From ea5de8e6e963332a9e3e5c3393d248f370d07695 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "Christopher P. Brown" Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2022 11:24:26 -0600 Subject: [PATCH] 18 + Templates --- basement.order | 1 + src/characters/corraidhin.md | 4 + src/characters/inky.md | 6 +- src/epistolary/00018.md | 22 + src/meta.md | 58 ++ www/index.html | 143 +++- www/rss.xml | 1384 +++++++++++++++++----------------- www/spoilers.html | 143 +++- 8 files changed, 1086 insertions(+), 675 deletions(-) create mode 100644 src/epistolary/00018.md diff --git a/basement.order b/basement.order index 4133121..b3b2d5a 100644 --- a/basement.order +++ b/basement.order @@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ src/epistolary/00014.md src/epistolary/00015.md src/epistolary/00016.md src/epistolary/00017.md +src/epistolary/00018.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 c57d6b5..dce7422 100644 --- a/src/characters/corraidhin.md +++ b/src/characters/corraidhin.md @@ -19,3 +19,7 @@ I think with my share of the reward I'll buy more books. Lots and lots of books, - XP: 0 - Skills: Do Anything 1, Arcane Lore 2, Sneak 2 +Paths: + +- Retriever: Contractual Obligation +- Soulsword: Bloodlust diff --git a/src/characters/inky.md b/src/characters/inky.md index 0fa0c3f..cb5a391 100644 --- a/src/characters/inky.md +++ b/src/characters/inky.md @@ -16,6 +16,10 @@ What do you plan to do with your cut of the money? Buy lots of ink ingredients, - Player: mio -- XP: 0 +- XP: 1 - Skills: Do Anything 1, Persuasive 2 +Paths: + +- Retriever: Contractual Obligation +- Were-Hare: Lepusthropy diff --git a/src/epistolary/00018.md b/src/epistolary/00018.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c0a456f --- /dev/null +++ b/src/epistolary/00018.md @@ -0,0 +1,22 @@ +--- +title: 00018 +created: Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:28:38 -0600 +updated: Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:28:38 -0600 +public: yes +syndicated: yes +--- +### 00018 + +> From their spot behind the construction banner, Inky pulls a pewter bowl, a large wooden spoon and a set of silver spoons from their brewing kit. In one quick fluid motion, Inky strikes the bowl with the wooden spoon. The sound reverberates soulfully through the domed cavern of the vault, like a call to meditation. The kobits too, seem to recognise that single, sonorous note. +> +> After a long pause, Inky taps several silver spoons in rapid succession against one another and on a small rock. The result can be barely heard by everyone in the vault except the aurs, for whom the sounds may resemble the soothing trickle of pebbles flowing along the path of a tunnel. + +A rich tone permeates the vault. The Aurs cease their squeaking. You don't hear them say this, but you imagine they're thinking, "Oh shit, I still need to log my sit for Sitember.." And they flutter down to the ground and sit in a circle and close their eyes and are still. + +You also hear a deep rumbling somewhere beneath you in response to the gentle call. Some of the gold coin dunes start to shift and spill. A suit of armor falls over. HORSE and the clumsy kobit halt their advance and look around nervously, and then bolt for the front door of the vault. + +"BrUHrhHHHURHu-RUN!" + +UH OH WHAT DO!! + +[www](https://framalistes.org/sympa/arc/tildepals/2022-09/msg00028.html) diff --git a/src/meta.md b/src/meta.md index 5897fdd..3889f6b 100644 --- a/src/meta.md +++ b/src/meta.md @@ -58,3 +58,61 @@ Every time you fail a roll, you gain 1 xp. You can spend xp to turn any die into a six for the purpose of advancement. +### Paths and Templates + +Templates are skills and abilities, organized into *paths*, that players can discover and unlock through play as their characters learn and discover more about the world. + +They are the lambda calculus answer to "classes" in traditional ttrpgs: a kind anonymous class that everybody has access to, that you can combine and mix and match. + +How it works: + +Each path has a bunch of templates. + +Every template starts with a rank (a number), followed by a name (in bold), a trigger (in parenthesis), and finally a description. + +You can unlock any template by satisfying its trigger in-game, provided you have already unlocked at least one template of every rank below it, in the same path. (The exceptions are templates of rank zero, which are the entry level templates for each path, and do not have such a requirement.) + +Example: + +- 0. **Goblin Slayer** (Slay 100 goblins): You are now an expert when facing this foe. From now on when attacking a goblin, a roll of 5 - 6 is considered a critical success. 4 - 5 is a success. And 1 - 3 is a mixed success. + +The rank is 0, so there are no prerequisites. (If it had been, say, 2, then you would need to have unlocked a template of rank 1 and of rank 0 in the same path before unlocking this one.) The name is "Goblin Slayer". The trigger is "Slay 100 goblins". And the perk is detailed in the description. + +Okay, here are the known paths: + +#### Path of the Soulsword + +You have a unique bond with a sentient sword + +- 0. **Bloodlust** (Discover and obtain a sentient, magical sword): Your sword has a lust for stabbing that can only be satisfied with blood. Your sword counts as a 3 dice skill when attacking, but you must also roll to resist being overcome by a mindless bloodlust, striking out at whoever happens to be nearby. + +- 1. **Spell Sword** (Cast a spell on your sword after satisfying its bloodlust): You can cast a spell on your sword to store it for quick casting later. + +#### Path of the Were-Hare + +You have been cursed to wander this world; half man, half rabbit. + +- 0. **Lepusthropy** (Gain the curse of lepusthropy): Every full moon, you become a monstrous human/rabbit hybrid with an insatiable craving for fresh vegetables. + +- 1. **Beast Sense** (Talk to a rabbit): Rabbits and hares will obey your orders. You can sense when there are rabbits or hares nearby. + +- 2. **Hybrid Form** (Embrace the curse): You can assume hybrid form at will. Your sharp, pointy teeth do damage as a 3 dice skill. You can only maintain this form for a short time, and are left weak afterwards. + +- 2. **Beast Form** (Meditate on the form of a rabbit every day for a month): You can assume the form or a rabbit or hare. The longer you maintain this form, the more risk you won't be able to change back! + +#### Path of the Retriever + +The Perks of the Job + +- 0. **Contractual Obligation** (Agree to retrieve 5 crystals for the Benefactor): You have access to the Benefactor's resources through your handler, Blavin Blandfoot. + +- 1. **An Auspicious Start** (Retrieve 1 crystal): You gain a team of rivals: the Retrieval Team 70 gophers. If you don't have a 2 dice skill yet, gain one of your choosing. + +- 2. **???** (Retrieve 2 crystals): ??? + +- 3. **???** (Retrieve 3 crystals): ??? + +- 4. **???** (Retrieve 4 crystals): ??? + +- 5. **HOT TUB PARTY** (Retrieve 5 crystals): You win a visit to the Benefactor's mansion, including dinner and a dip in the hot tub! + diff --git a/www/index.html b/www/index.html index 9977beb..57dbb17 100644 --- a/www/index.html +++ b/www/index.html @@ -210,6 +210,8 @@ Willows
  • Epistolary
  • Bestiary
    • @@ -274,6 +277,11 @@ story entirely.

