Crooked Hearts and Broken Minds

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The Narrator

posts: 8

likes: 3

gender: Male
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Crooked Hearts and Broken Minds Aug 15, 2017 13:50:46 GMT -8

Post by The Narrator on Aug 15, 2017 13:50:46 GMT -8

(DO NOT REPLY TO THIS QUEST YET--STILL PUTTING ON FINISHING TOUCHES)

Funny how the strangest and most bizarre tales always came from the little places that never earned a spot on any map. Lorenim was no exception here... (square 31)

Far removed from the capital, Lorenim was a village of antiquity. One of few remaining that clung to the old ways of life, some even still worshiping totems of Dreanna. This was a place where simple folk eked a life void of the modern comforts found in most developed places of Tyran. So distant it was from the political affairs of the realm that during the same time Mordred had replaced Baracus in the Temple of Evil, the capital had lost its records of the village. Small foot patrols would periodically pass through the area, about once every two years, and without fail were always dismayed they couldn't identify Lorenim. Truly a place forgotten to the rest of the world.

Several weeks ago, the slumbering village called out to the world; help us! What raven's they had were sent to the capital and to neighboring towns. The parchment fastened to the shank reads as follows:

Citizen,
Darkness has befallen the Bayhorn Estate. Creatures of oblivion wander at night. My child is missing. We fear the worst on all accounts. Brave souls needed to save village! Reward is modest, but promised!! Ask for Carlisle Otis.

Gods help us.

Lorenim's location is given as a heading at distance from the capital.
-----------------------------------------
Adventurer beware! This is a tale of horror and tragedy. Not for the faint of heart! Whoever you are, brave soul, it is up to you to determine the reason you are embarking on this quest. Is it to expand your influence in the region? Surely Lorenim would be grateful to its rescuers. Is it for the reward? It's modest, but small towns always have the most unique things, don't they? Is it for the thrill? The adrenaline is sure to pump hard in this one. Is for fame? The villagers will always have a bed and meal for you when you come around. Whatever your purpose in Lorenim is, be sure you're prepared by reading the rules!

Newbie

The Narrator

posts: 8

likes: 3

gender: Male
status: offline

Crooked Hearts and Broken Minds Aug 15, 2017 14:13:28 GMT -8

Post by The Narrator on Aug 15, 2017 14:13:28 GMT -8

The Rules:

This event features a few aspects that should feel familiar to tabletop veterans. It also comes with a couple of quirks that will hopefully add new flavor and help enrich the RP. Dice will be used to determine the outcome of certain actions taken by the players. Player will also be able to acquire traits and equip items before starting the adventure. More below!

Combat basics:

Attacking:
To keep everything simple, prior to attack you will roll a 1d20. 1 is critical failure (I will determine the severity based on a separate roll I will make) and a 20 is a critical hit and allows you to roll 2d4 as damage (dmg) for your current attack. No other numbers matter and, apart from a 1, we will assume all attacks connect and deal 1d4 dmg, unless augmented by traits or equipment. The only time an attack wont auto hit is if you have picked up an improvised weapon or are throwing something. These issues will be resolved with a simple roll/counter-roll. For example, your character wants to throw a chair. I will roll 1d20 and you will roll a 1d20. Whoever has the higher outcome wins. Dmg will be 1d3 for all thrown and improvised weapons.

Magic:
Magic can be used and there is no range limit, but all spells are focus based (to keep it fair). So say your character wants to cast a fireball. Your character selects the target and fires, doing 1d4 dmg, BUT must remain in place while focusing on directing the magical energy to its target. You cannot cast more than one spell per turn and you cannot cast a spell and then take some other action. If you do, your spell fizzles out. While in this state of focusing, anything that attacks you gets +1 to dmg against you because you are focusing on casting, not defending. Players can use magic to heal other players, but you will be literally transferring some of your HP to the other player (this is to keep magical healing from being exploited). You specify the amount and the target character receives the HP at the start of your next turn (this is still a spell and you must focus on casting it). Additionally, magic suffers -2 dmg to things within melee range. You can use any reason to justify this in the RP, but the real reason is so that non-magical characters aren't under-powered.

Health:
Each player starts with 25 HP (unless augmented by traits or equipment). If the player reaches 0, they are unconscious. The goal of this quest is to have fun in a new type of environment, so no attempts will be made to kill off your character. this time

. However, just because you're at 0 HP doesn't mean you cant RP! Any player that falls unconscious is haunted by horrific nightmares that are so vivid they think they're real. You can still RP this while others try to find a way to help you!

