The Lone Adventurer

Summary Last season, on the Lone Adventurer, the House of Whispers agent Mina Montisario and her companion Cadmus of the Church of Ankhra, learned of a Piperunner plot to destroy the city using vast quantities of high explosives. Working alongside her sworn enemies, the deranged terrorist Cult of the Great Machine, Mina was able to thwart the Piprunners plans, but not the plans of the Cult. They remain intent on bombing the city, and in particular Mina’s own wedding, a high society event organised by her scheming cousin Alexis, new head of the House of Whispers.  This wedding, an alliance between Houses Montisario and Toreth, is intended to shore up both houses’ interests in the face of a deadly new threat; the mysterious criminal organisation of shapeshifters, known only as the Unseen, has made a direct attack on House Montisario, killing the previous Whisperer. This, and the destabilising impact of the Cult’s bombing campaign, has thrown the uneasy alliances that exist between the city’s countless factions into chaos, and the city now teeters on the brink of all-out civil war.  And throughout, Mina’s steps have been dogged by a mysterious Visitor. This man, Valerian, is part of a shadowy espionage organisation led by a woman known as the Spider. Their motives are shrouded in mystery, but they appear to be set against the Cult and the Unseen, and have attempted to use Mina as a pawn in their game. Mina had hoped to draw them into her own plans against the Cult’s attack on her wedding, but the Visitor could not be found.  We’re about to find out why. Links Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/175HaWAZ_7e7WMm_AG7zk5jmm5UULo6MAWdb95Xp-j7A/edit?usp=sharing All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ Twitter @TheLoneAdv Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/ Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/ Blades in the Dark: https://www.evilhat.com/home/blades-in-the-dark/ Alone in the Dark: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/282013/Alone-in-the-Dark-Solo-Rules-for-Blades-in-the-Dark Solo Oracles: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J_GVM_dVe3YMYAQaP-KIqOC91vFk56y9HOPKMybY_sk/edit?usp=sharing The City of Kyras LANDMARKS 1 The Void Sea 2 The Underpipes 3 Ironhook Prison  4 The Dominarium 5 The Bloodpits   DISTRICTS Chaintop (Barrowcleft). Residences and markets for the farmers who work the fields and eeleries. The Rose Quarter (Brightstone). The grand mansions and luxury shops of the wealthy elite. The Slopes (Charhollow). A crowded district of tenements and stacked houses. The Bridges (Charterhall). The city’s civic offices and the hub for shops, artisans, and commerce. The Mercer’s Quarter (Coalridge). The remnants of Doskvol’s original hilltop mining settlement, now home to laborers and industrial factories. The Spot (Crow’s Foot). A cramped neighborhood of multi-level streets, ruled by gangs. The Docks. Rough taverns, tattoo parlors, fighting pits, and warehouses. The Iron Spire (Dunslough). A labor camp served by convicts and a ghetto for the destitute poor. The Rat-Run Markets (Nightmarket). The trade center for exotic goods imported by rail. Many vendors also trade in illicit goods. The Gilded Gardens (Silkshore). The “red lamp district” and artist community. The Lavenders (Six Towers). A formerly rich district, now worn down and dilapidated. The Orchidium (Whitecrown). The sprawling estates of the Lord Governor, Hunter Commander, Master Warden, and Doskvol Academy.   