"We're going on an Adventure!" "No I'm not."

 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.

Over the River and Through the Woods - Mythic Discworld Game

"Student Kaylor, please step forward.

As the rest of the students stood to leave the classroom, Kaylor turned. Raising an eyebrow, he approached the front of the clasroom. "Yes, Professor Prenk?"

Professor Prenk, an elderly gentleman, wearing the Unseen Univeristy's wizard robes and hat, handed the young wizard in training a piece of paper. "I have a different final exam for you."

Kaylor glanced at the paper. "These are different kinds of flowers."

"That's correct," said Prenk.

"You want me to identify them?" Kaylor asked.

"No," said the elderly professor. "I want you to bring me 8 of each, from outside."

The young wizard in training nodded. "You mean outside the classroom."

"No," replied the older man in colorful robes, pointing in what seemed like a random direction. "Outside."

Kaylor looked up. "Outside the University?"

Prenk nodded. "In a manner of speaking, but more like outside the city."

Kaylor's eye went wide. "You want me to collect flowers outside the city?"

This time it was the professor who furrowed and eyebrow. "I don't know how that could not be more clear."

"But I'm only a first year student," said Kaylor. "My starting spells are for lab work."

The professor crossed his arms. "Well you should have thought of that before choosing them."

The wizard in training blinked. "You told me to choose spells for lab work because, in your own words,  'we're not experienced enough to venture forth beyond the great walls of the Ankh.'"

"Oh sure, throw that back in my face." The elderly man touched the younger man's shoulder. "You'll be fine. I wouldn't send you if I didn't think you had a chance to perhaps succeed." He glanced out the window. "Now you better hurry. The Forests get dark quickly this time of year."

As Kaylor collected his book to leave the classroom, he heard Prenk again. "Oh yes, one more thing. If you find yourself in danger, especially the most mortal of danger --"

Kaylor looked up, grabbing his notebook and something to write with. "Yes, Professor?"

The wise professor continued his thought. "Be careful."

Welcome back!

Last time, I posted the rules I came up with for my Discworld game. This time, I'm running my first game. I'll be using the 1 Page Location Crafter for Kaylor's journey to collect the flowers, along with the Dark Woods rules found in Mythic Magazine #5. And rather than keeping track of every flower that he finds, I'll just say that Complete means he found them all.

Before we start, I'm adding a couple of rules. Borrowing from my Supers game, if Kaylor succeeds with a Challenge or Clash, he gains a Notch. 3 Notches, and he gains a Plot Token. PT's can then be used to increase the odds of future rolls.

In addition, at the end of the game I'll be rolling to see if Kaylor improves to Level 2. The Difficulty (or Resisted Rank) is the next Level. So for him, it will be 2 or Very Unlikely. However he can use the previously mentioned Plot Tokens to improve his chances.

Now onto the game.

Before leaving for his trip, Kaylor attempts to cast his Danger Sense spell. It's Level 0 with no special modifier; he just has to spend 10 minutes casting it. Which is why he cast it before leaving. But he does have +2 Think for casting it.

(Spell)  Does Kaylor successfully cast the spell?  (+2 = Very Likely)  Yes.

Now Kaylor has +1 to his Defense or Toughness when avoiding an attack.

I'm using the Dark Woods template for my game as it seems to be the best fit. After all, he's still only Level 1 and is hopefully not facing horrors or ancient threats. Again, hopefully.

Rolling for Story Descriptors, I get "The Woods Changed recently, suddenly becoming menacing," and "A disaster struck the woods."

Exiting the city, Kaylor started on the path that led him away from the city, circled to the north, and then returned to the city. After a few minute's walk, he took the forked path that led through the Dark Forest Seeing burnt trees on the outskirts, he remembered stories of a sudden fire that rushed through the forest. Most figured a lightning strike was responsible, though rumors throughout the University spoke of not-so pleasant beings conducting not-so pleasant experiments. The burnt trees made the forest's outskirts look even darker than before.

For the Woods Region Descriptor, I get "Thick with trees," and "Dry and Barren." This sounds like the previous description, if it suffering from fires.

I'm treating this as a small area, so +3 for Progress Points.

For the first 3 Area Elements, I get:

- Encounter:  Official, Open.

- Expected, Exit.

- Location:  Container, Atmosphere.

(Going back, I realized I accidentally rolled 2d10 instead of 1d10, but since it didn't give him any major advantages, I kept the results. I mean, I know I rolled exit, but he doesn't use it so we're good.)

As Kaylor entered the woods, he saw an actual sign that was also burned. 

It read: "Dark Forest Entrance," with an arrow pointing to the side and a smaller note; "Wimps Exit that way."

Under the sign, stood a goblin in bright clothing. "Welcome to the Dark Forest," he said. He pointed to a large round container. "Please place all trash in one of these. And be careful. There was an . . . incident recently."

Hmm, I wonder . . .

(Q)  Does the goblin have 0 for Talk? (I'm making him Level 0).  (Likely)  No. He's -1

I'll treat the conversation as a Clash, with Kaylor's 0 Talk versus the Goblin's -1.

(Clash) Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (+1 means Likely)  No.

"Can you tell me what happened?" Kaylor asked.

The tiny creature sniffed the air. "Answering questions is above my pay grade. Please move along, or run screaming. your choice, though I do love the running and screaming part."

So much for that idea. Oh well, that area is covered. Onto the next area.

PP increased to +4.

Rolling on the Connector table, I get Same. I'll just treat it as similar burnt trees and maybe some signs, saying "Welcome," or "Litter at your own risk."

Time to roll for the next area:

- Positive:  "Active," "Important."

- Location: "Tall," "Mysterious."

- Expected.

(Challenge)  Does Kaylor find any flowers?  (+2 for Think +1 for Positive = Almost Certain)  Yes.

Kaylor gains +1/3 Notch.

Kaylor followed the path, noting how many of the trees rose way up and out of sight. Some even seemed to hum as he passed them. Glancing around, he saw a variety of flowers at the base of the trees. Pulling out a small sack, he collected a few of each of them. This brought him slightly closer to his goal.

PP increased to 5.

For Connector, I get:  "Have to cross a stream."

(Q)  Is the Difficulty 0?  (Very Unlikely)  Yes.

Following the path, Kaylor reached a stream. Rocks rose above it, and it seemed possible to leap across, though he wasn't in the best of shape.

(Challenge) Does Kaylor make it across the stream?  (0 = 50/50)  Yes.

Kaylor gains +1 for 2/3 Notch.

Taking a running jump, Kaylor leaped into the air, easily landing on the other side. 

PP increase to 5.

For the nest area, I roll:

- Encounter:  "Crude," "Weapon."

- Negative:  "Messing," "Warning."

- Negative:  "Old," "Familiar."

Eyes exploring the brush, Kaylor searched for more of the flowers. But as he leaned forward to examine the area surrounding a tree, a knife rested against his throat.

"Give me your money," said a rough, scratchy voice, "or I'll turn you into pigs' dinner."

Kaylor knew he didn't have a lot to fight with, especially with a knife pressed against his throat, but he tried to talk down the man. "I don't have any money. I'm just a scout." (Never tell a threat you're a wizard, especially one in training.)

