Character: Tos’ar Bulmana
Concept: Old drunkard Jedi
Species: Human
Specialty: Peculiar
H Belief: The Force permeates all
L Physique: Old and frail
H Possession: Lightsaber
M Relationship: A trusted friend
L Reputation: A nobody
M Resource: An old favour
Never Tell Me The Odds (NTMTO) is meant for one-shot games. Therefore I will apply effort on character creation they commensurate to the length of the game. No deep background stories.
There is this old Jedi template from WEG Star Wars 2nd edition. With the fall of the old republic and going into hiding, dude kinda lost morale and drunk his problems away.
I always wanted to see how such a character would play out, but I don’t want to go into a long campaign arc which would be needed to develop such a character in any traditional RPG system. NTMTO sounds like a great fit. Remains to be seen how soloable it is.
The core mechanic of NTMTO is simple, situations with risks are graded High, Medium or Low risk, which you attempt to resolve risking one factor (or your life) of your choice (belief, physique, possession, relationship, reputation, resource) graded respectively during chargen).
The resolution from a simple die roll (evens/odds) leads to success or failure and possible endangerment of the risked factor. A second endangerment of the same factor means the factor is lost.
Simple and intuitive system. One can easily tell that there is a constant burning of character capabilities. One must be careful of what they risk and when.
As for the Oracle, I will be using the online version of GM’s Apprentice at (https://jamesturneronline.net/game-masters-apprentice/).
I’m travelling at the moment so I want something that gives as much information as possible within a single output.
On chargen I left some factors vague on purpose, not defining the friend or favour. Perhaps that’s in the spirit of the ruleset, but if not I want that extra leeway to ensure I can apply things as I want during game, which is especially important for solo as I won’t have the safety cushion of a whole party to ensure survival.
Overall I decided that the High factors are his Belief and Posession, Medium are Resource and Relationship, and Low are Physique and Reputation.
I deem that the overarching motivation of Tos’ar is to redeem himself and find the courage to get the fight back to the empire.
Using the Quest generator from the Oracle I get the following:
Framing event: Aftermath of Siege or Battle
Objective: Rescue hostages from tavern
Location: Laboratory
Complication: It was all a diversion
Q: Is the attacker of the battle the Empire?
A: Yes
Okay let’s try to frame the entire scene.
>Vroobsu I. A rock planet in the outer rim with low gravity and breathable atmosphere it’s oceans of ice cover a quarter of the planet. Tos’ar Bulmana, a Jedi in hiding, spent the last decade hiding here and it’s the closest he could call as home, far away from the prying eyes of the Empire and their Inquisitors.
Tos’ar is in his corner at slowly drinking his memories away at the Ice Rat. The holonews reporting the victory of the imperial fleet against a local band of rebels in the Vroobsu system. He’ll need something stronger to forget about the empire – they seem to be everywhere these days.
At that very moment when the sweet dizziness is about to hit him, a commotion rattles around the cantina. An imperial officer escorted by stormtrooper squad has entered and they start asking the customers questions about a rebel leader.
Tos’ar locks his old eyes with a young woman before turning back to his drink. But then something wakes him up. Like an electrical surge rushing through his veins.
In an instant all that he was trying to forget came back to him. It was the look of fear in her eyes. Fear of being hunted. The same fear that he saw in countless friends when he was running away.
This time, he had to do something.
Tos’ar will walk up to her and ask her to follow him.
There is a low risk that this movement will be detected, and he’ll try to match it with his low factor of Reputation that he’s a nobody.
Result: Fail+Endanger
>As Tos’ar gets off his seat, he has miscalculated how much he’s had to drink. He missteps and pushes the table to the side spilling down the drinks and glasses shatter with a loud crash. The entire wing of the cantina is looking at him. There’s no way he can get to assist the rebel girl without drawing extra attention to her.
Q: Do the stormtroopers come to him? (Likely)
A: Yes
Seeing how he’s made such a great fuss, the imperials disregard a few patrons and head directly to Tos’ar.
A holo portrait of the frightened girl he locked eyes with earlier is displayed in front of him, captioned by her name. Rema Berexel. The officer asks if he’s seen her anywhere.
“A reward is in place. You’ll have as many drinks as you like old man.” He says trying to make the offer as desirable as possible.
Tos’ar will try to secure his endangered reputation factor by risking his physique. He’ll plead to his old and frail appearance that he has no idea and no connection to the rebel cause.
Result: Succeed.
With a crooked voice, breaking words, Tos’ar looks at the imperial officer. “What would an old fool like me have to do with young daredevils? You’re knocking at the wrong tree. I’d sure take you on your offer to refill my glass.” He raises his glass to him, which the imperial officer quickly shoved aside brushing it away. The glass falls and shatter.
“Clean up your mess.” The imperial officer replies in disdain, and moves on.
Q: Do the imperials close in on the rebel?
A: Yes!
A man points at the rebel, and the imperials see her and start closing at her as she frantically looks around for an opening. Only a few meters stand between them.
Tos’ar will use the Force to convince the imperials that this is not the rebel they’re after. This is a High risk situation matched against his High risk factor Belief.
Result: Fail+Endanger
The imperial officer is about to grab the rebel, when he feels the grip of Tos’ars hand on his shoulder.
“This is not the rebel you’re looking for.” The old man says with a deep voice, followed by a hand gesture. His connection to the force is not what it used to be. Dulled by years of heavy drinking. As such he fails to influence the officer.