Factions The Unseen (IV S) Infiltrate the City Council 8 Expand into other cities 8 The House of Whispers (II W) Win House Montisario influence on the City Council 6 Rise in Tier 8 The Cult of the Machine (III W)  Awaken the Great Machine 12 Convert the Unbelievers 8 The Wraiths (II W) Recruit expert thieves 8 Secure an arcane ally 6   Mechanics   Starting Situation: The Unseen at war with the House of Whispers. The Cult of the Machine at war with everyone. Many other factions in open combat. One other faction seeks an alliance to avoid being destroyed.    SCORE 1   COMPLEX Q: Why are we breaking into Ironhook Prison? 334, 263 (wounded hand, crowned skull)   To forge an alliance with Slate, the leader of the Wraiths, by breaking him out.    LINKED CLOCK 1: Find Slate: 0/4 LINKED CLOCK 2: Break Slate out of prison 0/8   The Plan: Deception The Detail: disguise and infiltration Loadouts: all Light   Engagement Roll:  Bold & Daring: +1D Vulnerability: +1D Aid (Harker): +1D High Tier target: -1D Second Story: +1D Result: Desperate position    SCENE 1  COMPLEX Q: what obstacle do they face? 614, 244 (fish bones, broken helm) Starving inmates have had enough, and turn on the guards. It’s a full-blown  prison riot! How do the crew get out alive?    DANGER CLOCK: Alert: 0/4   FLASHBACK: This riot is part of the plan, set up by Harker (Valerian 1 Stress)  How do the crew fare in the chaos? FORTUNE (3D): Good Result: provides cover GROUP ACTION: Prowl to avoid getting drawn into the fighting (Position Risky, Effect Standard) Valerian leads: 2 Stress, success with consequence  CLOCK: Find Slate: 2/4 CLOCK: Alert 2/4   SCENE 2: sneaking down corridors Scene start as expected? (50/50) Yes but 256 145 (bird, chemical vial) Many inmates unconscious. Gassed? Drugged?   FLASHBACK: Valerian Gather Information: get map of the prison from Laroze (1 stress, 4/9): Sway: 2D: 6,6: exceptional detail   ACTION: Tatiana: Hunt: follow map to D wing, Controlled/ Standard 1d+1d (Push, 2 stress 1/9): 4,1 (succeed with minor consequence)  CLOCK: Find Slate: 4/4 Complete CONSEQUENCE: A new obstacle or threat appears 153 136 (cog, bubbles) Heavy water cannon at the end of the corridor   ACTION: Valerian Sway: get close to guard so Alphonse can take him out. Risky, Standard, 2d: 3,3: fail, complication CONSEQUENCE: suffer Harm (moderate): half-drowned RESIST (Prowess 2d): 6,2: 0 stress Harm (Lesser): battered   ACTION: Alphonse Skirmish: charge the guard and take him out, Desperate (1XP), Standard, 2d+1d (Push, 2 stress, 2/9) +1d (Tatters assist, 1 Stress): 1,6,6,3 (Crit: increased effect) Cannon crew taken out before they can hit the alarm   ACTION: Tatters: Tinker: open the cell door, Controlled, Standard 1d +1d (Push, 2 stress, 5/9): 4,5 (succeed with minor consequence) CONSEQUENCE: Mark clock segment CLOCK: Alarm 4/4 Complete: general alert! Lockdown! (Position +1)

Season 2 is coming, and it’s time to change things up. In this pre-season Session Zero I talk about a new focus for the upcoming episodes, a corresponding mechanical change of approach, and some of the challenges that change may entail.   Links Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15HHKCE_G2MBky8pDHbCevi5_4-tUh2a0bjXYg-sPu-k/edit?usp=sharing All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ Twitter @TheLoneAdv Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/ Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/

