??? - something here

Malachi the Mundane is scared. He believes himself to be quite introspective and loves to offer advice, although it usually results in treacherous circumstances.

But this will be campaigns overland map:

He is always worrying, armoring up, and fighting from a distance. An expert at dodging, ducking, and dodging. And can sneak up on the best of ’em.

When not questing, he performs on the streets as a mime in towns with barely any population.

Add cards vertically for now

Brigadine

I’m going to use a stock grid from kinopio and see if a map function works 🗺️ > Above

Shield 1+

Sling

I’ll be going off Vald (The setting your in) - World setting

Face paint

I’ve added tokens if it makes explaining positioning better :) + we can create boxes when we talking on scenes.

Saw

In world Calendar & Time - Overview:

Starting: Rations (x3)

Highly encourage any drawings or map cartography - usually throw this out to the players; don’t need to be an artist; doodles encouraged

Days of the Week

or character/scene portraits

Watches

Show, Don’t Tell

anything that you come up with.

OOC = Out of Character

All banter, discussions, further questions and clarifications happen in the OOC

IC = In Character

character sheet - kid dynamite

Above is more of a guideline - I think we figure things out together would be the ideal way. Write how you want, then we can check in if its working for everyone. Don’t overthink - this is meant to be chill :)

You only post the actual actions of your character(s) and the Warden posts their stuff as well

BUT still open for it, I’ve had a big enough break to give it a crack again 😎

8am, Market Day, Mourning

🌧️ Weather: Slight drizzle

A changeling child who was put in place of another, she was never welcome in the town, they banished her as soon as she turned 21

A light drizzle of rain begins to fall upon the creaking wagon as it trundled down the dusty road, the oxen’s hooves kicking up mud with each step. Seated atop the ox, a grizzled oxen rider keeps a watchful eye, his weathered face etched with lines that spoke of countless journeys.

Four unlikely companions huddled together, bound by a mysterious summons to met at the

Síofra

❗Assign your card colours for your Character replys

Tries very hard to fit in with humans (but she was always treated like the devil incarnate just because she isn’t one)

(not my drawing)

“Dialogue” +

Doesn’t (yet) have likes, dislikes, any knowledge of the world surrounding her, as she was always locked up, hidden away

Warden: Out of character/Warden

hints/suggestions

Now, she starts on a journey hoping that along the way she will find her true parents/family, a society where she is accepted for who she is

The Holy Spirits of the Golden Ox

To whom answers the call,

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

Rem wasn’t looking to good. They were always thirsty, and were lying down with closed eyes, they were sweating too, even though the temperature of the air wasn’t warm. They smelled like a combination of all the good wines in the region.

You’ve been invited to The Holy Spirits of the Golden Ox

Rations x3

Torch

Summoned to the White Goat Tavern in

Brigandine

Meeting Location: White Goat Tavern, Silverford Date and Time: 2:22 AM Purpose: To meet with the Oxen Rider who will escort you Estimated Duration of Journey: Approximately six hours

bulky

Axe

Crowbar

Síofra kept her head down, the demeaning words of the townpeople still ringing in her ear. Soon she started to shiver not just from the moving of the wagon, but from the cold dampness seeping through her clothes

Quill & ink

Spyglass

Shovel

Empty

Please ensure your readiness for the journey at the specified time, as the nature of this travel requires precise coordination. An open tab, recorded under the name “Axe and Bones,” has been arranged for your convenience, covering all your needs during your time at the tavern.

How do did you get to

Kindly make the necessary preparations and arrive promptly to meet your escort by the request above. Any inquiries will be detailed at the final destination; Safe travels. Signed, RK

How did you recieve this summons?

💩Everyone, let’s describe your characters as you are all sitting in this wagon to kick it off.

Do I know a person with the monogram RK? Who could that be? It’s not that important though, at least I get ever farther away from that bleary town

does that mean free wine? well I’ve got to go now.

hints: What do you look like, what are they thinking.

What did you do at the Tavern while you waited?

Copper (CP)

Then after all visual descriptors are done, you can begin some small talk - This can be external, or internal if you choose to not engage, please write your thoughts.

I’ll keep Warden comments expanded, but any “Private” message will be a connector to your card.

Now back to the story :)

this changes a lot

Responses

The oxen rider taps the back of the cart, his knuckles making a dull thud against the wood.

Smell: New rain Sound: Grasshopper chirps

“It’s starting to spit,”

“I’ve got some ponchos tucked beneath your feet there, part of the ol’ golden oxen service.”

Added more to the scene; figuring out formating

You don’t need to reply in order as well; we can shuffle and figure it out as we go to see how it works - perhaps connect a card to what you’re reacting to - but what’s revealed to the character though.