  • XP: 0
  • Skills: Do Anything 1, Arcane Lore 2, Sneak 2
    • +

    Paths:

    +

    Glarg

    @@ -315,9 +323,14 @@ very soon!

    +

    Paths:

    +

    Jarrod

    @@ -436,6 +449,107 @@ Down Doors 2 aaaand, two sixes!

    Every time you fail a roll, you gain 1 xp.

    You can spend xp to turn any die into a six for the purpose of advancement.

    +

    Paths and Templates

    +

    Templates are skills and abilities, organized into paths, +that players can discover and unlock through play as their characters +learn and discover more about the world.

    +

    They are the lambda calculus answer to “classes” in traditional +ttrpgs: a kind anonymous class that everybody has access to, that you +can combine and mix and match.

    +

    How it works:

    +

    Each path has a bunch of templates.

    +

    Every template starts with a rank (a number), followed by a name (in +bold), a trigger (in parenthesis), and finally a description.

    +

    You can unlock any template by satisfying its trigger in-game, +provided you have already unlocked at least one template of every rank +below it, in the same path. (The exceptions are templates of rank zero, +which are the entry level templates for each path, and do not have such +a requirement.)

    +

    Example:

    +
      +
      • +
      1. Goblin Slayer (Slay 100 goblins): You are now an +expert when facing this foe. From now on when attacking a goblin, a roll +of 5 - 6 is considered a critical success. 4 - 5 is a success. And 1 - 3 +is a mixed success.
        2. +
      • +
    +

    The rank is 0, so there are no prerequisites. (If it had been, say, +2, then you would need to have unlocked a template of rank 1 and of rank +0 in the same path before unlocking this one.) The name is “Goblin +Slayer”. The trigger is “Slay 100 goblins”. And the perk is detailed in +the description.

    +

    Okay, here are the known paths:

    +

    Path of the Soulsword

    +

    You have a unique bond with a sentient sword

    +
      +
      • +
      1. Bloodlust (Discover and obtain a sentient, magical +sword): Your sword has a lust for stabbing that can only be satisfied +with blood. Your sword counts as a 3 dice skill when attacking, but you +must also roll to resist being overcome by a mindless bloodlust, +striking out at whoever happens to be nearby.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. Spell Sword (Cast a spell on your sword after +satisfying its bloodlust): You can cast a spell on your sword to store +it for quick casting later.
        2. +
      • +
    +

    Path of the Were-Hare

    +

    You have been cursed to wander this world; half man, half rabbit.

    +
      +
      • +
      1. Lepusthropy (Gain the curse of lepusthropy): Every +full moon, you become a monstrous human/rabbit hybrid with an insatiable +craving for fresh vegetables.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. Beast Sense (Talk to a rabbit): Rabbits and hares +will obey your orders. You can sense when there are rabbits or hares +nearby.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. Hybrid Form (Embrace the curse): You can assume +hybrid form at will. Your sharp, pointy teeth do damage as a 3 dice +skill. You can only maintain this form for a short time, and are left +weak afterwards.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. Beast Form (Meditate on the form of a rabbit every +day for a month): You can assume the form or a rabbit or hare. The +longer you maintain this form, the more risk you won’t be able to change +back!
        2. +
      • +
    +

    Path of the Retriever

    +

    The Perks of the Job

    +
      +
      • +
      1. Contractual Obligation (Agree to retrieve 5 +crystals for the Benefactor): You have access to the Benefactor’s +resources through your handler, Blavin Blandfoot.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. An Auspicious Start (Retrieve 1 crystal): You gain +a team of rivals: the Retrieval Team 70 gophers. If you don’t have a 2 +dice skill yet, gain one of your choosing.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. ??? (Retrieve 2 crystals): ???
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. ??? (Retrieve 3 crystals): ???
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. ??? (Retrieve 4 crystals): ???
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. HOT TUB PARTY (Retrieve 5 crystals): You win a +visit to the Benefactor’s mansion, including dinner and a dip in the hot +tub!
        2. +
      • +

    Epistolary

    These are all the letters I send to the email list.

    You can subscribe to these updates with the rss feed.

    @@ -1563,6 +1677,33 @@ then trips over its shoelaces.

    WHAT DO YOU DO??

    www

    +

    00018

    +
    +

    From their spot behind the construction banner, Inky pulls a pewter +bowl, a large wooden spoon and a set of silver spoons from their brewing +kit. In one quick fluid motion, Inky strikes the bowl with the wooden +spoon. The sound reverberates soulfully through the domed cavern of the +vault, like a call to meditation. The kobits too, seem to recognise that +single, sonorous note.

    +

    After a long pause, Inky taps several silver spoons in rapid +succession against one another and on a small rock. The result can be +barely heard by everyone in the vault except the aurs, for whom the +sounds may resemble the soothing trickle of pebbles flowing along the +path of a tunnel.

    +
    +

    A rich tone permeates the vault. The Aurs cease their squeaking. You +don’t hear them say this, but you imagine they’re thinking, “Oh shit, I +still need to log my sit for Sitember..” And they flutter down to the +ground and sit in a circle and close their eyes and are still.

