The Lone Adventurer

Mina lays her plans against the Piperunners, but nothing can prepare her for  the Hall of the Great machine. Can her desperate scheme possibly succeed, and what new city-shattering revelations lie in wait?

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UUCE_Q1j-ICt-EfzhrOECzGqsuiw8FrJvCN1oeXJuCI/edit?usp=sharing

All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/

RPG GNS Theory: https://cannibalhalflinggaming.com/2018/05/16/level-one-wonk-does-rpg-theory-gns/

In the Court of the Crimson King https://open.spotify.com/album/1Lzi2p6CUH156zbJTcOjNX

Master of the Universe https://open.spotify.com/search/hawkwind%20master%20of

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard https://open.spotify.com/artist/6XYvaoDGE0VmRt83Jss9Sn

Chaos Factor 8

Altered Scene: altered (closely guarded)

FATE: Long Rest? (Likely) Yes

FATE: with Cadmus? (50/50) Yes

FATE with Barbican? (50/50) Exceptional No

Sleight of hand check + Guidance assisted by Cadmus (ADV) vs guard passive perception 10: 21 

Create tinker’s tools

Change spells:

Create sending stones

Chaos Factor 7

Altered Scene: No

FATE does Jukti travel with the group? (Very Likely) Yes

FATE Many piperunners (Likely) Exceptional No

FATE Cadmus? (50/50) No

FATE Barbican (50/50) Yes

DUNGEON Common, Discovery, Danger (Repair Station, Supplies/ Trade goods, slashing trap)

FATE Many Machine Cultists at the Hall? (Likely) Yes

FATE Any Piperunners in the Hall? (50/50) No

FATE Very large? (Likely) Exceptional Yes

FATE Too large? (Likely) Yes 

FATE any resistance to Mina approaching/ studying? (50/50) No

FATE Does Mina understand anything she sees? (Unlikely) Exceptional No

Mina Persuasion ADV from recording: Nat 20!

Chaos Factor 6

Altered Scene: Interrupt (Close a Thread: Track down the Infernal Powder) Malice Randomness 

FATE: In the Hall? Yes

Mina Sleight of hand (Bag of holding) ADV from Barbican Help vs Passive Perception 11DC 10: 11

FATE: Do the Machine Cultists attack? (Very Likely) Yes (random event)

EVENT NPC Positive (Jukti) Inspect Travel (Jukti sees Mina, and is watching)

Mina Stealth (to cast Disguise Self unnoticed) no ADV due to Jukti’s focus: 4

Hero Point reroll: 18 Vs Jukti perception 9 success

FATE Jukti defeated? (50/50) Yes

FATE Killed? (unlikely) No

FATE Escapes? (50/50) Yes

Captured by the Piperunners, a helpless Mina and Cadmus discover the true ruthlessness of their foe, and the full terrifying scale of her master plan.  

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JBvJwZrNhl0NWbs0YYV5Mz01N3FY86P6z28Z65qFNWc/edit?usp=sharing

All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/

Ring of Winter: http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/wondrous-items:ring-of-winter

Personalities: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-big-five-personality-dimensions-2795422

Chaos Factor 7

FATE: Cadmus hobbled by Mina? (50/50) Yes (had threatened to cut off his feet)

FATE: Repurpose maintenance mechs? (Likely) No

EVENT: what weapon? (Adjourn the Intellectual) 

FATE: Is there a CPU of the Pipes? (Likely) Yes

FATE: Is the CPU the Great Machine? (Very Likely) Yes

Chaos Factor 8

Altered Scene: Interrupt (Move Away from a Thread - The Wedding) Attract Military

FATE: Does she say why she wants to attack the city? (50/50) Yes

Motivation (1d4)

1. Fear

Revenge for what?

EVENT: Stop Friendship (Betrayed)

FATE: Betrayed Personally? (Unlikely) Yes

How long ago? (d100) 86 years

FATE Is she older than she looks? (50/50) Exceptional Yes (Ring of Winter)

FATE: Does she come from the city above? Yes

FATE Noble House? (50/50) Yes

1. Fargalay

Our heroes must avoid the many dangers of the twisting tunnels of the Underpipes, but there are things far more lethal than magic-eating beetles down here. They soon come face to face with a terrible new foe, as well as a hated old one. 

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NzofrwSCc7SgKgMcUC1AhcNgfw-Q1sLv6wgqVic2z6A/edit?usp=sharing

All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/

Names, by the Story Games Names Project: https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/jason-morningstar/story-games-name-project/paperback/product-1qz67dg.html?page=1&pageSize=4

UNE: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/134163/UNE-The-Universal-NPC-Emulator-rev

Mythic Deck: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/257195/Mythic-Game-Master-Emulator-Deck

Tempting Fate: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TemptingFate

Stealth: Mina (DIS) 10, Cadmus 17, Barbican 13

Perception Swarm (DIS): 4

Chaos Factor 5

Altered Scene: Interrupt: Move away from a thread (Investigate the Whisperer’s death) Arrive Illusions (discuss Unseen: could be anyone, why a public death?)

DUNGEON: Theme: Incredible Power, Unique (Faction Base), Discovery (Book/ scroll/ map): map of the Underpipes

DESCRIPTION Innocently Poor

FATE: Piperunners? (Likely) Yes, random event

NPC Positive (Piperunners) Heal Suffering (Cadmus is back!)

