The Lone Adventurer – Details, episodes & analysis

In this preliminary, Session Zero episode, I talk about the what and the why of Solo RPGs, my goals and preparation for this 5th Edition D&D solo game, how I intend to approach the podcast, and the reasons behind some of the decisions I’ve made.

 

Links

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eQFxhCZ8tqDql3PwmYjcwWZM-AcWQOHE3PZayNAsYi8/edit?usp=sharing

Tale of the Manticore: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/

1 PC 5e houserules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OGLf6d8k5nQEt2bBWRxScjMzhs2LTm8h7XcwTS8Pqs8/edit?usp=sharing

Me, Myself and Die: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtiBzkVoYrugJkrpW7_75Ag

The Bad Spot: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSHZfmwfiIxCpKrQFrr7YyQ

The Mythic GM Emulator: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/20798/Mythic-Game-Master-Emulator

Mina’s Character Sheet L1: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p0CWxi4hF4uLQ131qY0YkhT_smHD7gbZMOwqrZ_W_Xs/edit?usp=sharing

Microscope: https://www.lamemage.com/microscope/

In this episode Mina finds herself on the run from a pack of mech-fixated maniacs, and we learn who sent her to investigate them, and why. 

 

Links

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EqdqyTweQpTiPuKanq7kYbkstQfMbUx5CjmYmwgyvDE/edit?usp=sharing

Level Up Monstrous Menagerie: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/376472/Level-Up-Monstrous-Menagerie-A5E#:~:text=The%20Monstrous%20Menagerie%20provides%20nearly,khalkos%20and%20the%20phase%20monster.

Mythic GM Emulator: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/20798/Mythic-Game-Master-Emulator

Kobold Fight Club: https://koboldplus.club/#/encounter-builder

 

Game Mechanics

SCENE 1: Night Flight

MINA Cast Feather Fall (reaction)

FATE Do enemies follow? (Likely) 04 Exceptional Yes (1d6+2=7 enemies)

DESCRIPTION What do they look like? 20 Crazily 67 Modern

FATE Members of a Machine Cult? (Likely) 51 Yes (Level Up MM pg 472)

FATE Does Mina land on Rooftops? (50/50) 57 No (streets)

FATE Streets busy? (unlikely) 11 Yes, and Random Event

EVENT NPC Action (Machine Cultists) 17 Antagonistic 86 Hope (Threaten)

FATE Do all enemies land safely? (50/50) 42 Yes 

FATE Do enemies attack? (A sure thing) 64 Yes

FATE Any into Melee range round 1? (Unlikely) 46 No

Kobold Fight Club 7 Cultists (Deadly)

INITIATIVE

Cultists 20

Citizens 18

Mina 7

 

NPC Tactics

 

NPC opponents have an Aggression rating of 1 to 6, with most starting on 4.

 

To find an opponent's tactic for the round, roll 2D6 of the same colour and one of a different colour. If the single die comes up a 1, 2 or 3, continue the same tactic from the previous round. On a 4 or 5, total the two same-coloured dice and add Aggression, then pick from the Tactic table. If it shows a 6, roll it again and pick an action from the Twist table.

 

As they take or inflict wounds, gain or lose the advantage in a fight, NPC opponents' Aggression will raise or lower. Experienced fighters will change only a small amount, while green, frightened or vengeful opponents will change more. Each time someone in the fight (either PC or NPC) suffers a setback, there should be a chance for Aggression to change. If the NPCs are nervous or demoralised, Aggression will drop when they suffer a setback and rise when a PC does. If they are angry or undisciplined, Aggression will rise when they suffer a setback and drop when a PC does.

 

If you don't want to bother with Aggression, roll 3D6 for a tactic. If you want a more straightforward fight, without unexpected moves, drop the Twist die.