    +

    You also hear a deep rumbling somewhere beneath you in response to +the gentle call. Some of the gold coin dunes start to shift and spill. A +suit of armor falls over. HORSE and the clumsy kobit halt their advance +and look around nervously, and then bolt for the front door of the +vault.

    +

    “BrUHrhHHHURHu-RUN!”

    +

    UH OH WHAT DO!!

    +

    www

    Bestiary

    Some of the creatures who inhabit the world of Basmentaria

    diff --git a/www/rss.xml b/www/rss.xml index 4399958..9239a9e 100644 --- a/www/rss.xml +++ b/www/rss.xml @@ -6,94 +6,194 @@ https://tilde.town/~dozens/quest/rss.xml Friends having ADVENTURES! Huzzah! - 12 + 00006 - gophers dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 12 - Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:44:58 --0600 - Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:44:58 -0600 + 00006 - gophers - Tue, 26 Jul 2022 +20:32:23 -0600 + Sat, 30 Jul 2022 19:19:20 -0600 00012 -
    -

    Harrumph I say as I billow out my mustache. I know exactly - what this is, I’ve seen these silly terminals at the wizarding - academy. Fascinating little babbles really, not that easy to - use, and I find they’re easier to melt with a well placed - fireball or two, but I think I can get us past without that. - Now I might need someone to cover for me if that Kobit catches - onto what I’m doing, and I’ll say the weird sword is starting - to creep me out a bit.

    -

    Corraidhin approaches the terminal, cracks his knuckles, - and enters: 1,$p

    -
    -

    The printer spits out a piece of paper:

    - 
    The door is Locked
    -
    -

    Corraidhin stares at the paper. Well, that’s not right, the - door’s only partially closed. Preposterious thing.

    -

    That’s okay, I know how to fix this.

    -

    19 c there is no door, there never was, and never will be. - Also the Kobit guard forgot to tie his shoes. . w 1,$p

    -
    -

    The printer spits out a slip of paper.

    - 
    there is no door, there never was, and never will be. Also the Kobit guard forgot to tie his shoes.
    -

    With a soft pop, the thick stone door vanishes.

    -

    The sword at the bottom of the pool widens its eye in - surprise.

    -

    Nothing remains between you and the interior of the - vault.

    -

    Some light from the hall spills in and glints off what - appears to be a mound of gold, gems, and crystals. The rest of - its contents are hidden from view unless you venture - inside.

    -

    You can still hear the guard kobit in the passage, now - whistling a warbling, lamentful tune. It sounds dangerously - close. Best get a move on if you want to avoid a - confrontation.

    +

    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

    + ]]> +     +     + + 16 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 16 - Sat, 24 Sep 2022 07:43:23 +-0400 + Sat, 24 Sep 2022 07:43:23 -0400 + + 00016 +

    RETCON!

    +

    Before Corraidhín ascended to the surface of the pool….

    -

    While the wisened scholar inspects the vault door, Inky - walks a few steps from the antechamber to meet the Kobit - guard, pressure gauge and tiny notebook in hand. Inky proceeds - to ask them about water flow sounds in the surrounding area, - water stains, signs of potential pests that could damage the - pipes, and other rather boring elements pertaining to modern - Basmentia burrow plumbing.

    -

    After a while, seeing as they have been conversing for some - time, Inky pulls out two small bottles of chilled arrowroot - beer from a waist pouch and offers one to the Kobit guard.

    +

    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.

    -

    The big guard kobit’s eyes start to glass over as Inky goes - on about water pressure and structural integrity.

    -

    But it does graciously accept a bottle arrowroot beer.

    -

    “Well, golly, don’t mind if I do!” It cracks the lid off, - toasts to your health and takes a long swig.

    -

    “Aaaaaaaah! That hits the spot!”

    +

    And now back to our show!

    -

    Corraidhin absentmindedly inspects the terminal and door - while Inky converses with the guard. He’s utterly distracted - and talking to himself.

    -

    By the gods, it’s gone. Just like that! I thought it’d - fizzle or something, but it’s gone! I wonder what else I can - do with this thing.

    -

    Corraidhin wanders back to the terminal and enters another - command.

    -

    19 c The wise and elderly Corraidhin is now a young and - dashing rogue, with a very nice hat. .

    +

    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).

    -

    The printer spits out a slip of paper:

    - 
    ?
    -

    Maybe the ed terminal only has jurisdiction over the door - to the vault.

    -

    Or maybe the machine, the universe, or whatever, is telling - you not to push your luck.

    -

    By now the big guard kobit, lulled by Inky’s questions and - finally sedated by the alcohol, is slumped and snoring softly - in the mouth of one of the twisty little passages.

    -

    You stand before the open vault under the ever watchful - gaze of the sword at the bottom of the pool of water in the - center of the room.

    -

    WHAT DO

    +

    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

    ]]>     @@ -246,6 +346,46 @@ ]]> + + 18 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 18 - Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:28:38 +-0600 + Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:28:38 -0600 + + 00018 +
    +

    From their spot behind the construction banner, Inky pulls + a pewter bowl, a large wooden spoon and a set of silver spoons + from their brewing kit. In one quick fluid motion, Inky + strikes the bowl with the wooden spoon. The sound reverberates + soulfully through the domed cavern of the vault, like a call + to meditation. The kobits too, seem to recognise that single, + sonorous note.

    +

    After a long pause, Inky taps several silver spoons in + rapid succession against one another and on a small rock. The + result can be barely heard by everyone in the vault except the + aurs, for whom the sounds may resemble the soothing trickle of + pebbles flowing along the path of a tunnel.

    +
    +

    A rich tone permeates the vault. The Aurs cease their + squeaking. You don’t hear them say this, but you imagine + they’re thinking, “Oh shit, I still need to log my sit for + Sitember..” And they flutter down to the ground and sit in a + circle and close their eyes and are still.

    +

    You also hear a deep rumbling somewhere beneath you in + response to the gentle call. Some of the gold coin dunes start + to shift and spill. A suit of armor falls over. HORSE and the + clumsy kobit halt their advance and look around nervously, and + then bolt for the front door of the vault.

    +

    “BrUHrhHHHURHu-RUN!”

    +

    UH OH WHAT DO!!

