From 584c3e014f991b6d053921ae03252952fb2c4012 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "Christopher P. Brown" Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2022 08:57:11 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] 16 --- basement.order | 1 + src/characters/corraidhin.md | 4 +- src/epistolary/00016.md | 81 ++++ src/notes.md | 2 + www/index.html | 124 ++++- www/rss.xml | 872 ++++++++++++++++++++--------------- www/spoilers.html | 126 ++++- 7 files changed, 843 insertions(+), 367 deletions(-) create mode 100644 src/epistolary/00016.md diff --git a/basement.order b/basement.order index e83e462..88f94f7 100644 --- a/basement.order +++ b/basement.order @@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ src/epistolary/00012.md src/epistolary/00013.md src/epistolary/00014.md src/epistolary/00015.md +src/epistolary/00016.md src/bestiary/index.md src/bestiary/aur.md src/bestiary/blahoblin.md diff --git a/src/characters/corraidhin.md b/src/characters/corraidhin.md index 84d2916..c57d6b5 100644 --- a/src/characters/corraidhin.md +++ b/src/characters/corraidhin.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ --- title: corraidhin created: Tue, 26 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 -updated: Tue, 26 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 +updated: Sat, 24 Sep 2022 08:34:55 -0400 public: yes --- ### Corraidhín @@ -17,5 +17,5 @@ I think with my share of the reward I'll buy more books. Lots and lots of books, - Player: sinatra - XP: 0 -- Skills: Do Anything 1, Arcane Lore (2) +- Skills: Do Anything 1, Arcane Lore 2, Sneak 2 diff --git a/src/epistolary/00016.md b/src/epistolary/00016.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b12a5e0 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/epistolary/00016.md @@ -0,0 +1,81 @@ +--- +title: 00016 +created: Sat, 24 Sep 2022 07:43:23 -0400 +updated: Sat, 24 Sep 2022 07:43:23 -0400 +public: yes +syndicated: yes +--- +### 00016 + +*RETCON!* + +Before Corraidhín ascended to the surface of the pool.... + +> As Corraidhin finishes his incantation a small porro drifts down bonking him on the head. Startled corraidhin begins to move around in the pool trying to find his assailant. +> +> "By the gods what in the world is in this pool with me!" he tugs frantically on the sword, and as he does so the porro drifts into view. "Oh wait, that.." his eyes follow the rubber hose attached to it up to the top of the pool. "Ah ha!" he exclaims immediately inhaling a mouth full of water and frantically pulling the porro from the hose with his spare hand and teeth. Corraidhin sucks greedily at the air the hose provides as he becomes acutely aware of the burning sensation in his lungs. +> +> The porro drifts wistfully to the bottom of the pool, just out of reach. A dark liquid rises from it as it comes to rest on the bottom of the pool. + +And now back to our show! + +> After heartily congratulating Master Corraidhín on his successful sword acquisition in hushed whispers and finishing off a cup of blackcurrant tea, Inky retrieves the porro from the bottom of the pool with a fishing pole and a few recasts. (Calling that gnarly stick with a line, bottle and hook slightly bent out of shape on one end a fishing pole would be an affont to any self-respecting fisherfolk though.) Inky rinses the pitcher and hose before stowing them away again in the bag along with the pole and other ink brewing paraphernalia. +> +> Refreshed, Inky slips noiselessly inside the vault, edging along the wall on the farther side from the crowd now wholly enraptured by Jarrod's grand recital. Seeing the crowd pacified and giving Jarrod a thumbs-up, Inky unfurls a long and dusty bolt of dark cloth with the words "UNDER MAINTENANCE — NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY [by order of the Basmentaria Bureau of Sanitation]" in roughly-scrawled letters tacked onto it, and hung the ends of the cloth so it spanned and completely obscured one side of the vault. +> +> Standing behind the makeshift inspection site, Inky proceeds to fill several sacks with gold and gems using a small shovel, before putting one of the sacks into their Hacky Duffer Discette (its capacity for large storage and small weight is a blessing in disguise for both aspiring and afflicted collectors alike). + +You successfully cordon off a corner of the vault and set up a very convincing UNDER CONSTRUCTION banner. It looks straight up like a 90's website. + +You start shoving bags of treasure into your HD Discette, but it only accepts 1.44 bags before running out of space. You you leave the remaining bags for the others. + +During your excavation, you find a complete set of magnificent, ornate, gold-nibbed quills, and also a small wooden rack of bottled ink. + +There are a dozen small bottles all arranged in a row, each one with a different mysterious glyph, the contents all a slightly different shade. As you handle the rack, the ink sloshes around inside. It could still be good! + +The fine wooden rack encloses them all and holds them in place by means of the lid, which closes securely around the bottle necks. Once you open the lid, you can easily retrieve and stow the bottles. + +You also spot a fine jade teapot. A matching set of small cups---no handles, no saucers---cluster around the pot like nursing pups. + +> Corraidhin clambors out of the pool, magical pokey stick in hand. +> +> Good show! He exclaims to himself and the sword. Now I can finally get a good look at this sword, though for some reason I can't seem to let go, I guess for now I won't lose it. +> +> You said you wanted to do some stabbin right? Of evil things? What constitutes evil my pointy new friend? + +The sword does indeed remain steadfastly glued to your hand. As you swish it around you discover that it seems to get lighter when you hold it aloft, and that it trembles and grows increasingly heavy as it descends. The sensation is almost as though it has a hollow core in which some kind of heavy liquid sloshes around. And as though its blow would be devastating. + +The sword relishes being wielded and swung, and grows more and more ecstatic. Its eye darts menacingly back and forth, vanquishing imaginary enemies with each jab. + + Yes! Yes, I am made for a singular purpose. To RID EVIL. To root out evil, spill its blood, and then do it again! So let's go find some evil, Bear! And then you can just stab it with me. + + Oh, what constitutes evil, you ask? In my experience, evil can't help but make itself known. You'll know it when you see it. + + For example, see there? That little inky fellow sneaking into that treasure room? Probably super evil. We should go investigate. + +> As corraidhin questions the sword he wanders towards the vault peering in to inspect Jarrod's performance. He's really good at that, what do you think? Actually what do I even call you? Do you like nicknames? I was thinking pointy, or stabby, but I'm open to suggestions, respect and all that. +> +> Oh hey, the crystal! It looks like it's unguarded! Corraidhin slinks towards the crystal muttering to his magical sword as he does. + +The sword is momentarily distracted by the Aurs and Kobits. Its eye widens. It almost seems to shudder with anticipation. + + EEEEEVIL! Rid. Evil. Spill. Repeat. + +You are thankful that the voice seems only to be heard inside your own head. + + Oh, my name? I'm sure I had one at some point. Long forgotten by now. No matter, I'm not sad about it. One has no use for a name when instead they have a singular, all-consuming purpose! + + But, my last Bear called me her Bee. I quite liked that. The bee in her bonnet! Ha! Evil, fear my sting! + +The sword prattles on in your head as you sneak past Jarrod's monstrous storytime and approach the pedestal. Or is it a lectern? + +You arrive unseen. The crystal is a dazzling deep blue, with pulsing gold veins. It is oddly shaped, somewhat like an egg. And it floats, rotating slowly, suspended in air beneath the glass dome that encloses it. + +Drawing on your knowledge of Arcane Lore, you remember that the five Ginnarak Crystals played a key role in the Artifice Wars that once rampaged across all of Basmentaria. They are sources of tremendous power. Some say that, the five of them together, they could kill a god. You're not sure you believe that. But they did definitely reduce the once lush and verdant island nation of Ginnarak to cinder wastes and deserts of ash. A cataclysmic event that put a resolute end to the Artifice Wars. + +You look around the vault. Jarrod is reciting epic poetry and mesmerizing the monsters. Inky is pillaging and looting. You have a bloodthirsty, sentient sword in one hand; and a large arcane battery of a crystal within reach of the other. + +WHAT DO YOU DO + + +[www](https://framalistes.org/sympa/arc/tildepals/2022-09/msg00023.html) diff --git a/src/notes.md b/src/notes.md index 6117026..9eac071 100644 --- a/src/notes.md +++ b/src/notes.md @@ -28,6 +28,8 @@ the five Ginnarak crystals: ### hodgepodge +mio's (Inky's) Handy Duffer Discette = HD Diskette = better stay away from magnets!! + The Benefactor is Nullar Blavin is a secret agent, working for the Golden Iris, a secret society that wants to 'create balance' by seating a fourth god diff --git a/www/index.html b/www/index.html index f178f49..7d1d76e 100644 --- a/www/index.html +++ b/www/index.html @@ -229,6 +229,7 @@ Willows
  • 00013
  • 00014
  • 00015
    • +
  • 00016
  • Bestiary
    • @@ -270,7 +271,7 @@ story entirely.