 

NPC Tactic table

1. Panic - flee without caution, open self up to opportunistic attack
2. Surrender - throw down weapons and submit to opponent
3. Disengage - attempt to divert opponent's attention away from self
4. Retreat - move towards cover or out of range
5. Guard - defend only, no attack
6. Probe - attack cautiously, testing opponent's defenses
7. Wear down - draw the fight out and try to tire the opponent
8. Stand-off - wait for opponent to make the next move
9. Balance - attack and defend evenly, no particular strategy
10. Feint - try to trick opponent into defending against the wrong move
11. Reverse - rapidly switch from aggressive to defensive fighting to off-balance opponent
12. Taunt - try to anger or dismay opponent into making a mistake
13. Press - keep opponent on the defensive and hope their skill is inferior
14. Strike - try to penetrate opponent's defence with a fast attack
15. Charge - attack with ferocity, risking injury to wound opponent
16. Frenzy - attack wildly, risking death to wound opponent

 

Twist Table

1. Re-enforce - Call for help from allies/bystanders
2. Change - weapon/objective/ground
3. Disadvantage opponent - throw a burning candelabra, maneuver into uneven terrain, cut a curtain so that it falls over their head
4. Advantage self - take the higher ground, move so that they are not facing the sun, draw/pick up a second weapon
5. Bargain - try to persuade opponent to surrender/back out of combat/change sides
6. Trick - try to convince opponent they are about to suffer a setback or gain a false advantage

ROUND 1

Cultists Double Move (Difficult Terrain)

Citizens (aggro 1) 1 Twist (Trick)

9 Wear down

Divert/ distract

Mina Stealth (ADV) vs PP 10: 15 Success. Move away.

FATE: Cover nearby? (Likely) 10 Yes

DESCRIPTION What sort of cover? 24 Defiantly 93 Tranquil (bath house)

FATE: Does the airship crash this turn? (50/50) 57 No

Huge explosion  (Infernal Powder)

 

ROUND 2

Cultists (aggro 6) Perception vs PS 11: 17 Success.

1  Same (Chase Mina)

Citizens (aggro 1) 4 Change Tactic

6 Retreat Remove from Character List

Mina Crossbow 2 Miss, Move (into bath house)

FATE Notable occupants? (50/50) 71 No (bathers)

FATE Does the airship crash this turn? (50/50) 35 Yes

FATE Any cultists hit? (50/50) 99 Exceptional No (Bath house hit)

DEGREE (Motif) 1 Minimal damage 

DANGER (Motif) 1 Easily avoided threats

 

ROUND 3

Cultists (Aggro 5) 5 Change Tactic

8 Probe

Mina Double Move

FATE Does she get clear? (50/50) 61 No (spotted in side alley)

SCENE 2: Street Pursuit (Chaos Rank 6)

 

SCENE MODIFIED 5 Altered (Fire is spreading rapidly)

 

https://www.hipstersanddragons.com/new-chase-mechanics-5e-dnd/

 

Chase Rules

• Determine starting gaps (X) and gaps required to escape (X + 3, 4 or 5)
• Quarry and pursuer roll for complication (DMG pg 254)
• Quarry and pursuer select appropriate skills and roll, adding any move modifier
• Success for quarry vs pursuer adds one level of separation (gap). 
• Success for pursuer vs quarry is no change
• Success for pursuer by 5 reduces 1 gap.
• Participants move and dash each turn, or lose a gap for each not taken
• If a pursuer ends their turn with zero gaps they may attack (successful grapple will end the chase and return the scene to normal combat)
• No opportunity attacks allowed during a chase
• Participants can dash 3+CON mod times. Each additional dash requires a DC10 CON check, or add 1 level of Exhaustion

 

CONDITIONS Mina 2 gaps away from Cultists, needs +4 gaps (6)

 

ROUND 1 Mina Comp 19 (none)

Cultists Comp 20 (none)

Mina check Athletics 14

Cultists check Athletics 6

Result Mina 3 gaps away

 

ROUND 2

Mina Comp 3 (stained glass, STR check)

Cultists Comp 5 (slippery ground, DEX check)

Mina check STR 9

Cultists check DEX 12

Result Mina 2 gaps away

 

ROUND 3 

Mina Comp 12 (none)

Cultists Comp 16 (none)

Mina check Athletics 17

Cultists check Athletics 1

Result Mina 3 gaps away

 

FLASHBACK

FATE Was she sent to the airship? (50/50) 39 Yes

DESCRIPTION Who by? 36 Foolishly 36 Flawless 

FATE A faction rep? (Somewhat Likely) 65 Yes

FATE House Montisario? (50/50) 59 Yes

 