A cool breeze carries the scent of new rain, and you can hear the distant rumble of thunder.

Síofra gazed at the piles of cloth longingly, not daring to move for them before any others. She dared now, to peek up from under her hood, lulled into a fleeting sense of comfort by the rocking of the wagon

“It’s going to get real wet soon...”

Rem looks up and quickly grabs a larger and a smaller poncho, drags their legs up and tucks themself in

“Thank you”

To ground more into the story/world - you can ask OOC questions at the end of your turn. A bit of detective work from the player side:

She has never seen such variety of lives before what she saw in her companions. One looks both like a human and a cat? Another reeking of something Síofra couldn’t put a finger on. And that strange question? Not to mention the gruff man exhibiting habits she knew of all too well.

Do we know “X” - know if, etc

I am familiar with X - eg:

A bit later Rem pulls out and looks at a pinkish crystal that seems to beat like a heart. Some tears sit at the edge of their eyes as they look at every side of it.

Do I know this road?

Though I’ll give as much information and forcasting as well. so there’s no sudden “unfair” surprises

She would have liked to ask them about anything and everything. Make them tell her stories and recount fantastic tales. They all seemed like they knew the taste of adventures. But she was accustomed to not bothering anyone with her prescence, and that includes talking...

👁️ You notice a flock of birds emerging from the woods below. They move in an unsettling, synchronized pattern across the sky as light rain begins to fall, before dispersing just as mysteriously.

As you step into the Phleghmbog Thickets, you’re immediately enveloped by the dense, muggy air of this swampy wilderness. It’s strangely cold as you continue forward.

The ground squelches beneath your feet, a thick layer of muck and rotting vegetation that seems to cling to your boots with every step.

The letter said six hours i believe

Upon arriving at the campsite, you notice the crispness in the air, a sign that the temperature in the forest has dropped. The site has an odd atmosphere; you all notice that the color has been drained from the surroundings. A dead campfire sits in the middle, surrounded by piles of dark grey bedding. Overgrown flora dominates the area, though some of the plants have managed to retain their vibrant colors.

Towering, gnarled trees draped in hanging moss create a canopy that barely lets in any light, casting eerie shadows on the murky waters that snake through the undergrowth.

nah, just a letter of invitation - all you guys know that you are to be escorted to “The Holy Spirits of the Golden Ox” at Midnight by a oxen rider. No characters have heard of this place.

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.

While behind the party the crisp cold air awakens you. Looking at the distance nothing seems to be dangerous. As you’re scanning the area with slingshot at the ready. You do notice that the branches have threads of web. Black webs, draping the top of the tree branches

Over hearing the conversation back at the wagon

“Not long now friend, we almost at the drop off point - I don’t go no further from there, I don’t get paid enough.”

“That’s Phleghmbog Thickets.”

Folks who are waiting

❓Kid vampire & Síofra - what do you think lays ahead?

Those who kept the invite letter from RK. - add this to your petty item area

The vibrant colors of some plants catch your eye. They seem familiar, reminding you of something you’ve read in the field notes from the Order of the Nine. You vaguely recall that these particular plants have beneficial properties if carefully extracted. It’s unusual to see them here, so far from your past home, where they were once common.

Lore pickup: The town rumors has it, this area is filled with all sorts of bandits, outcasts and traps - a fitting rendezvous point for dealings of this sort.

“And judging by this rain, that’s gotta be some fine timin’. I think y’all client is a real trickster they is.”

Following behind Kid Vampire with your spyglass in hand, notices something unusual in the footprints: alongside human tracks, there are impressions of a bear, a sheep, and an unusually large spider. Remnants of webs are scattered across the muck, evidence of a recent struggle involving these creatures.

❓There’s about a good 15 minutes before you get to your drop-off point - what do you want to do or ask?

How do you all proceed?

Isn’t this just regular rain? What’s wrong with it?

Rem bends down to look at the plants closely, they used to make crowns with this plant before - well - everything happened. They decide to take the plants with them, they gently pluck them off from their roots.

The smell of human blood hangs heavily in the air, emanating from a fresh puddle, only hours old. It’s clear that this blood isn’t from the original campers, as the overgrown flora indicates the campsite has been abandoned for some time. You notice multiple footprints near the blood. A fight of some sort.

❗Toad bandits is new to you all, must be an isolated group, specific to this area. Not notorious enough for word to get around.

Rem searches for a bottle, possibly with water, in their rations.

“Nothin’ wrong with the rain my friend. What the rain draws out when it hits Phleghmbog Thickets is what you need to be wary of...

“The terrain becomes treacherous, visibility drops, and the cunning Toad Bandits emerge to ambush the unwary.”

🎲 Roll me a 1d6

Lifting his sleeve, he unveiled a jagged scar that snaked from his shoulder to his elbow, a testament to an escape long past.