The big day finally arrives. Everyone who's anyone is invited to the social event of the season, including a horde of mad bomber cultists intent on blowing the entirety of Toreth Palace into kindling. Mina has a plan, and she has some contacts, but is that going to be enough?  Links Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_3-zNlRrWmUB4jZhKm-ZTxAiTyYHeSoX28SK3jjElIk/edit?usp=sharing All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ Twitter @TheLoneAdv Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/ Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/ Mythic Assistant: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hu.glezmen.mythicassistant&hl=en_GB&gl=US Adventuresmith: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.steavesea.adventuresmith&hl=en_GB&gl=US CritDice: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vuesoft.critdice&hl=en_GB&gl=US The One Ring: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/en/games/the-one-ring/ Eldritch Horror: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/eldritch-horror/ Five Leagues from the Borderlands: https://www.modiphius.net/pages/five-leagues-from-the-borderlands Five Parsecs from Home: https://www.modiphius.net/pages/five-parsecs Speedpaint: https://www.thearmypainter.com/speedpaint/ Mechanics SCENE 52: DIGBY AND THE VISITOR Chaos Factor 3 Altered Scene: no   FATE Did Visitor make contact (50/50) exceptional no EVENT Mistrust Prison (enemy faction boss HQ is on the Hook) Visit Digby  M/F/NB male   C 4, A 2, N 3, O 3, E 4   Motivations Encourage the Law Hinder Success Spoil beauty   Relationship: distrustful Starting Mood: cautious UNE Response: will he say if the House know the Visitor? No FATE: does the House know him? (Likely) yes Mina Insight 19 vs DC 12: she knows he knows UNE Discussion: Demeanour mysterious, Bearing secrets, Focus current story The mysterious Digby speaks of secrets regarding the PCs current story EVENT: what secrets? Relates to NPC action (Cult), Waste Dispute SCENE 53 THE ALCHEMICAL TUTOR Chaos Factor 4 Altered Scene: Interrupt (Ambiguous Event) Move New Ideas (flyers proposing mass deportations) Visit Doctor Kropp M/F/NB non-binary C 3, A 5, N 3, O 2, E 2 Motivations Operate vigilance Process the church Defile nature Relationship Loved Starting Mood neutral UNE Discussion: Demeanour friendly, Bearing happiness Focus parents FATE: Is Mina’s mother alive? (50/50) no FATE: does he know how infernal powder be neutralised? (Likely) exceptional yes (he invented the technique) Mood sociable  UNE Response: will he share the knowledge? Yes EVENT; how? Vengeance disruption (divinity: Bless!) FATE: any devotant? (Very Likely) yes  SCENE 54 BEHIND THE SCENES Chaos Factor 3Altered Scene: no House Toreth Security Chief Camilla HargraveM/F/NB: F C 2, A 2, N 3, O 4, E 2 Motivations Produce the populous Assist justice Maintain harmony Relationship: friendly Starting Mood: cautious UNE discussion Demeanour mysterious, Bearing whispers Focus weapons UNE BINARY: Do they go along with the plan? Yes   Anhra High Devotant M/F/NB F C 5, A 1, N 2, O 4, E 3 Motivations Abduct wealth Plunder gluttony Damage charity Relationship: neutral Starting mood: sociable UNE discussion Demeanour friendly, Bearing delight, Focus flaws UNE BINARY: Do they go along with the plan? Yes   SCENE 55 WEDDING DAY Chaos Factor 2 Altered Scene: no FATE: do the cultists sense a trap? (50/50) exceptional no FATE: do the cultists resist the blessing? (50/50)  no FATE: Is the High Dominar present? (50/50) no

