Past example of play

Oxana’s weathered hands trembled as she unclasped the chain from her neck. The silver locket.

As someone volunteers to take it. Let’s also confirm ... Who is holding the Map to the next location? (We’ll just add it to whoever wants it.)

How does everyone want to begin their day the new day?

“She wore it every day since her naming. Maybe it’ll bring her luck... or bring her home.”

“This was J’hel’s... ”

“Oh, you’re all awake! Thank the stars. I truly appreciate you taking on this quest. My name is Oxana Frie”

“As you already know, my daughter... she volunteered to scout the cave. I thought it was a terrible idea, but the Order offered good coin, and, well - We needed it. And now... now I’d give anything just to see J’hel again.”

The Inn maid pokes her head out.

You hear the creaks of the floorboards again. The Greenwise, Gunther and Half-Witch, Malachi walk down the stairs and gives you all a silent nod.

Dawn breaks over Rivenhollow, and long casting shadows form through the mist-shrouded pines of Thornwood Valley. The air carries the scent of dew-dampened earth and woodsmoke from the early risers of the town. Birds begin their morning chorus as the first golden rays filter through your windows, stirring you from sleep. Walter new bird chirps along. The inn’s weathered floorboards creak softly as you hear someone come upstairs. Some plates chittering, a stop. Then soft creaking continues back down the stairs. A waft of smoked meats and homemade tea drifts into the large room you all are in.

Still waiting on a few others. But maybe they won’t show up.

Walter greets Roscoe with a nod.

Hello Malks, sleep alright? Are the other ready to check out that campsite yet? I got a Canary yesterday, thought it might be helpful in the cave in case the air turns bad we can get out before it gets us too

Walter heads down stairs and sees Malk waiting in the main area of the inn.

Sad to name a fella whose ultimate destiny is death.. but why not. Let’s call him “Chirp” seems fitting

Walter looks down at the bird and thinks thoughtfully

The group rest for the night

Morning - 6am

No trouble stirring in the night.

Sorry -Game is full!

Rivenhollow

Nice, and correct - add 1 canary to your slot, there is a cost to keeping it alive (as long as you have rations )

Use simple formatting -

Short posts are fine -

Nestled in the rolling hills of the

is the geographic region where

Thornwood Valley

2 - Make a character

Overview & Principles

1 - Familiarise

What’s an unspoken rule in your group when things go sideways?

Who carries a map, a clue, or a burden none of the others know about—yet? Use comments, Yes and no is fine

What did one of you do during your travels that earned another’s silent respect?

Walked in to calm myself after a frightening encounter with a cursed wolf bent on destroying the healers herb gardens. It got a good bite on me, but not before I landed a rock between its eyes and sent it packing.

I was engaged to Gunther’s sister until I learned about the moss witch’s curse, which was obscured from me at the start of our courtship. Despite this history Gunther and I get along very well. And are able to joke about the failed marriage

Which one of you paid for the room—and why did the others agree to follow?

How did you arrive at the “The Jade Fox Inn”?

Who among you has a shared past—and what unfinished business lingers between you?

Reminder on posting style - If you comment with a lock. It’s between

Tracker (Players post here)

Rise of the Blood Olms

Relics are items imbued with a magical spell or power. They do not cause Fatigue. Relics usually have limited uses, as well as a Recharge condition. Recharge condition: revealed during experimentation or cost of resource. (Similar to 5e attuning // identifying)

Remnants of the Old World, its labyrinthine hollows stretching for immeasurable distances deep underground, connecting the sewers of the cities to the far-flung ruins. Entrances to the Roots (called Gates) can be found throughout the realm, but are protected, or shrewdly hidden. - Most people avoid discussing Gates, keys, or related alchemy, though some remain irresistibly drawn to the mysteries of the Roots. - Some believe there are bustling towns, cities, and palaces within the Roots, but scholars generally dismiss these claims. - No successful communication or negotiation with these inhabitants has been reported.

The Wood surrounds and divides the realm, representing not just one forest, but all forests. Denizens of the Wood are fiercely independent, believing they are subject solely to its rules. Its various peoples, creatures, and unrelenting natural elements have kept the outside world at bay since time immemorial. The Wood is the spirit of all forests, and they in turn are its flesh, and the life they support a sign of its health. - The Wood is not empty of people. Hidden in the boughs and in empty glades are populated villages, rustic cabins, and the odd tower. - Inhabitants, including Goblins, Spirits, Treants, Trolls, Werewolves, Witches, and talking plants and animals, live by the forest’s rules. - While many are hostile to outsiders, some will interact with those who respect the Wood. - All inhabitants respect the Fae, also known as the Pale Folk or the Neighbors.

