|
 This is a "one-shot" play-by-post recruit for the 2nd Edition of The Black Hack, where I'm gonna pull out this minimalist one-page dungeon and throw some adventurers against it. I'm using this to learn both the rules of The Black Hack and the concept of old-school dungeon crawling, so do apply if you're interested in those things and don't mind me flailing around in the DM's seat. I'm looking for 3-4 players, just create a level 1 character for your app and post it here (will trust you folks to roll for stats in whatever way you choose). No need for detailed backstories, just give them a reason why they're storming the Citadel of Evil (the blurb in the image above might be a good starting point, spoiler cultists are involved). There's not much in terms of setting, so feel free to define the world outside the dungeon for the purpose of Backgrounds. I'm thinking the tone and vibe should be similar to fantasy comedy anime ala Slayers, or at least a less cruel, wisecrack-heavy version of TBH's default weird fantasy. Mitama fucked around with this message at 05:55 on Nov 1, 2018 |
#
?
Oct 29, 2018 07:22
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 19, 2024 16:08 |
|
|
 Lady Izena of Mountainhome, Warrior 1 Prior to the dark events and darker treachery that saw the holdings of Mountainhome consumed by evil and renamed simply the Citadel, Izena was the heir to the mountaintop castle. Her life was, as you might expect, filled with comfort and ease, but that changed when she and her mother were forced to flee the devastation that fell upon them. Izena's talent for martial matters was what saw them through the years that followed. It was her mother's dying wish that the Citadel be reclaimed and, gods willing, Izena will grant that on this day. Warrior posted:HP: 7 Tricky fucked around with this message at 16:11 on Nov 3, 2018 |
|
#
?
Oct 29, 2018 14:33
|
|
|
 Beryl, Thief 1 Before she arrived at the Citadel, Beryl barely managed to escape her own imprisonment after she and her previous group were caught [strike]stealing[/strike] borrowing a few things from some rich noble who's name she forgot. They almost got away with the goods, but an argument broke out about cake, of all things, and it only got worse from there. Beryl was the only one in her group to get away, but not without taking an old map that they found with her, first. With nothing else to do now, she followed the map, and it lead her to the Citadel, where some big, important treasure is supposed to be. Maybe it's not a good idea to raid a place called the "Citadel of Evil," but she's determined to find that treasure, and live a rich, comfy life off of it. quote:HP: 5 Tardzilla fucked around with this message at 16:27 on Nov 3, 2018 |
|
#
?
Oct 29, 2018 14:41
|
|
|
 That Lily-of-the-Valley Soltis would be needed here was written in the stars. Of course the Lady of Fate hadn't written why it had to be her or what exactly was going on. No, just that she needed to be here at this particular moment. Prophecy tended to be frustrating that way. Still, having escaped the tyranny of their former master, the Unbound had sworn to do good in the world. Following up on dark portents and nipping whatever foul scheme was behind them in the bud had to count, right? Especially if it involves a place called the Citadel of Evil. Wizard posted:HP: 3 Comrade Gorbash fucked around with this message at 03:41 on Nov 7, 2018 |
|
#
?
Oct 29, 2018 14:44
|
|
|
fine ill be kazuma Inquisitor "Al" Albrecht, Cleric Al's here at the aptly named CITADEL OF EVIL on assignment from the Order of Our Radiant Lady. You can't just send the paladins in to tear a place up without scouting it out, especially when the name is so forward that it could very well have been scribbled on a map as a joke. Since there's no real time pressure on this investigation, Al will be following his flawless strategy of wandering around aimlessly, being nosy until any malicious actors out themselves by attacking him. quote:HP: 5 Atlatl fucked around with this message at 04:57 on Nov 1, 2018 |
|
#
?
Nov 1, 2018 04:41
|
|
|
Alright, this works out for me! Will get this started this weekend.
|
|
#
?
