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  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 3:00 pm on October 27, 2019 Permalink | Reply
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    A crime at the river – A weird noir fiction D6 adventure S1E06 

    Monday morning, April 11th 1921, Arkham 3rd police precinct

    Wade is looking at Stanton. “How do you want to approach this?” He asks.
    “My gut tells me that the half brother thing is a blatant lie and we’ve spent so much time on it already, but I want to make it certain. I believe father Tillman was on the houseboat for a different reason and he made the story up. Would you fancy another trip down to the registry?” Stan tells his partner.
    “Sure, why not? The lady at the front desk has taken a liking to me.” He replies. “What will you spend your morning at?”
    “I’ll go down to the lab see if we have any progress. We can meet back here and go to the library together, follow up on Browne’s murder.” Stan proposes.
    “Sounds like a plan, don’t forget EBD,
    the captain wants a briefing from us.” Wade says and they split up each to their own action.

    Q: Has the knife been examined?
    A: No, and it’s going to take a while further
    Q: Has the black goo been examined?
    A: No, and it’s going to take a while further
    Q: Are the items undamaged from the fire? (Likely)
    A: Yes
    Q: How many 1D days until the examination is complete?
    A: 4

    Stan goes to the lab only to find repairs are still being performed. The officer on duty notifies him that the items have not been processed and it’s going to be at least 4 more days before they are examined. Dismayed, he leaves to find out if Wade had any luck.

    Wade: Investigation (4D/M): 3/3: Success
    Q: Does he find Benjamin Kingston’s record?
    A: False presupposition. The name doesn’t exist.

    Not only does Wade not find a record for Benjamin Kingston in Arkham, he convinces the lady in the front desk to check the state records, and no record exists.

    Monday noon, April 11th, Arkham Public Library
    The detectives talk to the librarian, Oxford Miller. He recognizes Stanton. “Det. Malkowski, good morning. Curious to find you here today. I was just worried about Ms Browne. She didn’t come in to work today.”
    “She was found dead.” Stan says cutting him off abruptly.

    Stan: Perception opposed (4D/2D): 2-/2+: Success
    Q: Does the librarian seem surprised?
    A: Yes

    The librarian, mouth gaping, stands in silence and Stan continues. “Did anyone meet with her after I left? Did you notice anything?”

    Q: Did she meet with anyone?
    A: Yes
    UNE: fickle vicar
    I translate the result to some weird crazy guy.

    “Not a meet per se, but a man came into the library shouting muttering and rambling. He seemed to have his clock broken if you know what I mean. He was fixated on her. We kicked him out since he was disturbing the silence.” Mr Miller replies.
    “Did he say anything of notice?” Stan asks.

    Q: Did he say to her anything in particular?
    A: False presupposition

    “That wasn’t a speech. More like lunacy making sounds.” He replies.
    Stan remembers the bloody knife from Mr Tilton’s crime scene and decides to follow the lead.
    “Did he appear to be wounded?”

    Q: Did the man appear wounded?
    A: False presupposition

    “I’m sorry detective, I couldn’t have known about the man’s medical condition apart from his raving mind”. The librarian says.
    “Did you notice any particularly odd, putrid smell?” Stan follows further on the crime scene lead.

    Q: Did he smell bad?
    A: No

    “No detective, apart from the odd behavior, the man seemed to be well
    kempt.” He replies.
    “I see. Let me ask you one more thing. Did and Browne have any next of kin?” Stan asks.

    Q: Did she have any next of kin?
    A: No

    “No, detective. She had no one here that I know of.” Mr Miller says.
    “Thank you. Could we take a look at her desk?” Stan asks.

    Persuasion: (4D/2D): 1/1: Success

    “Of course.” He replies and leads the detectives to Ms Browne’s desk.

    Investigate (5D/M): 4+/3: Success
    Q: Are there any occult notes?
    A: Yes
    Q: Are they related to the Enchiridion of Bilamma? (Likely)
    A: Yes
    Q: Do they explain what the Enchiridion is about?
    A: Yes, but it is only a small excerpt on it
    Q: Does it say there is a curse?
    A: No, and no such notion is made
    Q: Does it say anything about a spell?
    A: Yes
    Q: Is it a summoning spell? (Likely)
    A: Yes

    The detective finds a note reading. “When in trance, and the words are uttered properly the two minds become one, and it will rise from the depths to serve its master.”

    Stan: Sanity check (4D/E): 2/2: Success
    Q: Is there also maybe a diary of Ms Browne?
    A: No

    Having collected all they can, the two detectives mark the note as evidence and return to the precinct.

    “So tell me Malkowski, what have you got as of yet?” The captain awaits eagerly for an answer.
    “We’ve ruled out some suspects, but occult rituals are involved captain. I don’t know where this will take us.” Stan says.
    “Sure. Who did you rule out? Me Browne that’s dead or father Tillman who’s a catholic priest. And now you say the tooth fairy did it?” The captain sounds pissed off.
    “For fucks sake Malkowski, you pulled a gun at a priest. I don’t give a rat’s shit if he was in the crime scene.” He continues.

    Q: Does Tillman have connections?
    A: Yes

    “This guy has serious connections. Don’t bother him again, or you bother me. Do you want to bother me Malkowski?” The captain awaits for an answer.
    “No sir.” Stan replies.
    “Good. Norman, do you have anything on and Browne?” He turns to Wade.
    “Just a conflict with a random crazy fella. Nothing concrete.” Wade responds.
    “Concrete my ass. Closure. We need closure. If the press gets a whiff of this and connects the murders, there’s going to be a city wide panic and we’re done for. Closure. Dismissed!” He shouts, and the detectives get out of his office while they still can.

    Q: Does anything happen in the downtime?
    A: No

    Stan spends the evening reading the occult tome and thinking about the case. A hypothesis begins to form.

    Tuesday morning, April 12th, 1921, Arkham 3rd police precinct

    Q: How many 1D days for the completion of the autopsy from the Sunday?
    A: 6

    “Just got off the phone with that friend of yours, Dr Perry. He says autopsy report will be ready in about 3 more days. Along with forensics process, we can’t do much rather than wait.” Wade informs Stanton.
    Stan puts out his cigarette in the ashtray. “Can’t sit on it any longer. Let’s push our luck. I’m going to St. Mark’s”

    Q: Does Wade come with? (Unlikely)
    A: No

    “Sorry Stan. I’ll cover for you, but I’m not going there again while the captain’s got us in his sights. You go after Tillman, you’re on your own.” Wade responds.

    St. Mark’s Church

    I’m going for closure now. I have set up my hypothesis.

    Stan waits for the morning service to finish, and when the priest has retired to his office, he follows there.

    Q: Is the priest alone?
    A: Yes

    Without invitation or a knock, the detective enters the room.
    The priest looks at him. “Detective, this is becoming tiresome. It’s bordering harassment. I’ll have a talk with your police captain.” He’s clearly annoyed and doesn’t bother getting off his chair to greet the intruder.
    Stan doesn’t reply yet, instead he reveals the Enchiridion of Bilamma and puts it on the desk with a thud.
    “I believe you’re looking for this.” He says to him. “See, I know for a fact that Mr Tilton was delving in the dark arts. He didn’t care much about being a devout Christian, and instead he only reached out to you trying to find more connections between religious and occult texts. He and his girlfriend found this book, the Enchiridion of Bilamma, and they followed its instructions to cast a summoning. Mr Tilton would have a great story to write about if he would have first hand experience of the occult. I don’t think you killed him, but all this caused you enough worry to keep tabs on him. When he was found dead, you took the opportunity to search for the unholy book, hence why I found you there.” Stan stops. He lets his revelation sink in to the priest. With this opportunity, he takes out a cigarette, lights it and draws a deep breath.
    “See I don’t know the details of his passing, but I would bet he and his loved one tried to perform the summoning described within the unholy book and his brain couldn’t handle it, turning to jelly.
    As for and Browne, she’s the reason I’m here father. I don’t give a damn about this tome. It’s yours if you want it. Just tell me, is there a chance that the summoning worked? I don’t believe in mumbo jumbo but I’m shaken. Could something not human have killed her? She had drawn a pentalpha on the floor as part of a ritual. I can’t go to anyone with this without passing off as crazy.”

    So now that I have a hypothesis set, I will use a ruleset similar to 6M Root Cause Analysis. This is something I use on my daily job so I have the know how to perform it, but I will need to translate it to the crime investigation rpg rules.
    For those following the story since the beginning, you may have noticed that I had a different system written out as my first choice. I decided against using that, as counting points there would be a drag and maybe imbalanced.

    Hypothesis: Latimer Tilton perished by his own doing, performing an occult ritual.
    Man
    Latimer Tilton wasn’t a devout person according to his girlfriend, and he was interested in the occult. The book “We are our end” shows a radical mind.
    Man supports the hypothesis.
    Material
    Evidence found in Latimer Tilton’s houseboat proves that he was in possession of an occult item. The Enchiridion of Bilamma.
    Material supports the hypothesis.
    Means (Environment)
    The signs of struggle in the environment could be from Latimer Tilton’s brain overloading and him thrashing about everything.
    Means supports the hypothesis
    Measure
    The autopsy report suggests that Latimer Tilton was killed in a strange manner. Nothing known physical could have killed him.
    Measure supports the hypothesis.
    Machine (Murder Weapon)
    No murder weapon was found. The knife found doesn’t fit the scene, but it didn’t hurt Latimer Tilton as no wounds were found.
    Machine doesn’t support the hypothesis but it doesn’t invalidate it either.
    Method
    A summoning spell described as a blending of two minds could have caused brain damage.
    Method supports the hypothesis.

    So these give 5 points out of a possible 6. In the future whenever I ask a question that could impact or be impacted by the above hypothesis, I will be consulting a modified Recluse Oracle based on the score as follows.
    1: Unlikely, False Presuppositions default to No.
    2: Unlikely
    3: No modifier
    4: No Modifier
    5: Likely
    6: Likely, False Presuppositions default to Yes.

    The score may be adjusted if the hypothesis is impacted by the answers.

    Now, to ask the Oracle, based on the hypothesis of a 5 point score.

    Q: Does the priest agree to Stan’s hypothesis? (Likely)
    A: Yes, but he can’t be certain if Tilton or Browne cast the spell.

    Father Tillman’s expression changes at once from hostile, to sociable.
    “You trek on a perilous journey detective. I apologize. I couldn’t say anything before. Yes, with some minor issues, what you say is true. Documents like this shouldn’t be in the public library. Who knows how it ended up in there. It’s author, Frederick Salter, disappeared mysteriously in Mesopotamia.” He says as he takes the book, puts it in his desk drawer and locks it up.
    “I can’t say for certain if it was Mr Tilton who cast the spell and he died in the process, and if the summoning was indeed performed by him or Ms Browne. I am afraid that there is concern for evil at work here. It would really help if I could see the symbols you described, a pentalpha? But you’ve barred me from going anywhere near police crime scenes.” He continues.
    “Come father. We’ve already disobeyed more than a few orders. What’s a few more?” Stan says and Tillman goes along with him.

    —
    End of Episode
    Since a hypothesis is set for Tilton’s murder, I won’t be counting clues anymore, but from now own, I will be reporting the current hypothesis 6M.
    Ms Browne’s crime is partially connected to Tilton’s case so I will not make a separate report for it yet, unless there is cause to do so in the future.

    Session Background: A breakthrough finally! I don’t know if I did the best with the case I had at hand, but it felt like this was the point to move forward.
    I read again CRGE’s vignette framework recently, and curiously my approach fits, so I must have done something right.
    Now we’re moving to endings!
    Is there a dark creature from the deep at the loose? Will this new collaboration between Stan and Pierre work? Or did the occult end with Tilton’s failed attempt at spellcasting and Browne was the victim of something else? That would totally destroy my hypothesis.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 11:16 am on October 25, 2019 Permalink | Reply
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    A crime at the river – A weird noir fiction D6 adventure S1E05 

    I will be using GMA sensory descriptions to use for scene description further. If something doesn’t fit at all, I will disregard it. I draw four cards.
    Shuffling Steps
    Thick Fog
    A burst of frost and ice
    Burning Candles
    Q: Was Ms Browne’s body found at home?
    A: Yes, but -> Yes
    Q: Did a neighbor call it in?
    A: Yes, but not next door, the next building is across the street
    Q: When did it happen? 10 + 1D = 1: last night eleven o’clock

    They get off the car in a quiet district of Arkham. A police officer in uniform is standing outside a house. They greet each other.
    “Welcome boys” the officer says. “Around eleven last night, Marie Whitlaw, the elderly lady across the street saw suspicious movements in Ms Browne’s residence. We came to investigate and found her dead.”
    “Thank you officer” Stan says and they enter the house.

