The rain fell steadily, a constant downpour that battered the stone towers of the Torim Citadel. Unrelenting and unrepentant, streams of rain rushed down the side of the mountain like a mesh of waterfalls, interlacing as they plummeted unto the rocks thousands of meters below. During spring, it would be snowmelt. During summer, it would be stormfall. Either way, the Valley of the Sun would be fed all the same, no matter what duress those of the mountains endured.
In Camp Hollownook though, tucked away against the mountain-facing side of the grand Citadel, the worst of the weather could be avoided. The ruins that drew most landers and Starcalled to the Hylands Ascent served as a windbreak from the vicious gales and a shelter from the frequent cloudbursts, and it was in these conditions that tarps and tents congregated together, clustering in orderly sectors as potted rations boiled over sputtering firepits and oil lanterns illuminated the parchment that explorers and archaeologists bent over. Though the excavation and exploration of the Torim Citadel had been going for a while still, the complexity of ancient dwarven architecture, as well as the risk that came with even coming on-site, meant that progress remained enjoyably tedious. Perhaps the difficulty was even addictive, in the same way that trail runners sprinted up steep slopes and academics stressed over inane details.
Addictive, but also insular, as the motley part of Frey, Solaria, Creature, Essence, Omega, and Askera discovered quickly enough. Evening was falling and the cicada-riding foxgirl had secured the six of them a small, propped-up tarp for them all to rest in before they could officially begin their tunnel-delving quest the morning after, but beyond that, she offered nothing else, giving them all only the charmingly helpful advice of ‘ask around if you need things’ before skittering off to her teepee.
And the other campers weren’t particularly forthcoming either, only a couple of them exchanging nods with the group of strangers before going back to planning their own future activities. Considering the isolation of such a place, perhaps it was to be expected. No one had anything they could give up without harming themselves in one way or the other, after all. Whether it be food or water, shelter or fire, tools or fuel, everything had to be carried in here or traded for afterwards. And that, of course, included more intangible assets too. Information on what had been discovered of the tunnel. Information on kobold physiology and psychology. Even just general tips on how to safely engage in subterranean exploration.
There was much that the newcomers lacked. Perhaps enough so that they could not even hope to gather everything they needed.
And so, the first decisions had to be made.
Night was falling, and the temperatures were dropping. Before other parties retired into their own tents, what would the six of them individually do to prepare for tomorrow’s adventure?
500 word limit, excluding code, because I know the pain of long codes. Anything above that is ignored and your turn forfeited.
48 hour post cycles. May post sooner depending on the eagerness of players or the triggering of traps.
Until combat begins, your actions in the Play Sheet are not locked in.
This round is a preparatory round, serving both to establish the start of party dynamics, as well as to allow for independent action and some freedom in applying your expertise, mastery, and traits to whatever you are attempting to do. If utilizing your Racial Traits or your Equipment Tags in some manner, bold it so I can more easily pick up on that.
If you have any questions, ping me in #rp-chat or the discord thread for this challenge, if the latter exists.
Code:
[bar=0]Keep this at 0 for now.[/bar]
[status]Brief description of character's mood.[/status]
Post here. 500 words max.
[action]
Bot roll here.
[/action]
Play Sheet Link.
Actions
Night is falling quickly, and others within Camp Hollownook are making preparations to retire into their own tents, by which it'll be far too rude for you to be disturbing them. Your own preparations must be made, however, and right now, your group is lacking in pretty much everything. Choose one of the options below for your character to act upon, in order to improve the odds of succeeding in your quest.
Bartering for Gear Interact with fellow explorers and convince them in one way or another to lend you some equipment for the journey ahead.
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check appropriate for what your character is attempting to do.
Divide the rolled result by 10, rounding up. This value becomes your Barter Points (BP), which can be used to obtain consumable items.
Include the items you Bartered for in the Action segment of your post. Item mechanics will be uncovered in the upcoming Cycle.
Classic Dynamite[3 BP] - Three sticks of fire powder, bundled up together with twine. Light the fuse, toss it, and watch things explode with satisfying force. Don't get it wet.
Vibeslime Lantern[3 BP] - A jiggly slime inside a glass bottle. When the vibes around it are good, it sheds a bright, rainbow light around it. When the vibes are bad? It dies.
Sharpened Pickaxe[2 BP] - Useful for breaking rocks and prospecting, and can be used as an improvised weapon.
Trusty Shovel[2 BP] - Useful for moving dirt with naught but the strength of your limbs and the sweat of your brow.
20 Meters of Rope[2 BP] - Never leave home without it. Can be connected with more rope to make an even longer rope!
Tasty Ration[1 BP] - A nice break from bland meals. Toast it over a fire to give it some extra texture. Just don't ask what it's made from.
Self-Igniting Torch[1 BP] - A magic stick that sets on fire at verbal command. Once extinguished though, it will not re-ignite.
Emergency Blanket[1 BP] - Though meant for emergencies only, it's surprisingly comfy to rest in!
Clean Whistle[1 BP] - Won't be clean after you blow in it, but definitely good for signalling.
Conversing for Info Chat with fellow explorers and glean useful knowledge from them, whether it be about the mountain or the monsters.
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check appropriate for what your character is attempting to do.
Choose whether your character wishes to get information regarding exploration (boons to avoiding dangers), kobolds (boons to combat against monsters), or the Torim Caverns (boons to delving).
Information appropriate for the rolls made will be granted in the upcoming cycle.
Improve your Circumstances
Use personal know-how or magical abilities to make the experience of sleeping on hard stone, beneath a small tarp, in the cold mountain night a little more comfortable for you and/or your party.
Focused, working and then tired followed by resting.
Night fell upon the soaked earth beneath the clouds. Even still, the rain poured unfettered and wind crashed against the breaker that was the cliffsides. It was audible, and even present within sight at some points in which the lanterns' reach fell upon.
Within this night most dreary, Askera Question was relaxing as if this were the perfect place for him to be. He had always enjoyed rainy nights, and had never before held an opportunity to enjoy such a time in the depths of nature with naught to dilute it but stone and tarp. Here he was regardless, out within the palm of Gwyndolainn's clutch. He had only come to study the geography, but now was taught that there was much more to a spot of earth in the world than just what lie beneath it. Both the heavens and footsteps that paved natural paths were in equal hand together with the underdark which he had been studying.
It was enough to make a man feel religious for the span of a night alone.
He also enjoyed other things than to ruminate on this pleasant storm's wind, however-he also had productive things to be doing. Ensuring that the people would be safe in the upcoming trek ahead was the utmost priority of a supervisor-a role that he had self-appointed whence he had seen how young the others had looked. Saving his own skin would be a cherry on top of the cake.
Because of this, he had gone bargaining with the local camp to get his hands on anything that the instruments he had taken with him could not fill the role of. A light source was the most important of them, as his current stock in-pocket only had so much up-time in store for the coming trip. Thankfully, he had found something that had quite appealed to him. A long discussion ensued. The man did not appear happy with Askera, but he had his deal in place-he only hope that the man was keeping his word when he talked about the quality of the products he sold.
He made sure to play a little bit of music for the guy from a personal recorder while away.
He beheld a little lightsource in a lantern. Askera decided to name him 'Argent' after a previous experiment that had brought a blob to light. The researcher idly wondered whether Brutus would agree with his choice of naming, or if such a name suited a blob of quicksilver more than this little creature.
Askera worked longer into the night bargaining and asking questions than he should have, skimping a bit on his sleep. His rewards for doing so were two blankets-which he lie at the base of the group tent for someone else to use and have a nicer sleep with-and information about the path ahead which he only hoped would be helpful.