    Glarg

    @@ -1323,6 +1324,127 @@ will be nothing between you and the now vulnerable Ginnarak Crystal.

    WHAT DO YOU DOOOOOO

    www

    +

    00016

    +

    RETCON!

    +

    Before Corraidhín ascended to the surface of the pool….

    +
    +

    As Corraidhin finishes his incantation a small porro drifts down +bonking him on the head. Startled corraidhin begins to move around in +the pool trying to find his assailant.

    +

    “By the gods what in the world is in this pool with me!” he tugs +frantically on the sword, and as he does so the porro drifts into view. +“Oh wait, that..” his eyes follow the rubber hose attached to it up to +the top of the pool. “Ah ha!” he exclaims immediately inhaling a mouth +full of water and frantically pulling the porro from the hose with his +spare hand and teeth. Corraidhin sucks greedily at the air the hose +provides as he becomes acutely aware of the burning sensation in his +lungs.

    +

    The porro drifts wistfully to the bottom of the pool, just out of +reach. A dark liquid rises from it as it comes to rest on the bottom of +the pool.

    +
    +

    And now back to our show!

    +
    +

    After heartily congratulating Master Corraidhín on his successful +sword acquisition in hushed whispers and finishing off a cup of +blackcurrant tea, Inky retrieves the porro from the bottom of the pool +with a fishing pole and a few recasts. (Calling that gnarly stick with a +line, bottle and hook slightly bent out of shape on one end a fishing +pole would be an affont to any self-respecting fisherfolk though.) Inky +rinses the pitcher and hose before stowing them away again in the bag +along with the pole and other ink brewing paraphernalia.

    +

    Refreshed, Inky slips noiselessly inside the vault, edging along the +wall on the farther side from the crowd now wholly enraptured by +Jarrod’s grand recital. Seeing the crowd pacified and giving Jarrod a +thumbs-up, Inky unfurls a long and dusty bolt of dark cloth with the +words “UNDER MAINTENANCE — NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY [by order of the +Basmentaria Bureau of Sanitation]” in roughly-scrawled letters tacked +onto it, and hung the ends of the cloth so it spanned and completely +obscured one side of the vault.

    +

    Standing behind the makeshift inspection site, Inky proceeds to fill +several sacks with gold and gems using a small shovel, before putting +one of the sacks into their Hacky Duffer Discette (its capacity for +large storage and small weight is a blessing in disguise for both +aspiring and afflicted collectors alike).

    +
    +

    You successfully cordon off a corner of the vault and set up a very +convincing UNDER CONSTRUCTION banner. It looks straight up like a 90’s +website.

    +

    You start shoving bags of treasure into your HD Discette, but it only +accepts 1.44 bags before running out of space. You you leave the +remaining bags for the others.

    +

    During your excavation, you find a complete set of magnificent, +ornate, gold-nibbed quills, and also a small wooden rack of bottled +ink.

    +

    There are a dozen small bottles all arranged in a row, each one with +a different mysterious glyph, the contents all a slightly different +shade. As you handle the rack, the ink sloshes around inside. It could +still be good!

    +

    The fine wooden rack encloses them all and holds them in place by +means of the lid, which closes securely around the bottle necks. Once +you open the lid, you can easily retrieve and stow the bottles.

    +

    You also spot a fine jade teapot. A matching set of small cups—no +handles, no saucers—cluster around the pot like nursing pups.

    +
    +

    Corraidhin clambors out of the pool, magical pokey stick in hand.

    +

    Good show! He exclaims to himself and the sword. Now I can finally +get a good look at this sword, though for some reason I can’t seem to +let go, I guess for now I won’t lose it.

    +

    You said you wanted to do some stabbin right? Of evil things? What +constitutes evil my pointy new friend?

    +
    +

    The sword does indeed remain steadfastly glued to your hand. As you +swish it around you discover that it seems to get lighter when you hold +it aloft, and that it trembles and grows increasingly heavy as it +descends. The sensation is almost as though it has a hollow core in +which some kind of heavy liquid sloshes around. And as though its blow +would be devastating.

    +

    The sword relishes being wielded and swung, and grows more and more +ecstatic. Its eye darts menacingly back and forth, vanquishing imaginary +enemies with each jab.

    +
    Yes! Yes, I am made for a singular purpose. To RID EVIL. To root out evil, spill its blood, and then do it again! So let's go find some evil, Bear! And then you can just stab it with me.
+
+Oh, what constitutes evil, you ask? In my experience, evil can't help but make itself known. You'll know it when you see it.
+
+For example, see there? That little inky fellow sneaking into that treasure room? Probably super evil. We should go investigate.
    +
    +

    As corraidhin questions the sword he wanders towards the vault +peering in to inspect Jarrod’s performance. He’s really good at that, +what do you think? Actually what do I even call you? Do you like +nicknames? I was thinking pointy, or stabby, but I’m open to +suggestions, respect and all that.

    +

    Oh hey, the crystal! It looks like it’s unguarded! Corraidhin slinks +towards the crystal muttering to his magical sword as he does.

    +
    +

    The sword is momentarily distracted by the Aurs and Kobits. Its eye +widens. It almost seems to shudder with anticipation.

    +
    EEEEEVIL! Rid. Evil. Spill. Repeat.
    +

    You are thankful that the voice seems only to be heard inside your +own head.

    +
    Oh, my name? I'm sure I had one at some point. Long forgotten by now. No matter, I'm not sad about it. One has no use for a name when instead they have a singular, all-consuming purpose!
+
+But, my last Bear called me her Bee. I quite liked that. The bee in her bonnet! Ha! Evil, fear my sting!
    +

    The sword prattles on in your head as you sneak past Jarrod’s +monstrous storytime and approach the pedestal. Or is it a lectern?

    +

    You arrive unseen. The crystal is a dazzling deep blue, with pulsing +gold veins. It is oddly shaped, somewhat like an egg. And it floats, +rotating slowly, suspended in air beneath the glass dome that encloses +it.