With only 48 hours to go before her arranged wedding, and the planned terrorist attack, Miona needs to take stock and get a plan in motion. But the news from the House of Whispers is not good, and there’s an unexpected visitor waiting for her there…   Links Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pWT5HgwxHBtwaQW8SlbL6D7tddVZ1m37_XM2TWfrmsM/edit?usp=sharing All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ Twitter @TheLoneAdv Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/ Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/ UNE: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/134163/UNE-The-Universal-NPC-Emulator-rev Friends: https://happiful.com/international-friendship-day/ Mechanics SCENE 49: Return to the House of Whispers Chaos Factor 2 Altered Scene: Altered (Duke Toreth arrives) FATE: Is Alexis having to deal with Shadow War (very Likely) yes FATE: Is he coping well? (Likely) no FATE: has progress been made against the Unseen? (50/50) exceptional no EVENT: what has gone wrong? Debase Attention EVENT: What is the nature of the Shadow War? Triumph Opulence   SCENE 50 Meeting the Duke Chaos Factor 3 Altered Scene: no UNE: Tris Demeanour Friendly, Bearing Happiness, Focus Power FATE: Have they met before? (Likely) yes Age: older UNE: Tris Demeanour Friendly, Bearing Support, Focus Skills   SCENE 51 Information Gathering Chaos Factor 2 Altered Scene: no FATE: did Mina find out anything about Tristan influencers? (Very Likely) exceptional no (Alexis interrupted) FATE: Any news from the monastery? (Likely) yes  EVENT: what news? Arrive Dispute Between: Houses Underworld Orders Everyone ** Everyone & Everyone FATE: Does the Visitor make contact? (Likely) no FATE: Do the Cultists make contact? (50/50) yes EVENT: How? Abandon Stalemate (attack on the city)

In the aftermath of the war against the Piperunners, Mina is left facing another implacable foe. And even if she does survive, what price will she be forced to pay? Links Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WKIggxPt0wNAMRZvltZHibhznT76I-4VLgWhF6xWLbk/edit?usp=sharing All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ Twitter @TheLoneAdv Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/ Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/ The Science of Storytelling: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Storytelling-Stories-Human-Better-ebook/dp/B07J2BN9L7/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=62546151740&gclid=Cj0KCQjwma6TBhDIARIsAOKuANxFz_4Wqt22ISs1mh-TnHuAXkKgIrpFX_78lBbSnZ71w0yyIFFgum4aAgVbEALw_wcB&hvadid=310559321985&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9045978&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5718174129616949750&hvtargid=kwd-375593231506&hydadcr=11469_1841735&keywords=the+science+of+storytelling&qid=1651245220&sr=8-1 Sapiens: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0099590085/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YVF6N40MVWEF&keywords=sapiens&qid=1651245256&sprefix=sapiens%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1 Countdown Clocks: https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/bft68t/using_clocks_world_bitd_in_any_game/   Mechanics SCENE 46:  Chaos Factor 3 Altered Scene: no FATE: Do the Cultists attack? (50/50) no FATE: Is she seen as an ally? (50/50) no FATE: Do they keep her prisoner? (50/50) no FATE: Is there a quid pro quo? (Likely) Celebrate Opulence FATE: do the cult know of the entrance to House Toreth? (50/50) exceptional no FATE: do they know who Mina is? (Unlikely) no FATE: Does Mina think the machine is made by the dwarves? (Unlikely) exceptional no FATE: Do the cult have