STQK: EP:15 (Laughter is contangious) New to the ongoing blog series called STQK "Would you like to know more?" Disclaimer: Episodes 11-15 will be using an oracle system I am developing for solo players; you can see it in action here. Once I am happy with the way the oracle plays it will be available for the community. Hello there, We continue with the last episode in the Dragon Quest SPI System. (Content Warning: Violence, Death, Traumatic Events) Scene 11 Nestled between his books stood the town of Neon now protected by a magical barrier, so a wizard's experiments won't get disturbed again. As PrThah stared intently at the newly given device, sand poured through the window causing but another distraction for himself. As the strange storm continued around the tower, the wizard peered through the window witnessing a disaster. "This must be some weak hunting1 attempt to destroy this region's politics1!" In an instance and without thinking, PrThah gathered everything on his desk including the town and device and rushed out the door towards the sleeping city. Thinking to himself hopefully he is not to late! The sandstorm raged on, as the group huddled safely in the carven. PrThah teleporting near the eye of the storm as it engulfed almost2 the whole area. Interesting enough he could see a woman in the center of the city untouched by the sand! Whispering to the wind, hoping to get answers; PrThah finds out3 the woman in the city is the very same wizard that the shape shifting snake works for! Questions ran through the wizards mind as to why she is here in this region and what purpose does she want with the sleeping city? Scene 24 The android started to get stir crazy making everyone a little on edge, so one by one each member of the prediction circle decided to go their own way. The storm continued though, as each adventurer stepped out towards the entrance of the cavern. Each member had the parting omen stapled to their minds: The sleeping city brings a dying death and the closer you are the worse you will become! As those words rang echoes in their heads, the caretaker decided to walk towards the city, with wizard, musician, and android following steadily behind. The hobgoblin chose a different direction in search for his clan. The astrologer gave some advice to Ysah, as everyone else ignored his warning: Admire5 and guard the cavern5! Every step in the sand felt as if each foot weighed a ton as the adventurers walked closer to the city. When suddenly a surge of energy rushed around the area causing a protective circle spanning a mile from the sleeping city to parts of the cavern6. Everyone stopped in their tracks and questioned whether to move forward. Screams came from all directions as each member rushed to the only safe place they knew, the cavern! As the last person stepped back into the cavern in the corner was the astrologer shaking his head, exploring7 and poking a dead fox7 that suddenly was drained of life. As each adventurer tried to regain their thoughts; in the distance a figure strides with a quick pace towards the group. A stubborn PrThah with his satchel of things sits himself down mumbling something under his breath! Scene 38 The protective circle has enclosed everyone, and thoughts ran quickly to how long were they would be stuck here! The old wizard starts to open a book and start explaining the spell requirements for the protective circle, when he was cut off abruptly... The caretaker starts rambling on, "Great it is finally happening, and I'm in the circle...Look we don't have much time the wizard that cursed this city has made a natural agreement8 and will hunt8 anyone in the circle. Everyone in the circle will die and then turn. The bigger the sacrifice, the stronger the wizard will become if she succeeds." Taking into the reality that this might be their grave, the hobgoblin starts to panic and runs in haste towards the curve of the circle outside the cavern. Without hearing the warning calls from the group, the hobgoblin reaches the circle's edge and collapses in the sand unconscious. The astrologer sits in silence accepting9 the fate that bestowed upon him, as a gleeful9 howl of laughter breaks9 the still air. Hyenas9! The caretaker on the other hand chose a different route, with shovel in hand walks towards the dark part of the cavern, never10 to be seen again. A thump rang between the halls as the shovel landed against the rocky surrounding. Scene 411 As the laughter of the hyenas quickly approached, PrThah casts a force shield spell12 around himself and the remaining members of the group. The astrologer sits in silence in the corner of the cavern not wanting to move or join the protection that was just drawn. Ysah tired of waiting for the inevitable to come, quickly grabs his things and heads to the edge of the protection spell. PrThah sees his motivations and throws his satchel to Ysah, in hopes that it could aid him in these trying times. The android quickly changes his attention towards Ysah and blindly follows the contents in the bag. Wizard and apprentice stay within the force field hoping it holds until the enemy wizard spell is complete. As Ysah traverses through the sand dunes, he missteps13 as his focus13 was turned towards the weak monster13 Android following in his wake; causing him to tumble down the sandhill towards the hyenas. With each tumble hope had been lost in Ysah's mind as he also drops the satchel given by the wizard. The android without hesitation grabs the bag and heads towards the edge of the city. It can barely be seen as the Ritual of