Daggerheart One-Shot Journey into Myth (Inactive)

Game Master Aeshuura

Your friend Iaeson looked at you all, I will marry the King's daughter! Old geezer says I need to recover the Aegis of Ataena first. Are you all up for an adventure?

You may dot to put this in your Campaign list.

The rigid and woodsy elf bows slightly, his hair shifting as he does so. It is hard to tell amidst his dark locks wither twigs and small leaves are merely stuck there or grow there. You haven't known Thill's hair to be absent of such, but he spend a lot of time in the forest and other woods, so it could go either way.

"I am happy for you and I am willing to join you in this," the elf says, his tone formal. The markings on his face, that distinguish him from a city elf, also seem to give his face a serious air.

Iaeson smiles clapping the elf on the back, I knew you would be with me, Thil! What say the rest of you?

"Let me get this straight: You want us to recover the armor of a literal goddess, probably guarded by some spawn cross-bred from a nightmare and a fever dream, not to mention myriad obstacles between here and there, just so you can set up your retirement early with a nice dowry?"

Kephalos flinches when, nearby, voices raise in anger as a group of angry men storm past, calling out what punishments they'll mete out if they get ahold of whomever they're looking for.

Kephalos quickly pulls his hood up to cover the horns that curl along the top of his head. "Actually, there's this thing that I have to not be at, so sure... I'm in."

Retirement? Hades, no! I am in my prime! Iaeson laughs, then smiles broadly at Kephalos' change of heart, That's the spirit!

Just dotting for now. Made a "placeholder" profile... but I may have time to make a complete one this weekend.

No worries, we are just RP-ing for now.

Thillenethiel's changes by a raised eyebrow as he looks to the faun and then back to Iason. "Friend Iason, is collaboration with this one wise? They seem to have activated the ire of the nearby folk," he asks and says matter-of-factly.

"Who those guys? They're not after me. They just... remind me of people I know.

"Trust me! I know about this sort of stuff, druid. People are more complicated than trees."

Iaeson laughs, Ha! When we return as heroes, it won't matter what they think!

If it is not clear, Iaeson is the epitome of hubris... XD

Thill smirks a little at Kephalos's comment about trees and adds a bit distantly, "They do appear to be.."

To Iason, he responds gently, "Friend Iason, let us not forget the lessons learned about overconfidence."

Iaeson waves off his elf-friend's warning, As always, you are too cautious, my friend. How will you ever be a hero if you have no confidence in yourself!

“Oh, how delightful!” Enna declares, excitedly clapping her hands. There is a distinct firbolg-ish cast to her features, although unlike that race of bovine humanoids she is not covered in fur; her build is somewhat slighter than their wont also. “A marriage! And to a princess! There will be food and guests and music from all across the realm and beyond, yes?”

She gently nudges the large, rotund badger that lies plopped down atop her bare feet. The beast looks rather less impressed by the entire notion, and only snuffles in vague equivocation. “Did you hear that, Greygnaw? A marriage! And we only need to find some… aegis thing first!” Enna beams at Iaeson. “Fortunately for you, we are good at finding things! I’m sure this adventure won’t give us any trouble at all!”

OOC: So! I think my sheet is finally complete, save for the Connections bit!

Striding up, The Guardian spoke boldly.

Ho friends. If we needs brace a goddess for her shield for our comrade here to marry, I say let us go speak to this Goddess, certainly she may just give up her shield for such a worthwhile enterprise.

Iaeson smiles broadly, Four! A most auspicious number! I sent word to a fifth, but they will join us when they can. Being a sorcerer, he can catch up to us!

The young man jerks his thumb over his shoulder, indicating his ship, I'll begin getting her ready! Ready yourselves, my friends! We are off to adventure!

Okay, let's go to Discussion and begin asking your connection questions! Normally, you ask one player in particular, but with this format, it might be easier for someone to answer one of the questions, then once you have answered someone else's question, you are then off the table to answer any of the others. Sound good? You may also ask and answer one of the Background questions for your individual character as well.

Vesper can't seem to figure out if he's awake or dreaming. His nose begins to itch, and with a sneeze his eyes pop open... his arm is slung across the back of a furry, musky badger or something.

Then the memories came flooding back. What was that black substance the Dwarf talked him into smoking last night... and how did he get back here... or did he pass out and sleep here.

"Wait! Wait! I'm here.... and join you for what exactly".

He then rises unsteadily to his feet, checking his robes for any new stains as he does so. He realized he might have also overindulged last night as well... but it was so good to see his old friend Iaeson.