“Unhand me you old idiot!” the officer yells and Tos’ar sees the rear end of a stormtrooper rifle find his face.
That’s not the way I wanted this to go, but it seems I’m all out of options. Today Tos’ar has decided to get back at the empire. There’s no turning back now. He lights his saber.
Result: Succeed
The stormtrooper’s hand drops as the buzzing sound of a lightsaber activating and swishing through both him and the officer results in a painful scream.
The imperial officer gasps in shock as the lets off his final breaths.
The other stormtrooper escort aims at Tos’ar only to be struck by a blaster shot. The rebel has taken out her pistol which is still smoking.
Tos’ar and Rema make way through the chaos of the panicking crowd to the rear of the cantina and out in the alleyways of Vroobsu.
With the end of the first scene, it is obvious to me now that the objective of the adventure will be for Tos’ar to help Rema escape Vroobsu.
Q: Does Rema know about Jedi?
A: No
Let’s use UNE to set up a short convo.
NPC Mood Friendly: 07: Guarded
NPC Bearing Friendly: 90: Aid
NPC Focus: 24: Relics
The Friendly NPC speaks of aid regarding the PCs relics
Note: I forgot to take into account the Tension of the GMA engine, so I’ll count it now and resolved it to be: 5.
They’ve run a few blocks away, and are hiding in an alleyway to catch their breath.
“Thank you stranger. Your laser sword was very helpful in our escape.” Rema said.
Tos’ar nods. “We need to get out of this system. What did you do to warrant an entry on the imperial most wanted list?”
She stops him. “Hold it there mister. I don’t even know your name. If you think I’m going to start spilling my guts you’re grossly mistaken. Even if you, did, save my butt over there.”
“I guess I can start with that. My name is Tos’ar Bulmana. I had hoped that our exit would be less theatrical. For certain, thus will attract more heat than you had. My apologies.” The Jedi replies, and continues. “I have a few favours I can pull so that we can get out, and a friend where we can seek shelter in the meantime. Unless you have a better idea?”
Q: Does she have another plan?
A: Yes!
Random Event: Pacify Stockpile
Q: Does the stockpile belong to the Empire?
A: Yes
Tension: 2
Okay I think this will tie in well with her “other plan”, here’s what I’ll go with.
“I’m Rema, but I guess you know that already.” She answers. “I’d take you up on your offer but I still have a task to see through.”
“The imperials blasted you out of the sky. It’s all over the holonews. You and what army will take up on a task?” Tos’ar countered.
She grabs him by the robe. “My friends! Died out there. And I’ll be dead before I see their efforts go to waste. The Empire will crash and burn!”
He bows his head. “My friends all died at the hands of the empire a long time ago. I had forgotten the pain. Even became angry. Anger leads to the dark side. I lost my path.”
“Of course I’m angry! And Scared! But if it’s one thing I’ve learned from my comrades, is that we have to be Brave.” She lowers the tone of her voice as someone passes by in the distance. “What army you said? I am the army. Wanna take a dent in the empire? Use your laser sword to do some good? You’ll join me.”
Tos’ar draws a faint smile. “Now I see why the empire is after you. You can tell me about your mission, but let’s not do it here.”
She nods.
Tos’ar will try to find his friend so that they can lay low and recover for next step.
Risk is medium as they’ve already escaped the hunt, and it’s matched by the Medium factor of Relationship.
Result: Succeed
Tension: 3
Let’s find out who the Friend is.
I’ll use the Oracle.
Elison Farwind the Wise
I’ll use UNE for descriptors:
Conformist worker
Evading the imperial patrols, they reach a droid shop in the old part of town. Tos’ar and Rema enter. A man with a thick moustache is working with his tools on a droid head. Sparks fly everywhere.
NPC Mood Friendly: 50: Sociable
NPC Bearing Friendly: 81: Aid
NPC Focus: 26: Last Action
The Friendly NPC speaks of aid regarding the PCs last action
The man lifts his head from his work. “You’re all over the news Bulmana. Crap. What’s gotten to you, getting in league with these rebels?.” He says as he sees Tos’ar.
“Something I should have done a long time ago.” Tos’ar responds. “Rema this is Elison, an old friend of mine. Elison, this is Rema.” He introduces the two.
“I know her. She sports a sizeable part of the news next you. Though rebel Jedi, wins the day. Not a fan of your cause.” Elison says. “But Tos’ar is a friend. One of select few over the years. You need my help? A place to sleep? I’m there. Just as you have been for me.”
Now this is a point where I can pause to attempt to secure back the endangered Belief factor, but I’ll have to use my Possession factor to do it and I don’t know if I can afford to lose and reduce this at endangered as well. I will keep things as is.
>Tos’ar and Rema are sitting in a storage room in the back of Elison’s house where he’s placed a couple of mattresses and sleeping bags for them to spend the night.
“What’s your story old man?” Rema asks. “What’s the deal with the laser sword?”.
Tos’ar sighs. “The lightsaber is the weapon of the Jedi. An order of guardians during the old republic. They were all hunted down by the imperial regime.”
“So… are you a Jedi or did you take it off one’s dead body?…” she asks.
“That’s a good question as any.” He replies. “The Jedi are no more. Can I be a Jedi if there are no more Jedi?” Tos’ar asks. “I don’t think it matters any more. I fled and went underground since the Clone Wars. That was the last order that we were given. But I don’t think the galaxy can take this anymore. Nor can I. So tell me, what was your mission?”
