Episodes

Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
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)

Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
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

Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
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

Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
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 7Altered 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) Fear Revenge X Altruism 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 Fargalay Monsitario Toreth X Amberen Other

Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
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

Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
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.

Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
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) The trail of the Infernal powder X Something she found there Take something down there 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 IntellectualFATE: 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

Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Mina wakes to discover the identity of the new Spymaster, and it’s the last person she would wish it to be. But the bad news doesn’t stop there; the identity of the Whisperer’s murderer could spell doom for House Montisario, and the new spymaster’s plan to deal with the situation puts Mina right in the very last place she wants to be. Links Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YhGRF-ZUfINL8-ea2Mu3LSE9C4gMv-3O9Z5O1vaK4jY/edit?usp=sharing Surprise: https://slyflourish.com/surprise.html UNE (Universal NPC Emulator): or): https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/134163/UNE-The-Universal-NPC-Emulator-rev Mechanics SCENE 22: Cousin Alexis Chaos Factor 8 Altered Scene: No Who wakes her? UNE privileged politician, comparable power, motivation: work the world Demeanor inquisitive Bearing request Focus fame FATE does she know him? Exceptional Yes (cousin, Male/ female/ non-binary: male Alexis Montisatio) FATE: do they get on? Exceptional No Mina Punch: miss FATE does he accept it was murder? (Likely) Yes FATE is his lackey a soldier? (Likely) Yes Donjon Name Generator: Theny Veray Male/ Female/ non-binary: nonbinary Why the welcome? Expose Intrigues FATE Shapechangers? (Very Likely) Yes FATE Captured? (50/50) Yes FATE Alive? (Impossible) No SCENE 23: The Reveal Chaos Factor 7 Altered Scene: Interrupt (NPC Negative) Truce Anger (Cadmus) FATE are shapeshifters a known faction? (unlikely) yes FATE criminal? (50/50) Exceptional Yes Event how does Cadmus know of the Unseen? Struggle Opulence FATE did Cadmus grow up elsewhere than Kyras? (50/50) Yes: Ligzara (Tanth) FATE: is it the same as what Cadmus saw? (Very Likely) Yes What does Alexis want? Assist News SCENE 24: Processing Chaos Factor 8 Altered Scene: Interrupt, NPC Action (The Visitor) Inspect Home (In Mina’s room) FATE is Duke Toreth fat, old and ugly? (50/50) Exceptional no FATE does Mina believe Alexis is responsible for her father’s death? (50/50) yes

Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Mina constructs a companion, and hopes to retain another, but shocking news throws her plans into disarray. With all other avenues seemingly closed, Mina is left with only one option; to return to the infamous House of Whispers. Links https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ro9GhVcPjAWSFal1sHQyCU4oVPvss3O7VlcQUSv4anw/edit?usp=sharing Mechanics SCENE 17 (Cont) FATE: Are they able to slip away unnoticed? (Unlikely) No FATE: Ejected? (50/50) Yes, Random Event NPC Negative: HydroClan: Guide Messages (knocking on pipes) FATE: Do Devotants have surnames? (Unlikely) No FATE: Does Cadmus accompany Mina? (Very Likely) Yes SCENE 18: Level Up Montage Chaos Factor 4 Altered Scene? No FATE: room for Cadmus? Yes FATE: Does Cadmus want to go back to the Order? (50/50) Yes FATE: Will he return to her? (Likely) Exceptional Yes (he intends to leave the Order, swearing himself to her protection) Level Up: HP to Battle Ready (prof with martial weapons, use Int for att/ dmg) Spells: Heroism, Shield Extra L1 spell slot Steel Defender Swap 1 Infusion (remove Cap of Water Breathing, add ???) FATE: does Cadmus return (Very Likely) Yes FATE: in Order robes? No FATE: Does Cadmus know anything re Mina’s quest? (Very Unlikely) Exceptional Yes (NPC Negative) The Whisperer, Adversity News SCENE 19: Plan next steps Chaos Factor 5 Altered Scene? No FATE: Does Cadmus know how The Whisperer died? (50/50) Yes How? Event: Release Illness (Plague toxin) FATE: Others dead? (50/50) No FATE: Any clues who’s behind it? (Very Unlikely) No FATE: Has Mina heard of attacks like this before? (Very Unlikely) No SCENE 20: Return to the Rookery Chaos Factor 6 Altered Scene? No FATE: Anyone there? (Very unlikely) No FATE: Does anyone come? (50/50) No FATE: Is anyone following her when she leaves? (Unlikely) No SCENE 21: Return to the House of Whispers Chaos Factor 7 Altered Scene? No FATE: Hostile Reception? (Unlikely) Exceptional Yes Event: Ambush Stalemate (building defences activated to restrain invaders) Animated Armour CR 1 Gargoyle CR 2 2 x Rug of Smothering CR 2 Initiative: Cadmus 16 Rugs 14 Mina 13 Armour 8 Gargoyle 5 Round 1 Cadmus: surprised Rug 1: Smother vs Mina: 9 (miss) Rug 2: Smother vs Barbican: 10 (miss) Mina: surprised Barbican: surprised Amour: Multiattack: Shove vs Mina: 22 vs 17: Mina prone, Grapple (ADV) 21 vs 9 Mina Grappled Gargoyle: Multiattack: Bite vs Barbican 20 vs AC 15: 5 hp (16/21), Claw 12 vs AC 15: miss Round 2 Cadmus: Bless (+1d4 attacks/ saves Mina, Cadmus, Barbican), Move 40ft out of melee Rug 1: Smother vs Mina (ADV) 22 hit, Mina prone, grappled, restrained, blinded Rug 2: Smother vs Barbican: 21 hit, Barbican grappled, restrained, blinded Mina: 10hp (44/54) escape DC 13: 4 fail, bonus: Barbican Force Rend Barbican (16/21): Force Rend + Bless vs Rug 2 (DIS) 17 hit 3hp (30/33), Barbican 3hp (13/21) Armour: Multiattack Slam vs Mina (ADV) 21 hit 5 hp (39/54) Slam vs Mina (ADV) 13 miss Gargoyle: Multiattack: Bite vs Barbican (ADV) 5 vs AC 15 miss, Claw 16 vs AC 15: hit 5hp (8/21) Round 3 Cadmus: Sacred Flame vs Armour DC 12 2 5hp (28/33) Rug 1: maintain smother Rug 2: maintain smother Mina: 10hp (29/54), escape DC 13 5 fail, bonus “get me out of here!” Barbican: 10hp (dead) Armour: Multiattack Slam vs Mina (ADV) 20 hit 5 hp (24/54) Slam vs Mina (ADV) 9 miss Gargoyle: Multiattack: Bite vs Mina (ADV) 23 hit 5hp (19/54), Claw 15 miss Round 4 Cadmus: Sacred Flame vs Armour DC 12 3 5hp (23/33) Rug 1: maintain smother Rug 2: Smother vs Mina (ADV) 20 hit Mina: 20hp (0/54)

Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Mina and Cadmus find themselves within touching distance of freedom, but face seemingly insurmountable odds to attain it. Can they possibly overcome the massed might of HydroClan? Links Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xRd_qCajdPk1J51blWBEwicI5s1ooK7clxQ3wtcbcWI/edit?usp=sharing Mina’s character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JGnbhd25G18rT_vAqkAUInVhukGgsvRLe960o_bUsi8/edit?usp=sharing Cadmus’ character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iXvGMribhEAZnn5SixCj3G8ZLz_OK4jBEo_hg8DKgKc/edit?usp=sharing Mythic GM Emulator Deck: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/257195/Mythic-Game-Master-Emulator-Deck Skill Challenge: https://critical-hits.com/blog/2016/08/16/skill-challenges-in-5th-edition-dd/ Noble House Randomiser: https://welshpiper.com/random-noble-houses/ Mechanics SCENE 15 Interrogation Chaos Factor 5 Altered Scene? Interrupt: PC Positive: Arrive Goals Cadmus reaction: NPC Continues, -2 (Disposition 4) 6 goodberries (20/22hp) SCENE 16: The Climb Chaos Factor 4 Altered Scene? Altered: they are being pursued. Skill Challenge: 3 moderate successes DC 15 each, penalties on failure, combat after 3 failures Cadmus Athletics +3, help (Mina) 8 fail (0 of 3) Consequence Use a monster, danger, or location move Event: Persecute Competition (siren sounded, more HydroClan) Mina Athletics +1 16 success (1 of 3) Cadmus Athletics +3, help (Mina) 20 success (1 of 3) Mina Athletics +1 3 fail (1 of 3) Consequence show signs of an approaching threat Event Starting liberty ("free the great water spirit!") Cadmus +3 help (Mina) 15 success;(2 of 3) Mina +1 fail (1 of 3) Consequence Turn their move back on them (2 x HydroClan cultists climb faster: combat) Starting climb height: 80ft, exit at 120’ Mina on 2 of 3 Hero Points, no HD spent Initiative Water Weird 23 Mina 21 HydroClan bandits 11 Cadmus 7 HydroClan cultists 2 Round 1 Water weird (58/58 hp): trapped Mina 34/38hp): Pistol 12 vs AC 12 hit 10hp: cultist 1 dead, cultist 2 8/9hp), Move 15’, Cultist Opportunity attack: 14 vs AC 17 miss: Mina at 95’ 6 Hydroclan bandits (all on 11/11hp): Crossbow DIS for long range: 1 hit 5hp Mina (30/38) Cadmus: Sacred Flame v Cultist 2 Dex 14 vs DC 12: miss, Move 10’, Cadmus at 90’ Hydroclan Cultist 2: move, scimitar 23 vs AC 14: hit Cadmus 4hp (16/22hp) HydroClan Cultist 3-5 move up ladder, scimitar 8 vs AC 14 miss Round 2 FATE: Weird released? (Likely): Yes FATE? Attack HydroClan? (50/50): Yes Water Weird: Constrict: 11 vs AC 12 miss, move to 60’ Mina (30/38): Pistol 12 vs AC 12 hit 1hp: cultist 2 dead, cultist 3 5/9hp), move (15’ to 110’) 6 HydroClan bandits: Crossbow DIS for long range:1 hit on Mina (25/38hp), 2 hits on Cadmus (6/22hp) Cadmus: Move, dash (20’ to 110’) HydroClan Cultists: move, 1 hit on Mina (21/38hp) Round 3 FATE: Weird attack HydroClan? (50/50) Yes Water Weird (58/58): Move, constrict 13hp, Cultist 5 dead Mina (21/38hp): Bonus: healing surge: 6hp (27/38), pistol 20 vs AC 13 hit, Weird takes 18hp (40/58hp) 110’) 6 HydroClan bandits all miss Cadmus (6/22hp) Move 10’ to 120’, open circular handwheel: Athletics DC 13: DIS 12 fail HydroClan cultist 3 (5/9hp): hit Mina 4hp (23/38hp) HydroClan cultist 4 (9/9hp): miss Round 4 Water Weird (40/58): move, constrict miss Mina Mina (23/38hp) Bonus: healing surge:7hp (30/38hp), pistol 20 vs AC 13 hit Weird takes 6hp (34/58hp) 6 HydroClan bandits: 1 hit on Cadmus, Parry Cadmus: (6/22hp) open circular handwheel: Athletics DC 13: DIS 6 fail HydroClan cultist 3 (5/9hp): miss HydroClan cultist 4 (9/9hp): miss Round 5 Water Weird (34/58): move, constrict hit Mina 13 (17/38hp), grappled, restrained escape DC 13 Mina (17/38hp): escape DC 13 STR 14, move (120’) 6 HydroClan bandits: hit Cadmus Parry, hit Cadmus 5hp (1/22hp) Cadmus: (1/22hp) open circular handwheel: Athletics DC 13: DIS 8 fail, Bonus Healing Word FATE: Does he heal himself? Yes 4hp (5/22hp) (2/2 L1 spell slots used) HydroClan cultist 3 (5/9hp): miss HydroClan cultist 4 (9/9hp): miss Round 6 Water Weird (34/58hp) miss Mina (17/38hp) ready action (Cadmus help) 6 Hydroclan bandits: all miss Cadmus: help Mina: open circular handwheel: Athletics DC 13 ADV 9 fail Hero Point 16 success, Move Water Weird Opportunity attack miss Mina HydroClan cultist 3 (5/9hp) Opportunity attack: hit Cadmus 4hp (1/22hp) HydroClan cultist 4 (9/9hp) Opportunity attack: miss Scene 17: To the Surface Chaos Factor 5 Altered Scene? Expected FATE: Do the attackers continue? (Likely) No (screams from below: Weird attacks cultists) FATE: Is the way out obvious? (Likely)Yes (tunnel up, grating, steps up from cellar- water pipes) Cadmus: 3 Goodberries (4/22hp) Description: Where are they? Joyfully Lavish FATE: Noble House mansion? Yes Fargalay Monsitario Toreth Amberen Toreth House Toreth Motto: By Quill and By Sword Sigil: A golden two-headed roc on a scarlet field An ancient noble house, historically militaristic, now waning in both size and political influence. They seek to reclaim old glories by seeking out power in the outer realms, and are intent on establishing a military presence in these strange new worlds. In Kyras they have secret ties to organised crime. Scene 17 continued in Chapter 8

Welcome to The Lone Adventurer
The Lone Adventurer is an actual play solo RPG podcast. I will be your narrator, your Game Master and your guide as we follow our hero, Mina Montisario, on her unpredictable journey into the unknown.
For this game I will be using the D&D 5e ruleset, the Mythic GM Emulator, as well as a variety of other systems, tools and tables, as they take my fancy.
I hope you'll join me.