FATE Captured? (50/50) Exceptional yes (many enemies, disarmed)

Chaos Factor 6

Altered Scene: no

FATE: Piperunners hostile? (Likely) No, random event: Ambiguous Event: Extravagance Pain (flayed Hydroclanner)

UNE: Lively crone (comparable power). Motivation: communicate disbelief, conceive propaganda, complete dissonance. Name: Ouma Jukti

EVENT: why enmity with the surface? Bestow Assist

FATE vs rival factions? (50/50) no (vs the surface)

Chaos Factor 7

Altered Scene: Interrupt: NPC Action (Machine Cultists) Antagonise Pleasures (they arrive mid discussion)

EVENT: Why do they need healing? Betray Tension (conflict with other factions)

Mina Investigation: Barrels, Machine Cultists: +6 vs DC 10: 15

FATE: Does she provide Infernal Powder source? (Very Unlikely) No

FATE: Do the machine cultists recognise Mina? (50/50) Yes

FATE: Do they want her dead? (50/50) Yes

FATE: Does Jukti want her alive? (50/50) Yes

FATE: Does this cause conflict between the Piperunners and the Cultists? (50/50) Yes

FATE: Is their alliance an uneasy one? (50/50) Exceptional Yes

FATE: Do the cultists back down? (Likely) Exceptional Yes

Mina and Cadmus have identified a way to reach the Underpipes, hidden beneath the gladiatorial Blood Pits of Kyras. Surely their attempt to sneak in unnoticed will go smoothly, and if they do make it down there, there’ll be nothing awful waiting for them. Right?

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pzp5ZI6pfV0BoGjlCpB2XszX_uVIi_C_q7xeLbnsuII/edit?usp=sharing

All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/

Mina character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18h9OxkNRKUGTruL1-28aPTOj08Q3fDkzIKO_j9Fddlo/edit

Cadmus character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10sZNAf3091QwA2sXI9volk5vzAyUZfKp2WwsgPdUets/edit

Level Up: https://www.levelup5e.com/

13th Age: https://pelgranepress.com/product-category/d20-games/archmage-engine/13th-age/

13th Age Glorantha: https://www.chaosium.com/13th-age-glorantha-hardcover/#:~:text=For%20Game%20Masters%2C%2013th%20Age%20Glorantha%20includes%3A&text=More%20than%2060%20pages%20of,ve%20never%20heard%20of%20Glorantha.

5e Houserules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OGLf6d8k5nQEt2bBWRxScjMzhs2LTm8h7XcwTS8Pqs8/edit

Chaos Factor 6

Altered Scene: No

FATE Healing potions (Very Unlikely) No, Event

EVENT Introduce New NPC Intolerance the Innocent (Pit Master)

FATE Human? (50/50) No (Cave Ogre)

FATE Hostile to Cadmus? (50/50) Yes

FATE Does he attack? (Very Likely) No

Persuasion/ Deception at DIS vs WIS 10 (-1) 10 success

Deception -1 vs WIS 10 (-1) 4 failure

Cave Ogre (Pit Master Glugark) (2 x CR 2)

AC12

HP 119 (14d10+42, bloodied 59)

Speed 40 ft. 

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 

19 (+4) 8 (–1) 16 (+3) v 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 8 (–1) 

Proficiency +2; Maneuver DC 14 

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 

Languages Common, Giant

Traits

Elite Recovery. At the end of each of its turns while bloodied, the ogre can end one condition or effect on itself. It can do this even when unconscious or incapacitated.

Actions

Greatclub. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage, and if the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it makes a DC 14 Strength saving throw, falling prone on a failure. 

Sweeping Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., all creatures within 5 feet. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage, and if the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it makes a DC 14 Strength saving throw. On a failure, it is pushed 10 feet away from the ogre. 

Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Rock (Only when Bloodied). Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage, and if the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it makes a DC 14 Strength saving throw, falling prone on a failure.

Reactions (only when Bloodied)

Reflexive Swat. When a creature the ogre can see within 5 feet hits it with a melee attack, the ogre makes a greatclub attack against it. 

Furious Smash (1/Day). When it takes damage or is targeted by a spell, the cave ogre roars and smashes the ground, a tree, or another object, sending debris flying in a 30-foot radius around the ogre. Each creature in the area makes a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage on a failed save or half damage on a success. Until the debris is cleared, the area becomes difficult terrain, which the cave ogre ignores.

Combat tactics

 Against foes it deems small and weak, the ogre charges into a group and uses its Sweeping Strike. It attacks a lone foe, or one that has proven itself to be a threat, with its greatclub.

Initiative: 

Mina  20

Glugark  17

Cadmus 5

ROUND 1

Mina (54/54) Sharpshooter (-5/ +10): +2 vs AC 12: 8 Miss, Move away, Bonus: Barbican attack

Barbican (21/21) Move forward, Rend +6 vs AC 12: 9 miss

Glugark (119/ 119): Move forward, Greatclub vs Barbican: +6 vs AC 15: 25 hit 13 hp (8/21), Prone

Cadmus (28/28) Bless Mina, Barbican, Cadmus (+1d4 attacks/ saves)

ROUND 2

Mina (54/54) Sharpshooter (-5/ +10): +2 +1 (Bless) vs AC 12: 15 Hit, 38hp (81/119) Bonus: Barbican repair

