I just got some early Xmas presents, including several Mythic Magazines. One of the magazines, #16, covers City Generation. Playing off of 1 Page Location Craft rules, you create your city streets, alleyways, etc. as you play. And while I'd prefer it also including buildings like shops, I can work with it.
I'm using the 1P LC and City Crafter for my next Mythic game, and my second Discworld game for my hero, wizard in training and reluctant hero Kaylor.
Kaylor is now Level 2 and gains 2 more Ability Points. I used one of them to increase his Think. The other, I converted to Skill Points, giving him +3 to Bluff. I figure he likes to wander around outside the University and in street clothing as to not attract unwanted attention. Funny how that never seems to work.
For his 3 new spells, I rolled randomly for the first and got "Uncertain," "Guide." I interpreted to mean an illusion spell where he can distract an opponent. Taking the word Guide loosely as paying attention to the caster and Uncertain as lack of focus, I came up with the following:
Forget me so: Level 0. Causes 1 opponent (or up to 3 with -1 RS for each) to forget about the caster's immediate presence for a time, allowing the caster to make a getaway. If the caster touches the target, the spell lasts for 1 minute. However, if the caster casts the spell from a distance (up to 6 feet away), it only lasts 10 seconds. Still, more than enough time to get out of sight.
The other spells he learned are:
Staff Blast (I decided he needed an attack): Can fire a magic blast from a staff, wand, or similar object. The Damage is +1 (The same as using his club in melee) and lasts for 10 minutes.
Lock/Unlock: Magically seals or unseals a door, pocket, or lock. For another caster to unlock it requires a roll versus the Caster's Casting Level. For non-magical unlocking, the Difficulty increases +3.
This next adventure starts as a parody of The Hobbit. Don't get me wrong; I love the book. However, a lot of Discworld stories tend to parody different fantasy stories and tropes. And I have a feeling an old man approaching me out of the blue (or green, depending on your sky) and inviting me on an adventure wouldn't go over well.
The first part is mostly narration, with some rolls thrown in. The actual game play happens a bit afterwards.
Let's start with some basic information.
(Q) Does this session begin in the morning? (50/50) Yes, but close to a no.
We begin our story late in the morning. The sun shined brightly on the disc from high above as businesses prospered in their opening hours. Lunch time began to approach, and so many rushed to finish their work so they could break for lunch. Hours, however, rushed into town for other reasons.
Sneaking out of class was a challenge for Kaylor, but it had to be done. The new book in his favorite series would be in the bookstore today, and he wanted to grab it, head back to his room, and start reading as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Professor Prenk didn't seem quite as understanding. When Kaylor let slip that he had planned to go buy his book after class, the professor decided that day was perfect to give a lecture on the history of the Magical Toenail of Klepper. And a lengthy lecture it was to be, for an hour in and yet Klepper hadn't even been born yet.
At was at this point that Kaylor decided to test one of his new spells. A classmate had shown him how to distract others with the Forget me So spell. Unfortunately, Prenk stood on a platform so touching even his shoulder was out of the question. As Kaylor walked cautiously up the aisle, he reached the front of the class.
Professor Prenk glanced down at him. "Mr. Wallow (Bet you didn't know he had a last name, did you? Well don't feel bad, up until this point, neither did I.), I am afraid today's lecture has not reached its completion."
Ignoring the professor's words, Kaylor whispered the words to the spell, subtly pointing his finger forward.
Prenk stiffened for a moment, but then returned his gaze to the class. "Now where was I? Oh yes, Nell and Fennor Klepper gave birth to the child who became . . ."
With only seconds to spare, Kaylor slipped out of the classroom and out the building. Before Leaving the University, however, he decided to rely on caution and spent a few minutes casting his Danger Sense spell.
(Magic) Does Kaylor cast Danger Sense successfully? (+3 +0 Spell Level = Nearly Certain). Yes.
Guarded by his magical sense, Kaylor exited the University. Finding his way through the crowd, he rushed to the bookstore, found his book, and waited somewhat patiently in line to pay for it. A few minutes later, he sat outside on a bench with the open book in his hands. He could've waited until he returned to his room to begin reading, but that would be several minutes away. He had waited months for this book, so he began reading about people who build wondrous horseless vehicles and used them to travel all over, exploring the land from the ground, sea, and even the air. This book covered the characters and their adventures in a vehicle that could float into the air, as if a balloon could lift a carriage and four humans high among the clouds.
A shadow falling on him cut the young wizard's imagination-filled reading short, and he raised his eyes to the one before him. A tall man with a white beard that fell just past his neck and wearing a business suit and top hat watched him with the hint of amusement in his aging face.
