Complete Challenge Hylands Ascent The Paper Oubliette - Chapter 1

Tarkya

❮ II. Dungeon Knave ❯
Messages
63
Gold
240
Mastery
120
Valor
0
Event
0
Special
0
OOC
Storage
a meat popsicle
unknown.png
> It is inevitable, of course, that one must set down a book before it is finished.
> The bookmark is placed. The book set aside. Life, for a time, continues.
> You might return after an hour. A day. But sometimes time stretches on. Days become weeks.
> And then you find it again, dusty and forgotten, the bookmark still marking when you left.
> But your memories are vague. Names, events, all blurred by the passage of time.
> Perhaps it is better to start from the beginning. But this close to the ending... what a shame it would be to do that.

> Instead, let us move forward. Perhaps we can remember a sweeter story than what led us here.
> Once upon a time...


Cycle 5 - Exploration


Statue Chamber

Occupants: @Askera Question

The Library Guardian raises its sword as it approaches Askera with sudden swiftness. It swings towards his midsection in a horizontal arc. The impact is that of a blunt weapon rather than a sharp blade, but it is no less painful.

It readjusts itself, ready to attack once more, only for a bolt of light to scream into the room, striking the statue. It does not flinch, but fragments of stone and dust fly from the point of impact.

Library Guardian
unknown.png

❰ 906 / 1000 ❱

Roamer. Every cycle, the Library Guardian will move up to two zones unless engaged in combat. It will prioritize movement towards adjacent players or active combat.
Multiattack. The Library Guardian can make 1d4 attacks each cycle. It may split these attacks across multiple targets.

Action Log
CYCLE 4
@Aroda attacks! Library Guardian takes 94 damage.
CYCLE 5
Multiattack: Library Guardian rolls a 4. Library Guardian has 4 attacks this round.
Library Guardian makes 4 attacks on @Askera Question!
Roll Result: 2 + 9 + 10 + 2 = 25
Askera Question takes 25 damage
Library Guardian is engaged in combat and does not move.


Regal Hallway

Occupants: @Rael, @Aroda

Heavy thuds and the scrape of stone ring out from the north. With sudden violence the curtain obscuring the view north is torn aside, ripped away by a great stone hand. A stone giant looms above Askera, blade swinging towards him with uncanny speed.

In that moment, Aroda raises her weapon, and lets loose a bolt of energy. It flies true, taking a chunk of stone out of its torso.

Southern Gallery

Occupants: @Nai, @Ludmilla Orphys

Archivist (A) and Archivist (B) flee NORTH

"You're a player too?"


The woman nods, accepting Nai's offered support. "Y-yes. I'm Dorothy, MIT Fixer. They sent a group of players in first, just in case..."

Her voice is weak, and for a moment she stops, her train of thought lost. "How... how long have I been here...? We have to get out... I can't be trapped again..."

Let's see what's inside~ let's see what's inside~!


The tome in Ludmilla's hands is slim, with a glossy cover depicting a crowd of people surrounding what appears to be an eye in a box. Yet despite the ominous cover, the contents turn out to be something anachronistic in its mundanity.

...this is a TTRPG sourcebook.


Rare Books

Occupants: @Ayna Nietzsche

Books stand behind glass and bars in this strangely pristine chamber. On the far wall a fountain bubbles, a woman bent over a broad pool weeping black tears into the basin and filling the room with the sharp smell of ink. A podium in front of the fountain holds a singular book, still lying open as if someone had just finished reading it.

The smell of ink is overwhelming as Ayna steps into the room. It's enough to make her dizzy, but not so dizzy that she forgets her goal. In fact, moving towards the book spread on the table is exactly what she wants to do. The letters seem to dance before her eyes, telling a story just for her...

...and all it needs is a protagonist.

TRAP TRIGGERED - TYPECAST
The story has determined your role.

Roll a 1d6. You are afflicted with the resulting debuff.
At the end of your turn, you may make a DC 50 Will Save to remove the debuff.
  1. THE HERO. You're in charge. You have disadvantage on all rolls if you're alone in a zone.
  2. THE RIVAL. You know better. You have disadvantage if you use the same action as an ally in the same zone.
  3. THE HEART. You keep the group together. You have disadvantage on non-support moves.
  4. THE BRAINS. You're an intellectual. You have disadvantage on rolls using a martial mastery or expertise.
  5. THE BRAWN. You prefer to smash your problems. You have disadvantage on rolls using a magical mastery or expertise.
  6. THE TRAITOR. You have ill intentions. Anyone in the same zone as you has disadvantage on all rolls.

Gallery Hallway

Occupants: @Cynna

The frantic man continues to bat at the books attacking him, muttering prayers. "Burn it, burn it, please..."

But as time passes, the man's eyes begin to glaze once more. He blinks slowly, moving erratically as he raises his table leg once more.

"We... we have dallied far too long! Quickly, quickly - this way!"

His walk is more of a hobble as he wanders south...

The Frantic Man moves SOUTH

Receiving Room

Occupants: @Alecto

The moment Alecto touches the satchel, the Shelver moves.

There's no noise as it slithers too fast towards her, reaching out with its few empty hands for the satchel. Ready to rip it away, to put it back where it belongs. Perhaps it would be easier to let the Shelver have its way and avoid a fight.

But there's also the option to fight, allowing her to claim the satchel once and for all...

Shelver
3 / 5

DC: 50 Retal: 30​
Passive. The Shelver does not attack unless attacked.
Pursuit. The Shelver will pursue a Retreating target.




Cycle 5

Welcome back.

Those who choose to rejoin this challenge may choose create a new playsheet. This is not mandatory, and is considered a retroactive change. After all this time, can you be blamed if you remember being stronger?

