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Post by jongjungbu on Nov 5, 2009 20:55:16 GMT -5
You have to be careful not to spit on anyone as you say Bric-Cact Desert LOL. It's named that because of the flowering cacti in the desert that look like they're made of mud-red bricks. But you see how memorable that is to you already?? I packed a LOT into those 80-something paragraphs. It almost feels like I have more content in it than Barony of Sanris. But because of that, I had quite a bit less narrative written.
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danhem
5th Level Troll
Posts: 731
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Post by danhem on Nov 5, 2009 23:44:44 GMT -5
Very good looking solo jongjungbo, I'll have to give it a try this weekend. Where did you find the illustrations? They're a nice touch.
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Hogscape
11th level Troll
Stalwart of the Trollbridge
It's not the years, it's the mileage.
Posts: 2,126
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Post by Hogscape on Nov 6, 2009 4:03:10 GMT -5
The locals must have a lot more phlemg than me. I can't get my tongue around Bric-Cact...
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Post by cartomancer on Nov 6, 2009 4:32:04 GMT -5
Hey JJB, I cant believe i didn't notice this sooner! I've just downloaded it and, i'll be sure to be running a character through it later (a 7.5 character) and, let you know how it went. :0).
In fact, i'll probably send a few through to see how it varries... Maybe even a fairy. Lol.
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Post by jongjungbu on Nov 6, 2009 8:03:52 GMT -5
cartomancer: I definitely would like to hear how a 7.5 character does. I try to let my solos be available to all editions, and generally I have found T&T is pretty good about that. But I only playtest with my own 5.5 characters. I'm certainly not going to run multiple editions through haha, who has the time for that. But I figure it should do well enough Hogscape: They talk with a mixed accent of Irish and Ethiopian. Wrap your mind around that one. LOL. When I wrote Desert, I did work up the rest of the continent because it was almost going to take place elsewhere. I should flowchart the lands like you did and post it. Sanris sits in a little valley on the west, between the mountains and the Wood of the Wolf. With desert to the south and tundra to the north. So that's why its so remote Annelsia is southeast of Sanris, Lezedr is northeast of Sanris. Zantdom is way way to the east. There's really only 4 independent realms on the continent, which right now has no name but I imagine it about the size of something like Australia. danhem, I found them off the web as public domain illustrations. I put a link to the 2 public domain websites I pulled them from on Mahrundl's book of spells thread. I'll see if I can find them and repost here. I would love for someone with artistic talent to come along and re-illustrate my solos for me, pro bono. But that is wishful thinking. ;D
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Post by cartomancer on Nov 7, 2009 5:20:50 GMT -5
Here's my first play test and, game report on my first run through the Darkside of the Desert solo.
Character Creation:
I decided to roll up a fresh delver for this adventure and, the dice rolls were reall favourable!
STR: 13 DEX: 12 CON: 12 INT: 12 LK: 12 CHR: 13 WIZ: 8 SPD: 11
Given these stats i rule out the possibility of a Wizard and, decide that maybe a Warrior would be best. Also as i've never done it before, i decide to play as a Minotaur. So my modified stats are:
STR: 33 DEX: 9 CON: 30 INT: 9 LK: 12 CHR: 26 WIZ: 8 SPD: 11
I also roll up 110 GP and, he comes out at 6'11" and, 250lbs after modification for being a Minotaur. Nice and beefy with 25 personal adds (still within the range for this adventure) and, a decent purse for initial equipment.
I decided to opt for a pair of hand spikes for weapons (i can really see this guy getting stuck in with the fisticuffs) and a leather jerkin and, a pair of bracers for armour. All told, adding in combat adds, this gives me 4+25 in combat and, 6 points of armour. None too shabby.
Also buying myself a pair of knee high hard leather boots (i figure this will offer some protection from the hot sand and, the small nasties that live there in) and, a good bear skin loincloth (to cover his modesty and to look bad ass). All set for adventure, let the solo begin!
<<!!! SPOILER WARNING !!!>> Although the playtest is mostly narrative reading it may still reveal more than you want to know about the adventure. I'd suggest you play before you read. <<!!! SPOILER WARNING !!!>>
Upon entering town Hyledoon decided to check out the local inn figuring that if there was adventure to be found, this would be the place to look. At the inn Hyledoon spoke to the bar keep who suggested he speak to the mayor and, picked up acouple of rations before leaving.
Upon leaving he was was stopped by a Branis Soldier as he headed to the town square. L1SR Made easily, rolling a 7 but, no way in hell am i paying him (and, i reckon i can take him). Fight on...