ROUND 4

Mina Comp 17 (none)

Cultists Comp 13 (none)

Mina check Athletics 3

Cultists CON check 17 (passed)

Cultists check Athletics 1

Result Mina 4 gaps away

 

ROUND 5

Mina Comp 12 (none)

Cultists Comp 10 (impassible obstacle, DEX check)

Mina check Athletics 4

Cultists CON check 16 (passed)

Cultists check Athletics 10

Result Mina 3 gaps away

 

ROUND 6

Mina Comp 14 (none)

Cultists Comp 1 (horse and cart, DEX check)

Mina check Athletics 14

Cultists CON check 19 (passed)

Cultists check DEX 3

Result Mina 4 gaps away

 

FLASHBACK

FATE Were they carrying explosives? (Likely) 43 Yes (Infernal Powder)

FATE Did Mina set the fire? (Somewhat Likely) 12 Yes 

FATE Did they see her face? (Unlikely) 80 No

 

ROUND 7

Mina Comp 4 (barrels, DEX check)

Cultists Comp 17 (none)

Mina CON check 3 (1 level Exhaustion)

Mina check Athletics 14

Cultists CON check 9 (1 level Exhaustion)

Cultists check DEX 5

Result Mina 5 gaps away

 

ROUND 8

Mina Comp 4 (barrels, DEX check)

Cultists Comp 17 (none)

Mina CON check 3 (1 level Exhaustion)

Mina check Athletics 14

Cultists CON check 9 (1 level Exhaustion)

Cultists check DEX 5

Result Mina 5 gaps away

 

ROUND 9

Mina Comp 18 (none)

Cultists Comp 5 (Mina trick, INT check)

Mina CON check 5 HERO POINT 5 (2 levels Exhaustion)

Mina check Athletics 6

Cultists CON check 20 (1 level Exhaustion)

Cultists check INT 9

Result Mina 3 gaps away

 

ROUND 10

Mina Comp 7 (brawl, DEX)

Cultists Comp 11 (none)

Mina CON check 9 HERO POINT 7 (3 levels Exhaustion)

Mina check Athletics 12

Cultists CON check 8 (2 level Exhaustion)

Cultists check Athletics 3

Result Mina 4 gaps away

 

ROUND 11

Mina Comp 2 (crowd, STR check)

Cultists Comp 19 (none)

Mina CON check 14 (3 level Exhaustion)

Mina check STR 10

Cultists CON check 2 (3 level Exhaustion)

Cultists check Athletics 5

Result Mina 5 gaps away

 

ROUND 12

Mina Comp 2 (crowd, STR check)

Cultists Comp 1 (crowd, STR check)

Mina CON check 10 (3 level Exhaustion)

Mina check STR 16

Cultists CON check 2 (4 level Exhaustion)

Cultists check STR 9

Result Mina 6 gaps away, and free

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

 

Links

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

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

 

Mechanics SCENE 25: The Visitor Returns

Chaos Factor 9

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

Mina: Mending

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

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

DESCRIPTION Verdict on death of the Whisperer: naturally aromatic

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

1. The trail of the Infernal powder X
2. Something she found there
3. Take something down there
4. Get something out of there

Leverage? Praise News

SCENE 26: Decision time

 

Chaos Factor 8

Altered Scene: altered (innkeeper throws them out)

 

EVENT: how does Mina think Alexis was involved in Baron Montisario’s death? Intolerance the Intellectual FATE: murdered by ‘lone gunman’? (50/50) Yes

SCENE 27: Prepping for the Underpipes

Chaos Factor 7

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

FATE Certes? (likely) No

FATE Key? (50/50) Yes

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

FATE Attackers at the scene? (Unlikely) No

FATE Suicide bombers? (50/50) Yes

FATE Survivors? Yes

FATE Describe attackers? (50/50) Yes

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

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

How did Cadmus find out about the entrance? Overthrow Misfortune

Entrance description: Gladly Young

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

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

Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Mechanics SCENE 28: Beneath the Blood Pits

Chaos Factor 6

Altered Scene: No

FATE Healing potions (Very Unlikely) No, Event

EVENT Introduce New NPC Intolerance the Innocent (Pit Master)

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

FATE Hostile to Cadmus? (50/50) Yes

FATE Does he attack? (Very Likely) No

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

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

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

AC12

HP 119 (14d10+42, bloodied 59)

Speed 40 ft. 