Barbican (8/21) Repair (⅓) 9hp (17/21) Stand from prone

Glugark (81/119) Move, Sweeping Strike (Mina, Barbican), DIS vs Mina 17 (Miss), 14 vs Barbican (Miss)

Cadmus (28/28) Sacred Flame DEX save DC 12: 15 miss, move out of reach

ROUND 3

Mina (54/54) Sharpshooter (-5/ +10): +2 +3 vs AC 12: 19 Hit, 48hp (33/119 bloodied) Reaction: Furious Smash: Dex save DC 14 Mina: 16 5hp (49/54), Barbican 7 10hp (7/21), Cadmus 22 5hp (23/28), 30ft radius is Difficult Terrain

Bonus Barbican repair 

Barbican (7/21) Repair (⅔) 7 hp (14/21)

Glugark (33/119) Sweeping Strike (Mina, Barbican, Cadmus) DIS vs Mina 12 miss, 9 vs Barbican miss, 21 vs Cadmus, hit 8hp (20/28), fail STR save, pushed 10ft

Cadmus (20/28): move to distract, Help action (Mina)

FATE: Attract attention? (50/50) Yes

Rounds until reinforcements? 1d4+2: 5

ROUND 4

Mina (49/54) Sharpshooter (-5/ +10): +2 +2 vs AC 12 ADV: 22 hit 46hp Glugark DEAD

Bonus: Barbican Help Cadmus (clear rubble) - cancels DIS 

Barbican (14/21) Help

Cadmus (20/28): Perception vs DC 13: 20 success

FATE Do the reinforcements spot the secret entrance? (Unlikely) No

Chaos Factor 5

Altered Scene: Altered (Punish Benefits) Goodberries lost

Mina: Mending (Barbican at full HP)

Cadmus: Goodberry

FATE: Tunnels clear? (Likely) No, Danger: Creature looking for food

Monster (rare) construct, hostile, group (Medium encounter)

FATE From in front? (50/50) yes

Xanka x 4 (Tome of Beasts)

Bronze Scout  (Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes)

BRONZE SCOUT 

Medium construct, unaligned 

Armor Class 13 

Hit Points 18 (4d8) Speed 30 ft., burrow 30 ft. 

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 

10 (+0) 16 (+3) 11 (+O) 3 (-4) 14 (+2) l (-5) 

Skills Perception +6, Stealth +7

Damage Immunities poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren't adamantine 

Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16

Languages understands one language of its creator but can't speak 

Challenge l (200 XP) 

Earth Armor. The bronze scout doesn't provoke opportunity attacks when it burrows. 

Magic Resistance. The bronze scout has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. 

ACTIONS 

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +S to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (ld4 + 3) piercing damage plus 3 (ld6) lightning damage. 

Lightning Flare (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). Each creature in contact with the ground within 15 feet of the bronze scout must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. 

XANKA

Small construct, unaligned

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

Hit Points 18 (4d6 + 4), Speed 25 ft., climb 15 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

10 (+0) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 4 (–3) 10 (+0) 7 (–2)

Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned

Senses blindsight 120 ft., passive Perception 10

Languages Understands the languages of its creator but can’t speak

Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

Constructed Nature. Xanka do not require air, food, drink, or Sleep.

Ingest Weapons. When the xanka is hit by a melee weapon and the final, adjusted attack roll is 19 or less, the weapon gains a permanent –1 penalty to damage rolls, after inflicting

damage for this attack. If the penalty reaches –5, the weapon is destroyed. Even magic weapons are subject to this effect.

Magic Weapons. The xanka’s weapon attacks are magical.

ACTIONS

Absorb. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) force damage, and the xanka regains hit points equal to the damage caused by its attack. In addition, a living creature hit by this attack must make a successful DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or suffer a gaping wound that causes 2 (1d4) necrotic damage at the end of each of the creature’s turns until the wound is treated with magical healing or with a successful DC 10 Intelligence (Medicine) check. If a creature who fails this saving throw is wearing armor or using a shield, the creature can choose to prevent the necrotic damage by permanently reducing the AC of its armor or shield by 1 instead.

Initiative

Mina 18

Xanka 15

Cadmus 9

Bronze Scout 4

Distance: Long range

FATE: does Cadmus know what they are? (50/50)

Mina: Investigation 13 vs DC 12 

ROUND 1

Mina (49/54) 27 (Crit) vs Bronze Scout AC 13 32hp DEAD, 19 vs Xanka 1 AC 15 hit. 14hp (4/18), Bonus Barbican help Mina

Barbican move, provide firing platform

Xanka move 50ft

Cadmus Sacred Flame vs Xanka: DEX save 16  miss

ROUND 2

Mina (49/54) ADV Sharpshooter (-5/ +10): 17 vs AC 15 hit 44hp (Xanka 1 DEAD, Xanka 2 DEAD, Xanka 3 DEAD, Xanka 4 4hp (14/18)

Bonus Barbican attack

Barbican move, DIS Attack 14 vs AC 15 miss

Xanka Absorb 5 vs AC 15 miss

Cadmus Sacred Flame vs Xanka: DEX save 9 hit 5hp (9/18)

ROUND 3

Mina Help Barbican, Bonus attack

Barbican ADV 24 vs AC 15 hit 6hp (3/18)

Xanka Absorb 21 vs AC 15 hit 6hp (15/21) regain 6hp (9/18)

Cadmus Sacred Flame vs Xanka: DEX save19 miss

ROUND 4

Mina Attack at melee range DIS 15 vs AC 15 DEAD

FATE Treasure? (Very Unlikely) No

Chaos Factor 4

Altered Scene No

DUNGEON Common (4 way junction), Discovery (bridge/ stairs/ ramp), Danger (Creature)

Creature: Sleeping Beast (Bee/ Wasp) Horde (swarm) 

FATE: illuminated? (50/50) no

MANABANE SCARAB SWARM 

Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30)

Speed 20 ft., burrow 5 ft., climb 20ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

3 (–4) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 1 (−5) 13 (+1) 2 (−4)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +5

Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing

Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned

Senses blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 30 ft., tremorsense 30 ft.,passive Perception 13

Languages —

Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and vice versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Tiny insect. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.