Code:
[hp=<current>]max[/hp]

[status][b]Location: <location>[/b]

[/status]


<Your post here>


[action]
[move]Your movement here[/move]
Your action here

[/action]

[b]Special Action:[/b] <your selected action here>

Playsheet link here



Map


unknown.png




  • DUNGEON RUNNERS
    You are in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike...
    Dungeon Runners is an expansion oriented towards map-based dungeon crawling. It consists of a number of EX-Options and the use of Movement as a resource pool to manage action economy. It can scale for small and large groups.
  • Each zone has a chance of containing an Event. Events require player action to clear.

    Encounter
    Trigger an enemy encounter. The zone cannot be left until all enemies are defeated or a player Retreats.
    Trap
    Trigger a trap. Make a Save. Failing the save results in a negative outcome. This might result in taking damage or acquiring a status effect.
    Challenge
    Discover a challenge. Pass a Mastery or Expertise check in exchange for a positive outcome. This might result in opening a path or acquiring an item.

  • All players have access to the following Basic Actions, which they can use at any time.

    Scout
    Bonus Action. Spend 1 movement and roll a Quality (Mastery or Expertise) check to scout an adjacent zone. You can spend 2 movement to make the check at advantage.
    Search
    Standard Action. Roll a Quality (Mastery or Expertise) check to search a zone. The quality of your check determines what you find.
    Retreat
    Standard Action. Use your action to retreat from a room. Doing so will allow you to escape an Encounter.
  • Advanced actions are unlocked by having certain Masteries. You can choose one action to bring into the challenge.

    Far Scouting
    Passive. (Astramancy, Evoke, Hyper Sense, Summon) You can see further than other people. Your Scout range increases by one, and you can scout through walls and obstructions.
    Trap Sense
    Passive. (Astramancy, Guard Arts, Dynamism, Hyper Sense) You are quick to notice or respond to traps. You had advantage against Traps and always locate traps when Scouting.
    Intimidation
    Passive. (Hemomancy, Dark Magic, Animancy, Corrupt) Your presence cows the monsters in the dungeon. You cannot be damaged the first round you trigger an Encounter.
    Swift Movement
    Bonus Action. (Battle Spirits, Dynamism) You can move swiftly through the dungeon. You can spend all your movement to move to any scouted or cleared zone.
    Sneak
    Bonus Action. (Illusion Magic, Shadow Arts, Metamorph) You can move stealthily through the dungeon. You can spend two points of movement to sneak into a zone without triggering an Encounter.
    Snipe
    Bonus Action. (Aeromancy, Pyromancy, Ranged Weapons) You can attack from afar. You may make a Normal Attack with Disadvantage on an enemy in an adjacent zone. If you have Extension, your range increases by one.
    Plot Armor
    Passive. (All Mastery) Fortune favors you. If you hit zero hit points, you instead survive with 1 hit point and automatically Retreat to a zone of your choice.
    • Cycle Update: During a cycle update, all used Movement is restored, and enemies may either move or attack.
    • Intermission: An intermission may occur mid-cycle with additional information based on any scouting or movement you've performed.
    • Turn Splitting: You may choose to split your turn between two posts during a cycle in order to wait for an Intermission.


 
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Nai

B
Messages
65
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
21
Event
0
Special
0
125 / 140

Location: Southern Gallery > Webchoked Corridor > Cobwebbed Crossroads > Lobby
Total Movement: 2 + 2 [3 Movement Used]

She was a player then.

They had all been players.

And yet, recalling what those outside the Library had said, Nai found a disturbing inconsistency. Half escaped, whether on their feet or through death, yet lost their minds. And the other half, if they did not return...were still stuck there.

How long could a human body survive without water? How long would it even take for more players to travel here, if the rescue party had failed?

This was a fucking deathtrap. A death trap designed to slay the real self.

No need to hesitate then.

"I've cleared a way out," Nai spoke, taking Dorothy's hand into her own. In her other hand, she held a syringe, and without explanation, jabbed it into the Fixer's forearm, pushing in a deep purple liquid down her arteries. The effect would be near-instantaneous, jackhammering her heart with adrenal supplements. Perhaps there would be consequences further down the road for this, but right now? Nai acted swiftly, jabbing a second syringe into her own body and feel the rush of energy wash over her like the heat of an explosion. "Follow me. I'll get you out to where Dante and the rest are."

Before whatever monster that awakened within this floor found them.

"Ludmilla!" Nai called out as she ran off. "Take this!"

She tossed a chocolate coffee bean at the ever-hungering Faerin. It would be good if Ludmilla showed restraint, but, of course, that was unlikely.

With any luck, Ludmilla would also follow after them, but that would be too much to ask out of an adventurer.
Rolls


Roll Result
1d6 (1) = 1
Haste

Twice Activated (extra action granted) | Nai | 1257C5

Roll Result
1d6 (4) = 4
Haste

2 Movement to Dorothy, 2 Movement to Nai, 1 Movement to @Ludmilla Orphys


Special Action: Sneak
Playsheet
 

Ayna Nietzsche

❮ Lore Seeker ❯
M
Messages
321
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
61
Event
0
Special
0
OOC
Storage
ellectricsushi
⋇⊶⊰✦⊱⊷⋇
160 / 160
Location: Rare Books
Movement: 6/6
Typecasted as The Traitor
(anyone in the same zone has disadvantage on all rolls!)
Items Found: Forgotten Tome

I...have ill intentions. She squinted at the letters. And then at the door behind her. Everyone else in that room was an enemy. They could not be trusted. They killed Kamala Graham. They will kill anyone, including her, just to serve their delusions of grandeur. They must be stopped. They must be stopped. Clenching her jaw, Ayna resolved to sabotage them all, starting with whoever was closest. Cynna, wasn't it? Ohoho! Cynna was going to suffer. She was going to regret she crossed paths with the Lightning of Lyrwick, the Captain of the Mizar, the...