MR50
Hyledoon: 40 Soldier:42
Hyledoon: 43 (2 Spite) Soldier: 51 (2 Spite)
MR48
Hyledoon: 41 (2 Spite) Soldier: 49 (1 Spite)
MR46
Hyledoon: 37 (1 Spite) Soldier: 41 (1 Spite)
MR45
Hyledoon: 39 (1 Spite) Soldier: 44 (1 Spite)
MR44
Hyledoon: 46 (1 Spite) Soldier: 35
MR32
Hyledoon: 36 Soldier: 42 (1 Spite)
Hyledoon: 42 (2 Spite) Soldier: 33 (1 Spite)
MR21
Hyledoon: 43 (1 Spite) Soldier: 25
MR2
Hyledoon: 38 Soldier: 20 (1 Spite)
MR-16
With the soildiers blood dripping from his hand-spikes and, weakened by the fight Hyledoon cant help but think that things are very likely to go from bad to worse. Luckily nothing can be proven and, possibly due to the foreboding truth that the person they want to arrest just killed a soldier esentally with his bare hands the guards decide to let him free but, Hyledoon can still feel the daggers that the locals look at him.
Not trusting the locals and, seeing the relative sanctuary of a temple he spies from the town square thinking that maybe someone there may be able to dress his wounds or at least offer him sanctuary from the cruel locals that clearly don't like outsiders.
Inside the temple Hyledoon speaks with a priestess who looks upon him with kindness and, as they speak it is revealed that the guard too is extorting money from the temple. Hyledoon shakes his head in sadness that the locals here think so little of the gods and, decides to make an offering to the god here Tyros. Little did Hyledoon know that this would involve his blood!
But not afraid he still offers himself in the hope that with the favour of the gods he may be able to strike a blow against the local guard and, for the wrongs that they have done to him for simply being an outsider. The priestess also tells him of an evil god being worshipped in the desert of which Hyledoon takes note as he is certain that he is to be heading there in the future. After the ritual is complete Hyledoon rests in the temple for a while and pays for his wounds to be dressed until he is fighting fit and ready to go!As he is leaving the priestess offers him the Medalion of Tyros and, paying his respects Hyledoon returns to the town square.
Upon leaving the temple Hyledoon is immediatly confronted by a guard, 'Kill my kin would you!?' he proclaims drawing his blade and approaching him. Knowing that there is no way past the man and, not wishing to draw the fight into the holy ground of the temple Hyledoon advances preparing for battle growling lowly under his breath.
MR50
Hyledoon: 34 Soldier: 40
Hyledoon: 42 (2 Spite) Soldier: 40 (1 Spite)
MR46
Hyledoon: 36 (1 Spite) Soldier: 39
MR45
Hyledoon: 38 (1 Spite) Soldier: 41 (1 Spite)
MR44
Hyledoon: 39 (1 Spite) Soldier: 41 (1 Spite)
MR43
Hyledoon: 44 (1 Spite) Soldier: 40
MR38
Hyledoon: 42 (2 Spite) Soldier: 33 (1 Spite)
MR27
Hyledoon: 29 (Rolled 4 1's!! Uh-Oh) Soldier: 29 (I couldn't believe my luck!!)
Hyledoon: 36 Soldier: 38 (1 Spite)
Hyledoon: 36 Soldier: 41
Hyledoon: 43 (2 Spite) Soldier: 30
MR12
Hyledoon: 46 (3 Spite) Soldier: 30 (2 Spite)
MR-7
Looking down upon the body of the fallen soldier Hyledoon began to wonder, was there some link between the corruption here and the evil the priestess spoke of in the desert? Sobered by the cries of a local Hyledoon made quick to clean himself of any evidence and, was now determined to confront the evil in the desert and, free this place of the corruption that festers here.
Thinking that maybe the best way to fight this evil would be magic Hyledoon decides to speak to the alchemist in town. He was however disappointed to find only poisons among her shelves. Hyledoon would have to face the desert with nothing more than his brute strength and gruff demenar.
On leaving the alchemist Hyledoon finds himself stopped by a travelling pedallar of wares and, despite his mannerisms he seems to him to be by far the most pleasant individual he's met outside the temple. Sure his greed seems paralleled only by that of the guards but there is no aggresion in his eyes. Not looking to buy or sell anything at this point however Hyledoon exchanges small talk and decides to press onward. Putting his best foot forward, Hyledoon heads out into the desert.
Hyledoon travels for some time, thankful that he'd purchased some provisions before setting out or he would have surely perished. After some time he finally came upon a cave admist the sand and deciding that any scorpions, spiders or, snakes that may have made thier homes here would still be preferable to slow baking under the desert sun.
The cave is dark but warm and, Hyledoon now wishes that he'd bought himself a lantern or torch, still, live and learn! Not soon enough though as he soon found himself at the bottom of a pit in the cave... And not alone. Not sure what was crawling over him and, only sure that there were quite a few of them Hyledoon thought that now would make for a good time to get out. As soon as possible.Trying to climb out in the dark was not the best of ideas and, Hyledoon soon found himself falling back in, landing rather heavily on his back. Ouch! Refusing to perish here he summoned all of his strength and finally pulled himself clear, resting at the top, glad to be free once again.Deciding he was actually safer outside Hyledoon heads back into the desert.
Wondering for another day and seemingly lost in the desert Hyledoon is amazed as he comes upon the guise of a rather beautiful women that seemed to appear as if from nowhere. As looks upon her, he sees she is adorned with snakes and, even before she introduces herself he knows from the priestess' description he knows this to be Rasptikiya and, as she bids him to worship her his resolve hightens as he gives a mighty roar much to the serpent goddess' suprise. It is then that she catches sight of the medallion about Hyledoon's neck and battle ensues...