becoming undead is cast. 14 Stay tuned for another episode in the STQK blog series. Rolls | Tables 1. (2/6 and 33,65,61) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty and Description Tables↩ 2. (10) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Table↩ 3. (11) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Table↩ 4. (8,5) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty↩ 5. (32,11,22) | (Playtest Oracle) Description Tables↩ 6. (8) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll↩ 7. (25,24,42) | (Playtest Oracle) Description Tables↩ 8. (33,52,14) | (Playtest Oracle) Description Tables↩ 9. (2 (9) and 14,35,42) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll (Random Event) and Description Tables↩ 10. (4) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll↩ 11. (8,4) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty↩ 12. (27) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Spell Roll↩ 13. (8 and 22,65,45) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll and Description Tables↩ 14. (43) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Ritual Summon Roll↩ https://ancientshell.com/stqk-ep15/ #stqk #laughter #prthah #dragonquest #questspi #traumaticevents #spisystem #everyone #scene #contentwarning #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

STQK: EP:14 (The sand of the hourglass is nigh) New to the ongoing blog series called STQK "Would you like to know more?" Disclaimer: Episodes 11-15 will be using an oracle system I am developing for solo players; you can see it in action here. Once I am happy with the way the oracle plays it will be available for the community. Hello there, We continue with the next episode in the Dragon Quest SPI System. (Content Warning: Violence, Death, Traumatic Events) Scene 11 As the figure who stopped the salamanders emerges from the side of the tent his appearance is somewhat stocky yet remarkable for someone that has dirt and blood all over themselves. The figure blurts out in laughter as he goes on a rant, "Rumors were told about some brave royalty1 buried around here, curious I was to delve1 and dig around here. Without that ruckus you caused, I would be eating left over scarps, instead of these marvelous lizards, so thank you!" In a joyful tone IaJee asked, "Are you the caretaker of the sleeping city?" The caretaker nods2 his head as be peers over at the group of misfits. Losing sight of his prize for barley a second a random desert fox drags2 one of his edible2 salamanders towards the city market2. As the caretaker grumbles towards the sleeping city, Ysah catches up to him trying to gain a little insight of what's to come. Scene 23 The party converses their current circumstances to the caretaker as they walk closer and closer to the city. When suddenly the android overhears quick stomping3 coming from the distance. Hurry escape3 the sandstorm3 before it hits, yells the Hobgoblin4 as he almost takes out the group passing them in haste. Luckly a cavern near their location was easily accessible5. As the adventurers ran towards the entrance as the sand was blowing sideways, another figure5 approached, not empty handed! The wandering5 astrologer who admires5 the history5 of the stars exclaims as he brushes off the sand from his trousers, "Ah the group I have been waiting for!" Scene 36 The hobgoblin moved between each adventurer and sat down prepping a fire to prepare what seems like a long sandstorm. "Waiting for us? I was looking for my clan over the hill from the nearby outpost; I don't know any of these creatures." The hobgoblin stated as he continued to throw wood into a pile. The astrologer started to weave his tale and like clockwork everyone sat down listening with intent. Unaware of the customs of this world, Ysah did like the others and sat around the circle, while holding the android by the collar. IaJee explained that astrologers in this realm are held to the highest regard, so when one takes the time out of their books and gives a reading everyone tends to listen. The astrologer continued on with his predictions: "This group has been foretold when the sands meet the sky during a sleeping day. A plague will follow and great death will walk upon the land." Check out the **** episode in the STQK blog series. Rolls | Tables 1. (4,4/6 and 16,14,56) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty and Description Tables↩ 2. (7 and 21,25,51) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Table and Description Tables↩ 3. (2,2/3,3 and (5) 26,52,53) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty (Random Event) and Description Tables↩ 4. (73) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Encounter Table↩ 5. (6,6 (5) and 66,11,31) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Table (Random Event) and Description Tables↩ 6. (7,4) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty↩ https://ancientshell.com/stqk-ep14/ #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

