Episodes
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Saturday Feb 03, 2024
TLA Special 1: ShadowDark
Saturday Feb 03, 2024
Saturday Feb 03, 2024
Hello and welcome to The Lone Adventurer, an actual play solo RPG podcast with me, Carl White.
I will be your narrator, your Game Master and your guide as we follow our heroes on their journey into the unknown. For this game I will be using the ShadowDark ruleset, along with a variety of other systems, tools and tables, as they take my fancy.
A word of warning; the following scenes will contain disturbing imagery, ghastly horror, and lots of swearing, screaming and murder. Listeners of a delicate disposition, I beg you, turn away now.
Once you descend into the ShadowDark, there is no turning back.
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
TLA Special 2: ShadowDark
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Descend with me once more into the ShadowDark, this time with a brand new party, after the previous one so carelessly died. Will Ines and Larbrun fare any better? Magic eightball says not likely...
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
TLAS3 Chapter 7 Damned If You Do
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Mina Montisario has fled Kyras, determined to intercept and neutralise the secret armada assembled to bomb Tanth and the League of Free States.
Meanwhile, back in the city, catastrophe has befallen the Web. Their opera house headquarters has collapsed during a pitched battle with their enemies, and it seems unlikely anyone can have survived…
Anyone, that is, except the one person who got out before the walls came tumbling down.
Links
Transcript:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mElVEBunWf9SBY7iy6AoqpgVlXCuQmc0V1ONVud0JY4/edit?usp=sharing
All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ and Slipstream https://slip.stream/
Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com
Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/
Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/
Chasing Adventure: https://chasingadventuregame.com/
Perchance TLA Random event Oracle: https://perchance.org/tla-randomeventSly Flourish on Notion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24h62A6BM1I
Mechanics
Scene 1
Chaos Factor: 5
Scene Description: The safehouse
Scene Test: ExpectedSafehouse info: Starforged Descriptor and Focus: Secret Environment
Safehouse info: Starforged Descriptor and Focus: Subsurface Liquid
The safehouse is located within a ruined section of the Underpipes
Tatters recovers, tries to plan.
Where did Mina go?
Where is the Web?
Is the demon going to get free?
What are the Undying up to?
What does she want?
GM Move: Set Up an Immediate Danger
Event: The event relates to a Starforged Descriptor and Focus: Guarded Settlement
CEO: getting further from closing a plot thread linked to Civil war in the city
The battle for the city is intensifying. Explosions nearby. This place is no longer safe. Tatters is forced to leave. But where to go?
Ponder Move: When you consider what you know about a subject, ask the GM one question about it, say how you might know the answer, and roll+INT.
Having studied them in the battle, what are the Undying up to? 5+2+1=8
On a 7-9 they will tell you a vague, twisted, or incomplete truth.
The event relates to a Starforged Descriptor and Focus: Defended Refuge
Their motives are unclear, but they seemed to be attacking the Web’s foes. The answer may lie in the ruins of the Mustang.
Scene 2
Chaos factor 6
Scene Description: Approaching the Mustang
Scene Test: Scene Altered: The Bluecoats are taking back the streets
Examine Move: When you closely investigate a charged situation, ask the GM one question about it and roll+WIS.
How can I get to the Mustang unseen? 3+1+1=5 (1XP) MISS
GM Move: Slow Down for a Bit
Stuck. Observe the battle. How does it play out?
The event relates to a Starforged Descriptor and Focus: Civilized Plant
The Bluecoats have garlic gas and repeating crossbows firing wooden stakes
Simple Q: Is it just the Bluecoats and vampires? Yes
Simple Q: Are the Bluecoats winning? Yes
Evoke a Spell Move: When you unleash your magical talents, choose a Spell you know and roll+SPELL.
Teleport to the Mustang: 6+1+2=9
On a 7-9 the Spell is still successful but choose one consequence from the list below.
The Spell’s Risk manifests as well.
The Spell’s magic drains you. You take -1 Ongoing to Evoke Spells until you next Settle In.
Using it puts you in danger or draws unwanted attention, the GM will say how.