Rolls
Knowledge Check (Looking for items of known significant value - 4BP - Vibeslime and 2 Blankets)
1d100 (1) + 40 = 41(Critical Failure!) Knowledge | Askera Question | 946C0
Having been practicing her swings in preparation before the rain came down with the setting of the sun, Solaria put her trusted sword away. As it grumbled that she hadn't finished her usual number of swings, she scowled. "I know, Hawnell. But I don't want you rusting... Actually, what are you made of, anyway? Can you even rust?"
Part of her regretted not bargaining with the camp, but she felt fairly prepared in most ways... Except one. Always ready for a battle, Solaria began to ask around about the local monsters and enemies. It wasn't her first rodeo in the mountains, but she wanted to be prepared at least a bit for the journey ahead.
She greeted everyone with a friendly mannerism and tried to learn their names by heart. She had studied enough to know that people were more amicable when you knew their names and used them, after all. For every bit of information, no matter how small, she gave a thank you.
But what was she learning, she wondered? And, more importantly, would it be enough?
Rolls
Knowledge Check (Conversing for info about monsters)
1d100 (63) + 10 = 73
Knowledge | Solaria | 946C0.
"Interaction with others limited, Function over form 'learning' hindering commination efforts. Advised course of action... Refrain from verbal interactions. Others currently occur to be gathering intel on other things, advised reaction... explore cave until sleep is required by real self due to lack of power stone in region."
Her small internal rambling would continue while others stopped at the camp grounds and she simple moved to where they would be heading without word or clue to the why. As far as she had considered the group would likely have no leader, much less a common front until someone stepped up and Omega refused to take such a role due to commination issue as she started to study the area of cave network entrance to get a general idea.
"Lighting issue, suggestion solutions to problem..."
Hand reaching out as a small Magitech robot would drift and begin to emit a soft light near the walls she was focused on while turning on Investigation mode atop Function over form 'learning' that was passively up to get the most she could about the location. Sadly cave formation, or much about the earth was outside her normal wheelhouse of knowledge so even if her focus gave her the technical terms she would still need to exit the game to discover what half of it meant.
Returning back to the area after her 'pre exploration' trip to sit at the edge of a covered area and would log herself and character out. Mostly due because it was the only way the Magia could recharge given the situation, and would allow her to focus more on reading about what she discovered VIA real life, then worry her character would suffer from lack of power stone. It was honestly a annoying issue as she had to rely on a stone that was rare in an area, and even then had to be found to recharge simply in game and 'sleep' as it was.
Omega would give herself enough time to sleep in real life once she was mostly done reading up on cave formations, and cave delving precautions and tips. Her mind taking time to note they likely would not have any gear outside what they may be able to produce with magic leaving them very underprepared and that was enough to start annoying the OCD perfectionist who cursed the shortcoming as a flaw to the reputation of her queen. She would need to work three times as hard to make up for the failures thus far as she would relog after her nap picking Essence with protect aura.
Rolls
@Omega , @Essence gains save roll advantage (Protect Aura) -because dice said random lucky 5-
---
Expertise Check
1d100 (22) + 0 = 22
Knowledge | Omega | 946C0 | Boon of delving | Investigation mode + Function over form 'Learning'
Cautiously optimistic, with a small bounce to his step.
"F-Fucking he... Hell... @Essence, spare a hug. I'm freezing over here."
Even bundled up underneath the moderately thick layer of cloth that was the cape often seen hanging from his shoulders, he wasn't able to stave off the cold. It crept up on the faerin's body and settled into his bones the longer he stayed idle, seated above a crate someone had put down and hadn't bothered to check ever since.
It occurred to him that in the wake of his fellow adventurers' example, he should also make himself useful if only to feel the warmth that moving around would bring to his limbs.
Weave manipulated into being, a crackle of energy surged through his being as he pulled a couple of standard items used to practice his divination magic. Or rather, what other perceived to be the common instruments for such a task. He didn't know how to read a deck of cards for its meaning, how to glimpse a truth from a crystalline orb... All he knew was to stretch his perception moments into the future, pulling memories from a time that hadn't yet happened.
He went about his preparations by talking to all who would hear him, and then some.
"One of the rations in your possession has been exposed to the elements for far too long. Poor packaging, perhaps? Should one of your group consume it, a terrible sickness will incapacitate them," he warned a Lander at least twice his size, cautious of every word that fell from Frey's mouth.
"That rope you carry will snap soon after you set out, worn and frayed with the use it has already seen. You might as well do yourself a favor and look for a replacement... Unless you are particularly fond of getting yourself stuck," he told another, propping his chin up to rest on the heel of his palm.
"Your foot will slip on the remains of a discarded vibeslime someone did not particularly care for, and you will be unable to prevent it unless you find something to light your path. Carrying a not-so-heavy object sounds much more favorable than a concussion, does it not?" A chuckle that turned into a sigh halfway through, the sound dying as quickly as it had been brought into existence.
Frey soon discovered there were others who, in spite of his particular talents, were more skeptical than your average person. He would offer his services all the same, and upon denial, throw his hands up in the air before pressing one to his chest and the other to his back in order to perform a bow.
To all the Landers and Starcalled alike he had enlightened with a vision of their fate, he gave a final question instead of another piece of advice before leaving their company.
"Would you have something to spare for this poor fellow who so graciously offered his insight?"
Hot off the heels of the expedition, Creature wasted no time going off into his next adventure. He’d been promoted to Platinum in the Adventurer’s Guild after the fight with the Kurungaar Mother. The metal tag could be seen swinging proudly from his neck and he’d be sure to flash it while approaching some other parties in the area with an enticing offer.
***
“Come on! Who wants next??”
In an effort to gather supplies for the group, Creature had made wagers for equipment with some of the other tunneling groups around the camp in the form of arm wrestling contests. Thanks to his enhanced strength, each bet was proving more fruitful than the last as he effortlessly slammed one arm after another into the table. Though after his fourth victory in a row, no one else had dared to step up to the plate.
Out of a fear of losing more items, there were no more takers. The small crowd would disperse and it wouldn’t be long before he waddled back to the party’s tent with loot in hand. Creature sprawled it all out on the ground inside with a satisfied grin on his face. After he’d take a seat with his legs crossed, going over what he’d won.
A pickaxe, whistle, rope, and one boomstick… Was the best I could gather, so I hope this stuff comes in handy.
Essence felt an inclination to seek out people who stuck to group-only interactions, avoided others, kept quiet. Scoping out the area had her body jolting with excitement - she saw so many closed-off groups to be infiltrated. Campers that were much more knowledgable than her, and the rest of the party, who needed to collect as much information as possible. Like the foxgirl said: ask around if you need things. And ask around she did. With a soft smile, Essence slid into the more closed-off groups with relative ease. Kickstarting socialization served as a challenge, especially to hardened campers who were distrusting. But the Elf loved a good challenge and had the social skills to work around most people, given enough time. Once words flowed, Essence found herself able to grasp at souls, tugging them closer, opening them up. She played a game of switching out masks for the various roles that were required to gain valuable information from strangers. The theater kid inside her burned with desire. When she could pretend to be something more, someone different, she felt happiest. Weaving in and out of campsites, Essence was able to form a hodgepodge of useful tips and tricks and explanations about the surrounding area, all of which would aid the party in future endeavors. At one site she flirted with a man who needed a little spark to bring light to his gloomy, tired face. At another, she offered to sing and recite poetry in exchange for stories of local expeditions.
Settling down with a familiar face brought her an unusual sense of comfort. "Prince Elzeiros, it would be my pleasure to share a blanket with you. Shall we?" she sat down, wrapping a blanket around herself and @Frey Elzeiros. The presence of someone so similar, and friendly, felt warm. Much warmer than the cold air around them.