    Investigation: Crime Scene (6D): 4.
    4 Basic Clue Questions can be answered through the Oracle.
    Q: Are there similarities between the murders?
    A: Yes, and there is more of the black goo stuff.
    Q: Are there signs of struggle?
    A: No
    Q: Are there signs of forced entry?
    A: Yes
    Q: Is there any obvious wound?
    A: Yes, but it not certainly the cause of death
    I roll for hit location and get: 3: Torso
    Q: Is it a slash?
    A: No
    Q: Is it a piercing wound?
    A: No, but there is bleeding

    Stan looks around. Ms Browne lies dead, face sideways in her living room. There are no signs of struggle, but the door lock has been violated. There is blood on her blouse near her torso. Again, the detective finds black goo, near the door lock. Wade looks at him curiously.
    “Some stinking stuff, I found at Mr Tilton’s. Still waiting on the lab.” Stan tells him.
    “Did you guys have to break in to enter?” Stan asks the officer.

    Q: Did the police break down the door?
    A: Yes, but it was already damaged and stuck.

    “We did, but it seemed already broken, lock damaged and handle wouldn’t budge.” The officer responds.

    Stan: Search for blade: (4D/M): 1-/3: Failure

    Stan looks around to see if he can find a blade or similar weapon, but he can’t find anything.

    Since I had ‘burning candles’, I ask.
    Q: Is there anything occult? (Likely)
    A: Yes

    Stan notices around the living room, five black candles situated in even distances, on top of dark chalk lines forming a circle and a pentalpha. In the middle of it all is the body of Ms Browne. At one end, the candle has been turned over and the chalk wiped off as if someone dragged himself through it, from the outside in.
    “Did you boys disturb the candles?” Stan asks the officer.

    Q: Did they disturb the candles?
    A: Police officer: Investigate skill: 3D/3: 2/2: Success

    “We’re trained detective, not to disturb the scene of a crime unless he really have to.” The officer answers.
    “I think we’re done here.” Stan finishes examining the crime scene. “Let’s go talk to the neighbor” He says to Wade.

    Marie is an elderly lady with a round face, thin gray hair and green eyes.

    UNE:
    Mood: Sociable
    Knowning, Speech
    Focus: Enemy

    The detectives are sitting comfortably in Mrs Whitlaw’s couch. She has already offered them tea and biscuits.
    “Mrs Whitlaw, what can you recall about last night?” Wade asks politely, happy he had the chance to fill his stomach with something, empty since the dawn.
    “I was readying myself to go to sleep. It was a very quiet evening, when I heard a strange sound. Shuffling steps, really unnerving. I went to the window to see if there was anything there.”

    Q: Did she see anything there?
    A: No

    “But the street lamp was off, and there was darkness. To top it, there was this strange thick fog. Way thicker than what we’re used to here.” She tells the detectives.
    “So, if I may. What made you call the police?” Wade asks.
    “When I went to the window, I saw lights over at Ms Browne’s across. Then for a moment, there was a flicker of darkness, before the lights went on again. Between those flickers, I’m certain that I saw figures moving behind the curtains. I was really scared officers. I’m so glad you came, but so sad that my fears had basis. Poor Ms Browne.” She adds.
    Stan asks if she ever saw a man matching Mr Tilton’s description with Ms Browne.

    Q: Did she see Mr Tilton with Ms Browne?
    A: False presupposition

    “What do you take me for detective? A gossiping old hag? I don’t go about other people’s business. Especially spoiling a dead persons memory! I was really uneasy yesterday. That’s why I called you. And I was right. Make sure you catch whoever did it. We were safe here until now.”
    Stan politely apologizes and they conclude their investigation and excuse themselves.

    Q: Do the detectives know where is father Tillman’s church? (Likely)
    A: Yes, and it’s nearby

    Generating a second crime scene was really taxing in this point of the game. It took me two plays to finish these few paragraphs.
    Thankfully I have many more clues to go on, and it doesn’t seem to derail the story from the main crime.
    Next time though I will think twice before introducing a second crime scene to the same adventure.
    This gave me the opportunity to work a few rules on how to present a crime scene in the adventure in a more standardized manner. I may be putting these to writing soon.

    Sunday morning, April 10th, 1921, St. Mark’s Church

    Q: Are there a lot of people in the congregation?
    A: Yes, and it’s so many, the seats are not enough and some are standing.
    Sneak: 4D/3D: 2/2: Success

    The two police detectives mingle in the crowd to the back of the church, passing unnoticed.

    Let’s see if Stan notices anything odd about the service. He’s not a very religious type so I he will need an Easy Knowledge roll to identify very obvious non Christian items, and a Moderate one to see if there are more subtle hints and differences.
    Knowledge: 3D: 3! He has a moderate success.
    Q: Does the sermon and service sound as expected?
    A: Yes
    Q: Does father Tillman make any reference to Mr Tilton?
    A: Yes, but not by name.

    The service proceeds normally. Stan wasn’t ever religious, but he’s been to a communion or two, and he doesn’t see or hear anything odd.
    At the end, father Tillman makes a short reference to a member of their congregation who passed untimely, and how these are dark times and people should be at alarm.

    “Can you keep him occupied? I’d like to take a look in his office. Doubt we’d ever get a warrant for this.” Stan says to Wade.
    “Are you sure Stan? If the captai gets a whiff of this you’ll be benched.” Wade says worried.
    “Let’s hope he won’t find out.” Stan replies and the two detectives split.

    Wade will use Perception to keep father Tillman occupied.
    Perception (3D): 2: Success, Complication
    I draw GMA for the complication. Enslave Physical Companion.
    I decide that inspite of being kept busy, the priest is certain that Stan is with Wade and will send his 1D=3 subordinates after him. If caught they will attempt to subdue him.

    Wade approaches father Tillman. At the moment they make eye contact, the priest whispers something to a church boy next to him and immediately three men in the service of the church start pushing through the crowd, looking for Stan.

    Stan: Sneak Opposed (4D/3D): 4+/3-, they suffered a Complication.

    Stan, manages to mingle among the crowd and avoid being in the sight of his pursuers, hiding behind pillars whenever possible.
    The three men start shouting and pushing, causing a ruckus and panicking part of the crowd who are furious and start a quarrel with them, giving Stan enough time to avoid them and also to search the back rooms as they are occupied now.

    Q: Is the door to the priest’s office locked?
    A: No
    Stan will search for occult items. Very Easy success for items in plain sight, Easy for items in the room but not hidden, Moderate for hidden items and Difficult for concealed and hidden.
    Stan: Search (4D): 2 successes
    Q: Does Stan find anything occult?
    A: False Presupposition
    Not only does he not find occult items, there are none to be found. Only holy scriptures and relics.

    Stan has made his way to the father Tillman’s office in the back rooms of St. Mark’s church. The door wasn’t locked and he looks around for anything with connections to the occult. The more he searches, the more holy books, crucifixes, relics, rosaries and bibles he finds. Not only does the priest have no connection to the occult, it is apparent that he is a devout member of the church.
    Empty handed, Stan returns to save Wade.

    Stan, Sneak out, opposed.
    Sneak (4D/3D): 3/2: Success

    Stan manages to return to the main church hall undetected.

    The instant that Stan joins with Tillman and the blustering Wade, the three pursuers encircle the detectives.
    “Detective Malkowski.” Father Tillman says. “Your partner Mr Norman here was just swearing that you weren’t here with him.”
    “You must excuse him. Sometimes he’s overzealous.” Stan replies.
    “Find what you were looking for?” The priest asks.
    “No, I was meaning to ask you about Mr Kingston’s residence. We would like to have a talk with him.” Stan responds.

    Here I made a mistake and went on with the conversation. A few lines of dialogue later I realized that the priest wouldn’t be so willing to talk. Least I could do was trace back the point and ask the question. So here goes the correct version.
    Q: Is the priest willing to disclose the information?
    A: No

    “I’m sorry detective I have to tend to my flock. You’ll excuse me.” He says and turns his back. The detective doesn’t have a chance to say anything more and the three men around them, block their path to the priest, quite rudely.
    The detectives leave, to talk to the believers outside, maybe they’ll have something to share.

    Investigation: (5D): 5+: 5 Clues and something extra.
    Q1: Does Tillman have alibi?
    A: Yes, there was an all-nighter service last night.
    Q2: Was Mr Tilton a regular member of the church?
    A: No
    Q3: Is Tillman liked by his flock?
    A: Yes
    Q4: Is Mr Kingston known to the congregation?
    A: False Presupposition
    Not only was Mr Kingston not known to the church members, they never heard that Mr Tilton had a brother.
    Q5: Is father Tillman a long time in St. Mark’s?
    A: No
    Intervention: 2: Entity Positive: Who?: Stanton
    I paused here for the night because I was tired and couldn’t think of anything, and I was so right!
    In the morning I saw to it with a fresh new approach, and decided that a religious lady gave Stanton a blessed crucifix for protection as thanks for looking after Mr Tilton’s death.

    The detectives manage to gather a lot of statements from the flock. Father Tillman has an alibi for last night, as he was in the church doing a night service. Father Tillman is a fresh addition to the St Mark’s, but he is well liked and devout. Mr Tilton wasn’t a regular member, and no one has heard about him having any sort of brother.
    As the detectives present their occupation to a young woman, she removes a small silver crucifix in a chain from her neck and puts it in Stan’s hands. “Thank you for your service detective. To protect you from whoever hurt Mr Tilton.” She smiles and leaves.

    End of the episode.
    I have the following clues so far.

    Latimer Tilton

    • Bloody knife (pending lab results)
    • Signs of struggle
    • Black goo (pending lab results)
    • Rat bites (caused post mortem)
    • Imploded brain (cause of death)
    • Burst ear drums

    Emily Browne

    • Torso wound (pending autopsy)
    • Black goo (pending lab results)
    • Occult ritual drawings

    Victim, Latimer Tilton

    • Author, bestseller
    • ~~Catholic~~, priest Pierre Tillman, attended church rarely
    • Financial differences with editor Joseph Verner
    • Affair, Emily Browne
    • Not baptized, Missing date of baptism, Minister known, Fake certificate
    • Half brother, Benjamin Kingston, no one knows him

    Victim, Emily Browne

    • Librarian, Occultist
    • Affair, Latimer Tilton

    All names have been randomly generated by donjon.

    Session Background: The investigation seems to reach some initial conclusions. I believe that the autopsy of Ms Browne and forensics evidence on the bloody knife and the black goo are what is needed to close up.
    I was really tired these past few days and I had trouble getting inspired to answer questions. Also I realized the importance of switching gears as the investigation progresses. Similar to how CRGE does it. It begins with to knowledge, proceeds with to conflict and ends with to endings. I might have to take a closer look at it. It feels wrong to mix these up in the story as it goes.
    Nevertheless, one way or another this seems to work out so far, and traps have been avoided.
    So it seems that Ms Browne was involved in some occult rituals. Did Latimer summon something with her help? Was the ritual a protection spell? Is it maybe a curse related to the tome?
    The priest seems at the clear, but he could be involved. Is he trying to hunt down the evil? Is he after the tome? Did he murder maybe Tilton or Browne because of their occult involvements? Unfortunately he and the detective aren’t at the best terms and it will be hard to interrogate him.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 11:31 pm on October 21, 2019 Permalink
    Tags:   

    A crime at the river – A weird noir fiction D6 adventure S1E04 

    Q: Does anything happen during downtime? (Unlikely)
    A: Yes
    GMA: Exchange Fraudulent Game
    This was a tough one to interpret, but here goes.

    Thursday Afternoon April 7th 1921, Arkham 3rd Precinct
    “Hey Stan!” Wade calls to his partner as he enters. “Captain wants to talk to us.”

    Captain Falkner is a tall, heavyset man with short brown hair and brown eyes. “How’s the investigation going, boys?” He asks from his chair, his fingers tied together, leaning against his desk.
    ‘Why he asks now? So early’ Stan wonders.
    “We’re progressing, Captain. Still gathering clues and statements. Looks like murder.” Stan says.
    “Yes, we have some contradictions, but we’re doing good.” Wade adds.
    “Right then, since the heavy work is done, I’ll have to reassign Wade.” The detectives look at each other.
    “I have the chief breathing down on me for assisting the feds in a gambling operation. I’ve already spared two unis, but he wants a detective.” The captain sighs, but sounds certain.
    “Captain, if you lets us close this one fast together, then I can help too with this gambling operation. We’re more effective as a team.” Stan tries to persuade the captain.

    Persuasion, opposed(4D/5D): 3/5+: Failure, and.

    “Can’t do that Malkowski. You’re on your own. You get to exchange notes today, but as of tomorrow Wade’s out.” The captain says unimpressed. “Oh and I liked your volunteering. You have one week to wrap this up, then you join in the gambling operation. Dismissed.”
    Knowing there’s no point arguing when the captain has made his mind, the detectives head over to their desks to discuss their findings.

    Wade: Investigation. On 2 successes (E) He will find the minister’s name, on 3 successes (M) he will find the date of baptism.
    Investigation (4D): 3: Moderate success.
    Q: When was the minister active?
    Roll Tilton’s age 10D: 43 y/o
    Roll how long ago the minister was active 10D: 48 years ago
    He could have baptized Tilton as a baby.
    Q: Is the minister active today?
    A: Yes, and Wade talked to him in person

    Intervention: 1: New entity
    I roll on UNE: Forthright Expert
    Q: Is it an expert on the occult?
    A: No
    Q: Is it an expert on religion?
    A: No
    Q: Is it an expert on forgeries?
    A: Yes

    Q: Has the minister never signed the certificates? (Likely)
    A: Yes, and he doesn’t know Tilton or father Tillman.