Playing the game:

Making checks:
Outcomes of certain actions will be determined by 1d20 dice rolls. This should feel pretty standard to anyone who has ever played a tabletop game. For those unfamiliar, I have predetermined dice roll 'goals' and if you roll at or above you will succeed the challenge and gain an insight into the game. This is how it will work:

Let's say there was a treasure chest your character found. As they approach it, I might ask you to make a spot check. You roll a 1d20 and add any modifiers you have to the result. I have the challenge set at 10 for a successful spot check. You roll a 7 but with your +3 modifier you have a total of 10. Thus you meet the challenge and your character successfully notices that the chest is booby trapped. Fail the challenge and it goes unnoticed, potentially blowing up in your characters face. Let's take a look at the types of generic checks that will be used and what they provide to your character:

Spot checks: (sight or sound) Useful for noticing unusual or helpful details about your immediate surroundings.

Knowledge checks: Useful in knowing what things are--Your character comes across an obelisk. You notice all its runes and note its obsidian make. A successful knowledge check means your character has seen this before (or heard of it) and knows it belongs to a group that sacrifices humans in the name of some deity--you should run!

Arcane checks: Used to determine if and what type of magic is in play. Note: If you do not have the Mystic trait assigned to your character, you will not receive anything beyond "this object appears magical in some way" for a successful roll.

Fear Checks: Determines how your character reacts to the scares involved in the story. Lower rolls are better. (See Fear explanation below)

Fear:

This is the new aspect this event offers. There are a number of jump scares in this quest. In an effort to maintain realism, fear rolls will determine how your character reacts to these tense situations. At times I will ask a character to make a fear check by rolling a single 1d20. Simply take your result, with any modifiers, and match it to the below scale.

If your result is:

1: You stand fast, unshaken. Child's play. Anybody that saw you remain composed is inspired by your bravery and gains +1 to damage for one turn.

5: Your heart jumps into your throat, but after battling your racing heartbeat, you remain in check.

10: You are scared enough to shout and recoil back slightly with an even mix of terror and surprise.

15: The horror you've witnessed is strong enough to knock you on your butt as you trip backwards away from it, shouting your favorite explicative. You are firmly planted on your rear. You cannot move from this position for 1 turn as you fight off the shaking. If something comes near you, you can still attack but you suffer from -1 dmg dealt and +1 damage received. Additionally, you cannot cast spells this turn because there is no way you can focus right now.

20: The terror is real and it is maddening. You scream, drop whatever you have in your hand, and run for the exits. You push anybody in your way aside--nobody can make you stay in this demented nightmare! For two turns you do nothing but run and scream. You cannot attack or use items. If anything attacks you they do +2 damage because you are too busy flailing. Another character can attempt to grab and shake you out of it, reducing your panic by one turn. The act of 'shaking a player out of it' takes one turn. During this time, both characters have the same penalty of receiving +2 damage because of how preoccupied they are.

It will be up to you to RP the outcome, but the penalties/benefit will always apply. Additionally, think of this as a fear 'scale'. The higher the role, the more terrified your character is. Roll a one and your character laughs at the pitiful challenge presented to them. But what if you roll a seven? 1/5/10/15/20 are considered thresholds. If you pass one, it applies to you. The difference a seven might make is that it allows you to spice up the response a little beyond what the five calls for. While a 19 wont get you the penalties of a 20, you can RP that your character was 'this close' to soiling their armor and making break for it.

There will be other unique rolls that I might ask your character to make, all of which will be explained in the moment.

Failing a check:
Just like in real life if you fail to get it right the first time you can try again. If you fail a spot/knowledge/arcane check (and some of the other checks I add in while playing) I will allow you ONE more attempt on your next turn. After that, you get what you get. You can always call over your friends to help, too.

Last Edit: Aug 15, 2017 14:14:13 GMT -8 by The Narrator

Newbie

The Narrator

posts: 8

likes: 3

gender: Male
status: offline

Crooked Hearts and Broken Minds Aug 15, 2017 15:25:13 GMT -8

Post by The Narrator on Aug 15, 2017 15:25:13 GMT -8

Character build:

Each character can choose TWO traits to possess and THREE items to equip. You may also notice the "special" category. These offer huge benefits at a cost, and have a cool little descriptor players can use in RP. You can have only ONE special trait and ONE special equipment. This does count against your trait and item totals. Pick whatever fits your character best and make sure you post in here what your choices are prior to starting the adventure!

Traits:

Argus-Eyed: +3 to spot checks

Esoteric: +3 to knowledge checks

Mystic: +3 to magic checks (also gain better insight into the magic involved)

Herculean/Merlinite: +1 to dmg rolls (might or magic, not both)

I'm Scarier: -2 to fear rolls

Overwatch: If you have a shield, anybody that is close (within four feet) to you benefits from its protection as you expertly defend your allies.

Always prepared: +1 to any 'non-listed' check I throw at your character.

Brawler: You may attack with your fists for the full 1d4 dmg (without this trait unarmed attacks do 1d2 dmg)

Cleric: Healing salves have a +2 effectiveness.

Pack rat: You can bring one additional item with you to the start of the quest.

...But not out: Adrenaline alone allows you to continue the fight down to -10 HP or for two additional turns (whichever comes first) before falling unconscious. You cannot heal yourself once you've hit 0 HP, however. You also cannot use overcharge when at or below 0 HP.