A workaholic even outside the office, Askera’s brusqueness certainly rubbed others the wrong way. Though there were people who enjoyed getting down to business immediately, there were plenty others who enjoyed an opportunity to feel out potential business partners through small talk. And in the case of the one man who he engaged in?
Yeah, yeah, whatever, mate. Listen, I’ll toss in these two blankies too, yeah? Just keep up your end of the deal after this. Spirit of it, not the word of it. Fucking bureaucrats.
The helmet-wearing redhead waved him off, and though Askera’s own social capabilities remained lacking, the sheer amount of work he put in before he turned in for the night did, in fact, manage to snag him a fair amount of good information with regards to the dangers of spelunking specifically within the Torim Caverns.
The rainfall, in fact, was what was mentioned the most often. While the majority of the rain would be shed off by Hyland Rocks, a significant amount would saturate the dirt underneath as well, creating the possibility of underwater flooding and, more importantly, causing the burrowing creatures within the mountain to rise up to the surface. The Stone-Eating Worms still needed air to breathe, and when the air in the soil was replaced with water, they would tunnel up and out. Smaller tunnels would undoubtedly be destabilized due to the movements of the earth, and there was even the chance of encounters with such subterranean monstrosities, the largest of which could span tens of meters in length!
But so long as Askera kept his eyes out for the signs, it would be possible to avoid the biggest dangers.
Where Askera fumbled, Solaria succeeded, at least when it came to remaining in the good graces of the other explorers. Communication skills were truly the most important ability to have in an increasingly technical world, and her genuine attempts at getting to know the people in Camp Hollownook got her more than a couple friend requests in the end. Socializing too much, of course, ultimately ended up distracting her from the central task at hand: getting information on how dangerous kobolds actually were. Were they like fire elemental gods, physically imposing but actually not nearly so spicy? Or were they like spiders, skittering little arachnids that nevertheless caused even the most renowned veteran Starcalled to break out in a cold sweat?
According to a Faerin with a delinquent slant to her attire, they, like most monsters in Terrasphere, fell in the middle.
Right on, Sola, gotcha notes ready? These little kobbies, ya see, got these real fat tails. Funny to look at, but it's like a...balance sorta thing. Lets them swing super hard without really going off balance like WHAM. Real sting like a bee float like a fly sorta fellows. Terrific fun.
Oh, but like, if you see one that's bigger than you, probably besta either retreat or pull out all the stops. Imagine like, one of us, except we're always reckless BUT fully protected. That's the sorta BAM that you're gonna be dealing with against the big bolds.
Few other monsters sounded like they would be a regular enough threat to really research up on, but others were willing to toss in tidbits here and there about their own most-despised monsters, from black slimes that mimicked stalactites, to flying fish that leapt out of puddles to sucker your face. The mountaintop may be simple enough, but down in the dark? There were plenty of odd beasts that bumped in the night.
Omega suffered from surplus too, though in her case, the Magia suffered more from her own sensory inputs than the random kindness of strangers. Cutting away from the crowds, she analyzed what she could of the surrounding caverns, taking soil composition samples and processing it all through a mind that simply wasn't able to fully formulate any conclusions from the data acquired. Accelerated learning capabilities was undoubtedly useful for a Magia, but in the absence of any teacher, there was still only so much that one could accomplish on their own.
Logging off, though, was a different story. With how realistic Terrasphere was, the amount of information that Alice could find with just a quick Google search definitely seemed like it would be of use. Equipment recommendations in particular sounded like the sort of stuff that those who were bartering would appreciate...if it wasn't already too late to do so. Rope and illumination, as well as helmets to protect the head from sudden changes in ceiling height, all appeared to be the standard for spelunking novices, while otherwise cutting down to the slimmest and most body-conforming equipment and attire one could have. Advancing through crevices often held recommendations of having the largest member of the group go in first, so that if they got stuck, everyone else would still be on one side together in order to assist in getting them out.
But, of course, the most pertinent piece of advice was simpler than those tips.
Stay frosty and have fun.
Whether or not the inhabitants of Camp Hollownook were particularly superstitious or skeptical, it was nevertheless the case that having an impromptu fortuneteller set up shop in the area made for some entertainment. The Faerin Oracle's prognostications drew in curious bystanders, a small crowd forming and then feeding into itself as the hubbub drew in more and more people! Certainly, there was the sense that Frey may have just been receiving junk that the others didn't want to lug around anymore, but as the night drew on, as fates unfurled and potential misfortunes revealed themselves within his stargazing mien, the inquiries of his customers became a touch more rowdy. Tidings of doom drew interest, yes, but they were explorers of the Torim Citadel, inhabitants of the Hylands Ascent. No oracle could uncover all the mishaps that would fall their way, after all.
Guhuehuehuehue...tell me, little destiny caller...who's the prettiest one of them all? ...and if you say it's me...I'll ♡ kill ♡ you~♡!
Sheesh, that narcissist again. Always giving me the hives n all. But hey, yeah, Fry, right? I've looking for this treasure 'round these parts. Locals call it the 'Part 4 Requiem', whatever the heckarini that means. How's my chances lookin' tomorrow though? Jackpot inbound?
Yo ho, guy dude! Gonna keep it nice n quick, cause the ladies gonna be feelin' lonely if I'm out for too long. Anyways, I've been thinking of getting into virtual real estate, and it definitely looks like Terrasphere's population and popularity's gonna be spiking up over the next couple of years, right? So, housing market! Totally lucrative, right? Like, it's obvious!
And, as the night wore on, the readings turned into spiels, and the spiels into soliloquy, explorers dumping nonsense concerns or thoughts upon the wayward oracle without really coming to any proper conclusions themselves. Fascinating, one way or the other, but interesting?
Frey, perhaps, was zoned out after the first ten.
Thankfully, though, his pile of equipment grew ever higher, so long as he kept listening and perhaps abusing the gift of the stars.
GOD DAMN IT FUCK! I SHOULD'VE GONE WITH MY LEFT!
With those chilling words, the last willing competitor pulled out a stick of dynamite from god knows where (hammerspace inventory) and slapped it into the table, alongside the rest of Creature's wager-won goods. Though the quality of goods that people were willing to put up on a gamble was a bit questionable, it certainly was a haul nonetheless for the bat-wielding batter, especially when all it took was some bravado to get the line started. A couple stuck around of course, eager to egg their more eggheaded buddies into giving it a go, citing stuff like beginner's luck, but by then, the rest of Creature's party had reconvened at their small shack, prompting the man himself to cut the festivities short.
Upon reflection, it was a better haul than what he had expected out of it, but if he had played up the struggle a bit more, pretended that there was a greater possibility of losing, perhaps he would have gotten even more than this.
But no. He was no conman, after all. Platinum-ranked Adventurers did their best, no matter work or play.
Essence, on the other hand, was all play, all con. All sweet lies, built upon the conception of how deception was harmless if no true cost was levied upon the deceived. White lies brightened the day more easily than stark truths, and so long as the mood was good, what need was there for something so bland as honesty? Perhaps some sensed the facade she put on, but many others placed those same facades on with no ill intentions. The Starcalled saw these lands as transient dreams, a world that would pop like a bubble the moment their consoles lost power. So why not have some fun? Why not indulge in the whims of a stranger who was willing to give a little and take a little?
Certainly, the Hollownook Campers weren't going to fuss over someone roleplaying, and they weren't going to let kind words or comedic anecdotes be left unrewarded.