Magic Immunity. The manabane scarab swarm is immune to spells and other magical effects.

Scent Magic. The manabane scarab swarm can detect the presence of magical creatures, active spells or spell effects, and magical items within 120 feet.

Mana Erosion. The manabane scarab swarm consumes magic. Unattended magic items in the swarm’s space at the end of the swarm’s turn have their effects suppressed for 1 minute. Additionally, charged items in the swarm’s space lose 1d6 charges at the start of each of the swarm’s turns; items with limited uses per day lose one daily use instead, and single-use

items such as potions or scrolls are destroyed. Magical effects in the swarm’s space are dispelled (as if affected by dispel magic cast with +5 spellcasting ability).

ACTIONS

Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm’s space. Hit: 14 (4d6) piercing damage, or 7 (2d6) piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or one randomly determined magic item in its possession is immediately affected by the Mana Erosion trait. A spellcaster hit by this attack must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or one of its lowest-level, unused spell slots is expended.

Mina is given an unwelcome decision to make by an even more unwelcome visitor, and we learn more about the death of her father. With a decision reached, Mina and Cadmus start to lay their plans, but they are interrupted by an atrocity no-one could have predicted. 

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L--J0_zsmOtoxNXIOwcJS77KRDxbEqduNjomCRWl8xo/edit?usp=sharing

Ranks of peerage: https://debretts.com/peerage/ranks-and-privileges-of-the-peerage/

Chaos Factor 9

Altered Scene: Altered (the visitor is a magical projection)

Mina: Mending

FATE does V know who Cadmus is? (Likely) yes 

FATE does V know about the wedding plan? (50/50) no

DESCRIPTION Verdict on death of the Whisperer: naturally aromatic

EVENT What does he want? Event Focus NPC Action (The Underpipes) Carry Riches)

1. The trail of the Infernal powder X

Leverage? Praise News

Chaos Factor 8

Altered Scene: altered (innkeeper throws them out)

EVENT: how does Mina think Alexis was involved in Baron Montisario’s death? Intolerance the Intellectual

Chaos Factor 7

Altered Scene: Interrupt NPC Positive (Machine Cultists) Praise Fears 

FATE Certes? (likely) No

FATE Key? (50/50) Yes

1d6: 1 Ankhra (terrorist attack on the Monastery of Thrice-Blessed Ankhra)

FATE Attackers at the scene? (Unlikely) No

FATE Suicide bombers? (50/50) Yes

FATE Survivors? Yes

FATE Describe attackers? (50/50) Yes

FATE: is Cadmus willing to return to the Underpipes? (Likely) Exceptional Yes

How did Cadmus enter the Underpipes? Triumph Tactics (below the Blood Pits)

How did Cadmus find out about the entrance? Overthrow Misfortune

Entrance description: Gladly Young

FATE: Did Antiope escape? (50/50) Yes

Mina wakes to discover the identity of the new Spymaster, and it’s the last person she would wish it to be. But the bad news doesn’t stop there; the identity of the Whisperer’s murderer could spell doom for House Montisario, and the new spymaster’s plan to deal with the situation puts Mina right in the very last place she wants to be.

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YhGRF-ZUfINL8-ea2Mu3LSE9C4gMv-3O9Z5O1vaK4jY/edit?usp=sharing

Surprise: https://slyflourish.com/surprise.html

UNE (Universal NPC Emulator): or): https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/134163/UNE-The-Universal-NPC-Emulator-rev

Chaos Factor 8

Altered Scene: No

Who wakes her?

UNE privileged politician, comparable power, motivation: work the world 

Demeanor inquisitive

Bearing request

Focus fame 

FATE does she know him? Exceptional Yes (cousin, Male/ female/ non-binary: male Alexis Montisatio)

FATE: do they get on? Exceptional No

Mina Punch: miss

FATE does he accept it was murder? (Likely) Yes

FATE is his lackey a soldier? (Likely) Yes

Donjon Name Generator: Theny Veray

Male/ Female/ non-binary: nonbinary

Why the welcome? Expose Intrigues

FATE Shapechangers? (Very Likely) Yes

FATE Captured? (50/50) Yes

FATE Alive? (Impossible) No

Chaos Factor 7

Altered Scene: Interrupt (NPC Negative) Truce Anger (Cadmus)

FATE are shapeshifters a known faction? (unlikely) yes

FATE criminal? (50/50) Exceptional Yes 

Event how does Cadmus know of the Unseen? Struggle Opulence

FATE did Cadmus grow up elsewhere than Kyras? (50/50) Yes: Ligzara (Tanth)

FATE: is it the same as what Cadmus saw? (Very Likely) Yes

What does Alexis want? Assist News

Chaos Factor 8

Altered Scene: Interrupt, NPC Action (The Visitor) Inspect Home (In Mina’s room)

FATE is Duke Toreth fat, old and ugly? (50/50) Exceptional no

FATE does Mina believe Alexis is responsible for her father’s death? (50/50) yes

Mina constructs a companion, and hopes to retain another, but shocking news throws her plans into disarray. With all other avenues seemingly closed, Mina is left with only one option; to return to the infamous House of Whispers.