Rema pauses for a short moment trying to process all this new information. Then she begins. “I’m part of the Rebel Alliance, our mission was here on Vroobsu. Vroobsu on the surface seems to be a fringe mining planet just like any other. Lawlessness, poor people trying to get by away from the prying eyes of the empire. Nothing of real interest.”
“So? Why here? Hadn’t seen any Imperials until you guys arrived.” Tos’ar asks.
“That is on the surface. The ore that is mined here is Vandium. A typical ore used in repulsor engines construction. However the Vandium here is rich in its explosive isotopes. The local crime lord Malbe the Unlucky diverts these into a stockpile which he gives to the empire and in exchange for allowing him to operate freely in the region.”
“And your fleet came to destroy this stockpile?” Tos’ar asks.
“That was the diversion, and our attempt to verify the imperial entanglement. Hope they fled before suffering any significant casualties.” Rema sighs. “I’m the mission. I have to place this Rubidium Subwave Transmitter in the mines. It will initiate a chain reaction on the ore vein that will stabilise the ore in the non-explosive isotopes, rendering the whole thing useless to the empire. It might also turn them against Malbe if we’re lucky.”
“But you’ve been exposed.” Tos’ar replies.
She considers for a moment before replying. “Yes. I don’t know the extent of the leak. Either they captured an officer in the battle and made him speak, or we have a traitor. The mission must go through. If we assume the worst, they know of my objectives and will be guarding the mines. If we’re lucky then all they have is my name and face.”
So they will rest and attempt to enter the mines in a few days.
Q: Does anything happen in the meantime?
A: No
Tension: 4
They will attempt to enter the mines undetected. I’ll use Tos’ar’s Resource factor to call in a favour to get them the necessary credentials to pass as miners.
Let’s set up the scene.
A long line of workers and droids wait for their turn to enter their shift in the mines as Tos’ar and Rema join the queue.
They attempt to get past the security check. They use the Medium Resource factor.
Difficulty is unknown and will be drawn together with the resolution card.
Result: Medium Risk. Success
Tension: 5
A security droid scans their badges, and it all seems to be okay.
Q: Do they manage to get their gear in? (likely)
A: Yes
Tension: 6
Security only checks outbound gear for any possibility of theft. No one cares what you bring in. Rema’s lunchbox hides the pacifier device and a holdout blaster pistol, while Tos’ar has his lightsaber in his pockets. They each get a mining laser from the rack and walk deeper in the mines.
They will attempt to reach the main ore vein without drawing any unnecessary attention. This is a low risk and matched by the low factor of Reputation.
Result: Success
Random Event: Move Time
Tension: 1
>As they walk through the mine shafts no one seems to pay any attention to them. Rema has the confidence of a dedicated soldier, while Tos’ar carries with him the serenity of an old Jedi. They reach the main mining chamber. As they’re about to find a side tunnel where they can lay their device undetected, Tos’ar notices a bunch of goons appear on a top shaft entry.
They ask a miner something and he points to a big pile of ore situated on a repulsor cargo lifter in the middle of the chamber.
Tos’ar notifies Rema.
“They must have sped up their collection schedule.” She says. “If we manage to initiate the reaction now before they grab the shipment, that will cause them even greater trouble and perhaps delay the supply of the imperials who expected a shipment today. We can’t pass up the opportunity!” She whispers.
“But we’ll be detected. All of this is in plain sight.” Tos’ar counters.
“It’s all or nothing.” She says firmly. “Let’s do it.”
So placing the device is a High risk. I’ll try to match it by using the Force (Belief, Endangered) to create a distraction.
Result: Fail+Endanger
Tension: 2
Tos’ar walks to the side and starts trying to telekinetically move the supports on the other side of the chamber to collapse it and cause a distraction.
He starts to focus and there is a rumble there. However he struggles and loses his concentration. The effort takes its toll and he drops to the ground holding his breath. All this seems to have drawn attention to them instead. The goons are pointing at them and shouting curses.
“Shit.” Rema says as she pulls out her blaster. “Are you okay?”.
Tos’ar nods, shrugs and rises. “I’ll hold them off. You place the device.” He lights his saber which buzzes and the fight begins.
This combat is a high risk situation. Tos’ar will use his lightsaber to deflect the blaster bolts back to the shooters.
Result: Fail+Endanger
Tension: 3
Blaster bolts start flying. Tos’ar deflects the first, but as he hasn’t used the force for a long time, nor practiced his fencing skills, the next blaster bolt hits him, wounding him at the leg. He cries in pain.
Q: Does Rema manage to place the Transmitter?
A: Yes+Event
Tension: 1
Random Event: Halt Defense
Rema has placed the Rubinium Subwave Transmitter and activated it.
“We gotta run!” She shouts to Tos’ar.
Seeing this and with Tos’ar wounded, the two goons charge recklessly at the duo.
I recon that with this reckless melee charge, Tos’ar has a chance. It’s going to be a Medium Risk, and he’ll use his High Possession factor.
Result: Success
Tension: 2
The big guy comes at Tos’ar with a stun baton. Tos’ar evades him and cuts him down with his saber, cutting the baton in half as well.
Q: Does Rema shoot the other goon?
A: No!
Tension: 3
Believing Tos’ar to be right behind her, Rema has made a sprint to the exit. Tos’ar is on his own.