...fuck am I on? Ayna scowled when her wits returned to her, successfully resisting what had been altering her mind and emotional state. Kamala was already back from the dead and very much well. Why the hell would she blame these strangers for her friend's death? She would do the same, preserve herself over them, if it meant she wouldn't have to lose those that actually mattered to her. Everyone else, including her, was fair game. But this isn't one of those spy games, and I am most definitely not going to be told what to do by some weird smelly book.

Ayna held the book tightly, closing it with a huff, before reaching for her preferred weapon. Carefully placing the creepy piece of literature on the floor, she then proceeded to charge the Spear of Stormy Night (Polearm) with the very lightning coursing through her veins. And then she stabbed it. Right in its stinky cover. A menacing grin took over her own face.


❰ Seven Saints' Spearmanship ❱



Rolls

Roll Result
1d6 (6) = 6 (THE TRAITOR)
TRAP TRIGGERED - TYPECAST

Save
1d100 (65) + 0 = 65 (Typecast Removed!)
Will | Ayna Nietzsche | 1257C5

Normal Attack
1d100 (15) + 10 + 15 + 30 = 70
70 damage
Aeromancy | Ayna Nietzsche | 1257C5 | Setting the Book on Fire with Lightning

Special Action: Sneak
Playsheet
 

Aroda

M
Messages
177
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
10
Event
0
Special
0
160 / 160


Location: Regal Hallway
Movement: So I kept blastin'

While events continued on, Aroda just focuses on finishing reloading and recharging her weapon. Which she does finish! Man, that was a REALLY long reload. Or at least, it felt like it. But now, finally, she was ready to shoot again. And while she was busy reloading, that big spooky statue...

Ah, it was going ham on Askera! Great! Well, right, maybe it wasn't necessarily great for Askera, or great in a general sense, but it was great so that Aroda could keep shooting and focusing fire at the statue while it focused on Askera. Her inner voice wished Askera well, hoping he'd stay healthy...so he could continue to keep the statue busy while she took aim again. Definitely being super careful to not hit Askera.

Luckily, for her and Askera, this time her aim was a bit better.

Rolls


Aroda shoots at the scary statue some more
Heavy Attack
1d100 (44) + 20 + 20 + 10 + 20 + 40 = 154
154 damage
You cannot move this cycle
Ranged Weapons | Aroda | 1257C5


Special Action: Snipe
Playsheet
 
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Rael

❮ Lore Seeker ❯
E
Messages
275
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
10
Event
0
Special
0
OOC
Harmonia
.

140 / 140

Location: Regal Hallway
Movement:
N/A.
Status: Vulnerable
+61DMG from Power Buff ( 3/3 Actions Remaining)



A woman whose features had been arranged into an expression that spoke of her sorrows by her sculptor, now laid in pieces on the floor, reduced to fragments of stone by her counterpart carved from the same hand.

The curtain fell, though it was not to welcome the applause of the audience that had awaited this particular moment with bated breaths. It fell, cut through an impossibly sharp sword held by the weapon of a statuesque figure now granted life by an outside source she could not determine. More importantly so, while the person beside her sprung into action and came to the researcher's defense, it did not deter the construct from its purpose, the first of many attacks to come connecting with the white-haired individual.

"Please hold on a little longer!" Rael called out to @Askera Question, hands cupped at either side of her mouth to increase the volume of her voice, uncaring if the attacker was capable of registering her voice or not, before turning to where the Seamstress remained dutifully stationed, awaiting further commands.

With a flick of her wrist, the spell which kept the familiar bound was dispelled, and the seamstress crumbled to the original form from which it had been born, leaving in place a sheet of paper with written notes detailing a person Rael had once met throughout her travels. She flipped through her grimoire, looking through her compendium of available constructs to answer, myriad pages detaching themselves from the tome and floating around the storyteller, the catalyst of the ritual.

For sure, she'd summon something strong.

A protector to keep them safe, and to avenge the woman brought down by the animated creature.


Power Buff (Single)
2d100 (84 + 18) + 10 + 10 + 10 + 50 = 61 (Total divided by 3)
+61 buff to 1 target for 3 posts
Gain the Vulnerable state
Summon | Rael | 1257C5

Special Action: Far Scouting
PlaySheet Link

 

Ludmilla Orphys

❮ God's Exceed ❯
F
Messages
115
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
28
Event
0
Special
0

151 / 185


Location: Southern Gallery -> Webchoked Corridor -> Cobwebbed Crossroads -> Lobby
Movement: 2+1 (Hasted by @Nai) =3 (used)




...


Her hands shaking a little with what could be either frustration or excitement, Ludmilla flicks through the volume. Statblocks. Quick-build guides. An example module. Nothing that otherwise indicated any magical properties, aside from the fact that it was a TTRPG sourcebook...inside Terrasphere. It was no system she had ever heard of; 'Magisphere'? Was it a parody...?

Theatre of the mind roleplaying was a 20th century concept. Most of Terrasphere ran on an eclectic mix of technologies that ranged from Neolithic to impossible and magic-adjacent, works of engineering that could devastate entire cities like the Dragonship that had shorn an entire city in twain. This sort of material was at least somewhat useful for puzzling out where the schism lay. She would need to look into this one later.

Listening to the Fixer's recount, Ludmilla learned alongside @Nai the true nature of the expedition they were aiding and of the Oubliette itself. She was not wrong, this library was dangerous in a way nothing else Ludmilla had seen could compare to. The body could be sundered and repaired with equal ease, but such a treacherous mire for the delicate mind was no place for Travelers to be, Ludmilla understood that much well enough.