GM Move: Hit the Ground RunningThe event relates to a Mythic 2 Descriptor and Focus: Carelessly
Intro scene for next episodeChaos Factor 7Scene Description: Crossfire atop the MustangScene Test: Interrupt The event relates to a Remote EventAction and theme: Imitate EmotionDescriptor and Focus: Offensively ImportantAlexis Montisario is having a difficult meetingCEO Something positive happening to Voice of the MachineThey are meeting secretly at the House of Whispers. The Cult have taken the south of the city, including Chaintop and the Lavenders. Alexis is colluding in a coup against the Arch Dominar.
Scene 3 Chaos Factor 7Scene Description: Crossfire atop the MustangSimple Q: Vampires and military? (v likely): no (Bluecoats)Defy Move: When you act despite an imminent threat or obstacle, say how you do it.
Run like hell
Then roll...+DEX if you act with speed or finesse. 5+1+1=7On a 7-9 it only abates if you make a costly sacrifice or ugly choice, the GM will tell you what.
Choose one: Suffer a condition or inflict collateral damage
Tatters can get battered and save a young Bluecoat’s life, or abandon him to his fate. She runs, listening to his screams
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
TLAS3 Chapter 8 The Hanged Man
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Tatters, in an attempt to forge an alliance with the vampire nation, has infiltrated the Mustang, the fallen casino that Lord Tortemus has claimed as his headquarters.
With battle raging between the Bluecoats and the nightspawn, can Tatters avoid getting caught in the crossfire? And if she does, what secrets might lie waiting to be discovered?
Links
Transcript:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q7gA-Ta33nbBMYaC-SIiFjLaIPNxwTK1LH8RilJaXhg/edit?usp=sharing
All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ and Slipstream https://slip.stream/
Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com
Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/
Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/
Chasing Adventure: https://chasingadventuregame.com/
Perchance TLA Random event Oracle: https://perchance.org/tla-randomeventPerchance TLA Tatters Ritual Generator:https://perchance.org/tla-tatters-ritual-generator
Mechanics
Intro scene (S03E07 scene 3 interrupt)The event relates to a Remote EventAction and theme: Imitate EmotionDescriptor and Focus: Offensively ImportantAlexis Montisario is having a difficult meetingCEO Something positive happening to Voice of the MachineThey are meeting secretly at the House of Whispers. The Cult have taken the south of the city, including Chaintop and the Lavenders. Alexis is colluding in a coup against the Arch Dominar.
Scene 1Chaos factor: 6Scene Description: Infiltrating the MustangScene Test: Interrupt: a Connection: Inquisitor Fonseca. The event relates to a Starforged Action and Theme: Remove Phenomenon
More screams: The battered body of Fonseca strung up, being tortured by vampires. Examine Move: When you closely investigate a charged situation, ask the GM one question about it and roll+WIS
What does Fonseca know that is useful to me? 4+1+1=6 (1XP) MISS
Unable to assess the situation:
GM Move: Hit the Ground Running/ Take Something AwayBluecoats arrive, Fonseca knows something, but is close to death
Scene 2Chaos factor 7Scene Description: Battle in the Mustang SteakhouseScene Test: Altered (dangerous environment - floor/ ceiling collapsing)
Chase vs Bluecoats for FonsecaTatters 0 EdgeBluecoats 0 Edge
Chase Move: Start the Chase When you enter a chase, either in pursuit or escape, you and your adversary form separate ‘sides’ that both start with 0 Edge.Chase Move: Gain the Edge When you try to get ahead in a chase, say how much Edge you risk (2), and roll +INT if you distract or misdirect (Tatters uses prestidigitation to create distracting illusions).
2+2+1=5: MISS
Tatters 0 EdgeBluecoats 2 Edge
GM Move: Introduce Something NewThe event relates to a Starforged Descriptor and Focus: Barren VaultFloor collapses, revealing a vast drop, and blocking her path. It looks like the Mustang’s secure vault has been cleaned out. Chase Move: Gain the Edge When you try to get ahead in a chase, say how much Edge you risk (1), and roll +DEX if you sprint, hide or manoeuvre (Tatters leaps, ducks, sprints).
2+3+1=6: MISS
Tatters 0 EdgeBluecoats 3 EdgeChase Move It’s Over When any side in a chase has 3 or more Edge, the chase comes to an end. Whoever has the most Edge succeeds in escaping or catching their quarry. If multiple sides tie for the most Edge, the side with the most PCs wins (just barely). If that is also tied, then the PC that last Gained the Edge chooses one side to win, with the other tying sides gaining +1 Edge for the purposes of spending it below.