"Can I help you?" Kaylor asked.
"I don't know," said the man, "Can you? Do you have some ability hidden from the masses here," he waved a hand to the side, "in which you can aid me?" He then turned his leer right down to the young man on the bench. "Or do you mean to ask if you May help me?"
Kaylor smirked. As a longtime reader, this was his area of specialty. "Actually, both are correct, but in this case, I meant it as a polite question as to why you choose to block my sun."
The man glanced backwards. "My apologies, but in response I believe the sun belongs to us all and not solely to you. However I do see you point. My name is Salton Driff and I have a proposition for you, Mr - "
"Kaylor," he answered, "and what kind of proposition?"
Driff noted the book in the young man's hands. "I see you enjoy reading about adventures. How would you like to go on a real one?"
Suddenly wishing he had gone straight back to his room, Kaylor placed his book in his backpack. "No thanks, I'm good."
"But I have mentioned nothing about the adventure yet," said Driff.
"You don't need to," said Kaylor. "I'm not interested. Besides I have to get back."
"It would pay well," added Driff, and you would return with stories of your own to tell, that is on the assumption that you do return. And upon that thought, I should add that even if you indeed return, I cannot promise you would find yourself the same individual as when you left."
"Well you convinced me," Kaylor said. "When do we leave?"
Driff snorted lightly. "A sarcastic answer, I see. I was afraid of this."
(Magic) Does Kaylor's Danger Sense work? (+3 +0 Spell Level = Nearly Certain). Yes.
Hearing an alarm in the back of his head and feeling vibrations from more than one individual behind him, Kaylor leaped to his feet and heard a series of thumps behind him. Turning, he saw two men in similar light armor, their faces covered save for their eyes, noses, and mouths, pulling themselves off the bench while holding a huge sack.
"Was that you plan?" the young man asked. "If I say no, you kidnap me?"
Driff shrugged. "It was an attempt."
Kaylor then glanced around and noticed several men all dressed the same. "Friends of yours?"
"I got them at discount from the Henchmen Guild," Driff answered. He then returned his attention to the young man. "I did notice you reacted with rather impressive reflexes just now. If I didn't know better, I would infer that magic may be involved. Tell me, young Wallow, is this room where you plan to return at the University?"
"How did, I mean, what are you talking about?" Kaylor cursed himself for slipping.
"Ah, I am correct." Driff grinned and leaned forward. "Perhaps you could assist me in my adventure, in exchange for my not revealing your presence to those around us."
Kaylor started to back away before being stopped by a henchman. "You've got something loose up there, and again I'm not interested."
"Oh really?" Driff raised his voice. "MY WORD, IS THERE A WIZARD HERE AMONG US?
Several people stopped and glanced over curiously as Driff stepped back smugly.
But Kaylor refused to take the bait. "That's right, a wizard, right here." Reaching into his pocket, he produced a pack of cards. "Pick a card, any card, you sir, test your skills. Pick a card, won't you?"
Kaylor is attempting to bluff the crowd. I'm not entirely sure how difficult it would be so first, I'll make it a question. Although there is a number of people around, their attention and whether they believe and/or care might be mixed).
(Q) Is the Difficulty +2 (Likely) X-No.
Apparently, the crowd is quite mixed in their feelings, so a 0 Difficulty.
(Bluff) Does Kaylor Bluff the crowd? (+3 vs. 0 Diff = Near Certain) Yes.
The man took the card and Kaylor split the deck so he could return the card to it. Then the young wizard shuffled the deck and produced a card. "Is this your card?"
(Q) Well, is it? (50/50) Yes, Random Event.
(Event) "Communicate," "Positive."
"Yes!" The man began clapping and the rest of the crowd joined in. "Have I seen you perform at the stage before?"
"Not yet," Kaylor answered. "I want to practice some more."
"He lives at the University." Driff stepped forward. "Take from that what you will."
The man looked from the old man to Kaylor. "You do?"
Kaylor shrugged. "Don't get excited. I run paperwork for the football games."
The man nodded. "Well good luck to you."
He and the rest of the crowd continued on.
Kaylor turned to Driff. "Nice try, though for the record, if you want the service of a wizard so much, I'm sure many would gladly leap at the chance."
"While that is true," said the old man, "I would find it easier to simply procure your services at this moment."
"Well procure elsewhere." Kaylor began to walk away.
"You will find, young Mr. Wallow," the old man, "that I very rarely take no for an answer." He gestured to his henchmen.
I want Kaylor to very subtly give the old man a hint to shove off, so I'll make it a spell. It's not going to cause any harm or really negative effects so I won't roll for the old man's resistance.