STQK: EP:13 (Round 1, Fight) New to the ongoing blog series called STQK "Would you like to know more?" Disclaimer: Episodes 11-15 will be using an oracle system I am developing for solo players; you can see it in action here. Once I am happy with the way the oracle plays it will be available for the community. Hello there, We continue with the next episode in the Dragon Quest SPI System. (Content Warning: Violence, Death, Traumatic Events) Scene 11 Minutes after calming down the android zombie and getting ready to walk out the door, IaJee hears a faint bell toll coming from the lab. Its a town crier from the miniature1 town of Neon: Proclaiming their sacred tablet containing the mysterious information1 of their forefathers has been stolen1! Looking around the room trying to find any clue to quiet the town, the android shouts "hare"! The wizard peering up from his books, says "Why yes, I do have lovely hair." The apprentice interjects and says, "I think he is saying there." Ysah shakes his head and points to a rabbit2 who seems to be carrying something, squeeze through a hole in the wall. Quickly the adventurers run outside to find this desert fox2 grabbing the rabbit by the neck and scurries off in the distance. Scene 23 The group was only able to grab a few supplies while running out the door after the desert fox. The senile wizard was left to his books in the lab. Through some woods and over a sandy hill, they reach a burrow where the fox calls home. Trying everything besides just digging a full pit, it seems like the fox will not budge4 from its hole. IaJee reaches into his pouch and grabs the meat needed for the hyenas, "Maybe this will work to draw it out." A trail of meat left in front of the burrow gave the eager fox an opportunity to trade5 the rabbit for the raw meat! As Ysah grabs the rabbit and secures the tablet, he throws the dead animal back towards the hungry fox. Looking around to gain some sense of direction on where the sleeping city was; Ysah wondered out loud, if there was anything that could help them on their quest? Stepping over some sand mounds, IaJee blurts out a response, "There is this radical lackey6 that seems to be tired of cleaning up after the hyenas, maybe we can seek his assistance?" Scene 37 As the group traveled over the sand dunes, they approached what appeared to be a small encampment, 1 mile from the infamous sleeping city. Slowly approaching the main tent within the area something unexpected happened. The adventurers came across a creature handing a scroll of information7 to a dark figure. As fire salamanders surrounded the area, fire engulfed the spot where the frighten7 creature stood; sacrificing7 itself on the dark figure's command. The android groaning from the heat, causes the salamanders to take notice8 as the dark figure disappears and a battle begins between both parties. Round 19 Only two salamanders approach the adventurers, as the others scatter out of sight. The android unsure of what to do holds back. Both creatures get into striking distance as IaJee slashes his dagger towards one salamander that tries to bury his head underground to start a fire gaze. Ysah grabs his hand axe and approaches the other salamander chopping at one of its legs. In a quick turn of events the monsters counter strike with their vicious bite, but both wizard and musician block the assault. Round 210 The salamanders start to get the upper hand as a fire gaze lands a direct hit, causing IaJee's cloak to catch fire. Another salamander quickly tries to slash the android, but misses. Ysah catches the android's attacker off guard and causes a substantial blow with his instrument. After stomping out the fire from his cloak, IaJee steps forward and slashes a tail off, as one salamander tries to retreat. Round 311 As both sides suffered wounds from the battle it looks like IaJee and Ysah were not finished as a dagger and instrument land hits towards each monster causing enough damage upon contact. With one last ditch effort both salamanders take a bite out of each adventurer causing only minimal damage. As the battle came to a close, both salamanders turn and run12 towards cover as another heavy enemy13 approaches from the distance. The monsters concerned on who to trust freeze in motion, as the enemy pitch forks both creatures with an evil laugh! Stay tuned for another episode in the STQK blog series. Rolls | Tables 1. (4,8/61,53,25) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty and Description Tables↩ 2. (30) | (Wayfarer's Deck) The Scorched Expanse↩ 3. (7,5) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty↩ 4. (6) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll↩ 5. (11) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll↩ 6. (78,53) | (Mythic 2nd Ed) Character Identity Table↩ 7. (3,7/55,32,25) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty and Description Tables↩ 8. (7) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll↩ 9. Initiative | PCs (9) Monster (2) | Weapon Roll | PC(4) & PC(68) | M(36) & M(11) | Damage | (4) + (1) Monsters | (0) PCS↩ 10. Initiative | PCs (4) Monster (6) | Weapon Roll | M(77) & M(30) | PC(83) & PC(40) | Damage | (2) PCS | (8) + (2) Monsters↩ 11. Initiative | PCs (8) Monster (7) | Weapon Roll | PC(97) & PC(71) | M(80) & M(76) | Damage | (10) + (11) Monsters | (2) PC & (2) PC↩ 12. (8) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll↩ 13. (42,26) | (Playtest Oracle) Description Tables↩ https://ancientshell.com/stqk-ep-13/ #stqk #round #ysah #scene #contentwarning #traumaticevents #spisystem #iajee #dragonquest #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