Special traits:

Minimalist: You take with you only your weapon. You cannot equip any other items. The reduced weight allows you to follow-up your first attack with a blurringly quick light attack for an additional 1d3 dmg. It is a level of speed that is hard to follow with the eye.

Unstable: You may choose to overcharge a spell (must be declared before casting). It is an impressive, and slightly concerning, display of magic. Your spell does +3 dmg, but the chaotic energies that surrounded you while casting are harmful. -2 HP per unstable spell cast.

Bell curve: You don't ever fail, but you also never critically succeed. Rolling a 1 or a 20 have no effect on you when rolling for attack. Everything you do seems well thought out, but somehow always has obvious room for improvement.

Leader: People feel more confident and resolute in your presence. Everybody within line of sight of your character gets -2 on their fear checks. However, if the leader panics so too do the troops. If the leader scores higher than 15 on any fear check, everybody in eye sight must make an additional fear check (even if they just made one) as they witness the leader succumb to the terror. Note: Only ONE character can have this trait. If more than one person wants it, roll for it and I will honor the outcome.

Cleaver: In a mighty flurry of blows and rage, your character can attack three times in one turn. First attack does 1d4, second and third do 1d3 each. The amount of punishment you dish out is humbling to witness. Your character must then rest for a turn, unable to attack but can still move and defend. This trait can only be used once every four turns and does not gain the benefit of Minimalist.

Equipment:

Main weapon: This can be anything you want it too (must be a non-magical weapon though). A mace, a hammer, a flail, a sword, a pike. Up to you! This however counts as an item. If you do not bring something from this category, you will be stuck using your fists which deal 1d2 dmg.

Elemental treatment: Your weapon can be treated with acid, fire, ice, or lightning. The treatment liquid is carried in a potion bottle and is dumped on the weapon to activate. When activated, the weapon drips with acid or cracks with lightning (etc) and causes an additional 1d3 damage. It lasts for two hits or two turns (whichever comes first). After this it wears off. If applying it during combat, you must spend a turn on the application.

Healing salve: When applied it mends wounds and flesh. In one turn it will heal the afflicted for +5 HP.

Candle: Can be held in the off-hand without penalty to attack. Its light provides a warm security blanket giving you -1 to fear checks. Can be used to attack for 1d2 dmg but will destroy the candle in the process.

Calming elixir: Drink for -1 to fear checks and reduce the penalties imparted for 15/20 rolls by one turn. Elixir lasts for three turns.

Shield: Any type or make (non-magical). Provides -1 dmg received from frontal attacks. Held in the off hand.

Bestiary: Allows you to make a roll to see if the creature you're trying to identify is in the book. If it is, you will be able to learn about its strengths and weaknesses.

Magnifying glass: +1 to spot checks

A backpack: How else would you carry all that plundered loot? Can hold a reasonable amount. Ie some books, gold, gems, maybe even a sword if stacked right. Not a giant gold statue. (The items listed here do not need a backpack to carry with you).

Food: A portion of your favorite ration. You wont be out long enough to die of hunger, but a little bite of the good stuff makes you feel warm inside. Oh, and it heals you for +1 HP every turn for six turns.

Special Equipment:

Magical prototype: This is something you've been dying to test. Using your magical prowess, you have devised a way for a single spell (must be declared in advance) to be stored in a ring or amulet. It glows faintly in your favorite color, its raw power barely contained. Once activated, it casts the spell at your target without the need for you to focus on it. Allowing you you to not only move away after, but also cast another spell in the same turn! The downside is that you haven't perfected it yet. There is a chance the spell will attack the wrong target or detonate on you! Can only be used once.

Blade of the Wall: This ornate sword is forged of ebony iron and its hilt has rays of light streaking from it. During combat, the sword acts on your behalf, guiding your hand to block incoming strikes with its broadside. You receive -1 dmg from all melee attacks against you. Unfortunately, sometimes the powerful movements of the weapon are too much. Rolling a 1-3 on attack will cause it to leap out of your hands (unavoidable) and fall to the ground. You can still fight with your fists or you can spend the turn picking it up off the floor.

Pathfinder arrows (requires bow or crossbow): You have 3 pathfinder arrows (you must declare when you're using them). These arrows will, even over cover, find their mark--always seeming to hit right where it counts. Your arrows are auto hits (no attack roll) and do a full 4 dmg each. Unfortunately, your dependency on them has left your bow skills a little lacking. Whenever you roll 1-4 while using a bow, it misses.

I may make some alterations later on so check on this list again before finalizing.

Crooked Hearts and Broken Minds

Post by The Narrator on Aug 15, 2017 13:50:46 GMT -8

Post by The Narrator on Aug 15, 2017 14:13:28 GMT -8

Post by The Narrator on Aug 15, 2017 15:25:13 GMT -8

TBA Time: OngoingWhere: TBA Host: TBA

TBA
Time: Ongoing
Where: TBA
Host: TBA