Tos’ar will try to outrun the explosion and the other goon using his Low factor of Physique. This is a medium risk situation.
Result: Success+Endanger
Tension: 4
Tos’ar sprints back but not before getting a stun baton whack his shoulder as he turned his back to the other goon.
The transmitter goes off and a quick flash sends sparks among the ore vein, stunning miners and goons alike and disabling any unfortunate droids to be nearby.
As he catches up to Rema she eyes him. “Glad you made it.” She says.
“You could have waited for me.” He replies short of breath.
“The mission comes first.” She snaps. “Let’s get out.”
Q: Is the exit blocked?
A: Yes!
Tension: 5
As they reach their entry point they see that the place is on lockdown. Armed guards are at the checkpoint and stop anyone from entering or exiting.
“What should we do?” She whispers. “Guns out blazing or try to sneak out when they open the gates?”.
Tos’ar grabs his wounds. “I have another idea. Let’s make our own exit.”
Using his lightsaber he starts cutting a doorway to exit the building.
I declare that this is a medium risk, using a high factor.
Result: Succeed+Endanger
Random Event: Pardon Time
Tension: 1
Tos’ar cuts through and Rema exits. As he follows a security guard notices them and shoots. The blast ray finds Tos’ar on his hand, causing him to drop his lightsaber, a few meters inside the mines. He tries to make for it, but the subsequent shots from the guards hold him off. Rema pulls his forward. “Come! There’s no time!”.
They run through the newfound exit, and they find a hidden quick passage away from the site. This should save them a lot of time, ending the chase.
Time to do a quick recap of the status of the factors:
H Belief: The Force permeates all (Lost)
L Physique: Old and frail (Endangered)
H Possession: Lightsaber (Lost)
M Relationship: A trusted friend
L Reputation: A nobody
M Resource: An old favour
The main objective mission is done. Now they need to escape Vroobsu.
First they’ll go back to Elison’s for Tos’ar to heal.
They’ll use the Relationship factor to Secure the Physique factor.
Result: Success
Tension: 2
Let’s look up at UNE.
NPC Mood Friendly: 59: Sociable
NPC Bearing Friendly: 19: Comfort
NPC Focus: 68: Knowledge
The Friendly NPC speaks of comfort regarding the PCs knowledge
Elison sees Rema brace Tos’ar inside and he quickly makes way for them.
“I’ll bring in the first aid kit. What happened?” He asks looking at the door with a worrisome look.
“Got in a fight with goons. We weren’t followed. Don’t worry.” Rema answers. “Patch him up and we’ll be out of your burden in no time.”
“Aye, I’ll help you.” He says.
Once Tos’ar is back on his feet they’ll go in the alleys searching for a ship out of Vroobsu.
Tos’ar will use his Resource factor. I consider this to be a Medium to High risk situation as Imperials and Malbe alike are looking for them.
Result: Medium risk. Success
Tension: 3
I’ll use the sensual descriptors to see what the location of the scene will be like.
Sound: The beat of swords on shields
Sight: A splash of red
Feeling: Slamming into you
Smell: Frying sausage
Hmm this all screams to me like an underground arena where scoundrels place bets and street food abounds.
I’ll also get some info about the NPC regarding the favour and convo.
Let’s look up at UNE.
NPC: meek charmer
NPC Mood Neutral: 73: Sociable
NPC Bearing: 4: Hostile: 09: Death
NPC Focus: 06: last story
The Neutral NPC speaks of death regarding the PCs last story
Let’s generate a name using GMA: Chaka Kuske, the Worm. Status Judge. Motivation defend a place, also pay a debt. Stocky appearance with shaven head. Manipulative, Honest, Modest. Enunciates over clearly.
Has a mindspeech amulet.
When night falls, Tos’ar and Rema head to the lawless parts of Vroobsu I.
The old drunkard guides the rebel through alleyways and past cantinas and bars, giving the odd look at bystanders. No one troubles them. Finally they reach the Star Gorgon. The Gamorean bouncer steps aside as Tos’ar whispers something to him about wanting to see the Worm.
Inside is a big amphitheater with an arena in the centre. Gladiators fight each other with melee weapons. Vibroaxes smash at handheld shock shields and the crowd yells at the thrill of blood. The red lighting only serves to enrage the crowd even more as they place bets. Street vendors sell fried sausages of the local delicacies to the patrons. Rema is disgusted, but Tos’ar seems to be right at home. They make their way through the crowd, and have to push through several times as the patrons try to get a closer look of the fight in the arena.
Tos’ar leads Rema to a platform overseeing the arena. They get past another bouncer, until they reach the man they came here for.
A stocky fella with a clean shaven head, tattoos on the side. He extends an arm to Tos’ar and they shake hands.
“Chaka.” Tos’ar says. “I see the arena business goes well.”
“Tos’ar. I was wondering when your drunk feet would drag you here. Your face is flashing all over the news. Malbe also has a bounty on your head. Hers also. Death is on the table. You really surprised me this time.” Chaka smiles and points to the rebel.
“I’m here to relieve you of you debt. Chaka.” Tos’ar says without any excitement or color on his voice.
“A debt I’ve carried for a long time. Tell me what is your need.” Chaka answers.
“Passage out of Vroobsu. Preferably several parsecs away, in a fringe world.” Tos’ar replies.