MR75
Hyledoon: 38 (1 Spite, One free attack due to the medallion)
MR36
Hyledoon: 42 (1 Spite) Rasptikiya: 48 (2 Spite)
MR35
Hyledoon: 38 Rasptikiya: 47
Hyledoon: 38 Rasptikiya: 53 (2 Spite)
Rasptikiya lands her final blow and Hyledoon falls heavily bleeding in the desert sands with wounds to grevious to be healed. His bones still lie there now so please offer him a thought should you happen upon a bleached animal skull lost to the desert.
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Post by cartomancer on Nov 7, 2009 5:27:10 GMT -5
1st Playtest Conclusion:
This solo could be quite tough on characters that cant really put up much of a fight and, starting a fist fight with a goddess is always going to be a no-no. Tough doesn't mean bad though and, the environment does feel really real. So for that alone it would be worth a read.
I'm not usually a fan of desert campeigns but i think this will be one i come back to again and again. I'm also looking forward to seeing more similar adventures in this desert region.
Overall, 9/10 and an Exhalt. :0).
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Post by jongjungbu on Nov 7, 2009 9:06:16 GMT -5
Thanks for the high rating and exalt, cartomancer! I really enjoyed reading the play session, especially coming from someone else's perspective than my own. Your minotaur I think was pretty beefy. I'm not surprised the goddess took you down though, but the fact you killed 2 soldiers and lives shows that you'd likely have done well in the solo. Meeting up with the goddess is a pretty rare event nonetheless...actually, the rarest even that can occur. I'm surprised you came across her! But of course, it might have been easier to just give in to her if your ideals were not set so high Haha Oh those blasted morals! 1st level characters I definitely recommend recruiting at least one hireling from the inn I have found. It helps a lot. Once you are level 2 or 3, of if you are already, probably can go it alone...especially if you have any nice gear or better yet you've picked up some desert-specific gear. I'm not a fan of desert environments either! And I hate westerns too! I don't know why I wrote it this way, but it just seemed to come out when the creative juices were flowing. The next solo will take place south of the desert (you'll be able to travel more around Annelsia where there's actually grass haha). However, it is also a mini-solo and I've sent it to Hogscape to be put into Hobbit Hole. So you'll have to wait to play that one. Edit: Unless Hogscape is okay with you playtesting it to provide feedback before it goes into print at some point. Unlike Desert, this new one is only for level 1 characters and is not nearly as difficult. You can still die, but the difficulty of encounters and chance deaths is much lower. The toughest fight right now might be MR 60 if your die rolls are bad enough to have that high, and if you die you are only knocked unconscious.
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Post by cartomancer on Nov 7, 2009 22:18:09 GMT -5
Your welcome and, thank you as i did enjoy playing through this adventure (and that i got to start a fist fight with the big bad the first time through is just the cherry on the cake! :0))
I'm like you though. No fan of deserts, no fan of westerns but, there is just a quality about this place that makes it come alive. It must be something in the creative proccess you used. I think inspired is the word. :0).
I'd love to have a shot at the new adventure if i can. I'll also have another shot at this one again later today time permitting (so watch this space). :0).
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Hogscape
11th level Troll
Stalwart of the Trollbridge
It's not the years, it's the mileage.
Posts: 2,126
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Post by Hogscape on Nov 8, 2009 21:26:01 GMT -5
Go ahead with the playtesting folks but don't release it into the wild until it has made an appearance in HH please. Also, if playtesting picks up any areas that need a fix, please let me know. ;D
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Post by cartomancer on Nov 9, 2009 2:14:08 GMT -5
Cool. Don't worry though, i won't circulate it and, i'll let you know if i do spot any glaring adventures. I'm looking to run another character through the desert today too once i've got all my housework out of the way. :0).
Any suggestions as to what you'd like to see run the gauntlet of the desert??
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Post by jongjungbu on Nov 9, 2009 7:58:24 GMT -5
No suggestions I can think of. The desert is freely available so feel free to play what you like first and foremost. As for the next solo thats going into HH only, tentatively called No Rest for the Weary at War, if you PM me your email address I'll send that one to you for playtesting.
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Post by mahrundl on Nov 13, 2009 17:29:21 GMT -5
Jongjungbu, I've only gone through NRFTWAW in brief (curse you, work, for being so busy right now!) but it looks good. It hangs together pretty well, and the spelling and grammar appears fine (I'd have spelled 'traveler' as 'traveller', but that's just a regional spelling difference, I think).
An Exalt will be forthcoming as soon as I've recharged my Exalter... Hmmm, that sounds a bit dodgy! ;D
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Post by jongjungbu on Nov 13, 2009 19:58:32 GMT -5
Thanks in advancce, mahrundl. I believe there's plenty of time to get around to it, so no worries.
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Post by zanshin on Nov 24, 2009 14:06:07 GMT -5
Thanks so much for this. I have downloaded it and look forward to testing it. Great stuff.
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