    “What do you have for me Wade?” Stan asks.
    “Remember the minister’s name on the certificate? Walker Jackson. Well, I found him. He claims he never signed the certificate and the name Latimer Tilton doesn’t ring him a bell. Oh, and get this, he doesn’t know of father Tillman either. You’d think the catholic priests of Arkham would know each other.” Wade briefs Stanton and hands him a business card. “This is the contact info of August Parker. He’s a forgery expert. I was thinking of taking the certificate to him and maybe a document with Tilton’s handwriting to check against. It’s a shot in the dark, but I have a hunch.”

    Q: Did Wade also check regarding Tillman on the church registry?
    A: No

    Stanton briefs Wade back, on his rundown with Tillman. Wade expresses curiosity. “Something is fishy. But you’ll have to find it out on your own partner.”

    At home, det. Malkowski reads Tilton’s draft notes.

    Q: Is there anything occult on the notes? (Likely)
    A: No, and the notes are too disorganized and badly written to make sense of anything.

    It’s all a bunch of notes that don’t make any sense. Stanton wonders how this man wrote a bestseller.

    Friday morning, April 8th 1921, Arkham public library
    In the morning, the detective chooses to check the library regarding the returned book receipt.

    Q: Does Emily Browne work there? (Likely)
    A: Yes
    Q: Does she help with the detective?
    A: No, and she’s not at the reception when he arrives

    Stanton arrives at the library and goes to the front desk. “Morning, could you give me this book?” He asks the librarian as he hands over the receipt and shows his badge.
    “Morning.” He nods, takes the receipt and leaves.

    Q: Is the book available? (Likely)
    A: Yes, but they can’t find it

    The librarian returns, 15 minutes later, a bleak look on his face. “I apologize detective, I can’t seem to find it, but it’s logged in as returned in our records.”
    “Could you show me the logbook?” Stan asks.

    Persuasion (4D/VE): 4/1: Success

    “Of course” he says and brings the logbook to the detective.

    Q: Is it Browne’s signature on the receipt? (Likely)
    A: Yes

    “Can I talk to Ms Browne?” the detective asks.
    “Of course. She’s at the cultures section.” The librarian points the detective to the way.

    I’ll roll an opposed perception test to see who notices whom first.
    Perception: 4+/2

    Stan finds Ms Browne organizing some books. “Ms Browne” he says, and she turns around.

    I’ll ask UNE to see her Mood.
    I get: Sociable

    “Detective” She answers. “Have you any news on who murdered my Latimer?”
    “Not yet Ms Browne. I came because I’m looking for a book that the late Mr Tilton returned to the library. You’re supposed to have received it.” Stan replies.

    Q: Does she say that she has the book?
    A: Yes

    “Yes detective. Forgive me. I’ve not put it back in place. I have some weird attachment to it. Reminds me of Latimer. I’ll get it for you. I’ve kept it in a drawer at my desk here.” She leaves and returns quickly with a big tome. “The Enchiridion of Bilamma. I’ll check it out to you.” She adds.
    “Ms Browne” The detective finds the opportunity for some further inquiries. “Did you know of any siblings of Mr Tilton?”

    Q: Does she say she knows Benjamin Kingston?
    A: No, and she is adamant Latimer was an only child.

    “We’ve been together six whole months detective, and we were close. If Latimer had any siblings I would have known. He was an only child.” She informs Stan.
    “How about his relationship with Mr Verner, his editor?” Stan asks.

    Q: Does she say that Tilton’s relationship with Verner was good?
    A: No, and she didn’t like him.
    I get an intervention here.
    Intervention: 1: New entity.
    I roll on UNE: docile professor.
    Q: Does the new entity appear?
    A: No, and she’s referred only.
    Donjon: Marian Taylor, female author.
    I decide to ask if this intervention appears here. Not sure I made the right choice. Looking at it afterwards, I could have avoided UNE altogether and went with someone following the detective or Ms Browne. Now it’s a plain reference with not much of a story value.

    “Verner is a sleazy weasel. Latimer gave him a bestseller. Until then all he had was Marian Taylor, that failure of an author. Despite that, he didn’t give Latimer his fair share . Latimer should be living in a mansion not a stinky houseboat.” Emily is roused up at the sound of Verner’s name.
    “Thank you Ms Browne. I will let you to your job” Stan finishes up the conversation.
    “Just bring justice detective.” She says, and Stanton leaves.

    Now it occurred to me that the tome could be the main objective. Maybe Latimer was killed over the book. So, I have Stanton return, to ask…

    ‘What if…’ the detective thinks and rushes back inside to find Ms Browne.
    “Detective?” she seems surprised to see him again.
    Stan catches his breath. “Ms Browne, has anyone asked about this tome, before or after Mr Tilton’s passing?”

    Q: Does Ms Browne recall anyone asking about the tome? (Likely)
    A: False Presupposition

    “I wouldn’t know detective. Reception handles requests. I only organize and deliver.” She answers.
    “Thank you.” he bids himself goodbye, and heads to the reception.

    “Did you find what you were looking for detective?” The librarian asks.
    “Has anyone else asked for this book in the past months? Primarily while it was rented out to Mr Tilton.” Stan asks.
    “We don’t write these down.” The librarian replies.
    “Could you please try to remember?” Stan persists.

    Q: Does the librarian remember anything? (Unlikely)
    A: No

    “I’m sorry detective. It doesn’t ring a bell.” The librarian displeases Stan.

    Friday noon, April 8th, 1921, August Parker’s office.
    Stanton rings the bell which reads “August Parker, Dr.”, and a man in his 40s with trimmed brown hair, light blue eyes and a round nose opens the door.
    “Good day, Stanton Malkowski, Detective, Arkham PD” Stan says as he shows his badge. “Dr. Parker I presume?”
    “That I am.” Dr. Parker answers. “May I ask what this is about?”
    “Your expertise Dr. I would like you to check some documents. My partner Wade Norman referred you.” Stan says.

    “Come in.” He leads the way to his desk. Stan provides the baptism certificate and a draft of Tilton’s notes to Dr. Parker.
    “This certificate is questionable, and I also brought a handwriting example to check against.”
    Dr. Parker starts checking the document under many different magnifying glasses, and lenses of different colors.

    Forgery (5D/M): 4+/3: Success, and some additional information
    Q: Is the certificate a fake? (Likely)
    A: Yes
    Q: Is the forgery recent? (Likely)
    A: Yes
    Q: Does the handwriting match Tilton’s
    A: Yes, but the expert can’t be certain

    After careful examination, the Dr. finally turns to Stan. “See, this is definitely a fake. The pressure on the signature feels forced, and the ink has puddled in certain places where the forger didn’t feel certain about the next curve. In addition, the background printing has been phased out of use for baptism certificates at least 30 years, but the paper is new, feels like it hasn’t aged more than a few months.”
    “Does the writing match?” Stan asks.
    “They’re both right handed, but that’s about all I can say, since the forger was imitating a different style.” Dr. Parker replies.
    “Thank you doctor.” Stan takes his leave.

    Q: Does anything happen in the downtime?
    A: No, and it’s unlikely anything will happen in tomorrow’s downtime

    Saturday, April 9th, 1921
    Stanton starts spending time reading The Enchiridion of Bilamma
    He also decides to look at the yellow pages for Benjamin Kingston, Mr Tilton’s supposed half-brother.

    Q: Does he find Benjamin Kingston’s address in the yellow pages?
    A: False presupposition

    As he goes to the nearest booth, he finds that the yellow pages are missing. Next one the same, and the one after that as well. He decides not to walk the entire Arkham to find the yellow pages and wait until Monday to check the registry office records.

    Q: Does anything happen during the downtime? (Unlikely)
    A: Yes
    Q: Is he being followed?
    A: No (at least that he knows of)
    Q: Does he meet anyone?
    A: False presupposition
    A: He stays home and noone comes during the night.
    Q: Is there an attack?
    A: Yes
    Q: Is it on Emily? (Likely)
    A: Yes, and she’s hurt
    Q: Is she dead?
    A: Yes
    Intervention: 5: Regress plot.

    Sunday early morning, April 10th, 1921
    Stan wakes up from the heavy knock on his door, almost a thud.
    Armed, and still sleepy, he reaches for the door handle, when he hears a familiar voice.
    “Put your gun away, and get dressed.”
    “Wade?” He says as he opens the door to find his partner waiting for him. “Thought you were on gambling duty.” He mocks.
    “Got pulled back. Ms Browne was found dead.” Wade answers.
    “Shit.” Stan says and starts getting dressed as fast as he can. He throws some water on his face to wake up quickly.

    I will draw a GMA portent here for the intervention. Strengthen diabolical tension.

    “Oh, also had a talk with the captain. He’s not happy about how you pulled a gun on the priest. The priest isn’t off-limits yet, but we should tread carefully.” Wade talks to Stan as he gets ready.
    “Did you snitch on me?” Stan jokes.
    “Nah, I would like to, but the priest didn’t sit quite well on my stomach either. Don’t know how he found out.” Wade replies honestly, and they enter the car to drive to the crime scene.
    “Shit. I wanted to go to Sunday’s service today. Get a read on the priest and his congregation. Maybe the so-called half brother is there too.” Stan tells Wade.
    “It’s still early, maybe we can drop ourselves there after the crime scene. We should keep our distance though.” Wade proposes.
    Stan agrees, and sits quietly on his thoughts during the drive.

    End of the episode.
    I have the following clues so far.

    • Bloody knife (pending lab results)
    • Signs of struggle
    • Black goo (pending lab results)
    • Rat bites (caused post mortem)
    • Imploded brain (cause of death)
    • Burst ear drums

    Victim, Latimer Tilton

    • Author, bestseller
    • ~~Catholic~~, priest Pierre Tillman
    • Financial differences with editor Joseph Verner
    • Affair, Emily Browne
    • Atheist?, not baptized, Missing date of baptism, Minister known, Fake certificate
    • Half brother, Benjamin Kingston

    Victim, Emily Browne

    • Librarian, Occultist
    • Affair, Latimer Tilton

    Threads

    • Next of kin, Half brother
    • Editor – Financial differences
    • Church – Ask fellow members, baptism forgery
    • Riverside
    • Occult dealings – Browne involved, the Enchiridion of Bilamma

    Session Background: The plot thickens further. Was Latimer killed for the tome? Was he killed for his occult dealings? Or did he mess with forces beyond his control that he didn’t understand?
    Maybe the murder of Ms Browne will shed some light, until the results from the lab come back, if the evidence wasn’t destroyed.
    Is father Tillman legit?
    Stan gets his partner back just in time, since he would be way over his head with a second murder.
    I find that Recluse fits in perfectly to this type of solo game. I can even allow myself to be a bit biased in my questions since a False presupposition result can overrule me!
    It was a big session for me and I was tired in the end and may have done a mistake or two here and there. I know I should have stopped earlier, to keep the mind fresh, but I wanted to find out what happens so I kept on going.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 3:48 pm on October 19, 2019 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    A crime at the river – A weird noir fiction D6 adventure S1E03 

    I’ve just stumbled upon a new Oracle engine, Recluse. It’s really simple, like MUNE, but it also has a twist regarding presuppositions, which can be really interesting.
    So from now, I will be using Recluse but keeping the Interventions and TWENE from MUNE. I will increase the intervention count to 5, since more dice are rolled.
    Now, on to the game session:

    Q: Does anything happen during downtime? (Likely)
    A: Yes, but it will be Unlikely tomorrow
    Q: Is it murder?
    A: No, and no one is killed
    Q: Is it an attack?
    A: Yes
    Q: Is it an attack on Stan?
    A: No
    Intervention!: 5: Regress plot
    Let’s see what the intervention is about.
    Q: Is evidence stolen? (Likely)
    A: False Presupposition
    Wow, a tough one. So evidence could not have been stolen because it’s not there in the first place…there was a fire in the lab!
    Q: Is the forensics lab destroyed? (Likely)
    A: No, and the fire was controlled

    Thursday morning, April 7th 1921, Arkham 3rd Precinct
    Stan is greeted by Wade. “Good morning Wade.” He says.
    “Morning.” He replies as he offers him a cup of coffee, black, no sugar. “How do you drink this stuff? It will kill you.”
    Stan smiles. “What’s new?”
    “Can’t sweeten the news. There was a fire down at the forensics lab. No one was hurt, but evidence may be lost.”
    “Crap” Stan mutters as he takes a sip, trying to get a grip on the news.
    “Thing is we won’t know the extent of the damage for a few days. They will need to sort out things down there, find out how it happened and everything.” Wade adds.
    “Anyone hurt?” Stan asks lighting a cigarette.
    “No, no one, thankfully.” Wade replies.
    “So, what did you find on Mr. Tilton? Was he a catholic?” Stan asks on the case.