"Too bad," said the bandit.

Just then, the young wizard in training spotted a rock that he could lift. The question is whether he could do it subtly.

Kaylor will try levitate the rock above the bandit's head. While he can't attack with it, he can dismiss the spell and allow gravity to do the rest. I'm giving him though a -1 penalty for attempting to be subtle about it.

The bandit has +1 for his Do, which he's using to injure Kaylor. 

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (0 = 50/50)  Yes.

+1 Notch (3/3)  = +1 Plot Token.

Focusing on the rock, Kaylor turned slightly to keep the bandit's attention on him. The rock lifted up into the air, floating above the bandit. Kaylor then ended the spell, and the rock fell, striking the bandit in the head and back. He collapsed onto all fours, with his head spinning.

The bandit suffers a -1 Rank Shift.

(Q)  Does Kaylor find a stick he can use in the fight?  (50/50)  No - Random Event.

(Event)  "Character," "Leave."

(Q)  Is the bandit the character?  (Likely)  Yes.

As Kaylor searched for a stick that he could use to defend himself, the bandit got to his feet.

"This ain't over," he cried (yes, cried), running into the brush.

PP increases to +6.

For the next Connector, I get:  "Leads directly to another area." Fair enough.

Next Area:

- Object:  "Powerful," "Colorful."

- Object:  "Reassuring," "Energy."

- Expected, Exit.

Reach an open area, Kaylor noticed several signs sticking around in ground. In different colored writing, they read things like, "Great job!" "You're doing fantastic!" "7 Thumbs Up!" 

Another arrow pointed to an opening in the brush with another sign; "Wimp Path and Exit."

Glad to know he was being encouraged, and nervous that he might be walked into a trap, Kaylor glanced at his list. He still had a few more flowers to find, so he continued on.

Connector:  Expected.

So pretty much more of the same paths.

PP increase to +7. 

Next Area:

- Expected, Complete.

-  Expected, Exit.

- Encounter:  "Storage," "Stolen."

This sounds pretty straightforward. I'm going to skip the first question and assume Kaylor stumbled onto the Bandit and his camp. The question is, is he alone? The next question is, what's with him? The next question is, actually, those two are fine for now.

(Q)  Is the bandit alone?  (Unlikely)  Yes.

(Q)  Did he start the fire?  (Likely)  No.

(Q)  What is the bandit doing?  "Surprise." "Danger."

Since I'm not sure who is doing the surprising, I'll make this a Clash with Think vs. Think. Kaylor has +2 while the bandit has -1 (to offset his +1 Do). Also, it'll be an Effect, but the loser will still suffer -1 RS for the surprise.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (+3 means Nearly Certain)  Yes.  

+1/3 Notch

Reaching a clearing, Kaylor saw a campsight, along with a small open chest of various coins and other goods. Suddenly he his Danger Sense spell kicked in. Freezing in place, he glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw the bandit from before hiding in a bush and preparing to perform a flanking attack.

The bandit lunged, but Kaylor stepped aside, sticking out his foot and causing the man to trip and fall onto his face.

(Q)  Does Kaylor see a stick now?  (Likely)  X-Yes.

I'm ruling that to mean the stick grants him +1 to Damage.

As the bandit slowly got back to his feet, Kaylor searched around. Spotting a large branch, he picked it up and held it in both of his hands.

Standing back up, the bandit threatened him with the small and old knife. "Time to die, scout."

This will be a straightforward melee fight. The bandit normally has +1 Do, but with the -1 RS, he's at 0. Kaylor is also at 0.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (50/50)  Yes.

The stick grants Kaylor +1 Dmg versus the bandit's 0 Toughness (+1 but -1 RS). This grants the bandit another -1 RS.

Also, +1  (2/3) Notch.

The bandit lunged forward, driving his knife at his victim, but Kaylor dodged it. Swinging the branch, he caught the bandit in stomach, and the other man grunted and paused for a moment.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (+1 means  Likely)  No.

The bandit's dmg is currently -1 versus Kaylor's +1 (Danger Sense) so no damage. If he had scored an Exceptional result, he would have scored damage regardless of Kaylor's Defense.

Grabbing some dirt, the bandit threw it into Kaylor's face. The young man brought up his arm, shielding himself from most of it.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (Likely)  Yes.

-1 RS brings the bandit to -3.

(Incapacity)  Is the bandit incapacitated?  (+1 dmg versus +1 Tuff -3 = Nearly Certain)  Yes, Random

(Event)  "NPC," "Help."

(Q)  Is the NPC another bandit?  (Likely)  No.

(Q)  Is it a pet?  (Likely)  Yes.

(Description)  What is it?  "Feeble," "Dirty."

As Kaylor smacked the bandit over the head with the branch, he heard a tiny little right squeak behind him. Apparently, the bandit had a pet rat, and now it was prepared to defend his master.

The rat is also a Level 0 character. I'll give him -1 Do for his lack of size but +1 Think for his ability to sneak attack. 

For the sneak attack, again I'll make it Think versus Think, with Kaylor's +2 versus the rat's +1. Loser suffers -1 RS.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (+1 = Likely)  No.

Kaylor suffers -1 RS.

Kaylor turned to find the rat's location, but it remained hidden. Suddenly, it leaped out of a brush, teeth slicing Kaylor across the arm. He yelped and jumped back.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (50/50)  Yes.

The rat suffers -1 RS.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (Likely)  Yes.

The rat suffers -2 RS.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Clash?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

The rat is at -3 RS.

(Incapacity)  Is the rat Incapped?  (Certain)  Yes.

(Q)  Was the wound lethal?  (Unlikely)  No.

Swinging the stick, Kaylor knocked out the rat and stuffed the animal in a sack, along with some food. Then he tied up the unconscious bandit. After resting for a bit, he watched the bandit come to.

As the bandit opened his eyes, he realized he was tied up. Then he noticed Kaylor. "What do you want?"

"Answers," Kaylor said. "Did you set fire to this forest?"

This time, I'm using Talk versus Talk. Both have 0 for their Talk Abilities, though I wonder if the bandit is intimidated?

(Q)  Does the bandit suffer -1 RS for being tied up?  (Likely)  Yes, Random.

(Event)  "Goals," "Failure."

(Q)  Did the bandit fail his goal?  (50/50)  X-No.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Talking Clash?  (+1 = Likely)  No.

(Q)  Is the goal to learn what happened to the forest?  (50/50; either that or the flowers)  Yes.

"Where's my little buddy?" asked the bandit.

"In the bag," Kaylor answered, "along with some food. Now did you cause the fire?"

"Shove it!" The bandit spit at him. "I ain't talking to no scout."

"Fine." Kaylor stood up. "You can talk to the watch then instead." 

"Wait!" the bandit cried. "You can't just leave me here!"

"Don't worry," said Kaylor, "someone from the watch will be here soon." 

Taking some coins from the chest, Kaylor collected the remaining flowers that he needed and exited the dark forest. Spotting the goblin from before, he handed the little guy the coins. "Please keep the exit closed for now. I'll be sending the watch here soon."