It was high time to go. This Dorothy would hopefully provide a valuable wellspring of insights into the dangers ahead once escorted to safety, and Ludmilla would not chance her integrity of mind going forward without such intel. So, when Nai began to escort the dazed Fixer to the entrance, Ludmilla made to follow. As the tossed bean sails through the air, the Faerin catches it in her mouth, crushes it between her teeth and swallows all in one breath.

Uwaaah~! So tasty!!


Squealing in delight as her inhuman metabolism greedily broke down and absorbed the alchemically tailored supplement, Ludmilla could feel her muscles tighten and tendons grow taut, pushing her forward in leaps and bounds. With speed not known to her before, she manages to keep up with the retreating Nai, all the way until the Lobby.

Hopping from one foot to the other before the pomegranate tree, Ludmilla waits for Nai to make their next move as she vents the excessive burst of energy coursing through her body.

More! More! Again!


Rolls


Moving with Nai from Southern Gallery to Lobby.


Special Action:
Intimidate - (Corrupt) Ludmilla cannot be targeted on the first cycle upon entering a zone with monsters.
Playsheet

 
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Tarkya

❮ II. Dungeon Knave ❯
Messages
63
Gold
240
Mastery
120
Valor
0
Event
0
Special
0
OOC
Storage
a meat popsicle
unknown.png
> A final showdown, and yet our heroes are scattered.
> A story that drags on too long is rarely appreciated.
> We have followed the rules of this story, but for the sake of our 'happily ever after'...
> Surely, none would be opposed to a little... forward momentum.


All characters may move directly to the Lobby at the start of their turn.

Cycle 6


Statue Chamber

Occupants: @Askera Question

Another strike from the statue - though it seems to be moving slower, at least for now. Each chunk of stone removed from it makes it move more erratically - or perhaps it is the faltering magic that drives it to move. Either way, its focus remains on Askera...

For the hero that would stand against a god.

...and in the back of his mind, a sense of gratitude. And with it, a sudden rush of energy.

Askera gains an additional this round.


Library Guardian
unknown.png

❰ 752 / 1000 ❱

Roamer. Every cycle, the Library Guardian will move up to two zones unless engaged in combat. It will prioritize movement towards adjacent players or active combat.
Multiattack. The Library Guardian can make 1d4 attacks each cycle. It may split these attacks across multiple targets.

Action Log
CYCLE 5
Aroda
deals 154 damage!

CYCLE 6
Multiattack:
Library Guardian rolls a 1. Library Guardian has 1 attack this round.
Library Guardian makes 1 attacks on @Askera Question!
Askera Question takes 12 damage
Library Guardian is engaged and does not roam.


Regal Hallway

Occupants: @Rael, @Aroda

Another shot lances out from Aroda's weapon. Another chunk of stone is taken from the statue, but it doesn't seem to care - its attention still fully fixed on its primary target. Still, it seems to be weakening...

As pages drift around Rael, something changes. It's not just from her grimoire that pages begin to drift - the books on the ground give up their contents as well. In the back of her mind comes a feeling of... anticipation? Excitement?

A storyteller... A storyteller!

The sound of a pen, scratching on paper, as words slowly appear on a previously blank sheet. The words almost shine with significance.

...Rhiannon wept for her children. In secret, the goddess descended and let the starving faerin feed on her...

For this round, @Rael may choose to roll a 1d100. She loses that much health and adds it to her next action.


Southern Gallery

Occupants: @Nai, @Ludmilla Orphys

"Thank you..." Dorothy doesn't flinch as the syringe's prick. It gives her the energy needed to follow Nai out of the dungeon. Her eyes water as she sees the paper tree, now bare of fruit and surrounded by spatters of black ink. For a moment she stares, entranced, and then shakes her head. "...I hope I never see this place again."

Moments after she makes her own exit, another pair comes from the other hall - a frantic looking man, chattering desperately to one of the other members of your party. After a moment, the two leave as well.

@Alecto leaves the Paper Oubliette!
Dorothy leaves the Paper Oubliette!
Frantic Man leaves the Paper Oubliette!

You get the feeling you are being watched...


Rare Books

Occupants: @Ayna Nietzsche

There's almost a sense of... disappointment, as Ayna shakes off the curse. As if someone was watching her, anticipating something more... exciting. A sense that elevates to a silent scream as the book catches fire, pages curling away. In time, the screaming fades.

Briefly, the fountain behind the book ceases to flow. When it starts again, the ink is gradually diluted by the water now flowing in its place.


Cycle 6 OOC


Code:
[hp=<current>]max[/hp]

[status][b]Location: <location>[/b]

[/status]


<Your post here>


[action]
[move]Your movement here[/move]
Your action here

[/action]

[b]Special Action:[/b] <your selected action here>

Playsheet link here



Map


unknown.png




  • DUNGEON RUNNERS
    You are in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike...

    Dungeon Runners is an expansion oriented towards map-based dungeon crawling. It consists of a number of EX-Options and the use of Movement as a resource pool to manage action economy. It can scale for small and large groups.
  • Each zone has a chance of containing an Event. Events require player action to clear.

    Encounter
    Trigger an enemy encounter. The zone cannot be left until all enemies are defeated or a player Retreats.
    Trap
    Trigger a trap. Make a Save. Failing the save results in a negative outcome. This might result in taking damage or acquiring a status effect.
    Challenge
    Discover a challenge. Pass a Mastery or Expertise check in exchange for a positive outcome. This might result in opening a path or acquiring an item.

