-2x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="828" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnIlird1WWwr0jyP7Xl7h1Kzpv7La75erOY0hi5shERz1uPPVjFGYVEF7sYfBMou2n4TAEzxudkH87ww-efum1r8bylyt7FEV8YBBalVFrWqTagcDEqof63tGvBabs67_D4lQvTH0Hun8ZI1g3bAWX6XeD4PgZV2Lk-xukXf9vJ-E2OkXylN9cCg2QmY/w400-h272/gondorian_hamlet_by_sabin_boykinov_d6nildy-414w-2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.deviantart.com/sabin-boykinov/art/Gondorian-Hamlet-402295750">Wide spot in the road</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>As they chatted, Slick noticed a dwarf fiddling with a lock. The two met eyes, and the dwarf, recognizing Slick (and Flick) as individuals specializing in the art of acquisitions, tossed the lock to the thieves to try their skills against. Neither could crack it (although Frederick, with only modest lockpicking skills, got lucky). “Good enough,” said the dwarf, who introduced himself as Urin Duskborn. “Best to know how sharp your knife is before you try a cut.” He gifted Slick the lock (with keys) and they exchanged compliments. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>After lunch, the party went to meet Walchew, the town leader. They found him digging potatoes in his garden, and noted his burned, shriveled right hand. Rondel introduced himself as another student of the arcane arts, and inquired as to the mage's background. Walchew revealed that he and a few compatriots had been exploring ruins to the west a few years ago. They had found an old apparent watchtower with a significant underground complex. Unfortunately, it have been occupied by a band of hobgoblins, including a couple of shaman, and the party soon found themselves surrounded and nearly overwhelmed. Walchew admitted to having attempted a magic in desperation, and although it was successful, he had been injured and deformed, and had lost his spellbook. Watchtower, did you say? Did you see any red glass disks, perhaps? Walchew did recall a broken red disk on the tower by the party had not investigated it. Hmm.<p></p><p>By now Urin Duskborn was venturing back to his shop. He paused to chat with Jax, inquiring if she, too, was a long way from home? She noted that she was. The dwarf commiserated, and hoped that she could return home, as he couldn't, being an exile. The party asked more and Urin revealed that he was from the Smoking Isles, but left due to a family feud. Interest piqued, the party showed him a ruby glass shard that Orzu had been chewing on – could they cast this? Certainly. Where would they get enough ruby to make the lenses? Either in the mountains, of perhaps from rumored ruby sands in the southern desert.</p><p>Fascinating. The dwarf gave them a contact in Chirath, although getting access to the isles would be difficult. If they did reach the isles, just ask after his family and make sure they were doing well. </p><p>With this, everyone mounted and headed south.</p><p>(Some time later)</p><p>Things were going quietly, when Jax suddenly found <i>Faith Perpetual</i> in her hand and screaming in her head. The barbarian suddenly turned her horse, charging headlong into the woods off the road. The rest of the party was somewhat taken aback. Her plant-collecting activities were usually much quieter affairs.</p><p>Combat noises indicated that it was more than medicinal herbs. Party members charged after to find her engaged with a Chaos mutant knight (yes, riding a Damned Horse) and surrounded by several others. Oh yeah, said knight bore a fear-inducing skull face and tattered insignia of the doomed Opharel expedition (as did a couple of other muties). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8f3KPSE1cDJhEcKMWfhP1TcIPhnOreVx6lchbKFuTOn2S10xIyOaM5BnA_2FlyAxLUibrrKy5dEVBhlhI_bVI1eNKUOiutq34Spz7lCboHrrFv1B4CDHC284Xr5-enjptgFq5JJ6aeIhpKn0jsbDoSki-nm9sV3W7RIzHFT7lUEw4qm4vnfsLG4pt6I/s1179/skull_knight_by_rirth_d6pdzl5-414w-2x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8f3KPSE1cDJhEcKMWfhP1TcIPhnOreVx6lchbKFuTOn2S10xIyOaM5BnA_2FlyAxLUibrrKy5dEVBhlhI_bVI1eNKUOiutq34Spz7lCboHrrFv1B4CDHC284Xr5-enjptgFq5JJ6aeIhpKn0jsbDoSki-nm9sV3W7RIzHFT7lUEw4qm4vnfsLG4pt6I/w281-h400/skull_knight_by_rirth_d6pdzl5-414w-2x.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.deviantart.com/rirth/art/SKULL-KNIGHT-405440105">something like this</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The party sussed out leaders vs mooks, and after a couple of rounds of back-and-forth were able to disable another Chaos knight and a mage. The knight was faceless and bore an extra arm, while the mage surrounded himself in a choking cloud of spores. Unpleasant individuals indeed. Much nasty work was done to take out the foot soldiers as they leaped and flitted around, laying on with spears, pincers, and acid skin. In the meantime, Jax (and Goober) and the surviving Chaos knight continued to go toe-to-toe. </p><p>The mooks were finally worn down with the aid of magic and steel. Rondel remembered that he had a fancy new <i>haste</i> spell, and accelerated everyone for multiple strikes. Slick and Flick, maintaining a safe distance from the Damned Horses, helped Jax overcome her opponent, and the remaining mutant leaders were put down. Loot was gathered.</p><p>Bleeding and filthy, the party rode up to the gates of Gunala at nightfall.</p><p>“What the hell happened to you?” and we closed the session.</p><p><b>DM Notes:</b></p><p>Whew, more fun. Anyway... </p><p>I have a list of towns ready-made for the party to find on the road. Sorta like wandering monsters, but fixed in place... So I don't necessarily know where they are riding into, either. Each town is framed from Donjon's '<a href="https://donjon.bin.sh/fantasy/demographics/">medieval demographics generator</a>' with a few physical features and NPCs tallied up. So Huni was one of these, with the mage featuring a burned hand, and an exile dwarf. Serendipitous opportunity for a bit more lore and potential contacts. I missed my own note on Urin Duskborn being an exile, and had to shoehorn back him into the scene. I've decided that dwarves have a thing for Jax (see prior fancy ball episode). </p><p>The battle. Well, Jax was getting bored with all that nerds talking about magic stuff. Also, <i>Faith Perpetual</i> was an inadvertent acquisition, way back in the <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2022/07/vestin-tomb-playthrough-and-revisions.html">beginning of my open-table play</a>. A barbarian with an intelligent magic sword is amusing to me, but she was the only lawful PC in that session, so the only one who could bear said sword. And while it's been mostly a silent ally, hinting at evil and providing impressions of peoples' intentions, it seemed to be time to ramp up the sword as an NPC. This was the first time to sword both took control and actually spoke. It made for a dramatic moment. Also, this game (and world) is evolving as I pick up hints from players' questions or deductions, or even from the results of random encounters and rolls (see town above). So some happenings over the last number of sessions have now become 'canon' so to speak, and things will continue to evolve.</p><p>Back to the battle: chaos with Chaos. Again, a set-piece that I had planned, and I did enjoy the shock as the PCs encountered both some horrific mutations, and turned captives from the doomed expedition. It makes it personal. (By the way, if I haven't mentioned before, I use Jon Becker's "<a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2022/03/comes-chaos-review.html">Comes Chaos</a>" and <a href="https://dndborderlands.blogspot.com/">Steven Cook's</a> "<a href="https://i.4pcdn.org/tg/1518993860058.pdf">Chaos Hordes</a>" for all my mutation needs. Much gratitude to both those resources.) I managed the battle fairly well, but there were a lot of moving parts. I did lose track of a few mooks, and could have caused more havoc with the Damned Horses, but it was a fairly long fight by OSR standards. The three spell casters (elf, cleric, and illusionist) all have effective area-control or similar spells at this point, and they used them to good effect. The session, between chatting and fighting, came to a full 3 hours with no real slack time.</p><p>What's next? Well, Gunala is a walled town of around 1000, also a vassal to Opharel. They have a fair militia, and at least one reasonably powerful priest. So that's the starting point. We'll see where the conversation leads...</p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-4693230240796094712024-03-01T18:23:00.000-08:002024-03-08T07:57:15.999-08:00D66 Random Backgrounds and Minor Perks<p>Because I'm procrastinating, and because it's a fun diversion, have another D66 list. This time, "what did your PC do before getting into this lucrative life?" Complete with some perks. Some better than others. I'm sure some are duplicates of the myriad background lists already out in the world, but hopefully a few are unique by accident...</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LDVFJZlH5dfi3_allzB3C_WYsFdrJyz_3O5OkjpDL10xHw7cqZTeMvl7TcObpTSleS5YEVO8SEFthvDX6t6J_SX04HWzTQq9CBxITD-SZ6LH_clJaSu8G33mavskUMT5OcR0GSn4Ub-4RobiHBK2HlA8FUI-fQRJl7GIOi748TvE8XB9jUUraBLmzxY/s1200/main-image.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1200" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LDVFJZlH5dfi3_allzB3C_WYsFdrJyz_3O5OkjpDL10xHw7cqZTeMvl7TcObpTSleS5YEVO8SEFthvDX6t6J_SX04HWzTQq9CBxITD-SZ6LH_clJaSu8G33mavskUMT5OcR0GSn4Ub-4RobiHBK2HlA8FUI-fQRJl7GIOi748TvE8XB9jUUraBLmzxY/w400-h288/main-image.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">“Peasants” by Willem van de Velde I</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>D66 random backgrounds and minor perks</b></p><p><i>Ability/skill descriptions are left generic to allow modifications to specific game systems or as appropriate to your table.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>11: Poacher:</b> Start with roll of snare wire. Good chance to trap small game.<br /><b>12: Fence:</b> Improved chance to get a better return from any traded valuable.<br /><b>13: Urchin:</b> Improved chance to not be noticed in a crowd. Moderate pickpocket skills<br /><b>14: Merchant:</b> Improved chance to talk down/haggle price of items.<br /><b>15: Fisherman:</b> Start with net, filet knife, and inaccurate ruler. Good chance to secure rations from waterways.<br /><b>16: Drover:</b> Start with riding horse or pack mule. Knows horseflesh, can pick best riding or draft animals.<br /><b>21: Shepherd:</b> Start with staff, 1d6 sheep, and hyperactive herding dog.<br /><b>22: Tanner:</b> Odorous. Start with skinning knife. May skin and preserve hides of any game or monsters slain.<br /><b>23: Farmer:</b> Start with pitchfork, bag of seed, and a chicken.<br /><b>24: Town Crier:</b> Good chance at picking up rumors/gossip in town.<br /><b>25: Brewer:</b> Start with cask of ale, pouch of brewers yeast. Knows good water.<br /><b>26: Barman/maid:</b> Never forgets a face. Improved chance to talk down belligerent foe without force.<br /><b>31: Tailor:</b> Start with sewing kit. Can repair or make articles of clothing.<br /><b>32: Barber:</b> Start with scissors, razor, combination hair tonic/disinfectant, and bandages. May stabilize unconscious PC, improve natural healing.<br /><b>33: Baker:</b> Start with rolling pin, bag of flour, pouch of yeast. Can prepare rough bread with appropriate grain or nuts.<br /><b>34: Butcher:</b> Start with cleaver. Can prepare maximum rations from stock or game animals.<br /><b>35: Bounty Hunter:</b> Start with sheaf of wanted posters, crossbow, manacles, and bloodhound.<br /><b>36: Sailor:</b> Start with cutlass and 50' rope. Can handle a small boat, crew on larger.<br /><b>41: Soldier:</b> Start with shield, kettle helmet, and spear.<br /><b>42: Acolyte:</b> Start with holy symbol, vial of holy water, and prayer book.<br /><b>43: Magician's Apprentice:</b> Start with one random 1st level spell, usable once/day. Might fail.<br /><b>44: Sewer Rat:</b> Improved to-hit/damage against vermin, disease resistant.<br /><b>45: Mudlark:</b> Chance to find a random useful item while searching an area.<br /><b>46: Linkboy:</b> Start with a lantern on a pole.<br /><b>51: Blacksmith:</b> Start with hammer and tongs, whetstone. Can sharpen/repair weapons, chance to repair metal armor.<br /><b>52: Forester:</b> Start with felling axe. Decreased chance to get lost in the woods.<br /><b>53: Carpenter:</b> Start with saw, square, brace and bit. Knows woodwork.<br /><b>54: Mason:</b> Start with hammer, chisel, and level. Knows stonework.<br /><b>55: Grave Digger:</b> Start with shovel. Improved to-hit/damage against undead.<br /><b>56: Gong Farmer: </b>Odorous. Resistant to disease, immune to nausea.<br /><b>61: Night Watchman:</b> Start with club, whistle, bundle of torches. Decreased chance of surprise.<br /><b>62: Noble:</b> Start with signet ring, nice sword, extra cash. Chance to know the “right people” in any city.<br /><b>63: Courtier: </b>Start with perfume and makeup. Chance to talk their way to the “right people” in any city.<br /><b>64: Wiseguy:</b> Start with a stiletto and sap. Chance to “know a guy” in any city.<br /><b>65: Ratcatcher:</b> Start with bundle of rat traps and small fierce terrier.<br /><b>66: Copyist:</b> Start with ream of parchment, ink and quills. Literate, +1 language.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e1SDodX8qtuA6roWuvyfTSU5ycg9Rb5N/view?usp=sharing">PDF of List</a></i></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l43Y3wSuamJbnhvQZnMRR66Dnd_E1h3xbihf-ro76lr1tI5AVL461G7mjMmtnjKmIt4Zv1Kope5mudtn2O8yRRt4Ll7djyfICkdTl0Gu1FUj9EzcQlrd-uuueVr_7jwlxqKgP1xpDvmwKTGFXRlY6GyiGFrGx33b_ePd4AlV59CZIaXnpinLfzfXBGk/s1200/main-image%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="1200" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l43Y3wSuamJbnhvQZnMRR66Dnd_E1h3xbihf-ro76lr1tI5AVL461G7mjMmtnjKmIt4Zv1Kope5mudtn2O8yRRt4Ll7djyfICkdTl0Gu1FUj9EzcQlrd-uuueVr_7jwlxqKgP1xpDvmwKTGFXRlY6GyiGFrGx33b_ePd4AlV59CZIaXnpinLfzfXBGk/w400-h163/main-image%20(1).jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“Silhouette of a king in procession
with courtiers and page” by John Bennett</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-29765213403175153202024-02-28T15:01:00.000-08:002024-03-08T07:59:50.900-08:00D66 Shrine Locations, Mundane to Exotic <p>Another brief brainstorming, or perhaps just a brain-flurry...</p><p>I can't pull off d100, but d66 is well within the wheelhouse....</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sKvF1pLikzXjhX6x7bZgfKBGF1bYc-C2VF7871kz5vYsnAb-15EDabI6o2TUWNfSobjql26v6ms-NK30Z-NUwyEhkU2NKtiNjYSPQVJSUGSDeounPgJGD4rPYdm5NOI2zQcMRnbYw7wHCn2OVBIIwEdnRaZLckyJqjD6ezCeBVCpdzxKbI8A0GQI99Q/s4000/df2s7oj-fdb8555a-ab21-4640-bc4d-b4c13996ee9d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="4000" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sKvF1pLikzXjhX6x7bZgfKBGF1bYc-C2VF7871kz5vYsnAb-15EDabI6o2TUWNfSobjql26v6ms-NK30Z-NUwyEhkU2NKtiNjYSPQVJSUGSDeounPgJGD4rPYdm5NOI2zQcMRnbYw7wHCn2OVBIIwEdnRaZLckyJqjD6ezCeBVCpdzxKbI8A0GQI99Q/w400-h130/df2s7oj-fdb8555a-ab21-4640-bc4d-b4c13996ee9d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.deviantart.com/sa13rina/art/Lost-911668195">Source</a> </td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>D66 Shrine Locations, Mundane to Exotic.</b></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">11: Moss-covered isolated menhir to a dead god<br />12: Ozone-emitting waterfall within a water-carved grotto<br />13: Iron-bound, brutalist sculpture looming over failed croplands<br />14: Willow grove filled with mischievous nymphs<br />15: Haunted cabin in the woods<br />16: A massive coliseum, ringing with the memories of gladiators and plays<br />21: Hot springs, vine-draped and wreathed in thick fog<br />22: An oracle's cavern, steeped in hallucinogenic vapors<br />23: Massive, overwrought cathedral<br />24: The crumbling corpse of a petrified dragon<br />25: A small, shiny rock<br />26: Monastery perched on a cliffside, ringing with continual mantras<br />31: A faded portrait on an abandoned manor-house wall<br />32: An extensive dust-covered library, rarely visited and protected by zealous librarians<br />33: Monkey-infested jungle temple<br />34: Creepy hostel, just off an unused trade road<br />35: Wind-blown desert crossroads<br />36: Sacred halfling brewery<br />41: Inundated temple in a rising, shallow sea<br />42: Hallowed brothel in a city's merchant quarter <br />43: Floating stone circle, the stones hanging in space and moaning<br />44: Single towering basalt column, leagues from any similar stone<br />45: Grove of trees woven into a delicate structure<br />46: Smoking caldera, reeking of sulfur<br />51: Mountain aerie occupied by a pair of sacred eagles<br />52: Ancient oak guarded by fanatic druids<br />53: Old battlefield echoing with clashing arms and screaming men<br />54: Wandering methuselah-elephant adorned with scrimshawed tusks<br />55: Rusting steel tower filled with flickering, forgotten technology<br />56: Crashed alien ship containing mummified remains, picked over for exotic metals<br />61: Gymnasium of fitness ascetics, humid and reeking<br />62: Stylite's tower, prayers and blessing exchanged by a basket<br />63: Massive midden pile filled over a vanquished city<br />64: Silent petroglyph-carved desert slot canyon<br />65: Cave of primitive ancestors, filled with crude paintings of extinct creatures<br />66: Ancient, glyph-covered wandering golem</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12yBtSHkN-dWOSJhME5i2Oy4jBEhzqCqn/view?usp=sharing">PDF of List</a></i></b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdlN9dTEP7B2xhFJPQ4Asx37XAjI7bUA3TQdTNumdazZIRO6Cf8kYDVV9QaExOOUsPyy7V4nvt4NWp1yPy2axt_Fzzsp6ET9WiJ8Jgp3x9mtJ8bDXMmZwgrPVuhvdGWQSApEXyBTdGGQP2a5pCeM7L_-6xB6sIAq4j11jXxMRSH76ZjBgzdIrluk7dd8/s828/the_shrine_long_lost_by_malthuswolf_debwhwa-414w-2x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="828" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdlN9dTEP7B2xhFJPQ4Asx37XAjI7bUA3TQdTNumdazZIRO6Cf8kYDVV9QaExOOUsPyy7V4nvt4NWp1yPy2axt_Fzzsp6ET9WiJ8Jgp3x9mtJ8bDXMmZwgrPVuhvdGWQSApEXyBTdGGQP2a5pCeM7L_-6xB6sIAq4j11jXxMRSH76ZjBgzdIrluk7dd8/w400-h266/the_shrine_long_lost_by_malthuswolf_debwhwa-414w-2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.deviantart.com/malthuswolf/art/The-Shrine-long-lost-866518426">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-66868164562635449062024-02-22T21:55:00.000-08:002024-02-22T21:55:51.901-08:00Campaign Journal: Farewell(?) to Acroria<p> Full house:</p><ul><li>Fulvus - halfling</li><li>Rondel - elf</li><li>Frederick - thief</li><li>Slick - thief</li><li>Jax - barbarian</li><li>Orzu - gnome</li></ul><div>Our heroes closed out the Autumn Equinox ball from <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2024/02/campaign-journal-hatak-attack.html">last session</a>. I had to overlap a bit, just to let Slick do Slick things. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, Fulvus found a couple of halfling kin raiding the hors d'oeuvre table. The pair were head of the local community, mostly consisting of craft folk and servants. The local gossip in the halfling quarter was continued rumblings of discontent from the Merchant's Guild at being shut out from city decision-making and influence on the Council. Fulvus bid them adieu, and the pair went back to spiking the punch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dancing was had, with the halflings showing off their West Shire Swing stylings, and hench Roderick getting turned down by the beguines, and most everyone else. </div><div><br /></div><div>Slick, now recovered, prowled the edges of the gathering, before sliding over to the coat check. A bored private yawned and dozed. Slick charitably suggested that the young man might need some fresh air, supporting his observation with some palmed coins. The fellow agreed, stepping out, allowing Slick to take off with a couple of fancy hats. Of course.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sensing that the festivities were ending, the party stepped out into the night. Most of the group headed out, with Jax lagging as a number of children detained her, begging to pet Goober just one more time as their harried parents pulled them away. Which of course allowed her to be behind the main group and get shanked by the Shadowy Figure(tm) who leapt from an alleyway. The party turned, hurling a few knives and an arrow with limited success. Fulvus darted after the figure with his "fancy boots," but lost them due to their surprisingly fleet feet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Local guards were called and given report, and Jax was healed and bundled off to the inn. This being the <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/12/campaign-journal-out-on-town.html">second time</a> she was set upon in town while separated from the rest of the crew. Coincidence, or by design? Hmm...</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning, everyone was enjoying their hangover breakfast when a guard captain and substantial number of soldiers arrived. It's almost as if they expected trouble... Anyway... The captain reported that Zejo Drašković, expedition survivor, had been slain in the night. The party responded that they had their own problems, and were alibied so stop bothering us. But the second attack in Jax and subsequent murder of the soldier was of serious concern. It seemed that certain Chaos operatives were in town, causing disruption. </div><div><br /></div><div>With that bit of news, the party made their way to the Home for the Wayward. One of Brother Sigeric's "orphans" greeted the party at the side door. "Was just about to send for you. The Brother's in a fit." The brother was, indeed, in a fit. And day drinking. "Welp, seems that Rancent Pere DID get a seat on the Council. I may have been outmaneuvered..." Even with the party's exposure of his double-cross. All commiserated regarding the new complication, and how odd it was that the Council would operate with an even number of members. "Besides, I might actually need to run a legitimate charity..." Everyone agreed to keep an eye out for further developments.</div><div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>Returning to the inn, everyone had a drink and considered the news. About then, the inn door darkened, again. Basically with Bluto:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrznG5lIOchUMZ5H_b0nW-LndIaA4Qy5efzEIbOG7AX1uE2p9MT4fcgqacomkyDRF1iy2EO2Bie6mA7dfjDF1ejir3k6DO3alvWa71tkHAibpfVbkYfxarGnlcOwQ26h2W8qU_S8h6XI-WkL676ECwiOEnmMpIESUGXR4O1-5X8I85_OL8Z57GaJCVZq8/s1200/16-facts-about-bluto-popeye-the-sailor-1693733894.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrznG5lIOchUMZ5H_b0nW-LndIaA4Qy5efzEIbOG7AX1uE2p9MT4fcgqacomkyDRF1iy2EO2Bie6mA7dfjDF1ejir3k6DO3alvWa71tkHAibpfVbkYfxarGnlcOwQ26h2W8qU_S8h6XI-WkL676ECwiOEnmMpIESUGXR4O1-5X8I85_OL8Z57GaJCVZq8/w400-h400/16-facts-about-bluto-popeye-the-sailor-1693733894.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>He proceeded to storm in, grabbing Slick and giving him a heathy throttling. "Where's my Pappy's sword? People saw you <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/12/campaign-journal-out-on-town.html">stealing at the bath house</a>!" (shakeshakeshake). Between head bobbles, Slick attempted to convince the very large fellow that he had been charmed and working under influence, and that he had misplaced the sword (it was a hilt and broken blade, rolled on a random loot table). Rondel affirmed that Slick had been charmed multiple times, being susceptible to such magic. The fellow was skeptical. Rondel then tried to charm him, to no avail (Rondel now doubting his go-to spell). Finally, the chap was bought off with some coin and went trundling back out into the street.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Slick readjusted his head on his shoulders, a courier stepped in with a package for Frederick. "Parcel from Petre Gagua." The party gave the kid a substantial tip and sent him on his way. The parcel turned out to be a wine bottle. Frederick gave it a shake, confirming that it seemed to contain wine. Popping the cork, he discovered that the 'liquid' was a vial of mercury, inserted to give the bottle weight. Orzu taste-tested it, confirming it was mercury. Frederick 'accidentally' broke the bottle which contained rolled journal entries and maps of the expedition's ill-fated reconnaissance. A windfall. </div><p>About this time, a figure made their presence known from a Dark Corner(tm) of the tavern. The large, cloaked figure slid over, notifying the party that he'd been keeping an eye on them, and that they may have similar interests. Introducing himself as Massen Cardew, he revealed himself to be an agent of the Hougan Duchy, in town to gather intelligence. He had a sense that the party had need for contacts and resources, and perhaps his associates might be more willing to help than the Theocracy, who seemed more focused on being insular and driving their religious agenda. The party considered this, especially since they were intending to travel back south anyway. The fellow's offer was helped by the fact that he looks like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgWNcHyFzSsB0U2zgtIjhe7Ge7zcZamhzK8cL6wyQUr6dSHLscEcagCoRAD0QWwqMGQ_3GFu9DcN1ynooTcvTHHiCWE3Nj0GVwNCJVlsvDpAmYuuLX2VDWlLs-GVLAS6VtfqRuhC3sPhsnWSM51Wctx4dY9YdsD98tlPY9yRtSmdr2vKLCNU3DD0V8IU/s1920/im-904704.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgWNcHyFzSsB0U2zgtIjhe7Ge7zcZamhzK8cL6wyQUr6dSHLscEcagCoRAD0QWwqMGQ_3GFu9DcN1ynooTcvTHHiCWE3Nj0GVwNCJVlsvDpAmYuuLX2VDWlLs-GVLAS6VtfqRuhC3sPhsnWSM51Wctx4dY9YdsD98tlPY9yRtSmdr2vKLCNU3DD0V8IU/w266-h400/im-904704.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p>(Totally unintended, the random chargen rolled a fellow with stats better than anyone in the party, including an 18 STR and 15 CHA, but I kept it as a joke. I'm sure he's a most effective spy.)</p><p>That said, the agent confirmed that he would provide them a list of contacts, and disappeared into the streets.</p><p>Oh, Rondel leveled up, so contacted his elven peers for some 3rd level spells. Unfortunately the "fun" ones weren't available, but he got a few useful utility and buff spells. And is now mostly broke.</p><p>Another messenger. Time to face the Council. Sure enough, Rancent Pere sneered at them from the Council's platform. The party, in turn, sneered back "congratulating" him on his position. Banter happened, including the party asking about the potential for a tie among the Council, and Slick volunteering to take a tiebreaking role. Rancent assured them that this was unlikely, before turning to the other Council members to state that "ruffians and outriders" had caused enough strife in the City, distracting it from its mission. The party agreed, before realizing that Rancent was referring to them. How rude. </p><p>With that, the party threw obscene gestures, praises to the god Garond, and other behaviors that got them bum-rushed from the Council chambers. Slick cleared a guard's purse as he was perp-walked out. </p><p>Seems like they've worn out their welcome...</p><p><b>DM Notes:</b></p><p>More role play and world building with respect to Opharel. As well as a few complications. And notes taken with hints or questions to consider later....</p><p>Looks like we are on the road again soon.</p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-37580808553276092642024-02-16T17:31:00.000-08:002024-02-16T17:31:10.328-08:00Welcome to the Temple of Dynss, plus some lamentations on creativity<p>My "<a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2020/12/taking-rest-stop-at-longtooth.html">Village of Longtooth</a>" post got a little traffic in the last couple of weeks, mostly because <a href="https://3toadstools.blogspot.com/">Shane</a> mentioned on his blog that he was cribbing it for his new campaign. Much appreciated...</p><p>Anyway, I got a comment lamenting that people didn't seem to post up '5-minute maps' and similar creative bits as much anymore, especially since the G+ diaspora. I thought on this, as well. At the time, my mind was much more attuned to creating, so I could see a map like Shane's, or a piece of art that someone posted, save it, and immediately draft up a few notes of description for that piece. Then I'd toss it out into the world, and maybe someone would find it and use it. Who knows. But it was more about creating and sharing for me than any other impetus. </p><p>Now, I have a folder full of maps and ephemera covered in notes that never seem to get transcribed, or some inspiring piece gets lost in the feed and never found again. Gotta fix that.</p><p>Which brings us to the Temple of Dynss. Grab a small encounter space, set the timer for an hour, and fill it. Then make sure it gets written up.</p><p>Dyson themed it as a lost temple now occupied by a giant lizard, so I took the lizard theme, but gave it the lizardfolk treatment. Old lost temple? They must be returning to it to cause some mischief of their own agenda. Somewhere, I wrote down the random phrases 'smoking ruin' and 'spirit snake' as spells for our main character, a shaman. Wasn't sure, but they <i>sounded</i> like spells that he'd have. I roughed out a plot, pulled some images from <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Images">Wikimedia</a>, and created some hows and whys. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgLEXgg0KEzfIRvKG9kwN_a19ZiqdX_imp1qo9PbSuFGVY32tJeqMV1wJ1ux6xKDhvLSOKzal9MAPAytvegIFbTdXgexWwwlDZU8FPLG6Hw9x64j0kVH9hfvSoVWxl6SkKVIg7oMjab2s_vC6xbiQUudJPM6zik-jd3mM_OE_qCirE55h9iQ-QkF-1l4/s800/lizardman_by_vampirewhite_d41riel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="410" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgLEXgg0KEzfIRvKG9kwN_a19ZiqdX_imp1qo9PbSuFGVY32tJeqMV1wJ1ux6xKDhvLSOKzal9MAPAytvegIFbTdXgexWwwlDZU8FPLG6Hw9x64j0kVH9hfvSoVWxl6SkKVIg7oMjab2s_vC6xbiQUudJPM6zik-jd3mM_OE_qCirE55h9iQ-QkF-1l4/w205-h400/lizardman_by_vampirewhite_d41riel.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out this dapper guy<br /><b><i><a href="https://www.deviantart.com/vampirewhite/art/Lizardman-244827885">source</a></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p>(Although I didn't incorporate the image into the adventure, he's the inspiration for the shaman's guards)</p><p>So, an hour plus a few days later, we have our finished work. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vqv9YUtiWOPiuMBWp72iFHNLSMedfFGl/view?usp=sharing">Welcome to the Temple of Dynss</a></i></b></p><p>An old temple/mausoleum, complete with a few modified monsters and undead, two new spells, and one new magic item.</p><p>Now to figure out how to grab the creative moments more often...</p><p>That said, as best as I can tell from my disorganized blog tags, I've written over a hundred adventures. Everything from a single-location encounter to large dungeons requiring multiple sessions (nothing in the mega-dungeon category, yet...). Several include four to five scenarios on for a single map, so that adds a few more. Most are probably pretty bog-standard by most criteria, although I do let the mind out to play a bit more now and then... Anyway, they are all free, or at the most PWYW. I'm sure something will be suitable to drop into your table, or perhaps seed an idea of its own.</p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-24721057132673393242024-02-11T14:33:00.000-08:002024-03-03T17:15:28.299-08:00Gods and Such: a collection of deities<p>When I've written up a village or adventure space, I'll often add a local deity for color and to add to the depth of the setting. The deity that the community worships lends an indication to their values and the atmosphere of the place (and how friendly they may be to a bunch of unwashed adventurers). The gods include Lawful, Neutral, and Chaotic representatives, to round out the alignments and followers.</p><p>For inspiration, I cribbed illustrations from a number of classic pulp and art deco illustrators, including Harry Clarke, Sidney Sime, and Hannes Bok. I've accumulated a long list of artists and art resources for writing inspiration and illustration over the last few years, and it's always fun to find a piece that fits my need from some unexpected source. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB31EXL-3MrCYWQjY-lHVVTRxACuuN0S_d6VxqzswY305Sa4H9TFK8fqxKNb0R573f8UByFjXuHxLaYVQei2M2xw4JL3TVIe-GLe3J1acwV1wOnMQiFxDp01b9ks9EZ4F3lxad7PkFg8Fyz1Yzj718DS6kDHvNiFulFp5YJUkw6gnVr1H9_owYgxaSb20/s1414/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="919" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB31EXL-3MrCYWQjY-lHVVTRxACuuN0S_d6VxqzswY305Sa4H9TFK8fqxKNb0R573f8UByFjXuHxLaYVQei2M2xw4JL3TVIe-GLe3J1acwV1wOnMQiFxDp01b9ks9EZ4F3lxad7PkFg8Fyz1Yzj718DS6kDHvNiFulFp5YJUkw6gnVr1H9_owYgxaSb20/w260-h400/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg%20(1).jpg" width="260" /></a></div><p></p><p>A few of the gods, including Khador, Medeg, Garond, and Combris have shown up in my campaign, with their followers making their own stories and impact. Others have been mentioned or wait in the wings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyff0xRZnuwAXgo7BhM262LFgTCmqgTYHD5MCekVLCGyDhbndXZ5IjbAypO72kfY0FTCM_BJVYauPeOEB3Tc0PeDQfiXdIBA71ESh2FdPXAPLChgzhbIhOXgLA7WFgawVyndI5LqavGUxqMP_f3lq7-Zn4fU5IuKu4wOEC8k8SDdmSSYUeWq3a07UMQXU/s1600/0088%20The%20Year's%20At%20The%20Spring%20-%20Harry%20Clarke%20-%20The%20Dead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1187" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyff0xRZnuwAXgo7BhM262LFgTCmqgTYHD5MCekVLCGyDhbndXZ5IjbAypO72kfY0FTCM_BJVYauPeOEB3Tc0PeDQfiXdIBA71ESh2FdPXAPLChgzhbIhOXgLA7WFgawVyndI5LqavGUxqMP_f3lq7-Zn4fU5IuKu4wOEC8k8SDdmSSYUeWq3a07UMQXU/w296-h400/0088%20The%20Year's%20At%20The%20Spring%20-%20Harry%20Clarke%20-%20The%20Dead.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p>Behold, <i><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z_g_yudXC1aSW_rm6q32s8ULS9t56RCQ/view?usp=sharing">Twelve! gods of various stripes</a></b></i> to use in your campaign, or for your own inspiration. Enjoy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJlmanj-dawpfbr_8aRvcfT8bF0rQXWv_LJWJg3jl456fzAejfN2DcYq0pPl5xAk0SrX8Twbtn75HWAD-sguQwclqWOCnO-_vqmhz6RI-oou4TKqIDs8q8umt5SOEOjEBK5zdQOlSb-A57UxGuBqz74dqc9ao_wpNRukdrF4j2MRRiRJw1ZxOxcwAO1g/s712/wood-thicker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJlmanj-dawpfbr_8aRvcfT8bF0rQXWv_LJWJg3jl456fzAejfN2DcYq0pPl5xAk0SrX8Twbtn75HWAD-sguQwclqWOCnO-_vqmhz6RI-oou4TKqIDs8q8umt5SOEOjEBK5zdQOlSb-A57UxGuBqz74dqc9ao_wpNRukdrF4j2MRRiRJw1ZxOxcwAO1g/w281-h400/wood-thicker.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><p><i><b>Edit: Added one more, because every pantheon needs a God of Death.</b></i></p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-36922371050195335122024-02-09T13:02:00.000-08:002024-02-22T20:01:52.225-08:00Campaign Journal: Ha'Tak Attack!<p>We find our 'heroes' standing on the top platform of the step pyramid of Ha'Tak, surveying the scene, a dead wyvern sprawled on a lower step.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fulvus - halfling</li><li>Rondel - elf</li><li>Frederick - thief</li><li>Slick - thief</li><li>Jax - barbarian</li><li>Orzu - gnome</li></ul>As they contemplated recent events, a falcon gyred down, landing in front of Frederick. A messenger from Thefri, down south. Thefri reported that he and his colleagues, Divos and Albus, had occupied <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/04/returning-to-watchtower-or-more-fun.html">Kabrel's Tower</a>, previously cleared by the party. Thefri had also secured new companions to replace the doomed Brutus the Bear (Shade and Onyxia). And in the face of the Chaos mutant incursions, he, too had called in more "kin." The party responded that they had secured a couple more nodes, including the northernmost location, and expected to head south, eventually seeking out the dwarves of the Smoking Isles. They fed the falcon some jerky and sent it on its way.<p></p><p>With that, it was time to continue the search for that damned grenade-throwing dude.</p><p>Fulvus and his two henches volunteered to pull sniper duty, watching the various stair accesses from the ground level. The remainder of the party descended to clear the southeast quadrant of the pyramid, where they had spiked the doors closed, hoping to constrain CORMAC! from his mischief. Jax removed the spikes, and Orzu opened the door (BOOM!) - of course it had been trapped. He dodged the bulk of the shrapnel. </p><p>Nothing of note was seen in the next chamber, and the party debated which of the four doors to access. North. Ok. Jax kicked it in, sword in hand. And came face to face with another undead knight:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizApZq0fpgi8AdvNddscN5ooMeL7PQzGsyuLs0jIY7keaPwbTokv4TxIxgUjOO7yL40RLJbc1YjyZdLjkaASqyp8gNHLomyQqEMSDGGx66uk-15S_r-bbQ04zYCyXy9MiWsAQYRqQWKXrf3jAjRnmN212smm4IlNS53AHSFT4Kkf9swHF0Mc3W9MFy4Jw/s1500/ddqmofa-1a0438d4-3875-42b2-8ba5-dc4fcdf7af66%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1128" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizApZq0fpgi8AdvNddscN5ooMeL7PQzGsyuLs0jIY7keaPwbTokv4TxIxgUjOO7yL40RLJbc1YjyZdLjkaASqyp8gNHLomyQqEMSDGGx66uk-15S_r-bbQ04zYCyXy9MiWsAQYRqQWKXrf3jAjRnmN212smm4IlNS53AHSFT4Kkf9swHF0Mc3W9MFy4Jw/w301-h400/ddqmofa-1a0438d4-3875-42b2-8ba5-dc4fcdf7af66%20(1).jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, again</td></tr></tbody></table><span><a name='more'></a></span>Battle was joined between the knight, Goober, and Jax. Orzu's hench Torvald stepped up to block the door, preventing the knight from escaping. Jax and Goober laid to against the knight, causing some harm. The knight struck with his sword, then vomited "pure death" on Jax. She shook it off, horrified. Other party members attempted bow shots. The next round, the knight struck again, this time vomiting and casting a blinding flash. With the closest party members blinded, he pushed out into the main corridor, at the same time calling in a trio of skeletons to assist. <p></p><p>Flick took near-fatal blows before the skeletons were vanquished, and Slick impaled the knight with arrows in support of his hench. </p><p>Deep breath.