Links

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ro9GhVcPjAWSFal1sHQyCU4oVPvss3O7VlcQUSv4anw/edit?usp=sharing

SCENE 17 (Cont)

FATE: Are they able to slip away unnoticed? (Unlikely) No

FATE: Ejected? (50/50) Yes, Random Event NPC Negative: HydroClan: Guide Messages (knocking on pipes)

FATE: Do Devotants have surnames? (Unlikely) No

FATE: Does Cadmus accompany Mina? (Very Likely)  Yes

Chaos Factor 4

Altered Scene? No

FATE: room for Cadmus? Yes

FATE: Does Cadmus want to go back to the Order? (50/50) Yes

FATE: Will he return to her? (Likely) Exceptional Yes (he intends to leave the Order, swearing himself to her protection)

Level Up: 

• HP to 

FATE: does Cadmus return (Very Likely) Yes

FATE: in Order robes? No

FATE: Does Cadmus know anything re Mina’s quest? (Very Unlikely) Exceptional Yes (NPC Negative) The Whisperer, Adversity News

Chaos Factor 5

Altered Scene? No

FATE: Does Cadmus know how The Whisperer died? (50/50) Yes

How? Event: Release Illness (Plague toxin)

FATE: Others dead? (50/50) No

FATE: Any clues who’s behind it? (Very Unlikely) No

FATE: Has Mina heard of attacks like this before? (Very Unlikely) No

Chaos Factor 6

Altered Scene? No

FATE: Anyone there? (Very unlikely) No

FATE: Does anyone come? (50/50) No

FATE: Is anyone following her when she leaves? (Unlikely) No

Chaos Factor 7

Altered Scene? No

FATE: Hostile Reception? (Unlikely) Exceptional Yes

Event: Ambush Stalemate (building defences activated to restrain invaders)

• Animated Armour CR 1

Initiative:

Cadmus 16

Rugs 14

Mina 13

Armour 8

Gargoyle 5

Round 1

Cadmus: surprised

Rug 1: Smother vs Mina: 9 (miss)

Rug 2: Smother vs Barbican: 10 (miss)

Mina: surprised

Barbican: surprised

Amour: Multiattack: Shove vs Mina: 22 vs 17: Mina prone, Grapple (ADV) 21 vs 9 Mina Grappled

Gargoyle: Multiattack: Bite vs Barbican 20 vs AC 15: 5 hp (16/21), Claw 12 vs AC 15: miss

Round 2

Cadmus: Bless (+1d4 attacks/ saves Mina, Cadmus, Barbican), Move 40ft out of melee

Rug 1: Smother vs Mina (ADV) 22 hit, Mina prone, grappled, restrained, blinded

Rug 2: Smother vs Barbican: 21 hit, Barbican grappled, restrained, blinded

Mina: 10hp (44/54) escape DC 13: 4 fail, bonus: Barbican Force Rend

Barbican (16/21): Force Rend + Bless vs Rug 2 (DIS) 17 hit 3hp (30/33), Barbican 3hp (13/21)

Armour: Multiattack Slam vs Mina (ADV) 21 hit 5 hp (39/54) Slam vs Mina (ADV) 13 miss

Gargoyle: Multiattack: Bite vs Barbican (ADV) 5 vs AC 15 miss, Claw 16 vs AC 15: hit 5hp (8/21)

Round 3

Cadmus: Sacred Flame vs Armour DC 12 2 5hp (28/33)

Rug 1: maintain smother

Rug 2: maintain smother

Mina: 10hp (29/54), escape DC 13 5 fail, bonus “get me out of here!”

Barbican: 10hp (dead)

Armour: Multiattack Slam vs Mina (ADV) 20 hit 5 hp (24/54) Slam vs Mina (ADV) 9 miss

Gargoyle: Multiattack: Bite vs Mina (ADV) 23 hit 5hp (19/54), Claw 15 miss

Round 4

Cadmus: Sacred Flame vs Armour DC 12 3 5hp (23/33)

Rug 1: maintain smother

Rug 2: Smother vs Mina (ADV) 20 hit

Mina: 20hp (0/54)

Mina and Cadmus find themselves within touching distance of freedom, but face seemingly insurmountable odds to attain it. Can they possibly overcome the massed might of HydroClan?

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xRd_qCajdPk1J51blWBEwicI5s1ooK7clxQ3wtcbcWI/edit?usp=sharing

Mina’s character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JGnbhd25G18rT_vAqkAUInVhukGgsvRLe960o_bUsi8/edit?usp=sharing

Cadmus’ character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iXvGMribhEAZnn5SixCj3G8ZLz_OK4jBEo_hg8DKgKc/edit?usp=sharing

Mythic GM Emulator Deck: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/257195/Mythic-Game-Master-Emulator-Deck

Skill Challenge: https://critical-hits.com/blog/2016/08/16/skill-challenges-in-5th-edition-dd/

Noble House Randomiser: https://welshpiper.com/random-noble-houses/

Chaos Factor 5

Altered Scene? Interrupt: PC Positive: Arrive Goals

Cadmus reaction: NPC Continues, -2 (Disposition 4) 6 goodberries (20/22hp)

Chaos Factor 4

Altered Scene? Altered: they are being pursued. 