Iaeson laughs, Always just right on time, as always, Friend Vesper! We are going on an adventure! Then on to a wedding! King Liros says that if I can bring back Ataena's Aegis, I will prove myself worthy of his daughter's hand in marriage!

You collect the next morning at the docks, and Iaeson calls out to you from the deck of a trireme ship! Good morn to you all, my friends! The ship, she is ready to make sail! Are you all ready to board the Argus?

"I am ready Iaeson."

"Looks like a great ship, Iaeson," Kephalos states, looking over his shoulder at the town behind them rather than the ship.

"Let's get, uh... yeah, let's get going."

Vesper nods at the others and wryly smiles at the captain as he enters. He then discreetly slips below deck to pick out the most desirable location to bunk down and stows his stuff there.

This will probably be a miserable trip between the exposed sun, and the rocking of the ship. Hopefully the rum I've brought will last the trip.

Thill follows Vesper onto the vessel but not down below deck.

"Vesper," Thill says as the drakona heads below, "would you claim a bunk for me when you get down there?"

Fear Total: 5

You set sail, pulling out of the bay and into open waters. The sea has always been full of the unknown, but, if you listen to Iaeson, that is where adventure lies...

--

Late in the day, Iaeson calls out, pointing to the horizon...

Okay, this system invites the players to contribute to the story. What is Iaeson pointing out?

Kephalos walks over to stand next to Iaeson, his hooves making a distinctive knocking noise on the deck with each step. The faun looks to where their exuberant captain is pointing.

Kephalos squints in the direction indicated for a moment before asking, warily, "What does the flag on that ship mean?"

Everyone may attempt an Instinct roll. If you have any experiences that have something to do with perception or sharp-eyes, you may spend a Hope to ad the bonus to your check. Roll 2d12s, the first number will typically be your Hope die, and the second, your Fear die. Add the two numbers plus your bonuses for your final result. Also note which die is higher for Hope or Fear.

instinct: 2d12 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 = 12 with fear

Instinct: 2d12 ⇒ (1, 12) = 13 with Fear

2d12 ⇒ (8, 10) = 18 Instinct (18 with Fear)

NOTE: Since I rolled an (8) I can gain a hope or clear a stress... Strange Patterns in this case I'll gain a hope.

Fear Total: 7

Thillenethiel and Kephalos strain to see the markings on the flag running, a black flag with a red symbol... a red bull!

Anyone can make a Knowledge check. If you have any experiences that help with knowing stuff, or are Loreborne, remember your bonuses.

2d12 + 2 ⇒ (9, 10) + 2 = 21 Knowledge (With Fear)
1d6 ⇒ 4 Advantage if "Well Read" applies

"Wait... That looks familiar".

EDIT: Fear Total: 9

Spending a Fear. Fear Total: 8

A large wave hits the broadside of the Argus, causing a shift in the deck under your feet... Unnatural, you think...

Everyone make an Agility reaction test. Reactions do not generate Fear or Hope.

2d12 + 1 ⇒ (2, 8) + 1 = 11
So 11

Agility: 2d12 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5) + 1 = 8 fear

Thill is taken by complete surprise by the unnatural wave.

No Hope or Fear for reaction rolls. ^_^ Will give Keph, Jardeth, and Enna a little more time.

Sorry, I was traveling for work, and didn't have the free time that I thought I would have.

Vesper, are you going to share what you learned from your Knowledge roll?

Knowledge: 2d12 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 <-- I forget how Hope/Fear is affected by a tie.

Agility: 2d12 + 1 ⇒ (12, 5) + 1 = 18

Vesper shares his information on the pirates.

Doubles are always a CRIT! Even if it's two ones.

Critical success

Sadly, critical does not grant Hope or clear Stress. However, if there was a negative effect even on a success, it would negate that.

For now, I am going to mark Jardeth off. So it is just the three of you. Adjusted Fear Toal: 6

Oop, just realized that the crit was not on a reaction test. Go ahead and take the Hope. I don't think you took a stress yet though, so you can't gain an extra one...

As the wave hits, it throws you about! Those that got under a 13 are vulnerable, temporarily, until you take an action to clear. This Action will be a Might test (10) to shake it off. Additionally, mark a Stress as you are bounced around the ship!

One of you may choose to go, if you can do anything. They are currently at Far range and coming fast.

Kephalos lets out a long breath at Vesper's answer. "That's what I was afraid of. Also, I think I know this ship. It's captained by the minotaur Kresios. He might remember me? But not, like, in a bad way. Maybe. Probably? I think.