</p><p>Ok, east door. Again, Jax took point. She pushed open the door, only to be confronted by a ghost... Rising up, "Are you a book thief?!?" "No! I can't even read!" (Jax has encountered a <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2022/04/a-return-to-abbey-of-st-martin.html">similar ghost </a>before). The ghost settled back, a bit distrustful. Especially when everyone else bundled in. Again, reassuring the ghost that they weren't book thieves, they got the apparition to settle down. </p><p>Introducing himself as Valentin Galodin, the ghost asked if the party were among the 'Keepers of the Light.' The party admitted that they weren't, and that the Keepers, and the associated Barrier, were long fallen. The ghost was confused at this. As the party spoke with him, realization dawned, and the ghost slowly realized that he was, indeed, a ghost. </p><p>He asked if the pyramid was still guarded, and the party admitted to having vanquished several of the other undead guardians of the place. Valentin sighed at the loss of his old compatriots, but yielded that they would have guarded the stronghold, even unto death. </p><p><Lore dump happens></p><p>Valentin's current frustration was that several volumes had disappeared. Rondel produced the defaced volumes that the party had recovered from CORMAC!'s quarters. The ghost was scandalized. Rondel pledged to restore the volumes, and Valentin recognized him as a "learned person." The ghost declined removal of the remaining books, as they were his protected volumes, and he felt the need to read them more in light of the party's revelations to him. Somewhere around now, a book appeared to float in space, and Orzu tackled it. DAMNIT! And fleeing footsteps.</p><p>Great, CORMAC! is now invisible ;)</p><p>Footsteps and swearing ran away. Up on their sniper perch, Fulvus and his crew heard footsteps, but between thrown caltrops and marbles, were unable to impede the invisible menace.</p><p>Valentin provided them with a holy symbol of Khador ("The Early Years") to dissuade any other local undead guardians (from his own corpse, that he suddenly noticed for the first time). The party bid Valentin adieu, and did their best to barricade and trap the library doors to secure the ghost and his remaining volumes. </p><p>Time to head back to town. </p><p>Did anyone watch the horses? Umm.... no? (roll die) - There are three horses left. The remainder were wyvern-chow.</p><p>(Armwave cross country travel)</p><p>The party returned to the town of Bizigath, and threw down. Wene gambled away all her money, and Rondel insulted one of the local priests, paying a healthy tithe to gain forgiveness.</p><p>Back to Opharel.</p><p>(Armwave travel)</p><p>Back in town, the party settled in, and were surprised to receive an invitation to the Autumnal Equinox ball from the trio of Theocracy soldiers who they had saved from Chaos mutants. </p><p><Fancy clothing shopping intensifies> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lSxqvW19ir-JuEGpNR4TtW19yhaxkjln8COTyVU4gJPvzGMVp5p30JELmKIAYaVKM3csMkbg_BzLudM41VNqO9inBDX0D_7qd9HzQ68e00gHNp-WX6CSpolJF_Ge8Pl71KkPnGp_IGR9jJPfYGZjnAdWXy-Qe6eDHUBNFExGKAPqAP5eCFVEWNFzRKE/s858/d60ee3c1906216b3f9a78cd535148bb5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lSxqvW19ir-JuEGpNR4TtW19yhaxkjln8COTyVU4gJPvzGMVp5p30JELmKIAYaVKM3csMkbg_BzLudM41VNqO9inBDX0D_7qd9HzQ68e00gHNp-WX6CSpolJF_Ge8Pl71KkPnGp_IGR9jJPfYGZjnAdWXy-Qe6eDHUBNFExGKAPqAP5eCFVEWNFzRKE/w266-h400/d60ee3c1906216b3f9a78cd535148bb5.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p></p><p>Orzu paid for a dance lesson for everyone. Except the halflings, since they are already stylin' dancers:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIR5pf_m3stHBoEt8uNGjqcgbCpBWKI7nUwLiKD3Q9Au5RGyhFJIRXFgHY3pwOlLM1goTGIGLMK_h8DTpYpA_965x4D_79dASR19LDQw9IArUrxEw9abtpWO-X9-UlcLM-CRMLmJFXDnSRLt5ZLgCLAuZJ4LUw9MpYKjyNT5w_fgFFR0V3D2JpA45pOk/s356/200.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="356" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIR5pf_m3stHBoEt8uNGjqcgbCpBWKI7nUwLiKD3Q9Au5RGyhFJIRXFgHY3pwOlLM1goTGIGLMK_h8DTpYpA_965x4D_79dASR19LDQw9IArUrxEw9abtpWO-X9-UlcLM-CRMLmJFXDnSRLt5ZLgCLAuZJ4LUw9MpYKjyNT5w_fgFFR0V3D2JpA45pOk/w400-h225/200.gif" width="400" /></a></div><p>The party was actually on their best behavior (probably because Slick's player had to bow out early). They spoke at some length with the expedition survivors, who recognized that the powers that be appeared to be pulling back, rather than continuing their own probes into the Chaos lands. Knowing that the party was looking into the bigger picture, Petre Gagua promised to provide some intelligence through more discreet means.</p><p>Jax was accosted by several children who were enamored by her dog and 6'2" presence. Goober appreciated the attention.</p><p>Frederick ended up talking with a ship's captain, Hailama Boku, who had been bringing a substantial amount of personnel and materiel across from Denuenth (Theocracy capital city and port). When asked about the Sea Dwarves, he said he avoided them at all costs, having been fortunate to have only encountered them once.</p><p>Rondel chatted with the local elf leader, Modwinn, who confirmed that she and the local community would do their best to investigate what they could of the old magics, and other rumors. And of course, they could help him accrue some new spells. For a modest sum...</p><p>Fulvus chatted up some '<a href="https://youtu.be/FkFMG817zQ8?si=wc6JgAspRw3P1N9I">Beguines</a>' - learned women, mystics and hospitallers new in town seeking to establish hostels and other waypoints to help support travelers and the downtrodden. Fulvus described several towns along the trade roads, which they noted. Their spokesperson, Sister Izalina, gave him a pamphlet, containing some inspiring and lovely liturgies.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbqIuwfjzneM6lvWNzhy2zFJtsgUCMnTZd9Dl8RHq4ExaATxEpp2CnWu8sHtEiM_r6xNO0yyBQ0j3kjb9RocEsmtwqv6IBehv6B0-FOFC0XLmFVvlHjYizRZ1Jdd1JDzZaGhFnTx24pHEJJNstVcJDkSxzbEV97iVwWmTGCMoi5Vmh9-vJNa0njY2fa4/s382/4493125_f260.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="260" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbqIuwfjzneM6lvWNzhy2zFJtsgUCMnTZd9Dl8RHq4ExaATxEpp2CnWu8sHtEiM_r6xNO0yyBQ0j3kjb9RocEsmtwqv6IBehv6B0-FOFC0XLmFVvlHjYizRZ1Jdd1JDzZaGhFnTx24pHEJJNstVcJDkSxzbEV97iVwWmTGCMoi5Vmh9-vJNa0njY2fa4/w273-h400/4493125_f260.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marguerite Porete, 1250-1310</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Thasunit Redheart, local dwarven leader, hit on Jax ("Nice mohawk, big lady!"). Fortunately, her various wingmen interposed with their usual string of intelligence-gathering. Redheart confirmed that his kin were more concerned with exploiting potential mines and plays in the mountains. Aware that other clans were en route, there were some conflicting claims to resolve. One way or another... Redheart confirmed that he had gotten word of occasional incursions from odd, twisted folk, but that his kin could either defend themselves or go to ground, as necessary. Regarding the Sea Dwarves, he had no contact with the insular clans, and suggested that an introduction via an advocate or ambassador would be necessary. </p><p>We closed for the night as the ball wound down. </p><p><b>DM Notes:</b></p><p>Another close, desperate fight, almost checking off another henchman. After the fight, there was some significant debate on continued clearing of the pyramid/hunt for CORMAC!, especially with the near-fatality of the fight. Finally it was decided to return to town, assess resources, and see how to find more help. But letting go of the hunt for CORMAC! was a tough sell...</p><p>The party plans on hiring henches specifically dedicated to horse-guarding...</p><p>I chose to skip travel this time through in the face of advancing the story. Spending half the session rolling random encounters while the party slunk back to town with their reduced horsepower didn't seem productive or useful in moving the story forward. At this point, a number of the players are looking to transform from dungeon crawlers into researchers and start pressing their influence. So killing goblins who are trying to steal your stuff isn't really helpful to that narrative. Better to go rub shoulders with the local celebrities. </p><p>Again, although I have generalities mapped out, plot-wise, one doesn't know what details will spark something new. A bit of a conversation from this session revealed a mechanism/justification for a possible future occurrence that has been residing in my notes for some time...</p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-67727818487068620122024-02-01T20:58:00.000-08:002024-03-08T08:04:22.347-08:00D66 Items at the Goblin Market<p>A few minutes of freewriting to loosen up the mind and foist something random upon you: </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcri0woec6B7bs9qe5Uhh_BAkTy0mpbL10LlDtDaKOE0KK_QKmtQIBIumE0gsAUrBzbsufZZAfpn07SxG5Rr6YoXJGVQAtbI7VyrIcLGywqln2ieHzLu0UGaiwxcbaBcWLP1NgsZ5giOfnEqe-nQRHlotMK2lceeFmQaX3wsCN-FMNwu8Z7blohhpGUeI/s3503/Goblin_Market_032.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3503" data-original-width="2387" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcri0woec6B7bs9qe5Uhh_BAkTy0mpbL10LlDtDaKOE0KK_QKmtQIBIumE0gsAUrBzbsufZZAfpn07SxG5Rr6YoXJGVQAtbI7VyrIcLGywqln2ieHzLu0UGaiwxcbaBcWLP1NgsZ5giOfnEqe-nQRHlotMK2lceeFmQaX3wsCN-FMNwu8Z7blohhpGUeI/w273-h400/Goblin_Market_032.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Goblin Market" by Arthur Rackham</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b style="font-size: large;">D66 Items at the Goblin Market - OR - Worst Scavenger Hunt Ever</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">11: Leather pouch with a small jade idol<br />12: Ring of rusty keys<br />13: Giant's pinkie ring<br />14: Small purse made of snow-snake hide<br />15: Crock of dung beetle dung (not the ball, actual dung beetle dung)<br />16: Dog collar ("Fluffy")<br />21: Several snakes cut from a medusa's head<br />22: Moose antlers (moose still attached)<br />23: A king's chariot<br />24: 1d3 obsidian-tipped arrows<br />25: Chain made of coins<br />26: Tundra-folk sledge<br />31: Basilisk eye in a jar of oil<br />32: Mammoth ivory ceremonial knife<br />33: Dried goblin hand<br />34: Spider-silk net<br />35: Vial of bat spit<br />36: Ghost ephemera in magic jar<br />41: A meteorite<br />42: Teeth from a hung man<br />43: Mug stolen from a castle guard-house<br />44: A hermit's cape<br />45: Displacer beast toenails<br />46: Distilled gelatinous cube<br />51: Hill giant's breechclout <br />52: Gladiator's blood-soaked manica<br />53: Crystal ball, slightly smoky<br />54: Coin from a dead usurper's eye<br />55: Drow sunscreen<br />56: Wizard's house slippers<br />61: Astrolabe for an alien sky<br />62: Cask of gnomish whiskey<br />63: Pegasus feathers, bunch<br />64: Small carnivorous plant in pot helm<br />65: Holy symbol of a dead god<br />66: A 5-sided die</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EUoSzhS8zjFfI5SNxj2SzpuU4r4cCZ7G/view?usp=sharing">PDF of List</a></b></i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYtxzhj8_akbiym-TIyziLGKZjsngxBZIDoCQx8Opa4SSaSsiJK-gBJnzQsWUcw6Mb7usLiDrIJkU7-c4K1ZWnLl4icz91kzAquRuwK3rS2Dk1EEkyw5BJzVMey4OBHS_rsK6f5-LgmrjPcCqE0CL7YYvS-bN_4QssNxRr1BBxRU9etpcNy_A4rRlae8/s750/g25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYtxzhj8_akbiym-TIyziLGKZjsngxBZIDoCQx8Opa4SSaSsiJK-gBJnzQsWUcw6Mb7usLiDrIJkU7-c4K1ZWnLl4icz91kzAquRuwK3rS2Dk1EEkyw5BJzVMey4OBHS_rsK6f5-LgmrjPcCqE0CL7YYvS-bN_4QssNxRr1BBxRU9etpcNy_A4rRlae8/w400-h320/g25.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Goblin Market" by <a href="https://www.studiorayyan.com/">Omar Rayyan</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-82607869073621056542024-01-28T18:47:00.000-08:002024-01-29T07:05:17.925-08:00Late Delivery: Secret Santicorn 2023<p> Christmas gifts that keep on giving? </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><blockquote>For the OSR secret santicorn, you've
been paired with wyattwashere, who wants “<i>A list of modern/urban
creatures for use in horror-investigation games like Call of Cthulhu
or Delta Green. The weirder and more niche the better!</i>”</blockquote><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Been on this one for a bit. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I read through my Delta Green quickstart, and thumbed through my CoC. Through it all, the Hounds of Tindalos kept popping up in my imagination.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLk5H9fMKqA90sMCnt-z3oHw8a3sArrM4Q0CjN0U7gdV-FEV7_6RmJbUDje8EyG3CvxLD7BUhoVLbjXG_Sg4c9HjXuTRHqLKM3ej_OYn1hcPBJuFyeXtiNMVcWUg0_APVuzi3NUPairXLD_XP4l23WKzXyRdTT2fW4p7QTJJqWZPs8NbmlLlemO-XbGs/s600/houndtindalos72dpi-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="600" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLk5H9fMKqA90sMCnt-z3oHw8a3sArrM4Q0CjN0U7gdV-FEV7_6RmJbUDje8EyG3CvxLD7BUhoVLbjXG_Sg4c9HjXuTRHqLKM3ej_OYn1hcPBJuFyeXtiNMVcWUg0_APVuzi3NUPairXLD_XP4l23WKzXyRdTT2fW4p7QTJJqWZPs8NbmlLlemO-XbGs/w400-h325/houndtindalos72dpi-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good puppy (<a href="https://torenatkinson.com/artwork/illustration/">source</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So why not start from there?</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><writing ensues> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> For inspiration, downloaded a glut of images from artist <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/0ndes">0nedes</a>, who heavily inspired a <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2020/04/happy-jackalope-2020-writing-prompt.html">prior writing exercise</a>, also with a dark horror/post-apocalypse vibe. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I mean look at this cutie: </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEsf-r6_N__0cxQfpZJ2nSgWPPccnRd2ozWmX8qfgFhw4OfKFdh5GKxKdKH-kbKSKFZ8B42e5nOtXioGJNJvNhyJtVtKnceCS5SzVMBeelRTuJ6-R566er-8Xf2FUrSUq3HMbysrqAW4y5wTbzpOr57GwPGNXDtBjj-d10t6dpt7978mwuBwNrVfhq18/s1280/nameless_232_by_0ndes_deyu4up-fullview.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEsf-r6_N__0cxQfpZJ2nSgWPPccnRd2ozWmX8qfgFhw4OfKFdh5GKxKdKH-kbKSKFZ8B42e5nOtXioGJNJvNhyJtVtKnceCS5SzVMBeelRTuJ6-R566er-8Xf2FUrSUq3HMbysrqAW4y5wTbzpOr57GwPGNXDtBjj-d10t6dpt7978mwuBwNrVfhq18/w400-h400/nameless_232_by_0ndes_deyu4up-fullview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Who could deny a darling creature like that? "Honey, it wants in!"</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Additional inspiration via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DanDavisHistory">Dan Davis History</a>, with a bit of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Crecganford">Crecganford</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannel">Esoterica</a>. Soundtrack by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@cryochamberlabel">Cryo Chamber</a> and other Dark Ambient channels.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So I'm not sure that I met the criteria for modern/urban, just for the fact that I created a mini-Mythos dating back to Neanderthal times and heavily influenced by Stone to early Bronze Age Indo-European cultures and myths. I mean, why use the published material when you can start from scratch? That said, I rounded up several modern references and occurrences that dovetail in with a potential 'reawakening' of beings/creatures, as well as some descriptions of the misguided or corrupted souls who may want to interact with it.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ci5x-R7UZR5rsezo4eqxw5Mq9k-I_-Eu/view?usp=drive_link">They Called Them Wolves</a> (link permissions fixed)</b></i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Thanks also to <a href="https://archons-court.blogspot.com/">Archon's Court </a>for shepherding the project through this year.</p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-66952290001283806092024-01-26T20:45:00.000-08:002024-01-26T23:44:56.269-08:00Campaign Journal: The Ha'Tak Pyramid Welcoming Committee<p>When last we left our heroes, at least a couple were picking shrapnel out of their various bits.</p><p>Who made it?</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fulvus, halfling</li><li>Frederick, thief</li><li>Jax, barbarian</li><li>Rondel, elf</li><li>Slick, thief</li><li>Orzu, gnome (who had apparently been outside the pyramid taking a leak during the prior shenanigans)</li></ul>Catching their breath, it was decided to pursue Grenade Throwing Dude (GTD). Checking the northeast door from whence he had appeared, no sound was heard. Cracking the door, they found an empty chamber with three exits and a painting of Khador (in her "wild party years" guise). Painting immediately filched. <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpXncG_J_VbDWfPtr9TfEEvuhyphenhyphen2lL2M6cakTdviOImcyKyVu21WFLRUInXb01GN01EqAWtIQ0aF9jzr0GdGqLeTCGeKP2No4f0jUnC-fLQ6uT7XeZisoirY9Lgejzc_2kf0ZROXl4Gcpbk5W1-jKjVLv8W6QdWS5eGWIs9g25jCFh5sORXEx2ewrl1go/s817/09-harry-clarke-perrault-50watts.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="550" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpXncG_J_VbDWfPtr9TfEEvuhyphenhyphen2lL2M6cakTdviOImcyKyVu21WFLRUInXb01GN01EqAWtIQ0aF9jzr0GdGqLeTCGeKP2No4f0jUnC-fLQ6uT7XeZisoirY9Lgejzc_2kf0ZROXl4Gcpbk5W1-jKjVLv8W6QdWS5eGWIs9g25jCFh5sORXEx2ewrl1go/w269-h400/09-harry-clarke-perrault-50watts.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something like this (original by Harry Clarke)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>No sounds were heard from the three exit doors (although Goober was suspicious about the north and west doors), and Fulvus and hench Wena kicked the western exit open:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_gr9J8i8Ge6FlQoD30YJzkpmrlXs9Z_meHyM-F47eM8Qqi5dVlFibpwz77Y1SHsAiWz2N-8BZ6lkBRwdFoQonu9EJs8xOhhyphenhypheniy97K1L3HSrwEZp45OBzZDGuOAAR9URyaUIY-f0eyTGQJ54XQzjL_6KmoJhksMTRISSK-cXG4ACnRtUNCNAcWRPWdNM/s1500/ddqmofa-1a0438d4-3875-42b2-8ba5-dc4fcdf7af66.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1128" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_gr9J8i8Ge6FlQoD30YJzkpmrlXs9Z_meHyM-F47eM8Qqi5dVlFibpwz77Y1SHsAiWz2N-8BZ6lkBRwdFoQonu9EJs8xOhhyphenhypheniy97K1L3HSrwEZp45OBzZDGuOAAR9URyaUIY-f0eyTGQJ54XQzjL_6KmoJhksMTRISSK-cXG4ACnRtUNCNAcWRPWdNM/w301-h400/ddqmofa-1a0438d4-3875-42b2-8ba5-dc4fcdf7af66.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Sup, yo <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/beaver-skin/art/Undead-Knight-830788390">(source)</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After a brief beatdown by the undead knight, Fulvus and Wena bravely retreated, assisted by Rondel and a <i>web</i> spell. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, Slick and Flick cracked the north door, encountering a couple of burly skeletons in an old barracks. Henry Cee repelled them, and the two thieves pursued, eventually taking them down. The barracks and adjacent storeroom were pretty much devoid of valuables. Although Slick did find a jar of pennies (thanks to a crap roll on a <a href="https://donjon.bin.sh/">Donjon</a> treasure table).</div><div><br /></div><div>Frederick was wisely watching the third door. And of course GTD cracks that door open, zaps him with a <i>Chromatic Orb</i>, and bolts. A side effect of the Orb was a nausea-inducing cloud, which half the party failed. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRsOnVkpP3vbc6ziD7kVjsjHZ7zngvo_fE9PzXmyqEM4vYzv3of5wZIJBn8sD-hBDBnh7BCl3jWL-y2URFY9r3MCzokKta3aYk9ey1XMQcUWir0Tz2bs1quuUruQbrPvCZ_467_q2m7A8xswCVmQh198JnojTZ44rGc51R7F0hILVXfEPacF80JRNxTw/s300/27054-f8b8ada15af58fc4710d7f18c1b90361.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRsOnVkpP3vbc6ziD7kVjsjHZ7zngvo_fE9PzXmyqEM4vYzv3of5wZIJBn8sD-hBDBnh7BCl3jWL-y2URFY9r3MCzokKta3aYk9ey1XMQcUWir0Tz2bs1quuUruQbrPvCZ_467_q2m7A8xswCVmQh198JnojTZ44rGc51R7F0hILVXfEPacF80JRNxTw/s1600/27054-f8b8ada15af58fc4710d7f18c1b90361.