I'll make another Talking Clash, but I'll give Kaylor a +1 because he's using coins he found.

(Clash)  Does Kaylor win the Talking Clash?  (+1 = Likely)  X-Yes.

Noticing the coins in his hand, the goblin's eyes went wide. Standing straight, he saluted. "You can count on me!"

(Q)  Does Kaylor encounter anyone or anything while returning home?  (Unlikely)  Yes.

(Detail)  "Stop," "Danger."  (I'm a little unsure so I'll roll one more time.)  "Communicate."

(Q)  Is the threat hostile?  (50/50)  No.

(Q)  Is the threat's Difficulty +1?  (50/50)  Yes.

I have an idea. I'm going to open the GURPS Discworld RPG book to a random page and see what I find. Then I'll apply it to the event. 

"Summoned Thing."

(Ability)  Does Kaylor avoid the threat?  (+1 -1 = 0 = 50/50)  Yes.

Walking on the path back towards town, Kaylor suddenly heard a humming sound in his head. He looked around but didn't see anything anywhere nearby. Maybe he could get some help.

Kaylor will cast Helping Hand, which has a Spell Level of 0.

(Spell)  Does Kaylor succeed?  (+2 = Very Likely)  Yes.

(Q)  Does the Helping Hand cooperate?  (Very Likely)  Yes.

Whispering the words, Kaylor held out his hand. A moment later, he lowered it, but another, spectral hand remained. 

"Is there a danger?" Kaylor asked.

The hand pointed straight up.

Suddenly the humming in Kaylor's head became a blaring alarm and he leaped off the road, landing and rolling in the grass. A moment later, something crashed into the path, sending clouds of sand in all directions.

I think I'll use the Creature Crafter to generate this being. Since it's not hostile, I'll just go for appearance.

"Levitating," "Extra Limbs," "Clear."

(Q)  Is it intelligent?  (Likely)  Yes.

The dust settled and a creature floated into view. It had multiple legs that didn't walk on the ground as much as slid across it. From inside its clear body, a single eye rolled into view.

"Oops," a voice vibrated from the body. "I'm terribly sorry. I hope I didn't hurt you."

Kaylor slowly returned to his feet. "I'm fine. What are you?"

"My name is Clarence," it answered. "I was enjoying a wonderful and relaxing summer afternoon back home when *Poof* I ended up here. Tell me, did you happen to summon me?"

"No, sorry," the young wizard in training said. "One of the wizards at the University might have though."

"University, you say?" It touched a foot to what might pass for its temple. "Are we close to this University?"

"Sort of." Kaylor pointed to the tower in the distance, well within the city's walls.

Clarence made a noise that could pass for a grunt. "It seems that need to work on their skill. Well, no matter, these spells usually end quickly. I'll just wait here until it does."

"I'm headed to the University now," Kaylor said. "You can accompany me and we can learn who summoned you."

(Q)  Does Clarence take Kaylor on his offer?  (50/50)  No.

"If it's all the same to you," the creature said, "I don't believe I'm willing to meet the one foolish enough to fail such a spell. I'll wait here."

"Suit yourself." Returning to the city, Kaylor told the nearest guard about the bandit being held prisoner in the forest, along with a chest full of stolen goods. The guard thanked him and hurried to tell members of the watch.

Reaching the University, Kaylor tracked down Professor Prenk. "Here are your flowers." He handed the professor the sack.

Prenk opened the sack and nodded. "Very good, young wizard in training. Suuzy will be quite pleased."

"Suuzy?" Kaylor asked.

Prenk nodded. "My niece. She's getting married next week and wanted and assortment of flowers for the flower girl to carry and throw."

The wizard in training felt his face heat up. "You mean this was all for a wedding, to throw onto the ground?"

"Yes, yes." The professor smiled, completely oblivious to the other's irritation. "Oh and the fact that you're still alive means you pass your final. Good job. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find her."

The Professor happily hurried off, leaving behind an annoyed student.

Well, that's the end of that adventure. Time to see if Kaylor advances. He's Level 1 and wants to advance to Level 2. This means the Difficulty is Very Unlikely or -2. However, he does have 3 Plot Tokens so he'll use all 3.

(Q)  Does Kaylor advance to Level 2?  (+1 = Likely)  Yes.

Kaylor is now Level 2, with 2 more Ability Points. I'll place them later, as well as choosing his next spells, and then I'll come up with his next adventure.

Until next time, watch out for falling . . . whatever Clarence is!

Don't Forget your Luggage! - Using Mythic for Discworld

 Last year, I started reading the Discworld series, and I was hooked immediately. A fantasy world with lots of fun and adventure, along with enough humor to leave me in tears. For those unfamiliar with it, Discworld is a series, or rather a universe, with 40+ books. Luckily, you don't have to read from Book 1-40+ in order. Inside the universe are multiple mini-series that cover different groups and their adventures. 

You have Rincewind the wizard, the Witches, the city Watch, and even Death himself. They all have their own stories while also intertwining with each other.

Well, being a player of roleplaying games, I decided just reading the books isn't enough; I wanted to play a character in that world itself. Not having or being able to join a gaming group at this time, I could use Mythic for solo play, but I still needed rules for stats, combat, etc. I did pick up the GURPS Discworld RPG, and while it has a ton of background info and gives me ideas for stats, I wanted something simpler.

So here's my system:

I started with the rules from my Supers game but simplified it. I also borrowed from Two Hour Wargames and its use of 3 Skills. The difference being that THW uses Rep for Combat and Magic and Skills for everything else. My system uses 3 Abilities for everything and only Level for advancement.

I'm posting this to hopefully get input from others, as well as ideas and suggestions on the best way to proceed. For Task Resolution (combat, magic, etc.), I'm using Mythic as the stats translate 1:1.

Finally, I still have a long way to go in reading all of the books. I plan to get Thief of Time and Equal Rites next, so my knowledge of certain areas is limited.

With that in mind, let's get started:

Discworld Mixed-Rules RPG

Instead of 5 Abilities, like in my Supers game, I'll only be using 3:

Do:  This is for any physical actions, such as lifting, running, jumping, bashing skulls, and combat.

Think: This is for mental actions, such as reading, deciphering, stealth, awareness, and magic.

Say:  Any interactions with others. This is the only Ability that only works with others. You don't gets points for talking to yourself, no matter how engaging the conversation.

Stats for each ability can go from positive to negative, usually from +3 to -3 with 0 being average. 

Each Level, a Character gets 2 Ability Points. So a Level 3 Character gets 6 Ability Points. In addition, Points can be traded from one Ability to another.

Edit. Level 0 Characters get 0 points.

Should they get bonuses for Race?

For example:

A Level 0 Bandit has 0 Ability Points, but I want him to have +1 Do for his ability to use a weapon. I need to trade off another Ability, so I go with giving him -1 Think. This means he's above average in combat and physical tasks but below average in mental tasks. It also means he has a -1 when attempting to resist magic. Hope that cloaked figure he tries to rob isn't a wizard.

From Level 2 on, a character can also trade in an Ability Point for 3 Skill Points. Skills allow you to specialize your characters in certain areas.

Suggested Skills for each Ability are:

Do:  Strength, Speed, Stamina, Combat.