Losing sides can spend their Edge 1-for-1 to:
Learn something about another side (where they will go, who leads them, how to escape them now, etc.)
Have the chase end somewhere advantageous for them (reinforcements, a trap or lair, an intervening third party, etc.)
Grant Advantage Forward to all PCs on their side.
Inflict Disadvantage Forward on all PCs on an opposing side.
GM Move: Have It BackfireThis means taking what the PCs did and twisting it. The Adventurers aren’t incompetent, so don’t portray this as them being inept. Instead this backfiring should be due to freak accident, unforeseeable consequence, active sabotage, or the frightening power of an enemy.Tatters’ decision to abandon the Blue comes back to bite her. The Bluecoats recover Fonseca, and force a sacrifice.
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
TLAS3 Chapter 9 Scary Monsters
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Tatters continues in her attempt to explore the crashed casino, but something seems to be wrong with her magic, something that risks the release of unspeakable horrors.
And even if she does locate her quarry, will the dread vampire lord prove any less deadly?
Links
Transcript:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EzRMeHZ2o1ZaV0h9gkebRpjHDL-Gn7CuNUt_LtijKsQ/edit?usp=sharing
All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ and Slipstream https://slip.stream/
Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com
Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/
Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/
Chasing Adventure: https://chasingadventuregame.com/
Perchance TLA Random event Oracle: https://perchance.org/tla-randomeventPerchance TLA Tatters Ritual Generator:https://perchance.org/tla-tatters-ritual-generatorPerchance TLA Scene Tester: https://perchance.org/tla-scenetesterPerchance TLA OCEANIC NPC Generator: https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-npcPerchance TLA OCEANIC NPC Behaviour Emulator: https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-behaviourOCEANIC User Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lC2Rcj1VN45itUYQ7JqmeFhK31CaL9qlbU58b9U5lLo/edit?usp=sharing
Mechanics
Scene 1 (Intro scene)Chaos Factor: 8Scene Description: Teleport to safetyScene Test: expectedClass Move: Evoke a Spell When you unleash your magical talents, choose a Spell you know and roll+SPELL.
Teleport to safety: 4+3+2=9
On a 7-9 the Spell is still successful but choose one consequence from the list below.
The Spell’s Risk manifests as well.
The Spell’s magic drains you. You take -1 Ongoing to Evoke Spells until you next Settle In.
Using it puts you in danger or draws unwanted attention, the GM will say how.
Tatters flees further into the Mustang’s interior
Scene 2Chaos Factor 7Scene Description: Tracking down TortemusScene Test: Altered
GM Move: Set Up an Immediate DangerMythic 2 Descriptor and Focus: Threateningly NormalThe empty corridors are alive with magical potential energy.
Simple Q (Likely): Does this feel like Tortemus’ concealing magic? Yes
Adventure Move: Compel When you use favor, payment, promises, or threats to get someone to do something, say what you want them to do (or not to do) and roll+CHA.
She seeks a parlay. She offers information, and potentially an alliance. 5+3+2=10
If they are an NPC, on a 10+ they’ll do what you want.
Scene 3Chaos Factor 6Scene Description: negotiating with TortemusScene Test: Expected
Tortemus OCEANIC profile: O5,C4,E3,A2,N4,I1,3,C1
NPC Response: Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Core Disposition (planning, ruthlessness and fury)
Tortemus intends a counter-attack.
Complex Q: How? The event relates to a Starforged Descriptor and Focus: Confined Ruins
Tortemus means to destroy the Mustang, and the Blues along with it.
Simple Q: Can he teleport to the Night Queen’s Shadow? Yes
Simple Q: Can he take his vampire troops with him? Yes
Peripheral Move: End of Session
At the end of each session, answer the following questions as a group:
Did we discover something new and important about the world or characters? 1XP
Did we newly visit or significantly alter a memorable location? 1XP
Did we overcome a notable obstacle, enemy, or challenge?
For each “yes” answer, everyone gains 1 XP.