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like this guy, but with grenades.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Most of the party retreated to the central room. The undead knight was slain from a safe distance, and decent treasure recovered. </div><div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>In the meantime, Rondel, Jax, Goober, and Raspberry ascended another spiral stair found in the eastern room there GTD had disappeared into. They found themselves on the exterior of the second level of a step pyramid. The group scouted a bit, but no sign of GTD. Goober followed a scent trail to a corresponding set of stairs in the southeast corner of the pyramid.</div><div><br /></div><div>But this dude showed up, again:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn8UdbAufLMeujapSFhZCz1lpslHrddSTidYJTo2UxwbICwKjmU6Xe_nOCE9RVEEztjeHxG_gSP0aZqnpjZud1YeMahKp-rz4IAUyXomSCLdljM5aqoxRYHzYgSw9pA5omwOVapLBJ-ybrfxFwb6yOHzgykAqFUua3TYMqprQSHJC7PGlXENihz4knN4/s1444/turquoise_dragon_by_akreon_dd4kez4-pre.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1444" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn8UdbAufLMeujapSFhZCz1lpslHrddSTidYJTo2UxwbICwKjmU6Xe_nOCE9RVEEztjeHxG_gSP0aZqnpjZud1YeMahKp-rz4IAUyXomSCLdljM5aqoxRYHzYgSw9pA5omwOVapLBJ-ybrfxFwb6yOHzgykAqFUua3TYMqprQSHJC7PGlXENihz4knN4/w400-h154/turquoise_dragon_by_akreon_dd4kez4-pre.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi! <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/akreon/art/Turquoise-Dragon-793731280">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Everyone bolted to the southeast staircase, leaping over a short parapet to escape the diving beast. Well, everyone except Raspberry. </div><div><br /></div><div>RIP. (Edit: there were table jokes on all that was left was Raspberry's beret. And tonight's brewery pun was Raspberry puree...)</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to regroup. The party barricaded themselves in the abandoned barracks overnight, taking advantage of Henry's healing spells and some questionable healing aids from various sources. Other than footsteps, the night was generally uneventful. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back at it. The party continued to clear the remaining rooms in the northeast quarter of the pyramid's ground floor. While watching their backs. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jackpot! They uncovered GTD's quarters, a stinking collection of bedding and chemicals. Rondel was scandalized to find several old books, all defaced with screeds and conspiracy theories. Orzu took a quick look and found a couple plausible...</div><div><br /></div><div>Slick, Orzu, and Torvald cracked a door, finding shelves of concoctions. Someone bumped the shelf <b><i>(Boom!)</i></b>. Thankfully, the resulting explosion was fairly weak, and the three escaped with minor shrapnel and singeing. Slick found some more loose change.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to explore the central staircase. Cautiously. Creeping upward, our heroes found a medium-sized empty chamber, its walls lined with frescoes of Khador (The Early Years). Again, defaced. A shame.</div><div><br /></div><div>Frederick donned his trick scarf (<i>invisibility</i>, one turn) and crept up the stairs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wyvern balls.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><no image available></div><div><br /></div><div>Hustling back down, he reported the beast's presence. Followed way too much planning in the avenging of Raspberry.</div><div><br /></div><div>So much so, that by the time that Slick crept up to attempt a backstab, the wyvern was doing the equivalent of drumming its fingers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Backstab failed. The wyvern let loose a terrifying scream, scattering part of the party, and clawed Slick. A hail of arrows dealt it great harm, and it fled. Torvald clumped to the top of the stairs and hurled his spear, dealing the fatal blow. And now Fulvus has another head for his future alehouse.</div><div><br /></div><div>The party uncovered a damaged, but intact, ruby lens and caught their breath.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>DM Notes:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The interlude between weeks allowed me to fill the spaces and refine some bits of the pyramid and foes, hopefully making it more cohesive. At least for a space containing a wyvern, undead, and a crazy illusionist-alchemist. </div><div><br /></div><div>This particular dungeon-space has been exceptionally fun to stock and run, as it has multiple loops and exits, which allow for guerilla actions by GHD. And the party hates him. So much fun. Oh, his name is CORMAC MACGIOBAHN!1! as the party has discovered, but he's referred to by multiple epithets. </div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>As I post this, it's the 50th anniversary of our weird little game. I'm glad to have become reacquainted with it over the last several years. It's rekindled a lot of creativity and given me the opportunity to interact with people internationally who share the joy of various flavors of RPGs. And to work up my own courage to get behind the screen and embrace the chaos. </div><div><br /></div><div>And, with the age of our hobby, we have lost many of the original creators and pioneers of the game. Unfortunately, another influential individual of game design has passed beyond the veil. Jennell Jaquays created dynamic, looping spaces, both on tabletop and computer RPGs, influencing game design, so much so that her name became attached to the concept. Her spirit is in these sessions, as GTD conducts his harassment of the party and flees, cackling. </div><div><br /></div><div>A gofundme has been established, originally to offset Jennell's medical costs associated with <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362793">Guillain-Barré syndrome</a>, and now to defray funeral costs. Share back if you are able. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/jennell-jaquays-has-a-long-road-back">https://www.gofundme.com/f/jennell-jaquays-has-a-long-road-back</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-1569842425443540042024-01-09T21:58:00.000-08:002024-01-10T07:59:37.129-08:00Campaign Journal: Headed North<p><b> ... and this is why you always plan, at least minimally ...</b></p><p>Who showed up?</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Slick - thief</li><li>Fulvus - halfling</li><li>Rondel - elf</li><li>Fred - thief</li><li>Jax - barbarian</li></ul><p></p><p>First, some quick worldbuilding. An opening question to the players. "So you've been adventuring for a while. And a few of you have been 'mostly dead.' What scars or other distinguishing characteristics have you accumulated?" ... </p><p>That done, the PCs, after the prior session's misadventures and misbehaviors, decided that finding the northernmost node of the Barrier should be a priority, recognizing that the Theocracy had located and occupied one point, and Chaos seemed to be on the move.</p><p>Some brief resupply took place, Rondel dropped off his exploration notes with elvin stenographer Ellarwel, and the party prepped to leave town.</p><p>But first: Is there a local alchemist for some potions? I don't know. 2d6: 12. Yes, definitely... (Random name) Umm. Mery Clemyth has a shop west of town. Brother Sigeric has directions... Anyway, the party picked up a few items to make nuisances of themselves with. Healing potions? You're kidding, no reputable alchemist would dabble in that...</p><p>And off we go.</p><p>North we go along the trade road. Encounter at nightfall. Damnit, do I want to dig through my folio for my encounter sheet? Nah. Um... well-equipped and armed caravan hauling skins and ivory from the Khanates in the north. Caravan master (random name) Bruno Spadaro of the Spadaro trading family, you haven't heard of us? The PCs shook their heads. But Slick was quite enamored with the fellow's flamboyant hat. The PCs learned a bit of the mysterious northern Khanates, and their affinity for books. In fact, the caravan had a few traded used books in addition to their more valuable cargo. Rondel rooted through the books, picking one with the intriguing title of "Myths of the Comet-Fall." Could it have something to do with the Paragons of the Comet zealots/assholes that the party encountered? Time will tell.</p><p>Everyone settled down for the night. Except Slick. He wanted that hat. The dice were soooo on Slick's side. So many good rolls. The stakes just kept going up. Still good rolls. Finally, Slick was in the caravan master's wagon. He began to open a chest. <i>CREAK</i>. Finally! Hehe. Slick made one more good roll and escaped into the night, undiscovered. But hatless. The caravan master checked his ajar door, shrugged, and made sure it was <i>securely</i> locked. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Slick really needs a <a href="https://memetictees.com/blog/2011/10/poor-impulse-control-t-shirt/#:~:text=In%20the%20excelent%20novel%20%E2%80%9CSnow,for%20committing%20a%20violent%20crime.">"Poor Impulse Control"</a> tattoo.<p></p><p>Anyway, onward. The party continued north the next day. While eating lunch near some standing stones (never a bad sign). This..</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQwZnS6fmGG1k_BYiljWTOeHQ85xqT_YTIDU6lbiVset-xuc0JjPJaQ6OPavCBqJS4sdTIZFpPAHHEqRGZVgruRt01EjJWlVY8C2E7XeVh589wpQRBg-4GUu6TeZ01Vj0ofxT0vEuYYjNsSzQlJwOgYKJS_iKgqM-PY8crC-jqEHAJtXEy-SYNSAlQ4I/s1024/reaper_skeleton_chimera_by_gunderic_def2g18-fullview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1024" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQwZnS6fmGG1k_BYiljWTOeHQ85xqT_YTIDU6lbiVset-xuc0JjPJaQ6OPavCBqJS4sdTIZFpPAHHEqRGZVgruRt01EjJWlVY8C2E7XeVh589wpQRBg-4GUu6TeZ01Vj0ofxT0vEuYYjNsSzQlJwOgYKJS_iKgqM-PY8crC-jqEHAJtXEy-SYNSAlQ4I/w400-h299/reaper_skeleton_chimera_by_gunderic_def2g18-fullview.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.deviantart.com/gunderic/art/Reaper-Skeleton-Chimera-871834796">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>...trundled out of the woods and attacked Rondel. Thankfully, the party did their usual dogpile and dispatched it before too much significant damage was incurred. Fulvus took the skulls for his future alehouse.</p><p>The party overnighted in a village called Bizigath before heading cross-country eastward in search of the northern node. </p><p>Having dead-reckoned off a couple of maps, Rondel cast <i>locate object</i> to scan for the final node. At the same time, Jax looked through the trees at the ruined pyramid and asked, "Is that it?" :)</p><p>The players scouted around the structure, noting some creature lurking on its peak. With nightfall approaching, they retreated to a 'safe' distance and made camp. On second watch, the lurking thing attacked...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkVr7gtvzXrLMhEYzJQpvbiEjMn4hT-MSOU1JLAASvElIYv4t6igdlLml1PhzuWOD5ZwYtBDliaspvDpZhMR5A1Nr7oo6d0WNDxP8b9obgG5sZHha38jVLaOoRbpjcoga6KnV6ExoxzSeRS-1z0OMFh0u4IZmh5AFs7cyd1FW0ObknlbCBwu4KHfVVGM/s1280/wyvern_by_rhadov_df1dpnp-fullview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkVr7gtvzXrLMhEYzJQpvbiEjMn4hT-MSOU1JLAASvElIYv4t6igdlLml1PhzuWOD5ZwYtBDliaspvDpZhMR5A1Nr7oo6d0WNDxP8b9obgG5sZHha38jVLaOoRbpjcoga6KnV6ExoxzSeRS-1z0OMFh0u4IZmh5AFs7cyd1FW0ObknlbCBwu4KHfVVGM/w400-h240/wyvern_by_rhadov_df1dpnp-fullview.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.deviantart.com/rhadov/art/Wyvern-909312037">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>It caused some damage, took several arrows, and fled. The party passed a nervous remainder of the night.</div><div><br /></div><div>The following morning, the party approached the pyramid, locating double doors for access, with no wyvern in sight. They passed through a couple of rooms, finding a large central chamber. Reconnoitering around, the party listened at a couple of doors, and Fulvus stepped through a collapsed wall. Setting off an explosive trap. Oops. Hope no one heard that...</div><div><p>Frederick, investigating another door was surprised when it burst open, and a wild-eyed fellow threw a grenade. BOOM.</p><p>More mayhem, including a failed <i>charm</i> from Rondel, and the welcoming fellow rapidly departed, yelling, "Let the dead take you!" The smoke cleared, and everyone reflected on that bit of information. </p><p>Rondel poked into another side room, dodging a couple of swords. Retreating, he was followed by a trio of robust skeletons. Oh, so that's what the guy meant. BASHBASHBASH.</p><p>And with that, we paused for the night...</p><p><b>DM Notes:</b></p><p>So, I'd written up two pages of plot points, NPCs, social encounters, and possible complications, all based on the assumption that the PCs were staying in town. All very snazzy, and inspired by readings on the topics from "<a href="https://thealexandrian.net/so-you-want-to-be-a-game-master">So You Want to Be a Game Master</a>." So well prepared.</p><p>One hour before the session, I grabbed the two northernmost "node" dungeon maps and <i>very</i> roughly made some notes regarding their occupants and features. One was occupied by Theocracy forces, so that was a quick "Troops here" stocking, with a few features. </p><p>The remaining map was the northern "anchor" point of the Barrier. So it needed a few challenges. Crap. Squint at the map. Note a few general features. Look at clock. Crapcrap. Rip a couple of critters from an 'Adventurous' scenario I've <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2022/11/its-a-very-wyvern-thanksgiving-halfling.html">cribbed from before</a>. (Note: I've received the rules, and need to review after a healthy read-through). Look at clock. Crapcrapcrap. I need more stuff. Make up crazy grenade dude on the fly, come up with a shaky rationale for his presence, and roll up some random treasure from <a href="https://donjon.bin.sh/d20/treasure/index.cgi">Donjon</a>. Good enough. They won't go north anyway. I'll have time to refine it.</p><p>"So we discussed finding the last location..." Oh. Why yes, of course! I'm totally ready (shuffleshuffleshuffle...).</p><p>Nothing like being <i>TOTALLY</i> prepared for every contingency.</p><p>It is, of course, a monster of my own making. At this point, we have a number of leads and hooks to pursue. It's just what the players want to chase. As always, I'm grateful to have a group of engaged, curious, and slightly chaotic players. </p><p><br /></p></div>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-58654680704628669872023-12-20T21:54:00.000-08:002023-12-21T13:45:35.392-08:00Campaign Journal: Out On the Town<p> Who made it?</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Rondel - elf</li><li>Fulvus - halfling</li><li>Jax - barbarian</li><li>Slick - Thief</li><li>Orzu - Illusionist</li></ul>The session began with a recounting/retromod of the return to Brother Sigeric, since we'd cut off a bit abruptly at the end of the last session. The party returned to the city gates at dusk, talking their way past the guards (plus a minor toll). No questions were asked regarding the lump under the tarp.<p></p><p>The brother was eating dinner, but took a break from his repast to greet the party. He was, understandably, <i>disappointed</i> to hear that he'd been double-crossed by the merchant's guild. Sigeric did honor the professionalism of the surviving mercenaries and promised them safe passage. Likewise, he was happy to receive his wayward scout back, and suggested that the youth had learned an important lesson regarding watching his step. Oh, and Brother Sigeric now owes the party a favor. Something for the party to meditate on.</p><p>The party was ready to head back to the inn for their own dinner and celebrations. The Brother offered a couple of youth to take their horses to the stable to save them some steps. The party accepted, although Jax insisted on joining. After all, the party just gained six more horses, and although they have a good relationship with Saint Vivinna's Home for the Wayward, "accidents" do happen.</p><p>And so they did...</p><p>Outside of the city walls on the way to the stables, and in a conveniently dark location, three individuals stepped from the shadows to inquire if anyone might be hiring out. Jax shrugged and suggested the caravans. The three got a bit closer, looked at her, and said that it would be best that her friends stop looking for barriers out in the wilderness. This put her off a bit. As did one of them trying to hit her with an axe. It was on. Unfortunately, our brave barbarian was a bit on her heels as the second of the three <i>slept</i> most of her companions, and another cast <i>fear</i> on the ever reliable Goober. Dammit.</p><p><span></span>Oh, and the one dude had a beak, or was is a plague doctor mask? Tough to tell in the dark.</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Jax struck out, and was summarily incapacitated by a cloud of spores expelled from the mouth (beak?) of the apparent spellcaster. Striking blindly, she dealt him a solid blow. Unfortunately, in the confusion, neither of her other foes made much of a dent in her... She attempted to clear her head with some medicinal herbs, but to no avail. <p></p><p>The sounds of struggle had alarmed the stable, and two stable boys rushed out to aid the embattled party. One struck the spellcaster, but was struck down in turn by another of the baddies. Deciding that they had raised enough attention, the three assailants slunk off (although Goober, recovered, did send one off with a good ass-bite). </p><p>The city guard was called, and Jax gave a somewhat confused report regarding her assailants, likely due to the spore cloud effects. The doomed stable boy was bundled up by a priest, and the two "Wayward" youths decided to remain at the stable as night guards.</p><p>Jax stumbled back to the inn, with a report of the events. With that, she retired to the bath house to wash off the spores and clear her head.</p><p>Rondel departed with a couple other elves for the "Elf-moot" gathering of the small local elven population. He shared his travels and researches of the Barrier and other curiosities of the wilderness. A prolific note-taker, he agreed to share knowledge (as well as rubbings collected by the dearly departed Mareth) with the elves in hope that they might be able to shed some light on the magics involved.</p><p>The remaining party, well, partied... Several <a href="https://jrients.blogspot.com/2008/12/party-like-its-999.html">carousing rolls</a> were made. Most survived their drinking, although Roderick, Fulvus' hench lost a couple hundred gold gambling (to Slick and Orzu). Oh, and Slick, Orzu, and Fulvus decided to do a drunken heist of the other bath house in town, distracting bathers and attendants with pretty lights and drunken bath price inquiries. Slick cleared out a few purses worth of loose change and some other <a href="https://donjon.bin.sh/fantasy/random/#type=purse">random items</a> before the three ran giggling back to the inn...