“Lost me lucky Rabbits Foot.”

If possible, Síofra would lift parts of the webs with her axe to examine them further

Rem replies with a slight concern in their tone

I see- knowing the Order they probably want to test us if we are good for the job...

🎲 Roll me a 1d20, compare it to your STR with card --->>

🕒 - 12 minutes away 🐂

my STR is 5

Kid vampire begins climbing on the top of the wagon, with this vintage point you notice at the distance - A weathered wooden sign, at the edge of the woods; marking the entrance and something next to it, but it is too far to make out. Looking up, you observe the sky darkening with heavy clouds gathering on the horizon

Preventing ambush is depending on what you do as characters - but since you are warned ahead of time - how you enter (Rule: You are alert enough) will determine the chances / prevention.

Given the circumstances. I would consider this a roll for the climbing action. As there is a risk here; due to environment and the biome

(near whispering)

“What is this ‘order’ you talk of? I don’t remember there being any orders in my letter... Did you get another one?”

“Yep... don’t envy y’all, but the pay is good just to get you guys there”

Roll a d20 and compare the results to the your STR attribute. If equal to or under that attribute, success. Otherwise, failure. 1 is always a success and a 20 is always a failure. This is called a Saving throw btw. Usually a roll occurs when there is a risk to the character.

But you are not close enough to determine / investigate ambush signs at the distance you are currently at. Other than Q’s to Ox rider

So I failed the throw :(

Given the information you know so far - all is quite new. The Oxen rider has experience but would need questioning in RP (unless this was and I will connect and reply as such). But to clarify, the location is eluded to be located inside the thicket itself.

Noticing Kid vampire climbing,

“What do you see?”

Rem, who still smells like wine, leans closer to Síofra, and speaks in a whispering tone

Oh its not an order like that, it’s an organization that says they are helping people, but as far as I’ve seen, they are doing the exact oppsite.

Then looking back with his elbow leaning to the wooden separator.

“Hey, you don’t happen to have oranges would ya??”

Directed to everyone who hears this.

@warden what are in our rations? Any oranges maybe?

roll 1d6 - and let me know the result

Without saying a word, He takes a couple of gulps of the ale and a puff from the tobacco pipe, trying not to blow the smoke into the wagon.

“Thanks friend. That really hit the spot.”

@rem also roll but 1d6 this is for something different, unless you are also checking rations. Then roll another 1d6 as well

Síofra’s curiosity overcomes her fear of talking

“Why would we need oranges?”

When you open the linen bag that houses your rations, you discover a tempting assortment: dried apricots, a generous portion of smoked trout, hearty biscuits, and a perfectly ripe orange nestled among them

Oranges.

Remembering his question, he now directs his gaze now onto Síofra.

“It what got me out of a pickle in the thicket. Them Toads have a softspot for oranges believe it or not, so it can’t hurt carrying a couple.”

Speakin while above

You don’t have oranges, but instead, you find Amberfruit —acquired from the last tavern. It wasn’t noticeable before, but now, in the darkness of your backpack, it emits a faint glow.” its sweet scent filling the air.

“as uhhh.... Hush fruit.”

Ponders for a second.

“well… come to think of it… “

“When escaped and looked back, they did fight for bananas? Maybe they just like fruits in general - cannot confirm I’m afraid. All I heard was oranges was a sure bet.”

The wagon draws closer and you see a small toad statue shrine, intricately carved and surrounded by offerings of flowers and coins, its eyes seemingly watching you as you approach.

🎲 Kid and Malachi rolled me a 1d6

🌍 World lore;

🎲 6 @Rem - When look at the shrine - you notice the Moon Lilies among the other flowers adorning the shrine, their presence suggesting a someone has offered for safe passage.”

❓ @Síofra - As you,Síofra , walk closer to it, the statue emerges in shades of gray stone flecked with quartz, its back and sides adorned with patches of clinging moss.

🎲 1 @Malachi - The eyes only seem to be seen by Malachi. For the rest who make contact with it: The stone eyes remain fixed and unresponsive,

Rem really likes these glowing flowers, but not knowing the meaning of moon lilies, says nothing

Brushing away a bit of the moss, you reveal intricate, abstract carvings depicting scenes of harvest: clusters of dots and lines come together to form whimsical figures, each carrying baskets laden with bounty.

🎲 4 @KidVampire - The wagon comes to a halt, and you catch a scent of blood wafting from the woods. It’s fresh, perhaps only a couple of hours old — you think it’s human, yet there’s also a faint hint of sheep

I’ll respond in-game

Síofra can’t tear her gaze from the intricate beauty of the statue. There is something comforting in the quiet, everyday beauty it depicts.

Rem pulls out the amberfruit from below the ponchos, and holds them out in their hand.