leverage? (50/50) no   SCENE 47 Chaos Factor 4 Altered Scene: no FATE: does the Cult knows the source of the powder? (Unlikely) yes Mina persuasion 13 vs Voice DC 15 fail (won’t reveal powder source) Mina Insight 13 vs Deception 5 (she knows he knows) Mina persuasion 19 (nat 20) vs DC 15 (Cult will assist with Cadmus recovery) FATE: Is Mina able to retrieve the ring? (50/50) no FATE: Has Cadmus been harmed? (Likely) no FATE: rescued by Antiope? (Likely) Exceptional no FATE: Antiope killed? (Likely) yes   SCENE 48 Chaos Factor 3 Altered Scene: no FATE: Do the cultists remain with Mina? (Unlikely) no

It all comes down to this. Mina Monisario, in disguise, must join with her sworn enemies, the fanatical Machine Cultists, in a final, desperate battle against the Piperunners for control of the explosives stashed beneath the Great Machine. And if she fails, the entire city is forfeit!   Links Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cHMEBI3YqBE-RdihCbuZKqhC7XaGvAXaaXpGMkW8eWg/edit?usp=sharing All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ Twitter @TheLoneAdv Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/ Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/ Advanced 5e Monstrous Menagerie: https://enpublishingrpg.com/collections/level-up-advanced-5th-edition-a5e/products/level-up-monstrous-menagerie-a5e?variant=41366519775426 Kobold Fight Club Plus: https://koboldplus.club/#/encounter-builder Mechanics SCENE 45:  Chaos Factor 4 Altered Scene: No FATE: do the Cultists surrender? (50/50) No   NPC Tactics   NPC opponents have an Aggression rating of 1 to 6, with most starting on 4.   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.   Roll 2D6 (gold), 1d6 (black).  Black die 1, 2, 3: same tactic as previous round.  Black die 4, 5: Gold dice plus Aggression= NPC Tactic  Black die 6: Roll again for a Twist    NPC Tactic table Panic - flee without caution, open self up to opportunistic attack Surrender - throw down weapons and submit to opponent Disengage - attempt to divert opponent's attention away from self Retreat - move towards cover or out of range Guard - defend only, no attack Probe - attack cautiously, testing opponent's defenses Wear down - draw the fight out and try to tire the opponent Stand-off - wait for opponent to make the next move Balance - attack and defend evenly, no particular strategy Feint - try to trick opponent into defending against the wrong move Reverse - rapidly switch from aggressive to defensive fighting to off-balance opponent Taunt - try to anger or dismay opponent into making a mistake Press - keep opponent on the defensive and hope their skill is inferior Strike - try to penetrate opponent's defence with a fast attack Charge - attack with ferocity, risking injury to wound opponent Frenzy - attack wildly, risking death to wound opponent   Twist Table Re-enforce - Call for help from allies/bystanders Change - weapon/objective/ground Disadvantage opponent - throw a burning candelabra, maneuver into uneven terrain, cut a curtain so that it falls over their head Advantage self - take the higher ground, move so that they are not facing the sun, draw/pick up a second weapon Bargain - try to persuade opponent to surrender/back out of combat/change sides Trick - try to convince opponent they are about to suffer a setback or gain a false advantage Initiative   Bandit Captain 21 (A5e MM 470) Starting Aggression 4 Cult Fanatic 20 (A5e MM 472) Starting Aggression 5 Mina 14 Squads of Bandits (x3) 13 (A5e MM 466 & 470) Starting Aggression 4 Squads of Cultists (x4) 10 (A5e MM 466 & 472) Starting Aggression 4 ROUND 1 FATE: Does he try to smash open a barrel? (50/50) yes Bandit Captain: Hatchet: Multiattack: 24 and 21 vs barrel AC15, 7hp and 5hp vs barrel, 6 of 18hp remaining (DMG 246) Cult Fanatic: Hold Person DC WIS: 4: Fail, Bandit Captain Paralysed (1 min, save at end of each turn). Concentration.  