</p><p>The following morning, their hangover breakfast was interrupted by Serafina Rissanen and her colleagues - the local representatives of the so-called "Paragons of the Comet" - zealots even within the auspices of the Theocracy. The party responded with appropriate surliness and cynicism to one who has disturbed one's biscuits and gravy. The Paragons made it clear that the party's bringing of Chaos within the walls of Opharel (Toby the crab-man, RIP) was unacceptable, and that they were a distraction to the Theocracy's true mission of consolidating its own faith and power in the region. As well as hunting for heretics.</p><p>That distraction past, the party finished breakfast and decided to pay the city's artificer a visit, as it was rumored that he may have recovered items from another Barrier node. That was put off by the Theocracy guards around his residence-lab. The party even tried, "Don't you know who we are?" to no avail. They did send a runner to deliver a message to the Tribunal, asking access to the artificer. No reply was received, and they departed to find some street food and plan next steps.</p><p>Over their repast of dead-thing-on-a-stick, they watched a ship offloading cargo, settlers, and other passengers. This was of minor interest, until a young woman and a couple of companions disembarked and started to preach loudly of Chaos and twisted ones threatening the city and civilization. She became even more interesting when the city guard rapidly bundled her off, probably to the local gaol. Just a bit much of a coincidence.</p><p>Orzu suggested reaching out to the military leader, Alonso Ngom, who seemed to be relatively open to the party. A bottle of whisky was sent as an offering. Alonso responded to meet at one of the other local inns (probably one with a sufficient number of dark corners). </p><p>Alonso greeted them, and explained that yes, Serafina was a handful, and yes, she was in charge of the Paragon locally (so no, they couldn't talk to the manager). He revealed that the Tribunal was still in discussion with respect to the intelligence provided by the party, but seemed to be in favor of withdrawing and consolidating control. He himself was cautious of becoming overextended in these lands, but would marshall his forces as needed. The Theocracy had explored and secured an apparent Node location, but were unsure of its significance. Although he had little concrete news, he seemed willing to share. As to the young woman arrested, he had no news, but the Theocracy was used to such crackpots preaching in the streets, and if they appeared to be a concern, they were taken in for their own protection...</p><p>With that, he begged his leave, as it wasn't necessarily wise to be seen in the company of <i>infidels</i>...</p><p>Well then...</p><p>Oh, and Merry Christmas, Happy Solstice, Happy Hanukkah, Good Yule, <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2022/05/writing-prompt-secret-jackalope-2022.html?m=1">Grim Dance of the Winter Wolves</a>, or whatever midwinter's holiday you celebrate in your own lair or stronghold.</p><p>We'll be back after the new Year's with a "Secret Santicorn" request and more hijinks from the party.</p><p>Thanks for following along.</p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-63544954427171172252023-12-10T14:30:00.000-08:002023-12-10T14:30:22.912-08:00The Temple of Kalonius<p>Per my <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/12/campaign-journal-doing-job.html">prior campaign journal</a>, I created a temple/tomb for the players to raid and explore. The session was a good opportunity for playtesting the adventure, and I found some weaknesses in the face of my low-mid level party. </p><p>The published version uses the creator's title for the deity, versus one from my campaign pantheon. The areas and foes are written for generic OSR play. Based on the playtest, I added a hazard and stiffened a few of the foes to increase the challenge if things come to blows, as well. </p><p>It was a fun session, with some good problem-solving, hectic combat, and roleplaying. Along with the general chaos that is my group. Hopefully your table will have some fun with it, as well.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgp1kc_w3Jc6rZUlk98TjGk-7b86hHQM_oJK1KjfnF4fP7yFny8izkfgxxPKbIPzXBjAcPuOYbYRpIUbL_fhwZEswFf0LPrYYz8i1SeAkvqzujUJq3sWhH1Ek-VvIk2f4LsK5YLEAokb7olKAko-Mun2EckQnbjGkusUuKEKV9DR17l2d7U8xyGnwUWUo/s1163/Title%20page%20r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="899" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgp1kc_w3Jc6rZUlk98TjGk-7b86hHQM_oJK1KjfnF4fP7yFny8izkfgxxPKbIPzXBjAcPuOYbYRpIUbL_fhwZEswFf0LPrYYz8i1SeAkvqzujUJq3sWhH1Ek-VvIk2f4LsK5YLEAokb7olKAko-Mun2EckQnbjGkusUuKEKV9DR17l2d7U8xyGnwUWUo/w309-h400/Title%20page%20r.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/463343/The-Temple-of-Kalonius">Download me here</a></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-5756142245520158112023-12-06T09:54:00.000-08:002023-12-08T20:00:59.096-08:00Monster: Damned Horses<p><i>"Yeah, when the riding animals start fighting, we're in new territory"</i> <b>- Frederick</b></p><p>The party heard the sounds of struggle and battle through the trees. Rushing forward, they glimpsed four mounted warriors in a desperate fight against an unequal number of Chaos mutants, some on foot, some mounted. As they watched, one of the warriors was dragged from his horse and slain.</p><p>"Are we heroes today?" "I guess so.."</p><p>The skulky characters quickly assessed the scene, fading away to target the apparent leaders of the foes, as the elf and a couple of henchmen readied bows and spells to pick off the soldiers...</p><p>Slick and Flick made their ways around the melee, getting into position to shank the Chaos knight on his warhorse. Out of the corner of his eye, Slick saw the robed figure struggling with Frederick as he reappeared. Now! Slick leapt, stabbing between the knight's plate, as his companion flanked from the opposite side. Gravely wounded, the knight reeled in his saddle as his warhorse instinctively wheeled to seek the threat.</p><p>Slick looked up to see the horse rear with a horrid scream and glaring red eyes. A pair of iron-shod hooves sprouting what appeared to be rooster spurs came down on him, hard, nearly sending him to the Other Side...</p>... And <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/10/campaign-journal-damned-horses.html">that</a> is how my party became aware of the Damned Horses. Like many of their Chaos foes, the horses have also been mutated to become "more perfect" in the eyes of the Maker.<br /><div>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix94__lQ9P_BC4Jlu2WyLqWk5PVzWDzmfIxKbbnX-BgFinGms4j0Wkn1galnCiFaAHoKpnk69Le9ZyBd86kjfu9rOV1aHzTcUbwSLodNp2lEH191m7Jop527-vTHcpl4Z1hWHZuZEHnqcSmq8bgeGz22TO3crmOz58B-MjO_3fmvNEeAdhxwxJVs8iIV0/s923/salin_by_rigardatta_deol9s2-pre.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="923" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix94__lQ9P_BC4Jlu2WyLqWk5PVzWDzmfIxKbbnX-BgFinGms4j0Wkn1galnCiFaAHoKpnk69Le9ZyBd86kjfu9rOV1aHzTcUbwSLodNp2lEH191m7Jop527-vTHcpl4Z1hWHZuZEHnqcSmq8bgeGz22TO3crmOz58B-MjO_3fmvNEeAdhxwxJVs8iIV0/w400-h375/salin_by_rigardatta_deol9s2-pre.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Damned Horses by <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/rigardatta">Rigardatta</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>Chaos warriors and mages ride out from the mountain stronghold-labs on their fierce horses: dark, scaled, sprouting hog-bristles, obvious fangs or rooster spurs. Like the other Chaos forces, they have been twisted by the vivimancy of the Maker. Some even carry similar fervent energies as their riders, entering combat with the same deadly zealousness and resolve.<div><br /><b>Damned Horse, Riding:</b> Will not accept other riders except its own, will fight as long as its rider is mounted. If the rider is unhorsed or slain, the horse will tend to flee rather than fight unless cornered.</div><div><br />AC 6/13; HD 3 (13hp); Atk: [+2 to hit]: 2x hoof (1d6) + either bite (1d6) or spurs (hoof+2); Movement: 240/80'; Morale 7<br /><br /></div><div><b>Damned Horse, War:</b> Will not accept other riders except its own. Even if the rider is unhorsed or slain, the horse will likely fight to the death in a blind fury. Somewhat intelligent, Damned War Horses have been known to <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/11/campaign-journal-road-to-opharel.html">stalk foes</a> in revenge for the loss of their masters.</div><div><br />AC 6/13; HD 4 (17hp); Atk: [+3 to hit]: 2x hoof (1d8) + either bite (1d6) or spurs (hoof+2); Movement: 120/40'; Morale 9</div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Charge: When not in melee. Requires a clear run of at least 20 yards. Rider’s lance inflicts double damage. Horse cannot attack when charging.</li><li>Melee: When in melee, both rider and horse can attack.</li></ul></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV7uvAPl3_wtK674piztlm7UK_frovSnTB4Pqshwgq5ibXHVeQqUBv81OAgs13B4x1eWCeENm2S-dJCoiaG7kEhaY_o-OQk-u_xv7T9lNfs-Okaew_K1IbxYIL3GIOXs8_NX4Zs7FVmDMcwmVl3CXcFk15yQ0KnfIBgTGcXTWluBsG873k6_2rqQ7BOc/s1044/tasko_by_rigardatta_dda19wp-pre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1044" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV7uvAPl3_wtK674piztlm7UK_frovSnTB4Pqshwgq5ibXHVeQqUBv81OAgs13B4x1eWCeENm2S-dJCoiaG7kEhaY_o-OQk-u_xv7T9lNfs-Okaew_K1IbxYIL3GIOXs8_NX4Zs7FVmDMcwmVl3CXcFk15yQ0KnfIBgTGcXTWluBsG873k6_2rqQ7BOc/w400-h293/tasko_by_rigardatta_dda19wp-pre.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b><i>Caution:</i></b> Use of Damned Horses in your game may cause ongoing equine trauma by certain thieves targeted by such critters.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_7cmlKISZDvC3pCD27b-BbE3mEfY78Wn123Za1qBupF4DZL6mAym-BwBQKogopDLBt76wU_Yv_zpe2_hFpvR9ix7psOwOjZWzsa2-FWNXoXjZ32M36ZPIukJnTc6m2K347aC595FbbbDUGjTHkIgFP_cqSWCFOp_UVem5XD7bTFjfZUWoekDTYvxriM/s1057/attu_battle_asmug_vs_contash_by_rigardatta_dd512mw-pre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1057" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_7cmlKISZDvC3pCD27b-BbE3mEfY78Wn123Za1qBupF4DZL6mAym-BwBQKogopDLBt76wU_Yv_zpe2_hFpvR9ix7psOwOjZWzsa2-FWNXoXjZ32M36ZPIukJnTc6m2K347aC595FbbbDUGjTHkIgFP_cqSWCFOp_UVem5XD7bTFjfZUWoekDTYvxriM/w400-h286/attu_battle_asmug_vs_contash_by_rigardatta_dd512mw-pre.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WHH4wlF78mslZWtYBG_KGb7xKLh-l8Gt4ZmyFpoysKiyaouW0zr8y7HuWXmIrBmEze2a9CbA_XKPVDzPV8fj5yyuRIBHjvnQ2tRnrupmtgrjGphl_2TGv6ZnHrWy5cjkcGmdIfqFgc72UsO17xbmDSlccGz8cUJT10ekKYk22WrdwVyCLcSknMo5YmY/s827/mini_comm__7_by_rigardatta_deszx4l-414w-2x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="827" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WHH4wlF78mslZWtYBG_KGb7xKLh-l8Gt4ZmyFpoysKiyaouW0zr8y7HuWXmIrBmEze2a9CbA_XKPVDzPV8fj5yyuRIBHjvnQ2tRnrupmtgrjGphl_2TGv6ZnHrWy5cjkcGmdIfqFgc72UsO17xbmDSlccGz8cUJT10ekKYk22WrdwVyCLcSknMo5YmY/w400-h375/mini_comm__7_by_rigardatta_deszx4l-414w-2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What could be over the horizon? ...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div></div>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-67081051160716358592023-12-05T22:38:00.000-08:002023-12-10T14:17:11.317-08:00Campaign Journal: Doing the Job<p> Who showed up?</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fulvus, halfling</li><li>Slick, thief</li><li>Rondel, elf</li><li>Orzu, gnome illusionist</li><li>Random hangers-on</li></ul>Frederick was under the weather, either from some bad eel, or perhaps a questionable tincture he bought from the caravan drover. Jax apparently decided to hang out at the stables.<p></p><p>The remainder of the party assembled for breakfast at the Archer & Chariot, deciding what to do with their day. As they dawdled, Alanso Ngom, the Theocracy military leader walked by with his honor guard. He paused, greeting the party, then asking them more on their thoughts and experiences combatting the twisted Chaos forces in the wilderness. Alanso was concerned that the Tribunal would lean towards becoming insular, rather than pressing battle vs the evil. On the other hand, he still needed to hedge his forces. The Tribunal had received their patrol's report on the forces they encountered but Alanso was curious at to the enemy's motivations. Rondel revealed that he had a charmed individual, who the soldier may be interested in seeing. Rondel led Alanso to his room, where they met Toby, his lobster-claw hands, and his fervent belief in the Great Maker.</p><p>'Nuf said, Toby was taken to meet the remainder of the Tribunal. Likewise, they were taken aback by the presence and appearance of the mutant. Toby put on a good show. The Tribunal decided to meditate on witnessing this individual. The Tribunal declared that a Chaos mutant should not be free within the city's walls, <i>charm </i>notwithstanding. Toby was surrendered to the custody of the Theocracy (And Toby was never seen again...).</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The party left the temple and found some meat on stick at a food cart. While snacking, they were approached by a friendly neighborhood urchin who invited them to meet with Brother Sigeric. Turns out, a job had manifested.<p></p><p>The brother greeted them kindly, and let them know that a job had come up. A couple of his scouts hadn't returned from investigating an old temple. One that he'd agreed to exchange favors with the head of the Merchant's Guild in trade for the idol of the merchant/messenger god, <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2021/03/a-brief-detour.html">Combris</a>, allegedly hidden there. Was the party up to the task?</p><p>Of course.</p><p>Armed with a map and some intelligence on the location, as well as the halfling guard, Wene, who had decided to come along out of boredom, the party traipsed off to the temple location without incident (my dice let me down). Arriving at the location, they discovered several horses hidden in the brush. They immediately stole them and moved them. Someone must be there ahead of them. </p><p>They located the entrance, and crept in, confirming from footprints, that they were the second on site. Outside of a portcullis entry, they discovered a hapless thief stuck in a pit trap with a broken leg. He was one of Sigeric's scouts, abandoned by a panicked colleague. Yes, the other party had passed, using his cried for help as a warning to avoid said trap. Patching up the poor fellow and leaving him at the temple entrance with some food and drink, the entered the complex, puzzling they way past a pair of portcullis blocking the way.</p><p>Cautiously approaching the first turn in the corridor, they found a long, empty hallway with four doors. A couple appeared to have been recently jimmied, and the party scouted within. One held a sarcophagus, the other an abandoned shrine. Sarcophagus first. Wary of wights and such, Fulvus recommended cracking the lid open and stabbing blindly. As he worked the lid back and shoved his spear in, a skeletal hand reached up, grabbing the lid and forcing it open. Fulvus' hench Roderick attempted to push it closed, but was overpowered by the undead. The fight was on, with the party winning initiative and eventually putting the thing down without harm (damnit). As they paused, the door opened, and a companion to the fist undead entered. It swiped but missed and the party did their usual dogpile. Orzu blinded it with a <i>light</i> spell and Fulvus shattered the undead with a mighty leap and spear thrust. Orzu now had a commemorative lighted skull. They retrieved trinkets. Again, my dice let me down.</p><p>The old shrine was mostly cleared except for a few stone figures and an empty plinth. Or a mostly empty plinth. Slick found a secret compartment holding some additional loot. </p><p>The fourth room was empty, but showed damage or burrowing at the south end. Curious, Fulvus and Wene shimmied through to investigate. Fulvus spotted shadows and heard voices. He whispered to Wene to alert the crew and slipped farther through the opening. Wene warned the rest, and returned to creep into the fissure, Orzu in two. The three smallfolk found themselves in a partially-collapsed chamber, with torchlight playing over the debris mound. Fulvus attempted to get a closer look, but dislodged stones, warning the opposite party. A soldier clambered onto the debris, and came face-to-face with three short humanoids, as Fulvus and Wene attempted to gut him (missed). Orzu cast <i>darkness</i> over the area, and the soldier stumbled backyard, avoiding the assault. Panicked voices spilled from the dark, and the three party members beat feet back through the gap.</p><p>The competing party seemed to have the idol, and were several in number. Estimating the layout of the remained of the complex, the party set up an ambush at a corner, illuminating down the hallway with the tossed illuminated skull. They spread out along corridors and hidden in the side rooms. Wene and Fulvus, in the original fissure room, were surprised by someone creeping in via the gap. Wene suddenly collapsed, and Fulvus leapt after the intruder, winging him. Wene was found to be <i>slept</i>, and was shaken awake. </p><p>About this time, arrows flew up the corridor towards the party's henches, wounding one. Some fire was exchanged, and a <i>sleep</i> spell from Rondel. A voice at the opposite end called for parlay. Slick approached one edge of the light, his counterpart the other edge. They bantered back and forth for a bit on the retrieval and claimants on the idol. Suddenly, Slicks eyes went blank, and he agreed, yes, the other party should be allowed to pass safely. Other (surviving) members of the party recognized Slick as being <i>charmed</i>. In spite of attempts to use him as a human shield, and the casting of <i>shield</i>, several baddies were wounded in a hail of arrows. Orzu crafted his pièce de résistance, a <i>greater phantasmal force</i> opening up a gaping pit trap under several of the opposing party members (and Slick). The majority failed, the only outlier being the previously-wounded mage who had <i>slept </i>Wene. The incapacitated opponents were shanked, with only a couple of surviving mercenaries left standing. They were in the back, carrying the idol. They surrendered and were now porters.</p><p>The party went through everyone's pockets and returned to town. </p><p>Brother Sigeric had his idol, and one of his lost boys back. And was now aware that the head of the Merchant's Guild had attempted to double cross him. Could make for interesting times in the town of Opharel.</p><p><b>DM Notes:</b></p><p>Well, that was fun. </p><p>Although I did have a more dramatic exit for Toby in mind, and forgot to run with it. I need to make notes of such things when I think of them, rather than relying on my mind in the heat of play. The original would have illustrated a bit more of the Theocracy, as well. </p><p>The exploration space for the "job" was built from this little beauty. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDwlyeX1WvVTPRNNj2Ckfz0rEe2t4KYa6-_PiaTBAkiuxMAja8Kr7xNXBDVeRAKkNUjVbUD1tqa3zm1oQ64thSy6FjISkrVqtBrAywqypFnpUqAS5JsVS7u2oHoFsCgaETEURc8Axs1yr-Fh6-jene3DgzWuZTYOX-_BPpR6Fyj4kdi2KvZyafQx7E3I/s3300/23November01-v2-bnw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDwlyeX1WvVTPRNNj2Ckfz0rEe2t4KYa6-_PiaTBAkiuxMAja8Kr7xNXBDVeRAKkNUjVbUD1tqa3zm1oQ64thSy6FjISkrVqtBrAywqypFnpUqAS5JsVS7u2oHoFsCgaETEURc8Axs1yr-Fh6-jene3DgzWuZTYOX-_BPpR6Fyj4kdi2KvZyafQx7E3I/w309-h400/23November01-v2-bnw.