    +

    Drawing on your knowledge of Arcane Lore, you remember that the five +Ginnarak Crystals played a key role in the Artifice Wars that once +rampaged across all of Basmentaria. They are sources of tremendous +power. Some say that, the five of them together, they could kill a god. +You’re not sure you believe that. But they did definitely reduce the +once lush and verdant island nation of Ginnarak to cinder wastes and +deserts of ash. A cataclysmic event that put a resolute end to the +Artifice Wars.

    +

    You look around the vault. Jarrod is reciting epic poetry and +mesmerizing the monsters. Inky is pillaging and looting. You have a +bloodthirsty, sentient sword in one hand; and a large arcane battery of +a crystal within reach of the other.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    +

    www

    Bestiary

    Some of the creatures who inhabit the world of Basmentaria

    diff --git a/www/rss.xml b/www/rss.xml index af4754d..0bc7f34 100644 --- a/www/rss.xml +++ b/www/rss.xml @@ -52,52 +52,6 @@ ]]> - - 00006 - gophers - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 00006 - gophers - Tue, 26 Jul 2022 -20:32:23 -0600 - Sat, 30 Jul 2022 19:19:20 -0600 - - 00006 -

    Suddenly three anthropomorphic gophers come crashing - through the trees behind you into the dig site. The first is - wearing a sash of many pockets. The second is wearing cargo - shorts of many pockets. The third is wearing a vest of many - pockets. Each wears a pair of goggles with thick smokey black - lenses, and a floppy checkered hat that looks like a - waffle.

    -

    They march up to the zip-line.

    -

    “Out of the way, losers!” Sash cries. It grabs the zip-line - trolley, and immediately dives off the side of the cliff and - zooms down into the deep, deep hole.

    -

    Vest introduces itself, “Retrieval Team 70 here! We are - here to recover the Ginnarak Crystal that is reported to be at - this location. After we collect all five, then it will be - us who get to hang out in the Benefactor’s hot tub! - Not you! Ha!”

    -

    Sash has reached the bottom of the deep, deep hole. Shorts - starts reeling in the pulley.

    -

    Vest leans in close and peers at you through its foggy - lenses. “You must be the new Retrieval Team 43. Hmmph. Shame - what happened to the previous Team 43. Hope you know what - you’re doing! Would hate to see you end up like them!”

    -

    Shorts grabs the trolley and leaps down into the deep, deep - hole. It sails all the way down, and joins Sash at the - bottom.

    -

    “Welp!” Vest concludes with an air of finality. “No hard - feelings, and all that! After we collect this crystal, we just - need four more. And then we get to meet the Benefactor! - Ha!”

    -

    It waddles off and starts reeling in the trolley.

    -

    Meanwhile, another gnome explodes behind you.

    -

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    -

    www

    - ]]> -     -     13 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -190,55 +144,48 @@ - 7 + 00006 - gophers dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 7 - Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:21:21 --0600 - Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:21:21 -0600 + 00006 - gophers - Tue, 26 Jul 2022 +20:32:23 -0600 + Sat, 30 Jul 2022 19:19:20 -0600 00007 -
    -

    Inky peers down at the hole, and after some time, turns to - the party. “Do you think they’ve cleared most of the gnomes by - now, or should we wait until they emerge and grab the crystal - then?” Gazing at some invisible spot farther among the trees, - Inky continued, “One of the old miners back at the tavern said - there used to be a natural maw on the southwestern side, but - it was blocked when the tunnel caved in many years ago. The - gnomes don’t waste their efforts on blowing up things knowing - someone’s already been through them. Chances are there’s only - one exit, unless this mine is a decoy.”

    -
    -

    Inky peers down the hole and watches Retrieval Team 70 - approach the kobit caves.

    -

    The maw on the southwestern side did indeed collapse - several seasons ago. If you know anything about the industrial - and intrepid kobits however, it is that they have probably dug - several alternative, secret entrances since then.

    -

    Just as the gophers reach the cave entrance, a large erge, - muscles rippling beneath its white feathers, emerges from - behind a boulder and blocks their way forward.

    -

    It raises the feathery crest on the crown of its head, and - fluffs up its plumage in a dramatic display. It appears to be - arguing with the gophers. All three gophers appear to be - arguing back.

    -

    The egre gestures angrily at the gophers’ feet, shakes its - head, and crosses its arms defiantly. The gophers look down at - their own feet and shuffle about as though embarrassed.

    -

    They all exchange a few more words and then the gophers - retreat away from the egre and the cave entrance. They huddle - together briefly and then start slowly climbing the - scaffolding back up to the top of the hole.

    -

    “Oh yeah,” the foreman remarks absentmindedly. “There’s an - egre guarding the kobit caves.”

    -

    The egre below preens and struts about proudly having - chased off the gophers.

    -

    “Stubborn things,” the foreman continues. “Easily provoked - to violence. Impeccable fashion sense though.”

    +

    00006

    +

    Suddenly three anthropomorphic gophers come crashing + through the trees behind you into the dig site. The first is + wearing a sash of many pockets. The second is wearing cargo + shorts of many pockets. The third is wearing a vest of many + pockets. Each wears a pair of goggles with thick smokey black + lenses, and a floppy checkered hat that looks like a + waffle.

    +

    They march up to the zip-line.

    +

    “Out of the way, losers!” Sash cries. It grabs the zip-line + trolley, and immediately dives off the side of the cliff and + zooms down into the deep, deep hole.

    +

    Vest introduces itself, “Retrieval Team 70 here! We are + here to recover the Ginnarak Crystal that is reported to be at + this location. After we collect all five, then it will be + us who get to hang out in the Benefactor’s hot tub! + Not you! Ha!”

    +

    Sash has reached the bottom of the deep, deep hole. Shorts + starts reeling in the pulley.

    +

    Vest leans in close and peers at you through its foggy + lenses. “You must be the new Retrieval Team 43. Hmmph. Shame + what happened to the previous Team 43. Hope you know what + you’re doing! Would hate to see you end up like them!”

    +

    Shorts grabs the trolley and leaps down into the deep, deep + hole. It sails all the way down, and joins Sash at the + bottom.

    +

    “Welp!” Vest concludes with an air of finality. “No hard + feelings, and all that! After we collect this crystal, we just + need four more. And then we get to meet the Benefactor! + Ha!”

    +

    It waddles off and starts reeling in the trolley.

    +

    Meanwhile, another gnome explodes behind you.

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    www

    + href="https://framalistes.org/sympa/arc/tildepals/2022-07/msg00036.html">www

    ]]>     @@ -295,6 +242,191 @@ ]]> + + 7 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 7 - Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:21:21 +-0600 + Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:21:21 -0600 + + 00007 +
    +

    Inky peers down at the hole, and after some time, turns to + the party. “Do you think they’ve cleared most of the gnomes by + now, or should we wait until they emerge and grab the crystal + then?” Gazing at some invisible spot farther among the trees, + Inky continued, “One of the old miners back at the tavern said + there used to be a natural maw on the southwestern side, but + it was blocked when the tunnel caved in many years ago. The + gnomes don’t waste their efforts on blowing up things knowing + someone’s already been through them. Chances are there’s only + one exit, unless this mine is a decoy.”

    +
    +

    Inky peers down the hole and watches Retrieval Team 70 + approach the kobit caves.

    +

    The maw on the southwestern side did indeed collapse + several seasons ago. If you know anything about the industrial + and intrepid kobits however, it is that they have probably dug + several alternative, secret entrances since then.