While Essence came away with a motley collection of tips and tricks, the one that was perhaps the most applicable for the expedition they were headed on was the importance of setting up trailmarkers. Within tunnel systems, especially ones dug out by kobolds, merely tracking the cardinal directions would do little to inform one's depth, while the dim lighting of their surroundings would make it difficult to simply keep track of places through landmarks. Indeed, the most lethal 'accident' that could occur would be getting lost in the caves, so proper trailblazing was a necessity in plunging into the unknown.
Nothing sparked cannibalism and betrayal more easily than claustrophobic darkness and no hope of escape or rescue, after all. And there was in fact, a Faerin among them.
The moon rose and fell, the storm passing by overnight. It had been a miserable sleep for those who remained logged in, the damp air chilling them to the core with every breath they took, while distant rocks tumbled down steep slopes and all manner of nocturnal beasts called for brethren and prey in the cover of the night. With only the tarp to keep the wind off their backs and no comfort to be found in pressing their joints against hard surfaces, the parties bodies were curled up in little balls, bundled up best they could to stave off the cold. And even when day broke, that chill remained, Camp Hollownook in perpetual shadow due to the Citadel that had been such a reliable shelter from rain. Bodies ached, and fatigue remained, a weighty fact that even those who logged back in after enjoying their real bed would experience in the form of a lowered Energy bar. It wasn't a great start, indeed, but after a fire was lit and after the Vibeslimes began vibing again, there was still a good amount to be hopeful for.
Between Creature and Frey's crowd-rousing activities, they had gathered up a hefty amount of supplies to be shared between them, while Askera and Essence gave everyone the heads up regarding the most pertinent dangers to watch out for as they delved. Solaria, perhaps at the bidding of her sword, was already up and exercising, shaking the frost off her limbs as she switched from one sword stance to another, envisioning the monsters that they may face throughout the day, and Omega, sullen still being unable to fully decipher all that she had absorbed, was still willing to give the binary-code version of all the online tips she had gathered during her cozy night in her bed.
Yup. With slime vibing and Askera or Omega (hard to tell which when both thought of themselves as in charge) leading the way, the party entered the Citadel, wasted little time on observing the plain and pilfered walls of the first floor, and followed the signs into the cellar, where the tunnel had been uncovered. A couple barrels filled with rocks obstructed the opening, but the party was able to push it aside without much trouble, exposing the dark maw that would soon swallow them all whole.
500 word limit, excluding code, because I know the pain of long codes. Anything above that is ignored and your turn forfeited.
48 hour post cycles. May post sooner depending on the eagerness of players or the triggering of traps.
Until combat begins, your actions in the Play Sheet are not locked in.
This round is a trunucated travelling round, where each individual post covers one leg of the journey as you travel down an artificial tunnel that gradually opens up into more natural systems.
If you have any questions, ping me in #rp-chat or the discord thread for this challenge, if the latter exists.
Code:
[bar=800]800[/bar]
[status]Brief description of character's mood.[/status]
Post here. 500 words max.
[action]
Bot roll here.
Progress: 000/???
[/action]
Play Sheet Link.
Boons and Supplies
<< Hope: 800/800 >>
Hope represents the party's will to continue onwards as a cohesive unit. This is a resource that is shared and consumed whenever any party member makes an action during exploration. Once Hope reaches 0, the party is no longer able or willing to continue, and will split, each prioritizing their own chances of reaching it back to the surface.
<< Boons >>
+19 to Saves
+8 to Combat Actions
+3 to Mastery or Expertise Checks.
<< Supplies >>
Supplies are items that are lost at the end of the Challenge, while providing certain advantages during the challenge. Some of them have clear, mechanical benefits, as will be outlined below. Others serve as props to be used to make freeform actions possible, or have situational usages that will be outlined in actions.
Vibeslime Lantern [x1] - If Hope is above 400, increase Mastery Checks and Expertise Checks by 10.
Classic Dynamite [x1] - As a combat action, consume this supply to inflict 200 damage on a single target, as well as 100 damage on surrounding targets.
Trusty Shovel [x1] - Reduce Hope cost for tunneling by 20%.
Sharpened Pickaxe [x1] - Enables the [Prospect] action.
20 Meters of Rope [x2] - Always handy, but for what?
Self-Igniting Torches [x2] - If Ignited, increase Will Saves by 5 and regain 10 Hope per Cycle. If Doused, this supply is consumed.
Emergency Blanket [x4] - Consume this supply to regain 50 Hope.
Clean Whistle [x1] - Whistle.
Actions
The journey begins, and the unknown calls for you. The dirt is damp against your feet, giving away with every step you take, while the air itself is humid, granting you a slow death through drowning. But your friends are with you, and as marks of artificial tunneling fade away, it all opens up to you. The Vibeslime Lantern paints limestone into a myriad of colors, and the twinkle of precious ores catch in the corner of your vision. Small, subterranean ponds house fish that have adapted to leap from one pool to another, while slippery slopes make for a quicker descent if only you wish to take the slide.
But dangers too, are abound, and where there is life, there are predators. Whilst holding onto Hope, trek with caution and optimism, explorers. You will reach your destination. But in what shape? That is yet to be seen.
Advance At a steady pace, neither quickly or slowly, delve through the depths.
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check and add that to the Progress.
Reduce Hope by 50.
Accelerate! March at double-time, running through the shadows and stone or sliding down slurried slopes!
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check, then roll a d4. Multiply the check's result by the result of your d4, and add that to your Progress.
Reduce Hope by 100. Then make a Reflex Save (DC 50). If fail, reduce Hope by another 50.
Take it Easy Continue at a relaxed pace, enjoying the scenery and maybe snacking on some hardtack.
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check, then divide it by 2, rounding up. Add to your Progress.
Regain 2d20 Hope.
Take a Break Find a nice place to stop and relax for a good couple of hours, enough to boil some hardtack...soup.
Regain 6d20 Hope.
Extra Actions
Extra things for you to expend Hope on as the journey continues, which may bring extra supplies or cause more bad than good, depending on how lucky you're feeling. Every Action can be accompanied by an Extra Action, but Extra Actions are rolled after Actions are rolled.
Discovery Keep your eyes and mind open, straying from the central path to sate your curiosity.
Roll a d20 and refer to the list below.
1: Cave In! Everyone in the party must make a DC 70 Reflex or Fortitude Save. Every failure causes Hope to be reduced by 30. 2-5: Encounter! A subterranean monster of your choice leaps out and attacks the party! The next person to post must first roll a standard Attack action against the monster. If less than 50 damage is dealt, the monster reduces Hope by 30, before the rest of the party curbstomps it. 6-11: Solitude! It's quiet...too quiet... 12-16: Fishies! Beautiful fish catch your attention, and their iridescent scales reflect beautifully as you point them out to your friends. The next person to post increases the amount of dice they roll for their Action by 1, inspired as they are by the beauty of the scales. 17-19: Spacious! You find an expansive cavern, the perfect place to relieve yourself of the claustrophobia. Regain 100 Hope as you stretch your legs and hear your voice echo. 20: Wondrous! You come across a unique experience, one that will resound in your memory for a long while. Is it an ancient mural, left by cave-dwellers long past? Is it a glimmer of the sky, an improbably deep hole that allows a single shaft of natural sunlight to peek into these depths? No matter what, it inspires you and you feel blessed. Gain the ability to reroll any one dice that has been rolled.
Prospect Bust out that Sharpened Pickaxe and start mining those ores. Gold rush, baby!
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check. Geomancy and Crush roll with advantage.
The higher the roll, the greater the chance of coming across precious or explosive ores, to be processed in the next cycle update.
Reduce Hope by 50. Then make a Fortitude Save (DC 40). If fail, reduce Hope by another 20.
Rappel Put that rope to good use and hope that there's a shortcut at the end of the drop.
Roll a Knowledge, Knack, or Awareness check, DC 65.