Lastly, gain 1 XP if you accomplished your Drive. 1XP
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
TLAS3 Chapter 10 Enemy Of My Enemy
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
In a perfect example of being careful of what you wish for, Tatters has got what she wanted; a parlay with the deadly vampire lord, Tortemus. Many have not lived to regret such a thing.
And even if she survives the encounter, can she hope to learn anything that will turn the overwhelming tide in her favour?
Links
Transcript:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_od7ZCXeomDNnMj5Ftg7MSWi8IFRd8qtXKf-8SqGlp0/edit?usp=sharing
All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ and Slipstream https://slip.stream/
Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com
Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/
Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/
Chasing Adventure: https://chasingadventuregame.com/
Perchance TLA random event oracle: https://perchance.org/tla-randomeventPerchance TLA ritual generator:https://perchance.org/tla-tatters-ritual-generator
Perchance TLA Mythic 2e GME https://perchance.org/tla-mythic2e
Perchance TLA OCEANIC NPC generator https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-npc
Perchance TLA OCEANIC NPC behaviour oracle https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-behaviour
Batch file script
@echo off
start https://perchance.org/tla-randomevent
start https://perchance.org/tla-tatters-ritual-generator
start https://perchance.org/tla-mythic2e
start https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-npc
start https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-behaviour
Mechanics
Scene 1
Chaos Factor: 6
Scene Description: Negotiation with Tortemus
Scene Test: The scene is Altered: Add A Character
Simple Q: The Veil Sisters? (Likely): Yes
Mara Vale
S02E03 description
Mara Vale: Local, cute female
Goals: respect, Methods: espionage, Profession: butcher
Traits: candid, Interests: pets, Quirks: decision by committee
Their OCEANIC profile is:
Openness: 4 - Fairly adventurous
Conscientiousness: 5 - Very precise, controlled.
Extroversion: 2 - Slightly reserved
Agreeableness: 3 - neutral
Neuroticism: 5 - Anxious, moody
Interpersonal Disposition: 5 - v positive towards Tatters
Core Disposition: 1 - v unhappy with circumstances
Lynn Vale
S02E03 description
Lynthia Vale: Local, wiry, spike-haired
Goals: Happiness, Methods: hard work, Profession: messenger
Traits: daring, Interests: drugs, Quirks: a fraud
Their OCEANIC profile is:
Openness: 4 - Fairly adventurous
Conscientiousness: 1 - Very laid back, unstructured
Extraversion: 5 - Very sociable, talkative
Agreeableness: 2 - Slightly self-absorbed
Neuroticism: 5 - Anxious, moody
Interpersonal Disposition: 4 - positive towards Tatters
Core Disposition: 4 - happy with circumstances
Lord Tortemus
Their OCEANIC profile is:
Openness: 5 - Very adventurous
Conscientiousness: 4 - Fairly precise, controlled.
Extraversion: 3 - neutral
Agreeableness: 2 - Slightly self-absorbed
Neuroticism: 4 - Slightly moody
Interpersonal Disposition: 3 - neutral towards Tatters
Core Disposition: 3 - neutral
Tortemus Behaviour: 0 matches, 1 six: Happy, Fortunate
Pleased with escape, increase CD by +2
Mara: confirm Tatters is not Unseen
Tatters question
Tortemus: 2 matches: Extroversion (3), Neuroticism (4), Triumphant, Large
Tatters argument
Tortemus: 2 matches: Openess (5), Extroversion (3) Defiant, Lonely
Will he join forces? (Nearly certain): Yes
Scene 2
Chaos Factor: 5
Scene Description: Exchanging information
Scene Test: The scene starts as expected.
Does she learn anything new? Yes
The event relates to a Mythic 2 Action and theme: Take Enemy
Sereth Pinto was Unseen. They had tried to take over the Silver Nails to secure an independent army. Mara and Lynn knew, and were agents of a competing faction (the House of Whispers.)
The Undying learned of the Unseen move against the Silver Nails, and interceded.
Anything more? Yes
The event relates to Something Positive for a PC (Tatters)
If required, here's a Starforged Action and Theme: Defy Death
And here's a Mythic 2 Descriptor and Focus: Excitedly Protective
Tatters is given a replacement Demonbane Charm
Anything more? Yes
Current Context. Meaning: Frantically Strong
The Unseen are extremely powerful. They have attempted to infiltrate the 3rd Guild, and their tendrils extend through power structures across the Chained World.