    +

    Just as the gophers reach the cave entrance, a large erge, + muscles rippling beneath its white feathers, emerges from + behind a boulder and blocks their way forward.

    +

    It raises the feathery crest on the crown of its head, and + fluffs up its plumage in a dramatic display. It appears to be + arguing with the gophers. All three gophers appear to be + arguing back.

    +

    The egre gestures angrily at the gophers’ feet, shakes its + head, and crosses its arms defiantly. The gophers look down at + their own feet and shuffle about as though embarrassed.

    +

    They all exchange a few more words and then the gophers + retreat away from the egre and the cave entrance. They huddle + together briefly and then start slowly climbing the + scaffolding back up to the top of the hole.

    +

    “Oh yeah,” the foreman remarks absentmindedly. “There’s an + egre guarding the kobit caves.”

    +

    The egre below preens and struts about proudly having + chased off the gophers.

    +

    “Stubborn things,” the foreman continues. “Easily provoked + to violence. Impeccable fashion sense though.”

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    +

    www

    + ]]> +     +     + + meta + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + meta - Tue, 23 Jul 2022 20:32:23 +-0600 + Tue, 23 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 + + META +

    This might be a good time to introduce the game + mechanic.

    +

    For the most part, if you say you do something, it just + happens.

    +

    But if you want to do something risky, and/or if the + outcome is uncertain, you can roll a number of six-sided + dice.

    +

    I’d like to try using the Shoes in the Dark + rules:

    +

    https://dozens.itch.io/shoes-in-the-dark

    +

    Basically, everybody currently has the skill “Do Anything + 1”, which means if you want to ‘do anything’, you can roll 1 + die.

    +

    On a 1 - 3, things go poorly. (And you gain 1 experience + point. More on that in a bit.)

    +

    On a 4 - 5, you do the thing, but at a cost, or with a + complication, or it’s just a partial success.

    +

    On a 6, full success!! Yay, you!!

    +

    (When rolling multiple dice, you read the single highest + roll.)

    +

    Here’s where stuff gets fun. If you roll all sixes (so, 1 + six on a 1d6 roll, 2 sixes on a 2d6 roll, etc.) then you + ‘level up’ and get a new skill. The new skill A) is a subset + of the skill/action you just performed and, B) increases that + skill by one.

    +

    e.g. I challenge a mugwump to a pie eating contest and roll + Do Anything 1. I roll a six, so I win the contest! And also I + gain a new skill, Belly Of Steel 2.

    +

    Finally, every time you fail a roll (by rolling 1 - 3) you + gain 1 experience point. You can spend 1 experience at any + time to turn any one die into a six for the purposes of + advancement.

    +

    SO WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN???

    +

    When you interact with the blahoblins, consider whether + there is an element of risk. If so, roll the appropriate + amount of dice (1, in this case) and include the result in + your description. If it’s a success, describe the success. If + it’s a partial success or a failure, just describe what you + do, and I’ll describe the complication, or how things get + worse.

    +

    www

    + ]]> +     +     + + 9 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 9 - Fri, 19 Aug 2022 07:16:14 +-0600 + Mon, 22 Aug 2022 11:24:41 -0600 + + 00009 +
    +

    Inky smiles at Corey. “Hullo! We’re the waterworks crew + from the neaby town, here to check the outhouse tunnels, + inspect all the pipes and so on. We received reports of a + blockage somewhere inside the networks. Have the tunnels been + flushing well lately?” While speaking, Inky flashes a + waterworker’s ID briefly at the kobit before pocketing it and + pulling out a pressure gauge, giving the little handle on one + side of the device a few cranks, and looking back at Corey + expectantly.

    +
    +

    Corey slowly blinks its eyes. “Inspektor?”

    +

    ASIDE: I rolled for Inky and rolled a six, which according + to the rules means GREAT SUCCESS, and also Inky gets to Level + Up: they gain the skill Persuasive 2.

    +

    “Of course! Inspektors! Yes, yes, right this way! A + surprise inspection, how exciting!”

    +

    Corey continues to chatter excitedly as it leads you + further into the branching, winding tunnels, pointing out + particular bits of stonework and engineering, and also baubles + and trinkets and fossils and artifacts that the kobits + uncovered in the process of digging their tunnels.

    +

    Your tour eventually brings you into a large cavern with + tunnels exactly like the one from which you just entered + branching off in all directions. It makes you dizzy to think + of finding your way through this labyrinth without a + guide.

    +

    In the middle of the cavern is a deep pool with a fountain. + At the bottom of the pool, a SWORD is thrust into the ground + almost up to its hilt. A large jewel set deep in the pommel + rolls around like an eye in a socket and tracks your movement + around cavern. A few bubbles float up to the surface of the + pool.

    +

    And set into the wall on the far side of the room is a + massive stone door reinforced with thick iron bands. There is + a keypad and a small printer on the wall next to it.

    +

    “….and so our tour concludes here in the central atrium!” + Corey concludes excitedly. “Behind this door is the VAULT, + where we keep all the valuables. Gemstones, gold, crystals, et + cetera.”

    +

    “Top notch security!” Corey exclaims tapping the keypad. + The printer spits out a square of paper. It reads

    + 
    ed v1.16
+*
+?
+*
+?
+*e door
+19
+*,n
+1    the door is Locked
+*wq
    +

    “Ha ha!” Corey shakes its head in amazement. “I have no + idea how this thing works!”

    +

    The eye in the sword watches as Corey clips the small + printout to its clipboard.

    +

    “Now, I trust you’ll find that everything was in tip-top + order! Yes, indeed!” Corey wriggles its mustache proudly. “Now + if you’ll excuse me,” it flips through the pages on its + clipboard, “I am late for my next appointment. Good day!” + Corey turns and walks toward one of the twisty little + passageways, all alike.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO?

    +

    www

    + ]]> +     +     12 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -388,145 +520,148 @@ - 00005 - gnomes + 16 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 00005 - gnomes - Tue, 25 Jul 2022 -20:32:23 -0600 - Tue, 25 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 + 16 - Sat, 24 Sep 2022 07:43:23 +-0400 + Sat, 24 Sep 2022 07:43:23 -0400 00005 +

    00016

    +

    RETCON!

    +

    Before Corraidhín ascended to the surface of the pool….

    -

    As the blahoblins were packing up, Inky persuades Waistcoat - to sell a few small bottles of shoe polish, a roughly round - piece of broken glass and scraps of cheesecloth from the - mountain of debris previously on the ground. Inky rolls Do - Anything 1 and rolls a 4.

    +

    As Corraidhin finishes his incantation a small porro drifts + down bonking him on the head. Startled corraidhin begins to + move around in the pool trying to find his assailant.

    +

    “By the gods what in the world is in this pool with me!” he + tugs frantically on the sword, and as he does so the porro + drifts into view. “Oh wait, that..” his eyes follow the rubber + hose attached to it up to the top of the pool. “Ah ha!” he + exclaims immediately inhaling a mouth full of water and + frantically pulling the porro from the hose with his spare + hand and teeth. Corraidhin sucks greedily at the air the hose + provides as he becomes acutely aware of the burning sensation + in his lungs.

    +

    The porro drifts wistfully to the bottom of the pool, just + out of reach. A dark liquid rises from it as it comes to rest + on the bottom of the pool.

    -

    Inky successfully persuades Waistcoat to sell a few baubles - and trinkets with the first roll of the game!