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 

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

Proficiency +2; Maneuver DC 14 

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 

Languages Common, Giant

Traits

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

Actions

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

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

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

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

Reactions (only when Bloodied)

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

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

Combat tactics

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

Initiative: 

Mina  20

Glugark  17

Cadmus 5

ROUND 1

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

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

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

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

 

ROUND 2

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

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

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

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

 

ROUND 3

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

Bonus Barbican repair 

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

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

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

 

FATE: Attract attention? (50/50) Yes

Rounds until reinforcements? 1d4+2: 5

 

ROUND 4

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

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

Barbican (14/21) Help

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

 

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

 

SCENE 29 Pipe Crawl

Chaos Factor 5

Altered Scene: Altered (Punish Benefits) Goodberries lost

Mina: Mending (Barbican at full HP)

Cadmus: Goodberry

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

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

FATE From in front? (50/50) yes

 

Xanka x 4 (Tome of Beasts)

Bronze Scout  (Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes)

 

BRONZE SCOUT 

Medium construct, unaligned 

Armor Class 13 

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

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 

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

Skills Perception +6, Stealth +7

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

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

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

Challenge l (200 XP) 

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

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

ACTIONS 

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

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

 

XANKA

Small construct, unaligned

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

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

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

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

Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned

Senses blindsight 120 ft., passive Perception 10

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

Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

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

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

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

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

ACTIONS

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

Initiative

Mina 18

Xanka 15

Cadmus 9

Bronze Scout 4

 

Distance: Long range

 

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

Mina: Investigation 13 vs DC 12 

 

ROUND 1

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

Barbican move, provide firing platform

Xanka move 50ft

Cadmus Sacred Flame vs Xanka: DEX save 16  miss

 

ROUND 2

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

Bonus Barbican attack

Barbican move, DIS Attack 14 vs AC 15 miss

Xanka Absorb 5 vs AC 15 miss

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

 

ROUND 3

Mina Help Barbican, Bonus attack

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

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

Cadmus Sacred Flame vs Xanka: DEX save19 miss

 

ROUND 4

Mina Attack at melee range DIS 15 vs AC 15 DEAD

 

FATE Treasure? (Very Unlikely) No

 

SCENE 30 Underpipes Round 2 (part 1)

Chaos Factor 4

Altered Scene No

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

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

FATE: illuminated? (50/50) no

 

MANABANE SCARAB SWARM 

Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30)

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

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

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

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +5

Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing

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

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

Languages —

Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

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

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

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

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

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

ACTIONS

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

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

Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mechanics SCENE 30 (part 2)

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

Perception Swarm (DIS): 4

SCENE 31: Investigating the pipes

Chaos Factor 5

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

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

DESCRIPTION Innocently Poor

FATE: Piperunners? (Likely) Yes, random event

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

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

 

SCENE 32 Interrogation

Chaos Factor 6

Altered Scene: no

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

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

EVENT: why enmity with the surface? Bestow Assist

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

 

SCENE 33 Standoff

Chaos Factor 7

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links

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

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

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

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

Mechanics SCENE 34 

Chaos Factor 7 Altered Scene: Interrupt (PC Negative) Oppress The Spiritual 

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

FATE: Repurpose maintenance mechs? (Likely) No

EVENT: what weapon? (Adjourn the Intellectual) 

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

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

 

SCENE 35

Chaos Factor 8

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

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

Motivation (1d4)

1. Fear
2. Revenge X
3. Altruism
4. No Choice 

Revenge for what?