STQK: EP:12 (A plan is a foot) New to the ongoing blog series called STQK "Would you like to know more?" Disclaimer: Episodes 11-15 will be using an oracle system I am developing for solo players; you can see it in action here. Once I am happy with the way the oracle plays it will be available for the community. Hello there, We continue with the next episode in the Dragon Quest SPI System. (Content Warning: Violence, Traumatic Events) Scene 11 Greetings were introduced again as the two adventurers were hushed away with the apprentice. Finding out this world is controlled by gods and some are being punished for defying them is a turn of events from an alien invasion, thought Ysah. IaJee starts off by explaining that the summoning process was through magic, and they seek a titan who is sympathetic towards peace for this realm. One lesser god who is leading the charge, is literally dying every day to reach out to different dimensions. Ysah interrupts and says and "How can a back-alley musician and raved energy hungry android help with that?" IaJee continues on his rant by explaining the plan he wants to set forth: 1.Freeing the lesser god from his punishment by killing a virtuous weapon1. 2.A scimitar2 located near here is one such weapon. 3.Holy weapons are only destroyed if they are struck against another holy entity. "Welcome to the rebellion", states IaJee. Scene 23 IaJee points to a map on the desk showcasing the reports4 that the weapon is being held within a sleeping market**4. The city is cursed and anyone that enters, falls under a spell and is tranced until they starve to death. Flaming Salamanders also patrol the dunes around the perimeter. "Let's conduct an experiment to see if you can help with our devour", stated IaJee as he waves his hands and casts a sleep spell on the two travelers. Both Ysah and the android close their eyes and fall asleep5 where they stand. When suddenly a sound that mimics a small boom comes from the City of Neon, (a miniature town that was cursed and shrunk to the size of a thimble; currently residing on this wizard's desk) as potion bottle brakes5 because of the commotion. The cause seemed to appear to any outsider as an empty or fake disaster5. This hiccup of accidents caused the android to suddenly jump out of the trance. PrThah over sees the interaction, and thought a distraction can work in our favor. Scene 36 As the android awoke from its trance, it starts to limb around the room looking confused. Ysah was still asleep, as the apprentice's thoughts ran with an interesting proposition... IaJee chants a quick spell to release7 him from his slumber and as Ysah awakes he wondered what just happened. The young wizard starts questioning him as his eyes were barely open, asking politely, "where this so-called thing came from?" Ysah started to describe their futuristic world and embarking on simple bounty mission with his partner when a vortex of energy appeared on the mountain side close to their location. Three mysterious travelers appeared out of that ball. They call themselves mutants, riddled with something called radiation, described as poison of sorts. The android perks up after hearing a trigger word and blurts out an incoherent sentence, "Yes radiation, guarding rumors and mysterious relics8." When pressed about these relics the android was silent9, well not until it started to foam from the mouth and lash out towards the Town of Neon! Scene 410 As the android lungs for the town, Ysah grabs his instrument and strikes11 it; knocking the thing down with one blow. Explaining that this creature is attracted to all sorts of energy, my friends on the device I carry is the reason why it follows me to this day. The ruckus creates an echo within the lab, as the wizard speaks out loud to himself, "Excellent out run the fire salamanders, make a big enough distraction to wake the android back up, and hopefully sniff out the weapon from the being that holds it!" Ysah questions silently, as to what this being actually is? Overhearing his thought, IaJee quickly steps over the android and shows a scroll12 of a shape shifter that acts as the lead hyena13 in a pack that patrols the market for intruders. As the senior wizard is staring at the device given by Ysah, he quickly blurts out, "Bring some meat for the mangy beasts, you will be fine and goes back staring while opening some books. Stay tuned for another episode in the STQK blog series. Rolls | Tables 1. (5,7/41,64,66) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/ Difficulty and Description Tables↩ 2. (5) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Weapons Table↩ 3. (7,5) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/ Difficulty↩ 4. (7,61,51) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll and Description Tables↩ 5. (8/14,31,15) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll and Description Tables↩ 6. (9,4) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/ Difficulty↩ 7. (23) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Spell Roll↩ 8. (7,9,25) | (Une) Conversation Tables↩ 9. (5) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll↩ 10. (8,6) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/ Difficulty↩ 11. (36) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Attack Roll↩ 12. (10) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll↩ 13. (57) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Encounter Table↩ https://ancientshell.com/stqk-ep-12/ #stqk #ysah #iajee #plan #scene #dragonquest #questspi #contentwarning #spisystem #traumaticevents #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