    Q: Did Wade find a baptism certificate?
    A: Yes, but it’s validity is controversial
    Q: Was he baptized recently?
    A: False Presupposition
    Another twist! I decide that most likely we don’t know if he was baptized and when… the date is unknown

    “See, I found a certificate. Names and everything, but the date was missing from the document.” He pauses. “Only lead I have is the minister’s name. I’ll have to go to church records and see what I can find. How about you? Is the autopsy complete?”
    Stanton fills in Wade on the autopsy results.
    “I’ll finish some paperwork and head back to the houseboat. Maybe something he wrote will give us another angle. Ms Browne made it known that his beliefs were important to him. You follow the church lead and we catch up later.” Stan proposes and Wade agrees.

    Thursday noon, April 7th 1921, Arkham Riverside, Tilton Houseboat

    Stanton will roll a perception to see if he notices anything prior to searching the boat.
    Perception (4D/M): 3/3: Success
    Q: Does Stan find anyone there? (Unlikely)
    A: Yes, and it’s someone he met before.
    Wow didn’t see this coming. So it must be Browne/Verner/Tillman
    I roll Tillman, the priest
    Q: Is the priest already inside?
    A: Yes, but he isn’t aware of Stan

    Stanton arrives at the houseboat, to find the door ajar. Instinctively he draws his .38 and enters with caution.
    Inside he finds the catholic priest, Pierre Tillman, his back turned to the detective.

    I want to know what does the priest seem to be doing, so I’ll draw a random event from GMA, and get exchange relative. So perhaps he is looking to switch something? Something about a relative? I’ll see soon how it fits.

    The priest is holding a book in his hands, and is searching around the desk, picking up things and putting them back.
    “Father Tillman?” The detective asks, his gun pointed at the priest.

    Now I want to know how the priest will react. Flee/Attack/Talk. I give the glee option only a 1 on 1d6, since it’s the least likely. He doesn’t want to look guilty (even if he is, I don’t know) and have the police after him. Attacking (if guilty of course) on a 2-3 since the detective is armed, but the priest would be able to get away without anyone knowing about him (still, if guilty), and Talk on a 4+, since it’s the most likely whether he’s guilty or not.
    I roll, and get a 5, he will talk.

    Startled, Father Tillman, stands for a moment motionless, looking at the detective, gazing at the gun’s barrel.

    I have no idea what the priest will say, so I will use UNE to get the NPC mood, besting and discussion focus.
    Neutral mood, Bearing: Scheming arrangement, Focus: Family

    “Don’t shoot me detective.” The priest finally says.
    Stanton lowers his gun, but doesn’t put it away just yet.
    “What are you doing here father?” He asks. His annoyance clear in the tone of his voice.
    “Please, let me explain. I am here to make arrangements for the funeral. The family would have wanted something personal of Mr Tilton for the service.” He explains.
    “What family? I thought Mr Tilton had no next of kin?” Stan asks quite aggressively.

    Q: Does the priest say there is family?
    A: Yes, and it’s a half sibling. I roll a half brother.

    “Ah Yes, I understand the confusion. Mr Tilton had a half brother, from his mothers side. It was a bastard child, before she married Mr Tilton senior, and they don’t share the same name.” The priest explains, still gazing at the gun, worried.
    Stanton wants to press on and ask about Tilton’s piety and devotion, but he doesn’t want to alert the priest if he’s involved in any way. Instead, he asks “What is this brother’s name?”
    “It’s Benjamin Kingston. Please, will you put the firearm away?” The priest pleads.
    Stanton holsters the revolver. “This is an active crime scene father. Do not return until the case is closed.” He escorts the priest outside. “Oh, and stay around, we may have more questions.”

    As soon as he is left alone, Stanton proceeds to search the houseboat for his original purpose.

    Search for “We are our end” (4D/E): 3+/1: Success, and he finds something more.
    Q: Does he also find an occult tome?
    A: False Presupposition
    So there is no book or tome to be found, but a library receipt about one.
    Now to the initial search result which was successful.
    Q: Is there a copy of Tilton’s bestseller?
    A: Yes
    Search for “Occult notes and new book draft” (4D/M): 3/3: Success
    Q: Are there occult notes and a draft of Tilton’s manuscript?
    A: Yes

    Stanton searches and finds a copy of Tilton’s bestseller, as well as a draft manuscript of some chapters of Tilton’s new book, alongside with some occult notes. In a drawer, he finds a library receipt regarding a book. He will have to visit the library to find out what it was.

    End of the episode.
    I have the following clues so far.

    • Bloody knife
    • Signs of struggle
    • Black goo
    • Rat bites
    • Imploded brain
    • Burst ear drums

    Victim, Latimer Tilton

    • Author, bestseller
    • Catholic, priest Pierre Tillman
    • Financial differences with editor Joseph Verner
    • Affair, Emily Browne
    • Atheist, not baptized? Missing date of baptism, Minister known
    • Half brother, Benjamin Kingston

    Threads

    • Next of kin – Half brother
    • Editor – Financial differences
    • Church – Ask fellow members
    • Riverside
    • Occult dealings – Browne involved

    Session Background: I’m having so much fun. Using the Recluse Oracle, was the right choice!
    I mean, okay, sometimes I may spend like 5 minutes trying to answer the False Presupposition, but it’s worth it. There is so much surprise and twists to be had, and it can totally cancel what my biased GM story had in mind.
    The story has evolved with further threads, and a regression which will make it harder to get results soon. There is going be a lot of old fashioned police work until the detective reaches a definite conclusion.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 4:21 pm on October 17, 2019 Permalink
    Tags:   

    A crime at the river – A weird noir fiction D6 adventure S1E02 

    I just realized (as a player) that I never asked who called in the crime!
    A crucial part of the timeline and a potential witness!

    “Who found the corpse?” Stan asks Wade as they drive back.
    “Huh?” Wade’s daydreaming is cut short.
    “Latimer! Who found him?” Stan repeats, somewhat annoyed at his partner.
    Wade brings out his notepad.

    I turned to donjon here and rolled 1d10 on the list of NPCs.

    “An Emily Browne. She was pretty shaken. Couldn’t get a word of her. She’s to come to the precinct for a statement tomorrow morning.”
    “Who took her initial statement?” Stan asks.
    “Some uni, rookie. She didn’t say anything. That’s why I told her to come tomorrow. She needs to calm down a bit.” Wade explains.

    The detectives return to the precinct to fill in their paperwork for the day, and head home when their shift is over.

    Q: Does anything of importance occur during the downtime?
    A: No but, it will be likely for the next such roll tomorrow.

    April 6th 1921, Arkham 3rd Precinct
    Found out that this datr corresponds to Wednesday.

    Wednesday morning

    Emily Browne is sitting in a chair across the room. She has a narrow face, bobbed blond hair and sharp gray eyes. She wears a basque dress and a red scarf.
    “Need some coffee Miss?” Wade asks. “Tea? To calm your nerves?”
    “My nerves are just fine detective. Coffee and tea can’t erase what I saw from my memory.” She snaps.
    Stan and Wade exchange looks ‘someone still has a mood’ they think.
    “Mind answering a few questions then?” Stan interjects.
    “I’m here Mr Policeman, ain’t I?” She mocks.
    “Alright. Did you know the victim?” Stan continues.

    Q: Does she say she knows him?
    A: Yes, and, they had an affair

    “If I knew him? I loved the poor bastard. My Latimer was one of a kind. Oh that kind of his. What a spirit! I could go hours just talking to him. But now he’s gone and you’re nowhere near his killer, otherwise you wouldn’t be pestering me.” She expresses herself.
    “You have a unique way of expressing your sorrow Ms Browne. If you don’t mind me asking. How did you and Mr Tilton become acquainted?” Stan presses.

    I’m using GMA and get beguile superstition. Also donjon had given an occultist as occupation for Emily, so I can use that.

    She looks Stan in the eye. “Latimer wantef am expert on the occult for his next book. He came to the library were I work and started asking about my favorite topics. I still remember the spark on his face when I showed him to the occult section.”
    “I thought Mr Tilton was a devout catholic.” Wade doubts her statement.

    Perception (Opposed): 1-/3: Fail. Can’t tell if she’s hiding something, and she’s aware of how the detectives are noticing her body language.
    Q: Was Latimer devout according to Emily?
    A: No, and he wasn’t even baptized.

    Emily bursts in laughter. “Latimer? Devout Christian? He wasn’t even baptized! You haven’t even bothered to read his book, have you? If you did, you’d know better.”
    ‘Someone’s lying’ Stan thinks.
    “And what were his beliefs Ms Browne?” Wade asks annoyed by her laughter.
    “Pfft. Read his book. Show him at least this courtesy.” She scoffs.
    “Ms Browne, it is you who called the police. What happened? When did you find him like that? Or was he alive and you witnessed his murder as you say?” Stan changes the subject.

    Persuasion (Opposed): 2/2: Success
    Q: According to Emily was Latimer alive when she found him?
    A: No, but the body was still warm

    Emily takes a deep breath. “Yesterday morning I came to his houseboat. I was calling but no one answered. I entered the mess to find a swarm of rats on top of him.” Her voice breaks. “I screamed and kicked them away. Tried to find a pulse but couldn’t, even though his body was still warm. I ran and called for help.” She cries.
    “We were just together last evening. He sent me to my home as he wanted to work on his book.” She sobs.
    Stan offers her a handkerchief. “Thank you miss Browne. We have enough to go on.”
    “Just find out who did it!” She cried as she is escorted outside.

    As soon as he is outside, the detectives discuss the case. “Who’s lying? The girl or the priest?” Wade wonders out loud.
    “Or the deceased.” Stan adds. “I’d like to talk to the congregation, but it’s a few days until Sunday.”
    “Right. Let’s go check riverside again. Maybe someone saw or heard something.” Wade proposes.
    They drive off back to where the houseboat is.

    Noon, Wednesday, April 6th 1921, Arkham Riverside

    For the weather I will use GMA elements, I get air. It’s windy.

    The wind is blowing down the riverside, ripping at the detectives faces.

    Q: Are there other boats near Tilton’s houseboat?
    A: No
    Stanton will also make a Moderate investigation roll to see if there is possibility for someone to have seen something.
    Investigation: 2/3: Fail
    So nothing there. Last chance, are there any houses nearby?
    Q: Are there houses nearby?
    A: Yes, but they seem abandoned.
    Nada, nothing. Wow even when biased, sometimes there is nothing there.

    They look at the empty pier and the abandoned buildings and don’t even bother to knock.
    Wade turns to Stan. “Hey, the chief doesn’t pay us to fool around. Let’s head back. Drop me off at the registry office. I’ll check if there is a baptism certificate for Tilton.”
    Stan nods. “I’ll go to the morgue. See if there is any progress on the autopsy.”

    Arkham morgue

    Q: Is autopsy complete?
    A: Yes.
    Q: Is the coroner good at his job?
    A: Yes, and he’s the best in Arkham
    I decide that the particular autopsy has a Very Difficult TN, due to the rat bites all over.
    Coroner: 6D (among the best in the city): 6+/5: Success and he found something more.

    The coroner takes a good look at the detective entering the morgue and then returns his attention to the paperwork on top of his desk. The sign on the desk reads ‘Dr. Solomon Perry.’
    He has short gray hair and gray eyes, and is wearing a white robe.
    “Haven’t finished my report yet Malkowski.” He says without lifting his gaze.
    “Come on Dr. I know you are intrigued. You can’t sit on such a case for long. Give me what you’ve got.” Stan presses.

    Persuasion (E): 3+/2: Success and he will be extra informative

    Doctor Solomon Perry smiles. “Mr. Latimer Tilton, right?”.

    To determine the cause of death, I will draw a GMA card and use all the sensual attributes as a portent. Have no idea how limited or randomizing this may be. So I draw:
    Wet, meaty thump
    Blood stains
    Deep throbbing headache
    Damp wretched air

    “Never seen anything like it before. It’s as if his brain imploded. The ear drums are burst, and the brain a big bloody mess.” The coroner says.
    “So, some sort of stroke?” Stan asks.
    “More like the opposite. Weird thing is I couldn’t find any concussion to the head. No blunt force trauma. Maybe whoever killed him made a concurrent palm strike to both his ears. I’ve heard of wrestlers that can do such feats. Never heard of someone dying of it though.” The coroner explains.
    “So it’s homicide then.” Stan concludes.
    “It certainly isn’t natural causes or suicide.” The doctor raises an eyebrow. “Also I found this“.

    Q: In the ear? (Likely)
    A: No, but elsewhere on the head…in the nose!
    Q: Is it black goo? (Likely)
    A: Yes

    He lifts a capped vial with a black oily goo-like substance. Similar to what Stanton had found in the crime scene. “His nose was clogged by this stuff.”
    “What is it?” Stan asks.
    “No idea.” He shrugs. “But it smells like shit. I will send it later to the chemistry lab for identification. See if they can make out what it is.”
    Stanton lights a cigarette. He takes a deep puff. “Thank you doctor.” He says and leaves the morgue.

    End of the episode.
    I have the following clues so far.