EVENT: Stop Friendship (Betrayed)

FATE: Betrayed Personally? (Unlikely) Yes

How long ago? (d100) 86 years

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

FATE: Does she come from the city above? Yes

FATE Noble House? (50/50) Yes

1. Fargalay
2. Monsitario
3. Toreth X
4. Amberen
5. Other

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

 

Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Mechanics SCENE 36: Imprisoned

Chaos Factor 8

Altered Scene: altered (closely guarded)

 

FATE: Long Rest? (Likely) Yes

FATE: with Cadmus? (50/50) Yes

FATE with Barbican? (50/50) Exceptional No

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

Create tinker’s tools

Change spells: Extra spell: disguise self Change Guidance to Mage Hand

Create sending stones FATE Has Mina heard of the Grand Duchess? (very likely) Exceptional Yes EVENT What has she heard? Judge Weapons

SCENE 37: The Hall of the Great Machine

Chaos Factor 7

Altered Scene: No

 

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

FATE Many piperunners (Likely) Exceptional No

FATE Cadmus? (50/50) No

FATE Barbican (50/50) Yes

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

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

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

FATE Very large? (Likely) Exceptional Yes

FATE Too large? (Likely) Yes 

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

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

Mina Persuasion ADV from recording: Nat 20!

 

SCENE 38

Chaos Factor 6

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

FATE: In the Hall? Yes

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

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

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

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

Hero Point reroll: 18 Vs Jukti perception 9 success FATE did Jukti bring Mina's gun? (Very Unlikely) No

FATE Jukti defeated? (50/50) Yes

FATE Killed? (unlikely) No

FATE Escapes? (50/50) Yes

 

Chapter 15 Show Notes

With a death-defying leap, Mina escapes the battle atop the Great Machine. But more danger is waiting for her below, standing between her and the infernal powder she so desperately seeks. More danger, but also a potential ally…

 

Links

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/19CRry_yqe4hw0AmYD57au1MNqXhIH9rJqyXveLc1Y5I/edit?usp=sharing

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

Fast Character Generator: https://fastcharacter.com/

Antiope character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k5-X1AVWScVFWWfL_yExCkIzPpJYGS0UqQ1qRxCWFAA/edit?usp=sharing

Free Falling: https://keisan.casio.com/exec/system/1231475371

Mechanics SCENE 39: Falling

Chaos Factor 5

Altered Scene No

Sending Stone

Feather Fall

FATE: Cadmus reply? (Very Likely) Yes

FATE: As expected? (50/50) No

EVENT: What does he say? (Refuse Good)

FATE Does she see the cache? (Likely) No

FATE Lands unchallenged? (50/50) No

FATE: Cultists? (Very Likely) Yes

FATE: Anything else (50/50) No, Random Event

EVENT (Move Away from a Thread (Track down the Visitor) Abandon Stalemate

FATE Many? (50/50) Yes (1d6+4: 8)

SCENE 40: 

Chaos Factor 4

Altered Scene: Interrupt (Introduce a New NPC) Kill Nature (Antiope)

Antiope personality rolls 41123

C1 A3 N1 O2 E4

Mina Persuasion 5

FATE Antiope attacks cultists? (Likely) Yes

Combat

 

Initiative

Antiope 11

Cultists 8

Mina 2

Round 1

Antiope (46hp) 1 hit, 3hp

Cultists (1 @ 6/9, 7@ 9/9) 16hp vs Antiope, 4hp vs Mina

Mina (50/54hp) Interact with Object (open bag of holding), Bonus (Barbican attack)

Barbican: Rend (miss)

 

Round 2

Antiope (30/46hp) Pack Tactics ADV: 2 hits 5 & 3 hp (Cultist 1 down), Bonus 2nd Wind, 10hp

Cultists (7 @ 9/9) mis v Mina (Barbican reaction for DIS), 16hp v Antiope, 4 hp v Barbican

Mina (50/54) 12hp (cultist 2 down, cultist 3 on 6hp, Bonus (Barbican attack)

Barbican (17/21) 6hp (cultist 3 down)

 

Round 3

Antiope (24/46)  Pack Tactics ADV: Hit, crit: cultist 4 down, cultist 5 on 3hp

Cultists: 4 v A, 4 v B, mis v A (Barbican reaction for DIS)

Mina (50/54) 12 hp (5 down, cleave, 6 down) Bonus (Barbican attack)

Barbican (13/21) 9hp (7 down)

 

Round 4

Antiope (20/46) Pack Tactics ADV: crit x 2 14+7hp 8 down

SCENE 41

Chaos Factor 3

Altered Scene: No

 

Antiope motivations (UNE motivation tables)

• Fulfil charity
• Comprehend the elite
• Determine freedom

FATE: treasure? (unlikely) no

FATE does Antiope want to help? (50/50) no, random event

EVENT Move away from a thread (track down the visitor) trust the intellectual (+Abandon Stalemate)

Mina Persuasion (ADV) 20

Mina sneaks her way into Sanctum Eruptio in search of the Infernal Powder, but an unpleasant discovery awaits her. It’s all-out war between the Cult of the Great Machine and the Piperunners, with the very existence of the city at stake! 