Think:  Wit, Thieving, Alert, Magic.

Say:  Bluff, Charm, Intimidate, Question.

For example:

My starting character has +1 Do and +1 Say. He's a guard who tries to maintain the peace. Reaching Level 2, I decide to give him another point in Do. However, I also want him to notice him others are sneaking around, as well as noticing clues to crimes. Therefore, I trade in the second point for +3 Alert.

Races:

Originally, I gave each race bonuses and penalties in multiple Abilities and Skills, as well as special powers for some. But this just seemed way too complicated for what I'm trying to accomplish. Finally, I just thought, '**** it,' and went with a much simpler method. Maybe too simple, but I'll give it a shot. I want to generate NPC's quickly when playing games.

With that in mind, each Race simply gets a +1 to one of the Abilities. Maybe the race is stronger than average, maybe they're quicker, or maybe they're good in combat. It all should hopefully work. Let me know if I missed any races (No elves, please , at least not yet. From what I read, they're supposed to be a rare and mysterious race).

Races:

Human: +1 to any Ability of choice.

Dwarf: +1 to Do.

Troll:  +1 to Do.

Golem:  +1 to Do.

Werewolf:  +1 to Do.

Goblin:  +1 to Think.

Gnome:  +1 to Think.

Vampire:  +1 to Talk.

Zombie:  +1 to Do.

Orc:  +1 to Do.

BTW, I'm aware that orcs only exist in pretty much one book, Unseen Academicals (which is also on my to-read list). But I really want to play as one so I'm including it.

Classes: 

This is where I'm going back and forth. I have 2 ideas for this, but I'm debating on which to use. When using Classes, I thought about how Wizards are a special breed and so using magic should be limited to them (Okay, okay, and Witches and Time Monks, but again, those books are on my to-read list, so we'll stick with Wizards just while figuring this out!). I figured, however, that other Classes should have some kind of balance to them. 

So I came up with the following. Each Class gets to add its Level to certain rolls. These are added to Abilities and skills.

Classes:

Warrior: + to Combat.

Wizard: + to Magic.

Rogue:  + to Sneaky.

Expert:  + Non-magic, non-sneaky Think rolls.

Acrobat:  + to Non-combat Do rolls.

Charlatan:   + to Talk.

So a Level 2 Warrior with +4 Do would get a +7 when fighting but +4 when trying to jump over a gorge, A Level 2 Acrobat with the same stats, however, would get +7 when flipping over the gorge but +4 in Combat. 

I'm not sure if that makes things more complicated so here's Method 2:

Classes are strictly cosmetic and exist mostly to describe characters, their behavior, and their actions.

For example, a Level 2 Guard is more likely to stand his ground and fight, while a Level 2 Thief might prefer to slip away and strike from a distance.

However, there is 1 exception (Okay more than one, but again, I haven't read those books yet!):

Wizards 

Wizards can access Magic to cast spells. Everyone else can only use the Magic Skill (if they have it) to resist spells). 

Wizards spells are divided into Damage, Defend, Move, and Effect (These are similar to Mythic's Clash actions, only I changed Escape to Move and added Defend.).

Wizards can cast spells an unlimited number of times per day.

However, if a spell fails, the Wizard suffers a -1 Rank Shift until taking a short rest.

Critical Failure results in -3 RS until a long rest, assuming the wizard survived.

Wizards get a lot of neat stuff that they can do, right? So what's the catch?

The catch is that, when creating the character, they have to permanently sacrifice 1 Ability Point.

Think of a Wizard sacrificing a point from Do as being out of shape or not-so great in combat, while sacrificing a  point of Talk means the wizard is definitely not a people person.

Edit:

The new plan is to not include History Monks for the time being, as I'm currently reading Thief of Time and wondering if they're too powerful as PCs. 

Magic Classes for the time being are just Wizards and Witches. While I've read The Color of Magic and The Light Fantastic, as well as viewed the film, the book Equal Rites, which covers Witches, is still on my to-buy list. Because of that, I'm treating Wizards and Witches the same. Wizards are male while Witches are female. Otherwise they operate the same. But until I read more about Witches, I'm just going to use the word Wizards in my rules. Just easier that way.

Wizards must sacrifice 1 Ability Point to use Magic. This only happens once, usually when the character is first created.

Example:

Bolean Softop is a Dwarf who decides on a life of magic. He starts with +1 to Do and puts the 2 Ability points into Think. However, he must sacrifice a point so he chooses the +1 to Do. His starting points, therefore are 0 Do, +2 Think, 0 Talk. Upon reaching Level 2, he puts 1 point into Do and the other into Think. His new stats are +1 Do, +3 Think.

Sound good?  No onto the fun stuff!

Spells:

Wizards gain access to spells with each level. The Spell Level is its Resisted Rank or Difficulty when casting the spell. The wizard adds his casting ability (Think + Magic Skill if any) and subtract the Difficulty.

Spell Levels are determined by the Magic rules in MM #21.

Wizards get 3 spells per level. He may choose 2 of them but the third is chosen at random from the Spell Effects table. This is to . . . okay i'll be honest, I added the random element just for fun in having to adapt to with figuring out a spell.

So those are the ideas I have at this point. I'm open to ideas, suggestions, and anything else I can add to my game. Thanks in advance.

Now that I have all of that out of the way, I'm going to create my first Discworld character. My first game takes place some time after Guards Guards, though I'm not sure how much.

Kaylor

As a teenager, Kaylor had one day wandered around the city of Ankh-Morpork, or more specifically, around the Unseen University. Eyes wandering over the enormous structure, he imagined life within its walls.

"I wish I could see a wizard," he mumbled once.

Then he heard a crash behind him. Spinning around, young Kaylor spotted a brand new, freshly-made crater in the ground. Approaching it, he saw rubble, lots of blood, and what  appeared to be an arm extending from underneath.

Then he fingers moved.

Darting forward, Kaylor grasped the hand and tried to pull the person out. But there was a ripping sound, and he found himself holding a hand, and not much else.

Feeling a sudden shock, Kaylor dropped the hand. Then he looked back at the rubble and saw pieces of a wizard's robe.

Years later, Kaylor passed the test and got admitted into the Unseen University. Quickly, he learned that higher level wizardry tended to be cuthroat (literally!), so he decided early on to focus on low-level magic only. Rarely wearing the robes of the wizards, he prefers normal clothing, as he doesn't like to stand out.

Kaylor

Human Level 1 Wizard.

Do:  0, Think:  +2, Talk:  0.

Spells:

Levitate:  Level 0; For up to 10 minutes, the wizard can lift and manipulate (such as turning or spinning) any object, up to 50 lbs. Wizards cannot use this to attack directly, but they can use it to affect opponents indirectly (like lifting a rock over an opponent's head and then dispelling it early).

Danger Sense:  Level 0; The wizard must spend 10 minutes preparing the spell. For the next 4 hours, an alarm will go off in his head if he's in any danger, granting a +3 (Too high?) on any defensive rolls. This is usually learned by wizards in training to avoid and (or rather many) mishaps from their studies.  