Anything more? Exceptional NoTortemus: 1 match: Core Disposition, Innocently Cold
More pressing matters: Tortemus learns about the Ring of Winter and the Machine Cult (attacks on the Dominarium and Opera House).
Reduce CD by 1
What does Tortemus propose? 3 matches: Interpersonal Disposition, Extroversion, webOpenness (creative, adventurous response): Mysterious Vehicle
Does he know anything about the fate of the Web? No
Mara: ID -1, CD +1. Lyn: CD -1
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
TLASS3 Chapter 11 Hammerhold
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Tatters, accompanied by the deadly Vale sisters, sets out on her mission to track down and recover the Ring of Winter. Their target, it transpires, is located within one of the most potent symbols of Dominion power.
True to form, things start badly, go downhill from there, and then plummet straight over the edge of a cliff as Tatters experiences a deeply disturbing revelation.
Links
Transcript:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JcoDyLK43fWihJLgE_I5wzNcUWTMJGwJOXgkaI3s-gM/edit?usp=sharing
All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ and Slipstream https://slip.stream/
Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com
Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/
Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/
Chasing Adventure: https://chasingadventuregame.com/
Perchance TLA random event oracle: https://perchance.org/tla-randomeventPerchance TLA ritual generator:https://perchance.org/tla-tatters-ritual-generator
Perchance TLA Mythic 2e GME https://perchance.org/tla-mythic2e
Perchance TLA OCEANIC NPC generator https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-npc
Perchance TLA OCEANIC NPC behaviour oracle https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-behaviour
Perchance TLA Hammerhold Explorer https://perchance.org/tla-hammerhold
Stephanie M’s Fantasy and Modern Themes and Domains: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjPuV29a5CgMXoUAQldcwvNB1FCsZwko/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13KBv58Pq836vWLwDOK9qGYcCK8asK-O8/view
Followers:
Mara Vale
Qualities
Warrior. They count as +1 Armor when they help you fight, and you don’t have to Command them to fight unless the opposition is terrifying or overwhelming.
Costs
Independence. They may follow you for convenience or mutual gain, but they are not truly loyal to you.
Want
Protect Lynn
Methods
Smash through obstacles
Make a brutal show of force
Call on reserves of inner strength
Conditions
3C, sword (1C)
Armour
1
Descriptors
Cautious. Careful and methodical; avoids acting rashly.
Blunt. Prefers a direct, honest, straightforward approach to most things in life.
Infamous. They’re well-known, for good or for ill.
OCEANIC
Openness: 4 - Fairly adventurous
Conscientiousness: 5 - Very precise, controlled.
Extroversion: 2 - Slightly reserved
Agreeableness: 3 - neutral
Neuroticism: 5 - Anxious, moody
Interpersonal Disposition: 5 - v positive towards Tatters
Core Disposition: 1 - v unhappy with circumstances
Lynn Vale
Qualities
Cunning, Clever and observant. When they help you Examine, treat a 7-9 as a 10+.
Costs
Independence. They may follow you for convenience or mutual gain, but they are not truly loyal to you.
Want
Protect Mara
Methods
Spring a trap or plan
Misdirect and confuse
Lunge with terrifying speed
Conditions
3C, Sword (1C)
Armour
1
Descriptors
Athletic. Good at running, climbing, jumping, and physical manoeuvring.
Stealthy. Avoids detection; often gets the drop on foes.
Infamous. They’re well-known, for good or for ill.
OCEANIC
Openness: 4 - Fairly adventurous
Conscientiousness: 1 - Very laid back, unstructured
Extraversion: 5 - Very sociable, talkative
Agreeableness: 2 - Slightly self-absorbed
Neuroticism: 5 - Anxious, moody
Interpersonal Disposition: 4 - positive towards Tatters
Core Disposition: 4 - happy with circumstances
Mechanics
Copilot prompt
Genre: magitech. Lord Tortemus has proposed sending Tatters, along with his two bodyguards, the Vale sisters, on a mission to retrieve the Ring of Winter from the leader of the machine cult. Describe the mission parameters, including the keywords Mysterious Vehicle.
Mission Parameters: Quest for the Ring of Winter
Objective: Retrieve the legendary Ring of Winter from the leader of the machine cult.