Solaria walked slightly ahead of the group, her sword drawn and ready to strike anything that might sneak up from the front. As a plant hung low from the roof of the cavern, she sliced it into shreds, grinning ear to ear. "Yep, it's a good thing I have Hawnell with me."
Every so often, she would strike the air as if in a kendo match. Despite her tendency to rush into the action, Solaria was actually pretty practical at times- though this wasn't one of them, most likely. After all, if she weren't at the front of the group, Solaria would have accidentally injured someone.
With an average pace, the Elf continued to walk through the cavern, eyes peeled for anything dangerous- but so far, she was just cutting down plants that were in her way. Turning to look at the rest of the group, she smiled ever so slightly.
Traveling with others like this was nice. She was glad she signed up for the quest now.
Omega was not happy with the results she had gotten, sure she had a bunch of information to analyze later and use for future possible cave exploration of the region but was not half as helpful as some others had been. Mumbling in her mind when she had logged back into the game when others would be waking up and it was the official twelve hour without seeing her queen and as such her mood took a hard dip to the south in response when they set out.
"Statement, Without queen for twelve hours fourteen seconds... twelve hours fifteen seconds..."
Her internal clock ticking upwards without her queen and reason she even played the game. Sure she also played at times to have some fun but the overall goal was to be useful to her queen and here she was doing no such thing. Her reasons to join the expedition was to get stronger, yet she had fought nothing all the way here. To find the dwarven brew to gift to her queen, and not yet even set out. To maybe find creatures or lifeforms that could aid her Queen's rise to power and yet nothing of the sort. She did not look at things with a positive view, she was failing her queen as she slacked behind the group.
"Mood boost, Failure is only the predecessor to success!
Retort, Failure should never occur as it smears Queen's name and trust in us.
Mood boost, The task is unfinished, no such statement of failure should be made.
Retort, Maximum use of time apart from queen not used to max aid, failure to do needed task without queen presence.
Mood boost, Subject needs to stop being negative or productiveness will continue to fall.
Retort, Negative or positive matters nothing in proven study, One professional in bad mood can still outperform novice in positive mood or other professional based on experience and dedication to work..."
Each time One or more sides of her mind would try to keep the Magia above average mindset the negative side would move the dial right back to neutral. There was no reason to go beyond such a mood as there was no Queen to impress, no enemies of the queen to attack, no people she was asked to impress, simply nothing that required her full focus. So she moved at a delayed speed, using her Magitech to try and gather some Ores absent-mindedly to examine later.
The expedition took the party of six further into the tunnels after a long night's rest. Some time was spent traversing down a long and winding single path, a time that Askera spent keeping notes about approximately how long they had been traveling, as well as setting up simple beacon-sticks that he made last night upon hearing a valuable piece of advice from @Essence . He hoped that these would be enough to keep trailblazing-they were fairly easy to make, so he had quite a few on hand.
The researcher put his hands into active duty whence the trail began to split into several others. He was ready, he explained, to navigate an underground path based on the knowledge of a geography electorate he took in his younger years. It wasn't made clear as to how experienced he actually was in the matter, but it appeared that Askera's hand in the group's path was better than nothing. A solid chunk of the journer was made safer by Askera's guidance this time.
In particular, he made sure that the six would steer clear of directions that his understanding of geography told him would lead to potential wellsprings from the surface's rainfall--They would be bound to have monsters nearby, each brought to the surface-tunnels by the rising water. Best avoid these places altogether, Askera explained.
The party's first break-point lie at an intersection before three directions, one of which seemed to round out in a dead end as Askera's gut feeling told him. The place seemed to be empty, so it was a good place to catch a breath.
"You know, this might be a spot where minerals might start cropping up in the stone."
Askera had mused this aloud as an interesting thought that he believed the others would take interest in. Little did the researcher know that a certain @Essence would soon take to his words a little more well than he had intended her to...
"This is, like, so exciting! Right guys?" Essence spun around, twirling about the group. She wasn't sure if the Elf vibes were why Terra's immersion brought her so close to the Earth, or if it was her quick progression toward mastering Geomancy. Deep down, where Essence feared to dig, she was a little girl in her mother's garden. A mother's smile, her approval - so rare in Essence's life. The one thing that always felt right. Consistent. Grounding. Earth.
However, the Elf's mind flooded with more shallow thoughts. Though she appeared distracted and ditzy, the lively woman catalogued the group's whereabouts, ensuring they weren't going to succumb to the dangers the campers warned her of. At least, not so early. She found the idea of encountering danger quite thrilling, but focused on the importance of accumulating information. For that, she channeled her inner-student, and retained attentivness despite appearing to have absolutely no orginal ideas or situational awareness behind her enlightened expression.
"Cute smile, @Solaria. Keep protecting us from danger. I'm a helpless woman, you know," she noticed the blonde Elf smiling back at the group. She mostly kept next to @Frey Elzeiros as the group ventured further into the tunnels. "You're definitely a crystal girl type," Essence poked Frey, interlocking an arm with his. "If I find something pretty I'll let you keep it. For free."her eyes shifted over to @Creature, face twisting into scowl. "You don't get any crystals, puke-boy. Try to keep it in this time, yeah? We tried it once. Clearly I'm not into it."
Whispering to Frey about Creature's incident during the hectic MIT search for the Red Fever cure, Essence perked up when @Askera Question hinted towards the path best suited for the group. And she - jumping on the inside, ready to go - halted the gossip, and shoved past Askera to slip and slide along a journey into the unknown. Though avoiding a character with the muscular build she had in the real world, Essence couldn't help but utilize her fitness in Terra. She ran, and giggled like a child, skidding and running and jumping with ease, even though she was alone and without a source of prominent light. "Let's go, losers!", the Elf called out very loudly, yet sing-songy. Busting out the pick-axe she nabbed, Essence channeled her ability to seek out natural ore deposits within the Earth. And when the group caught up she would toss the pickaxe to @Omega, a smirk on her face.
"The girl boss vibes in me took over."
Rolls
Expertise Check
1d100 (41) + 10 + 10 + 3 = 64
Fitness | Essence | 946C1 | Accelerate!
1d4 (4) = 4
Accelerate! | Essence | 946C1
Save
1d100 (95) + 19 + 5 = 119
Reflex | Essence | 946C1
Mastery Check
2d100 (Advantage) (2, 2) + 10 = 12
Geomancy | Essence | 946C1 | Prospect
*adding 13 to total bc of DM boons, so true total is 25
Rather than looking ahead, Frey's vision was consumed by the sight of a currently blank piece of paper, gradually being filled with details and hastily scribbled notes as the group advanced.
Committing details, each turn of their steps, each cave-in they came across, to memory, and then unto the paper, was mostly what he busied himself with. So consumed was he in his self-given duty that he barely noticed as one of the elves in his party slid an arm around his own, barely registering the words whispered to him until someone else's name was brought up.
Oh, now he was interested.
"Oh, he did that, hmm?"
Frey leaned into @Essence's side as she talked of her misadventures with the members of the MIT, and in particular, of the accidents that had transpired in the company of a fellow adventurer of theirs. His eyes trailed slowly through the individuals conforming the group, landing on the back of @Creature's skull as a smile slowly crept up on his lips, stifling giggles behind a hand that still held a pencil within his fingers. Soon, he would too whisper a thing or two back to the woman.
He was brought to a sudden stop as she, in all her enthusiasm, jumped at the prompt given to her by @Askera Question, rushing forward in a blitz of movement that left him momentarily dazed. Blinking away the confusion, he looked to the remaining five members of his group, before tucking the improvised map neatly inside his clothing and running after her.
"What... What did you all tell her?"