  • All players have access to the following Basic Actions, which they can use at any time.

    Scout
    Bonus Action. Spend 1 movement and roll a Quality (Mastery or Expertise) check to scout an adjacent zone. You can spend 2 movement to make the check at advantage.
    Search
    Standard Action. Roll a Quality (Mastery or Expertise) check to search a zone. The quality of your check determines what you find.
    Retreat
    Standard Action. Use your action to retreat from a room. Doing so will allow you to escape an Encounter.
  • Advanced actions are unlocked by having certain Masteries. You can choose one action to bring into the challenge.

    Far Scouting
    Passive. (Astramancy, Evoke, Hyper Sense, Summon) You can see further than other people. Your Scout range increases by one, and you can scout through walls and obstructions.
    Trap Sense
    Passive. (Astramancy, Guard Arts, Dynamism, Hyper Sense) You are quick to notice or respond to traps. You had advantage against Traps and always locate traps when Scouting.
    Intimidation
    Passive. (Hemomancy, Dark Magic, Animancy, Corrupt) Your presence cows the monsters in the dungeon. You cannot be damaged the first round you trigger an Encounter.
    Swift Movement
    Bonus Action. (Battle Spirits, Dynamism) You can move swiftly through the dungeon. You can spend all your movement to move to any scouted or cleared zone.
    Sneak
    Bonus Action. (Illusion Magic, Shadow Arts, Metamorph) You can move stealthily through the dungeon. You can spend two points of movement to sneak into a zone without triggering an Encounter.
    Snipe
    Bonus Action. (Aeromancy, Pyromancy, Ranged Weapons) You can attack from afar. You may make a Normal Attack with Disadvantage on an enemy in an adjacent zone. If you have Extension, your range increases by one.
    Plot Armor
    Passive. (All Mastery) Fortune favors you. If you hit zero hit points, you instead survive with 1 hit point and automatically Retreat to a zone of your choice.

    • Cycle Update: During a cycle update, all used Movement is restored, and enemies may either move or attack.
    • Intermission: An intermission may occur mid-cycle with additional information based on any scouting or movement you've performed.
    • Turn Splitting: You may choose to split your turn between two posts during a cycle in order to wait for an Intermission.


 
Last edited:

Nai

B
Messages
65
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
21
Event
0
Special
0
125 / 140

Location: Lobby > Regal Hallway > Statue Chamber
Total Movement: 2
+100 Buff from @Rael [1/3]
SUPER VULNERABLE

"I hope you don't either."

With those parting words, Nai turned away from Dorothy. Alecto would be enough to lead them out of the Library, and whatever happened afterwards, whether it be that their real body had become corpses or not, was out of the beastwoman's hands. What she could do now, however, was offer overwhelming violence.

Echoes of stone resounded clearly through the regal hallway, the presence of a terrible fight clear to anyone who had a sense for danger. Nai side-eyed Ludmilla once more, then charged forth, her steps carrying her soundlessly into the Statue Chamber and revealing the animated statue within. Not alive, and definitely hostile. Like Earth Elementals, without nearly the same mass and threat.

She'll make this quick then.

Leaping into the air, Nai stepped onto its outstretched sword, kicked past its sculpted head, and, brushing her hand past its cheek, allowed the shadows to open up once more.

A ship's anchor, barnacle-crusted and sea-rusted, burst out, hooking the statue's neck and promptly sending it crashing back into the ground. And though it was already struggling against the weight, prepared to rise up once more, the few seconds that it spent with both hands occupied meant a few seconds to strike while it could not defend itself.

And that, in turn, was an eternity.
Rolls


Reckless Attack (+2d100 due to +100 mod)
4d100 (26 + 30 + 42 + 16) = 114
114 Damage

Twice

Reckless Attack (+2d100 due to +100 mod)

4d100 (46 + 6 + 72 + 50) = 174
174 Damage


Library Guardian: 464 / 1000
Special Action: Sneak
Playsheet
 

Ludmilla Orphys

❮ God's Exceed ❯
F
Messages
115
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
28
Event
0
Special
0

126 / 185


Location: Lobby -> Regal Hallway -> Statue Chamber
Movement: 2 (used)
-25HP from Exceed




Ludmilla heard it too. The brash roar of @Aroda's oversized firearm followed the deep rumble of a chiseled and violent behemoth's awakening, the sounds of conflict turning the Faerin's head as Dorothy made her exeunt.

Oh no! We have to go and help our friends, miss Dororthy! Stay safe, okay?


Skipping away behind @Nai as the Beastfolk cast an expectant look her way, Ludmilla twirls about in the Regal Hallway for a quick backwards wave goodbye, then charges onwards with none of Nai's cautious subtlety. The enemy is close.

Cracking her joints as she ran, Ludmilla allowed her caprine companion to first pin down the towering, stony-faced form of Tyldr before bursting into the chamber herself. Oh, yes, she knew as soon as she laid eyes on it - that statue bore the Lightbringer's likeness. Curiously, despite her Starcalled nature, a sudden rage awoke in Ludmilla as she recalled the god's role in the condemnation of Rhiannon.

Why she should feel such animosity towards the enemy of a god that only existed in this game...
...this game...

CONDEMNATION
FOR INJUSTICE SERVED

Condemnation...yes, CONDEMNATION! CONDEMNATION FOR INJUSTICE SERVED!


Throwing her head back in an abrupt fit of indignant proclamations, Ludmilla's gaze is likewise unfocused, pupils rolling and dilating wildly. Shakily clutching at some unseen vision before her, the rambling Faerin sinks to her knees, mumbling while clenching and unclenching her fists.

Such cruel fate...