- Relics originate in the Roots. They cannot be created by humans, only found. They are ancient, and yet they sprout from rubble as if grown there. - Magic is rare and dangerous. Relics and Spellbooks are not well understood, and attempting to manipulate their power may lead to self destruction. - The Roots are a foreign land. Time, logic, and matter operate by principles so alien as to make them unknowable. (Accessible through Gates) - The Wood is a porous dungeon. It has rooms and traps and hazards but can also be traversed in different ways: one can always climb a tree. This makes it no less dangerous. - Most villages are within a day’s walk from one another to ensure the safety of travelers. Camping is a last resort, and those that journey far rarely return. - There is only one Wood. It is not one forest, but all forests. It is neither Good nor Evil but simply wishes to grow, to be free, and to protect itself.

Setting / Adventure:

THE ROOTS

THE WOODS

Vald

You see Walter walk past with what seems to be a canary…? In the distance Malk is not far behind

Did he… he just steal Bert’s bird??

Does a belly laugh and notices you (Malk) are gone

As the vendor turns around, he sees across the tent, Walter snatching the bird from the cage - and dropping a sling.

The vendor - a proud burly man begins to explain his menu and the marinated methods of his past down recipes - something about frogs and stolen notebooks; you take you chance while his back is turned away and swipe a good sizeable amount - increase your ration by an extra 2

Putting your hands into the sack - you crush the feed with your fingers. The smell and texture is also of quality. The order makes good with their promise; atleast this request.

I grab the canary in the cage and then head back to the room to get some sleep

The quality is excellent - solid steel and masterful leatherwork, clearly crafted by someone who knows their way around their tools.

Lamplight flickers from a row of night stalls across the road. As you make your way, you hear vendors murmur beneath makeshift canvas awnings. They are selling skewers of spiced meat, assorted flasks of oil/potions, second hand books, and supplies for the road.

hints/suggestions

Malk, your choice :)

Walter, you bee line towards the supplies tent, as you notice a cage with a bird - it is canary you seek

“Compliments of the Order.”

Gunther calls it a night

Guther - You can follow, or call it for the night here

Guther, you see Roscoe head out first, then Malk and Walter begin to make their way to the door.

Malks and Walter, the night cloaks you with a chill as well. The night is still young and you see some stalls not for from the Tavern. A scent of Horse as you walk past Roscoe and Beetroot; he is sharpening his sword.

Hemlock has left - What shall you be doing before Morning?

Roscoe, you step outside to tend to Beetroot, the warmth of the tavern now melts away and you are coated with night’s chill. You go to the hitching post and see some local hired men unloading some resources: Sack of feed, bundles of tack: Saddles, Saddle pads, Reins, Harnesses. They give you nod and say,

Walter asks around to see if he can find a canary to bring with them.

Once agreed - everyone roll me a 🎲D6 - Highest of the group roll

“Now, Food and lodging will be paid for - Complements of the Order. By the morning - prepared, will be 3 horses, resources sorted for the other, and a single map to the last location of the expedition team. A days ride, you will see the camp - report back with what you see, and above all else - bring back the

Leaves the inn without looking back

“Enjoy ... Full payment on your return. The inn will send a raven for us.”

Plops a black leather coin bag onto the table.

“I jest”

″“Yes of course. Feed for the *mare* - Sell swords for the *borders* and above all, kindness from the hearts of you fine men ... for a the *good* of the people... yes yes...”″

Licking the tip of his quill, it leaves a small streak on ink on his tongue. As he scribes away.

A wiry figure steps from the shadows, skin like parchment left too long in the sun, and hair slicked back as if afraid of his brow. His robes—marked by the faded sigils of the Order of the Nine—drag slightly as he moves, whispering secrets against the stone floor.

His voice comes low and broken, as though each word scrapes its way up a dry throat.

“Excellent. ”

“Three weeks ago, the Order of Nine dispatched 2 of our own.

High Lector Geteli to lead, and another - Faraj: A Scrivener with expertise in Relics.”

“Then they scouted and paid two locals. “

“ Jhel Fries: A lass of 15 old, hired for her caving experience and the town’s hunter…. Oren: brute lad, A Prowler and hired as a bodyguard to the expedition .”

(Towards party) my main concern is the protection of the gardens for the people. If this man promises extra protection like he says then I’m more than willing to help. I’ll give up more of my share of gold as well if that will help convince some of you to join along?