No more than five steps ahead, he found his first hurdle in @Solaria, slashing at the air as if fighting an invisible foe. He considered sticking to a wall in order to avoid any potential friendly fire, but given that the shape of Essence was disappearing in the distance faster by the minute, he resorted to leaning in close to the woman. "Touch the cape and you are buying me a new one. You would not like to hear what happened to the last monster that ate holes through it, darling."
A friendly smile given, he continued his pursuit, steps quick and somewhat clumsy as he tried not to trip over unseen rock formations or tiny, harmless creatures that called this place home. It was then that the roof opened up from above him, a gentle light trickling in from an unseen light source that, try as he might, he couldn't quite locate. No longer were they bound to awkwardly stand next to one another as tunnels gave in to open space, rock stretching wider until they came to stand upon a platform overseeing the rest of the cavern, walls lined up with crystalline clusters that were probably what had piqued Essence's interest.
"Wait, Essence! Hold up! Esse... Alright, you (@Creature)! You got any rope? I think she might just go hopping around if she gets bored or thinks we are going too slow..."
Rolls
Expertise Check
1d100 (16) + 10 + 3 + 10= 39 +3 from Boons of Delving | +10 from Vibeslime Knowledge | Frey Elzeiros | 946C1
Roll Result
1d20 (17) = 17
+100 Hope from finding an expansive cavern Discovery | Frey Elzeiros | 946C1
The nickname left a worse taste behind than the vomit did. Everyone in the MIT lab had been sick, @Essence included. Creature felt that of the choices available his behavior wasn’t that bad. If it was up to him, he’d just forget that part of the expedition had happened entirely. But his companion didn’t seem interested in letting things go so easily. In order to avoid the spotlight, the man slowed his pace until he was able to slink to the rear of the party. With Hyper Sense active he’d be able to warn of any signs of danger that may have been creeping up behind them. He’d only be snapped back to the conversation once they’d reached the open cavern.
You say that as if her hopping off a cliff would be a bad thing...
Though he feigned indifference at the woman’s willingness to charge ahead, he rummaged through the group’s supplies for the desired rope. What @Frey Elzeiros intended to do with it was really anyone’s guess. With a grin he'd hand it over once found.
If we're tying her up I'm not volunteering to carry her.
Rolls
Mastery Check
1d100 (51) + 10 + 3 + 10 = 74 / 2 = 37
Hyper Sense | Creature | 946C1 | Take it Easy
Roll Result
2d20 (14 + 13) = 27
Creature | 946C1 | Hope Regained
There was something manic perhaps, about the party’s descent. At the forefront, Solaria broke out her sword at random intervals, swinging at enemies that only she could see, whilst stalking on the outskirts, Omega mumbled to herself, discontent at her separation from the one and only Queen in her life. And at a single mention of geological possibilities from the prudent (and perhaps obsessive) Askera, Essence herself sprinted off with a song out of her mouth and the dream of diamonds in her eyes, prompting a pursuit from Frey…before the Faerin was stopped by the drop that the excitable woman herself had simply leapt down into.
Clearly, she was athletic. Clearly, the rest of the party wasn’t suicidal.
Shimmying down with rope, the party convened for a short break of Prospecting. Or, well, for most of them, just watching Essence and Omega take turns with the pickaxe. Some moments were scuffed, with some overenthusiastic strikes causing ore to shatter, razor-sharp fragments almost slicing into flesh, but most of the time, it was on the monotonous side of things.
A break from their travels, ultimately, with an armful of pretty (but not wholly useful) crystals shoved into the beefy arms of pukeboy Creature as they continued down into the Torim Caverns, what vegetation they spotted growing less and less in number before natural cave formations once again turned into…
…a mine.
Or, at least, the remains of one. This deep in the Hylands Ascent, and they had come across something strange indeed. Broken minecrafts, wood rotted and iron rusted, laid on their sides, while only imprints remained of the tracks they once ran on. The stale air brought with it a dry heat that the entire party could feel now, sucking the moisture from their skin and evaporating the patches of wetness from the damp conditions of the cavern before. More importantly, though, that same air brought with it the sound of metal striking stone, of faint shrieks from the kobolds that the party was sent to inve-
A patrol!
Far beyond what light the Vibeslime Lantern offered, Creature sensed the presence of monsters. Solaria stepped forth to join him in the vanguard, Frey drew deeply into his magic to prepare for a violent future, Omega and Essence both readied their steels and sorceries, and Askera…
…felt nothing where his weapon once was.
So he did the prudent thing, instead tucking the Vibeslime Lantern underneath his clothing. The party dropped into total darkness and the patrol of monsters, possessing only regular senses, did not pick up on their presence, instead taking a turn down a different tunnel instead.
Seconds passed into minutes before the party relaxed once more. They were most certainly in hostile territory now, and if they were to adventure within such monster-infested depths…well, any player of RPGs would know that they ought to find a safe point, right?
500 word limit, excluding code, because I know the pain of long codes. Anything above that is ignored and your turn forfeited.
48 hour post cycles. May post sooner depending on the eagerness of players or the triggering of traps.
Until combat begins, your actions in the Play Sheet are not locked in.
This round is one focused on establishing a base camp before your characters plunge fully into scouting out the multi-layered home of the kobolds.
If you have any questions, ping me in #rp-chat or the discord thread for this challenge, if the latter exists.
Code:
[bar=800]800[/bar]
[status]Brief description of character's mood.[/status]
Post here. 500 words max.
[action]
Bot roll here.
Progress: 000/???
[/action]
Play Sheet Link.
Cycle Resolution
<< Progress: 589/500 >>
With Essence's sprint forcing everyone else along with her, the party made good time, and did not accrue any extra Hope loss from fatigue and tedium.
<< Prospect: 32 + 25 >>
With only one Pickaxe to share and no particular luck with hitting ore veins or crystal deposits, only 3 Glassstone Ores were retrieved for your efforts.
<< Nat 1 Event:@Askera Question>>
Perhaps it was due to the lack of enemies, or perhaps it was due to his focus on marking the path they took, but Askera has misplaced his weapon. Upon reviewing his memories, it becomes crystal clear to him that he had left it behind at the same tent where he had collected the Vibeslime Lantern. Perhaps he was too enamored by the little vibing guy? Regardless, in hostile territory, his options are heavily limited if they got into a scrap.
Now, how would he resolve this problem?
Rush back to the surface alone, reducing Hope by 148 to retrieve his weapon and return to his friends.
Accept the loss of his weapon and staying with the party, in exchange for only being able to use basic actions in combat encounters.
Convince a party member to lend him their weapon instead, consigning them to the fate of being limited to only using basic actions in combat encounters.
Boons and Supplies
<< Hope: 652/800 >>
Hope represents the party's will to continue onwards as a cohesive unit. This is a resource that is shared and consumed whenever any party member makes an action during exploration. Once Hope reaches 0, the party is no longer able or willing to continue, and will split, each prioritizing their own chances of reaching it back to the surface.
<< Boons >>
+19 to Saves
+8 to Combat Actions
+3 to Mastery or Expertise Checks.
<< Supplies >>
Supplies are items that are lost at the end of the Challenge, while providing certain advantages during the challenge. Some of them have clear, mechanical benefits, as will be outlined below. Others serve as props to be used to make freeform actions possible, or have situational usages that will be outlined in actions.
Vibeslime Lantern [x1] - If Hope is above 400, increase Mastery Checks and Expertise Checks by 10.
Classic Dynamite [x1] - As a combat action, consume this supply to inflict 200 damage on a single target, as well as 100 damage on surrounding targets.
Trusty Shovel [x1] - Reduce Hope cost for tunneling by 20%.