    +

    www

    + ]]> +     +     meta dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -301,6 +441,59 @@ ]]> + + 00002 - shoe shine + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 00002 - shoe shine - Tue, 21 Jul 2022 +20:32:23 -0600 + Tue, 21 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 + + 00002 +

    Blavin provides you with a multibeast for your excursion. + “Courtesy of the Benefactor!” You pack it up with food and + supplies, and trek into the Tammineaux Forest in search of the + first Ginnarak Crystal.

    +

    The forest is lush, thick, and green. You have to hack your + way through the vines and the brush. There are stinging + insects, squawking birds, and dangerous forest creatures a + plenty. It is hot and sticky.

    +

    How will you ever find your way through this wilderness to + the dig site?

    +

    “Shouldn’t be too hard,” you remember Blavin saying back at + Lucy’s, gesturing carelessly and sloshing a little bit of his + fourth drink. “They’re gnomes, after all! Just follow the + sound of explosions and screaming.”

    +

    Sure enough, before long you hear a mechanical droning and + some blasting up ahead, punctuated now and then by high + pitched screams, and you guide the multibeast in that + direction.

    +

    Suddenly you are ambushed by a troop of blahoblins! Awful + looking things. Taut rubbery gray skin. Long flat noses stick + out way far from their faces. And so do their protruding, + lipless mouths full of sharp pointy teeth. You didn’t hear + them over the noise of the shrieking parrots and, in the + distance, the shrieking gnomes.

    +

    “SHOE SHINE!!” the first one yells. It is wearing a gold + ring on each finger (minus the three fingers it is missing), + two in each ear, and one in its nose. It is dragging a vat of + black polish nearly as tall as it is.

    +

    “SHOE SHINE!!” a second one agrees. It is wearing a nice + waistcoat with large gaudy buttons, and a nice looking pocket + watch on a gold chain. It is dragging a comfy looking chair + stuffed with bits of fluff and leaves and fur.

    +

    A third one screams, “SHOE SHINE SHOE SHINE!” It has + several gold teeth and carries a huge block of cheese secured + to its back with long loops of hempen rope.

    +

    The fourth and final one is wearing what looks like freshly + painted red shoes and is carrying a lit torch. “SHOE + SHIIIIINE!” it screams. It is wearing a gold medallion on a + gold necklace.

    +

    www

    + ]]> +     +     9 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -441,6 +634,98 @@ the door is Open ]]> + + 12 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 12 - Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:44:58 +-0600 + Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:44:58 -0600 + + 00012 +
    +

    Harrumph I say as I billow out my mustache. I know exactly + what this is, I’ve seen these silly terminals at the wizarding + academy. Fascinating little babbles really, not that easy to + use, and I find they’re easier to melt with a well placed + fireball or two, but I think I can get us past without that. + Now I might need someone to cover for me if that Kobit catches + onto what I’m doing, and I’ll say the weird sword is starting + to creep me out a bit.

    +

    Corraidhin approaches the terminal, cracks his knuckles, + and enters: 1,$p

    +
    +

    The printer spits out a piece of paper:

    + 
    The door is Locked
    +
    +

    Corraidhin stares at the paper. Well, that’s not right, the + door’s only partially closed. Preposterious thing.

    +

    That’s okay, I know how to fix this.

    +

    19 c there is no door, there never was, and never will be. + Also the Kobit guard forgot to tie his shoes. . w 1,$p

    +
    +

    The printer spits out a slip of paper.

    + 
    there is no door, there never was, and never will be. Also the Kobit guard forgot to tie his shoes.
    +

    With a soft pop, the thick stone door vanishes.

    +

    The sword at the bottom of the pool widens its eye in + surprise.

    +

    Nothing remains between you and the interior of the + vault.

    +

    Some light from the hall spills in and glints off what + appears to be a mound of gold, gems, and crystals. The rest of + its contents are hidden from view unless you venture + inside.

    +

    You can still hear the guard kobit in the passage, now + whistling a warbling, lamentful tune. It sounds dangerously + close. Best get a move on if you want to avoid a + confrontation.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    +
    +

    While the wisened scholar inspects the vault door, Inky + walks a few steps from the antechamber to meet the Kobit + guard, pressure gauge and tiny notebook in hand. Inky proceeds + to ask them about water flow sounds in the surrounding area, + water stains, signs of potential pests that could damage the + pipes, and other rather boring elements pertaining to modern + Basmentia burrow plumbing.

    +

    After a while, seeing as they have been conversing for some + time, Inky pulls out two small bottles of chilled arrowroot + beer from a waist pouch and offers one to the Kobit guard.

    +
    +

    The big guard kobit’s eyes start to glass over as Inky goes + on about water pressure and structural integrity.

    +

    But it does graciously accept a bottle arrowroot beer.

    +

    “Well, golly, don’t mind if I do!” It cracks the lid off, + toasts to your health and takes a long swig.

    +

    “Aaaaaaaah! That hits the spot!”

    +
    +

    Corraidhin absentmindedly inspects the terminal and door + while Inky converses with the guard. He’s utterly distracted + and talking to himself.

    +

    By the gods, it’s gone. Just like that! I thought it’d + fizzle or something, but it’s gone! I wonder what else I can + do with this thing.

    +

    Corraidhin wanders back to the terminal and enters another + command.

    +

    19 c The wise and elderly Corraidhin is now a young and + dashing rogue, with a very nice hat. .

    +
    +

    The printer spits out a slip of paper:

    + 
    ?
    +

    Maybe the ed terminal only has jurisdiction over the door + to the vault.

    +

    Or maybe the machine, the universe, or whatever, is telling + you not to push your luck.

    +

    By now the big guard kobit, lulled by Inky’s questions and + finally sedated by the alcohol, is slumped and snoring softly + in the mouth of one of the twisty little passages.

    +

    You stand before the open vault under the ever watchful + gaze of the sword at the bottom of the pool of water in the + center of the room.

    +

    WHAT DO

    + ]]> +     +     8 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -530,6 +815,93 @@ the door is Open ]]> + + 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

    + ]]> +     +     + + 00003 - polish + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 00003 - polish - Tue, 22 Jul 2022 +20:32:23 -0600 + Tue, 22 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 + + 00003 +
    +

    “SHOE SHINE!” Bellows Tea, with a full bodied laugh!