Nov 1, 2018 05:56
|
|
|
 The Citadel casts a dark shadow from it's mountain. Lady Izena, Beryl, Lily-of-the-Valley, Albrecht, the four of you have assembled in this dark place by the calls of a nearby village, whose people have been abducted by a terrible cult that resides within the Citadel. The villagers have urged you to rescue their kin on their behalf, and in exchange they have provided you with tools for the journey and the agreement that whatever treasures you find inside is yours to keep. You all already had your own reasons for take this quest, of course, but who could say no to free stuff? There are two ways to enter the Citadel. The first one is suicidal, a trek up the winding mountain path where the castle's hobgoblin mercenaries can hurl arrows on you from high above and with impunity. The second one is much less known, an ancient cave system brought to ruin after the fall of Mountainhome. No one would consider that a safe and reasonable way to the Citadel. Well, perhaps Lady Izena would.  You soon find yourselves entering a large natural cave at the side of the mountain, several levels below the summit. Close to you are the members of your own party, Nearby are a pair of tiny frog people, each about three feet tall, murmuring to each other in low cloaks. They don't seem to notice you yet. Their lantern is the only thing illuminating this cave right now, including the dark tunnel ahead (which is also Nearby). You can make out the outlines of three pathways with this light, but no further than that. What do you want to do for the next few Minutes? As a reminder: every turn you get to Move (usually to someplace Nearby) and interact with stuff with an Action (how much you can do depends on whether we're moving in Moments/Minutes/Hours/Days). Mitama fucked around with this message at 07:30 on Nov 3, 2018 |
|
#
?
Nov 3, 2018 07:16
|
|
|
Lady Izena As the party enters the cave system, Izena says, "It looks a little different than I remember, but I think this should wind up to the lower levels of the keep. There was a rather handy nook I'd slip through in the larder, but I'm not sure if the caves have shifted since or if the walls were reinforced. In any case... well, we won't get any closer to our goal by standing here and shivering!" Putting action to words, she gracefully strides over to the hooded figures and says, "Hail, friends, and well met. What brings you to the mountain on this day?" As an action, moving to the frogs and interacting!
|
|
#
?
Nov 3, 2018 08:01
|
|
|
Inquisitor Al This was a pleasant change of events. He didn't even need to waste time drawing anyone out! "I doubt this cult has made any significant change to the place, unless they've abducted half the town for the sole purpose of interior renovation." He eyeballs the frogs' lantern and briefly considers asking for it. "Well, first things first: fire." Moving down the straight path and lighting my torch (Ud6) with my flint and steel. Atlatl fucked around with this message at 12:43 on Nov 3, 2018 |
|
#
?
Nov 3, 2018 08:14
|
|
|
Beryl "Let's just a move on," speaks up Beryl, "The sooner we can kick those cultists butts, the better," and the sooner she can start looking for treasure, too. For now, Beryl walks closer to the frog people along with Izena, and briefly considers if they can keep them around as emergency rations. Moving to the frogs for now.
|
|
#
?
Nov 3, 2018 17:52
|
|
|
 Lily takes a moment to undo the tie holding her spellbook closed, flipping through it rapidly to find the spell she wants. She reads it over to refresh her memory before using the reference to cast a shielding spell on herself. That done, she follows Izena over towards the frog folk - both because she's decided it's just good policy to keep the armored and armed woman nearby, and because the frogs are the most interesting thing here at the moment, being unexpected. Memorized Magic Missile. Moving to stay near Izena and casting Shield on myself from my spellbook. @Gorbash: 1d20+1 vs 12 to cast Shield = (7)+1 = 8 Comrade Gorbash fucked around with this message at 03:37 on Nov 7, 2018 |
|
#
?
Nov 5, 2018 02:55
|
|
|
Let's assume that everyone's at (2). I won't ask Al to roll Usage for his torch yet since it seems unfair to do that while there's another light source nearby. In this tunnel, the floor is wet and treacherous from the water dripping from the ceiling. A dank, earthy smell fills the air. "Oh! Oh dear." One of the frogs turns to Izena, a little worried at first. Her companion puts a shoulder on her, then speaks for them. "Hey, hi." The other frog says, trying for a friendly face. "We're travelling folk, from a swamp from far away. We decided to rest here at the foot of Mountainhome for maybe a week. But one of our companions, my friend's partner here, she's a real daredevil. She wanted to climb up this mountain just to say she could. And we haven't heard from her in days. So, yeah. We were just figuring which way she went when... you know, you said hi." With the torch adding the Frogs' lantern light, you can see a little further through the three other branches of this tunnel. They all lead into different rooms, though you can only gets hints of their nature from the darkness; the one on the left has a dim, red glow, the one on the middle has yellow mist wafting from its doorway, the one on the right has the faintest trace of mushroom spores along the walls. What do you want to do for the next few Minutes?
|
|
#
?