For his third spell, I rolled on Mythic's Spell Effects table to get an idea. I didn't want anything too powerful. After all, he's only a starting caster, so a utility spell would make more sense. 

Of course, for my first few rolls, I get:

"Powerful" "Weapon,"

"Earth" "Travel,"

"Break" "Creature."

Finally, I rolled, "Helpful" "Imbue." I'm thinking this means a spectral hand appears. For the next 10 minutes, it can point the wizard in the right direction, like a compass. But that wouldn't be fun enough, now would it?

Helpful Hand (I'd prefer a better name. Any suggestions?):  Level 0. For the next 10 minutes, a spectral hand appears. It can point the wizard to his goal, answer yes or no questions, with certain signals, and even offer advice (like number of ingredients needed). However, the more this spell is cast, the more the hand gains a personality of its own, and often it can get quite snarky and insulting.

Okay, that's it for now. Next time, I'll run Kaylor's first adventure.

Return to the cave - DnD/Mythic mixed game

 Kithre, Ovak, Suth, and Mitchell returned to the cavern they had previously explored, after a short rest following the fight with the bandits. Sliding into the hole in the hill, they found themselves back in the room with the corpse of the giant snake. It was time to continue exploring.

I'm continuing right where I left off. Rolling for the type of Connector, I got "Expected." I decided to make it a straight passageway to the next room. Entering the next room, the group is up to 6 Progress points.

Next Room:

Encounter: Full Protected (Bat).

Encounter: Colorless, Odd (Giant Vulture).

Expected, Exit.

The four entered a cavern that seemed similar to the previous one. Hearing a crashing sound and seeing pieces of debris falling on them. They looked up. A bat slammed itself over and over again into the ceiling. Already, a tiny hole formed in the ceiling, but it looked to get bigger with each hit. 

Looking closer, they noticed they bad wore a kind of customized armor, which explained how it was able to hit the rocks without suffering injury. Seeing the group, the bat stopped and angled itself to dive.

Then they heard a screech. A giant vulture, with pale gray feathers watched them from its perch atop a rock. After regarding them for several moments, it leaped up and dove.

For the armored bat, I gave it a +1 to AC, HD, and Attack. This actually doubled its CR, which worked out.

The heroes won the first two Clashes, with the second generating a Random Event.

(Event)  Help, Attain.

I decided this meant the vulture and bat somehow communicated and worked together. I gave them an additional +1 to their combined attack.

Unfortunately for them, the heroes killed the bat on the next Clash. 

(Q)  Does the Vulture flee?  (Very Likely)  X-No, Random.

(Event)  Fears, Benefit.

I decided this meant it was running on adrenaline, and so I kept its +1 bonus. Again, though the heroes got the edge and killed it on the next round, with Sutha shooting it with her bow.

There was nothing else in the room, so the heroes continued on.

--------------

Connector: Same. Another straight line.

-------------

Next Room:

Object: Purposeful, Dark.

Expected.

Location:  Rare, Powerful.

The next room seemed almost completely round, like a grain silo. As they entered however, Ovak accidentally stepped on a switch. Water began to pour from the ceiling, and the four realized quickly that they were in trouble.

I rolled a puzzle and for descriptor, I got Combination, Access.

The heroes would have to open the lock on the door by pressing the stones in the door in a set pattern. for Difficulty, I got +4. Tough for normal folk. Luckily, Sutha had +6 when it came to disarming traps and figuring out puzzles.

(Puzzle)  Does Sutha solve the puzzle?  (+2 = Very Likely)  Yes.

The door opened and the four fled down the hallway, after closing the door behind them.

------------

Connector:  Same: Another straight passageway.

------------

Next Location: 8 Progress Points.

Location:  Stolen, Average.

Object:  Domestic, Crude.

Object:  Small, Domestic.

I decided that Domestic meant Familiar, at least to one or more of the heroes.

The room they entered next was clear except for a single treasure chest against the wall. 

Sutha approached it carefully, gazing all around. "The room isn't trapped." Lowering herself to one knee, she studied the chest itself. "It has a padlock. Doesn't seem too difficult."

I again rolled +4 for Difficulty. Sutha succeeded, and they found about 100 gp in treasure and 2 Potions of Healing. They might need those in the future.

With nothing else in the room, they moved on.

------------------

Connector:  Same with Side Room.

-----------------

The side room contained a fire trap.

As they entered the room, the door slammed shut behind them. Then fire leaped out from pipes in the wall.

"We need to get out of here," said Mitchell. "I can't patch us up if I'm charbroiled as well."

Spinning around, Sutha examined the door. "Give me a moment."

Kitre used her magic to deflect the flames. "We don't have a moment."

Because of the short time span to succeed, I increased the Difficulty to +6. Luckily, Sutha again figured it out and opened the door. Returning to the hallway, they continued on to the next room.

Next Room:

Encounter:  Peaceful, Useful.

Complete.

Object:  Old, Cold.

The four entered the last room to find a man in brown robes standing before a large mirror. The mirror looked like it had been buried in the cavern for a long time. Hearing a noise behind him, he turned around.

I rolled Acolyte for the man. I was hoping for something stronger, but I can work with that. 

(Q)  Is he friendly?  (Since I rolled Peaceful before, I'm going with Almost Certain)  X-No.

I'm interpreting this to mean he's pretending to be peaceful. The Useful part then means he's trying to pull a fast one on the heroes.

"Why, hello there," the man said. "I am Charmes."

"What are you doing here?" Kithre asked.

"I'm glad you asked," he responded. "This is my experiment. I figure if I bring wildlife from other lands here, I can shake up the population and help nature thrive again."

"Nature does fine on its own," said Mitchell, "until your monsters began attacking people."

"Attacking?" Charmes appeared upset. "I sent them as proof that I succeeded. Look, here are some more."

From the portal a swarm of bats, all armored, flew in. Then two large forms crawled over the threshold.

"There, they are," he said to the creatures. "Go make some friends." He then lifted his fingers and launched darts of flame at Kithre.

This Clash is between the heroes versus Charmes, a swarm of Armored Bats, a giant Fire Beetle, and a Giant Wolf Spider. I deliberately added a few more opponents, hoping to make the fight even. Let's see how it plays out.

Clash #1: Kithre blasted Charmes. Mitchell smashed the bats. Ovak sliced the spider. And Sutha fired arrows at the beetle before it could open, well, fire. Charmes and his group suffer -1 RS.

Clash #2: Same result. Heroes suffer very little, if any, damage.

Clash #3: Heroes score huge. Kithre hit Charmes with a magical blast that sent him flying. Ovak sliced the spider to ribbons, and Sutha dodged fire from the beetle and pierced its carapace with more arrows. This left the bats.

Clash #4: Mitchell finished off the bats with Ovak's help.

As the acolyte fell to the ground, Kithre raced over to the portal. "It look like more things are going to pour in."

Ovak glanced around, eyeing some stone pillars. "We can make the wall fall the mirror."

"Yeah, great idea," said Mitchell, "but what about us?"

"Not enough time." Kithre studied the portal. "Plus there's a chance that if the portal explodes, it could cause a cave-in not just here but all over."

Sutha nodded. "We wouldn't make it out in time."