Mina: Crossbow 16 vs AC 15: 8hp (57/65), draw sword, move to engage Bandit Squad 1. Bonus: Barbican Disarm Barbican: 30ft leap, Athletics check 15 vs DC 16, 4hp falling damage. Disarm (flare) Squad of Bandits 1: Twist: Reinforce FATE: More Bandits? (Likely) no (Jukti, joins next round Init 10) Squad of Bandits 2: Attack: crossbow vs Cultists 1: 17 vs AC 12: 20hp: 25/45 Squad of Bandits 3: Twist: change ground: leap 10’ to barrels, close on Barbican Squad of Cultists 1 (25/45): Move and attack Bandits 2: 14 vs AC 12: 30hp: 14/45 (bloodied)  Squad of Cultists 2 Move and attack Bandits 2: 4 vs AC 12 miss Squad of Cultists 3 Move and attack Bandits 1: 14 vs AC 12: 20hp: 25/45 Squad of Cultists 4 Move and attack Bandits 2: 9 vs AC 12: miss ROUND 2 Bandit Captain (paralysed) Will save: 9 fail Cult Fanatic Maintain Concentration, Inflict Wounds vs Bandits 2: 22 vs AC 12: 8hp (7/45) Mina: Crossbow vs Bandits 2 15 vs AC 12: 8hp: squad becomes 2 bloodied bandits. Bonus Barbican: Dodge Squad of Bandits 1 (25/45): Complete portal Squad of Bandits 3 Attack Barbican (DIS) 7 vs AC 15, miss Ouma Jukti: Cone of Cold vs Cultists 4: CON save 15 vs DC 17: 78hp squad becomes 2 bloodied cultists Squad of Cultists 1: Attack Bandits 2: 8 vs AC 12 miss Squad of Cultists 2: Change ground: Attack Jukti. Opportunity attack from Bandits 1: 21 vs AC 12: 20hp (25/45). Attack Jukti 22 vs AC 11: 20hp (29/49). Jukti reaction: Misty Escape Squad of Cultists 3: Attack Bandits 1: 12 vs AC 12 20hp (5/45, bloodied) Bandit 2A (4/9 hp) Crossbow vs Cultists 3: 18 vs AC 12 3hp (42/45) Bandit 2B (4/9hp) Probe: test defences of Cultists 2: Scimitar 12 vs AC 12 7hp 18/45 Bloodied) Cultist 4A (4/9hp) Strike: Bandit 2B 7 miss Cultist 4B (4/9hp) Attack Bandit 2A 19 vs AC 12: 4hp dead ROUND 3 Bandit Captain (paralysed) Will save: 10 fail Cult Fanatic Maintain Concentration, move, Sacred Flame v Bandit 2B saves  Mina: Bonus: barbican Dodge, Ready crossbow attack, trigger: Julti appears Squad of Bandits 1 (5/45 Bloodied): Attack Cultists 2: 9 vs AC 12 miss Squad of Bandits 3 Attack Barbican (DIS) 14 vs AC 15 miss Ouma Jukti: Twist: re-enforce: summon ice guard drake next to Cult Fanatic: ring exhausted Interrupt: Mina crossbow: 10 vs AC 11 miss. Jukti Perception to spot Mina: Int 18 vs DC 15 FATE: does she say anything about Cadmus? (50/50) no Squad of Cultists 1: Attack Bandit 2B 13 vs AC 12 dead Squad of Cultists 2: (18/45 Bloodied) Attack Bandits 1: 6 vs AC 12 miss Squad of Cultists 3: (42/45) Attack Bandits 1: 20 vs AC 12 7hp squad becomes 2 bloodied bandits Cultist 4A (4/9hp) Change: Attack Drake 22 vs AC 14 5hp (47/52) Cultist 4B (4/9hp) Advantage Self: Flank Drake (ADV) 21 vs AC 14 5hp (42/52) Guard Drake (42/52) Attack Cult Fanatic: Bite 11 vs AC 12 miss, tail 16 vs AC 12 8hp (31/39), Cult Fanatic Concentration check 17 success  Bandit 1A (4/9) Attack Cultists 3: 11 vs AC 12 miss Bandit 1B (4/9) Attack Cultists 2: 11 vs AC 12 miss   ROUND 4 Bandit Captain (paralysed) Will save: 2 fail Cult Fanatic (31/39) Maintain Concentration, re-enforce FATE: Cultist squad? (Likely) no (3 Bronze Scouts, near Fanatic) Mina: move, crossbow vs Jukti 15 vs AC 11 16hp (13/39), Bonus Barbican