Links

Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kZleqdp8rkFVDwkmOYlLKFatEvqDdFIr-P-PFcblvjo/edit?usp=sharing

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

Blades in the Dark 

Twitter @TheLoneAdv

Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com

Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/

Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/

Circles in a circle: http://packomania.com/

Gunpowder Plot https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4338-gunpowder-plot-would-have-devastated-london/

Beirut explosion: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54420033

Mechanics SCENE 42: Interrupt: 

EVENT (from last scene and previous scene) Move away from a thread (track down the visitor) trust the intellectual +Abandon Stalemate

 

Valerian daCosta (The Visitor) (Slide)

Alphonse “Crater” Crabtree (Cutter)

Israel “Flint” Locke (Lurk)

Mordecai Rowe (Leech)

Malory Crow (Hound)

Tatiana “Tatters” Kamidev (Whisper)

The Spider (Spider)

 

FATE: Has Mina left this plane? (Has to be) yes

EVENT: nature of stalemate: Lie Magic

 

SCENE 43: Hunting for the Sanctus Eruptio

Chaos Factor 2

Altered Scene: Altered (General Alert)

Disguise Self time remaining: 41 minutes remaining

Mina: Investigation to find the Sanctus: 14 vs DC 17: fail by 3. Fail forward (Chapter 5) with consequence. 

EVENT: Adjourn Victory (the attack begins, Mina is caught up in defence)

DESCRIPTION: Efficiently Strong (fortified foundations, heavily guarded)

FATE: Piperunners attack the Sanctus? (Very Likely) Exceptional No

FATE: Gas? (50/50) Exceptional No

FATE: Piperunners already in the Sanctus? (Likely) Yes

 

SCENE 44 Assault on the Sanctus Erupto

Chaos Factor 3

Altered Scene: No

FATE: Do the PRs seal the doors? (Likely) no, Random Event

EVENT (PC Negative) Inform Possessions

FATE Disguise seen through? (50/50) no (Barbican)

Mina (Bonus): Barbican attack PRs

FATE Suspicions allayed? (Likely) yes

FATE Barbican damaged? (50/50) no

FATE into storage area? (Likely) exceptional yes

FATE Jukti present? (has to be) no

DESCRIPTION (PR forces) threateningly average

FATE Is there an obvious entry point? (50/50) exceptional no

FATE darkness? (50/50) no

EVENT what are they doing? Create a representative (negotiator)

Links

Corey Mayo’s O Solo Mayo: http://webjudy.com/osolomayo/

 

Transcript links

Session 0: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eQFxhCZ8tqDql3PwmYjcwWZM-AcWQOHE3PZayNAsYi8/edit?usp=sharing

Chapter 1: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EqdqyTweQpTiPuKanq7kYbkstQfMbUx5CjmYmwgyvDE/edit?usp=sharing

Chapter 2: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BJ6rM2nlHck4PTZekyKmpIKlEPOADiJgIcW4N2Koxb8/edit?usp=sharing

Chapter 3: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w4TEp_aJN-4FtEd7p9_M5Sg6TX1wWKpd9FHKtzSItKU/edit?usp=sharing

Chapter 4

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11T9fnLz-pXpvO1TjnC6xxzVkdrs6JD4BbTH6hiobTgM/edit?usp=sharing

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 13

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

Chapter 14

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

Chapter 15

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19CRry_yqe4hw0AmYD57au1MNqXhIH9rJqyXveLc1Y5I/edit?usp=sharing

Chapter 16

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kZleqdp8rkFVDwkmOYlLKFatEvqDdFIr-P-PFcblvjo/edit?usp=sharing

Bonus Episode 1

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PqKhPnYeLkGOYqEFI2aE-avo0uQjEaSs5kOXCZzcyJk/edit?usp=sharing