    +

    With a well practiced move, faster than one would think + giant like Tea could move, Tea removes an object from their + satchel.

    +

    …at first glance it appears to be a flail without a handle, + but is actually a spare pair of giant boots, held by their + laces.

    +

    “These could indeed use a good shining.”

    +

    The boot are spectacularly large, probably a 1/2 size too + large, in all honest, for even Tea’s feet.

    +

    The boots have gold eyelets.

    +
    +

    Earrings greedily snatches the boots and start washing, + drying, and polishing them to a shine. Waistcoat eagerly tugs + on Tea’s wrist and guides him to the comfy chair, which is + decidedly too small for his bulky frame. Teeth graciously + offers him a wedge of cheese.

    +

    Depending on how observant Tea is, he may or may not notice + that the boots are returned to him with 1 - 3 fewer + eyelets.

    +
    +

    Bending down, Inky sniffs the bottles carefully, mumbling, + “Creosote, shellac, hopweed … ou, wild cherry liquorice.” + Then, a little louder to one of the blahoblins, though it came + out not much more than a squeak, “Might I ask from where did + you get these?”

    +
    +

    “Shoe Polish! We Make! Roots and ash!” shouts Waistcoat. + They seem to only have the one volume.

    +

    “Beeswax!” yells Earrings.

    +

    “Resin!” cries Teeth.

    +

    “SHOE SHIIINE!” they all cry in unison.

    +

    www

    + ]]> +     +     10 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -587,68 +959,62 @@ the door is Open - 00005 - gnomes + 00004 - pockets picked dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 00005 - gnomes - Tue, 25 Jul 2022 -20:32:23 -0600 - Tue, 25 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 + 00004 - pockets picked - Tue, 24 Jul +2022 20:32:23 -0600 + Tue, 24 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 00005 +

    00004

    -

    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.

    +

    “And jolly good polish too, it looks like,” Inky replies, + squinting a bit at the ichor being smeared onto the boots in + Earrings’ large calloused hands. “I hear there be some gnomes + hereabouts? A camp? With your remarkable service, I bet they’d + be coming to you all the time to get their boots cleaned.”

    -

    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

    +

    “GNOMES!?” Earrings interrobangs loudly and questioningly. + It brings its hands to the sides of its face, covering its ear + holes, and wags its oversized head in dismay, squeezing its + tiny eyes shut. In the process, it smears polish around its + face.

    +

    “Gnomes there!” shouts Waistcoat. Its hands busy polishing, + it tosses its head, gesturing with its prodigious proboscis in + the direction you were heading. You continue to hear bangs and + booms in the distance every once a while.

    +
    +

    Glarg gurgles something to the effect of + “gluggurguuuurglaaaachhhh?” Its stance is one of surprise as + its disposition changes to that of inquisition as its head + cranes down to look at the blahoblin carrying the smelly rock + on its back.

    +
    +

    Teeth looks questioningly up at Glarg and experimentally + gargles back up at it. “GURGLE BURBLE GLUG GLUG?” It smiles + apologetically (a fearsome sight, its protruding jaws full of + tiny pointy teeth) and shrugs and asks, “Shoe shine?”

    +
    +

    It attempts to pick that whole blahoblin up and bring the + smelly rock to its face for a closer inspection.

    +
    +

    “WAAAAAAH!” Teeth kicks its feet ineffectively and is quite + helplessly tied to the big smelly rock when Glarg picks it up. + The smelly rock smells pungent, sharp, earthy, moldy. + Definitely could be food.

    +

    By this time the blahoblins have polished the shoes of + everybody who has consented to it, and are packing up. Except + for Teeth who is being detained by the earth elemental.

    +

    Red Shoes reappears from wherever they have been this whole + time with a sly smile and rejoins its comrades.

    +

    Your pockets have successfully been picked while you were + distracted with the shoe shine, but not of anything of + particular value.

    +

    What small item(s) will you notice is missing in the hours + and days to come? How will its absence be a minor + inconvenience?

    www

    + href="https://framalistes.org/sympa/arc/tildepals/2022-07/msg00031.html">www

    ]]>     @@ -773,6 +1139,216 @@ greatest desire: stabbing ]]> + + 13 + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 13 - Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:22:21 +-0600 + Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:22:21 -0600 + + 00013 +
    +

    Psst, Inky, can you poke your head into the vault, see if + you can spot any crystals. Also, can you tell what kind of + gold’s in there? Maybe it’s worth something to nab a piece of + two for ourselves, you know, since we’re so good at vault + cracking.

    +

    While you do that I’m going to take a closer look at this + sword, it’s giving me heeby jeebies.

    +

    I cast a spell on the sword to identify its physical, + magical, and metaphysical properties

    +

    “Strange sword, I command thee to divulge your secrets! All + that you are of, exist in, and imbue from shall be wrought in + words of sorcercy so that the world my see clear what you + are!” I chant as I invoke ancient runes with my wand.

    +
    +

    Corraidhín commands the sword commandingly. But the sword + just rolls its eye and looks at him exasperatedly.

    +

    Hmm. Yes, no mouth. Well then.

    +

    Corraidhín draws on his mastery of Arcane Lore, and sifts + through all the knowledge he has filed away on magical swords. + There are so many books on magic swords!

    +

    While at first you guessed that it may merely be a common + Look Sword, you have since revised your initial assessment. + Look Swords are minor magical items, and are not quite as + sentient as this particular blade appears to be.

    +

    No this must be something a little more special.

    +

    It’s hard to tell from here–the water is not perfectly + clear–but the pattern on the hilt is kind swirly and whirly. + Probably a Sword of Omens.

    +

    Unless…

    +

    No, it’s so unlikely.

    +

    And yet.

    +

    If the pattern on the hilt turns out to be more whirly than + swirly, then it probably is indeed a Sword of Omens.

    +

    But on the other hand, if it is more swirly than whirly, + it’s possible that this may be then legendary Sword of + J’Son.

    +

    If only you could get a closer look…

    +
    +

    Inky nods and peeks inside the vault, while keeping an ear + open for any sounds coming from the tunnel where the guard + kobit is currently sleeping soundly. Small mountains of + ancient gold, some as coins and some in nuggets of various + shapes and sizes, filled most of the cavern floor. In one + corner were a few chests overflowing with rubies and emeralds, + with the occasional amethyst and tiny pink diamonds. Whoever + had this vault set up has amassed a nice hoard!