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.msjx.org/2023/11/the-temple-of-kalonius-ver-2.html">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Damnit, they keep killing my monsters. I realize that I did not play the undead (in room 8, above) as well as I could, even with the initiative roll against me. So I neglected to use her spell effect that could have neutralized a few of the party members. They would have still persevered, but the contest with the two undead would have been more fraught. I do need to continue to improve playing my opponents smart/well, as well as building encounters that will challenge my party. They never like magic cast against them, so that's good to note. </p><p>Because of the snooping and early encounter of the foes via the gap between rooms 4 and 5, the party didn't encounter a couple of the hazards. And the battle arrayed in a bit different form. I suspected that would happen, so was able to play through the scenario of the rapidly-degrading standoff. That worked well, and everyone had a moment to shine in their various roles. </p><p>Now that the scenario had a run-through, I can tweak a few of the encounters and situations to increase the challenge and hazards a bit. It will be a better product for the play. <a href=" https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/463343/The-Temple-of-Kalonius">Revised version for public consumption here</a>.</p><p>And my dice let me down. Back to the party-hating set.</p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-38976859839996897222023-11-24T17:37:00.000-08:002023-11-26T07:43:37.396-08:00Mini-Review: "Home" Sandbox Toolkit<p><b><i>Home: A Light in the Darkness</i></b>, by <a href="https://lonely-adventurer.itch.io/">Scott Wegener</a></p><p>Scott is also author of <a href="https://tesladyne.itch.io/glaive">Glaive</a>, a rules-lite OSR RPG built off the Knave chassis. I personally find Glaive to be a bit more readable variant of the two.</p><p>More importantly, Scott is also the artist on the long-running <a href="https://www.atomic-robo.com/atomicrobo">Atomic Robo</a> comic, which if you haven't taken a look, I highly recommend.</p><p>Anyway, on to the actual topic of this review:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPklw1NKsdmi-qdyMnNmTD_IwyO_h8h-cWTziZSJv0woEqFzfo4Vk2W8BOQhW0OqcrHYH255WyAOpckVDBYuIuzy57v92Fo1Kay6S0EnbLmjxQlfkwFUnXQoNviSzQXxKQa-YZWXFXKTpMUjcU67g87uX_dg6qtc3-3w1mCncvSsXgOeoUEkhTRQ18ZM/s1913/hcn6l7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1913" data-original-width="1238" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPklw1NKsdmi-qdyMnNmTD_IwyO_h8h-cWTziZSJv0woEqFzfo4Vk2W8BOQhW0OqcrHYH255WyAOpckVDBYuIuzy57v92Fo1Kay6S0EnbLmjxQlfkwFUnXQoNviSzQXxKQa-YZWXFXKTpMUjcU67g87uX_dg6qtc3-3w1mCncvSsXgOeoUEkhTRQ18ZM/w259-h400/hcn6l7.png" width="259" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"Home" is a toolkit supplement designed to catalyse sandbox play by creating a base town with surrounding hexes, a threat on the horizon, a collection of resources, and a pathway for worldbuilding via play. <div><br /></div><div>This is a good tool for players and gamerunners who enjoy playing characters starting at the "you're a nobody from nowhere" style of play, as well as players who like their gameplay to have a direct and tangible effect on their world.<br /><div><br /></div><div>At the heart of the "Home" approach is the "steading" or base town. At the beginning of play, the steading is little more than a wide spot in the road, or clearing in the woods, with the characters as locals with itchy feet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyvIWlPF679Z0ZOcTsYyatLrb8qtBO3NejTqrJvA8CP89P7c8umcMcqxe0woZwcqo84rYxYyGNdlXVDlXW0xTSWlLDrw_ylb-f23W5PQqIzSZNTDO39QTD1c-i301TKPJPT99m6k7UQEYDE-lMethf9IKjofCovPWw7k0z52gBKxEwQxiSPaBadrU6zc/s1836/7jEN8T.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="1188" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyvIWlPF679Z0ZOcTsYyatLrb8qtBO3NejTqrJvA8CP89P7c8umcMcqxe0woZwcqo84rYxYyGNdlXVDlXW0xTSWlLDrw_ylb-f23W5PQqIzSZNTDO39QTD1c-i301TKPJPT99m6k7UQEYDE-lMethf9IKjofCovPWw7k0z52gBKxEwQxiSPaBadrU6zc/w259-h400/7jEN8T.png" width="259" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>The gamerunner plops the steading in the center of a hex, and builds out the six hexes surrounding the home hex (a bit more than Chgowiz's "<a href="https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/2017/11/just-three-hexes-campaign-starters.html">Just Three Hexes</a>" concept). Two critical features are randomly placed, "The Old Road" and the "Long River." Then other general features are filled in, including terrain and seeding the map with resources (discussed more below).</div><div><br /></div><div>The gamerunner conceptualizes a big-bad on the horizon, some adversary well beyond the PC's abilities, but who may be sending minions or creating other hazards in the world.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex_AXPnnKWnvn9zo1CNkuIwPHQuC5wOyJsFprH_YMX6nv0tsjrob6rDnudALxvv1XzDeOqnm1xI0hpmTg1dsbzrcn0pcJ03C-nhda04VbGgM_9_bTIrbnoCdKA5YkrPiVdjBsxFjsU2ZuSldv9t9s77j95YbvXs8k_NlFd3QGQV0zxIifSNUXHVrAng4/s884/Ia6k+E.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex_AXPnnKWnvn9zo1CNkuIwPHQuC5wOyJsFprH_YMX6nv0tsjrob6rDnudALxvv1XzDeOqnm1xI0hpmTg1dsbzrcn0pcJ03C-nhda04VbGgM_9_bTIrbnoCdKA5YkrPiVdjBsxFjsU2ZuSldv9t9s77j95YbvXs8k_NlFd3QGQV0zxIifSNUXHVrAng4/w181-h400/Ia6k+E.png" width="181" /></a></div><br /><div>And we're off.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned, the steading begins as a tiny community of generally fewer than 100 individuals. It may have an interesting feature or resident, such as a retired adventurer, shrine, or oddity. That element can either provide quests for our fledgling heroes, training, or be a draw for outsiders to visit the settlement. The characters are locals, likely farmers or semi-skilled laborers who want to see what's over the next hill. At first, this adventuring nonsense isn't even a full-time job. Their thorp exists at little more than a barter economy, saving what coins they have for perhaps a traveling tinker or blacksmith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>As the characters adventure, they generate or collect resources that allows their home town to grow. These may be in the form of lair cleared, skilled NPC attracted to town, or identification of local resources. With resources, the town may grow from the original thorp to a large town/small city of over 1,000 residents. Associated with the population growth comes the services and skilled classes attracted by the larger towns. As the PCs are citizen-adventurers, a part of gameplay also allows for downtime pursuits, including skill-building, leveling up, and starting new side ventures.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 'resources' gathering may feel a bit video-gamey, but is a good metric for tracking settlement growth and, of course, may be adjusted to fit the individual game. Likewise, the growth of the town will probably not align 1:1 with character leveling, depending on if advancement is xp or milestone based. I wouldn't couple character advancement directly to town growth, treating them as separate advancements or mini-games.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CHXotGEMcqxaSfO7CJPBG7K87dapdI3VYT7eMAZ6W12-UTa6QWtGI-xespoPA9c-E51qUPBFU3Ei5JaXKPfcQ5kZIEdI0hFmKLhFMUGeApRZa9NGyOE2WDcDXhH5urlio6DVwuvaing9kDZkA9VdwHzBmN8F2JEgOBQjrqIDF-cWwpiCNES-bbenB1c/s825/10SMUu.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="825" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CHXotGEMcqxaSfO7CJPBG7K87dapdI3VYT7eMAZ6W12-UTa6QWtGI-xespoPA9c-E51qUPBFU3Ei5JaXKPfcQ5kZIEdI0hFmKLhFMUGeApRZa9NGyOE2WDcDXhH5urlio6DVwuvaing9kDZkA9VdwHzBmN8F2JEgOBQjrqIDF-cWwpiCNES-bbenB1c/w400-h309/10SMUu.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The stated objective of this supplement is to take a party from around first to fifth level of play.</div><div><br /></div><div>Outside of using this supplement whole cloth, it has a number of sections that may be useful for many tables: general hexcrawl procedures, faction design, a primer on slot-based inventory, and a solid NPC generator. Although my players are past the "nobodies from nowhere" stage, I'm planning on using the NPC generator and town growth mechanics within my game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything is well-written and laid out in clear double columns. Each topic is covered in a succinct manor, and covered in between one-half to three pages. Peppered throughout is Wegener's whimsical and evocative art, some examples of which I've included above.</div><div> </div><div>Either in whole or part, I'd recommend this as a good resource for developing sandbox play or modeling how your PCs' actions may effect their world.</div><div><br /><div>"Home" weighs in at 40 pages, including an example sandbox scenario and thanks pages for KS backers. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6Z8NzOCRncZCYd6CuDihqEr3D7RJOq7PruoOLwto_WVU0CCC1wjCvVqh_50jVJ4xWXEsYBoVU0v9nvRpbsYM0KxQLJY1_vB1MTqvbxnqVMk0-yJzj8srO0eyk6LS3P6T61U0mbF7VmpIomHsPAhBB7trDekVpLGmW_H-QydFcJnlGmnUSLI1Jh3Nk_A/s1275/LlNb__.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="825" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6Z8NzOCRncZCYd6CuDihqEr3D7RJOq7PruoOLwto_WVU0CCC1wjCvVqh_50jVJ4xWXEsYBoVU0v9nvRpbsYM0KxQLJY1_vB1MTqvbxnqVMk0-yJzj8srO0eyk6LS3P6T61U0mbF7VmpIomHsPAhBB7trDekVpLGmW_H-QydFcJnlGmnUSLI1Jh3Nk_A/w259-h400/LlNb__.png" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p>A side note, the day before Thanksgiving, this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nbHNjU8l_dRvCyG3sAq7B_83_-JRGGADMk73btM2F_ksaJB8_t7y4eYn5K7CkOK9E1z2OuKZ9pX1bFLzpoeKeE1BYGId_scBmbdfzkOH8M2rlpi-WZOvtaNiITegJcqLl8SThzHtJnMRoR0B-4F3W5FjkBFuUW9ZTVOxi7IdqgXa7gNeBrzmrF1C_Fs/s4096/IMG_20231122_231110145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nbHNjU8l_dRvCyG3sAq7B_83_-JRGGADMk73btM2F_ksaJB8_t7y4eYn5K7CkOK9E1z2OuKZ9pX1bFLzpoeKeE1BYGId_scBmbdfzkOH8M2rlpi-WZOvtaNiITegJcqLl8SThzHtJnMRoR0B-4F3W5FjkBFuUW9ZTVOxi7IdqgXa7gNeBrzmrF1C_Fs/s320/IMG_20231122_231110145.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>showed up on my doorstep. Haven't had a chance to crack it yet, but it's a tome...</p><p>And a happy belated Thanksgiving to the USAians out there. I hope you are able to enjoy the weekend with family, friends, food, and perhaps a game. </p><p>Have a throwback to my party celebrating their first Wyvernsgiving: </p><p><a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2022/11/its-a-very-wyvern-thanksgiving-halfling.html">https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2022/11/its-a-very-wyvern-thanksgiving-halfling.html</a></p></div></div></div>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-58169178955415223592023-11-21T22:06:00.000-08:002023-11-21T22:07:04.625-08:00Campaign Journal: A Visit to St. Vivinna's Home for the Wayward<p>Session roll call:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Frederick</li><li>Jax</li><li>Fulvus</li><li>Rondel</li><li>And their various hangers-on</li></ul>The party is seen departing the Temple of Khador after a mixed interaction with the city leadership. Rondel appears from points unknown with Henry Cee and Toby the Charmed Chaos Crab-man. <p></p><p>Wandering across the center square of town, they enter a walled grove across the way from the temple. The grove consists of aged apple trees, and Jax and Fulvus poach a couple, which causes them to be set upon by the caretaker. Rude. The grove was not in honor of Khador, but was present since the time of the city's previous settlement, generations ago. The grove was in the honor of Asaxsxas, a saint risen to godhood long ago (she is first presented <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2021/02/stoneash-next-town-down-road.html">here</a>). The caretaker explained the myth of the saint, and that he had a special dispensation from the Temple of Khador to maintain the grove. Fulvus tossed him a few coins in offering, which seem to satisfy the caretaker for their incursion. They then asked after the location of St. Vivinna's Home for the Wayward, and were pointed toward a sprawling building along the river.</p><p>The party headed over. A fellow draped in multiple tattered cloaks asked, "Alms for St. Vivinna?" Fulvus threw him some coins while Frederick subtly threw some not-a-thief gang signs. The fellow appraised this, and told the party to wait, suggesting that they step to the river side of the building, to take in the view, of course.</p><p>They did, and a few minutes later, a side door opened, and they were led into an apparent combination orphanage/flophouse/brothel. Following their guide upstairs, they stepped into the chambers of Brother Sigeric, which were considerably more opulent than the rest of the building. Brother Sigeric was obviously a man who enjoyed his delicacies. He greeted the party, and got a quick run-down that his charity had been recommended by <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/08/campaign-journal-homecoming.html">Mellia Saber</a>. The brother took the recommendation, and offered the party drinks from a well-stocked cabinet. Rondel tried to assess which bottle of wine looked the most expensive and requested that one...</p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The party enjoyed their drinks and gave
the brother a rundown of their time in town, as well as generalized
overview of their quest. In an information-sharing mood, Sigeric
traded a few bits of news and rumors, as well as his take on the
leadership of the city. Brother Sigeric seemed to enjoy his position
on th margins of the theocracy, and noted that there were more
things to be gained in these lands than mere souls.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Frederick, always the cooperative one,
asked if there might be any jobs that the party could help with to
support the charity's work... The affable brother said he'd think on
it...</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>With this, the party asked for
recommendations for lodging. Sigeric listed out a few places to be
found in the town walls, the first was of poor quality, but he
mentioned that if a message needed to reach him surreptitiously to
talk with the innkeeper. The other two were run by dwarves, and of
better quality. And a bath? Of course, a bath house happens to be
behind the “Archer and Chariot” inn. Oh and take a few of these
chits, you'll get the special bath. A couple of my girls are
attendants.<p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Everyone was <i>very</i> clean.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">That done, they traipsed into the
Archer and Chariot, set up some rooms, got acquainted with the proprietor, an aged dwarf named Thildga Hognidotr, and asked for the menu. After
some deliberation, they just ordered everything, family-style.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Around this time, a patrol led by a
couple of priests stepped in. The locals studiously ignored them. The
patrol honed in on the party, particularly Henry Cee. Asking their
business in town, The party told them they'd just arrived, and were
recuperating. The clerics asked after Henry's deity of choice, to
which he responded "Garond the Judge." The patrol nodded
appreciatively, noting that Garon and Khador shared many attitudes and values.
However, anyone proselytizing for another god withint the theocracy's bounds must pay a tithe to
the temple. Henry swore that he was just here with the party, and
didn't intend to preach. No matter. Grumbling, Henry asked the
amount. 50 gp. He also received a chit, but one without any bath house
priviledges.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Time to kibbitz with the other
patrons...</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Frederick sidled up to the proprietor and another dwarf she was speaking with. Rida was a craftsman in town,
making small mechanical devices, including locks. Frederick showed
her the broken signalling orb. Rida looked at it appreciatively, but it
was well beyond her skills. Perhaps gnomes might be capable of such
work? Fred asked about the dwarven clans, and if others might be
around. Thildga noted that there was a clan leader around, planning to head
to the mountains to mine. Fred mentioned that the party had traveled
a few days with another dwarven mining expedition and their
impressive wagons. “Ah, the humphenwagen? Oh, I rode in those in
the old days. Humphen in the humphenwagen!” Changing the subject,
did they knew of the sea dwarves? Thildga did know of them, but they were
rarely seen this far north.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Rondel was pleasantly surprised to see
a pair of elves, as he had rarely encountered any of his folk in the
party's travels. Celadrie was statuesque, silver-haired, and striking. And
spoke of herself in third person. The second, Ellarwel, was samewhat wan, even
for an elf, and had just arrived in town in hopes of using her
language skills for translating and clerical work. The three talked
elf business, Rondel explaining his traveling with a mixed group as
part of his objective of moving out in the world, experiencing the
younger races, and hopefully acting as an envoy for the elves (with
his 5 Charisma). The three exchanged their particular viewpoints of
the mercurial and short-lived humans, and humans' propensity to expand
and create a vibrant culture. Rondel asked if there were other elves
in town, and Celadrie noted that their were, and that there was a planned
elf-moot the following night. Excited by this news, Rondel
coordinated with the pair to join.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And Fulvus honed in on the halfling.
More specifically, the only female halfling he's seen in this
campaign (I know, I thought they were a myth, too.). Wene was a tough
customer, sporting a badger facial tattoo. Of course Fulvus was
smitten. They exchanged pleasantries, and Wene asked about his
impressive armor (leather reinforced with ankheg chitin plates). She
was slightly more attentive now. Wene was a mercenary and caravan
guard, hoping to pick up a new job in the morning. She'd been working
mostly along the east trade road, so hadn't encountered anything
beyond the usual bandits, and certainly nothing like Toby. Begging
pardon, she departed to turn in early in hopes of catching a job at
the notice board in the caravan yards. Fulvus needs to up his game.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Jax was tired of all this socializing,
and with Goober and Raspberry in tow, headed to the stables outside
the town walls to check on the party's horses. The party had gotten
some side-eye at the stables for having well-worn mounts in need of
some new shoes and decent grain, so she wanted to make sure all was
well. Edwam, the adolescent stable-boy on night duty assured them that all
was good, and excitedly showed the tall barbarian where the horses
were stabled and their fodder. She asked if any unusual traffic had
come through. The stable-boy thought a moment, and said that more
couriers than normal seemed to be going to and fro. Oh, and parties
that had similar appearance and bearing as our heroes had departed, apparently
after some contact with the theocracy. No, they hadn't returned, yet.