    -

    They haggle back and forth a little bit, and Inky ends up - paying a little more than they wanted to, but they get all the - stuff they wanted. Yay commerce!

    -

    Having concluded business, the blahoblins pack up and - disappear into the bushes toting their chair, cheese, and vat - of polish.

    -

    The sound of mechanical droning and periodic explosions - compel you forward to the dig site.

    -

    It is easy to find.

    -

    It is a large hole blasted deep into the ground. There are - drills, and conveyor belts, earth moving machines, and all - kinds of gadgets and gizmos, the purpose of which is not - always readily apparent. And there is a zip line that seems to - be the only way down to the bottom.

    -

    The site is absolutely teeming with gnomes. Diminutive - humanoids with bright red noses and long, long ears, and long, - nimble fingers. All gnomes are compulsive tinkerers and - mechanics, and build fantastic contraptions. All gnomes are - women, and are all highly explosive. Which makes their - combustion powered machines extremely dangerous, both for - themselves and for any unfortunate bystanders close enough to - get caught in the blast.

    -

    A gnome in a white hat comes running up to you. “You there! - Hey! Yes, you!”

    -

    “Are you the retrieval team? We’ve been expecting you! The - whole dig is halted because we accidentally blasted into a - whole nest of Kobits, and they won’t let us get near to keep - digging! They keep sabotaging our machines when we try!”

    -

    “They also stole the Ginnarak Crystal that we found! That - thing could have powered such glorious new machines!” She - pouts.

    -

    In the background, a gnome who had crawled half way into a - coal bin in the side of some kind of excavator suddenly - scrambles quickly out, smoking, and runs around in circles in - a panic. Nearby gnomes dive out of the way as she erupts in a - small ball of fire. The gnomes wait for the smoke to clear and - then immediately return to working on the contraption.

    -

    The foreman continues talking to you as though nothing - happened. She leads you over to the edge of the hole and - points to the bottom.

    -

    “The entrance to their cave is right down there! The zip - line is the second fastest way down.”

    +

    And now back to our show!

    +
    +

    After heartily congratulating Master Corraidhín on his + successful sword acquisition in hushed whispers and finishing + off a cup of blackcurrant tea, Inky retrieves the porro from + the bottom of the pool with a fishing pole and a few recasts. + (Calling that gnarly stick with a line, bottle and hook + slightly bent out of shape on one end a fishing pole would be + an affont to any self-respecting fisherfolk though.) Inky + rinses the pitcher and hose before stowing them away again in + the bag along with the pole and other ink brewing + paraphernalia.

    +

    Refreshed, Inky slips noiselessly inside the vault, edging + along the wall on the farther side from the crowd now wholly + enraptured by Jarrod’s grand recital. Seeing the crowd + pacified and giving Jarrod a thumbs-up, Inky unfurls a long + and dusty bolt of dark cloth with the words “UNDER MAINTENANCE + — NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY [by order of the Basmentaria Bureau of + Sanitation]” in roughly-scrawled letters tacked onto it, and + hung the ends of the cloth so it spanned and completely + obscured one side of the vault.

    +

    Standing behind the makeshift inspection site, Inky + proceeds to fill several sacks with gold and gems using a + small shovel, before putting one of the sacks into their Hacky + Duffer Discette (its capacity for large storage and small + weight is a blessing in disguise for both aspiring and + afflicted collectors alike).

    +
    +

    You successfully cordon off a corner of the vault and set + up a very convincing UNDER CONSTRUCTION banner. It looks + straight up like a 90’s website.

    +

    You start shoving bags of treasure into your HD Discette, + but it only accepts 1.44 bags before running out of space. You + you leave the remaining bags for the others.

    +

    During your excavation, you find a complete set of + magnificent, ornate, gold-nibbed quills, and also a small + wooden rack of bottled ink.

    +

    There are a dozen small bottles all arranged in a row, each + one with a different mysterious glyph, the contents all a + slightly different shade. As you handle the rack, the ink + sloshes around inside. It could still be good!

    +

    The fine wooden rack encloses them all and holds them in + place by means of the lid, which closes securely around the + bottle necks. Once you open the lid, you can easily retrieve + and stow the bottles.

    +

    You also spot a fine jade teapot. A matching set of small + cups—no handles, no saucers—cluster around the pot like + nursing pups.

    +
    +

    Corraidhin clambors out of the pool, magical pokey stick in + hand.

    +

    Good show! He exclaims to himself and the sword. Now I can + finally get a good look at this sword, though for some reason + I can’t seem to let go, I guess for now I won’t lose it.

    +

    You said you wanted to do some stabbin right? Of evil + things? What constitutes evil my pointy new friend?

    +
    +

    The sword does indeed remain steadfastly glued to your + hand. As you swish it around you discover that it seems to get + lighter when you hold it aloft, and that it trembles and grows + increasingly heavy as it descends. The sensation is almost as + though it has a hollow core in which some kind of heavy liquid + sloshes around. And as though its blow would be + devastating.

    +

    The sword relishes being wielded and swung, and grows more + and more ecstatic. Its eye darts menacingly back and forth, + vanquishing imaginary enemies with each jab.

    + 
    Yes! Yes, I am made for a singular purpose. To RID EVIL. To root out evil, spill its blood, and then do it again! So let's go find some evil, Bear! And then you can just stab it with me.
+
+Oh, what constitutes evil, you ask? In my experience, evil can't help but make itself known. You'll know it when you see it.
+
+For example, see there? That little inky fellow sneaking into that treasure room? Probably super evil. We should go investigate.
    +
    +

    As corraidhin questions the sword he wanders towards the + vault peering in to inspect Jarrod’s performance. He’s really + good at that, what do you think? Actually what do I even call + you? Do you like nicknames? I was thinking pointy, or stabby, + but I’m open to suggestions, respect and all that.

    +

    Oh hey, the crystal! It looks like it’s unguarded! + Corraidhin slinks towards the crystal muttering to his magical + sword as he does.

    +
    +

    The sword is momentarily distracted by the Aurs and Kobits. + Its eye widens. It almost seems to shudder with + anticipation.

    + 
    EEEEEVIL! Rid. Evil. Spill. Repeat.
    +

    You are thankful that the voice seems only to be heard + inside your own head.

    + 
    Oh, my name? I'm sure I had one at some point. Long forgotten by now. No matter, I'm not sad about it. One has no use for a name when instead they have a singular, all-consuming purpose!
+
+But, my last Bear called me her Bee. I quite liked that. The bee in her bonnet! Ha! Evil, fear my sting!
    +

    The sword prattles on in your head as you sneak past + Jarrod’s monstrous storytime and approach the pedestal. Or is + it a lectern?

    +

    You arrive unseen. The crystal is a dazzling deep blue, + with pulsing gold veins. It is oddly shaped, somewhat like an + egg. And it floats, rotating slowly, suspended in air beneath + the glass dome that encloses it.

    +

    Drawing on your knowledge of Arcane Lore, you remember that + the five Ginnarak Crystals played a key role in the Artifice + Wars that once rampaged across all of Basmentaria. They are + sources of tremendous power. Some say that, the five of them + together, they could kill a god. You’re not sure you believe + that. But they did definitely reduce the once lush and verdant + island nation of Ginnarak to cinder wastes and deserts of ash. + A cataclysmic event that put a resolute end to the Artifice + Wars.