"Okay... we can try and talk to Kresios, but I don't know how that will go. I can maybe get on the ship before it gets to us. But I don't know how that would help us. Is there some way I can disable the ship and get back off before I get shanked?"

Would you like to attempt to sabotage the enemy ship? If I remember correctly, none of you are Seaborne. However, Iaeson is...

If you can disable their steering oar, we can outmaneuver them!

If Kephalos would like to attempt to sabotage, he may make a Knowledge test. If you have any experiences that you think may help, you may spend 1 Hope to gain that +2 bonus.

Would you like to attempt to sabotage the enemy ship?

Maybe! I'm trying to gain some knowledge of how to do that. I can probably get aboard, but whatever I do, I'll need to do quickly.

If you can disable their steering oar, we can outmaneuver them!

"How do I do that?!"

"Let's see how good my aim is today".

Vesper will attempt to use Ice Spike to temporarily disable the steering oar.

"Any suggestions on the best place to aim"?

Vesper will gesticulate dramatically while taking a moment to regain his composure (Clear vulnerability).

2d12 - 1d6 ⇒ (7, 12) - (1) = 18 Might Test (18 with fear...)
Can we choose to use the second die as Hope before we roll :-)

2d12 + 2 ⇒ (7, 11) + 2 = 20 Spell Cast (Ice Spike) (20 with fear)
1d6 ⇒ 2 Ice

Will they're likely to get frostbite from that powerful attack. Glad I could provide you one fear for each point of damage.

Because you can edit before you post, I would rather you pick one and keep on it. (Always first or always second.) Just for consistency.

It is not necessary for this particular event, but you can spend a Hope to aid another PC to grant advantage (add 1d6 to their roll).

Okay, how this works is that the first test caused Fear, so I get the spotlight before you can get that Ice Spike off!

Fear Total: 8

Spending 1 Fear to activate a special volley!

Volley: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Advantage (Thilleniel): 1d6 ⇒ 6

A volley of arrows rains down on deck! I believe that misses both Vesper and Kephalos, but Thilleniel, if your evasion is 12 or less, you get hit by an arrow! Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Compare that to your Damage Thresholds and mark the appropriate number of hp.

Vesper's Ice Spike catches the steering oar, causing the pilot to flinch, but he looks at you all and he yanks at the oar, breaking it free! Spending an additional 1 Fear to remove the condition that I would impose for the attempt.

Because of the delay caused by the Ice Spike, the pirate ship only is able to close to Close range.

Anyone may go! If Vesper goes again, it will have to be one of the others next.

Fear Total: 6

Okay
Firstly, yes. My evasion is currently 11. The damage is below my major damage threshold of 5, so it will deal 1 damage. Instead, I will mark of of my 3 armor slots to reduce the damage by 1 to 0. Secondly, I'm gonna try to get up.

might: 2d12 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8 fear and unsuccessful

Thill get taken off of his feet and, as he tries to right himself, an arrow pierces the side of his armor and brings him back down.

Vesper frowns at the individual manning the oar and decides he needs a lesson.

He pulls forth his white rune covered staff and launches a bolt of magical energy at the steersman.

2d12 + 2 ⇒ (3, 8) + 2 = 13 Launching of magical energy (13 with Fear)at the man on the oar.

2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10 Magical Damage (6 Magical Damage)

Since I rolled an 8 on the duality dice. I can gain a Hope or clear a stress. I choose to gain a hope hoping for a tag team soon.

NOTE: I'm switching from after this post... that my Fear dice will be the first number not the second. This is purely based of superstition as nobody has rolled with hope yet... but this will probably backfire in a spectacular way.

"Kephalos... is there anything you wish to share with us"?

@Vesper, sounds perfectly acceptable!

Thilleniel tries to shake it off, but he feels the bump on his head throb and balance eludes him still.

The pirate ship closes the distance and rams the Argus!

Reaction, Agility, DC 12, please! Then I will adjudicate Vesper's spell!

PCs
Vesper Frostwing
Kephalos
Thillenethiel

Enemies
Kresios
Pirate Raiders 1 (Horde)
Pirate Raiders 2 (Horde)
Pirate Bruiser

2d12 + 1 ⇒ (7, 4) + 1 = 12 AGILITY: Reaction Roll

Agility: 2d12 + 1 ⇒ (11, 9) + 1 = 21

Agility: 2d12 + 1 ⇒ (3, 10) + 1 = 14 <-- Fear

Sensing that battle is imminent, Kephalos finds a place to hide so that he can take an enemy by surprise. And because of an ability, I get to be Cloaked rather than Hidden. I should look up what the difference is.