Sharpened Pickaxe [x1] - Enables the [Prospect] action.
20 Meters of Rope [x2] - Always handy, but for what?
Self-Igniting Torches [x2] - If Ignited, increase Will Saves by 5 and regain 10 Hope per Cycle. If Doused, this supply is consumed.
Emergency Blanket [x4] - Consume this supply to regain 50 Hope.
Clean Whistle [x1] - Whistle.
Glassstone Ore [x3] - Chunks of a seemingly transparent stone. When a strong light is shone through them, the light is refracted out the other end into a rainbow. Good for interior design or, perhaps, for dazzling primitive monsters. Remember, there's three Ss in Glassstone.
Actions
The subterranean habitat of the kobolds near as natural tunnel formations gradate into what appears to be an abandoned mineshaft. Broken carts lie on their sides, rotten wood and rusted metals now fused with the dirt, while only vague imprints remain of the tracks they once rode down. Tunnels expand outwards, while if one focused their hearing, the clicking of steel against stone and the call-and-response of shrieking kobolds could be heard too. Any closer now, and the party would be in hostile territory.
A base camp, then, would be necessary. One that needed to be tucked away, but one that needed to be comfortable, to allow for long-term exploration of the space. Gather supplies, wield your magic, and construct your home away from home before you delve into the monsters' den.
And do watch out for those patrols.
Scouting Out Look for a nice spot for your base camp! Without scouting, your base camp will be found in a featureless hole in the ground. Not great but not bad!
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check. If you have Hyper Sense, Astramancy, or Dynamicism, roll an extra d100 and add it to your final result.
Reduce Hope by 100.
Take your result and refer to the table below for what amenities the scouted location has. Every bonus above your result can be added as amenities as well.
1-20: You try, but alas, there only appears to be rocks. 21-50: The soil here is softer, enough so that gathering them up makes for a comfy earth-mattress. 51-75: Bioluminscent mushrooms light up the area, and offer what appear to be edible snacks. 76-100: Small pools dot this space, offering wells of groundwater to use to slake your thirst or clean your gear. 101-125: Piles of splintered wooden planks, perhaps from crates or barrels, litter a portion of this space, and can be used for firewood or simple crafts projects. 126-160: A lucky find! A deep pool of water, large enough that two people can fit in it at once, has been discovered. Steam wafts from it and the water is hot to the touch, making it quite a comfy little bathtub. 161-200: Fortune smiles bright! Crystalline ores thrum with a hymnal quality around you, serving both as a natural deterrent to monsters as well as a wonderful sound space for music! Break some off too, and perhaps these ores would be of value? 200-250: You find a geographic or natural boon that you are looking for. What is it that you are looking for? 250+: ???
Settling In Roll up your sleeves, recall your DIY projects, and use your Masteries to better furnish your base camp. A home away from home can certainly be accomplished, just by greasing your elbows.
Roll a Mastery check. If using Geomancy, Arcanamancy, Crush Weapons, Magitech, or Nature Magic, double the result. If you have the Homebound: Construction or Crafting skill, double the final result again.
Reduce Hope by 50.
Take your result. This is converted into Crafts Points, which can be consumed to furnish your base camp. Furniture possess three different costs, and the more expensive the costs, the higher the quality.
Chair[5/10/15 CP] - Kick back, relax, and more importantly, enjoy the back support. Table[10/20/30 CP] - The perfect accompaniment to chairs, and can become a bed in a jiffy. Bed[15/30/45 CP] - An actual, proper bed, large enough to fit the tallest Starcalled, and divinely comfortable. Stove and Hearth[15/30/45 CP] - Cook food properly here! Will immediately enhance the flavor of hardtack and whatever else you can scrounge up in the depths. Wash Sink[20/40/60 CP] - Wash your clothing, your dishes, your weapons, what have you! All without contaminating your precious water sources. Outhouse[20/40/60 CP] - Do what must be done, and do so without causing biological disasters or risking awkward monster encounters. Sauna[30/60/90 CP] - It ain't a bath or a shower, but it's a place to work up a good sweat and then refresh with a bucket of ice water afterwards. Just make sure to hydrate. Fields[30/60/90 CP] - Work hard and make yourself a self-renewing source of delicious veggies and fungi, so you never have to forage for food again. Tragically though, it can't grow meat. Workshop[40/80/120 CP] - Construct the tools, both handheld and large-scale, to make future crafts projects that much easier to work on, as well as to properly maintain your adventuring gear out in the wild.
Fencing Off Establish perimeter defenses, make a great big fancy door, or camoflague the entrance to your base camp! This far away from civilization, a space is only as safe as you make it.
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check. Increase the result by 20 for every Defensive Mastery you have. Further increase the result by 40 if you have Shadow Arts, Divine Magic, Magitech, or Summon.
Reduce Hope by 50.
Take your result. For every defensive measure you take, invest a certain amount of your result into them, to indicate how much effort was put into constructing them.
Cook a Meal Scrounge for edibles, put on your apron, and cook up a meal! Now, the hard part begins: wrangling everyone else to come eat with you.
Regain 10d20 Hope.
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check. If rolling with Beast Arts, Nature Magic, Pyromancy, or Alchemy, roll with advantage.
Describe the meal you come up with, and receive a set of party-wide boons in the upcoming cycle!
Extra Actions
Extra things for you to expend Hope on as the journey continues, which may bring extra supplies or cause more bad than good, depending on how lucky you're feeling. Every Action can be accompanied by an Extra Action, but Extra Actions are rolled after Actions are rolled.
Discovery Keep your eyes and mind open, straying from the central path to sate your curiosity.
Roll a d20 and refer to the list below.
1: Cave In! Everyone in the party must make a DC 70 Reflex or Fortitude Save. Every failure causes Hope to be reduced by 50, the weight of the earth itself made heavier here. 2-4: Earthworm! A burrowing monstrosity bursts out from the ground, and you are caught in its path! Roll a DC 70 Fortitude or Reflex save to avoid being absolutely mangled by it as it passes by. On failure, either reduce Hope by 30 OR reduce your Action's roll result by 30. 5-9: Patrols! The Kobolds have found you, and you must strike them down before they sound the alarm! The next person to post must first roll a standard Attack action against the monster. If less than 80 damage is dealt, the monsters reduces Hope by 30, before the rest of the party curbstomps it. If less than 40 damage is dealt, the monsters also sound the alarm before their demise, increasing Kobold security in the upcoming cycle. 10-12: Slip! You trip on a patch of slimy stone, besmirching the memory of a once-vibing slime. Reduce Hope by 10, and feel a bit sad. 13-14: Shinies! A gleaming patch of ore catches your attention, though their monetary value is low. Neverthless, they would be perfect for beautifying your base camp or for buffering your defenses. Gain 10 CP OR increase one of your defenses by 10. 15-17: Fishies! Beautiful fish catch your attention, and their iridescent scales reflect beautifully as you point them out to your friends. The next person to post increases the amount of dice they roll for their Action by 1, inspired as they are by the beauty of the scales OR increase your Meal Boons by 50, as pretty fish like this would also make for sumptuous fish. 18-19: Spacious! You find an expansive cavern, the perfect place to relieve yourself of the claustrophobia. Regain 100 Hope as you stretch your legs and hear your voice echo AND increase Scouting Bonuses result by 50, as vast spaces always have more than just their vastness. 20: Wondrous! You come across a unique experience, one that will resound in your memory for a long while. Is it an ancient mural, left by cave-dwellers long past? Is it a glimmer of the sky, an improbably deep hole that allows a single shaft of natural sunlight to peek into these depths? No matter what, it inspires you and you feel blessed. Gain the ability to reroll any one dice that has been rolled. This ability can be used twice now.