Skill Challenge: 3 moderate successes DC 15 each, penalties on failure, combat after 3 failures

Cadmus Athletics +3, help (Mina) 8 fail (0 of 3)

Consequence Use a monster, danger, or location move

Event: Persecute Competition (siren sounded, more HydroClan)

Mina Athletics +1 16 success (1 of 3)

Cadmus Athletics +3, help (Mina) 20 success (1 of 3)

Mina Athletics +1 3 fail (1 of 3)

Consequence show signs of an approaching threat 

Event Starting liberty ("free the great water spirit!")

Cadmus +3 help (Mina) 15 success;(2 of 3)

Mina +1 fail (1 of 3)

Consequence Turn their move back on them (2 x HydroClan cultists climb faster: combat)

Starting climb height: 80ft, exit at 120’

Mina on 2 of 3 Hero Points, no HD spent

Initiative

Water Weird 23

Mina 21

HydroClan bandits 11

Cadmus 7

HydroClan cultists 2

Round 1

Water weird (58/58 hp): trapped

Mina 34/38hp): Pistol 12 vs AC 12 hit 10hp: cultist 1 dead, cultist 2 8/9hp), Move 15’, Cultist Opportunity attack: 14 vs AC 17 miss: Mina at 95’

6 Hydroclan bandits (all on 11/11hp): Crossbow DIS for long range: 1 hit 5hp Mina (30/38)

Cadmus: Sacred Flame v Cultist 2 Dex 14 vs DC 12: miss, Move 10’, Cadmus at 90’

Hydroclan Cultist 2: move, scimitar 23 vs AC 14: hit Cadmus 4hp (16/22hp)

HydroClan Cultist 3-5 move up ladder, scimitar 8 vs AC 14 miss

Round 2

FATE: Weird released? (Likely): Yes

FATE? Attack HydroClan? (50/50): Yes

Water Weird: Constrict: 11 vs AC 12 miss, move to 60’

Mina (30/38): Pistol 12 vs AC 12 hit 1hp: cultist 2 dead, cultist 3 5/9hp), move (15’ to 110’)

6 HydroClan bandits: Crossbow DIS for long range:1 hit on Mina (25/38hp), 2 hits on Cadmus (6/22hp)

Cadmus: Move, dash (20’ to 110’)

HydroClan Cultists: move, 1 hit on Mina (21/38hp)

Round 3

FATE: Weird attack HydroClan? (50/50) Yes

Water Weird (58/58): Move, constrict 13hp, Cultist 5 dead

Mina (21/38hp): Bonus: healing surge: 6hp (27/38), pistol 20 vs AC 13 hit, Weird takes 18hp (40/58hp) 110’)

6 HydroClan bandits all miss

Cadmus (6/22hp) Move 10’ to 120’, open circular handwheel: Athletics DC 13: DIS 12 fail

HydroClan cultist 3 (5/9hp): hit Mina 4hp (23/38hp)

HydroClan cultist 4 (9/9hp): miss

Round 4

Water Weird (40/58): move, constrict miss Mina

Mina (23/38hp) Bonus: healing surge:7hp (30/38hp), pistol 20 vs AC 13 hit Weird takes 6hp (34/58hp)

6 HydroClan bandits: 1 hit on Cadmus, Parry

Cadmus: (6/22hp) open circular handwheel: Athletics DC 13: DIS 6 fail

HydroClan cultist 3 (5/9hp): miss

HydroClan cultist 4 (9/9hp): miss

Round 5

Water Weird (34/58): move, constrict hit Mina 13 (17/38hp), grappled, restrained escape DC 13

Mina (17/38hp): escape DC 13 STR 14, move (120’)

6 HydroClan bandits: hit Cadmus Parry, hit Cadmus 5hp (1/22hp)

Cadmus: (1/22hp) open circular handwheel: Athletics DC 13: DIS 8 fail, Bonus Healing Word 

FATE: Does he heal himself? Yes 4hp (5/22hp) (2/2 L1 spell slots used)

HydroClan cultist 3 (5/9hp): miss

HydroClan cultist 4 (9/9hp): miss

Round 6

Water Weird (34/58hp) miss

Mina (17/38hp) ready action (Cadmus help)

6 Hydroclan bandits: all miss

Cadmus: help

Mina: open circular handwheel: Athletics DC 13 ADV 9 fail Hero Point 16 success, Move

Water Weird Opportunity attack miss Mina

HydroClan cultist 3 (5/9hp) Opportunity attack: hit Cadmus 4hp (1/22hp)

HydroClan cultist 4 (9/9hp) Opportunity attack: miss

Chaos Factor 5

Altered Scene? Expected

FATE: Do the attackers continue? (Likely) No (screams from below: Weird attacks cultists)

FATE: Is the way out obvious? (Likely)Yes (tunnel up, grating, steps up from cellar- water pipes)

Cadmus: 3 Goodberries (4/22hp)

Description: Where are they? Joyfully Lavish

FATE: Noble House mansion? Yes

1. Fargalay

Toreth

House Toreth

Motto: By Quill and By Sword

Sigil: A golden two-headed roc on a scarlet field

An ancient noble house, historically militaristic, now waning in both size and political influence. They seek to reclaim old glories by seeking out power in the outer realms, and are intent on establishing a military presence in these strange new worlds. In Kyras they have secret ties to organised crime. 