I got these glowing fruit from somewhere, maybe we can offer these? If they like fruit, this should be good.

(calling back to the others on the wagon)

Warden Cards: Color prefrence

Hey, I found an orange. Do you think I should leave it here for them? It seems like a shrine asking for a plentiful harvest...

Current scene & details 1. Wagon is at a stop. 2. Siofra is currently at the statue. 3. The rest are still on the wagon.

It was fine - back to white

Character sheets moved

Distance from the wagon is about 2 metres so you’re all quite close to see the statue. Statue is about 90cm tall.

Rem and Kid Vamp have moved their sheets to new spaces to keep things easier to maintain + you can expand on more backstory / notes.

“Ahem..“

“Well I gota another pickup but keep the ponchos.”

Just invite me when you do :)

I’ve changed the warden connection to only be within the Dialogue (Cream) - and swapped the ones directed to you, as your colour. Seems easier to backtrack.

Thank you for the ponchos!

So do I just put the fruit here?

✅Blood distance: Senses tingle, you surmise that the crimson essence begins 15ft into the woods. Not close but not far either. Human blood seems stronger than the sheeps

✅= Answered/Responded

Anyone (🌐) = open to all to respond

❗= Awaiting response (Direct to you)

❓= Question Asked to ...

Current scene & details (warden observation)👁️👁️

Sure, I’ll come with you, the person we need to meet should be somewhere here.

Does anyone have a bow? I am really bad with swords.

So I’ve added a summary assist side bar - For myself to make sure I’ve covered ones position + who has and who isn’t responded

“Goodluck - See y’all aroun’”

You poke. Surprisingly, It’s rough a cold stone texture. A prickle of unease crawls up your spine as you realize these eyes remain fixed on you, unwavering. When Rem places the amberfruit beside the statue. As if a spell has been broken, the oppressive feeling lifts, leaving you slightly breathless and the eyes are no more.

Noticing Malachi poking the statue, you place the amberfruit next to the statue. A surge of warmth explodes behind your eye, a pressure building before abruptly vanishing. The world seems sharper, clearer, yet subtly different. You can’t quite place it, but something fundamental has shifted.

Fat, cold raindrops splash against your face, blurring your vision as you look up. The scent, your only lead, is already weakening. Every second lost is the trail growing colder, the chance of success slipping further through your grasp. You have to act now, before it’s too late.

Noticing the amberfruit Rem had placed beside the statue. As the thunder rumbled like a monstrous bellyache, she glanced up, rain stinging her face, and continued towards the kid vampire, the orange tucked securely under her arm.

might start planning some other character for rems backstory ooor draw something idrk yet

Where and what happened?

if rem looks around, do they notice anything new that stands out?

Síofra

Nothing out of the ordinary, a memory of the sensation - but nothing more.

Rem

Rem rubs their eyelids. They noticed the changes in their sight, but decide to keep it to themselves for now.

(Huh, weird)

Well, that should be it, right? Let’s check out the forest, then.

Kid Vamp

Malachi

In world: 🌏

Wagon Rider left with a goodbye

But you’re right, we definitely should do something with ourselves before the lightning cracks into us or something...

That.. doesn’t sound encouraging, but we definitely should get going, hope we can find some shelter from this rain.

There is toad statue outside of the edge of the woods

Location of quest giver is within the woods

Rain is getting heavier

Siofra reserved the orange.

Malachi Only - The eyes are no more, you don’t feel like being watched any more.

Toad bandits are active when it rains

Rem offered fruit (Amberfruit) - A surge of energy to the eyes - something has changed.

A marching order makes it easier to determine which characters are affected by traps, which ones can spot hidden enemies, and which ones are the closest to those enemies when a fight breaks out. A character might occupy the front rank, one or more middle ranks, or the back rank.

Kid Vampire - Smells of blood is getting weaker from the rain

Then everyone roll me a 1d6

Rem follows the others into the thickets with their ears folded back, trying to keep a lower profile, and staying present at all times and listening to their surroundings.

Also describe what you have out as you approach the thicket. i.e items held, what kind of level of awareness your character is in.

Weather: Heavy rain

Sounds: distant thunder, hushed wind, trickling water, bird calls

Sight: In the distance to the thicket: A dense, sickly-sweet fog clings to the undergrowth, damp and heavy. The air is thick.

Síofra tries to stay ahead, but not heading the group, on the lookout for anything suspicious using her spyglass anytime the thick woods give her the chance to

All good - You and Roleplay it anyway you like, no need to refer to the stats. (to see how well you do it) But yes; Dex would fall under that umbrella - how fast you can do something / react. Noting: I would ask for a Dex roll if there is need for you to react to, or a risk involved.

🐸 - I am holder of the space.