(Magic) Does Kaylor succeed? (+3 vs. 0 Spell Level = Near Certain) X-Yes.
Turning slightly back, Kaylor held onto his backpack with one hand. However, he briefly gestured to the old man and his hat flew off. "Don't threaten me." He then walked off.
As he turned a corner though, he glanced back and saw Driff nod to his henchmen, who began to follow the young wizard.
So the next part is Kaylor attempting to get back to the University so he can continue reading his book before Driff's henchmen kidnap him. Here's how it'll work:
- I'm using 1P Location Crafter (Small location since he's not crossing the entire city) along with the City Crafter.
- However, I won't need to City Story or Descriptor tables since he's in Ankh-Morpork, which already has its own story.
- If I roll Complete, he succeeds. If I roll Exit, it's the exit out of town. Diffrent direction than his goal, but desperate times and such.
- Any Encounter will be with Henchmen. I'll roll for how many using 1d10: 1-2 (1 henchman), 3-5 (2), 6-8 (3), 9-10 (4 of them).
- I already rolled for their stats and got Level 0 characters with all 0 for Abilities. However, each one after the first grants a +1 bonus.
- On a Clash, the henchmen will always go for Effect (grabbing Kaylor and throwing him in a bag). If they succeed, he gets one chance to escape. If he fails, well, I guess he really is going on an adventure.
First Location:
- Location: Fragrant, Weapon.
- Location: Communication, Ornate.
- Location: Purposeful, Frightening.
Rounding a corner, a strong scent hit Kaylor like a stone wall, and he stumbled and actually found a wall to steady himself. Glancing up, he noticed a shop with differently-scented items. Apparently, the person running the place had a poor sense of smell because the odor was strong enough for people to give the shop a wide breadth.
A few feet away was another shop, where the owner apparently sold carrier birds, of all shapes and colors. The owner ("Important," "Light") was a tall man in formal clothing, as if he worked in sort of political position. Receiving an arrival, he unrolled the scroll, saw the backhand and 2 fingers, and threw the scroll to the ground.
The arch leading out of the section of town had a sign written presumably in goblin. Kaylor spoke some goblin and got the point that the sign was supposed to read, "This way to more shopping and food." Instead, translated literally, it read, "Say goodbye to purse and hello to death." Oops.
Still, it was his only path so the young wizard continued on.
City Connector: Expected.
Leaving the section, Kaylor walked through a busy pathway that was just walls on both sides, and unfortunately nowhere to slip in and hide. He continued on.
+4 Progress Points.
Next Location:
- Object: Guidance, Storage.
- Location: Beautiful, Mysterious.
- Expected, Return. (I'm counting this as an Encounter.)
Stopping before a map on the wall, Kaylor searched for the quickest path back to the University and his room. He also noted a small boxed marked, "Tips." Well mapmakers had to make a living as well, so he dropped a couple of coins into the box. Finding where he stood, he traced the path and looked up. He saw two pathways that he could take.
One arch was covered in bright and multi-colored flowers that he had never seen before. He remembered hearing how different guilds maintained different sections of the city, but he didn't remember a florist one.
"There he is!"
Looking at the other path, Kaylor saw the henchmen appear. Pointing at him, they began to approach slowly.
(Q) How many of them are there? 2 of them. This grants them a +1 on their rolls.
I'm going to have Kaylor try his Forget spell again (+3), while the henchmen will try to nab him (+1).
(Clash) Does Kaylor succeed? (+2 = Very Likely) Yes, but barely.
"Just make it easy on yourself and come with us quietly," said one of the henchmen, reaching forward.
"Okay, okay, just take it easy." Kaylor held out his hands.
But before they could grab him, he touched both their hands. "Who am I again?"
Both henchmen stopped, looking confused, and the young wizard used this moment to slip around them and into the crowd.
Connector: Same with side area.
Kaylor found himself in another pathway, but this one had a small opening on one side. Possibly it led to homes, but in a way that allowed residents to maintain their privacy. He continued on.
+5 PP
Next Location:
- Negative: Valuable, atmosphere.
- Expected, Exit.
- Expected, Return.
(Q) Is the negative just the henchmen? (Likely) Yes.
(Q) Is there a third path that leads to a new location? (Likely) X-No.
Uh oh. Either he leaves the city or goes back to a previous area.
As Kaylor entered an area with lots of food stands, the glare of the sun hit him in the face. Then something bumped into him. spinning around, he saw one of the henchmen holding his purse of coins.
"You want this back?" The henchman said. "Come with is."
(Q) How many of them? 3.