Chaka nods and signals for one of his men to come closer, they discuss for a while, offering some drinks and finger food.
Then he gives a data pad to Tos’ar.
“Here is your pilot, his ship, and rendezvous point.” Chaka says. “One way trip out of Vroobsu. Debt is paid. We don’t talk again. It’s been a pleasure.” They shake hands, and the fugitives are sent on their way.
Let’s get some input to fill out the info from the data pad.
NPC: Theron from House Seriso
Appearance: Paunched, with Piercings.
Personality: Spacey, Wary, Apathetic, has poor hygiene
Belongings: Access pass to secure border.
The ship is the Pride of Mercy.
Q: Is the ship parked in the main star port?
A: Yes
Tension: 4
Q: Are there patrols in the star port?
A: No!
Tension: 5
NPC Mood Neutral: 47: Neutral
NPC Bearing Mysterious: 05: Rumour
NPC Focus: 81: the character
The Neutral NPC speaks of rumours regarding the PCs character
>”Terminal 5, Platform 27.” Tos’ar reads, and looking around he sees a Conbarda Light Patrol Boat. “The Pride of Mercy” is listed at the manifest. What an odd name for a ship, he thinks.
This ship must have been used for small time piracy in the fringe and perhaps escort and protection services, after its initial life in the local navy ended. They sport a small crew supplement, good sublight speed, decent weaponry, but poor hyperspace performance and small cargo space.
Rema and Tos’ar met no resistance on their way to the platform, as they used some side alleys and backstreets that are not largely known.
As they approach the vessel a figure stops them.
Q: Is it the captain of the ship?
A: Yes, Random Event
Random Event: Bestow Death
Tension: 1
It seems that the imperials are onto them. Stormtroopers have them on their sights and the shooting begins in the starport.
Q: Is there adequate cover to reach the starship?
A: No
Tension: 2
With no cover, this is a High risk situation. Tos’ar will try to to sprint to the starship, risking his Life in the process.
Result: Fail+Endanger
Q: Does Rema manage to reach the starship?
A: No
Tension: 3
As Theron waves for them to approach, blaster shots start flying from the other side of the platform.
A quick glance, and they see the white distinct armour of Imperial Stormtroopers shooting at them.
Without giving it a second thought, Tos’ar starts sprinting to the Price of Mercy, until a carefully aimed shot, brings him down in the middle of it. A burn mark on his ribs, shows that the wound is significant.
He grunts in pain and sees that Rema is still at the entry of the platform, pinned down behind some crates.
Using his Low factor of Physique, Tos’ar will try to taunt, dodge and provide enough distraction for Rema to reach the ship.
Result: Success+Endanger
Tos’ar stands and yells at Rema, “Run!”.
He then opens his robes wide so that he creates as much a visual distraction to the troopers as possible and starts jumping around as much as his physique allows.
It seems to be working as Rema manages to dodge and sprint past him, and into the bulk door of the Price of Mercy, just as he’s hit by another shot, on his left arm.
With Rema safe for the moment, Tos’ar will make another attempt to reach the ship. It’s still a High risk situation, and he’ll use his endangered Physique factor.
Result: Succeed+Endanger
Tos’ar sees Rema inside, and with the last shot he receives, he feigns being incapacitated, and drops to the ground.
However he hasn’t bent his knee, and on a ready stance covered by his robes, he jumps up and gives another sprint. He’s shot again, and hurt on his leg, but he made it!
Theron runs to the bridge and the ship starts taking off.
—
“Welcome to the Price of Mercy. I am Theron of House Seriso. Your trip is courtesy of Chaka Kuske, the Worm. Your pursuers are courtesy of your actions, Jedi, Tos’ar Bulmana. Your fame proceeds you. I had hoped for a better welcome, but it’s not to be unexpected.” The captain, a dirty man wearing a lot of piercings, welcomes them.
“Can we please leave the pleasantries for when we’re in hyperspace?” Tos’ar grunts in pain from his wounds.
“Absolutely, we’re setting course for the system edge now.” Theron replies.
Q: Are there imperial ships nearby?
A: No
Tension: 4
“Despite the ground security, sensors show no imperial presence in space. Perhaps they’re busy hunting rebels elsewhere in the system.” The captain says. “Setting course for Pollaxe now. We’ll enter hyperspace in about 5 minutes. I suggest you get to the medbay in the meantime, we can talk later.”
Tos’ar agrees, and limping and grunting heads to the medbay. A few minutes later he’s being tended to by the medical droid, as the ship enters hyperspace. He feels safe at last. At least for now.
I absolutely loved this. NTMTO is great at what it does! One shot games. The more you attempt things, the more your factors are endangered and then lost. It’s like having a finite resource and wondering if you’ll make it to the end. My protagonist barely made it out alive, and that’s great, because I was worried, and it’s this thrill that brings excitement to playing. With a 50-50 chance at all times, the story can easily go either way.
Using the online GMA oracle was great. So much information easily accessible. I never needed anything more than this. Even UNE wasn’t really necessary, I just wanted some extra fluff for my conversations.
The ruleset and the oracle tied in nicely together and it’s a combo I might try again. I can also reset all the factors and do another story with Tos’ar, but that’s not necessary, since doing one shots gives you absolute freedom to try new things.
Overall loved it and will certainly do a similar solo session again.