Satisfied with this, Jax opted to bed down in an empty stall near the
horses. The stable-boy assured her that he and his younger brother
would keep watch and they wouldn't be disturbed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Raspberry looked at the pile of straw,
contemplated the rest of the party and henchmen on beds back at the
inn, and meditated on their life choices of following the barbarian.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>DM Notes:</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Another RP-heavy session, with no dice rolled. I have a good list of NPCs built up for Opharel, and a healthy amount of notes on the Brother, so references were already built in. The conversations led the scenes, and lore or random details dropped as things developed. We'll see what the players follow up on, and what may turn into something significant, and what is just a red herring. These sessions are very dynamic, and although I try to get as much information summarized after a session, I know I miss a bit, or put things out of sequence on my writeups. Thankfully, I have two players who are strong note-takers, and details get clarified with the next session's play. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">More voices (leaning on some voice acting training I took years ago). Particularly a haughty self-important elvin artist, and a crack-voiced stable-boy trying to impress a towering barbarian. :)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">They asked after a job. Who knows, I may have just happened to have borrowed a map and statted it up. But possibly not...</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Happy Thanksgiving to the USA-ians out there!</p><br /><p></p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-91976081319497338802023-11-01T20:06:00.001-07:002023-11-12T12:46:22.073-08:00Campaign Journal: The Road to Opharel<p>Quite a few more miles traveled, quite a bit more lore uncovered. And nasty beasts.</p><p>Firstly, the protagonists:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Frederick</li><li>Fulvus</li><li>Jax</li><li>Slick</li><li>3 henches</li></ul>With their 3 rescued expeditionary force survivors in tow, the party struck eastward on cart tracks toward Opharel, the regional stronghold of the Acroria Theocracy.<p></p><p>The morning dawned clear and cold, and the party made good time. Hearing traffic ahead, they paused, cautious. They were met by a caravan drover and his most unusual beasts of burden:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxw5u65rPlkBYMS9bRP2jT-IT26-uRIyOkEyE26Vs20gAEUIhXG5rN8wYCuXaThU9QE52QUDYtJvOWLlw-F3Zc72pMSmzZFDuvtSi6qa4NwpVwptiuocghgxs6FQUxCsMagcdbzPmbpSDhuOahvrC6rLfRqBIFC-HemeOUxlmmlxh1EhZCdAkltgvDfM/s400/Eylcamel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxw5u65rPlkBYMS9bRP2jT-IT26-uRIyOkEyE26Vs20gAEUIhXG5rN8wYCuXaThU9QE52QUDYtJvOWLlw-F3Zc72pMSmzZFDuvtSi6qa4NwpVwptiuocghgxs6FQUxCsMagcdbzPmbpSDhuOahvrC6rLfRqBIFC-HemeOUxlmmlxh1EhZCdAkltgvDfM/w400-h300/Eylcamel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Slick was immediately enamored with the camels and wanted to pet one. The first one was tolerant, but blew snot on him and tried to bite him as soon as he turned his back... <div><br /></div><div>The caravan driver, Salemu, was hauling fabrics and asked on the condition of the trade road ahead. The party shared news, and asked if he might have any other goods. Looking about, Salemu suggested that Slick meet his favorite camel, Rosie. Rosie was much friendlier, and also transporting a portable pharmacy of questionable elixirs. Some haggling got the party some party goodies, and they bid Salemu adieu. Slick now wants a camel.<div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>Soon after, something came crashing through the brush, barrelling towards Slick. Not a camel, but another <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/10/campaign-journal-damned-horses.html">Damned Horse</a>, apparently stalking the party in revenge after they had slain its rider. It stomped and bit Slick before Fulvus was able to spear it. Fortunately, it still was wearing its saddle and saddlebags, and the Slick recovered some loose change and a snazzy dagger as a consolation prize.</div><div><br /></div><div>The party hit a wide spot in the road named Bamor that evening, talking gossip with the local headman and his guard. They took lodging in the modest local temple of Combris (a goddess of messengers and merchants) and a barn. The party made some offerings to the temple and departed in the AM.</div><div><br /></div><div>The party traveled through the next day, camping for the night. The dice let them sleep through the night for a change.<br /><p>Continuing east, they hit another small settlement of Boyton around mid-day. This thorpe at least had a run-down tavern operated by a rather disheveled dwarf named Lili. She served flat ale accompanied by salt pork and turnips. Jax stepped outside, killed a rabbit, and cooked it with some herbs she'd picked. She was nice enough to share at least. Lili talked about the varied dwarf clans, including the mysterious sea dwarves, who inhabited three volcanic islands in the southern inland sea. The settlement's priest of Khador recommended that they make haste to the village of Kebrook, where the temple there would be able to host them and the expeditionary force trio.</p><p>Escaping that culinary experience, the party traveled until dusk. Again, rustling and crashing in the woods. It wasn't a horse this time, at least. It was a horrific chimeric agglomeration of predatory hate that only the most depraved mind could imagine. Having faced mutant horrors, the party braced themselves... for... this...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsEUpOqmF3oHTQQBrBaGwXBkp_1BWvVfca-GdcrH8B8uZjNFKY0rfDgGAvD_dT7vqnYgnOLi8FVx_j19-0r1Q-W2rsPp4qGfyt-dZTqE-iqzpecF0nHjueJL8vCoi1V6THRDY0azkoAw0IOTzzgLyyHYsZM2Qzkketjs2R7O0z1wv86Vdkf5s2GgD1Xk/s742/Owl_Bear_by_BenWootten.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="742" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsEUpOqmF3oHTQQBrBaGwXBkp_1BWvVfca-GdcrH8B8uZjNFKY0rfDgGAvD_dT7vqnYgnOLi8FVx_j19-0r1Q-W2rsPp4qGfyt-dZTqE-iqzpecF0nHjueJL8vCoi1V6THRDY0azkoAw0IOTzzgLyyHYsZM2Qzkketjs2R7O0z1wv86Vdkf5s2GgD1Xk/w400-h331/Owl_Bear_by_BenWootten.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Because of course I did. Anyway, they proceeded to fill it with arrows and slay it without issue (Note to self: attack them with three next time). Fulvus cut off its head and paws as a trophy for future alehouse decoration.</p><p>Stumbling into Kebrook after dark, they were met by the local priest, who remembered the expedition, and was shocked at their meager survivors. He rallied his acolytes, and a small feast (no salt pork) was procured. Via gossip, the local furrier popped in to offer taxidermy skills for the owlbear head. The party and trio recounted their adventures before a restful sleep.</p><p>In the morning, Frederick was greeted by a raven, a messenger from the hermit Thefri that had sought out the charm Frederick wore. The message carried by the raven was grim. The tower had been overrun by Chaos troops, but not before Thefri, with Brutus the Bear's help, had dislodged the ruby lens and buried it. Unfortunately the stalwart bear had been slain, and Thefri had retreated into the forest with associates. Frederick wrote a brief status report in reply, and sent the raven back to its master.</p><p>The next day was a brief trip to the city of Opharel. Farms became denser, and the road improved as the party approached. The first thing the group noticed were the troops freshly bivouacked outside the city walls. Preparations appeared to be afoot for campaigning. </p><p>They were led to the central temple to meet the city leadership: Prior Messina, his advisor Valdemar Bæk, and the military commander, Alanso Ngom. The trio of survivors gave a brief account of their expedition, and introduced the party. The Prior thanked them for their timely rescue, and asked them of their explorations. The party briefly noted that they were exploring the frontier in search of Barrier locations, and that the incursions of the mutated Chaos troops was widespread. </p><p>Messina revealed that the Theocracy forces had uncovered a ruined stronghold with apparent Barrier components. The materials were currently being investigated by their sage/artificer, but it didn't seem that the Theocracy understood the purpose. Valdemar Bæk pushed for campaign into the wilderness to confront the Chaos forces, based on the expedition's encounters. Messina was concerned that they would be stretched too thin, and deferred to waiting for signs from Khador. Ngom suggested that the Theocracy could establish a defensive perimeter along the western trade road, further if they could ally with the towns along the road. The Prior was again hesitant, as the towns may not accept vassal-hood, and the Theocracy preferred conversion, and not simply allies. Although certain compromises could be made given the situation. </p><p>The party was presented with a small coffer of gold and gems in gratitude for their rescue and escort. They were then dismissed as the three leaders continued to debate, and more thoroughly debrief the three survivors.</p><p>The party was left to their own devices in the city. Slick and Frederick recalled that a fellow not-thief had told them if they reached Opharel to make an offering at "St. Vivinna's Home for the Wayward." The party turned to seek out the charity...</p><p>DM Notes:</p><p>Again, a lot of ground covered with a smaller group of players. I did a lot of voices. I'd made a list of NPCs, small settlements, and encounters ahead of time, so although the timing of encounters was random, they were generally pre-determined. That said, conversations and lore drops were driven by player/character questions, and gave me the opportunity to draw their attention to other locations on the map. Likewise, news from Thefri reminded them that the baddies continue to be on the move, and that they may soon feel like they need to be in multiple places at once.</p><p>Slick hated that horse. I couldn't pass up the idea of a vengeful mutant warhorse, though. >:)</p><p>I had them going with the owlbear description... hah. After all, in a campaign world where mutants and chimeric monsters abound, might as well throw in one of the O.G. weird magical combo-monsters. </p><p>In other news, I broke my embargo on buying new dice. Saw these elsewhere on the interwebs and sprung for a couple sets:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJpGM5pYdOGEQZrARA26SDO6Wc0TTywAOm9IILej4E1KurzVNteSTe8BBOkuDAkWNVIA9uOuZ68IoPu-8MzvRZ16IZEsfJjO2nIFt-xtkN0VXNDcXBhCpTJEHZ2GFr7qG9Xv1C-AzVGJJIb8C_0HQMD9jslr2KK-e4R3OIIiVInMmQubQ-RmeYV9C3mM/s4096/IMG_20231030_114008449_MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJpGM5pYdOGEQZrARA26SDO6Wc0TTywAOm9IILej4E1KurzVNteSTe8BBOkuDAkWNVIA9uOuZ68IoPu-8MzvRZ16IZEsfJjO2nIFt-xtkN0VXNDcXBhCpTJEHZ2GFr7qG9Xv1C-AzVGJJIb8C_0HQMD9jslr2KK-e4R3OIIiVInMmQubQ-RmeYV9C3mM/w300-h400/IMG_20231030_114008449_MP.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://www.mathartfun.com/thedicelab.com/OptiDice.html">OptiDice</a>: The numbers are bored in pips that are claimed to be balanced. The shop has a number of other innovative and oddball dice, as well. We'll see how they work, as there is rumor at the table that my random encounters d6 is biased against the party.<br /></p><p>Or maybe they just need to be more watchful for angry bitey horses.</p></div></div>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-54341211072635724052023-10-04T20:47:00.000-07:002023-10-04T20:47:17.871-07:00Campaign Journal: Damned Horses!<p>"Yeah, when the riding animals start fighting, we're in new territory" - Frederick</p><p>More on that later....</p><p>Tonight was a small contingent:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Frederick</li><li>Fulvus</li><li>Rondel</li><li>Slick</li><li>Three brave henchmen</li></ul><p></p><p>Departing Axwold, the group dead-reckonned their way westward in search of the next point along the Barrier network. Things were progressing quietly. The party spread out, Fulvus scouting ahead. He bravely avoided a snake, but Slick did take a look at it to confirm it was Just A Snake. Yes.</p><p>As the party broke for lunch, they were set upon by pests. Because they show up to every picnic... </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDBOZab-d_q2NR-3QF2iVql9etuYMnK0MI7p_ZvqHDD8qhBYOd7zrep2H97_neRaRS2th0Kz8MQvYmDfFb-Lbiz3WUKF780x901nMV4wNrbO1p5QGr32Y0YrfBj4kzWNXNAtlnSXjJsUyKJWZmnQO6KlL4eFb6exz_ghCO6Y_ScuiFkjDp9S4GSxgxyA/s1200/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1200" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDBOZab-d_q2NR-3QF2iVql9etuYMnK0MI7p_ZvqHDD8qhBYOd7zrep2H97_neRaRS2th0Kz8MQvYmDfFb-Lbiz3WUKF780x901nMV4wNrbO1p5QGr32Y0YrfBj4kzWNXNAtlnSXjJsUyKJWZmnQO6KlL4eFb6exz_ghCO6Y_ScuiFkjDp9S4GSxgxyA/w400-h333/unnamed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like this, but 3' long</td></tr></tbody></table><div><p>Dispatching these flying pests, Slick climbed into their roost tree and recovered a puse with some coin and a potion. He also scouted westward, spotting clearings and paths that offered easier travel. Finishing their repast with no more vermin, they continued onward. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>With no more significant encounters, the party found an abandoned and collapsed farmstead. They posted up watches for the night. Third watch, and sure enough, visitors. Fulvus kept watch on the movement, sending his henchman to awaken the crew. Several humanoids were spotted, and the party struck out. Sure enough, more mutant dudes. The mutants charged in, causing some injury before being struck down. Rondel <i>charmed</i> one who had attacked his cleric henchman. Rondel now had a pincher-handed new best friend. <p></p><p>Interrogating the fellow ("Toby") they found that the group was attempting to track another party, and had rushed our heroes in mistaken identity. Toby also proselytized as to his conversion and path toward perfection by the "Shapers." </p><p>The day dawned, the party did their due diligence in looking for pocket change from the bodies, and they moved on, searching for ruins.</p><p>Not too long into the morning, and sounds of struggle and combat were heard. Fulvus darted ahead, spotting several armored individuals in running combat against a number of Chaos mutants and their leaders. As he watched, one of the armored figures was felled. The party didn't know who the pursued were, but they knew their foes. </p><p>Slick (and Flick) and Fulvus angled for sneak attacks, while Frederick used his invisibility scarf to infiltrate the melee, aiming for a potential spellcaster. Stabbing happened, the apparent spellcaster was one-shot, and the Chaos knight took heavy damage. </p><p>Rondel found himself alone except for a couple of henches, and prepared <i>sleep</i>. The baddies won initiative, and Slick found himself staring down not only the Chaos knight, but his warhorse. Something like this:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2Vxq1NosTKLi8JD9wBtSOGofl9WJbm_KMsiuHoqkWsH-8xkU5dwBsrdwD9SputgyRABIduTH_REx8dTWYxiomegxQchCtez1Nw_KL6UJr5tm3B7SanlNMtxsFlxcJqvRSckta9E0yerDCi-vd2eBglD2meQXxg4jk1Y6NAEBEU9SZlvLP1esF0pKGQ4/s923/salin_by_rigardatta_deol9s2-pre.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="923" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2Vxq1NosTKLi8JD9wBtSOGofl9WJbm_KMsiuHoqkWsH-8xkU5dwBsrdwD9SputgyRABIduTH_REx8dTWYxiomegxQchCtez1Nw_KL6UJr5tm3B7SanlNMtxsFlxcJqvRSckta9E0yerDCi-vd2eBglD2meQXxg4jk1Y6NAEBEU9SZlvLP1esF0pKGQ4/w400-h375/salin_by_rigardatta_deol9s2-pre.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.deviantart.com/rigardatta/art/Salin-887829698">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Although the knight was feeble, his mount wasn't, critting Slick. Not enough to require 3d6 down the line, but enough to be concerning. Flick also got hit, and Rondel took another crit (thankfully weak damage) but enough to keep him from using that cheaty spell ;). </p><p>Another round, and between our heroes and the other party, the muties were routed. </p><p>The three surviving warriors caught their breath and sagged, exhausted. Meet Petre, Tamaz, and Zejo: survivors of an Opharel expeditionary force into the mountains. They had started with 30, found a stronghold in the mountains, were discovered, and fled, their number now down to these worn survivors. Petre, missing an arm after amputation to prevent a Chaos affliction, Zejo, diseased and rotting, and Tamaz, a paladin exhausted from using his limited healing abilities to sustain the others.</p><p>The party shared that they were also in search of hte source of the Chaos forces, as well as the fabled Barrier nodes. Petre perked up, and noted that their forces had located one node, and that one of their academics had been researching it. Perhaps sharing information would be productive. In any case, they would appreciate and escort back to Acroria (the Opharel Duchy stronghold) from an obviously capable group of fighters (if a bit sketchy), and there might even be a reward.</p><p>Sold.</p><p>The party provided some healing, and retreated to the old farmstead, where they spent a restful night. Returning to the main road, and Axwold, they fortuitously discovered that a high level priest of Khador was in town, visiting their local temple, and was able to rid Zejo of his affliction. Petre was still one-armed.</p><p>The party checked in to their local contact, Remy the Tanner. When they arrived, they found a crowd gathered, and the town guard warding people away. Glimpsing through the crowd, the body of the tanner was seen in a vat. As the body was pulled from the vat, a slashed throat showed this wasn't accidental. Murmurs and rumors among the crowd. The man was a good man, with no known enemies. A caravan had passed through, and he may have been seen talking to someone from out of town, perhaps another trader.</p><p>After the crowd dispersed, Slick and Fulvus crept into the shop, looking for anything out of place. A tool rack was knocked over, and some signs of struggle, blood, and drag marks indicated Remy's last moments. </p><p>The party found the tanner's apprentice, who had been sent on an errand. He reported that he saw a woman approaching the tanner's shop as he left. Interrogated more, and he recalled that under her travel cloak he spotted red hair, and that her skin had an odd, leathery appearance. The party thanked him and considered their next moves.</p><p>And scene...</p><p><b>DM Notes:</b></p><p>Well, that was fun. Quite a bit of moving things forward.</p><p>The beleaguered party of holy warriors has been in the queue for quite some time, waiting for the appropriately dramatic moment, as another gamerunner likes to say.</p><p>First of all, the night attack was truly random, via my campaign encounter tables. The dice just know. And when one got <i>charmed</i>, he was a good candidate for clueing the PCs to be on the lookout for another party.</p><p>On to the Opharel contingent: I'd put them into my list of happeneings and encounters, one that hints at larger machinations out in the fringes. Of course, the party is already aware of the Chaos mutants and their platoon leaders, but illustrating that Big Things are on the horizon is always fun. "We started with a force of 30, and now we're... this..." </p><p>Making the horses nastier was just a fun last minute addition. And now canon. And yes, I named them Damned Horses in my notes, even before Slick made the same comment upon staring down the barrel of one.</p><p>Anyhow, the party has been skirting around significant interactions with either of the Duchies, other than interactions with patrols or small contingents, so getting to know one of the powers that be sould be fun. And whether their goals and bjectives alighn with the party, we have yet to see...</p><p>And poor Remy. Well, now the party senses that there may be a tail...</p><p>I guess I have some more building to do.</p><p><br /></p></div>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-72999626009128323862023-09-30T21:17:00.000-07:002023-09-30T21:17:00.093-07:00Five Visits to Goldrun's Grotto <p>Howdy, neighbors!</p><p>A quick post to finally post up some original content that's not a play report.... </p><p>I'm sadly negligent on creating. Again, the brain just ain't as obsessed at creativity as it used to be. Even looking at my production throughout the life of the blog shows a lessening of creativity and (perhaps) interesting stuff.</p><p>Enough woolgathering for the moment.</p><p>Jackson threw this map up at the beginning of the year:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGNV_9b-n5t13O-ern2zz5fLyZcXWynVhWm54m8SvqiGgBTXPm3hP2xcLzD6705augI5RyKcdEjuZ_KCuAlVg0wUlpbpA-CV-m-yZD_xSXDr6_-ct4yVlnWoiN40KdmeioDeOsFXcvotXdmkS66S8fivCf-iIiTjbSxZAkagSb9PxeKU4aUFTAPIy_fE/s3300/23Jan01-noback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGNV_9b-n5t13O-ern2zz5fLyZcXWynVhWm54m8SvqiGgBTXPm3hP2xcLzD6705augI5RyKcdEjuZ_KCuAlVg0wUlpbpA-CV-m-yZD_xSXDr6_-ct4yVlnWoiN40KdmeioDeOsFXcvotXdmkS66S8fivCf-iIiTjbSxZAkagSb9PxeKU4aUFTAPIy_fE/w309-h400/23Jan01-noback.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.msjx.org/2023/01/not-deadfirst-map-in-over-six-months.html">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>...it looked like a good space, with an open-air grotto, a couple of entrances, and a loop. Off I went.</div><div><br /></div><div>And in the theme of attempting a bit of creativity, I wrote up multiple scenarios, in the mode of my "4 scenarios" adventure writeups. This time, I ended up with five. So you get a bonus. We got various flavors of undead, hermit beekeepers, a suspiscious naiad, blind cave fish, BATS!, and a couple of Permian amphibians. <br /><p>Have fun with them, as a scenario may fit as a one-shot, side adventure, or locale for some item or knowledge within your own game. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/455013/Five-Visits-to-Goldruns-Grotto"><b>PWYW here</b></a> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-43674187782735037632023-09-25T21:02:00.000-07:002023-09-25T21:02:03.791-07:00Campaign Journal: On the Road Again, II<p>Back at it. A bit delayed with a work conference, taking care of outside things, as well as rejuvenating a couple of stalled project and tryin to wake the muse. Things in the works soon...