This is another puzzle. I know it's a portal so I rolled for Success and got Positive Location. For Failure, I got More Adversity.

"I've got an idea." Kithre took a step back. "I can't change the portal, but I can change the location that we're looking at. Once that's done, we can jump through once Ovak takes out the portals."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Mitchell asked.

The halfling shook her head. "Does it look like we have a choice?"

The puzzle's Difficulty is +8. Ouch, but that's because they're attempting multiple tasks. Kithre looks for a new and hopefully safe location. And then Ovak takes out the pillars. However, I'm combining the heroes and their efforts, for a total of also +8.

(Puzzle)  Do the heroes succeed?  (50/50)  Yes.

Holding up both hands, Kithre focused and the portal's image changed to a colorful forest. "Ovak, go!"

The orc swung her sword, taking out each pillar. 

As the roof began to cave in, the four leaped through the portal.

It shut behind them, most likely because it got destroyed on the other side. Standing, they looked around.

(Description)  What are they looking at?  "Festive, Stylish."

(Q)  Are they in a familiar area?  (50/50)  No.

(Q)  Is there a town right there?  (Likely)  Yes.

Since I rolled positive for the reward, I'm guessing this is a friendly town, just in a new location, possibly a different country.

The four stood up and found themselves at the edge of a forest with trees of all colors; orange, pink, violet, and even silver.

"Where are we?" Sutha asked.

Kithre shrugged but then pointed. "There's a town. Let's check it out."

"Let's hope they're friendly," said Mitchell.

"Let's hope they have food," said Ovak.

The adventure ends there, for now. I'm waiting until I get the Mythic Mags which have the City and World Crafters to generate the town and surrounding area.

I will say that Ovak, Sutha, and Mitchell all progressed to Level 2. Kithre remains at Level 3 for now.

They also have a nice chunk of change to spend in their next adventure, wherever that takes them.

Until next time . . . 

 

The Block-Headed Bandit Gang - Combat with D&D/Mythic

 A few days later, Kithre, Ovak, Sutha, and Mitchell, having patched up their injuries and restocked on supplies, returned to the road and headed back in the direction of the cavern.

"I hope we don't fight anything like that snake," Mitchell said. "It took forever to free us of that poison."

"We survived," Sutha responded, "and we are now angrier than ever."

They walked a few more minutes when four bandits jumped out of the bushes.

"Give us your coins," said one of them, "or else."

"Or else what?" Kithre asked.

Noticing the halfling, the bandit chuckled and leaned down to her level. "Oh what do we have here, a little baby playing tough? I've kicked babies before so don't start crying. Are you going to cry now little - "

Kithre lifted her hand and the banded was thrown backwards into a tree. She approached him, narrowing her eyes. "Thugs like you burned down village. Want to know what happened to them?"

Another bandit pointed his sword at her. "She's a witch! Get her!"

Rolling their eyes, Ovak and Sutha unsheathed their weapons and stepped forward, with Mitchell brandishing his flail.

This session is a simple battle against some bandits to show how I'll be using both D&D and Mythic for combat. Mostly I'll be using Mythic's Clash rules, but with D&D stats or a version of them. Now normally, Kithre could wipe out all four thugs with a simple Sleep spell, but I thought I'd draw out the fight a little for the display.

To start, I'll pair everyone off with a bandit for 1 on 1 fights.

We'll start with Kithre versus the lead Bandit. Kithre will be using her Eldrich Blast spell. Her Attack is +6. 

I'm not sure what the bandit will be doing, as his card has both a scimitar and a crossbow, so I'll ask the Fate Chart.

(Q)  Will the Bandit use his Scimitar?  (50/50)  Yes.

So after being freed of Kithre's spell, the Bandit stood and lunged with his scimitar. The Bandit has Attack +3. There is no roll for Initiative as a Clash takes up the entire round. I'll roll from Kithre's POV.

So it's Kithre's +6 vs. the Bandit's +3.

(Clash)  Does Kithre win the Clash?  (+3 = Nearly Certain)  Yes.

The Damage for Kithre's spell, converted to Mythic, is +3. The Thug's AC, converted to Mythic, is +2, so he suffers -1 RS.

"You filthy witch!" The bandit lunged forward with his blade.

"Who're you calling filthy?" Lifting her hand again, Kithre let out a blast of energy that caught the bandit right in the chest. He fell to the ground, groaning, but still alive. 

Now onto the next fight: Ovak vs. Thug.

Ovak is using a Great Sword and her Attack is +4. Again, the Bandit has Attack +3, but this time, he's using his Crossbow (I rolled when you weren't looking). This gives her a +1.

(Clash)  Does Ovak win the Clash?  (+1 = Likely)  No, Random Event.

(Event)  "Move," "Change."

The Bandit's crossbow has Damage 0 (Average). Ovak's AC is +4. The attack misses.

Lifting her huge blade, Ovak charged the bandit. He fired off his crossbow and the bolt struck the orc in the shoulder. The bandit grinned, until the orc pulled the bolt off of her armor and dropped it to the ground, and while she stood in place, she let out a chuckle that turned the bandit's face pale.

Next is Sutha versus Bandit #3. Sutha will be using her spear. The bandit will be using his crossbow, so both will fight at a distance. Sutha has Attack +4 again versus the +3 Bandit.

(Clash)  Does Sutha win the Clash?  (+1 = Likely)  No.

The Bandit's crossbow again has Damage 0, versus Sutha's AC +3. She suffers no damage.

"Just my luck," said the bandit, "having to face a dumb orc."

"I'm dumb?" Sutha snorted and threw a glance at the bandit's ally, who still rested on the ground, favoring his ribs. "I'm not the one who said, 'A witch, get her.'" She threw her spear at him.

Unfortunately, he ducked behind a nearby tree and then fired his crossbow. The arrow struck the orc's chest but bounced off her armor.

Now you may be wondering how they can hit if the orcs have armor that deflects average attacks. Well, scoring an Exceptional result will cause damage no matter what. At the moment though, the bandit's are beginning to second-guess their strategy.

And the final Bandit faces Mitchell. Mitchell has a flail with Attack + 3. This means he and the Bandit are even. Seeing the heavily armored foe, the bandit decided he's definitely attacking at a distance.

(Clash)  Does Mitchell win the Clash?  (50/50)  X-Yes!

The Damage of Mitchell's flail is High (+2), so he scores a -1 RS hit on the Bandit. However, because of his Exceptional result, the Damage actually increases to -2 RS.

Seeing his allies struggling in the fight, the fourth bandit pulled out his crossbow and fired. Mitchell dodged the bolt, charged forward, and spun around. His flail slammed into the bandit's helmet, knocking him clear off his feet. He stumbled back up, but clearly he was seeing double, and thinking twice about his previous actions.

So that's the first round of combat. For the next round though, I'm going to combine everyone and do one single roll. to do this, I'll take the Leader's (The group member with the highest Attack) and add 1 for every ally whose Attack is within 3 ranks of it.

Kithre has the highest Attack (+6) for her group. +1 for each ally. Sutha and Ovak have Attack +4 and Mitchell has attack +3. Since they're all within 3 ranks, Kithre gets +3 for an Attack of +9.