    • Bloody knife
    • Signs of struggle
    • Black goo
    • Rat bites
    • Imploded brain
    • Burst ear drums

    Victim, Latimer Tilton

    • Author, bestseller
    • Catholic, priest Pierre Tillman
    • Financial differences with editor Joseph Verner
    • Affair, Emily Browne
    • Atheist, not baptized

    Threads

    • Next of kin
    • Editor – Financial differences
    • Church – Ask fellow members
    • Riverside

    Session Background: What a plot twist! Just when I thought I had a hypothesis, there are contradicting witnesses.
    I really like how everything is not certain. I expected to have found someone in the riverside to ask what happened (even biased the questions to the Oracle), but it was a definite no.
    I just hope this randomness doesn’t turn to bite me in the back, if the plot won’t add up in the end.
    So many possible threads now. Is Latimer a victim of an occult spell? Did Emily do it? Did the priest? Is he the victim of a brawny wrestler or a creature of the deep? Unfortunately there is a small metagaming aspect here. I know that the occult is possible, while my protagonist yet doesn’t. That doesn’t mean of course that there are unnatural forces at work here, it’s just a possibility that shouldn’t be player knowledge.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 7:57 am on October 15, 2019 Permalink | Reply
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    A crime at the river – A weird noir fiction D6 adventure S1E01 

    I’m beginning to formulate some rules on how the closure of the crime case will be resolved (if we get there). I’ll be gathering clues, plot items and events, and connecting them, and use them to count a score. When the case is ready to be closed, depending on the score a roll is made and maybe the true perpetrator has been caught or maybe not.

    On to the session now.

    Noon April 5th, 1921, Arkham, 5th Precinct
    Back at the precinct, Stan heads over to forensics. He hands over the knife to the uniform on duty. “Pull off prints if you can.”
    “It still has blood on it!” The young man exclaims.
    “All the more reason to check it.” Stan replies.
    “Yes, sir. Anyone you want me to check it against?” He asks.
    “A Latimer Tilton. We’re expecting him at the coroner’s in a few.” Stan says and heads back upstairs.

    He goes to his desk. Wade is already across the room at his own desk, in a phone call.
    He hangs up. “Just spoke with the registry office.”
    “And? Next of kin?” Stan asks.

    Q: Are there any next of kin? (Likely)
    A: No. (Wow).

    “Poor fella had no one. Bachelor. Folks had passed away long ago. No siblings.” Wade informs Stan.
    Stan, frustrated breaks a match in his fingers. “You said he was an author right?”
    Wade nods. “Let’s talk to his editor. He may know something.” Wade nods again. “Let me make some calls.” He says agreeing to Stan.

    Q: Does Wade find the editor’s contact info? (Likely)
    A: Yes, and he’s also available for a meeting right now.

    A while later, Stan is interrupted from his coffee and cigarette break, by Wade, coat in hand. “Let’s go. Found him. Joseph Verner. He’s Tilton’s editor. He says we can meet him at his office now.”

    They take the service car and 15 minutes later they are at the address.
    They enter a small office at the 3rd floor of an apartments building. The glass panel on the door has a sign that reads “Verner Editions”.
    They are greeted by a middle aged man with a round face, trimmed silver hair and large amber eyes, wearing a dark suit.
    “Welcome detectives.” He says with a lisp. “How may I be of assistance? Over the phone you didn’t tell me what it was about.”
    “Mr. Verner. I am detective Stanton Malkowski and this is my partner Wade Norman. You are the editor of ‘We are our end’ is that correct?” Stan asks.

    Q: Is it a successful book?
    A: Yes, and it’s Verner’s bestseller.

    “Our bestseller? Of course.” Joseph says and his eyes light up.
    “And what about your relationship with Mr. Tilton?” Stan presses.

    Opposed Perception roll, to read the face of Verner as the detective asks him questions.
    Stan: Perception: 2+/2 Success and he manages to know if he truly is hiding something or not.
    Q: Is Joseph truthful?
    A: Yes, and he has nothing to hide.
    Intervention!: New entity. I will roll on donjon.
    Q: Was Joseph’s relationship with Latimer good?
    A: No

    Joseph’s face darkens. “Look, we have our differences. I invested money from my savings to publish his book exactly as he wanted, and in turn I gave him a smaller share of the profits. When it became such a huge success he accused me of ripping him off. Which of course isn’t true. Why? What about him? Is he in trouble? I won’t forgive myself if…”

    Donjon: NPC: Pierre Tillman , Clergyman

    Mr. Verner is interrupted as the door opens and a catholic priest enters the office. He has a narrow face, with trimmed red hair and narrow eyes. He is wearing dark rimmed glasses and a priests collar.

    “Father Tillman.” Joseph says. “These detectives were asking about Latimer”.
    “Do you know Mr. Tillman, father?” Wade asks.

    Opposed Perception: 3/3: Success
    Q: Does Tillman appear shaken?
    A: No, but Stan can’t be certain.

    “Why, Yes, he’s a member of our congregation. Is he alright?” The priest asks.
    “I’m afraid he’s dead.” Stan drops the bomb.

    Q: Is Joseph shaken?
    A: No, but he’s not completely cool either.

    “God bless his soul. How did he pass?” Pierre asks.
    “It’s an ongoing investigation and we can’t discuss any details. Do you know if anyone might have wanted to harm him?” Stan inquires.

    Q: Does Joseph know/say something?
    A: No
    Q: Does Pierre know/say something?
    A: Yes, but he’s reluctant to share.

    Joseph shakes his head. “No. Latimer was a quiet fella. Kept to himself. His book May be radical, but we had no threats whatsoever.”
    “I wish I could help you detectives, but I have nothing.” The priest adds.
    “Well… in case you remember anything.” Wade gives them each a business card and Joseph sees them out.

    End of the episode.
    I have the following clues so far.

    • Bloody knife
    • Signs of struggle
    • Black goo
    • Rat bites

    Victim, Latimer Tilton

    • Author, bestseller
    • Catholic, priest Pierre Tillman
    • Financial differences with editor Joseph Verner

    Threads

    • Next of kin – Dead End
    • Editor – Financial differences
    • Church – Ask fellow members
    • Riverside – Ask for witnesses

    Session Background: First time playing an investigation solo, and I really like it so far. I’m quite happy with the mechanics chosen, but it’s really early to say for sure. If you are interested in my draft crime case mechanics here is a temporary link.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 12:37 am on October 14, 2019 Permalink | Reply
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    A crime at the river – A weird noir fiction D6 adventure S1E00 

    I have just started a D6 sandbox horror/thriller adventure in weird fiction (not necessarily Cthulhu Mythos) 1920s Arkham.
    It’s my first attempt at an investigation/horror solo play, and I have no idea how it will turn out.

    I will be using my custom homebrew D6 game system. I’m keeping with the success levels of my Star Wars campaign.
    I was about to use the D6 Adventure stats, but I found them imbalanced for my game style, just like the D6 Fantasy and MiniSix ones.
    So instead I will be using the Star Wars D6 system, modified for the 1920s era in terms of skills, and equipment (e.g damage).

    For certain I’m keeping the ‘clues’ (Oracle questions) per number of success on generic investigation, knowledge or search rolls.

    I will be using a homebrew rule for insanity. Whenever there is an event that may toggle insanity, the character has to roll willpower against a TN dependent on the event. If the character fails, they gain an Insanity Point (similar to Dark Side Points) and roll on the respective chart to gain a trait. On six points, the character is lost forever. Regaining sanity is really hard but not impossible. The character would have to undertake a journey in cultures that strengthen the mind and the spirit. A trip that would be an adventure of its own.

    I want to see if I can interweave the dark side traits to the horror concept of the game, playing between reality or not. I have some ideas in mind, but I need to put them in writing before testing them.

    I will be using GMA, MUNE and donjon as well as other tools on demand.

    So, here’s a draft of my protagonist, Stanton Malkowski

    Opening scene

    Morning April 5th 1921, Arkham, Riverside
    Stanton Malkowski was leaning over the dead body in front of him. He was trying to find the cause of death before the crew would bag the corpse and send it to the coroner, but the extensive chewing by the river rats didn’t make his job any easier.
    Dying on a houseboat meant that the Rattus Norwegicus would feast on fresh meat within moments of the owner’s demise.
    “Stan!” His partner, Wade Norman was growing impatient. “Come on, let’s wrap it up. Let the coroner have at it.”
    “2 more minutes Wade. 2 fucking minutes.” Stan replies and lights a cigarette.

    Stan: Investigation: Crime Scene: 3 successes.
    He gets 3 Oracle answers on clues.
    Q: Is there any wound visible apart from the rat bites?
    A: No, but, maybe there will be something the coroner will find out.
    Q: Is there any sign of struggle?
    A: Yes
    Q: Is there any weapon in the scene?
    A: Yes
    The three clues have been answered, but now I need filler on the weapon.
    Q: What weapon? (1-2 Firearm, 3-4 Blade, 5-6 Other)
    A: Blade, a knife
    Q: Is it bloody?
    A: Yes

    Stan notices, the torn curtains and unhinged cabinets in the small boat kitchen, that is the crime scene. “There was a fight.” He says to Wade as he puffs out smoke.
    “Or he had a heart attack, and took them down as he fell.” Wade counters.
    “I doubt these give heart attacks.” Stan says, as he picks a bloody knife from the corner, with his handkerchief.
    “Smart ass.” Wade scoffs. “Could be his though. He may have hurt his attacker.” He adds.

    Stan searches for any blood trails.
    Stan: Search: 3+: Success, and he finds something else as well. (Implementing my +/- mechanic).
    Q: Is there any blood trail?
    A: No, and there are no blood stains either.

    Stan looks around for blood, but he doesn’t find anything. Only some weird black goo, that he could have mistaken for oil, if it didn’t have a putrid smell, which leads towards the water.

    Stan: Sanity (VE): Willpower: 4/1: Success.

    Disgusted, Stan returns back to Wade. “If he hurt his attacker, he didn’t bleed on board. Otherwise this blood’s his.” He pauses. “Alright, tell them to take him. Oh, found out what’s his name?”
    “Houseboat belongs to a Latimer Tilton, author by the looks of it. Wrote a book titled “We are our end.” Wade answers.
    “Didn’t have you for a bookworm Wade.” Stan teases.
    “Piss off. Saw them piled in his bedroom. Doubt they’re worth a read.” Wade says.
    “Okay we’re done here. Let’s get back to the precinct to start digging and notify next of kin.” Stan says heading out.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 10:19 am on October 8, 2019 Permalink | Reply
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    Assault on Vespin Tower: A Hackmaster adventure in MERP 

    I’ve always wanted to play the Middle Earth Role Playing game (aka MERP) by Iron Crown Enterprises (ICE). Thing is, when I bought the books back in the ’90s I never got a chance to play it. So now that I discovered solo RP, it’s my chance to enjoy it.

    A little background first. MERP was released back when ICE had gotten the rights from Tolkien enterprises. It uses a slim version of the Rolemaster system and has a limit of 10 levels, serving as an entry point to the Rolemaster books.
    It’s a skill and level based system with professions. Resolution is done with d100 roll over mechanics, so it doesn’t suffer from BRP’s systems being broken at high skill levels.
    There are lots of tables to resolve combat, critical hits, spells, fumbles, social interactions, moving maneuvers, static maneuvers, wilderness encounters, herbs, poisons and diseases, even weather and precipitation tables.
    Character generation is pretty complicated. It can take you more than 30 minutes to create a custom character, and that is without spending time on background and personality.
    As you understand the system is dense and crunchy. It can slow you down while playing, but again that depends on expectations. In this effort I don’t want to resolve actions in seconds, but to have a more vibrant world, and using the input from these tables may be just enough to colorize the solo story. The story will be slower, but denser. At least that’s my expectation.

    Since I want to test if the system is to my liking I won’t be running it sandbox yet. I read through the Trollshaws sample adventures in the book, but I think it’s a bit on the deadly side for starting level characters. So I turned to a very simple sample adventure from Hackmaster basic. It’s called Assault on Vespin Tower. I won’t be indulging in details yet to avoid spoilers, but it’s really a 1-1/2-scene adventure. So it sounds perfect to start there. Plus it can fit in the MERP world, somewhere in Eriador I think.

    For characters, I won’t be spending hours on chargen. Instead, I will be rolling on three random choices of the 16 preset characters in the book. So, the toughest thing will be to find a way to fit them all in an adventuring party. Another cool thing about the preset characters is that the book includes tables (I’ve said that MERP has tables right?) for each level of progression. So if you don’t want to spend time choosing how they will advance, what skill choices to make, etc, you just look up the table.

    Overall I believe it’s going to be a nice change from the D6 system that has dice pools, since I will switching all those dice with a single pair of d10s. I’m certain that the time I will save from counting successes or adding numbers will be spent on looking up tables and adding modifiers!

    For the Oracle, I am keeping MUNE and for the scene setup, the modified MUNE I describe here.

    For random name and setting generation I am using donjon
    For the town/keep map generation I am using watabou medieval fantasy city map generator
    For NPC portraits I will be using dmheroes fantasy portrait generator.