    +

    Inky whispered back, “Some good old gold! There are also + little crystals in one of the chests, but I can’t tell if any + of them is a Ginnarak.”

    +
    +

    Inky hears the drunken cowboy Kobit guard snoring gently. + It whistles adorably a little bit at the top of each + exhale.

    +

    You peek inside the vault just in time to see the lone + Kobit guard that went inside to check on the vault. It yelps + and trips over its own feet.

    +

    Its shoes were untied.

    +

    There are indeed piles of gold, gems, and crystals. Chests + full of precious stones. A few suits of armor. For some + reason, a giant clam, mouth open to reveal a giant pearl.

    +

    And in the center of it all, atop a stone pedestal, beneath + a dome of glass, is the blue and gold Ginnarak Crystal. It is + the size of a melon, and kind of shaped like one. A lumpy, + multi-faceted blue and gold melon.

    +

    Flitting around the pedestal are a couple of Aurs. Giant + ears with bat wings. Very keen hearing obviously. Usually more + of an annoyance than a true deterrent. Unless there’s a + Centaur around. Nasty things those. A hundred ears with a + hundred wings. The size of a small horse. They can really ruin + your day. Luckily you don’t see one around.

    +

    Finally, curled up on the ground at the base of the + pedestal, hugging a mound of gold coins like a body pillow, is + a nude Kobit, sound asleep. It stretches briefly in its sleep + and when it does, you are astonished to see that it has large + leathery wings.

    +

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    +

    www

    + ]]> +     +     + + 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

    + ]]> +     +     + + 00005 - gnomes + dozens@tilde.team (dozens) + 00005 - gnomes - Tue, 25 Jul 2022 +20:32:23 -0600 + Tue, 25 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 + + 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

    + ]]> +     +     15 dozens@tilde.team (dozens) @@ -930,541 +1506,5 @@ sudo chown corraidhin:party sword_of_yam\'l ]]> - - 00004 - pockets picked - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 00004 - pockets picked - Tue, 24 Jul -2022 20:32:23 -0600 - Tue, 24 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 - - 00004 -
    -

    “And jolly good polish too, it looks like,” Inky replies, - squinting a bit at the ichor being smeared onto the boots in - Earrings’ large calloused hands. “I hear there be some gnomes - hereabouts? A camp? With your remarkable service, I bet they’d - be coming to you all the time to get their boots cleaned.”

    -
    -

    “GNOMES!?” Earrings interrobangs loudly and questioningly. - It brings its hands to the sides of its face, covering its ear - holes, and wags its oversized head in dismay, squeezing its - tiny eyes shut. In the process, it smears polish around its - face.

    -

    “Gnomes there!” shouts Waistcoat. Its hands busy polishing, - it tosses its head, gesturing with its prodigious proboscis in - the direction you were heading. You continue to hear bangs and - booms in the distance every once a while.

    -
    -

    Glarg gurgles something to the effect of - “gluggurguuuurglaaaachhhh?” Its stance is one of surprise as - its disposition changes to that of inquisition as its head - cranes down to look at the blahoblin carrying the smelly rock - on its back.

    -
    -

    Teeth looks questioningly up at Glarg and experimentally - gargles back up at it. “GURGLE BURBLE GLUG GLUG?” It smiles - apologetically (a fearsome sight, its protruding jaws full of - tiny pointy teeth) and shrugs and asks, “Shoe shine?”

    -
    -

    It attempts to pick that whole blahoblin up and bring the - smelly rock to its face for a closer inspection.

    -
    -

    “WAAAAAAH!” Teeth kicks its feet ineffectively and is quite - helplessly tied to the big smelly rock when Glarg picks it up. - The smelly rock smells pungent, sharp, earthy, moldy. - Definitely could be food.

    -

    By this time the blahoblins have polished the shoes of - everybody who has consented to it, and are packing up. Except - for Teeth who is being detained by the earth elemental.

    -

    Red Shoes reappears from wherever they have been this whole - time with a sly smile and rejoins its comrades.

    -

    Your pockets have successfully been picked while you were - distracted with the shoe shine, but not of anything of - particular value.

    -

    What small item(s) will you notice is missing in the hours - and days to come? How will its absence be a minor - inconvenience?

    -

    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

    - ]]> -     -     - - 13 - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 13 - Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:22:21 --0600 - Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:22:21 -0600 - - 00013 -
    -

    Psst, Inky, can you poke your head into the vault, see if - you can spot any crystals. Also, can you tell what kind of - gold’s in there? Maybe it’s worth something to nab a piece of - two for ourselves, you know, since we’re so good at vault - cracking.

    -

    While you do that I’m going to take a closer look at this - sword, it’s giving me heeby jeebies.

    -

    I cast a spell on the sword to identify its physical, - magical, and metaphysical properties

    -

    “Strange sword, I command thee to divulge your secrets! All - that you are of, exist in, and imbue from shall be wrought in - words of sorcercy so that the world my see clear what you - are!” I chant as I invoke ancient runes with my wand.

    -
    -

    Corraidhín commands the sword commandingly. But the sword - just rolls its eye and looks at him exasperatedly.

    -

    Hmm. Yes, no mouth. Well then.

    -

    Corraidhín draws on his mastery of Arcane Lore, and sifts - through all the knowledge he has filed away on magical swords. - There are so many books on magic swords!

    -

    While at first you guessed that it may merely be a common - Look Sword, you have since revised your initial assessment. - Look Swords are minor magical items, and are not quite as - sentient as this particular blade appears to be.

    -

    No this must be something a little more special.

    -

    It’s hard to tell from here–the water is not perfectly - clear–but the pattern on the hilt is kind swirly and whirly. - Probably a Sword of Omens.

    -

    Unless…

    -

    No, it’s so unlikely.

    -

    And yet.

    -

    If the pattern on the hilt turns out to be more whirly than - swirly, then it probably is indeed a Sword of Omens.

    -

    But on the other hand, if it is more swirly than whirly, - it’s possible that this may be then legendary Sword of - J’Son.