The lead Bandit has Attack +3. One ally also has +3. Another has +2. And the fourth has +1. These are all within 3 ranks, so he gets +6 Attack.

This still gives Kithre's side +3 on her roll.

(Clash)  Does Kithre's side win the Clash?  (+3 = Nearly Certain)  X-Yes!

For Damage, I'll check each individually. Kithre is +3 versus the first Bandit, who was at +2 but is now +1 because of previous damage. He suffers -2 RS because of the Exceptional result, dropping him to -3 RS.

Ovak's Damage is also +3. Versus the Bandit's +2 AC results in -2 RS.

Sutha's Damage is Average. Normally, this wouldn't harm the Bandit, except she scored an Exceptional result, so he's now at -1 RS.

Mitchell's Damage is +2, but with an Exceptional result, so the Bandit suffers -2 RS, bringing him to -4 RS.

The first Bandit is now at -3 RS. Time to see if he's still conscious. For this roll, I use Hit dice instead of AC. The Bandit has 2 HD+2, so I'll give him +3 Toughness

(Incapacity)  Is the Bandit dead?  ( +3 Dam vs. +3 Tuff/-3RS = +3 or Near Cert.)  Yes.

The fourth Bandit is at -4 RS.

(Incap)  Is the Bandit dead?  (+2 Dam vs. +3 Tuff/-4RS = +4 or Certain)  Yes.

Kithre fired off another blast of magical energy. It struck the bandit in the head. There was a cracking sound, and his body went limp.  Ovak swung her sword and its tip sliced across the second bandit's face. He stumbled back, covering his cheek. Pulling out her short bow, Sutha fired off a shot, hitting the third bandit in the waist. He doubled over, though his armor seemed to absorb some of the damage.

Facing the last bandit, Mitchell held up his free hand. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Too bad for you," said the thug, swinging his sword.

Ducking the swing, Mitchell swung his flail and it caught the other man right in the ribs, and lifting him right off the ground. He collapsed face-first, with blood pouring from his mouth.

I'm wondering if the fight continues. I'll give the Bandits a +2 to their roll since they're down 2 people.

(Q)  Do the remaining bandits flee?  (Very Likely)  No.

(Q)  Do they use their crossbows (Very Likely)  Yes.

"You're not taking us alive!" shouted the first remaining bandit.

"Our brethren shall be avenged!" cried out his soft-skulled ally.

Kithre and her friends rolled their eyes at the paragons of ingenuity before them and braced for another fight.

Again, Kithre's group has +9 Attack. This time, however, her opponents are down to +2  (+3 Attack, +1 for ally, but -2 RS). This gives Kithre's Group +7. 

(Clash)  Does Kithre's group win the Clash?  (+7 = Certain)  Yes.

This brings both bandits down to -3 RS. Since each fight is 2 vs. 1, I know the Damage will already be off the scale, so I'll just stop at +4.

(Incap)  Is the third Bandit dead?  (Certain)  Yes.

(Incap)  Is the fourth Bandit dead?  (Certain)  Yes.

Kithre stepped back, but Ovak roared. Bringing her sword forward, she sliced the bandit across his shoulder and down to his waist. He hit the ground in a pair of thuds. Pointing her short bow, Sutha fired, catching the final thug right between the eyes. He fell backwards onto the dirt.

Kithre shook her head. "Idiots." She turned to her friends. "Anyone harmed?"

Mitchell walked over and inspected the orcs, shaking his head. "Looks like everyone barely suffered a scratch."

Ovak grunted, though with a smirk. "Do not insult me in such a way."

Sutha chuckled. "The bugs harmed us worse."

Kithre nodded. "Roll their bodies into the bushes. We'll take a short rest and then continue on."

So that was the slaughter, I mean battle, combining D&D with Mythic. Next time, the heroes will return to the cavern to continue their adventure.

"Look, a Cave!" Combining D&D 5e with Mythic

Mitchell knelt in the temple, quieting his mind. These morning routines of prayer and meditation allowed him to focus better, so help him perform his duties.

His meditations were interrupted as the the temple doors flew open. Mitchell spun around, his hand instinctively falling to flail that rested next to him. He noticed two orc women, both armored with a variety of weapons attached to their backs, arms, and legs. 

Rising to his feet, he approached the two. "This is a place of peace. What do you want?"

"Sorry about that," came a voice behind them, and the two orcs stepped aside as a halfling woman appeared. "Sutha and Ovak don't know their own strengths."

Mitchell looked back and forth from the two orcs to the woman who stood at their waist level. "So they're with you?"

"They're my friends," the halfling answered. "I'm Kithre." Her eyes moved to his flail. "I'm guessing you have some experience in combat."

"I serve Athena," Mitchell answered. "Why are you here?"

"You help us kill," said Ovak.

"You help us if we hurt," added Sutha.

"In other words," said Kithre, "we need a healer for our group. Are you interested in joining our little adventure?" She glanced around. "I can promise you a cut that you can contribute to your temple."

"Actually this temple serves multiple faiths," he answered. For some reason, this tiny person, with such an enormous spirit to her, unnerved him in ways he couldn't describe. "But I would prefer money to help those in this town who need it more."

"Absolutely. Meet us at the gates tomorrow at sunrise." Kithre started to leave but then turned back. "I hope you don't mind enclosed spaces."

This year marks the first time since the 90s where I got to play Dungeons and Dragons again, having gotten the 5e rules earlier this year. since I'm not able to join and gaming groups though, I've used Mythic to play the role of Dungeon Master. 

I've also learned that Mythic has rules for Dungeon Crawls, so I'm going to use that for my game. So, in short, I'll use D&D for stats and monsters, and Mythic for the adventure and possibly dice rolls.

House Rules:

While I like a lot of changes between D&D 3e and 5e (I never played 4 so I have no opinion on it), I did tweak a few things, especially for NPCs:

Fighters - Instead of gaining an Archtype, fighters will instead gain an additional Die for rolling damage. For example, 1d6 becomes 2d6, 1d10 becomes 2d10, and 2d4 becomes 3d4. This will increase every few levels to give Fighters a chance to do more damage.

Casters - Wizards, warlocks, etc. do not keep track of spell slots. Instead, they roll on the Fate Chart, adding their spellcasting ability and subtracting the spell's level. Failure means a minor backlash, suffering -1 Rank Shift until a short rest. Critical failure means a -3 RS until a long rest, assuming the caster survives the backlash.

Clerics - Clerics do not suffer critical failures for spells. However, they do roll to Turn Undead, and those can cause critical failures. Critical successes though can cause dead guys to go boom.

My usual main character, a human wizard, is sitting this one out because he's better at above-ground adventures. Instead, I'm using Kithre, my halfling warlock (Level 3). When she was younger, bandits burned down her village. After escaping, she encountered a forest spirit and made a pact to go after those who harm the forest in return for access to magic. Since it's what she wanted anyway, she gladly agreed. Kithre is normally kind and charming, but if she loses her cool, she tends to act impulsively, and in extreme manners.