    So a roll on the sample characters. I get the following:

    Camthalion, a Sindar Elf Warrior. He’s good with a bow, knows some spells, carries a sword and doesn’t wear armor. He wants to find what happened to his dead twin brother.

    Dwalin, a Dwarf Scout. He’s armed with mace and shield and wears chain armor. He wants to help recover a mythical dragon-slaying hammer. For know, he wants to travel and get experience.

    Leòwyn, a Rohirim Shield Maiden. She’s armed with sword and shield and wears armor. She is riding a horse. She wants to find the murderer of her lover.

    Now, apart of Dwalin, the other two backgrounds don’t fit directly to the story, so I decided that they will join because they need money for their adventure. Therefore, here comes the story.

    The setting

    Inhyrst

    Inhyrst Keep. It’s in north Eriador.

    I roll 1d12 for month, and I get 11: Hithui.
    I roll for chance of rain (Temperate climate) at ST-8 Weather Table: and get no rain.
    I roll for temperature and it’s around 3 Celsius (had to convert from Fahrenheit).

    For those used to my narrative/game mechanics descriptions so far, I will be doing the opposite approach to writing this time. All game mechanics and everything will be unquoted, while the story I will be narrating will be I’m quoted text. I think it makes more sense this way.

    At a cold fall day of Hithui, a young boy is ringing the bell in the town square of Inhyrst, north Eriador.
    “Hear ye, hear ye!” He shouts. “Brave souls hear the call! Investigate Vespin tower, north of Inhyrst keep and earn 10 silver! Sign up at the constable’s office!”.

    Soon after, the most weird company Inhyrst has seen in a while, has assembled. A dwarf, a blonde shield maiden and a gray elf.
    Constable Anulf watches them carefully one after the other, his thick long hair falling in front of his face.
    “Alright fellas!” He says as he brings out a document. “This is a writ, authorizing you to investigate Vespin tower, located 10 miles north. Once you have successfully completed your task, return here, to report and get your payment. Any questions?”

    Q: Who will ask?
    A: Dwalin, he has the highest Intuition.

    The dwarf, Dwalin steps forward. “Sir, what has happened that needs investigating?” He asks.
    Anulf sighs. “It’s been over a month since the tower’s previous watch disappeared. Their replacements were drinking their asses off in Vew, so we have no clue what happened. Now, sign your names under the writ, and a good luck to all of you.” He doesn’t seem to care to talk further, as if his work is done already.

    I roll for the time, it’s afternoon, 4 pm.

    I roll on the ST-10 Encounters Table. Activity Roll: 70 – Avoidance Roll 14 + 30 Due to Roads = 86. There is an e/s result which means encounter/sighting.
    I ask the Oracle:
    Q: Is it animal?
    A: Yes
    I roll on the Creatures of Middle Earth, Animals Encounter Chart and get that it’s eagles.
    Ok, they saw some eagles flying, no big deal, they move on. I won’t stop to write a text about it.

    At around 8 pm they arrive at the tower. Since its fall in northern Endor, it must be night already.

    Q: Is the scene stable?
    A: No, roll 1d8 on TWENE: Remove major element.

    So the adventure states that at night time there is a goblin (orc in our case) lookout with a crossbow at the top of the tower. Therefore I decide that instead he has taken a longer nap and hasn’t gotten up to the tower yet.

    Their travel to Vespin tower is uneventful. The dwarf and the elf march on, while Leòwyn trots on her horse slowly beside them.
    Finally they see the tower in the distance. Leòwyn dismounts and they all start a slow stealthy walk towards the tower. The 30′ high tower has no entrance. They approach to see if the rope winch that the garrison uses to get inside is available, but it’s not there.
    Camthalion turns to the party. “I will climb up the tower and tie the rope down for you to follow.” They nod in agreement and he starts his ascent.

    Climbing is a Moving Maneuver. I will follow the description of the adventure and say it’s hard to climb. Camthalion wears no armor and has a +35 MM bonus.
    Climb: 86+35=121: 90%. He climbs 9′.
    Climb: 43+35=78: 50%. He climbs 5′.
    Climb: 83+35=118: 90%. He climbs 9′.
    Climb: 84+35=119: 90%. He climbs 9′. He reaches the top in just 4 attempts.

    He ties up a 50′ rope and Leòwyn follows up.
    She is wearing her Chain armor and has a -15 MM penalty. She’s climbing with a rope, so now it’s a Medium task Moving Maneuver.
    Climb: 74-15=59: 40%. She climbs 4′.
    Climb: 08-15=-7: 5%. She climbs 0,5′.
    Climb: 39-15=24: 20%. She climbs 2′.
    Climb: 38-15=23: 20%. She climbs 2′.
    Climb: 51-15=36: 20%. She climbs 2′.
    Climb: 45-15=30: 20%. She climbs 2′.
    Climb: 29-15=14: 10%. She climbs 1′.
    Climb: 85-15=70: 50%. She climbs 5′.
    Climb: 74-15=59: 40%. She climbs 4′.
    Climb: 30-15=15: 10%. She climbs 1′.
    Climb:73-15=58: 40%. She climbs 4′.
    Climb: 05-(oh no! it’s an open ended fumble, you re-roll and add it minus)18-15=-28: Fumble! Just a few feet before reaching the top. I hope she doesn’t fall.
    I roll on the FT-4, Moving Maneuver Failure Table, with a modification -10 for being a Medium MM.
    Roll: 06-10=-4: “You hesitate and fail to act.” Phew! That was close.
    Climb: 69-15=54: 30%. She climbs 3′. She has reached the top, in 13 attempts.

    Dwalin follows. He is wearing Chain armor and has a -5 MM penalty. Since he’s using the rope as well, it’a a Medium task Moving Maneuver.
    Climb: 99+53-5 = 147: 110%. He climbs 11′. Wow an open ended upwards result.
    Climb: 66-5=61: 40%. He climbs 4′.
    Climb: 21-5=16: 10%. He climbs 1′.
    Climb: 17-5=12: 10%. He climbs 1′.
    Climb: 58-5=53: 30%. He climbs 3′.
    Climb: 74-5=69: 50%. He climbs 5′.
    Climb: 50-5=45: 30%. He climbs 2′.
    Climb: 98+72-5=165: 120%. He climbs 12′. With another open ended upwards roll, Dwalin reaches the top.

    Like a squirrel running up a tree, Camthalion free-climbs to the top of the tower. He has brought a coil of rope with him, and ties it up, so that his companions can follow.
    Leòwyn goes first. She is wearing full chain armor, and that doesn’t help at all during the climb up. Just before the top. She hesitates for a moment, worrying Camthalion and Dwalin who have waited around 2 minutes for her to get to the top, but finally, she takes her final steps, assisted with the rope and puts her feet on the tower top.
    Dwalin, brings out the renowned dwarf strength and tries to antagonize the elf, but he can’t win his time, even with the rope. He reaches the top, and Camthalion points to him the trapdoor near the edge.

    Here I should have spent some time, setting up the scene, using a grid maybe. Nevertheless I went with Theater of The Mind.
    First of all I ask The Oracle.
    Q: Is the scene stable?
    A: No, and, roll 1d10 on TWENE.
    TWENE Roll: 5: Increase major element. Instead of 3 orcs, there will be 4 orcs!.
    A side note here. MERP treats goblins and orcs as the same race, so for the goblins that the Hackmaster adventure states, I will be using orcs. I will be using the weak orc stats from ST-2 Creature Summary Table.
    The group opens the trap door, and I roll an Easy perception roll for the orcs to notice.
    Perception Roll: 65+18+20=103. From the MT-2 Static Maneuver Table, Perception & Track, I get: “You gain some information. Try again in 3 rounds.”
    I decide that this means, that they are a bit worried. Maybe they heard the trapdoor open, but they didn’t bother to check it out, as they’re still dizzy from the sleep, and eating the guard’s leg.
    Looking inside, the trio sees the four orcs, and they decide that the faster way to deal with them will be to jump down, instead of slowly walking down the ladder one by one.
    I give a Light difficulty to the Jump maneuver.
    Camthalion Jumps: 12+35= 47: 30%, activity in next round -70%.
    Leòwyn Jumps: 70-15=55: 30%, activity in next round -70%.
    Dwalin Jumps: 45-5=40: 20%, activity in next round -80%.

    Camthalion looks through the trapdoor, he notices 4 orcs below, sitting around, not doing much of anything. In the corner is a pile of mutilated corpses, probably belonging to the garrison. He draws his sword, shows 4 fingers to his teammates, and jumps down through the trapdoor. Leòwyn and Dwalin jump down armed, as well.

    Okay, so here goes my first combat in MERP. Initiative in MERP is a bit different than what we’re used. It seems derived from wargaming. Actions are resolved in the following sequence.

    1. Spells
    2. Missile Combat
    3. Moving Maneuvers
    4. Melee Combat
    5. Movement
    6. Static Maneuvers

    When two characters are in the same order, then the one with highest Moving Maneuver bonus goes first. I won’t go into details about detailed rules like opportunity actions, etc. Just giving the overall structure.
    So for this combat, Camthalion goes first, then the orcs, then Leòwyn and Dwalin last.
    The party has the penalties from the jumping, so they will go full parry instead (according to MERP rules, the Offensive Bonus can be partially or completely be turned to Defensive Bonus).
    According to ST-11 Action Table, the orcs will have a -30 penalty due to drawing their weapons. I’m going to give Orc1 a spear, and the rest Short Swords.

    I’m going to present the results in a table

    Round 1

    AttackerTargetRollOBDB(-)OtherTotalResultCritical/Fumble
    CamthalionOrc167025-70 due to previous activity-28No hit 
    Orc1Camthalion93525+23-30 due to unsheathing,-5,+10 using spear 2H-29No hit 
    Orc2Leòwyn823540+38-30 due to unsheathing, -10 Short Sword vs Chain-1No hit 
    Orc3Dwalin443530+51-30 due to unsheathing, -10 Short Sword vs Chain-42No hit 
    Orc4Camthalion623525-30 due to unsheathing, +10 Short Sword vs No armor52No hit 
    LeòwynOrc2231525-70 due to previous activity-57No hit 
    DwalinOrc310025-80 due to previous activity-95No hit 

    Round 2

    AttackerTargetRollOBDB(-)OtherTotalResultCritical/Fumble
    CamthalionOrc1362325–34No hit 
    Orc1Camthalion553525-5,+10 using spear 2H70No hit 
    Orc2Leòwyn053540-10 Short Sword vs Chain-10No hit 
    Orc3Dwalin373530-10 Short Sword vs Chain32No hit 
    Orc4Camthalion203525+10 Short Sword vs No armor40No hit 
    LeòwynOrc299+2838+1525–12730E52: minor forearm wound. +4 hits. 2 hits per round. Stunned 1 round.
    DwalinOrc3951+1525–52No hit 

    Round 3

    AttackerTargetRollOBDB(-)OtherTotalResultCritical/Fumble
    CamthalionOrc1192325–17No hit 
    Orc1Camthalion173525-5,+10 using spear 2H32No hit 
    Orc2Leòwyn–––––– 
    Orc3Dwalin463530-10 Short Sword vs Chain41No hit 
    Orc4Camthalion653525+10 Short Sword vs No armor859A-17: weak strike yields no extra damage. +0 hits.
    LeòwynOrc25638+1525–849A57: minor forearm wound. +4 hits. 2 hits per round. Stunned 1 round. Orc2 is down.
    DwalinOrc32451+1525–65No hit 

    Round 4

    AttackerTargetRollOBDB(-)OtherTotalResultCritical/Fumble
    CamthalionOrc1452325–42No hit 
    Orc1Camthalion713525-5,+10 using spear 2H8613B42: Minor forearm wound. +2 hits. If no arm armour stunned 1 round.
    Orc3Dwalin353530-10 Short Sword vs Chain0No hit 
    Orc4Camthalion073525+10 Short Sword vs No armor27No hit. 
    LeòwynOrc42838+1525–56No hit 
    DwalinOrc34551+1525–9610B71: blow breaks bone in leg. +12 hits. -40 to activity. Stunned 2 rounds.

    Round 5

    AttackerTargetRollOBDB(-)OtherTotalResultCritical/Fumble
    Camthalion––––––– 
    Orc1Camthalion493525-5,+10 using spear 2H64No hit 
    Orc3––––––– 
    Orc4Leòwyn713540-10 Short Sword vs Chain56No hit. 
    LeòwynOrc46338+1525–9111B28: minor chest wound. +3 hits. 1 hit/round. -5 to activity.
    DwalinOrc37351+1525–11414D17: minor fracture of ribs. +5 hits. -5 to activity. Orc3 is down.