(Q) Are they blocking both ways out? (Likely) X-Yes.
Kaylor looked over. One archway led outside of the city, but one of the henchmen stood there, blocking it. The other led to the right, possibly another path to the residences. But this archway also was blocked by a laughing henchman. The original one stood before him laughing.
Well the good news is they're not together so no bonuses to their actions. The bad news is I have to make more than one roll, which means more than one chance for failure.
I'm going to have him perform 2 separate actions, which means -1 RS for his roll.
"Fine," Kaylor said, "just give me back my money."
"Here, you baby," said the henchman.
Kaylor reached out, taking the purse, but he also touched the man's hand. "Who am I again?"
(Clash) Does it work? (+3 -1RS vs. 0 = Very Likely) Yes.
The man looked around confused, and Kaylor walked right past him.
Now he needed to leave the area. He decided to go for the one leading back to the homes. Approaching the henchman, he held up a hand. "Please let me pass."
The man looked past him. "What'd you do to my friend?"
The young wizard shrugged. "I said please. Now who am I?"
(Clash) Does it work? (+3 vs. 0 = Near Certain) Yes.
"Why you're, huh?" The man's face went blank (figuratively speaking, of course).
Before the third of the henchmen could investigate, Kaylor slipped into the crowd.
Connector: Same.
Well the previous one was a pathway with a side area so I'll proceed as if this does the same.
The pathway had some homes on the side, which looked more like single-room apartments all jammed together. On the other wall was an opening.
Kaylor wasn't sure which way to go so he thought of asking for directions, just not in a general sense.
Kaylor is casting his Helping Hand spell. However, he's going to add a perk that makes it so only he can see it. This will grant a -1 RS to his roll.
(Magic) Does the spell work? (+3 vs. 0 Lvl -1 RS = Very Likely) Yes.
(Q) Does that opening lead closer to his goal? (50/50) Yes.
Kaylor whispered the words and the floating hand appeared. He then pointed to the opening in the wall and asked, "Is that is quickest way back to the U?"
The hand pointed and then gave a thumbs up.
"Thanks." He probably didn't need to thank the hand; he wasn't even sure it had a mind of its own. But it was a habit to thank anyone or anything that helped him. Better than not doing so at all.
+6 PP.
Next Location:
- Negative: Warning, Stylish.
- Object: Creepy, Container.
- Expected.
(Q) Is the object related to the Negative descriptor? (50/50) X-Yes.
(Q) Do any henchmen appear? (Likely) No.
(Q) Is the object blocking his path? (Likely) Yes, but barely.
(Q) Can it move? (50/50) No.
(Q) Is this related to a shop or merchant? (Likely) No.
(Description) I need more info on the container: "Heavy," "Colorful," "Empty."
Entering a courtyard, Kaylor glanced around and noticed the area was clear of people. This was odd, he thought. He started towards the other way out but found the archway hidden by shadows. Leaving the sun, he froze, staring at a huge coffin. It was made of metal and painted lots of colors. The lid was wide open, but it was empty.
Kaylor walked cautiously around it.
(Q) Does anything happen when he gets close to the coffin? (Likely) No.
Fortunately, he managed to walk around it without any problems, other than the feeling of dread in his stomach. Slipping through the archway, he took off running.
Connector: Same with side area.
Kaylor walked through another alley that also had an opening in one wall. He kept note of it incase he had to retreat later.
+7 PP.
Next Location:
- Object: Quiet, Creepy.
- Expected, Exit.
- Expected.
Kaylor entered another courtyard but saw another coffin. This one, fortunately, was against the wall. He decided to stay as far from it as possible.
Hearing laughter, he saw one of the henchmen entering the courtyard from a pathway that led out of town. But was he alone?
I'm counting the second Expected as more henchmen, meaning i'm rolling with +1: So 2 total. Oh well, I'll take it!
(Q) Did the henchmen have anything to do with the coffins? (Unlikely) No.
A second henchman followed the first. "The boss wants you now." Noticing the coffin, he chuckled and turned to his friend. "Let's stuff him in that until he says yes."
"Good idea." The first one grinned as they closed in on the young wizard.
Same as before. They try to bag him (+1). He tries to make them forget him (+3).
(Clash) Does Kaylor succeed? (+2 = Very Likely) No.
Kaylor held out his hands, but the first of the henchmen was too fast. Grabbing the young wizard from behind, he held his arms behind him. "Forget the bag, bring him over."
His buddy helped him pick up Kaylor and drag him over to the coffin.
Kaylor will try to escape. Unfortunately, his hands are held so he can't cast any spells, and with a Do of 0, physically escaping is out of the question. Instead, he'll try to bluff his way out.