    -

    If only you could get a closer look…

    -
    -

    Inky nods and peeks inside the vault, while keeping an ear - open for any sounds coming from the tunnel where the guard - kobit is currently sleeping soundly. Small mountains of - ancient gold, some as coins and some in nuggets of various - shapes and sizes, filled most of the cavern floor. In one - corner were a few chests overflowing with rubies and emeralds, - with the occasional amethyst and tiny pink diamonds. Whoever - had this vault set up has amassed a nice hoard!

    -

    Inky whispered back, “Some good old gold! There are also - little crystals in one of the chests, but I can’t tell if any - of them is a Ginnarak.”

    -
    -

    Inky hears the drunken cowboy Kobit guard snoring gently. - It whistles adorably a little bit at the top of each - exhale.

    -

    You peek inside the vault just in time to see the lone - Kobit guard that went inside to check on the vault. It yelps - and trips over its own feet.

    -

    Its shoes were untied.

    -

    There are indeed piles of gold, gems, and crystals. Chests - full of precious stones. A few suits of armor. For some - reason, a giant clam, mouth open to reveal a giant pearl.

    -

    And in the center of it all, atop a stone pedestal, beneath - a dome of glass, is the blue and gold Ginnarak Crystal. It is - the size of a melon, and kind of shaped like one. A lumpy, - multi-faceted blue and gold melon.

    -

    Flitting around the pedestal are a couple of Aurs. Giant - ears with bat wings. Very keen hearing obviously. Usually more - of an annoyance than a true deterrent. Unless there’s a - Centaur around. Nasty things those. A hundred ears with a - hundred wings. The size of a small horse. They can really ruin - your day. Luckily you don’t see one around.

    -

    Finally, curled up on the ground at the base of the - pedestal, hugging a mound of gold coins like a body pillow, is - a nude Kobit, sound asleep. It stretches briefly in its sleep - and when it does, you are astonished to see that it has large - leathery wings.

    -

    WHAT DO YOU DO

    -

    www

    - ]]> -     -     - - 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

    - ]]> -     -     - - 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

    - ]]> -     -     - - 00003 - polish - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 00003 - polish - Tue, 22 Jul 2022 -20:32:23 -0600 - Tue, 22 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 - - 00003 -
    -

    “SHOE SHINE!” Bellows Tea, with a full bodied laugh!

    -

    With a well practiced move, faster than one would think - giant like Tea could move, Tea removes an object from their - satchel.

    -

    …at first glance it appears to be a flail without a handle, - but is actually a spare pair of giant boots, held by their - laces.

    -

    “These could indeed use a good shining.”

    -

    The boot are spectacularly large, probably a 1/2 size too - large, in all honest, for even Tea’s feet.

    -

    The boots have gold eyelets.

    -
    -

    Earrings greedily snatches the boots and start washing, - drying, and polishing them to a shine. Waistcoat eagerly tugs - on Tea’s wrist and guides him to the comfy chair, which is - decidedly too small for his bulky frame. Teeth graciously - offers him a wedge of cheese.

    -

    Depending on how observant Tea is, he may or may not notice - that the boots are returned to him with 1 - 3 fewer - eyelets.

    -
    -

    Bending down, Inky sniffs the bottles carefully, mumbling, - “Creosote, shellac, hopweed … ou, wild cherry liquorice.” - Then, a little louder to one of the blahoblins, though it came - out not much more than a squeak, “Might I ask from where did - you get these?”

    -
    -

    “Shoe Polish! We Make! Roots and ash!” shouts Waistcoat. - They seem to only have the one volume.

    -

    “Beeswax!” yells Earrings.

    -

    “Resin!” cries Teeth.

    -

    “SHOE SHIIINE!” they all cry in unison.

    -

    www

    - ]]> -     -     - - 00002 - shoe shine - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 00002 - shoe shine - Tue, 21 Jul 2022 -20:32:23 -0600 - Tue, 21 Jul 2022 20:32:23 -0600 - - 00002 -

    Blavin provides you with a multibeast for your excursion. - “Courtesy of the Benefactor!” You pack it up with food and - supplies, and trek into the Tammineaux Forest in search of the - first Ginnarak Crystal.

    -

    The forest is lush, thick, and green. You have to hack your - way through the vines and the brush. There are stinging - insects, squawking birds, and dangerous forest creatures a - plenty. It is hot and sticky.

    -

    How will you ever find your way through this wilderness to - the dig site?

    -

    “Shouldn’t be too hard,” you remember Blavin saying back at - Lucy’s, gesturing carelessly and sloshing a little bit of his - fourth drink. “They’re gnomes, after all! Just follow the - sound of explosions and screaming.”

    -

    Sure enough, before long you hear a mechanical droning and - some blasting up ahead, punctuated now and then by high - pitched screams, and you guide the multibeast in that - direction.

    -

    Suddenly you are ambushed by a troop of blahoblins! Awful - looking things. Taut rubbery gray skin. Long flat noses stick - out way far from their faces. And so do their protruding, - lipless mouths full of sharp pointy teeth. You didn’t hear - them over the noise of the shrieking parrots and, in the - distance, the shrieking gnomes.

    -

    “SHOE SHINE!!” the first one yells. It is wearing a gold - ring on each finger (minus the three fingers it is missing), - two in each ear, and one in its nose. It is dragging a vat of - black polish nearly as tall as it is.

    -

    “SHOE SHINE!!” a second one agrees. It is wearing a nice - waistcoat with large gaudy buttons, and a nice looking pocket - watch on a gold chain. It is dragging a comfy looking chair - stuffed with bits of fluff and leaves and fur.

    -

    A third one screams, “SHOE SHINE SHOE SHINE!” It has - several gold teeth and carries a huge block of cheese secured - to its back with long loops of hempen rope.

    -

    The fourth and final one is wearing what looks like freshly - painted red shoes and is carrying a lit torch. “SHOE - SHIIIIINE!” it screams. It is wearing a gold medallion on a - gold necklace.

    -

    www

    - ]]> -     -     - - 16 - dozens@tilde.team (dozens) - 16 - Sat, 24 Sep 2022 07:43:23 --0400 - Sat, 24 Sep 2022 07:43:23 -0400 - - 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

    - ]]> -     -     diff --git a/www/spoilers.html b/www/spoilers.html index 6f5988b..7ca941b 100644 --- a/www/spoilers.html +++ b/www/spoilers.html @@ -210,6 +210,8 @@ Willows
  • Epistolary
  • Bestiary
  • Geography
    • @@ -283,6 +286,11 @@ story entirely.