    +

    You look around the vault. Jarrod is reciting epic poetry + and mesmerizing the monsters. Inky is pillaging and looting. + You have a bloodthirsty, sentient sword in one hand; and a + large arcane battery of a crystal within reach of the + other.

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    www

    - ]]> -     -     - - 9 - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 9 - Fri, 19 Aug 2022 07:16:14 --0600 - Mon, 22 Aug 2022 11:24:41 -0600 - - 00009 -
    -

    Inky smiles at Corey. “Hullo! We’re the waterworks crew - from the neaby town, here to check the outhouse tunnels, - inspect all the pipes and so on. We received reports of a - blockage somewhere inside the networks. Have the tunnels been - flushing well lately?” While speaking, Inky flashes a - waterworker’s ID briefly at the kobit before pocketing it and - pulling out a pressure gauge, giving the little handle on one - side of the device a few cranks, and looking back at Corey - expectantly.

    -
    -

    Corey slowly blinks its eyes. “Inspektor?”

    -

    ASIDE: I rolled for Inky and rolled a six, which according - to the rules means GREAT SUCCESS, and also Inky gets to Level - Up: they gain the skill Persuasive 2.

    -

    “Of course! Inspektors! Yes, yes, right this way! A - surprise inspection, how exciting!”

    -

    Corey continues to chatter excitedly as it leads you - further into the branching, winding tunnels, pointing out - particular bits of stonework and engineering, and also baubles - and trinkets and fossils and artifacts that the kobits - uncovered in the process of digging their tunnels.

    -

    Your tour eventually brings you into a large cavern with - tunnels exactly like the one from which you just entered - branching off in all directions. It makes you dizzy to think - of finding your way through this labyrinth without a - guide.

    -

    In the middle of the cavern is a deep pool with a fountain. - At the bottom of the pool, a SWORD is thrust into the ground - almost up to its hilt. A large jewel set deep in the pommel - rolls around like an eye in a socket and tracks your movement - around cavern. A few bubbles float up to the surface of the - pool.

    -

    And set into the wall on the far side of the room is a - massive stone door reinforced with thick iron bands. There is - a keypad and a small printer on the wall next to it.

    -

    “….and so our tour concludes here in the central atrium!” - Corey concludes excitedly. “Behind this door is the VAULT, - where we keep all the valuables. Gemstones, gold, crystals, et - cetera.”

    -

    “Top notch security!” Corey exclaims tapping the keypad. - The printer spits out a square of paper. It reads

    - 
    ed v1.16
-*
-?
-*
-?
-*e door
-19
-*,n
-1    the door is Locked
-*wq
    -

    “Ha ha!” Corey shakes its head in amazement. “I have no - idea how this thing works!”

    -

    The eye in the sword watches as Corey clips the small - printout to its clipboard.

    -

    “Now, I trust you’ll find that everything was in tip-top - order! Yes, indeed!” Corey wriggles its mustache proudly. “Now - if you’ll excuse me,” it flips through the pages on its - clipboard, “I am late for my next appointment. Good day!” - Corey turns and walks toward one of the twisty little - passageways, all alike.

    -

    WHAT DO YOU DO?

    -

    www

    + href="https://framalistes.org/sympa/arc/tildepals/2022-09/msg00023.html">www

    ]]>     @@ -620,57 +755,105 @@ - meta + 00001 - we meet in a tavern dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - meta - Tue, 23 Jul 2022 20:32:23 --0600 - Tue, 23 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 + 00001 - we meet in a tavern - Tue, 20 +Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 + Tue, 20 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 META -

    This might be a good time to introduce the game - mechanic.

    -

    For the most part, if you say you do something, it just - happens.

    -

    But if you want to do something risky, and/or if the - outcome is uncertain, you can roll a number of six-sided - dice.

    -

    I’d like to try using the Shoes in the Dark - rules:

    -

    https://dozens.itch.io/shoes-in-the-dark

    -

    Basically, everybody currently has the skill “Do Anything - 1”, which means if you want to ‘do anything’, you can roll 1 - die.

    -

    On a 1 - 3, things go poorly. (And you gain 1 experience - point. More on that in a bit.)

    -

    On a 4 - 5, you do the thing, but at a cost, or with a - complication, or it’s just a partial success.

    -

    On a 6, full success!! Yay, you!!

    -

    (When rolling multiple dice, you read the single highest - roll.)

    -

    Here’s where stuff gets fun. If you roll all sixes (so, 1 - six on a 1d6 roll, 2 sixes on a 2d6 roll, etc.) then you - ‘level up’ and get a new skill. The new skill A) is a subset - of the skill/action you just performed and, B) increases that - skill by one.

    -

    e.g. I challenge a mugwump to a pie eating contest and roll - Do Anything 1. I roll a six, so I win the contest! And also I - gain a new skill, Belly Of Steel 2.

    -

    Finally, every time you fail a roll (by rolling 1 - 3) you - gain 1 experience point. You can spend 1 experience at any - time to turn any one die into a six for the purposes of - advancement.

    -

    SO WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN???

    -

    When you interact with the blahoblins, consider whether - there is an element of risk. If so, roll the appropriate - amount of dice (1, in this case) and include the result in - your description. If it’s a success, describe the success. If - it’s a partial success or a failure, just describe what you - do, and I’ll describe the complication, or how things get - worse.

    +

    00001

    +

    “Congratulations!” The slightly tipsy hobbit grins and + salutes you with his martini. “On Retrieval Team 43’s + inaugural mission! I’m so excited for you, I’m sure you’ll do + fantastic!”

    +

    You are all seated around a table in the corner at Lucy’s + Basement. It is dimly lit and fairly noisy. The walls are + covered in red velvet curtains, and the tablecloths have + little gold tassels. A cloud of purple smoke from candles, + cigars, and pipes hangs in the air. Waiters bustle between + tables refilling drinks.

    +

    “So to recap, the Benefactor has tasked you with retrieving + the five fabled Ginnarak Crystals. I, Blavin Blandfoot, will + be your case manager. You will be paid handsomely for each + crystal you retrieve. And if you retrieve all 5, you’ll get to + meet the Benefactor at be their guest at their glorious + mansion!”

    +

    “The first crystal has been spotted near a Gnomish dig site + in the Tammineaux Forest, just east of here.”

    +

    “I recommend getting started right away!” He polishes off + his drink and squints at his empty glass. “Well, maybe first + thing in the morning. Waiter!”

    +
      +
    • Who are you?
      • +
    • What role do you think you will fill on the team?
      • +
    • What do you plan to do with your cut of the money?
      • +

    www

    + href="https://framalistes.org/sympa/arc/tildepals/2022-07/msg00015.html">www

    + ]]> +     +     + + 11 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 11 - Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:47:26 +-0600 + Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:47:26 -0600 + + 00011 +

    The Retrieval Team 70 gophers are absolutely losing their + minds over the ed terminal.

    +

    “It just keeps printing a question mark!” Vest sobs.

    +

    “Try pushing escape?” suggests Shorts somewhat + panicking.

    +

    “I’ve tried it! It’s not vi! It doesn’t do anything!” Vest + moans. “Here you try it if you’re so smart!”

    +

    Sash is balled up on the floor crying, having already had a + turn at the terminal.

    +

    Shorts carefully steps over them and timidly prods at the + keypad.

    +

    A throng of beefy guard kobits come charging into the hall, + alerted by the gopher racket.

    +

    “Here now! You’re not supposed to be in here!”