Team:
Tatters - The cunning and resourceful protagonist.
The Vale Sisters - Tatters' loyal and formidable bodyguards, known for their combat prowess and tactical acumen.
Mission Overview: Lord Tortemus has identified the leader of the machine cult as the current possessor of the Ring of Winter. This ancient artifact possesses immense power over ice and cold, making it a critical asset in the ongoing conflict. The cult has fortified itself within Hammerhold, the city’s greatest forge and arsenal, located in the heart of Chaintop.
Primary Objectives:
Infiltrate the Stronghold: Gain access to the machine cult's heavily guarded fortress.
Locate the Ring of Winter: Identify the exact location of the Ring within the stronghold.
Retrieve the Artifact: Secure the Ring and ensure its safe return to Lord Tortemus.
Secondary Objectives:
Gather Intel: Collect valuable information on the machine cult's operations and technology.
Neutralize Key Threats: Disable or eliminate high-ranking cult members and their mechanical constructs.
Mysterious Vehicle: Investigate the rumored Mysterious Vehicle that the cult uses for transportation and potential escape.
Operational Details:
Transport: The team will travel via a swift magitech skimmer provided by Lord Tortemus, designed for stealth and speed.
Entry Point: Utilize an old drainage tunnel as the entry point to bypass the main defenses.
Reconnaissance: Deploy mini-drones for surveillance and mapping of the fortress interior.
Engagement: The Vale sisters will handle combat encounters while Tatters focuses on securing the Ring.
Extraction: Once the Ring is in their possession, exfiltrate using the Mysterious Vehicle if possible, or fall back to the skimmer for a swift retreat.
Potential Hazards:
Mechanical Sentinels: The stronghold is patrolled by advanced automata designed to detect and neutralize intruders.
Environmental Extremes: The presence of the Ring has caused unnatural cold within the fortress, creating hazardous conditions.
Cult Defenders: Devoted and fanatical cultists, equipped with magitech weaponry, will fiercely defend their leader and the Ring.
Mission Success Criteria:
Successful retrieval of the Ring of Winter.
Safe return of Tatters and the Vale sisters.
Acquisition of valuable intelligence on the machine cult.
Failure Conditions:
Loss of the Ring to enemy forces.
Capture or incapacitation of team members.
Incomplete mission objectives due to unanticipated threats.
Mission Commences: 18:00 hours, local time.
Genre: magitech. Describe an automated factory stronghold, at the heart of the industrial Chaintop area of Kyras, capital city of the Kyras Dominion.
The air in Chaintop hummed with a low, insistent thrum. Gears ground, pistons hissed, and the glow of arcane forges cast long, dancing shadows across cobbled streets. At the heart of this industrial behemoth stood the Bastion of Gears, a fortress unlike any other.
Appearance:
Exterior: Hammerhold was a brutalist masterpiece, a symphony of iron and obsidian. Massive, interlocking gears formed the very walls, their teeth catching the light in a mesmerizing display. Arcane sigils, etched in shimmering gold, pulsed with an eerie light, warding off unwanted attention.
Interior: A labyrinth of corridors, each a testament to magitech ingenuity.
Production Halls: Gargantuan machines, powered by a combination of steam and arcane energy, churned out weapons, armor, and intricate gears. Dwarven engineers, their faces grim with concentration, monitored the intricate dance of pistons and pulleys.
Assembly Lines: Goblins, their nimble fingers a blur of motion, assembled intricate magitech contraptions. From miniature clockwork automatons to devastating siege engines, each piece was crafted with meticulous care.
Forges: Arcane forges, fueled by rare crystals, roared to life, casting a blinding light. Dwarven smiths, their bodies glowing with an otherworldly aura, hammered and shaped molten metal into weapons of terrifying beauty and power.
Defenses:
Arcane Shields: An invisible, shimmering barrier enveloped the bastion, deflecting projectiles and absorbing minor magical attacks.
Auto-Cannon Turrets: Ironclad turrets, bristling with arcane-powered cannons, rotated menacingly, ready to unleash a barrage of fire upon any intruders.
Clockwork Golems: Massive, iron golems, their movements fluid and deadly, patrolled the perimeter, their eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence.