Nov 5, 2018 03:45
|
|
|
Inquisitor Al Al can feel beads of sweat form on his forehead when he spots the spores. He immediately starts walking the other way, towards the red glowing room. Regular rear end evil he could deal with. "We'll be sure to say hi when we find her," he says casually. "I'm sure we'll come across her while we bumble our way up." Moving West to the red room!
|
|
#
?
Nov 5, 2018 03:59
|
|
|
Lady Izena Izena says, "Yes, indeed, I could imagine that she's found peril. Would you tell me her name and yours, by chance? If we find her along the way, I'm sure she'd be more likely to trust us were you to have arranged for a rescue." Continuing to interact!
|
|
#
?
Nov 6, 2018 04:39
|
|
|
 I'll describe rooms as you enter them, though keep in mind the turn order. Al, the room that you're in (3) is lit by a dim red glow by three fire beetles on the wall Faraway from you. They're about size of a large dogs, like stag beetles but seemingly made of glowing lava and can stick to walls. They don't seem to notice you just yet. There's also a small pool Nearby in the middle of the room. You spy a bit of twinkling at the bottom of the pool. Coming closer to the pool will let you check out its contents. You don't know how the beetles will react if you get their attention.
|
|
#
?
Nov 6, 2018 04:42
|
|
|
Inquisitor Al Well, no need to disturb such peaceful creatures. Al turns right around and walks back into the entrance. "No evil in there, just a couple of glowing bugs and a dead end," he reports, "which leaves only one way left." He sets his torch down, unslings the sledgehammer on his back, and approaches the door to the North. He takes a couple of practice swings to rehearse bashing the door open at its handle. "Everyone ready?" Moving back East and getting ready to open this door the only appropriate way.
|
|
#
?
Nov 6, 2018 05:09
|
|
|
 "Hm, I'm Iris," Says the frog who has speaking the whole time. "This is Rose. We're still kind of getting our bearings, but if you go ahead of us, please let Lily know we're here." "W-wait," Rose looks at Al. "What about the way on the right?"
|
|
#
?
Nov 8, 2018 03:04
|
|
|
Lily-of-the-Valley walks over towards Al, frowning a bit as she considers their options. "I think the door falls within Beryl's purview - dealing with traps, locks, and such things is why she's along, is it not?"
|
|
#
?
Nov 13, 2018 04:05
|
|
|
 Izena says, "It will be my pleasure, Rose and Iris. Hopefully you will be reunited with her soon!" With that said, she moves to join her comrades by the door.
|
|
#
?
Nov 13, 2018 05:32
|
|
|
 “Yep, that’s me. Beryl; professional trap and door checker,” says Beryl, with a slight roll of her eyes, as she moves up to the door. “I’ve got other skills too, y’know...” She mumbles to herself, while she checks the door for any traps that might be laid on it. Moving to the door and checking it for traps!
|
|
#
?
Nov 13, 2018 06:32
|
|
|
 Al sighs, setting the sledgehammer down and leaning on it. "Like what?" Forgot to mention memorized Cure Light Wounds
|
|
#
?
Nov 13, 2018 06:42
|
|
|
“Yes, of course, but your talent for patisserie is not particularly relevant in the current moment,” Lily-of-the-Valley replies, waving her handing half-placating half-dismissive gesture.
|
|
#
?
Nov 13, 2018 06:47
|
|
|
Izena says, "Though it is indeed quite tasty! I've never known a finer éclair!" She looks wistful for a moment, clearly wishing that Beryl might produce one from the aether.
|
|
#
?
Nov 13, 2018 06:53
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 19, 2024 16:08 |
|
|
“Like dealing with a bunch of people who won’t stop yapping while I’m doing my job,” Beryl replies to Al, with a slight grumble. ”At least someone here appreciates my pastries...”
|
|
#
?
Nov 13, 2018 07:00
|
|