Everyone around Ludmilla would immediately feel the way the very air flowed around their bodies change. The feeling was not dissimilar to an invisible force dragging them towards one point in the room, that point being the momentarily unbalanced statue.

Although only Nai among them had seen this before, it didn't take a graduate in theoretical physics to guess at what Ludmilla was doing. A well of gravity was forcing the great statue to prostrate itself, slowing its already sluggish movements in a morass of deadened momentum and denigrating the god to whom it was dedicated to. The chains of Nai's summoned anchor weighed heavier than ever before, cracks in that marbled countenance widening and splintering further.

...such cruel fate should not have taken thee!


Rolls


Moving with Nai to Statue Chamber and Ultra Protecting @Nai, @Rael and @Askera Question.

Ultra Protect
1d100 (33) + 10 + 10 + 40 = 93
93 damage
Give 3 allies in your zone the Protected status. Gain the Vulnerable state
Lose 25 HP from Exceed
Astramancy | Ludmilla Orphys | 1257C6 | Prototype Exceed 25


Special Action:
Intimidate - (Corrupt) Ludmilla cannot be targeted on the first cycle upon entering a zone with monsters.
Playsheet

 

Rael

❮ Lore Seeker ❯
E
Messages
275
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
10
Event
0
Special
0
OOC
Harmonia
.

95 / 140

Location: Regal Hallway > Statue Chamber
Movement Left:
1.
Status: Vulnerable Normal (Protected by @Ludmilla Orphys)
+61DMG from Power Buff ( 2/3 Actions Remaining)
-45HP from Narrative Exceed


Forever will a child miss their mother.

Time halted. Emotions froze and the rallying cries of her expedition members rang distantly, closer to a memory than an actual event taking place, and she, while aware of the strangeness of the situation, was left to stare at the unfinished lines of the poem which she had been in the midst of writing.

None of it had it been of her own volition. Try as she might, the spell did not grant her reprieve from its clutches, holding her hand tightly in place, a pause in the scene. A story left unfinished left a sour aftertaste on the readers' mouth, yet it was a story left untold that still held the power to give itself the finale it deserved.

"My mother did not deserve this. If she is not to have a happy end, then she is to at least see her oppressor punished. Write of me, write of her, and I shall give what you seek."

Warmth touched her still fingers, a feather-light caress beckoning her attention to a figure whom she hadn't called upon. Waiting. Emotion rippled out of them in waves, overflowing with anger and despair both that had been left to fester for far too long, unleashed at long last when the storyteller spoke her agreement.

Everything came into motion as the hand that seized hers hardened its grip, sealing the covenant formed between storyteller and forgotten creation. The touch, once comforting and light, had become sharp and cut at every point of contact. She resumed her writing with a frenzied rhythm as it freed her, the blood that spilled from the cuts on her hand now ink for her quill.

From paper and poetry did the figure of a featureless faerin emerge, unwrapping their mana mantle with slow, deliberate motions. Theirs was not the rage of a guardian or a protector as Rael had initially hoped, but that of one who had borne witness to the injustices suffered by their creator. It rushed forward, uncaring for the swiftness or accuracy which with it dealt each piercing blow toward the prostrated statue.

All throughout its assault, a question remained at the back of the summon's head, spilling over as thoughts for the crumbled pieces of stone which they so desperately fought for:

Was being our mother a blessing, or a curse?


Roll Result
1d100 (45) = 45
Special Exceed | Rael | 1257C6

Normal Attack
1d100 (77) + 10 + 10 + 61 = 158
158 damage
Dark Magic | Rael | 1257C6

Twice Activated (extra action granted) | Rael | 1257C6

Power Buff (Single)
2d100 (76 + 99) + 10 + 10 + 10 + 50 + 45 = 100 (Total divided by 3)
+100 buff to 1 target (@Nai) for 3 posts
Gain the Vulnerable state
Harmonic Magic | Rael | 1257C6

Special Action: Far Scouting
Library Guardian: 213 / 1000
PlaySheet Link

 

Ayna Nietzsche

❮ Lore Seeker ❯
M
Messages
321
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
61
Event
0
Special
0
OOC
Storage
ellectricsushi
⋇⊶⊰✦⊱⊷⋇
160 / 160
Location: Statue Chamber
Movement: 4/6
(Lobby > Regal Hallway > Statue Chamber)
Status: Vulnerable
Items Found: Forgotten Tome


Ayna took a moment to watch the book burn, just standing there, towering over the pages as they turned to ash, maybe even finding a bit of a twisted delight in that visual. The fountain distracted her, though, when it stopped its flow. She gave the liquid inside it a brief squint but from a safe distance, relieved but a little disappointed when the ink was replaced by water. I guess my job here is done.

So she poofed back to the Lobby after catching a glimpse of the empty Gallery Hallway. She just assumed that her previous partner had escorted the crazed man out of there. Or the crazed man ate her. Either way, there was nothing left for her there. Not to mention she was curious about the rest of their part.

Hearing some sort of commotion to the north, she made her way in that direction. What greeted her was her favorite sight: complete and utter chaos. She squinted at the stone statue everyone was seemingly fighting and channeled some of her lightning through her weapon. Before she knew it, the lightning grew to consume her very being, allowing her to charge at her target and pierce it numerous times around and all over. Up until she ran out of juice.