There was a question on my last AP report about what Oracle system I use. I went with my usual Recluse basis that I hacked. I always found that the 1-in-6 chance of a False Presupposition to occur was a tad bit high. I could reduce this to 1-in-10 by using d10 instead of d6 in Recluse, but I also found that I was missing the Interventions/Random Events mechanic from other game engines. So instead, I went with something simpler. Whenever I rolled doubles on my Recluse d6s, I’d consult the following chart:
1: False Presupposition
2: Intervention (MUNE)
3: Random Event (Mythic)
4: Random Event (Mythic)
5: Intervention (MUNE)
6: False Presupposition
Also if for any reason the question asked that gave the special result, needed a Yes/No answer, then it’s a No for Odds and Yes for Evens.
That’s the core engine that I was using. Of course other tools from the above, and other engines I’ll be using as I deem necessary, such as the Detail Check from Mythic Variations 2, or the TWENE from MUNE, and of course BOLD and UNE.
So back to the adventure. We left Kedric, Drake and a bitten Felicia at the ground floor of The Ark Vacation Inn planning to get out and reach the Ark Town PD in case there are any emergency services to help them. Kedric of course wants to continue from there to get to his home where his children were being babysitted by his grandparents. The front street from the hotel entrance is filled with the Plagued, and they decided they’ll use the rear exits from the restaurant and kitchen that are normally used by the hotel’s service staff.
To populate some discussions between the group, I’ll use the connections mechanic from BOLD.
action
gerund
subject
ponder
enjoying
friends or family
muse
detailing
an attribute
demand
detailing
a posession
The group moves stealthily into the restaurant.
Kedric: Stealth: (1,3): Failure
Q: Are there any Plagued in the restaurant?
A: No, but, they can hear them in the kitchen.
The floor of the restaurant is littered with cutlery and broken glassware, and despite their best efforts to move silently, the group makes noise as they try to walk around the various tables. As they get closer to the kitchen, they hear the weird sounds the crazed people make. Drake puts his fingertip on his lips to make a silence gesture to Kedric, who nods, while Felicia whinces in pain a few steps back. They fall on all fours and enter the kitchen.
Kedric: Stealth: (1,5): Success
Their heads and their backs down, they walk on all fours, without making a sound. The swinging doors move behind them but, they don’t bump into anything, and a sigh of relief escapes the trio. The prey avoids the predator and they reach the other side of the kitchen, near exit.
Q: Is the way to the exit blocked?
A: No
As fast as they can, when the crazed are on the other side of the kitchen, the trio exchanges glances, and Drake lifts his hand just enough to grab the outward bar handle. The door opens, and they crawl outside.
Q: Are there any Plagued on the back alley?
A: Yes
Q: How many?
A: Very Few. It’s just one.
Kedric: Stealth: (10,5): Success with a Raise.
At the far end of the alley, they see one of the crazed. They hit the wall and crouch away using the alley dumpsters as cover. The screams and animalistic sounds the crazed make echo through the streets.
Q: What is the main street like?
A: Favors PC
The street currently is empty of any of the crazed mob. The fight on the other end of the hotel seems to have drawn them away from the side street, and they have dispersed in a different direction.
Overturned cars and trash bins provide ample cover for the group to move around without being seen. Heading West, they cover the distance of the first block as quickly as they can without making any noise. They are now on the main street, with the PD only two blocks away to the North.
Q: Are there any crazed to the North?
A: No
They walk slowly to the next crossroads, and they can see the PD in the distance.
Kedric: Notice: (2,13): Success with 2 Raises.
Q: What state is the PD in?
A: Favors NPC, (Drake/Felicia/Plagued): Felicia. So there must be availability of medical supplies, either through ease of access in the PD or perhaps an ambulance right on the outside.
Q: Is there an ambulance outside the PD?
A: No
Destroyed police cars and barricades block the way to the police department, but there’s a clear passage through. Blood, entrails and corpses litter the scene, as the law enforcement must have put up a fight against the crazed mob. This looks very disheartening, however they can also see there’s a clear passageway inside. The secure glass doors have been smashed down, so if there’s any chance for medical supplies or firearms, that’s it.
Ponder detailing a possession
Kedric looks around the cruisers, and grabs a couple more ammo clips, and several bullets for a .38 revolver he found and hands it over to Drake. “I know that these things are loud. But, I’ve thought about, and if worse comes to worst, it’s the only chance we’ll get.”
“Do you think guns would save us if they haven’t saved them?” Drake counters, but reluctantly takes the gun.
“Can we go inside please? I need something for my leg.” Felicia changes the subject of the conversation.
Demand detailing friends and family
“I don’t think I can risk getting trapped inside there. I’ll wait for you outside make sure there’s nothing coming after us. Drake can help you get any medical assistance inside. Then you’ll help me reach my home. Get to my family.” Kedrick says sternly.
Q: Does Drake agree?
A: Yes
Drake nods. “Sure. She may be lame and slow us down, but you came here with us. We’ll come with you to your home. Strength in number and all that stuff. Just make sure noone follows us inside.”
Kedric: Stealth (1,1): Snake Eyes
That’s a critical failure.
Felicia and Drake enter the building, while Kedrick looks around for movement. He’s been waiting only for a few moments, but he feels too exposed. He thinks he saw movement down the road. Wanting to hide better, on a whime he chooses to enter one of the police cruisers. But he didn’t think it clearly. The moment he closes the door behind him, the car alarm starts blaring. He sees figures running down the street, and can listen to loud growling screams approaching.