The Heart of Hammerhold:
Deep within the fortress, in a chamber shielded by a dozen layers of arcane wards, resided the Engine of Creation, a masterpiece of magitech engineering. This colossal machine, powered by a captured celestial spirit, was the heart of Hammerhold, providing the raw energy that fueled the entire operation.
Life Within Hammerhold:
Hammerhold was a world unto itself. Dwarves, goblins, and humans, all bound by contracts of servitude, lived and worked within its walls. They were well-fed and well-compensated, but their lives were strictly regimented, their every move monitored by an intricate network of surveillance. Dissent was not tolerated.
Hammerhold was a symbol of the Kyras Dominion's industrial might, its arsenal, a testament to the power of magitech. It was a fortress impregnable, a factory unmatched, and a constant reminder of the Dominion's unwavering pursuit of power.
Scene 1
Chaos Factor: 6
Scene Description: Night flight to Hammerhold
Scene Test: The scene is Interrupted: Current Context Meaning: Disrupt Protection* The magical cloaking hiding the skimmers fails, due to Seterra’s interference
Scene 2
Chaos factor 7
Scene Description: Rooftop infiltration
Scene Test: The scene starts as expected.
-1 ID for Mara & Lynn
Q: Were they seen? Likely: No
GM Move: See what they Find d10: 1
Feature: Huge, high-ceilinged room
Danger: None
Location keywords: Clean, Festive
Flashback:
Class Move: Ritual: Scrying on the Voice of the Machine
Is there a source of Great Magical Power on the Night Queen’s Shadow? 50/50: Yes
No cost, spell succeeds
Adventure Move: Examine: where is the Voice of the Machine?
When you closely investigate a charged situation, ask the GM one question about it and
roll+WIS.
DIS for WIS condition, ADV for clean Ritual: 8 1XP
On a 7-9 the GM answers your question truthfully.
Tatters has a good idea of where he is in Hammerhold
Scene 3Chaos factor 6
Scene Description: Hunting the halls of Hammerhold
Scene Test: The scene is Altered: Increase An Activity and Remove A Character
Mara and Tatters continue to bicker, only to discover Lynn is missing
GM Move: See what they Find d8: 4
Feature: Everyday devices powered by magic
Danger: Locked door
Location keywords: Spacious, Natural
Q: is there a reply to the tap? 50/50 Yes
Scene 4
Chaos Factor 7
Scene Description: Time to use a magic lockpick
Scene Test: The scene starts as expected.
Equivalent Exchange
When you Push Yourself to Evoke a Spell, your Spell also becomes Greater.
Evoke a Spell (Roll + SPELL: +2 +1 until next Settle In)
When you unleash your magical talents, choose a Spell you know and roll+SPELL.
On a 10+ you successfully evoke the Spell and its effects come to pass.
On a 7-9 the Spell is still successful but choose one consequence from the list below.
The Spell’s Risk manifests as well.
The Spell’s magic drains you. You take -1 Ongoing to Evoke Spells until you next Settle In.
Using it puts you in danger or draws unwanted attention, the GM will say how.
Roll with ADV (DEX condition: Shaky): 10: success
Technomancy
You sink your mind into a piece of arcane technology, and gain control over it for the scene.
Greater: The effect is ongoing, and grants a benefit you had not anticipated
Random Event: Move Away from A Thread (End the Civil War in the city)
Meaning: Move Information or Bleakly Dirty
Tatters becomes more aware than she had planned, and sees the war for the city is growing worse
The event relates to an Item: Arcanicity
If required, here's a Starforged Action and Theme: Scheme Passage
And here's a Mythic 2 Descriptor and Focus: Slowly Glorious
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
TLA Special 3: ShadowDark
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Hello and welcome to The Lone Adventurer, an actual play solo RPG podcast with me, Carl White.
I will be your narrator, your Game Master and your guide as we follow our heroes on their journey into the unknown.
For this game I will be using the ShadowDark ruleset, along with a variety of other systems, tools and tables, as they take my fancy.
A word of warning; the following scenes will contain disturbing imagery, ghastly horror, and lots of swearing, screaming and murder. Listeners of a delicate disposition, I beg you, turn away now.
Once you descend into the ShadowDark, there is no turning back.