Ha! That’s my writing - so basically the expedition party led by

Prowlers: basically like a assassin/agile hunter

Hemlock looks at Gunther, and chuckles.

“Better than most rates I would say. BUT, The order can always provide... more.. if these terms are not up to your.... satisfaction.”

“if not for just a ‘mere adventure’ and some ‘sellswords’ to protect this, this town -- from monsters.... Would you do it for bar maids daughter?”

“The order has scouted local talent—someone who knows their way around caves to assist our expedition . Her daughter, Jhel-Fries.”

“It would be... unfortunate to continue searching for a willing party. Time is of the essence”

Gunther’s head is down, resting upon his folded arms at the bar. With no change in position, he mutters:

Another quest? Will this be another slapdash adventure that we come away with empty handed? And I’ve got enough gold for the season—wake me up when there’s a nobler cause.

Clicks his tongue.

“The cave’s been found—hidden in the river veins of the Silversilk…

It’s the main source for the Cities, winding through the tight gorge they call the Fingers. But lately, one finger’s run dry—water pulling back.

Locals say a cave’s appeared. Blue-ringed. New to them, ancient to us.

We’ve sent a team. Relics may lie within—strictly for research, of course.”

thinks for a moment… stroking his chin - not breaking eye contact.

“This can be arranged. We can dispatch a few Sell swords to patrol the boarders of this town. No monsters have crossed yet; but if you wish - this is a small price for the retrieval of this relic.”

“A mode of transport will be provided to you all… of course…

“Horses.”

With a calm and yet stern voice.

“A tool… A relic…. Property of the Order of the Nine. A cresent stone…, ancient, and even more ancient engraving …. with golden engravings if it’s cleaned… You will know it when you see it.”

“High Lector Geteli…

An Aurifex—gold-blinded and pride-cloaked of a fool. Black beard, streaked white like a crack in coal. Robes of the order, and words too sharp. Looks down even when looking up he does…”

As for why? This can answers in RP (roleplay) else I can give a warden answer. Let me know.

For sake of speed, we’ll say your together. A backstory of how, I’ll leave up to you guys to discuss to establish your dynamics.

Walter narrows his eyes

I think we require more than this gold you’re offering... The Order of the Nine needs to do more to protect the villages from monsters, if you can promise that, then we can consider trying to find this mud sieve

“So I ask—not with kindness, but necessity ... Do you accept these terms?”

He stretches out a hand, long fingers smudged with ink and something darker.

Location of the campsite has been detailed to you

The Order has offered to pay a sum of 1000gp (total) for the safe return of the

There was a dispatched a team of scholars led by

Situation:

The Order will pay an additional 100gp for the safe recovery of any of the expedition’s four party members.,

The Order have not been heard from since. This has been three weeks ago:

He explains the situation and terms

“By gallowroot and candlewax, I stand here not for myself, but for The Order of the Nine.

The Ninth Seal stirs, and your names tremble in its margins… plucked for duty and service.... so we call upon you all...”

He tilts his head unnaturally, like a bird listening for worms.

“Lector… Hemlock… Mox,” he rasps, his eyes scanning each of you with insectile patience. “Ink-binder. Ash-eater. Oath-witness.”

Bart puts his dagger back.

“Cool.”

Okay, checks out.

Player (Bart) is typing ...

“Lector Bob Antler - Research division 3... Speaks thy name.”

Hm... suspicious but I also ...

“How did you get my name?”

I’ve done 2 jobs with the order from my background/history - Do I know

Add another card, with your intent; this will help me align my answer

Player (Bart) is typing ...

Example asking as players - with Warden answers

Pair your answer with quotemarks to state your speech + italics for some secondary action/flavor (optional)

You can ask questions, before answering as Characters:

Asking questions as Characters would mean you are directly interacting to the world.

Bart, seeing that the merchant recognized his medallion, pauses for a moment. He looks down to the ground and thinks for a little. Lost in thought, the thinks of his mother

Walter = grey blue

Lock a comment to keep it private and between yourself / warden

Bartstraightens his posture.

Sure, I’ll take care of them. I want the payment up front, this job is more dangerous than collecting fruit.

Players

To be expanded (if needed)

You can interact within the world by describing with action

Or add to the story without action by description of thought Noting that other players can read this, but not react to this. (Unless they can mind read, or you’ve written to suggest otherwise)

Writing Tips

Focus on your character’s perspective -

Between Posts

Initial Interactions

Begin with simple actions -

Ask questions in-character -

Follow other players’ lead -

or comment below.

But if you’re a Kinopio user and want to join the waitlist - let us know in General

What is Play-by-Post (PbP)

14 May 2025