STQK: EP.11 (A whole new World) New to the ongoing blog series called STQK "Would you like to know more?" Disclaimer: Episodes 11-15 will be using an oracle system I am developing for solo players; you can see it in action here. Once I am happy with the way the oracle plays it will be available for the community. Hello there, We continue with the next episode in the STQK series and with the introduction to the Dragon Quest SPI Campaign. My apologies for the late submission, life got in the way. (Content Warning: Traumatic Events) Prelude: Witnessing the death of a god has become a spectacle for onlookers as they traveled far and wide to see this magnificent task be accomplished daily. The god in question drinks his daily poison ration and experiences anguishing pain until death, rinse and repeat for his treason against the Titans. After drinking another of this evening vial, he hoped this torture would someday end, and his intended message would finally reach the only peaceful Titan in existence. Like anything humanity does there is always someone or something trying to profit on someone's misery. A local gang of goblins currently count and tally the amount of poison consumed daily; creating a betting ring to wage over or under amounts of the poison intake from the river god himself. Each sip and each death was lost hope for the river god, until he was able to meet a goblin within the gang to pass a note along, with the only condition that the goblin gang wins most bets. Finally, after days of goblin wins a few notes had arrived at its destination: a lonely wizard tower in the desert. This region of the continent focused on summons to different worlds and dimensions. Moving objects between worlds is one thing, but people seem to be impossible for this wizard. His apprentice wasn't too worried about the note until he received another pressing the matter, that's when he decides to mention it... Scene 1 As the wizard PrThah1 walked past all of his magical devices and books he sat in front of tied up King Cobra. His apprentice stumbles in distracting the wizard's interrogation. "Do you mind young one, I'm trying to intimidate this wise2 shape shifter and receive the bounty2 promised by the next town. He keeps trying to bite me so please..." barked the wizard. "My apologizes master, the goblin's have requested again on your progress in contacting the peaceful Titan that fled to a different dimension. Another inquire came in while you were with the cobra, a lesser god is requiring our assistance in contacting the creature, in hopes to lay waste to the oppressors of this world", his apprentice quietly said in a disheartening tone. "My progress... You know I can't move between worlds yet, what are you talking about IaJee3? And even if I could travel between worlds, I have not heard back from the Titan, since the great departure. Let me finish with this snake and then I can help the goblin gang", yelled PrThah. Scene 24 As PrThah tries to mind meld with the imprisoned cobra he closes in on a possible plaque coming to this region. The thought is almost in reach, as IaJee distracts the process with all his fiddle faddle. Suddenly instead of future plans of chaos; the room fills with massive plants and flowers gathered4 from the outside potion garden. In frustration, PrThah curses "In the beard of Lampard, (A regional wizard who was known for his long beard and getting critters stuck within his facial hair) bring my spell book and clean up this mess, I'm done with this snake. I'll try to contact this savior you speak of", in a stern manner stated PrThah. A summoning circle was drawn in the center of the room; incantations were spoken as lights flickered the world trembled and then nothing5... As the spell continued it seemed like it started to backfire6 as pure silence filled the room. Well, it seems like your friend does not want to be disturbed, questioned the wizard. Maybe he is thirsty stated his apprentice as he hands the wizard his latest brew. PrThah starts the incantation again and this time the potion disappears7, now we play the waiting game cried IaJee. Scene 38 After what felt like an eternity, two shadows appeared within a cloud of smoke. Wounds not from teleportation, but from a previous battle unknown. Confusion filled the air as one shadow tries to bolt towards the entrance. The door magically was unlocked9 probably from the absent-minded apprentice that does not clean up the lab. "Hold it right there, as a force field surrounds the two newcomers. My name is PrThah wizard of the region, now state your purpose and answer where my giant companion might be?" Amazed on how this type of teleportation was even possible, Ysah tried to explain to the wizard while holding the android at bay from running in circles. Skipping the part of the impending doom that was about to bestow upon their world and only mentioning the sacrificial pit that was about to be their grave. IaJee interrupts the monologue, by asking about a giant rock creature? The tuckered-out Android finally sat down and said "Rock yes no longer here. Energy still here with friend." Ysah interjects by explaining his friends were somehow transported on to this small device as a form of sacrifice towards an enemy of their planet. The wizard takes the device and studies it quickly. I will take a look at this contraption. Go with my apprentice for there is something we need from you as the wizard closes the door of the lab. Stay tuned for another episode in the STQK blog series. Rolls | Tables 1. (70,83) | (Mythic 2e) Names↩ 2. (36,66,13) | (Playtest Oracle) Description Table↩ 3. (38,42) | (Mythic 2e) Names↩ 4. (3,2/31,46,36) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty and Description Table↩ 5. (45) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Ritual Summon Roll↩ 6. (30) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Backfire Table↩ 7. (15) | (Dragon Quest SPI) Ritual Summon Roll↩ 8. (6,5) | (Playtest Oracle) Scene/Difficulty↩ 9. (11) | (Playtest Oracle) Oracle Roll↩ https://ancientshell.com/stqk-s1-ep11/