Q: Is he on the front seat?
A: Yes, and he’s on the driver’s seat.
Q: Are there any keys on the ignition?
A: No
Adrenaline rushes. Frantically Kedrick looks at the ignition for any pair of keys that might help him start the car or shut down the alarm.
Q: Is there any officer corpse nearby? (Likely)
A: No, and only bloodied remains are nearby.
Kedric: Notice (1,2): Failure
Kedric looks outside in the hope that one of the bodies he saw belongs to the driver, but he didn’t see any uniform. He starts to search the front seats frantically for any keys, but in his hurry he doesn’t find any keys, and the screams come closer. He needs to bail. But Drake and Felicia are still inside. A dilemma appears. Should he go back in to warn them, or make a run for his home. The time to decide is now.
I like how Kedrick is in this predicament. These are important choices. The ethically right thing to do is try to reach Felicia and Drake. I went back to my previous session and read Kedrick’s randomly rolled background. He values family and power. He’s lost already two persons close to him (his teenage years crush and his wife) and he’s not going to risk his objective to see his kids again for some strangers. It’s most likely that he’ll bail. But nevertheless, I’ll ask the Oracle.
Q: Does Kedrick bail the scene to find his children? (likely)
A: Yes
Q: Do Drake and Felicia get out before he fled?
A: False Presupposition. It’s impossible to flee. The swarms of the Plagued are all around already.
Kedrick decides to abandon Drake and Felicia and head for his home. He gets out of the car, and walks no more than 10 steps, when he sees a mob running at top speed towards him. He turns the other way, and sees another mob coming from the south. Without wasting any more time, he runs inside the building.
“Drake!? Felicia!?” He yells quickly see if he can rendezvou with them.
Q: Do Drake and Felicia listen to him?
A: Yes, and he finds them in the first aid room.
Q: Is Felicia bandaged?
A: No
Drake appears out of a room, as Kedrick runs inside and gestures him to come.
“What’s wrong, we’ve just found the medical supplies closet, and were about help Felicia.” Drake asks.
“There’s no time. A car alarm went off and they’re coming for us. Is there any other way out of here?” Kedric says, his breath short.
Drake scans the walls for the escape plan of the building.
Q: Is there a secondary exit?
A: Yes
Q: What does the exit look like?
A: Happiness
He finds the layout of the escape plan. “Seems like there is a way out several corridors to the east. We’ll get past the armoury and evidence, and to the end of the hallway, there should be another exit.”
Kedric’s mind for a moment raced back to the evidence room. That’s where he had met the love of his life, the mother of his children. He was working a case when he found evidence that might be tied to an ongoing case police may be involved. A slight smile forced itself on his face.
“I realize, that sounds like good news” Drake said, looking at him “but it feels idiotic considering our situation.”
“…I… have memories of this place.” Kedric replied, returning to reality. “If there’s a chance that evidence or armory are unlocked, perhaps we should resupply.”
Kedric: Stealth: (1,3): Failure
Q: Are there any plagued in the building?
A: False Presupposition. The plagued come rushing in from outside.
Q: How many?
A: Only one.
The group tries to move stealthily, but they’re too shaken to coordinate, and their footsteps echo in the empty hallways. A screaming crazed woman comes rushing in from the main entrance. She sees them and charges.
2nd Round
Kedric: 4,2: Success, 3 Diamonds, Long range
Drake: 2: Failure
Felicia: 3: Failure
Plagued: 6: Success, 5 Hearts, Long range
Kedrick: Shoot (13,17)-4: Success++Raise: Hit: 9/6: Shaken
Plagued: Vigor: 2+4: Success
3rd Round
Kedric: 3,3: Failure
Drake: 2: Failure
Felicia: 2: Failure
Plagued: 6: Success, 4 Hearts, Long range
4th Round
Kedric: 2,10: Success+Raise, 6 Hearts, Q Spades
Drake: 4: Success, 8 Clubs, Major Obstacle, 3-2: Failure: Bumps & Bruises, Fatigued
Felicia: 2: Failure
Plagued: 7: Success, 8 Spades, Long range
Kedrick: Shoot (4,3)-2: Miss
5th Round
Kedric: 1,1: Snake Eyes: He drops his handgun
Drake: 3: Failure
Felicia: 3: Failure
Plagued: 7: Success, 7 Hearts, Long range
The group runs through the hallway as fast as they can, with the infected behind them. At one point Kedric gains an opening and shoots at the crazed woman. The shot hits her at the guts, but doesn’t stop her at all, she keeps running after them and closes at several meters away.
Kedric shoots once more, but misses. Drake bumps onto a trolley of archived papers, and stumbles and falls. Bruised he picks himself up and continues to flee.
As they make a quick turn to the end of the hallway, Kedric goes for another shot, but he steps on a pool of blood and loses his balance. As he tries to regain his balance, he loses the grip of his handgun, and it drops several meters back towards their pursuer.
They’ve reached the exit, but he must choose to flee or fight for his sidearm.
Q: Is the exit free of any obstruction?
A: Yes, but it’s one of those push out exits, so their pursuer will continue.
Drake opens the escape door, and sees the indecision in Kedrick’s eyes. “Come one man, forget about it, let’s go!”
Kedrick looks for any weapon nearby.
Kedrick: Notice: (2,3): Failure
Q: Does Drake grab him out?
A: No, and he pushes him towards the plagued.