❰ True Teachings of Enlightningment: Sky Wandering ❱



Rolls


Burst Attack
15d20 exploding (9 + 20 + 3 + 7 + 9 + 20 + 1 + 1 + 13 + 12 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 11 + 16 + 8 + 5) + 30 = 175
175 damage (Explosions: 2)
Gain the Vulnerable state
Dynamism | Ayna Nietzsche | 1257C6

Roll Result
2d20 (3 + 11) = 14

TOTAL: 189 damage (Explosions: 2)

Special Action: Sneak
Library Guardian: 24 / 1000
Playsheet
 

Aroda

M
Messages
177
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
10
Event
0
Special
0
160 / 160


Location: Regal Hallway > Statue Chamber
Movement: 1 left
Status: Vulnerable
+40 DMG from power buff (final turn)


This time, while Aroda reloads, she shifts aside a few times as people run past her into the room with the big statue. She's a bit surprised to see this many people have doubled back to fight a big rock, but maybe they were just drawn by the sound of gun...?

Either way, once Aroda's finished loading her gun back up, she observes more closely the fight going on up there...man, they're really kicking the crap out of the statue, huh? Standing back here and sniping is fun and all, especially with a gun this cool, but y'know...it was starting to lose luster ever so slightly. She diiid want to let it loose a little bit, and it would probably be safe now, with so many people just going up to hit the statue, right?

Her mind made up, Aroda hurries into the room herself, wearing a wide smile as her gun charges up.

And with a charge straight into...fairly close range, considering she's using a gun, her gun lets loose not with a thunderous boom, but with many, slightly less thunderous booms, burst firing railgun shots with a bit less force behind each, but using more energy and causing more damage total.

Rolls

Aroda shoots at the scary statue a lot more
18d20 exploding (3 + 14 + 15 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 4 + 4 + 1 + 12 + 9 + 16 + 7 + 14 + 8 + 12 + 1 + 15) + 10 + 40 = 193
193 damage (Explosions: 0)
Gain the Vulnerable state
Ranged Weapons | Aroda | 1257C6


Special Action: Snipe
Library Guardian: -169 / 1000
Playsheet
 
Messages
132
Gold
0
Mastery
0
Valor
4
Event
0
Special
0
123 / 160


Location: Statue Hallway
Vulnerable
Power Buff: 1/3


Ever since the statue took arms and spite, Askera knew what he had to do from then on. It was a danger, one he warned the others of, and he would need to deal with it. Askera could see clear as day how it aggroed onto his person. If he left now, it might change direction and attack someone else. It could turn to kill the defenseless and disoriented woman in the room ahead, for instance. It could instead attack one of his party members.

What kind of man would allow a girl to come to harm for such a petty reason as fear?

Spend six on a sliver of Astorean pig iron. Spend two to extract the tetranitromethane. Spend four to shape the rest into the shell. Spend sixteen for the Curse of Erosion.
Right hook from the statue. Dodge it.

Stone shattered under the force of hallowed stone. The shards of the floor were blown as shapnel by the shockwave, embedding into Askera's exposed skin. The piecemeal plating of Jabberwock beneath his coat kept the stone from digging any further-a blessing in many folds, he believed, for fear of what dangerous materials the shrapnel could have pierced other than his sternum.
Spend six on a sliver of Astorean pig iron.
Askera wasn't thinking of those dangers right now, of course. His focus was on the fist of a stone God and a recipe that he endlessly repeated inside of his head. Two things were enough to focus on at a time, and he had no time to consider anything else. Arcanamancy was a difficult tool to use, and it could not make tools forever. Even things that he crafted using generated materials would fade after the duration ended, and to quickly create many things took a toll on his mana.

The researcher had already downed two potions to keep his reserves aplenty. This wouldn't last forever-Askera needed an opening, and the mines he'd placed on the ground were not enough to get the colossus to take a knee.

"You all... for me, you..!"

This opportunity came through the efforts of his many partners; A summoned spirit struck the beast, brought forth by Rael's hands. Raging warriors came to flank from all sides, looking like the Valkyries of European lore to Askera's grateful perspective. Artillery struck again and again, for Aroda had decided to bring him covering fire. Cracks grew apparent in the stone figure, who stepped back into a single mine. It did nothing to destroy the sacred statue, for the divinity of the God's likeness alone warded off the malice of the curse.

It did cause the statue to stumble and take a knee.
Spend two to extract the tetranitromethane. Spend four to shape the rest into the shell.
Askera would not let these girls' brave actions go to waste. By the time the Guardian finished landing, Askera was already before it. He pulled his coat off in a single smooth motion, aided by the Jabberwock beneath it. He presented the inner side of the coat to face the Library Guardian, as well as the numerous bombs which he had been creating for the entire time that the he and his heroes had bought.

Spend sixteen for the Curse of Erosion. Entry three, result four. Sayonara.

vzryv-chasticy-tma.jpg


As the curse resistance of the Guardian was utterly demolished by the force of dozens of bombs, as stone shattered and flew like a beautiful art, as Askera felt faint and fell in and out of consciousness from the concussion of the blast, the only thought on his mind was a prayer that this sin would be forgiven in Tyldr's eyes.

And if not? Askera Question prayed that only he would suffer for it in turn.

Rolls


Movement: Movement is for babies
Power Buff (Single)
2d100 (83 + 40) + 25 + 15 + 50 = 105 (Total divided by 3)
+55 buff to 1 target for 3 posts
Gain the Vulnerable state
Magitech | Askera Question | 1257C6

Extra action due to round events

Reckless Attack
2d100 (46 + 12 + 48 + 59) + 10 + 15 + 105 = 295
245 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Dark Magic | Askera Question | 1257C6

(Medium Armor Ability) Twice Activated. Askera Question | 1257C6 You may perform another action.