    +

    One of them trips over Sash, still balled up on the floor, + and crashes into Shorts’s back, pinning them to wall. They + squeal. Another guard grabs Vest by the collar, and after a + brief scuffle all three gophers are escorted out of the hall + despite their howls of protest.

    +

    “I had better check on the vault!” exclaims one of the + kobits who remains behind.

    +

    They bang a few keys on the terminal and it spits out a + slip of paper.

    + 
    ed v1.6
+19
+P
+*,n
+1        the door is locked
+*1s/locked/open
+?
+*H
+no match
+*1s/Locked/Open
+the door is Open
+*wq
+17
    +

    There is a mechanical whir deep in the walls, and a click + and a gasp of air as the door swings inward.

    +

    The kobit slips into the vault and the door swings only + partly closed behind it.

    +

    The sword in the bottom of the pool pointedly narrows its + eye at you.

    +

    The gods of Basmentaria observe passively from their + reliefs in the alcoves around you.

    +

    The door to the vault is ajar, the first of the five + legendary Ginnarak crystals presumably behind it.

    +

    From one of the twisty little passages, you hear a guard + kobit approaching, singing a sad cowboy song to itself.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    +

    www

    ]]>     @@ -832,105 +1015,68 @@ sudo chown corraidhin:party sword_of_yam\'l - 11 + 00005 - gnomes dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 11 - Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:47:26 --0600 - Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:47:26 -0600 + 00005 - gnomes - Tue, 25 Jul 2022 +20:32:23 -0600 + Tue, 25 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 00011 -

    The Retrieval Team 70 gophers are absolutely losing their - minds over the ed terminal.

    -

    “It just keeps printing a question mark!” Vest sobs.

    -

    “Try pushing escape?” suggests Shorts somewhat - panicking.

    -

    “I’ve tried it! It’s not vi! It doesn’t do anything!” Vest - moans. “Here you try it if you’re so smart!”

    -

    Sash is balled up on the floor crying, having already had a - turn at the terminal.

    -

    Shorts carefully steps over them and timidly prods at the - keypad.

    -

    A throng of beefy guard kobits come charging into the hall, - alerted by the gopher racket.

    -

    “Here now! You’re not supposed to be in here!”

    -

    One of them trips over Sash, still balled up on the floor, - and crashes into Shorts’s back, pinning them to wall. They - squeal. Another guard grabs Vest by the collar, and after a - brief scuffle all three gophers are escorted out of the hall - despite their howls of protest.

    -

    “I had better check on the vault!” exclaims one of the - kobits who remains behind.

    -

    They bang a few keys on the terminal and it spits out a - slip of paper.

    - 
    ed v1.6
-19
-P
-*,n
-1        the door is locked
-*1s/locked/open
-?
-*H
-no match
-*1s/Locked/Open
-the door is Open
-*wq
-17
    -

    There is a mechanical whir deep in the walls, and a click - and a gasp of air as the door swings inward.

    -

    The kobit slips into the vault and the door swings only - partly closed behind it.

    -

    The sword in the bottom of the pool pointedly narrows its - eye at you.

    -

    The gods of Basmentaria observe passively from their - reliefs in the alcoves around you.

    -

    The door to the vault is ajar, the first of the five - legendary Ginnarak crystals presumably behind it.

    -

    From one of the twisty little passages, you hear a guard - kobit approaching, singing a sad cowboy song to itself.

    +

    00005

    +
    +

    As the blahoblins were packing up, Inky persuades Waistcoat + to sell a few small bottles of shoe polish, a roughly round + piece of broken glass and scraps of cheesecloth from the + mountain of debris previously on the ground. Inky rolls Do + Anything 1 and rolls a 4.

    +
    +

    Inky successfully persuades Waistcoat to sell a few baubles + and trinkets with the first roll of the game!

    +

    They haggle back and forth a little bit, and Inky ends up + paying a little more than they wanted to, but they get all the + stuff they wanted. Yay commerce!

    +

    Having concluded business, the blahoblins pack up and + disappear into the bushes toting their chair, cheese, and vat + of polish.

    +

    The sound of mechanical droning and periodic explosions + compel you forward to the dig site.

    +

    It is easy to find.

    +

    It is a large hole blasted deep into the ground. There are + drills, and conveyor belts, earth moving machines, and all + kinds of gadgets and gizmos, the purpose of which is not + always readily apparent. And there is a zip line that seems to + be the only way down to the bottom.

    +

    The site is absolutely teeming with gnomes. Diminutive + humanoids with bright red noses and long, long ears, and long, + nimble fingers. All gnomes are compulsive tinkerers and + mechanics, and build fantastic contraptions. All gnomes are + women, and are all highly explosive. Which makes their + combustion powered machines extremely dangerous, both for + themselves and for any unfortunate bystanders close enough to + get caught in the blast.

    +

    A gnome in a white hat comes running up to you. “You there! + Hey! Yes, you!”

    +

    “Are you the retrieval team? We’ve been expecting you! The + whole dig is halted because we accidentally blasted into a + whole nest of Kobits, and they won’t let us get near to keep + digging! They keep sabotaging our machines when we try!”

    +

    “They also stole the Ginnarak Crystal that we found! That + thing could have powered such glorious new machines!” She + pouts.

    +

    In the background, a gnome who had crawled half way into a + coal bin in the side of some kind of excavator suddenly + scrambles quickly out, smoking, and runs around in circles in + a panic. Nearby gnomes dive out of the way as she erupts in a + small ball of fire. The gnomes wait for the smoke to clear and + then immediately return to working on the contraption.

    +

    The foreman continues talking to you as though nothing + happened. She leads you over to the edge of the hole and + points to the bottom.

    +

    “The entrance to their cave is right down there! The zip + line is the second fastest way down.”

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    www

    - ]]> -     -     - - 00001 - we meet in a tavern - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 00001 - we meet in a tavern - Tue, 20 -Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 - Tue, 20 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 - - 00001 -

    “Congratulations!” The slightly tipsy hobbit grins and - salutes you with his martini. “On Retrieval Team 43’s - inaugural mission! I’m so excited for you, I’m sure you’ll do - fantastic!”

    -

    You are all seated around a table in the corner at Lucy’s - Basement. It is dimly lit and fairly noisy. The walls are - covered in red velvet curtains, and the tablecloths have - little gold tassels. A cloud of purple smoke from candles, - cigars, and pipes hangs in the air. Waiters bustle between - tables refilling drinks.

    -

    “So to recap, the Benefactor has tasked you with retrieving - the five fabled Ginnarak Crystals. I, Blavin Blandfoot, will - be your case manager. You will be paid handsomely for each - crystal you retrieve. And if you retrieve all 5, you’ll get to - meet the Benefactor at be their guest at their glorious - mansion!”

    -

    “The first crystal has been spotted near a Gnomish dig site - in the Tammineaux Forest, just east of here.”

    -

    “I recommend getting started right away!” He polishes off - his drink and squints at his empty glass. “Well, maybe first - thing in the morning. Waiter!”

    -
      -
    • Who are you?
      • -
    • What role do you think you will fill on the team?
      • -
    • What do you plan to do with your cut of the money?
      • -
    -

    www

    + href="https://framalistes.org/sympa/arc/tildepals/2022-07/msg00035.html">www

    ]]>     diff --git a/www/spoilers.html b/www/spoilers.html index 02428dc..4cdf0a5 100644 --- a/www/spoilers.html +++ b/www/spoilers.html @@ -229,6 +229,7 @@ Willows
  • 00013
  • 00014
  • 00015
    • +
  • 00016
  • Bestiary
  • Geography
    • @@ -279,7 +280,7 @@ story entirely.