Prospect Bust out that Sharpened Pickaxe and start mining those ores. Gold rush, baby!
Roll a Mastery or Expertise check. Geomancy and Crush roll with advantage.
The higher the roll, the greater the chance of coming across precious or explosive ores, to be processed in the next cycle update.
Reduce Hope by 50. Then make a Fortitude Save (DC 40). If fail, reduce Hope by another 20.
Motionless in the dark, he waited a few more seconds before letting the tension in his muscles slip away. An audible sigh of relief escaped Creature’s lips as they were sure the kobold patrol party had simply walked by the group thanks to @Askera Question ’s quick thinking. Moving to the front of the party, he’d gently pat the man on the shoulder with an approving nod. Looked like things were going to get trickier moving forward.
Good job Asky. Thinking maybe we should find somewhere to get comfy for now… And I don’t sense any kobolds this way so.
Creature pointed down one of the side tunnels and shepherded the others inside. Eventually the path gave way to another cavern. The source of the noise he’d been hearing as the neared appeared to be crystal ores that dotted the room. The area was nicely lit from the glowing mushrooms growing everywhere making it easy to observe. Glancing around, there appeared to be discarded wood strewn about, soft soil, tiny clusters of water welled up in places, and a larger pool that was emitting steam. It was a decent area with enough benefits to convince him it was worth setting up a base here. It wasn't like they had many other options anyway.
Doesn’t seem like those things come over here. Is everyone alright with staying in Camp Creature while we plot our next move?
As the founder of this new settlement it was only natural he’d get to pick the name, right?
When she heard her stomach growl and saw the pile of wood, she knew what to do. Taking just a few splinters of wood, she created a small fire- one that would heat her alchemic cauldron so that she could make a meal by scouring their new campsite.
She noticed that there were a few things to pick from. The soft soil could make a good bed, but also might hide treasures inside- and when she dug through it carefully as to not disturb their potential mattresses, but found nothing. So, instead, she began to wander the perimeter near the glowing mushrooms.
She struck gold.
Various fungi and ferns were growing in the dirt near the bioluminescent mushrooms. She picked a bunch that, in investigation mode, at least appeared to have some form of health benefit or a name she could recognize from lessons on natural remedies from her 'grandmother'. Bringing them and some water to boil in her cauldron, she began to make a fragrant soup stock, the flavors of the fungi and ferns carefully bleeding into the water as it heated them.
But it was colorful soup. Colorful, hopefully healthful soup, made from various types of mushrooms with various colors (besides the glowing ones, of course!), and lots of green 'grasses' that she'd read about as a child. She smiled softly as she prepared to serve some to everyone, taking a taste from her own bowl.
"Wow, it came out pretty good!" She giggled a bit, smiling. "I know it's not much, but it's all I could scavenge that appeared safe to ingest. Let's try to enjoy a meal together, okay? I tried to find some cavern carrots, but I made do. Every plant and fungus in here has health benefits from what I'm aware. That's how I chose them."
He had replied to @Creature's refusal to carry the woman, rolling his eyes once he had turned to continue the chase, rope now in hand. By the time he had managed to locate the elven woman, the sight of her unbothered by physical exertion, already the sound of metal being struck and footsteps had brushed against his ears.
Frey's breath caught in his throat, a hand seizing Essence's wrist to pull her back towards the group and brace themselves for a possible altercation, until the sounds slowly disappeared down another tunnel. Only then did he allow himself to breathe, shoulders tense with the usual dosage of adrenaline surging through his veins.
Steps fell in line after the scout's, guiding them down a pathway that opened into yet another cavern, though this one much more spacious than the one he had run into in the first place. Intent on leaving a written record of his findings thus far, he broke formation before long, attention caught by the glimpse of colorful, shimmering light along one of the far walls.
An eyebrow quirked up in response to Creature's choice for the name of the group's to-be humble abode, shifting in his heels to look at Essence with an expression that loosely translated into: What kind of name is that?
"Is it a creature, or is it a camp? Yeah, no. I'm going for Camp Queenslayer." Already had he shrugged his shoulders and moved past the others to inspect the dimensions of the cavern itself, intent on leaving a record of his experiences written down on paper for future usage. "You know, because... Slay, Queen! Queen-slayer. Easy. Sounds nice, too."
"Psst, check this out." He tapped @Essence's shoulder as he went, dropping to a knee beside a small pond that would've otherwise gone unnoticed. The luminescent fungi growing nearby gave the fishes swimming in the water enough illumination to have their scales on display, colors shimmering in a dazzling display.
Rustling and conversation from behind him revealed every individual's preparations, tearing a sigh from him as he realized he couldn't simply throw his feet up and sleep the weariness of the exploration away.
The oracle marched up to the cavern's entrance, magic coalescing around his fingertips as he raised his hands up in the sky, allowing for a curtain of shadow to descend, obscuring the interior of the cavern to the eyes of outsiders. He then stepped out, a hand stuck to the walls as he traveled up the tunnel, spawning eyes that would remain closed until a creature unknown to Frey passed through, ringing an alarm in his head.
Satisfied with his handiwork, he walked back the way he came from, pushing through the shadowed curtains that he himself had made. "@Solaria, save me a bit of it. Almost done here!"
Rolls
Mastery Check
1d100 (26) + 10 + 3 + 20 + 20 + 40 = 119
+ Natural Defenses from their Scouted location for camp
Shadow Veil: 70
Divination Sensors: 49
Arcanamancy | Frey Elzeiros | 946C2 | Fencing Off
Roll Result
1d20 (17) = 17
+50 Bonus to a Meal OR +1 additional dice to the next person who posts Discovery | Frey Elzeiros | 946C2
She wouldn't apologize, but her gut twisted into a knot. Frey had to run after her, and cared about her well-being. Though Essence couldn't even promise herself that she wouldn't run off again, she would try. Pursing her lips, the Elf remained quiet until the group reached the mineshift. Nearby dangers failed, still, to make her any bit of nervous. Rather, energy coursed through her veins, and she felt quite homey in a place where she could be surrounded by Earth.
"This is the one time I'm going to agree with you, @Creature." she stated, in response to the praise for @Askera Question concealing the vibe slime's light.
Fortunately, Frey didn't seem upset with her. Her nose scrunched, exaggerated to convey a mutual agreement with @Frey Elzeiros. "Camp Queenslayer, yeesssss!" she clapped, supporting her bestie. "That's so good. Get outta here with that Camp Creature nonsense. Like, you're cool, maybe-" she paused, rushing forward to catch up with Frey, because she definitely did not just admit that. "but that's a dumb name. Right, @Omega? Yes in binary isn't hard to decipher. You should totally agree with me and Frey!"
Attention shifted from attempting to convince the Magia to the small pond. Crouching next to Frey, she gently punched his shoulder, and smirked. "This is sweet. Thanks for giving me a great experience, tour guide." Essence spread her fingers and skimmed a hand atop the water, gliding back and forth before standing up straight. They couldn't stop here for long, but she would never pass up an opportunity to gape in awe at something pretty.
And her standards for pretty weren't too high. Magic flowed throughout Essence, who fully embraced the mineshaft, and molded the Earth into a temporary safe-haven. Though she wasn't necessarily thinking about the others, she wanted to reflect her inner comfort in external efforts, so that they would give her the type of affection she craved. A home away from home would be crafted as Essence put herself to work, crafting merging with the formations she created from the dirt and mud and rock.
With a huff, Essence spread out a blanket before @Solaria, gesturing for the Elf to sit on it with her. Though she wouldn't mind the others joining, either, holding her arms out to anyone who sat on the plush material. "I can't cook for shit, girl, so this is great."