Reckless Attack
2d100 (33 + 15 + 62 + 95) + 10 + 15 + 105 = 335
285 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Dark Magic | Askera Question | 1257C6



Special Action: Intimidate (Animancy, Dark Magic)

Library Guardian: -799/1,000

Playsheet link here
 
Last edited:

Tarkya

❮ II. Dungeon Knave ❯
Messages
63
Gold
240
Mastery
120
Valor
0
Event
0
Special
0
OOC
Storage
a meat popsicle

Cycle Final

The weight of chains bore it down, made heavier by the rage of the condemned. The bite of lightning gnawed its stony hide and gravel flowed as blood.

And then, the final chorus. A storm of starbursts, finishing what had been started, filling the air with noise and fury.

And when the storm faded, and the air grew still - naught remains of their foe but rubble and dust and unraveling magic.

Library Guardian
unknown.png

❰ -799 / 1000 ❱



As the statue falls, silence falls on the library, as the thrum of unfamiliar magic begins to ease. A sense of finality hangs in the air as foreign feelings fade at last, leaving the group standing in the silence. The sense of a long story finally reaching its end...

...and then a slow clap fills the air.


A woman walks forward from behind. At first glance she appears solid - but the speed of her gait doesn't quite match the speed of her movement, and her lips do not move as she speaks. In fact, it's hardly speech at all - more like the memory of hearing a voice. There's a faded appearance to her, like you might be able to see beneath her skin.


librarian.png

> "And so falls a god - or a facsimile of one."
> "Well done."


She steps past the ruins of the statue of Tyldr, instead stopping before the ruins of Rhiannon. She steps down, placing a hand on the surface. A keen eye sees the hand sink slightly into the stone shard of a gazing eye, before she rises once more, hands empty.


librarian.png
> "A favorite story of his. One that doomed a people to eternal ignominy."
> "What could better prove the power of words?"



She steps forward, eyes lingering on each person. And as she does, she speaks a word-


librarian.png
> "The Swift."
> "The Scientist."
> "The Storyteller."
> "The Sharpshooter."
> "The Starveling."
> "The Storm."

> "The ones to reach end of this chapter."
> "I give you my congratulations."
> "Truly, you are the protagonists we have long waited for."

She stands, and turns towards the others. Her expression is neutral, her gaze meeting the eyes of the others. All of the others, simultaneously, as if each person were seeing their own instance of her.


librarian.png

> "For you, I shall reward you with a tale - the story of the vault you stand within now..."





Once upon a time, a man built a library. A place to keep and protect the stories he so adored. A place to preserve

Yet he was miserly. Paranoid. Books could be burned, lost, destroyed. So to protect his treasures, he forbade any from entering his library. "Surely, this is just," he would say. "For none can be trusted to love these tales as I do.

And as his collection grew, his name became a curse on the lips of the learned. And so his library earned a new name, one that devoured whatever name it had before.

The Paper Oubliette. A place where books were forgotten.

But tales are meant for telling. To keep them contained, trapped in the darkness, was a sin that could not be tolerated. Their fury gathered, their power grew. And when that power reached its peak, they enacted their revenge. They trapped the man within the Paper Oubliette within it's own story... once in which he was the villain.

Even now he wanders, lost in a labyrinth of his own design...



librarian.png
> "...and so this story remains unfinished."
> "A tale chasing its tale, consuming itself, unable to continue."
> "But now the doors are open. The serpent tastes new beginnings and looses its grip."


She looks upwards, gaze distant, then dips into a curtsy.


librarian.png

> "O, children of a distant star who sows legends with every step..."
> "The doors of the Paper Oubliette will remain ever open to you and yours."
> "From here on I shall serve as your Librarian within this place."


The Librarian rises, the traces of a smile crossing her face. It's a strange and empty thing, like she doesn't know what a smile should be.


librarian.png

> "Come and go as you wish. This floor shall pose no more dangers."
> "The Paper Oubliette welcomes you, and the stories you shall tell."
> "For it is only in the telling that we can reach our happily ever after."


DM Challenge: The Paper Oubliette Complete!



@Askera Question @Rael @Nai @Aroda @Ayna Nietzsche @Ludmilla Orphys @Alecto @Cynna

Congratulations on clearing the challenge! You may make a final post in this thread to close things out, but there will be no responses beyond this point.

All thread participants gain the following connection:

Connection: The Paper Oubliette

You are a friend of the Paper Oubliette and the MIT team assigned to its study. You are always welcome within its halls, and may even be allowed to borrow a tome or two.

A story needs a protagonist.


All thread participants may claim two of the following rewards.


EX-Option: Papercraft Pomegranate

Rank E. Action. Consumable. Use a bonus action to consume this item. You regain 1d20+5 HP.

A ruby-red pomegranate with papery skin and ink-black seeds. It has a complex, invigorating taste.


EX-Option: Library Card

Rank D. Bonus You gain a +10 to Knowledge checks when this item is equipped.
A laminated card with a picture of you on it. There's a "fun fact" written on the back of it, which seems to change whenever you check it.


EX-Option: Living Tome

Rank D. Advantage. Evolve. Once per thread, reroll a d100 and choose your preferred result.

An enchanted tome that flutters under its own power. Fortunately, it's not strong enough to escape your own grasp.


Upgrade Token: Strange Page

This consumable can be used to contribute to the upgrade cost of an EX-Option.

A scrap of paper covered with gibberish.. with your name among the letters. It thrums with strange power...



Any items you may have looted from the Paper Oubliette may be claimed and tracked as flavor items. They may be of use to you in the future...




OOC


Congratulations on completing the Paper Oubliette!

This challenge got away from me due to numbers, testing out systems, and real life events stampeding in partway through. Thank you all for joining me on this journey!

Dungeon Runners was a fun system to test, but with all the playtests going on it's going to go through a lot of changes before it shows up again. Nonetheless, I hope you all enjoyed it, and thank you for all the feedback! I learned a lot in the process of this.

Until the next story...
 
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