  • XP: 0
  • Skills: Do Anything 1, Arcane Lore 2, Sneak 2
    • +

    Paths:

    +
      +
    • Retriever: Contractual Obligation
      • +
    • Soulsword: Bloodlust
      • +

    Glarg

    @@ -324,9 +332,14 @@ very soon!

    • Player: mio
      • -
    • XP: 0
      • +
    • XP: 1
    • Skills: Do Anything 1, Persuasive 2
    +

    Paths:

    +
      +
    • Retriever: Contractual Obligation
      • +
    • Were-Hare: Lepusthropy
      • +

    Jarrod

    @@ -445,6 +458,107 @@ Down Doors 2 aaaand, two sixes!

    Every time you fail a roll, you gain 1 xp.

    You can spend xp to turn any die into a six for the purpose of advancement.

    +

    Paths and Templates

    +

    Templates are skills and abilities, organized into paths, +that players can discover and unlock through play as their characters +learn and discover more about the world.

    +

    They are the lambda calculus answer to “classes” in traditional +ttrpgs: a kind anonymous class that everybody has access to, that you +can combine and mix and match.

    +

    How it works:

    +

    Each path has a bunch of templates.

    +

    Every template starts with a rank (a number), followed by a name (in +bold), a trigger (in parenthesis), and finally a description.

    +

    You can unlock any template by satisfying its trigger in-game, +provided you have already unlocked at least one template of every rank +below it, in the same path. (The exceptions are templates of rank zero, +which are the entry level templates for each path, and do not have such +a requirement.)

    +

    Example:

    +
      +
      • +
      1. Goblin Slayer (Slay 100 goblins): You are now an +expert when facing this foe. From now on when attacking a goblin, a roll +of 5 - 6 is considered a critical success. 4 - 5 is a success. And 1 - 3 +is a mixed success.
        2. +
      • +
    +

    The rank is 0, so there are no prerequisites. (If it had been, say, +2, then you would need to have unlocked a template of rank 1 and of rank +0 in the same path before unlocking this one.) The name is “Goblin +Slayer”. The trigger is “Slay 100 goblins”. And the perk is detailed in +the description.

    +

    Okay, here are the known paths:

    +

    Path of the Soulsword

    +

    You have a unique bond with a sentient sword

    +
      +
      • +
      1. Bloodlust (Discover and obtain a sentient, magical +sword): Your sword has a lust for stabbing that can only be satisfied +with blood. Your sword counts as a 3 dice skill when attacking, but you +must also roll to resist being overcome by a mindless bloodlust, +striking out at whoever happens to be nearby.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. Spell Sword (Cast a spell on your sword after +satisfying its bloodlust): You can cast a spell on your sword to store +it for quick casting later.
        2. +
      • +
    +

    Path of the Were-Hare

    +

    You have been cursed to wander this world; half man, half rabbit.

    +
      +
      • +
      1. Lepusthropy (Gain the curse of lepusthropy): Every +full moon, you become a monstrous human/rabbit hybrid with an insatiable +craving for fresh vegetables.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. Beast Sense (Talk to a rabbit): Rabbits and hares +will obey your orders. You can sense when there are rabbits or hares +nearby.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. Hybrid Form (Embrace the curse): You can assume +hybrid form at will. Your sharp, pointy teeth do damage as a 3 dice +skill. You can only maintain this form for a short time, and are left +weak afterwards.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. Beast Form (Meditate on the form of a rabbit every +day for a month): You can assume the form or a rabbit or hare. The +longer you maintain this form, the more risk you won’t be able to change +back!
        2. +
      • +
    +

    Path of the Retriever

    +

    The Perks of the Job

    +
      +
      • +
      1. Contractual Obligation (Agree to retrieve 5 +crystals for the Benefactor): You have access to the Benefactor’s +resources through your handler, Blavin Blandfoot.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. An Auspicious Start (Retrieve 1 crystal): You gain +a team of rivals: the Retrieval Team 70 gophers. If you don’t have a 2 +dice skill yet, gain one of your choosing.
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. ??? (Retrieve 2 crystals): ???
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. ??? (Retrieve 3 crystals): ???
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. ??? (Retrieve 4 crystals): ???
        2. +
      • +
      • +
      1. HOT TUB PARTY (Retrieve 5 crystals): You win a +visit to the Benefactor’s mansion, including dinner and a dip in the hot +tub!
        2. +
      • +

    Epistolary

    These are all the letters I send to the email list.

    You can subscribe to these updates with the rss feed.

    @@ -1572,6 +1686,33 @@ then trips over its shoelaces.

    WHAT DO YOU DO??

    www

    +

    00018

    +
    +

    From their spot behind the construction banner, Inky pulls a pewter +bowl, a large wooden spoon and a set of silver spoons from their brewing +kit. In one quick fluid motion, Inky strikes the bowl with the wooden +spoon. The sound reverberates soulfully through the domed cavern of the +vault, like a call to meditation. The kobits too, seem to recognise that +single, sonorous note.

    +

    After a long pause, Inky taps several silver spoons in rapid +succession against one another and on a small rock. The result can be +barely heard by everyone in the vault except the aurs, for whom the +sounds may resemble the soothing trickle of pebbles flowing along the +path of a tunnel.

    +
    +

    A rich tone permeates the vault. The Aurs cease their squeaking. You +don’t hear them say this, but you imagine they’re thinking, “Oh shit, I +still need to log my sit for Sitember..” And they flutter down to the +ground and sit in a circle and close their eyes and are still.

    +

    You also hear a deep rumbling somewhere beneath you in response to +the gentle call. Some of the gold coin dunes start to shift and spill. A +suit of armor falls over. HORSE and the clumsy kobit halt their advance +and look around nervously, and then bolt for the front door of the +vault.

    +

    “BrUHrhHHHURHu-RUN!”

    +

    UH OH WHAT DO!!

    +

    www

    Bestiary

    Some of the creatures who inhabit the world of Basmentaria