. Joining her are:

- Ovak: Orc Fighter 1. While not loving fighting itself, she does love the feeling of defeating evil while improving her skills. She's also shown bursts of wisdom from time to time.

- Sutha: Orc Rogue 1 and Ovak's sister. Sutha hates bloodshed, but she hates seeing innocents harmed even more. But she does love exploring and, knowing someone would need to disarm traps and open locks, she began to learn the trade. Still, don't expect her to be a push-over. Sutha is fully capable of slicing up foes who threaten her.

- Mitchell: Human Cleric 1. Mitchell worships Athena and tries to be a good follower. He tends to me honest and humble though he's still working on the fearless part. Even when he lunges into a fight, he'll be fighting the panic inside the entire time.

And now for the adventure. I don't yet have a big enough table for my minis so I just sketched the dungeon as I went. I'm using Mythic's One Page Location Crafter for the exploration part, along with Mythic's Dungeon Crawl rules. 

I chose a Cavern for the dungeon because I wanted something simple. rolling for Story, I got Source of Monsters attacking nearby town.

The four walked down the road as the sun rose into the sky.

"So why exactly are we going into this cave?" Mitchell asked.

Kithre sighed. "I told you already."

"That was last night," he replied. "Just pretend someone is reading this and they missed our most recent conversation."  (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

"Fine." The halfling pointed to the hills in the distance. "The nearby villages have reported attacks by a bunch of monsters. We're going to investigate and possibly find a little treasure."

"But of course, we're going to help the people in the villages, right?" he asked.

"Yes, definitely," Kithre replied. "The treasure if just an added bonus."

"No one should live in fear of monsters," Ovak spoke up.

"We're finding out why they do," Sutha added.

 

Region Descriptors: "Set in Mountain," "Warm and Moist."

I know, I said Hill, but close enough.

They reached the cave opening. As they took their first few steps in, they nearly slipped walking through puddles. The air felt humid, like a summer afternoon following a rain storm. After a minute or two of walking, the passageway opened into a large room.

I'm going with a small cavern for this first game. This means I start with 3 Progress Points. 

For my Descriptors, I got:

-Encounter: Atmosphere, Protected; Swarm of Centipedes (I drew from D&D Encounter Cards).

-Location: Stolen Portal.

-Expected, Return.

Entering a large room, the four noticed the remains of tables and chairs. As they picked one up, though they jumped back as countless centipedes emerged from rubble, leaping onto them.

I'm using the Clash rules, with D&D stats for this fight. This is how I worked the Clash:

-Sometimes, I'll roll everyone together, picking the strongest based on the type of fight and adding 1 Rank Shift for each additional person.

-For Damage, I use 1 RS for each 1d of Damage, plus any modifiers.

-For Toughness, I use either Armor Class (for Physical attacks) or Saving Throws (for special attacks).

-For determining Toughness when rolling for Incapacity, I'll use Hit Dice, +1-3 RS depending on the circumstances.

I already made the rolls offline, so here's a summary:

-The Swarm wins the first Clash, with all heroes suffering -1RS.

-The heroes with the second Clash, causing the swarm to roll for Incapacity. They failed.

The stolen portal part sounds intriguing, but it's too early to actually find a portal, so I'll just have them find a clue instead. For the Return part, I see that as an alternate route for later.

"Get them off!" Mitchell screamed, frantically smashing anything that got close to him with his flail.. "Get them off!"

Sutha and Ovak swung their swords, cutting down the many bugs. Kithre launched a magical bolt of energy at the ground, causing the bugs to scatter. 

Once the room cleared, Mitchell tended to the group helping to ease any bites they may have suffered in the fight. "Everyone okay now?"

Sutha bent down, examining one of the squashed centipedes. "This is strange."

Kithre joined her. "What is it?"

Sutha pointed. "Black-striped centipedes. We've seen them before, when Uncle took us exploring as children."

Ovak frowned. "But it took us several days to walk to that land."

Kithre looked up. "So how'd they get here?" She stood and glanced around the room. "There's a passage across from where we came in and another off to the side."

Mitchell shrugged. "It's up to you."

Sutha looked back and forth between the two paths. I say we keep going straight ahead. That way, if we have to flee, it's a straight path."

Kithre nodded. "Straight ahead it is."

Progress Points increase to 4.

Next, I rolled on the Dungeon Connector table. Originally, I got "Expected." however, as this is the beginning of the dungeon, I have no clue what to expect. The second time, I got, "Same." Yeah, that's helpful. A third roll revealed, "Downward Slope." I went with that.

The passage inclined downward in a straight line as the four traveled it. Reaching the end, they stepped into another room.

For this room, I rolled:

-Location: Average, Clean.

-Object: Average, Important.

-Object: Enclosed, Multiple.

This sounds like a Puzzle to me. I rolled for a Puzzle and got something about magic.

The four found themselves in a room and had to pause because it looked like a the type of room you'd find in a mansion. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all smooth and clean. On the walls were sketches of life-sized windows with bizarre writing next to them.

As the reached the center of the room, however, they heard a whoosh sound and were surrounded by what appeared to be prison bars but glowed yellow.

Mitchell reached out but Kithre stopped him. "Be careful. Those could burn you."

(Q)  Are the beams dangerous?  (Very Likely)  No.

Grunting, Ovak reached out and grabbed the bars, but nothing happened. She tried pulling on them but they didn't budge. "No burn, but no move either."

Kithre reached out and touched one bar with her finger, feeling a crackle of energy. "Interesting."

"Can you get past them?" Mitchell asked.

(Q)  Is the Difficulty +1?  (Likely)  No.

Okay, so 50/50.

I'll use Kithre's magical skill, which is +6.

(Challenge)  Does Kithre succeed?  (Certain)  Yes.

Taking a step back, she held up her hands and concentrated. A glow appeared from her hands and touched the bars. A moment later, they vanished. Opening her eyes, she smiled. "That wasn't so bad."

There's nothing else in the room, so they moved on.

Progress Points increase to 5.

Connector:  Simple Tunnel.

Next Room:

-Expected, Exit.

-Encounter: Guide, Bizarre: Giant Poisonous Snake.

-Negative: Open, Stolen.

Entering an all-too-familiar cave, with a tall ceiling, the four noticed an opening in the ceiling that they could reach by climbing on some fallen rocks. Near a passageway on the far side of the room, they noticed what looked like a window in the wall, similar to the drawings in the previous room. As they approached, they heard a hiss as a snake appeared, slithering through the window towards them.

In this Clash, the snake won the first round, poisoning Mitchell and Sutha. But the heroes held their ground, with Ovak slicing the creature in two. Unfortunately, in the fight, the window shattered like a mirror, with its pieces crumbling to dust on the ground. With no other clues and with two of their group injured, Kithre decided they should use the opening to escape the cave for now. 

Once the exited the cave and saw where on the hill they stood, they took note of their location and headed to the nearest village to tend to their wounds and rest for the moment.

The opening could also be where the monsters emerged from when attacking the villages. This mystery will be one they'll return to in the future. For now, it seemed like a good place to stop for the session. So the heroes found clues that someone got their hands on a kind of magical portal, allowing them to summon monsters from different locations. 

Next time, maybe they'll learn more.