(Clash) Does Kaylor escape? (+3 RS vs. +1 = Very Likely) Yes.
"Wait!" Kaylor cried out. "What about the vampire?"
The first henchman stopped. "Vampire?"
"Yes," the young wizard answered. "Can't you tell that's a vampire's coffin?"
The second one dropped him. "What if he's right?"
"We better open it first."
Releasing Kaylor, they both tried to open the lid. As they did so, Kaylor snuck up behind them and touched their shoulders. "Who am I again?"
(Clash) Does he succeed? (+3 vs. +1 = Very Likely) Yes.
"Come on, lift," said the first, "on 3."
"Okay," said the second. "1, 2, 3."
The young wizard ran for archway, not waiting to see if they succeeded.
But I am curious.
(Q) Is there something inside the coffin? (Likely) Yes.
(Q) Is it dead? (50/50) No, Random Event.
Oh, this should be good!
(Event) "Create," "Expectations."
I'm interpreting that to mean it's all up to me (heh heh!).
As he left the courtyard, Kaylor heard the two men lift the lid. Suddenly, they both screamed and their were a series of crunching sounds. Feeling a chill up his spine, he hurried on.
(Connector) Heavy road.
The archway actually left to an area just outside the city. He took the stone road and entered back into the city.
+8PP
Next Location:
- Expected, Complete.
- Location: Damage, Expended.
- Expected.
Entering another courtyard, Kaylor saw the gates to the University just on the other side. This was a back entrance, through a courtyard of broken stone paths and fallen trees.
"This way!" Hearing voices behind him, he tried to run through the debris to reach the gates.
I'll make this an Ability roll. Kaylor's Do is 0 but it won't be an easy trip.
(Q) Is the Difficulty +1 (Likely) Yes, Random Event.
(Event) "Help," "Break."
(Q) Is someone or something helping Kaylor? (50/50) No.
I'll interpret that to mean if he fails, Driff and his henchmen will immediately appear, and he'll have to deal with them before escaping. However, I'm going to have him use his magic to levitate the debris out of his way. This will create 2 actions: magically clearing the path and running to the gates.
(Magic) Does Kaylor succeed? (+3 -1 RS vs. +1 Diff = Likely) X-Yes.
Raising his hands, Kaylor whispered the words. The fallen tree branches and stones lifted up. Dropping them to the side, he heard footsteps behind him, so he hurried. He ran to the gates and found them opened. Rushing inside, he closed and locked the gates. Then he ran for his room, shut the door and locked it.
A few hours later, a note was slipped under his door. "Prenk wants to see you in his office."
Kaylor reached the professor's office, knocked, and entered.
The office was huge, with side rooms, presumably for sleeping and other activities. Prenk sat in a chair before his fireplace. Leaning back, he smiled. "Come in, Kaylor, have a seat."
The young wizard did so.
"So, about your leaving my class early - "
"Sorry about that," said the young wizard. "I just really wanted the book."
"Well then," said the professor, "are you enjoying your new book."
"A little," Kaylor answered, "though I'm a bit tired from that adventure you sent me on."
Prenk raised an eyebrow. "That I went you on?"
The young wizard nodded. "Mr. Driff addressed me by my last name, but I never gave it to him, or said anything about it. Someone else must have, and since you're the only one I told where I was going, process of elimination."
"Indeed." Prenk nodded. "Well you did leave my class early today so consider that your midterm exam." He then smiled. "Which, I'll add that you passed according to my friend, Mr. Driff., though I do have to compensate him for the loss of two henchmen."
"Sorry," said Kaylor, "but I didn't tell them to open that coffin."
"Oh I know," said the professor. "The one that survived told us, or at least what's left of him did."
"So that was an exam?" The young wizard tried to wrap his mind around the events.
Prenk nodded. "I've found that you, like many of my students, perform better with unorthodox examinations. Now go back to your room and rest. I'm sending a team to tape off that section of the city for now."
Kaylor stood and started to leave when he paused and turned back. "What if I had failed that exam?"
Prenk thought for a moment. "Mr. Driff was instructed to drop you off outside the city somewhere. Your 'adventure' would be to return here."
"And what was in that coffin?"
Prenk's demeanor suddenly grew dark. "You do Not want to know."
(Q) Does Kaylor advance to Level 3? (+3 Difficulty vs. +2 Plot Tokens = Unlikely) Yes.
So Kaylor is now Level 3, but I'll work with that later. The next game is based on a dream I had. It starts with a mystery, but I woke up before I solved it. Kaylor, therefore will help me, or rather, I'll help him.
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