Scene 17 continued in Chapter 8

Mina and Cadmus stumble upon the site of a battle fought between unknown adversaries, and make much-needed camp. Will they make it through the night without interruption? And what strange new adversaries await them in the depths of the Underpipes?

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YnNlVXuY_8_vBHAxWPPti5q_wN-py7xzESU0VRXnX50/edit?usp=sharing

Mina’s character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JGnbhd25G18rT_vAqkAUInVhukGgsvRLe960o_bUsi8/edit?usp=sharing

Cadmus’ character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iXvGMribhEAZnn5SixCj3G8ZLz_OK4jBEo_hg8DKgKc/edit?usp=sharing

Chaos Factor 6

Altered Scene? 9 No

DUNGEON: Common, empty 78

DESCRIPTION 56 Irritatingly 70 Mysterious (incomprehensible machinery)

DUNGEON: Common, empty Waste line

FATE: Does the knocking stop? (Likely) 34 Yes

FATE: Lost? (50/50) 59 Yes

FATE: Deep? (Likely): 5 Exceptional Yes (inside the link!)

DUNGEON: Unique, Discovery, Danger Theme: Shadowy Forces

DESCRIPTION 4 Angrily 64 Messy (smashed outpost)

FATE: Bodies? (very unlikely) 37 Yes

FATE: Old? (50/50) 24 Yes

Discovery: find coins/ gems/ jewelry

Danger: trap: alarm DC 12 to spot (Mina Passive Perception 14, DC 15 to disable

Cadmus Action: 8 NPC Continues -2 (Disposition 6)

Mina Thieves’ Tools +3, Guidance +1 ADV (Cadmus helping) 5, 21 Success

Treasure: 14GP (gems are paste)

Investigate: what destroyed this place? Investigate +6 Guidance +3 18

DESCRIPTION  29 Energetically 65 Mighty (powered construct)

Choas Factor 5

Altered Scene? Interrupt 86 Passion 22 Energy (drawn by magic)

FATE: Enemy creature? (50/50) 60 No

DESCRIPTION: 81 Peacefully 18 Delicate

FATE Long Rest? (Likely) 50 Yes

Mina full HP

Cadmus 3 levels Exhaustion 22hp

FATE: low on provisions? (Very likely) 8 Extreme Yes (out of provisions)

FATE: creatures edible? (Very unlikely) 38 No

Cadmus: cast Goodberry

Chaos Factor 4

Altered Scene? 9 No

DUNGEON: Theme (Water) Unique (Control Chamber) Discovery (well) Danger (creature guarding: Human relocating attacking - cult fanatic and 4 cultists Donjon)

FATE: Great Machine? (Likely) 91 No

DESCRIPTION: 2 Adventurously 9 Classy 

FATE: Water cult? (Likely) 41 Yes

FATE: Linked to imprisoning Piperunners? (50/50) 94 Exceptional No (implacable enemies)

Aggression: 5

Passive Perception 14 vs 12: Stealth 2 (noticed)

Range: 60ft

FATE: Does Cadmus recognise them? (Very Unlikely) 81 No

Initiative:

• Mina: 15

Round 1

Mina: move ready action: attack if attacked

Cadmus: Disposition 6: Talks/ Exposition 

Cultist Tactic: Probe - attack cautiously, testing opponent's defences 

Fanatic: Move to ½ cover, Spell (1/4 L1 slots used)

Mina: Pistol 19 vs AC 14 24hp piercing (Fanatic 15hp remaining)

Command (Mina) DC 12 WIS Save: 9 fail 

Cultists: 30 ft, ½ cover

Round 2

Mina: Grovel: prone 

Cadmus: Disposition 8: Seeks to end the encounter (surrenders)

Tactic: Aggression 4,  attack cautiously, testing opponent's defences

Fanatic: Hold Person (1/3 L2 slots used): DC 12 Cadmus (DIS) 12 15 saves (“seize them!”)

Cultist 1: Move 30’ Grapple vs Mina (prone) STR 11 vs DEX 11 (Mina higher skill Mod, avoids grapple)

Cultist 2: Move 30’ Grapple vs Cadmus STR 6 vs DEX 13 avoids grapple

Cultist 3: Move 30' Grapple Vs Mina STR 5 Vs DEX 9 avoids grapple

Cultist 4: Move 30' Grapple Vs Cadmus 7 Vs  9 avoids grapple

Round 3

FATE In a line? (50/50) 35 Yes 1d3 2 (1 of 2 L1 slots used)

Mina: stand, Tasha’s Caustic Brew DEX DC 14 Cultist 1 12 fail Cultist 3 19 success

Cadmus: Disposition 10: Context Action (under attack) 

FATE Both in range? (50/50) 16 Yes

Word of Radiance: CON DC 12 Cultist 2 12 success Cultist 4 14 success

Tactic: Aggression 5 Balance - attack and defend evenly, no particular strategy

Fanatic: Blindness (2/3 L2 slots used) WIS DC 12 Mina 15 success

Cultist 1: 10hp acid damage (dead) 

Cultist 2: dagger vs Cadmus AC 22 hit 4hp (18/22hp)

Cultist 3: dagger Vs Mina 19 hit 4hp (28/32)

Cultist 4: dagger Vs Cadmus AC 24 hit 4hp (14/22hp)

Round 4

Mina: Draw dagger (off hand), 17 hit Cultist 2 (7/9hp)

Cadmus: Disposition 12: Context Action 

Word of Radiance CON DC 12 Cultist 2 13 Cultist 4 15 both avoid

Tactic: Aggression 4 Twist: Change - weapon/objective/ground “Kill them!”