“Fuck it, idiot!” Drake screams and pushes Kedrick to the plagued, to gain some momentum.
He and Felicia flee outside.
Combat
Kedrick will need to at least Shake the Plagued to get an opening to run away.
Kedrick pushes the crazed woman away as she tries to bite and claw at him. He get punched once on his shoulder, but eventually he manages to land a solid hit, enough to startle her, and he runs away with her at his heel, a few meters behind.
Q: Was his opening to the streets through the exit? (Likely)
A: False Presupposition. Plagued have appeared outside, seems they heard the shots, so he runs back inside the building.
Q: Can he grab the pistol? (Likely)
A: No. It’s under the trolley, so he’ll lose precious time.
As he’s about to exit through the door, he sees a mob appearing on the outside, so he turns through the hallway back into the offices. His pistol under the trolley that Drake overturned, so he doesn’t waste any time to grab it.
Q: Can he close the door behind him? (Likely)
A: Yes
Kedrick runs inside the armory which was unlocked in the chaos, and closes the door behind him.
Q: What does the armory look like?
A: Focus Thread
The armory is a mess. Weapons and ammo taken from the shelves and racks in a hasty manner.
Kedrick sits down behind the bench so that he isn’t visible anymore, as the crazed woman charges towards the room.
Plagued: Notice: 1: Failure.
She rattles the barred door and the barred opening for a few minutes. Kedrick can hear her growl, and a weird sensation as if she’s sniffing the air. Then after a short while he listens to footsteps running away, joining more footsteps. He feels safe for now. His heart is pumping. He needs to be careful. He decides to look around for any firearms that he can carry, and when things have settled down a bit, to continue his attempt to go home.
Q: How many firearms are available?
A: 6: SMG, AR, 2 Pistols, 2 Shotguns.
He searches through the room and finds 2 Glocks, an MP5, 2 Pump Action Shotguns, and an M-16. He arms himself with the MP5 and the two Glocks, and several clips.
Q: Is there any kevlar vest also in the armory?
A: Intervention: 6: Wild: Gratify Evil
‘I was stuck at this point for too long. How should I interpret this? I even paused the game and let time pass by in case an inspiration will come to me in the meantime. It didn’t. I eventually sit down again to resume my session, several days later, only to give an interpretation that will move the game forward.’
As Kedrick searches the around the room, looking for any armour to wear, he notices a pool of blood at the corner. He approaches with caution, and sees a dead officer wearing a kevlar vest. His neck bitten off, and blood running down. Kedric realizes that the poor sod must have been attacked by the crazed mob some time ago. He lets his guard down, and then what he witnesses shakes him. The corpse opens its eyes and stares right at him, and lets off a loud growl. Kedrick screams.
Fear: Kedrick: Vigor (10,3): Success with a Raise
Zombies? Kedrick quickly realizes, recollecting all the movies and tv shows he’s seen as a kid. For real? He thinks. He doesn’t waste a second more, and turns his Glock at the undead.
Lifeless: Fighting: 2: Miss
Kedric: Shooting: (1,3): Miss
3rd Round
Kedrick: K Diamonds
Lifeless: 10 Spades
Kedric: Shooting: (11,5): Hit with Raise: 9-5=4: Arm: Wounded
Lifeless: Shaken: Spirit: 2+2=4: Success: No longer Shaken
4th Round
Kedrick: 9 Clubs
Lifeless: Joker
Lifeless: Fighting: 1+2=3: Miss
Kedric: Shooting: (3,2): Miss
5th Round
Kedrick: 5 Diamonds
Lifeless: 9 Hearts
Lifeless: Fighting: 5: Hit: 3: Left Arm: 3-6: No damage
Kedric: Shooting: Double Tap: (5,4)+1: Hit: 7: Guts: 9+1-5-4=1: Shaken
6th Round
Kedrick: Q Spades
Lifeless: A Diamonds
Lifeless: Shaken: Spirit: 1+2=3: Failure: Remains Shaken
Kedric: Shooting: Double Tap: (11,1)+1: Hit with Raise: 9: Guts: 14+1-5-4=6: Wounded: Eliminated
With no consideration if he’s going to be heard, Kedric shoots at the zombie. The first shot is at the torso, and the Kevlar dissipates the blow. The force of the blow sends the zombie back. It regains its momentum and tries to claw at Kedric who avoids the blow, but his rebound shots miss the mark. Then he attempts one more shot, which finds its mark, wounding it’s arm. The fight continues, until Kedrick starts pulling the trigger faster, double tapping at the zombie twice. He hits the kevlar again, sending it back, and with the next hit, it drops, inanimate.
Realizing that this is the zombie apocalypse, Kedric knows he can’t dally any longer. With his weapons at the ready, he switches to the MP5, and runs back down the corridor, to the initial exit, see if he can get to his family.
Session Summary
For some reason I had this AP finished for over a month and a half and hadn’t gotten to posting it. Summer time with heat waves can be detrimental to productivity.
At the end of this session I came to the realisation that my concerns about the pulp aspect of Savage Worlds had truth in them. The Plagued and the Living Dead pose almost no threat to Kedrick within the Savage Worlds ruleset. I could try to balance things out, but instead I’ll most likely go with the third (and hopefully last) conversion using BRP. BRP already has the stats I need to use so it will be mostly converting Kedrick and choosing any relevant optional rules to accommodate the setting.
Solo, Pen, Paper and Dice 
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