    • Player: sinatra
    • XP: 0
      • -
    • Skills: Do Anything 1, Arcane Lore (2)
      • +
    • Skills: Do Anything 1, Arcane Lore 2, Sneak 2

    Glarg

    @@ -1332,6 +1333,127 @@ will be nothing between you and the now vulnerable Ginnarak Crystal.

    WHAT DO YOU DOOOOOO

    www

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    00016

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    RETCON!

    +

    Before Corraidhín ascended to the surface of the pool….

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    +

    As Corraidhin finishes his incantation a small porro drifts down +bonking him on the head. Startled corraidhin begins to move around in +the pool trying to find his assailant.

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    “By the gods what in the world is in this pool with me!” he tugs +frantically on the sword, and as he does so the porro drifts into view. +“Oh wait, that..” his eyes follow the rubber hose attached to it up to +the top of the pool. “Ah ha!” he exclaims immediately inhaling a mouth +full of water and frantically pulling the porro from the hose with his +spare hand and teeth. Corraidhin sucks greedily at the air the hose +provides as he becomes acutely aware of the burning sensation in his +lungs.

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    The porro drifts wistfully to the bottom of the pool, just out of +reach. A dark liquid rises from it as it comes to rest on the bottom of +the pool.

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    +

    And now back to our show!

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    +

    After heartily congratulating Master Corraidhín on his successful +sword acquisition in hushed whispers and finishing off a cup of +blackcurrant tea, Inky retrieves the porro from the bottom of the pool +with a fishing pole and a few recasts. (Calling that gnarly stick with a +line, bottle and hook slightly bent out of shape on one end a fishing +pole would be an affont to any self-respecting fisherfolk though.) Inky +rinses the pitcher and hose before stowing them away again in the bag +along with the pole and other ink brewing paraphernalia.

    +

    Refreshed, Inky slips noiselessly inside the vault, edging along the +wall on the farther side from the crowd now wholly enraptured by +Jarrod’s grand recital. Seeing the crowd pacified and giving Jarrod a +thumbs-up, Inky unfurls a long and dusty bolt of dark cloth with the +words “UNDER MAINTENANCE — NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY [by order of the +Basmentaria Bureau of Sanitation]” in roughly-scrawled letters tacked +onto it, and hung the ends of the cloth so it spanned and completely +obscured one side of the vault.

    +

    Standing behind the makeshift inspection site, Inky proceeds to fill +several sacks with gold and gems using a small shovel, before putting +one of the sacks into their Hacky Duffer Discette (its capacity for +large storage and small weight is a blessing in disguise for both +aspiring and afflicted collectors alike).

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    +

    You successfully cordon off a corner of the vault and set up a very +convincing UNDER CONSTRUCTION banner. It looks straight up like a 90’s +website.

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    You start shoving bags of treasure into your HD Discette, but it only +accepts 1.44 bags before running out of space. You you leave the +remaining bags for the others.

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    During your excavation, you find a complete set of magnificent, +ornate, gold-nibbed quills, and also a small wooden rack of bottled +ink.

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    There are a dozen small bottles all arranged in a row, each one with +a different mysterious glyph, the contents all a slightly different +shade. As you handle the rack, the ink sloshes around inside. It could +still be good!

    +

    The fine wooden rack encloses them all and holds them in place by +means of the lid, which closes securely around the bottle necks. Once +you open the lid, you can easily retrieve and stow the bottles.

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    You also spot a fine jade teapot. A matching set of small cups—no +handles, no saucers—cluster around the pot like nursing pups.

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    +

    Corraidhin clambors out of the pool, magical pokey stick in hand.

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    Good show! He exclaims to himself and the sword. Now I can finally +get a good look at this sword, though for some reason I can’t seem to +let go, I guess for now I won’t lose it.

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    You said you wanted to do some stabbin right? Of evil things? What +constitutes evil my pointy new friend?

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    +

    The sword does indeed remain steadfastly glued to your hand. As you +swish it around you discover that it seems to get lighter when you hold +it aloft, and that it trembles and grows increasingly heavy as it +descends. The sensation is almost as though it has a hollow core in +which some kind of heavy liquid sloshes around. And as though its blow +would be devastating.

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    The sword relishes being wielded and swung, and grows more and more +ecstatic. Its eye darts menacingly back and forth, vanquishing imaginary +enemies with each jab.

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    Yes! Yes, I am made for a singular purpose. To RID EVIL. To root out evil, spill its blood, and then do it again! So let's go find some evil, Bear! And then you can just stab it with me.
+
+Oh, what constitutes evil, you ask? In my experience, evil can't help but make itself known. You'll know it when you see it.
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+For example, see there? That little inky fellow sneaking into that treasure room? Probably super evil. We should go investigate.
    +
    +

    As corraidhin questions the sword he wanders towards the vault +peering in to inspect Jarrod’s performance. He’s really good at that, +what do you think? Actually what do I even call you? Do you like +nicknames? I was thinking pointy, or stabby, but I’m open to +suggestions, respect and all that.

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    Oh hey, the crystal! It looks like it’s unguarded! Corraidhin slinks +towards the crystal muttering to his magical sword as he does.

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    +

    The sword is momentarily distracted by the Aurs and Kobits. Its eye +widens. It almost seems to shudder with anticipation.

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    EEEEEVIL! Rid. Evil. Spill. Repeat.
    +

    You are thankful that the voice seems only to be heard inside your +own head.

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    Oh, my name? I'm sure I had one at some point. Long forgotten by now. No matter, I'm not sad about it. One has no use for a name when instead they have a singular, all-consuming purpose!
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+But, my last Bear called me her Bee. I quite liked that. The bee in her bonnet! Ha! Evil, fear my sting!
    +

    The sword prattles on in your head as you sneak past Jarrod’s +monstrous storytime and approach the pedestal. Or is it a lectern?

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    You arrive unseen. The crystal is a dazzling deep blue, with pulsing +gold veins. It is oddly shaped, somewhat like an egg. And it floats, +rotating slowly, suspended in air beneath the glass dome that encloses +it.

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    Drawing on your knowledge of Arcane Lore, you remember that the five +Ginnarak Crystals played a key role in the Artifice Wars that once +rampaged across all of Basmentaria. They are sources of tremendous +power. Some say that, the five of them together, they could kill a god. +You’re not sure you believe that. But they did definitely reduce the +once lush and verdant island nation of Ginnarak to cinder wastes and +deserts of ash. A cataclysmic event that put a resolute end to the +Artifice Wars.

    +

    You look around the vault. Jarrod is reciting epic poetry and +mesmerizing the monsters. Inky is pillaging and looting. You have a +bloodthirsty, sentient sword in one hand; and a large arcane battery of +a crystal within reach of the other.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

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    www

    Bestiary

    Some of the creatures who inhabit the world of Basmentaria

    @@ -1513,6 +1635,8 @@ embers.

  • heart? ice?

    • hodgepodge

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    mio’s (Inky’s) Handy Duffer Discette = HD Diskette = better stay away +from magnets!!

    The Benefactor is Nullar

    Blavin is a secret agent, working for the Golden Iris, a secret society that wants to ‘create balance’ by seating a fourth god