4 days ago
TLAS3 Chapter 12 Introductions
4 days ago
4 days ago
The mission into Hammerhold continues, and the peril continues to mount. Environmental threats are bad enough, but the true dangers come from within, and threaten to bring the entire mission to a bloody end.
Links
Transcript:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14bby5K0ueXo00e5zlN57Eq4cL4Q4mPglpdUAjUXCUMI/edit?usp=sharing
All music is royalty-free, and courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/ and Slipstream https://slip.stream/
Email TheLoneAdv@gmail.com
Podbean https://theloneadventurer.podbean.com/
Blog https://carlillustration.wordpress.com/
Chasing Adventure: https://chasingadventuregame.com/
Perchance TLA random event oracle: https://perchance.org/tla-randomeventPerchance TLA ritual generator:https://perchance.org/tla-tatters-ritual-generator
Perchance TLA Mythic 2e GME https://perchance.org/tla-mythic2e
Perchance TLA OCEANIC NPC generator https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-npc
Perchance TLA OCEANIC NPC behaviour oracle https://perchance.org/tla-oceanic-behaviour
Perchance TLA Hammerhold Explorer https://perchance.org/tla-hammerhold
Mechanics
Scene 1
Chaos Factor: 6
Scene Description: Deeper into Hammerhold
Scene Test: The scene is Altered: Reduce/ Remove An Activity
Mara no longer sniping at Tatters
GM Move: See what they Find d8: 4
Feature: Machinery or tools
Danger: None
Location keywords: Portal, Dirty
Scrutinize
When you study someone during an intimate or prying conversation with them, roll+WIS. (DIS) 6 - Fail 1XP
GM Move: See what they Find d8: 2
Feature: Corridor
Danger: Dangerous machinery
Location keywords: Dangerous, Colorless
Set Up an Immediate DangerBroken machinery, ruptured gas pipe
Defy
When you act despite an imminent threat or obstacle, say how you do it. Then roll +INT if you employ quick or out-of-the-box thinking (8)
On a 7-9 it only abates if you make a costly sacrifice or ugly choice, the GM will tell you what.
Tough Choice
Choose one: Assist an enemy with their goals or Suffer a condition
Use magic or Condition
Scene 2Chaos Factor: 7
Scene Description: Circumventing the gas leak
Scene Test: Altered: The scene is Altered: Reduce/Remove An Activity and Add A Character
The gas is gone. Setarra is present.
Setarra OCEANIC
This NPC is Dangerous and Foe
Openness: 3
Conscientiousness: 1
Extroversion: 3
Agreeableness: 1
Neuroticism: 1
Interpersonal Disposition: 2
Core Disposition: 4
0 matches, 1 six: the usual temptations/ threats1 match: Neuroticism: “I can do this all day”
GM Move: See what they Find d8: 4
Feature: Glowing crystals or runes
Danger: Dark truth about magitek is revealed
Location keywords: Small, Crude
Q: are the runes part of the Great Machine’s incursion? Likely: Yes
GM Move: Change the Environment
Setarra’s input causes a struggle
Q: do the sisters notice Tatters’ struggle? 50/50: Exceptional Yes
Scene 3
Chaos Factor 8
Scene Description: Hiding the Monster Inside
Scene Test: The scene is Interrupted: NPC Action
Meaning: Fight Exterior
Seterra tries to take control of Tatters’ body
Demonic Pact
When you summon or command Setarra, roll+WIS (DIS) 10 (Success) 1 XPOn a 7+ the demon does what you command (no more attempts to emerge unless I command it).
On a 10+ choose one.
The demon follows the letter of your command, but definitely not the spirit. (the struggle has been highly visible)
Scene 4
Chaos Factor 7
Scene description: Explaining the monster inside
Scene Test: The scene starts as expected.
Mara reaction: 4 matches (Neuroticism (anxious), Conscientiousness (controlled), Agreeableness (-), Interpersonal Disposition (positive))
Conflicted. Controlled.
Lynn reaction: 2 matches (Agreeableness (self-absorbed), Core Disposition (happy))
GM Move: See what they Find d8: 8
Feature: Something unusual or unexpected
The event relates to a Starforged Descriptor and Focus: Toxic Relic
Danger: Alarm trigger
Location keywords: Foreboding, Loud
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.