Fanatic: Close to melee, Inflict Wounds on Cadmus vs AS 9 Miss

Cultist 2 dagger vs Cadmus  AC 8 miss

Cultist 3 dagger vs Mina AC 9 miss

Cultist 4 dagger vs Cadmus AC 8 miss

Round 5

Mina: Move 30’ to cover (opportunity attack AC 22 hit 4hp (24/38hp), pistol 10 AC miss, HERO POINT 18 AC hit 24hp (Fanatic dead, cleave to Cultist 4, dead)

Cadmus: Word of Radiance CON DC 12 Cultist 2 6 fail 4hp (5/9hp) Cultist 4 1 fail 4hp (5/9hp)

Tactic: Aggression 2 Stand-off - wait for opponent to make the next move

Cultist 2 (5/9hp) ready attack if attacked

Cultist 3 (9/9hp) ready attack if attacked

Round 6

Mina: “drop your weapons and we won't kill you” (Persuasion 6) ready pistol if they move

Cadmus: move 20’, ready sacred flame if they move

Tactic Aggression 4 Stand-off - wait for opponent to make the next move

End Combat

Mina begins her exploration of the Underpipes, and makes a surprising discovery that makes her reassess her quest. But she’ll need to avoid being discovered herself if she’s going to survive…

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n568c4YkbsuKocfV-V0TWqrNtEpxrTAS-KXM3P9ALeI/edit?usp=sharing

Mina’s character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JGnbhd25G18rT_vAqkAUInVhukGgsvRLe960o_bUsi8/edit?usp=sharing

Cadmus’ character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iXvGMribhEAZnn5SixCj3G8ZLz_OK4jBEo_hg8DKgKc/edit?usp=sharing

Apocalypse World: http://apocalypse-world.com/

Ironsworn: https://www.ironswornrpg.com/

Dungeon World: https://dungeon-world.com/

FATE: https://www.evilhat.com/home/fate-core/

Mythic Magazine Volume 1: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/342536/Mythic-Magazine-Volume-1

Donjon: https://donjon.bin.sh/

Chaos Factor 4

SCENE ALTERED? 1 Altered (Extremely hot)

Common, Discovery: Heating pipes, find supplies

Investigation vs DC 16 Clues?: 12+2 (Guidance) Fail forward (Complication)

DESCRIPTION: 49 Healthily 43 Harsh

Complication Table

1. Use a monster, danger, or location move

3: Show signs of an approaching threat

Description: 43 Imprison 15 Innocent

Healer? (50/50) 27 Yes

Human? (50/50) 15 Yes

Imprisoned how long? 1d4 (Days to years) months

Sleight of Hand Vs DC 10: lockpicks +3 +3 (Guidance): 19 Success

NPC Behaviour Check

Context: Investigating the Piperunners

Cadmus: starting Disposition 2d10+-2 10 Active

Cadmus First Action: 2d10+2 16 Act out of Self Interest (runs), change context (Escape incareration)

Cadmus Action: 2d10+2 17 Take something (food/ water), change context (tend to Cadmus)

Context Modifier: -2 (Disposition 8, Passive)

FATE: does he know when they are coming back? (50/50) 27 yes

When? 1d4 (now, minutes, tens of minutes, hours) 4 hours

FATE: Does he know another way out? (No Way) 12 No

Result

Action

Context

4 or less

TALKS, EXPOSITION 

Character’s Action changes the current Context

5

PERFORMS AN AMBIGUOUS ACTION 

6-7

ACTS OUT OF PC INTEREST 

8

NPC CONTINUES -2 

The Character’s Action is within the current Context

9-10

NPC CONTINUES 

11

NPC CONTINUES +2 

12

CONTEXT ACTION

13

GIVES SOMETHING 

The Character’s Action changes the current Context

14

SEEKS TO END THE ENCOUNTER

15-16

ACTS OUT OF SELF INTEREST

17

TAKES SOMETHING

18 or more

CAUSES HARM

Chaos Factor 5

SCENE ALTERED? 8 No

Themed, Common, Discovery, Danger (Water, Cooling Pipes, condensation, slashing trap)

Donjon random Trap generator, CR 2 (https://donjon.bin.sh/5e/random/#type=trap;trap-level=2)

Guillotine Blade: DC 15 to find, DC 15 to disable; +8 to hit against one target, 2d10 slashing damage; heroic tier, dangerous

Target: Mina d20+8 17 hit 10hp (22/38hp remaining)

FATE: does Cadmus heal her? (Likely) 73 Yes (just)

Healing Word (3HP)

FATE: was he kidnapped (very likely) 98 extreme no (he came here willingly)

FATE: is he willing to talk? (50/50) 26 Yes

EVENT: why did he come here? 3 Neglect 32 Plans

FATE: Are they all bad? (Unlikely) 22 Yes, Random Event

EVENT: Remote Event 2 Starting 21 Messages (knocking pipes)