    Round 6

    AttackerTargetRollOBDB(-)OtherTotalResultCritical/Fumble
    CamthalionOrc166–25Full OB to parry41No hit 
    Orc1Camthalion713525+23-5,+10 using spear 2H68No hit 
    Orc4Leòwyn433540-10 Short Sword vs Chain, -5 to activity23No hit. 
    LeòwynOrc45238+1525–807 
    DwalinOrc30351+1525–44No hit 

    Round 7

    AttackerTargetRollOBDB(-)OtherTotalResultCritical/Fumble
    CamthalionOrc1952325–9311B79: medium thigh wound. +6 hits. 1 hit/round. -10 to activity. Stunned 2 rounds.
    Orc1––––––– 
    Orc4Leòwyn383540-10 Short Sword vs Chain, -5 to activity18No hit. 
    LeòwynOrc49538+1525–12321E43: minor chest wound. +3 hits. 1 hit per round. -5 to activity. Orc4 is down.
    DwalinOrc17451+1525–11514D11: minor fracture of ribs. +5 hits. -5 to activity. Orc1 is down.

    The fight is over.

    Having nowhere to run, the cornered orcs, growl curses in their orcish dialects, draw weapons and charge at the group. Two of them are locked in combat with Camthalion, who does his best to keep them at bay, but is wounded twice, while the two others facing off the dwarf and the rohirrim.
    These two are no match for the goblins, and soon Leòwyn kills one while Dwalin offs the other, breaking its thigh bones so much it can’t move. Then they turn their attention to the ones surrounding Camthalion, and dispatch them with ease.

    There are 12 torches, 13 cp and 2 spears as described in the Assault on Vespin Tower adventure.

    The party gathers up any provisions they find. They would like to bury the dead, but its going to be deep night soon. Instead they choose to return to Inhyrst keep to report.

    Camthalion casts a healing spell from Surface Ways.
    Roll on AT-9 Base Spells Attack Table: 84+30=114: -55, and a further -50 bonus to RRT Resistance Rolls Table, since the subject (himself) is willing to heal. I roll on the RRT: 6-105=-99, Success. He can heal 1d10 hit points. I roll, and get only 1 hit point healed.

    The party goes back to Inhyrst.
    I roll on the ST-10 Encounters Table. Activity Roll: 63 – Avoidance Roll: 80 + 30 Due to Roads – 50 Due to Night = 0. There is no encounter.
    They go to the constable to report what they found, and get a room at the inn for the night to rest.

    The party, tired and wounded returns to Inhyrst. The guards at the gates look at them. “Halt! Who goes there?”.
    “Evening! We have returned from Vespin tower.” Leòwyn replies. “We are to report to constable Anulf.”
    Some indiscernible speech between the guards is heard, and then the gates slowly open to allow the group to get through. The wounded Camthalion, and the orc blood on Leòwyn’s clothes make an impression on the guards, who quickly ditch their attitude, and step aside for the party. “I will get the constable.” One of them says, and runs off. The other offers them some water.
    A couple minutes later the guard returns. “Come, to the constable’s office. He is waiting for you.”

    Anulf watches them from top to bottom. “I don’t like being awoken in the middle of the night, but it’s best that you came now, so that noone sees you. I wouldn’t like panic and gossip to spread in the keep. Now tell me, what happened?”.
    “Orcs!” Dwalin says with a deep voice. “Bloody orcs. They had slaughtered the garrison and were eating their limbs.”
    Anulf’s face goes white for a second. “Orcs? Here? Did you..”
    “We made short work of the vile creatures.” Leòwyn cuts Anulf off. “Had no time in the middle of the night to tend to the dead though. You will have to send your men in the morning.”
    “Oh, my.” Anulf gasps. “I need to bring this to the commander. We are not ready for orcs.” He pulls open the drawer of his desk and gets a pouch out. “Here are your ten silver. Go rest. These are perilous times.”

    The party has gained 10 silver pieces more.
    Now for the experience points. MERP has a lot of tables for sharing experience. There is experience on hits received, kills performed, criticals scored (deducted from the kill experience), spells cast, static and moving maneuvers performed, traveling times, idea points and miscellaneous. Here goes.

    Hits points:
    Camthalion received 24 hits. He gains +24 experience points.

    Critical points scored. Table ET-1 Critical Point Table:
    Since Leòwyn and Dwalin scored criticals only on the orcs they killed, I won’t bother calculating those.
    Camthalion scored a critical on one of Dwalin’s kills. It’s a Critical B against a Level 1 opponent, which gives +10 EP.
    Also Camthalion received an A and a B critical, so he receives +100 and +200 EP respectively.

    Kill points. Table ET-2 Kill Point Table:
    Leòwyn killed two orcs. From the table, cross-referencing the level differences, its +200 EP for both.
    Dwalin also killed two orcs. From the table, cross-referencing the level differences, its +200 EP for both. But Camthalion assisted with an ‘A’ critical, so Dwalin gets -10 EP.

    Maneuver points. ET-3 Maneuver Point Table:
    The group performed no static maneuvers, only the climbing and jumping maneuvers. From the Table, I get the following. Only successfully accomplished maneuvers count. So these are 3×100% (10′) climbs. The jumps were not fully successful, so I won’t calculate those.
    Camthalion gets 3 Hard moving maneuvers at +100 EP each. Leòwyn and Dwalin made 3 Medium moving maneuvers at +50 EP each.

    Spell points. ET-4 Spell Point Table:
    Camthalion casted a successful healing spell, and gains +100 EP according to the table.

    Idea points. None given.

    Travel points:
    Since its a civilized area that they travel into, I will grant them 1/2 EP for each mile they traveled. They gain +10 EP each.

    Miscellaneous points:
    For successfully completing the adventure. I will reward them as per the Assault on Vespin Tower. +65 EP each. I know that there must have been a conversion or something, but I guess that will do.

    So total experience points awarded.

    CharacterExperience Points
    Camthalion809 EP
    Leòwyn625 EP
    Dwalin615 EP

    Briefing Summary: Overall I liked the system and I had fun. Yes, there is a lot of back and forth between tables. What I enjoyed is the fact that going crunch-heavy, frees you from the shackles of playing GM and player at the same time. The wargamey nature of the old-school games has rules so strict that you can’t arbitrate freely as in other games.
    One small combat took long (in real time) to resolve, but I liked every second of it. I still have a lot to learn, as there are rules that I can forget easily and have to go back and apply some modifier. Also I will need to print out several copies of the tables in the book so that I don’t go running back and forth all the time. The bookkeeping sheets are important as well. Nevertheless, even without any of those, just the book and some A4 sheets, it all worked out fine.
    There was a discussion recently regarding “Writing with dice.” I’ve noticed that in this particular case, this was severely limited. There was no character development either though, or any nice story scenes.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 10:58 pm on October 4, 2019 Permalink | Reply  

    The ruins of Syriholm – S1E03 

    Hexflower dungeon crawling

    As Atiel returns, I will be rolling for alarms for every hex that she passes through.
    Alarm roll: 1: She encounters an orc patrol!
    Her sneak skill is successful and she passes past undetected.

    Atiel reaches the part of Syriholm where the rats killed Erias. Her sharp ear, catches the sound of footsteps. She quickly hides in a dark alleyway as 5 orcs armed to the teeth pass through. They look as if they are searching for something. Maybe they got whiff of the party killing their kind.

    Furi hex roll: 4 (doubles): goto 14: alarm
    Due to the doubles there is a second pass here, and also the alarm level is decreased by one to 1.
    The story clock is at 40/100.
    Q: Is it an orc of dwarven alarm?
    A: Orc
    It’s a simple contraption. A tripwire connected to a weight that is released and rings bells.
    I will roll Wit to see if Furi detects the tripwire, and then Agility to get past it (Easy Difficulty if detected).

    Furi walks through a tight stone corridor that is forking down the path.
    He notices that it is not very much walked. The stone floor seems to have gathered a thick film of dust. This makes Furi worried and then he realizes why. He notices a barely visible tripwire near the floor. With a careful step, he passes over it without triggering it.

    Atiel has passed through the tower gate where they defeated the big orc and his archer companions without any encounter. The exit is closer!

    Furi hex roll: 5 (alarm level increases by 1): goto 12: TRAP
    Story clock: 52
    Again, I will roll to see if he detects the trap and then if he avoids it.
    He detects it but fails to avoid it. Since I have the ancient Dragon Quest by TSR, I decided to draw a card from the traps deck, and I get a trap of Greek Fire!
    I decide it will do 5D damage for 3 rounds. Furi got an Incapacitated wound, but he succeeds his stamina roll and doesn’t fall unconscious.
    Also I ask if there is anything of interest in the room. Let’s not forget Furi has his axe destroyed, and fights with a hatchet!
    Q: Are there weapons in the room?
    A: Yes
    Q: Are there axes?
    A: No

    Furi comes upon what looks like a dwarven armory. It’s in ruins though and has been plundered by the orcs, only a few clubs remain in the weapon racks.
    As he looks around, he hears a ‘click’ he has stepped on a tile that moved just slightly but Furi knows dwarven craftsmanship. This is a trap.
    He tries to jump away but he fails to do so in time. A flaming liquid bursts from the floor upwards and he catches on fire. He starts rolling on the floor to extinguish it, but in the end he is scathed from the flames. Syriholm has been unforgiving to him as to his ancestors.

    Atiel is at the bottom of the chasm. Alarm roll: 1: She encounters another orc patrol!
    Her sneak skill is again successful and she passes again undetected.

    Atiel moves on, and at the bottom of the chasm she hears shouts. She quickly jumps into a ditch and soon sees orc boots passing in front of her. Another close call, but she is so much closer to the exit now!

    Furi doubles back to take the other fork in the path.

    Furi: Alarm roll: 3: No encounter

    Atiel reaches the entrance with the pillars. Alarm roll: 2: No encounter

    Atiel finally reaches the pillared entrance to Syriholm. She’s just a few steps away from leaving the ruins.

    Furi: Hex roll: 8: goto 19: BBEG!
    Story clock: 71, but doesn’t matter anymore.

    Q: Are there orc guards?
    A: Yes, and there is also an orc shaman.
    Intervention: Entity positive
    Q: Is it Furi?
    A: No
    Q: Is it Gorkil?
    A: Yes, the shaman has brought him a cart of gifts.
    Q: How many orcs? (1D)
    A: 8++!
    Q: Can Furi jump down to grab the great axe?
    A: No it requires at least one move?
    Q: Can Furi jump down on the cart of gifts?
    A: Yes, and, it’s so filled up he can climb on its top and get down undetected.

    Furi follows the second fork in the path through a dark unused corridor.
    As he reaches the end he hears sound of brute merriment. Drums banging and orcish laughter.
    Slowly he creeps on, and finds himself in a balcony overlooking the Syriholm throne room.
    Sitting on the throne is a black skinned orc with curved tusks. He watches in joy the festivities. This must be Gorkil.
    Entering the throne room is an orc with a bag of potions hanging from a net on his belt and various small feathers and bones tied to its garments. ‘An orc shaman’ Furi thinks.
    The shaman has brought with him a cart full of potions, mushrooms and trinkets that has been parked right under Furi’s balcony.
    To appease Gorkil, the shaman has also brought a pair of goblin dancers. The sound of the drums by a goblin musician give the rhythm and they dance to it in what the orcs must think is a sexual dance, as they seem entranced by it.

    Since Furi is so severely outnumbered and wounded, he will climb down to the cart and drink a potion. Again I turn to the dragon quest deck of cards and draw a Dragon’s Blood potion which increases strength. I roll and find that it will increase strength by 3D!
    So Furi’s Might is as good as if he wasn’t wounded.
    He gets down spends his Fate Point and charges at Gorkil!

    Furi slowly climbs down into the shaman’s cart. The orcs are captivated by the goblin dancers and don’t seem to notice Furi descending from the shadows. Once inside he picks up a weird blue vial and gulps down the content. ‘If it’s good for Gorkil it can’t hurt me’ he thinks.
    Within seconds he feels an inner fire, a rush, and invigorating strength. He draws his hatchet and with a loud roar that sounded like a dragon awoke, he charges to the throne. The orcs looking at him in disbelief.
    A disfigured burned up dwarf, his beard flailing wildly, bloody wounds still evident on his body, letting of an inhuman warcry as he furiously charges towards them.
    Gorkil manages to grab the great axe in the time it takes Furi to cover the distance between them. He swings the axe horizontally, but the berserk dwarf jump high and avoids the blow while simultaneously he brings down his hatchet to Gorkil’s head, severing it at the base of the neck.

    Considering what just transpired (their chieftain slaughtered in an instant by a mysterious berserk dwarf) I think that the orcs may flee, may attack Furi, or even each other to become the new chieftain (orc animosity rules from warhammer).
    So I ask.
    Q: Do the orcs fight Furi?
    A: No, and they fight each other for the chieftains spot.

    With Gorkil dead the orcs pause for a moment, as Furi lifts his grandfathers great axe from the headless body.
    Then they start snarling and growling. Within seconds each orc has started attacking the orc next to him.
    Furi has heard about how the toughest orcs became guards to chieftains and warbosses waiting for their chance to rise to the spot. Now they fight for the spot. They won’t bother with the dwarf.

    There is still the matter of the shaman. Sometimes shamans don’t care about power, so I will ask again.
    Q: Does the shaman attack Furi?
    A: Yes, and he won’t roll to see if he is intimidated by the bloody display. He is committed.