</p><p>So, back to the party:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jax</li><li>Frederick</li><li>Slick</li><li>Rondel</li><li>Orzu</li><li>and the Miscellaneous Others</li></ul><p></p><p>The party, after vanquishing <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/09/campaign-journal-hobgoblins-and-lizards.html">hobgoblins and other nuisances</a>, set up camp for the night, being cautious to protect their horses, for some reason... ahem... </p><p>Second watch was disturbed as Orzu spotted movement in the treeline, and Goober barked a warning. Everyone blearily scrambled to their feet as Orz kept a watch on the intruders. They appeared disciplined and cautious, spreading out and keeping low. The party did likewise, taking cover. Frederick took a potshot at one in the dark, one-shotting the foe. Another arrow went wide. Rondel said, "Sleep." Snoozefest. The intruders turned out to be a hobgoblin patrol, perhaps returning to meet their compatriots at the ruined fort. Slick offed them and went through their pockets.</p><p>In the morning, the party debated riding cross-country, or returning to the trade road in their search for the next node location. Jax suggested that the road, followed by some dead reckoning off the found map might be the best option. The party rode back to Karnione, stopping to drop some coin with the furrier and ale-wife in thanks for their aid. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The trip northward was uneventful, with only locals encountered on the road. The next town north was Rewick, a walled village of approximately 550. The party split up to make inquiries of odd goings-on and other local intelligence. Jax and Rondel, always the faces of the group (CHA 10 and 5) talked up the halfling tavern keeper. At least that was an easy get. Anyway, the village was not pledging to either of the duchies at this point, relying on thier wall, small militia, and citizenry to protect themselves. At this point, they had had few incursions, as compared to other settlements along the road. Frederick popped into the local jeweler, asking her about anyone inquiring into purchasing rubies. She confirmed that she had sold a small pouch of raw rubies to a stranger accompanied by several guards or companions. Frederick made a purchase in thanks, noting that the jeweler's guard was keeping him under close watch.<p></p><p>The party chose to behave themselves otherwise. </p><p>Continuing north, the party had a similarly uneventful trip along the road. Damn dice.</p><p>The next town north, Axwold, had a population of about 450. They were unwalled, but had a more substantial militia presence. More making nice with the locals. After some chatting, the party found that the local leadership also intended to maintain independence, and was bringing up a force of mercenaries from the Akkubian Confederation, far to the south. The Akkubian city-states are well-regarded as traders and mercenaries.</p><p>Frederick discovered the local jeweler, and asked again on rubies. The jeweler dismissively reported that yes, he did have the same stranger ask, but no, he didn't deal in raw gems. Slick bought a nice pendant, also noting that the jeweler's guard was keeping him under close watch.</p><p>Orzu and others chatted the town's tanner, as someone familiar with hunters and their wanderings. The tanner confirmed that the hunters had seen misshapen creatures, and a few settlements or farmsteads vacant of their people, their occupants seemingly carried away. The party discussed these findings, and offered the tanner, Remy, to provide a news of other such incursions. This was proposed as the beginning of a watch network between towns to better track the movements of the mysterious forces.</p><p>With that, we paused for the night.</p><p><b>DM Notes:</b></p><p>Another somewhat unplanned session. I had some plans for the night, but the party zagged instead of zigging. That happens. I also have plans for when I don't have plans. Like a list of towns that might be found along a trade road. And some NPCs in those towns. And some plentiful armwaving.</p><p>That said, Jax was bored. No "adventuring" makes a sad barbarian.</p><p>Most of the conversations were led by Orzu, Rondel, and Frederick, as they tend to be the talkers and planners in the group. Jax gets a bit left out in these sessions. It happens, but all the same, I wasn't focusing on working around the table during play. Certainly RP isn't as well-defined as something like combat, but I also get focussed or engaged with the talkers, and not as diligent about doing my check-ins around the table. </p><p>So, I took some time to write down all the characters' strengths and even a few notes on thier development and arcs through the play. This campaign may not be typical, in that all the PCs originally showed up as one-shot players, with several of the PCs grabbed from the slushpile. However, as I discussed before, they kept showing up, and, on my side of the table, I started weaving everything from a base town. And connecting a bunch of random adventures through a common thread. Oops. Campaign.</p><p>Back to the PCs. I took the time to list out what each PC brings to the party, and what their preferences or goals may be. I can always ask my players to expand on this, as well, as they have ideas that I havne't observed. Perhaps next session. Regardless, I now have a bit of a cheat sheet to consider as we wander through the world. While it doesn't always happen, it's nice for everyone at the table to have a moment, no matter how minor. </p><p>Always improving.</p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-76923678620868376472023-09-08T20:46:00.005-07:002023-09-08T20:46:31.983-07:00Campaign Journal: Hobgoblins and Lizards and Wraiths, oh my!<p>The party awoke after a quiet night, undisturbed by chitin wraiths and other nuisances. Our heroes for the week:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jax</li><li>Bonk</li><li>Stumbleduck</li><li>Orzu</li><li>Fulvus</li><li>Slick</li></ul>I began with a bit of retconning - Bonk was not present last session, but the doomed Xusto Goyanes was his best friend in town, so he needed a closure on the matter. After the required cinematic: <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ujQjYpigaFBPqZ_9x0pACExpAgKSdYqlDD98WHx-48ogNG8GQeF5UT3o7UbX9yXdWTVW318tybOmxhXfI40ektTvNr6KY7W0NpYi2-z-Otd7A6YHQPDjr36_9YMREKNDGLChhyG6GcjvpObvuKR0Vtq0a2fEzsLFw0egCsHIdfp3wF4LhBOWQljv2iU/s480/giphy.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ujQjYpigaFBPqZ_9x0pACExpAgKSdYqlDD98WHx-48ogNG8GQeF5UT3o7UbX9yXdWTVW318tybOmxhXfI40ektTvNr6KY7W0NpYi2-z-Otd7A6YHQPDjr36_9YMREKNDGLChhyG6GcjvpObvuKR0Vtq0a2fEzsLFw0egCsHIdfp3wF4LhBOWQljv2iU/s320/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Bonk spoke to Mayor Stroemen regarding contributing to the greater good. Stroemen discussed the ongoing threat and defensive needs, especially with the loss of militia. Bonk has been itching to start stronghold development, and considered this a good opportunity, contributing a large percent of his cash to complete the wall and recruit more militia. On the condition that he is now referred to as "Captain." Everything comes with a price.</p><p>Onward...<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>The party continued north on the trade road, catching up with the dwraven miner caravan and their various hangers-on after a half day. The party passed through the towns of Mithlonde and Laney with no complications. The encounter dice were quiet, but then, who is going to mess with several wagonloads of exceptionally well-equipped dwarves?</p><p>They said farewell to their adventuring compatriots, pointing them toward Vansho Reliquary and its guardian dead. Reaching the next town, north of Karnione, they discovered that it was under the protection of troops from the Opharel Theocracy. Half the party inquired to the town elder, and he framed the agreement as a necessary act, endorsed by the town priest, also a follower of Khador. The remainder of the party checked in with the local ale-wife, who was not so enthusiatic about said agreement... After all, they were a bit serious, and poor tippers. Asking after local guides, the local furrier pointed them to a local hunter who had reported some hobgoblins occupying an old ruin west of town. And we're off.</p><p>Finding the ruins, the hunter wished them luck and departed. The sneaky members of the group (two halflings and one gnome) crept around the ruins, finding a hobgoblin camp in a collapsed tower. Several strategies were discussed, with Orzu offering to create an illusion that could hopefully distract or even disable the hobgoblins. The party noted hobs moving between other ruins or structures, which cued them to a pair of guards in a second tower. Slick and Flick headed there to shank the guards. </p><p>Their backstab attempts were... feeble. With some help from Fulvus and Bonk, they did the hobgoblins in. The remainder of the party had an easier time, as the illusion of the exploding, possessed campfire resulted in the majority of the hobgoblins doing the stop, drop, and roll. Much shanking occurred.</p><p>Following this, the party discovered a trapdoor. Stumbleduck, always cautious, dragged a hobgoblin corpse to the door and tossed it down. Nothing exploded.</p><p>The party followed. finding a corridor with two doors and an opening, Stumbleduck investigated the opening. And was trampled by a giant two-headed lizard. Fulvus took some bite damaage, but the party was able to overwhelm it, with Slick taking it down and Bonk smashing the second head, just to be sure. Stumbleduck brushed herself off.</p><p>Slick checked one door, finding a small room with a shimmering pool. Apparently unoccupied. He closed the door, hearing a wet 'smack' on the door. Probably nothing.</p><p>The party considered the opening that the lizard had emerged from. Who was to enter first? "Who's comfortable underground? We don't have a dwarf." "We have a gnome, they're like a poor man's dwarf." Orzu was game, but his henchman wasn't, so Bonk voluntered. Nothing else jumped on him, and the party crept through, finding the remains of the lizard's hunts, as well as some treasure. </p><p>Emerging into another chamber from the burrow, the party began to investigate, when they were set upon by a wraith. Those with silver and magic jumped ahead, attacking the apparition. In the melee, only Bonk took a hit and suffered the dreaded level drain...</p><p>The wraith defeated, the party investigated further, finding a mosaic of Khador, in her more primeval form, as well as a storeroom/study containing a decaying bookshelf with a partial copy of a signal codebook similar to that found previously. Clearing the area, the party found a second egress from the level, emerging to the surface.</p><p>Here they came face to face with another hobgoblin and his two fearsome guards. Orzu was able to incapacitate the guards with a <i>color spray</i>, and the hobgoblin was defeated before he was able to act. Unsure of the identity of the guards, Skick beheaded one for future identification.</p><p>Investigating the space, they found another mosaic of Khador with what appeared to be an undamaged Barrier lens. The lens glowed and flickered slightly, but seemed to be otherwise intact. Jax took a shard of broken lens she had picked up at Vansho and held it to the lens. It, too, glowed at contact, and faded as she pulled the glass away. Orzu licked it, because why not? No significant information was gained this way.</p><p>The party secured the room and set up camp for the night...</p><p><b>DM Notes:</b></p><p>We found anothr Node, with the reward of and apparently intact magical lens. Bonk will recover from his level drain rapidly, due, in part to banked xp from the wall construction donation.</p><p>The session felt good, but a bit chaotic/unfocused. I had everything mostly sketched up, so the outline of encounters was there. In reflection, I rushed the combats a bit, and forgot some rules and details. An ongoing challenge, although rewarding the party for good play at leveling the playing field outweighs a bit of crunch.</p><p>I went back to my notes on the ruins and realized I missed a couple of things - not uncommon, as my notes are not as centralized as they need to be. I'm moving more information onto the tablet so I have to do less paper shuffling, but the various notes ant lore are still a bit scattered. I'll make a note to (hopefully) close a loop or two beginning of next session... </p>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443881130439268413.post-31788648757269059432023-08-23T13:24:00.001-07:002023-08-23T13:25:26.994-07:00Campaign Journal: Homecoming<p>When we last left our heroes, they had just come over the hill to Neuforde, to discover smoke rising from the town...</p><p>The evening's crew:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Frederick</li><li>Slick</li><li>Jax</li><li>Orzu</li><li>Fulvus</li><li>Various surviving henches</li></ul><p></p><p>We started the session by leveling a couple of the hirelings, who had managed to survive long enough to become 1st level henchmen.</p><p>Prior to session, I had rolled randomly what buildings were destroyed/damaged. Bad news - they got the halfling trading post owned by Evrard Hornwood and Angilbart Tunnelly, our party's confidantes and fences (and that of Elsa Siegmund, the town's cattle farmer). Damaged buildings included the White Badger Inn, Mayor Stroemen's house, as well as the tanner's and carpenter's houses. The party’s house is undamaged, thankfully.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5am5stHAPcaTtB1Wbjw9xjlYRt3cb7enB_E8OwqpGOKre5gJLEkzvdq71S38boAX7nxQ9dspuq4GzS0-RuX1LpGRqMxjLPSIiQyIcS3SvviPBGu3kCpDj6oKk-83HIG2qhUEdVpx0SseRVHx4I1Uvoih9Wt8q4nHTo_Bx5ECiuCF6XUy7qQHGNPw1EQ4/s4096/IMG_20230823_130411938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5am5stHAPcaTtB1Wbjw9xjlYRt3cb7enB_E8OwqpGOKre5gJLEkzvdq71S38boAX7nxQ9dspuq4GzS0-RuX1LpGRqMxjLPSIiQyIcS3SvviPBGu3kCpDj6oKk-83HIG2qhUEdVpx0SseRVHx4I1Uvoih9Wt8q4nHTo_Bx5ECiuCF6XUy7qQHGNPw1EQ4/w300-h400/IMG_20230823_130411938.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rough scanned and sketched map, red is fire</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The halflings were glumly salvaging material from their trading post and sent the party to talk to the mayor. Mayor Stroemen and his lieutenant, Gorman Burscogh, were looking over the body of a chitin drake, a chimera <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/03/rescuing-brother-eustice-or-flying-fire.html">previously encountered</a> by some members of the party. The party suspected these abominations were the cause of other reports of fire they had heard in their travels. While the town's forces had slain this one, two more had escaped, flying east.</p><p>Among the casualties were four militiamen and two civilians, including Bonk's buddy, Xusto Goyanes the half-elf fisherman. The party now has multiple causes for vengeance!</p><p>Trurok the ogre had been injured and had retreated to his cave to pout. Rondel and Henry Cee headed into the woods to cure and console him, and set up the gnolls as pickets west of town.</p><p>Elsewhere, the town was gathering to put out residual fires, clean up, and begin repairs.</p><p>Stroeman was most worried about loss of nearly half his militia. He was concerned that he may need to request Hougan Duchy assistance if he couldn't retain sufficient local forces. Especially since doing so would limit the town's autonomy. </p><div>The party retired to the White Badger to drink and consider their next moves. As they drank, the sound of a heavy caravan was heard. Venturing out, they saw a string of heavy wagons that looked something like this:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQQFYhBFlkJhMiHTzT5g2GpvT4LN6x-k1i_LRLtMonHcDFCi7HiIn8sK50BQY8JQ8shfEsOzUlldP2pB84Wr_npTkledAWFjWpLS8HUBNH927GpS86ORry1h3Bwlgn0E1J9-i4sjqrp7IfCAVrTd0ise_XSlEsvUpSOQtxGqvlsdRYjtEMCI4TkWOCWQ/s1280/maxresdefault.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQQFYhBFlkJhMiHTzT5g2GpvT4LN6x-k1i_LRLtMonHcDFCi7HiIn8sK50BQY8JQ8shfEsOzUlldP2pB84Wr_npTkledAWFjWpLS8HUBNH927GpS86ORry1h3Bwlgn0E1J9-i4sjqrp7IfCAVrTd0ise_XSlEsvUpSOQtxGqvlsdRYjtEMCI4TkWOCWQ/w400-h225/maxresdefault.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something like this, but full of dwarves</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>The group consisted of a large party of dwarves heading to the mountains in the northwest to reopen old mines and prospect new claims. Their leader regarded the damage and admitted that things looked a bit rough at the moment. The caravan discharged a few companion wagons and groups traveling with them and circled up outside of town. <div><br /></div><div>Among the travelers were a party of six that the PCs recognized as fellow adventurers. Through some careful questioning and proffered drinks, the party discovered that the group was also in search of the Barrier. One of the group's mages, Sándor Kálmán, revealed an old journal recording an ancestor's time as a guard at one of the Barrier watches. The journal revealed information about the qualities and use of the barrier, as well as details on the codes used to communicate between forces. The guard's station turned out to be the <a href="https://leicestersramble.blogspot.com/2023/07/campaign-journal-knowledge-found-and.html">Vansho Reliquary</a>. The party provided general information to its location, as well as a copy of the "Snake Map" and warned the group to watch out for spiders. One of the dwarves in the party assessed a shard of Barrier lens and confirmed that it could only be formed in one of a few forge-kilns operated by his kin.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day the party debated on which way to go: Chase the chitin drakes, find another node, visit other towns, recruit militia, or determine where the raid had emerged from. Jax cast the deciding vote, of "let's kill some stuff" and the party chose to hunt down the source of the raid.</div><div><br /></div><div>But first, a talk with Victor Matui and Firmin Dyer at their fortification north of town. Firmin was found greeting an acquaintance, Mellia Saber, who had brought him correspondence from the Libraries in the east. Revealing a coded message buried among mundane news of a beloved dog's death, Firmin provided word that the Chained Library of Athenard contained information on the Barrier, but that others were also searching for intelligence regarding the network, and volumes had potentially gone missing... He could share little more, although in-person inquiries were a possibility.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leaving their friends, the party headed west into the forest, choosing to investigate at the site of Brother Eustice's misadventures (noted above). </div><div><br /></div><div>Reaching the cavern, the party saw signs of coming and going. Always a good sign. Since a couple of the characters had explored here before, I just laid out the map. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEvkO5rwTBjvtx2MkvKUoa90VPjwS1_HX1Mp7JGz1NdIl0_ozBvn38xVNz7-9Himu-GbZMqY4HInbl2gIBvT1Lz9SnhjbMxph3K6HuoE6QgG_HUrWNM8AjLvWzIblPSdCU7fpcIfR0Jlub8ctGOSiEoc7yhfdUL_rj8GIJrjA1PcmRa0x8IK6nzxllcoM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="6000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEvkO5rwTBjvtx2MkvKUoa90VPjwS1_HX1Mp7JGz1NdIl0_ozBvn38xVNz7-9Himu-GbZMqY4HInbl2gIBvT1Lz9SnhjbMxph3K6HuoE6QgG_HUrWNM8AjLvWzIblPSdCU7fpcIfR0Jlub8ctGOSiEoc7yhfdUL_rj8GIJrjA1PcmRa0x8IK6nzxllcoM=w400-h240" width="400" /></a></div><br />Taking the curving steps into the cavern, the party opted to head straight to the pools in the deepest cavern where they had previously encountered the critters (top right). Entering the cavern, Slick and Fulvus ducked into the shadows while Jax advanced. Sure enough, a chitin drake was lurking on the ceiling, and attacked.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVQWr4m0RolmBjJdw-9CjYI-EjY3gIDATTbgi1yAIOkgeQfCDYQ1fAi0k-rcXSksyXTx4fxYSG4ftp45Wsy-4bFR3DTIuYKF16WJhNKow7Gg703aW3cDSaRUGuaSf-Eaft0AgzNxqhVldtrG8t16zDQYY6rtE711wQafTnL0tRsAy2kJb-ckWfs-08HfI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="633" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVQWr4m0RolmBjJdw-9CjYI-EjY3gIDATTbgi1yAIOkgeQfCDYQ1fAi0k-rcXSksyXTx4fxYSG4ftp45Wsy-4bFR3DTIuYKF16WJhNKow7Gg703aW3cDSaRUGuaSf-Eaft0AgzNxqhVldtrG8t16zDQYY6rtE711wQafTnL0tRsAy2kJb-ckWfs-08HfI=w288-h400" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This, again.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Thankfully, its flame only singed Jax' mohawk, and the party fired various weapons at it, causing minor damage. It got in a few bites, taking a chunk out of Fulvus, before Orzu blinded it with a <i>light</i> spell, and the party was able to finish it off.</div><div><br /></div><div>They continued down to only find evidence of more of the creatures in an otherwise empty cave. Returning to the main level, they found one storeroom filled with empty reagent jars and other equipment. The second room was locked, with its lock jammed. After the thieves were unsuccessful, Jax booted it open to find a dying Chaos priest. In his last words, he told them that he had lost control of the beasts, and slid a device to them that he said may stun the drakes momentarily. With that, Fulvus sent him on his way. Notes found in the storerooms hinted of a school of magic not familiar to the party, one focused on the reforming of living beings.</div><div><br /></div><div>The party collected a minor amount of loot and camped for the night, hoping to return to the main road and catch up with the dwarven miners and their fellow adventurers.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>DM Notes:</b></div><div>As mentioned, I'd randomly rolled the damage and casualties of town. It was coincidence that few of the party's favorite NPCs were affected/slain. Really I'm not that big of a meanie. But having some personal skin in the game heightens the drama, now doesn't it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Rondel's player was out of for the weekend, but we'd sketched out his doings via Discord prior to the session, so I could fill in Rondel's activities to the party.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd thought out a few pathways for the party to follow, but of course, in the end, they headed in an unanticipated direction - looking for the lair of the chitin drakes. I fortunately had the map on my tablet, so we just recycled the scenario. I had roughed up the NPC in my notes, as I was preparing for the party to discover a more established lab/complex at some point. So he just got moved up in the timeframe a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>More to come...</div><div><div><br /></div></div>Vance Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911245780875316627noreply@blogger.com0