Dodge Squad of Bandits 3 Attack Barbican (DIS) 14 vs AC 15 miss Ouma Jukti (13/39) Conjure Fey (Ice Maiden) near Mina Squad of Cultists 1: Change target: jump, attack Bandits 3: 5 miss Squad of Cultists 2: (18/45 Bloodied) Attack Bandit 1A 14 vs AC 12 dead Squad of Cultists 3: (42/45) Change target: jump, attack Bandits 3 8 vs AC 12 miss Cultist 4A (4/9hp) Twist ADV vs Drake: 15 vs AC 14 4hp (38/52) Cultist 4B (4/9hp) Attack Drake 10 vs AC 14 miss Guard Drake (38/52) Bite 22 vs AC 12 11hp (20/39) Tail 23 vs AC 12 8hp (12/39) Concentration Broken Bandit 1B (4/9) Attack Cultists 2 19 vs AC 12 3 hp (15/45) Bronze Scout 1 Attack Drake Bite 18 vs AC 14 9hp (29/52)  Bronze Scout 2 Attack Drake Bite 17 vs AC 14 10hp (19/52) Bronze Scout 3 Attack Drake Bite 24 vs AC 14 9hp (10/52) Ice Maiden: Ice Storm vs Mina Dex 13 vs DC 17 fail, 18hp (48/70)   ROUND 5 Bandit Captain  FATE Does he have another Flare? (50/50) No Attack Barbican: 2 misses, one hit: regains the flare Cult Fanatic (12/39) Hold Person 15 vs DC 12: spell fails. Drake opportunity attack 12 vs AC 12 4hp (8/39) Mina: crossbow vs Jukti (opportunity attack 20 vs AC 16: 5 miss spend Hero Point CRITICAL HIT!!! 26hp Jukti dead. Bonus Barbican get Flare: Barbican 14 STR vs 5 DEX: regains flare FATE: Are Ice summons negated (Has to be) no Squad of Bandits 3: Attack Cultists 3: 11 vs AC 12 miss Squad of Cultists 1: Taunt, attack Bandits 3: 14 vs AC 12 15hp (30/45) Squad of Cultists 2: (15/45 Bloodied) Attack Bandit 1B Crit (dead) Squad of Cultists 3: (42/45) Change: Defend Barbican (Dodge) Cultist 4A (4/9hp) Attack Drake: 12 vs AC 14 miss Cultist 4B (4/9hp) Disadvantage opponent (hold leg) Guard Drake (10/52) (DIS) Attack Cult Fanatic: Bite 17 vs AC 12 6hp (6/39), Tail 10 vs AC 12 miss Bronze Scout 1 21 vs AC 14: 8hp (4/52) Bronze Scout 2 15 vs AC 15 7hp Drake dead Bronze Scout 3 Continues to attack drake Ice Maiden: Flurry form: Whirlwind: STR save 14 vs DC 13 saved: Mina not flung, 6 cold damage ROUND 6 Bandit Captain (57/65) Advantage Self Attack Cultists 2 (ADV) 21 and 23 scimitar 18hp, squad becomes 2 bloodied Cultists, 24 dagger vs 2A: dead Cult Fanatic (12/39) Hold Person vs Bandit Captain: Wis save 9 vs DC 12: Paralysed Mina (42/70): Leap Athletics 15: attack Bandit Captain with crossbow midair: ADV & Sharpshooter: 15 vs AC 15: 30hp (27/65). “Take out their leader!” Bonus Barbican attack (ADV) 17 vs AC 15 15hp (12/65) Squad of Bandits 3: (30/45) Defend Captain (Cancels ADV) Squad of Cultists 1: 4 vs AC 15 miss Squad of Cultists 3: (42/45) 23 vs AC 15 15hp Bandit Captain dead Cultist 4A (4/9hp) Attack Bandits 3 19 vs AC 12 4hp (26/45) Cultist 4B (4/9hp) Attack Bandits 3 13 vs AC 12 6hp (20/45) Bronze Scout 1 21 vs AC 12 12hp (8/45) Bronze Scout 2 6 vs AC 12 miss Bronze Scout 3 19 vs AC 12 7hp (1/45) Ice Maiden: Fly to Mina, no whirlwind recharge, 2 slams 19 & 23 vs AC 16, 26hp (16/70) End of Turn CON check DC 12: 4 fail (dead)Cultist 2B Surrender:  FATE: Bandits surrender? (50/50 no: killed

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

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)

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 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 selfChange Guidance to Mage Hand Create sending stonesFATE Has Mina heard of the Grand Duchess? (very likely) Exceptional YesEVENT 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 successFATE did Jukti bring Mina's gun? (Very Unlikely) No FATE Jukti defeated? (50/50) Yes FATE Killed? (unlikely) No FATE Escapes? (50/50) Yes