    The shaman does not seem affected by the squabbling of the orc big ones. He turns his attention to Furi. He pulls a curved serrated blade that drips with a red liquid and slashes at him.

    So Furi needs to kill the Shaman before the orc big ones kill each other and a new boss emerges who will hunt him down. If Furi is out of the throne room before this then the new orc boss will use its resources to establish rule. Otherwise it will try to eliminate the dwarf who killed the previous boss as a sign of dominance.

    Furi hacks the shaman badly who barely scratches him. But it’s enough for the poison to establish and cause him discomfort as it numbs him down. The potion of dragons blood he imbibed earlier seems to counter the effects of the poisoned blade.
    In the meantime orcish swords clash. Three orcs our of eight are down dead or mortally wounded.

    The fighting continues among all parties without much of a result apart from some scratches.

    But in the next few seconds Furi brings down the frenzied shaman as two more orcs are downed by their competition.

    I roll for Furi to climb up so that he can return from the way he came. Success.

    Not losing a chance, Furi climbs up the cart and back into the balcony as the three remaining orcs spill blood further…

    Out in the woods a wounded dwarf can barely keep his footing. Furi stumbles towards a small campfire in the distance. A figure approaches, and as he falls down from wounds and exhaustion he can almost discern the face of Atiel. The elf didn’t abandon him completely.
    The next day, a bandaged dwarf and
    his elf companion ride out. A relic great axe in possession, an oath fulfilled, and the memories of friends gone forever.

    Wow didn’t see that coming. The dwarf managed to get his family heirloom back, against all odds.

    Debriefing:
    I think my endeavor wasn’t completely successful, it was interesting though and I learned a lot from my mistakes.
    After 6 hexes, the party was decimated and I thought that the fun was over. Despite that, the story part of the hexflower kicked in. A side passage allowed Furi to reach the throne room after having to pass only alarms and traps! What a turn of fate!

    Mistakes:
    Low fantasy and dungeon crawling don’t mix unless you take it into account. So I didn’t want to have healing potions, clerics casting blessings and wizards casting fireballs. That’s a problem when you go into a dungeon. You need resources. The party strength is drained and needs recovery and healing one wound level at each camping, just ain’t gonna cut it.

    MiniSix and OpenD6, StarWarsD6 are not suited for party soloing even when streamlined with the success counts system that I homebrewed. MiniSix especially has a really high dice count. Furi and Cane for example had 7 and 6 dice respectively on their attacks and 8 dice on their damage. Add to that rhe other two part members, the opposed rolls and the enemy attacks, I was drowning in dice rolls. I won’t be using this game system again for dungeon crawls or for large combats.

    I don’t know the balance of MiniSix. I found it hard to balance the encounters, and sometimes my party felt either overpowered or nerfed.
    I had a feeling of 2D attributes, 3D skills for mooks and about 1D-2D higher for PCs and NPCs. At least that’s how Star Wars D6 is set up. But in MiniSix the numbers are way off in a higher range. I had the feeling many times that the combat was wrong.

    Being both story hexcrawl GM and player party at the same time is very taxing. There were just too many things to take into account. Since I was missing the tables that a traditional dungeon generator uses,
    I had to tap into my creativity and the Oracle as well as make PC decisions. That was tough. Bookkeeping was a mess (did I point out I’m lazy?), and I’m sure I failed to take into account some wound disadvantage at one time or two.

    Things I enjoyed:
    I found that the concept was fun and easy to run. I had traps, encounters, a story, and a dungeon not restricted by normal boundaries, while at the same time the randomness allowed for surprises. Patching with doubles allows for some tactics on the player part, and I was lucky to use this mechanic and find the BBEG when all seemed lost!
    The alarm clock mechanic seems okay as well as the story resolution clock mechanic. They may need fine tuning in the future.

    Overall experience: At times I was bored, at times I was frustrated, and at times I really wanted to see what would happen next. The Fate point mechanic saved the day, as in the Night of the Blood adventure I played. It’s quite strong but it gives a nice cinematic effect, and that’s really what it’s about. If I switch systems I’m going to miss it.

    If you think it’s interesting I can upload a second version with all the game system roll mechanics included.

     
  • Unknown's avatar

    giorgis 11:59 pm on October 3, 2019 Permalink | Reply  

    The ruins of Syriholm – S1E02 

    Hexflower dungeon crawling

    Hex Roll: 9: Goto 1: CREATURE
    Alarm +1

    The party moves on, Erias scouting ahead, with Furi following behind. Atiel and Cane act as rearguard.
    The path they follow leads them away from the large segregation of orcs in an effort to find somewhere to camp.
    They open the doors to a still standing dwarven building and set camp inside.
    Cane tends to Ariel’s wound, using healing herbs he carries with him. He removes the arrow and cleans the wound. Cane then boils some of the leaves of the healing herbs and puts the bandages in them, with which he covers the wound. He manages to help fix some of the damage done, though Atiel is still hurt.
    “Thank you young one.” Atiel says in gratitude.
    Cane just smiles.

    Now here is evident the advantage of using an event generated dungeon crawl. Instead of having a room with creatures, I decided that the scene will be empty, the team will have a chance to camp and rest, but they will be ambushed by creatures!
    I think that this gives a nice story like progression in the dungeon.

    I look up at the MiniSix fantasy bestiary and choose the giant rat as the most likely creature. I thought it would be easy to counter…
    I remove one ration from the party and roll to see at whose shift the rats will appear. It’s at Erias, that’s good, as a thief he has good perception.
    I roll 1D rats and get 6! I also roll to see if Erias notices the rats approach, and he fails! Woe to him.
    Also I made an on the fly call and decided that the rats would be able to attack him all at once. Have you noticed how they create a swarm and you can’t discern one from the other? They can fit their bodies in the tiniest spaces. That would be true for the gigantic variety. So here goes the description of the combat without game mechanics.

    The party is sleeping and the halfling is bored, counting his sling bullets. Unbeknownst to him, six giant rats crawl behind him and jump right on him biting and slashing with their claws.
    One rat has bit his neck, while another scratched his face. Under the gashing blood, he manages to let of a cry. “Help!”.
    The party is on their feet at once, drawing weapons and charging at the monstrous animals.

    The elf ranger quickly gets to her senses. Elves are light sleepers after all, and shoots an arrow into one of the creatures.

    Q: Do the rats keep attacking Erias? (Likely)
    A: Yes

    They haven’t managed to move an inch, and the rats keep gnawing at the poor halfling, who loses consciousness, as they keep eating him.

    Furi, still dizzy from his sleep, charges at the rats, and swings his great axe, but he misses by a mile and hit the hard stone dwarven table instead, bending his axe blade beyond use.

    Cane follows up with a hard swing at a rat, hacking it at the abdomen.

    Atiel keeps shooting arrows into the rats, but they seem to only sting the giant beasts.
    Some rats keep chewing at the dead halfling while others turn to their attackers, barely managing to scratch the furious dwarf.
    Furi draws his hatchet and incapacitates one of the rats, sending it into oblivion. Cane hacks at another one, wounding it so much that it turns and flees.
    Atiel stings another rat with her arrows which turns and jumps at her even if she is in the back beyond Furi and Cane. It slashed at her arm, wounding her further.
    One of the rats keeps eating at the halfling body.
    The remaining 2 rats fail to harm the warriors, who parry their blows with their weapons.
    Furi kills the rat that charged at Atiel with a hit to the neck, while Cane thrusts his bastard sword into the ribs of another rat, putting it down.
    Atiel sends another arrow to the rat that chews their dead companion, but it keeps at its task.
    Furi, locked in combat with one of the rats, finds an opening and slashes open its belly, as Cane brings down his sword to the rat Atiel targeted. She finally kills it with a well placed arrow to the ear.

    Cane rushes to Erias to see if he can be treated, but soon realizes he is dead. He closes his eyes and covers him with his cloak.
    “Noo!” Furi cries out as Atiel lets of a whimp and sheds a tear.
    No one speaks, as they dig a makeshift grave and put a large stone slab on top to protect the body from scavengers.
    Finally they compose themselves and Furi says a few words. “I shall forever carry your name with honor Erias Chily. You perished true to your oath, true to your ancestors. Unfortunately your debt was relayed in blood. May your last journey be without peril.”

    Maybe I miscalculated the giant rats strength. Maybe it was Erias unlucky Perception roll. In any way I had my first party death, and I will have to see how there will be progress without a thief to disarm traps and pick locks in the party.

    Here I decided to introduce a story clock mechanic. Add up the hexflower numbers rolled. If it’s greater than or equal to 100, then the story concludes and the next hex is the BBEG no matter what.

    Roll: 7: Goto x,
    Reroll: 9: Goto 6: PRISONER
    Alarm level +1: 2

    So I decide that the prisoner is going to be an NPC.
    I roll on UNE Confident tradesman who seeks academia.
    I roll a race and get halfling (Ruled out elves and dwarves due to enmity with orcs) and a name generated is Sonard Tunnel.
    Sonard is a halfling tradesman who seeks the lost tomes of Syriholm smithing. He is so confident in his abilities to trade that he tried to trade with the orcs, who found the entire concept funny and kept him alive as prisoner.

    The party, with heavy hearts and one less member, moves on. As they walk through the abandoned streets and pathways they detect brutish orc laughter.
    They draw weapons and close stealthily towards the noise. Furi and Cane go in front, while Atiel follows up, a dozen meters behind.
    Around a large fire four orcs are relaxing. In the middle of the group is a short person, a halfling, wearing fancy clothing and a hat with a feather. One of the orcs stands, towering above the halfling.
    “Tell me again Sonard! What did you expect from us in return? Bank notes from Gorkil?” The orcs burst in laughter, but the halfling is unafraid.
    “As I said before, Gashak, the stones you relinquished from my possession are a mere portion of what I intend to pay if you bring me the Tomes of Steel by Bari Turison.” He replies and the orcs burst in laughter again.

    Clouded by his hatred, Furi charges at the ambushed orcs, without a signal to Cane who, startled, follows up right after.
    Furi’s hatchet sinks deep into Gashak’s arm, splitting the bones and getting stuck. Gashak tries to remove the hatchet but the pain doesn’t let him and he cries out.
    Cane, startled fumbles as he charges and drops his sword a mere meter in front of him with a loud clanging noise.
    Atiel lets off an arrow which strikes the air.
    The three other orcs gang up on Cane. Two swords thrust through his torso and shoulder, and he drops down, spitting blood from his mouth.

    I roll to see what Sonard will do, giving (1: help orcs, 2-5: do nothing, 6: help the party) and roll a 6.

    Sonard pulls out a hidden stiletto from his hat and stabs an orc, wounding it’s left arm.

    Furi puts his foot on Gashak and pulls his hatchet. Then he rebounds with a second hit on the arm, spewing black blood everywhere, as Gashak falls.
    Atiel sinks an arrow into one of the orcs, who, with his fellow, turns and attacks the halfling. Sonard sucks from one sword slash, but a thrust from the other orc, pierces his abdomen through and through. The halfling clutches his belly and drops.
    The last orc, seeing Gashak down, growls and strikes at Furi from behind, hacking at his chest, severely wounding the dwarf.

    Furi exchanges blows with two orcs, but no one manages to get an opening. In the meantime, the orc that killed Sonard turns his attention to the downed barbarian, finishing off Cane with a thrust through the lungs.

    Atiel keeps sinking arrows into the orcs, one of which drops after having three arrows stuck on his torso.
    Frustrated, the two orcs and Furi keep fighting, but in the end, the stout dwarf emerges victorious, slaying one orc after the other.

    Furi kneels before his fallen comrade. Cane was killed in such a cowardly manner. Atiel breaks down in tears.
    “Let’s give him a ceremony worthy of a warrior.” Furi says and proceeds to build a bonfire for Cane’s funeral.
    They lay the barbarian on top, with his sword held between his hands. At the side they set the halfling who fell by his side, and light the fire.
    As the flames engulf them, Atiel speaks final words. “Few fought so bravely against such odds. May you find peace amongst your ancestors Cane!”.
    They stand in silence until the flames have devoured the bodies.
    Atiel looks at their wounds and turns to Furi. “Shall we abandon quest, Furi Grinarson?”.
    “Then they will have died for naught.” Furi replies.
    “As will we, unless we tend to our wounds. Let us leave and return anew another day.” She counters.

    I roll opposed persuasion and I get a failure on her part with a complication on Furi so I decided they will part ways.

    “I release you from your oath Atiel Nerdalye. Leave. I will find honor or die trying.” Furi says.
    She leans down and kisses him on the forehead. “As you wish. Farewell. May you find what you seek.”

    Two dead party members and the party split!
    Furi will press on, seemingly to his death, while Atiel will try to escape.
    But she is too deep in the dungeon and the alarm level has risen to 2. There is a 15% chance for each hex that she passes through that she may encounter orc hunting parties. The chance may further increase based on Furi’s actions deeper in the dungeon.
    In the meantime I am gathering pros and cons of the experience with the dungeon crawl I tried and will present all of them in the next (and probably final) episode.

     

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